Title: A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents - Volume 8, part 2: Grover Cleveland
Author: Cleveland, Grover, 1837-1908
Language: English
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GROVER CLEVELAND

March 4, 1893, to March 4, 1897



Grover Cleveland

[For portrait and biographical sketch see Vol. VIII, pp. 296-299.]



INAUGURAL ADDRESS.


MY FELLOW-CITIZENS: In obedience to the mandate of my countrymen
I am about to dedicate myself to their service under the sanction of
a solemn oath. Deeply moved by the expression of confidence and personal
attachment which has called me to this service, I am sure my gratitude
can make no better return than the pledge I now give before God and
these witnesses of unreserved and complete devotion to the interests
and welfare of those who have honored me.

I deem it fitting on this occasion, while indicating the opinions I hold
concerning public questions of present importance, to also briefly refer
to the existence of certain conditions and tendencies among our people
which seem to menace the integrity and usefulness of their Government.

While every American citizen must contemplate with the utmost pride and
enthusiasm the growth and expansion of our country, the sufficiency of
our institutions to stand against the rudest shocks of violence, the
wonderful thrift and enterprise of our people, and the demonstrated
superiority of our free government, it behooves us to constantly watch
for every symptom of insidious infirmity that threatens our national
vigor.

The strong man who in the confidence of sturdy health courts the
sternest activities of life and rejoices in the hardihood of constant
labor may still have lurking near his vitals the unheeded disease that
dooms him to sudden collapse.

It can not be doubted that our stupendous achievements as a people and
our country's robust strength have given rise to heedlessness of those
laws governing our national health which we can no more evade than human
life can escape the laws of God and nature.

Manifestly nothing is more vital to our supremacy as a nation and to the
beneficent purposes of our Government than a sound and stable currency.
Its exposure to degradation should at once arouse to activity the most
enlightened statesmanship, and the danger of depreciation in the
purchasing power of the wages paid to toil should furnish the strongest
incentive to prompt and conservative precaution.

In dealing with our present embarrassing situation as related to this
subject we will be wise if we temper our confidence and faith in our
national strength and resources with the frank concession that even
these will not permit us to defy with impunity the inexorable laws
of finance and trade. At the same time, in our efforts to adjust
differences of opinion we should be free from intolerance or passion,
and our judgments should be unmoved by alluring phrases and unvexed
by selfish interests.

I am confident that such an approach to the subject will result in
prudent and effective remedial legislation. In the meantime, so far as
the executive branch of the Government can intervene, none of the powers
with which it is invested will be withheld when their exercise is deemed
necessary to maintain our national credit or avert financial disaster.

Closely related to the exaggerated confidence in our country's greatness
which tends to a disregard of the rules of national safety, another
danger confronts us not less serious. I refer to the prevalence of a
popular disposition to expect from the operation of the Government
especial and direct individual advantages.

The verdict of our voters which condemned the injustice of maintaining
protection for protection's sake enjoins upon the people's servants the
duty of exposing and destroying the brood of kindred evils which are
the unwholesome progeny of paternalism. This is the bane of republican
institutions and the constant peril of our government by the people.
It degrades to the purposes of wily craft the plan of rule our fathers
established and bequeathed to us as an object of our love and
veneration. It perverts the patriotic sentiments of our countrymen and
tempts them to pitiful calculation of the sordid gain to be derived
from their Government's maintenance. It undermines the self-reliance of
our people and substitutes in its place dependence upon governmental
favoritism. It stifles the spirit of true Americanism and stupefies
every ennobling trait of American citizenship.

The lessons of paternalism ought to be unlearned and the better lesson
taught that while the people should patriotically and cheerfully support
their Government its functions do not include the support of the people.

The acceptance of this principle leads to a refusal of bounties and
subsidies, which burden the labor and thrift of a portion of our
citizens to aid ill-advised or languishing enterprises in which they
have no concern. It leads also to a challenge of wild and reckless
pension expenditure, which overleaps the bounds of grateful recognition
of patriotic service and prostitutes to vicious uses the people's prompt
and generous impulse to aid those disabled in their country's defense.

Every thoughtful American must realize the importance of checking at its
beginning any tendency in public or private station to regard frugality
and economy as virtues which we may safely outgrow. The toleration of
this idea results in the waste of the people's money by their chosen
servants and encourages prodigality and extravagance in the home life
of our countrymen.

Under our scheme of government the waste of public money is a crime
against the citizen, and the contempt of our people for economy and
frugality in their personal affairs deplorably saps the strength and
sturdiness of our national character.

It is a plain dictate of honesty and good government that public
expenditures should be limited by public necessity, and that this should
be measured by the rules of strict economy; and it is equally clear that
frugality among the people is the best guaranty of a contented and
strong support of free institutions.

One mode of the misappropriation of public funds is avoided when
appointments to office, instead of being the rewards of partisan
activity, are awarded to those whose efficiency promises a fair return
of work for the compensation paid to them. To secure the fitness and
competency of appointees to office and remove from political action the
demoralizing madness for spoils, civil-service reform has found a place
in our public policy and laws. The benefits already gained through this
instrumentality and the further usefulness it promises entitle it to the
hearty support and encouragement of all who desire to see our public
service well performed or who hope for the elevation of political
sentiment and the purification of political methods.

The existence of immense aggregations of kindred enterprises and
combinations of business interests formed for the purpose of limiting
production and fixing prices is inconsistent with the fair field which
ought to be open to every independent activity. Legitimate strife in
business should not be superseded by an enforced concession to the
demands of combinations that have the power to destroy, nor should the
people to be served lose the benefit of cheapness which usually results
from wholesome competition. These aggregations and combinations
frequently constitute conspiracies against the interests of the people,
and in all their phases they are unnatural and opposed to our American
sense of fairness. To the extent that they can be reached and restrained
by Federal power the General Government should relieve our citizens from
their interference and exactions.

Loyalty to the principles upon which our Government rests positively
demands that the equality before the law which it guarantees to every
citizen should be justly and in good faith conceded in all parts of the
land. The enjoyment of this right follows the badge of citizenship
wherever found, and, unimpaired by race or color, it appeals for
recognition to American manliness and fairness.

Our relations with the Indians located within our border impose upon us
responsibilities we can not escape. Humanity and consistency require us
to treat them with forbearance and in our dealings with them to honestly
and considerately regard their rights and interests. Every effort should
be made to lead them, through the paths of civilization and education,
to self-supporting and independent citizenship. In the meantime, as the
nation's wards, they should be promptly defended against the cupidity of
designing men and shielded from every influence or temptation that
retards their advancement.

The people of the United States have decreed that on this day the
control of their Government in its legislative and executive branches
shall be given to a political party pledged in the most positive terms
to the accomplishment of tariff reform. They have thus determined in
favor of a more just and equitable system of Federal taxation. The
agents they have chosen to carry out their purposes are bound by their
promises not less than by the command of their masters to devote
themselves unremittingly to this service.

While there should be no surrender of principle, our task must be
undertaken wisely and without heedless vindictiveness. Our mission is
not punishment, but the rectification of wrong. If in lifting burdens
from the daily life of our people we reduce inordinate and unequal
advantages too long enjoyed, this is but a necessary incident of
our return to right and justice. If we exact from unwilling minds
acquiescence in the theory of an honest distribution of the fund of the
governmental beneficence treasured up for all, we but insist upon a
principle which underlies our free institutions. When we tear aside the
delusions and misconceptions which have blinded our countrymen to their
condition under vicious tariff laws, we but show them how far they have
been led away from the paths of contentment and prosperity. When we
proclaim that the necessity for revenue to support the Government
furnishes the only justification for taxing the people, we announce
a truth so plain that its denial would seem to indicate the extent to
which judgment may be influenced by familiarity with perversions of the
taxing power. And when we seek to reinstate the self-confidence and
business enterprise of our citizens by discrediting an abject dependence
upon governmental favor, we strive to stimulate those elements of
American character which support the hope of American achievement.

Anxiety for the redemption of the pledges which my party has made and
solicitude for the complete justification of the trust the people have
reposed in us constrain me to remind those with whom I am to cooperate
that we can succeed in doing the work which has been especially set
before us only by the most sincere, harmonious, and disinterested
effort. Even if insuperable obstacles and opposition prevent the
consummation of our task, we shall hardly be excused; and if failure can
be traced to our fault or neglect we may be sure the people will hold us
to a swift and exacting accountability.

The oath I now take to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of
the United States not only impressively defines the great responsibility
I assume, but suggests obedience to constitutional commands as the rule
by which my official conduct must be guided. I shall to the best of my
ability and within my sphere of duty preserve the Constitution by loyally
protecting every grant of Federal power it contains, by defending all
its restraints when attacked by impatience and restlessness, and by
enforcing its limitations and reservations in favor of the States and
the people.

Fully impressed with the gravity of the duties that confront me and
mindful of my weakness, I should be appalled if it were my lot to bear
unaided the responsibilities which await me. I am, however, saved from
discouragement when I remember that I shall have the support and the
counsel and cooperation of wise and patriotic men who will stand at my
side in Cabinet places or will represent the people in their legislative
halls.

I find also much comfort in remembering that my countrymen are just and
generous and in the assurance that they will not condemn those who by
sincere devotion to their service deserve their forbearance and
approval.

Above all, I know there is a Supreme Being who rules the affairs of men
and whose goodness and mercy have always followed the American people,
and I know He will not turn from us now if we humbly and reverently seek
His powerful aid.

MARCH 4, 1893.



SPECIAL MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 9, 1893_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith a report submitted by the Secretary of State in
compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 3d instant, calling
for information relating to the capture and imprisonment of Captain
Pharos B. Brubaker by Honduras officials.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 9, 1893_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

For the purpose of reexamination I withdraw the treaty of annexation
between the United States and the Provisional Government of the Hawaiian
Islands, now pending in the Senate, which was signed February 14, 1893,
and transmitted to the Senate on the 15th of the same month, and
I therefore request that said treaty be returned to me.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



PROCLAMATIONS.


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

The following provisions of the laws of the United States are hereby
published for the information of all concerned:

Section 1956, Revised Statutes, chapter 3, Title XXIII, enacts that--

  No person shall kill any otter, mink, marten, sable, or fur seal, or
  other fur-bearing animal within the limits of Alaska Territory or in the
  waters thereof; and every person guilty thereof shall for each offense
  be fined not less than $200 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned not
  more than six months, or both; and all vessels, their tackle, apparel,
  furniture, and cargo, found engaged in violation of this section shall
  be forfeited; but the Secretary of the Treasury shall have power to
  authorize the killing of any such mink, marten, sable, or other
  fur-bearing animal, except fur seals, under such regulations as he may
  prescribe; and it shall be the duty of the Secretary to prevent the
  killing of any fur seal and to provide for the execution of the
  provisions of this section until it is otherwise provided by law, nor
  shall he grant any special privileges under this section.


Section 3 of the act entitled "An act to provide for the protection of
the salmon fisheries of Alaska," approved March 2, 1889, provides that--

  SEC. 3. That section 1956 of the Revised Statutes of the United States
  is hereby declared to include and apply to all the dominion of the
  United States in the waters of Bering Sea; and it shall be the duty of
  the President at a timely season in each year to issue his proclamation,
  and cause the same to be published for one month in at least one
  newspaper (if any such there be) published at each United States port of
  entry on the Pacific coast, warning all persons against entering said
  waters for the purpose of violating the provisions of said section;
  and he shall also cause one or more vessels of the United States to
  diligently cruise said waters and arrest all persons and seize all
  vessels found to be or to have been engaged in any violation of the
  laws of the United States therein.

Articles I, II, and III of a convention between the United States of
America and Great Britain for the renewal of the existing _modus
vivendi_ in Bering Sea, concluded April 18, 1892, are published for
the same purpose:

  ARTICLE I. Her Majesty's Government will prohibit during the pendency of
  the arbitration seal killing in that part of Bering Sea lying eastward
  of the line of demarcation described in Article No. I of the treaty of
  1867 between the United States and Russia, and will promptly use its
  best efforts to insure the observance of this prohibition by British
  subjects and vessels.

  ART. II. The United States Government will prohibit seal killing for the
  same period in the same part of Bering Sea and on the shores and islands
  thereof the property of the United States (in excess of 7,500 to be
  taken on the islands for the subsistence of the natives), and will
  promptly use its best efforts to insure the observance of this
  prohibition by United States citizens and vessels.

  ART. III. Every vessel or person offending against this prohibition in
  the said waters of Bering Sea outside of the ordinary territorial limits
  of the United States may be seized and detained by the naval or other
  duly commissioned officers of either of the high contracting parties,
  but they shall be handed over as soon as practicable to the authorities
  of the nation to which they respectively belong, who alone shall have
  jurisdiction to try the offense and impose the penalties for the same.
  The witnesses and proof necessary to establish the offense shall also
  be sent with them.


Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
hereby warn all persons against entering the waters of Bering Sea within
the dominion of the United States for the purpose of violating the
provisions of said section 1936 of the Revised Statutes and of the said
articles of said convention, and I hereby proclaim that all persons
found to be or to have been engaged in any violation of the laws of the
United States or of the provisions of said convention in said waters
will be arrested, proceeded against, and punished as above provided.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of April, 1893, and of the
Independence of the United States the one hundred and seventeenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 13 of the act of Congress of March 3,
1891, entitled "An act to amend Title LX, chapter 3, of the Revised
Statutes of the United States, relating to copyrights," that said act
"shall only apply to a citizen or subject of a foreign state or nation
when such foreign state or nation permits to citizens of the United
States of America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same
basis as its own citizens, or when such foreign state or nation is a
party to an international agreement which provides for reciprocity in
the granting of copyright, by the terms of which agreement the United
States of America may at its pleasure become a party to such agreement;"
and

Whereas it is also provided by said section that "the existence of
either of the conditions aforesaid shall be determined by the President
of the United States by proclamation made from time to time as the
purposes of this act may require;" and

Whereas satisfactory official assurances have been given that in Denmark
the law permits to citizens of the United States the benefit of
copyright on substantially the same basis as to the subjects of Denmark:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do declare and proclaim that the first of the conditions
specified in section 13 of the act of March 3, 1891, now exists and is
fulfilled in respect to the subjects of Denmark.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of May, 1893, and of the
Independence of the United States the one hundred and seventeenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., June 30, 1893_.

Whereas the distrust and apprehension concerning the financial situation
which pervade all business circles have already caused great loss and
damage to our people and threaten to cripple our merchants, stop the
wheels of manufacture, bring distress and privation to our farmers, and
withhold from our workingmen the wage of labor; and

Whereas the present perilous condition is largely the result of a
financial policy which the executive branch of the Government finds
embodied in unwise laws, which must be executed until repealed by
Congress:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, in
performance of a constitutional duty, do by this proclamation declare
that an extraordinary occasion requires the convening of both Houses
of the Congress of the United States at the Capitol, in the city of
Washington, on the 7th day of August next, at 12 o'clock noon, to the
end that the people may be relieved through legislation from present
and impending danger and distress.

All those entitled to act as members of the Fifty-third Congress are
required to take notice of this proclamation and attend at the time and
place above stated.

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at the city of
Washington, on the 30th day of June, A.D. 1893, and of the Independence
of the United States the one hundred and seventeenth.

[SEAL.]

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  ALVEY A. ADEE,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas an act of Congress amendatory of an act in relation to aiding
vessels wrecked or disabled in the waters conterminous to the United
States and the Dominion of Canada was approved May 24, 1890, the said
act being in the following words:

  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That an act entitled
  "An act to aid vessels wrecked or disabled in the waters conterminous to
  the United States and the Dominion of Canada," approved June 19, 1878,
  be, and the same is hereby, amended so that the same will read as
  follows:

  "That Canadian vessels and wrecking appurtenance may render aid and
  assistance to Canadian or other vessels and property wrecked, disabled,
  or in distress in the waters of the United States contiguous to the
  Dominion of Canada: _Provided_, That this act shall not take effect
  until proclamation by the President of the United States that the
  privilege of aiding American or other vessels and property wrecked,
  disabled, or in distress in Canadian waters contiguous to the United
  States has been extended by the government of the Dominion of Canada to
  American vessels and wrecking appliances of all descriptions. This act
  shall be construed to apply to the Welland Canal, the canal and
  improvement of the waters between Lake Erie and Lake Huron, and to the
  waters of the St. Marys River and Canal: _And provided further_,
  That this act shall cease to be in force from and after the date of the
  proclamation of the President of the United States to the effect that
  said reciprocal privilege has been withdrawn, revoked, or rendered
  inoperative by the said government of the Dominion of Canada."


And whereas an act of Congress making appropriation for the legislative,
executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1894, and for other purposes, approved March 3, 1893,
further amended the act of May 24, 1890, as follows:

  That an act approved May 24, 1890; entitled "An act to amend an act
  entitled 'An act to aid vessels wrecked or disabled in the waters
  conterminous to the United States and the Dominion of Canada,' approved
  June 19,1878," be, and is hereby, amended by striking out the words
  "the Welland Canal."


And whereas by an order in council dated May 17, 1893, the government of
the Dominion of Canada has proclaimed an act entitled "An act respecting
aid by United States wreckers in Canadian waters" to take effect June 1,
1893, said act reading as follows:

  Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the senate and house
  of commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

  1. United States vessels and wrecking appliances may salve any property
  wrecked and may render aid and assistance to any vessels wrecked,
  disabled, or in distress in the waters of Canada contiguous to the
  United States.

  2. Aid and assistance include all necessary towing incident thereto.

  3. Nothing in the customs or coasting laws of Canada shall restrict the
  salving operations of such vessels or wrecking appliances.

  4. This act shall come into force from and after a date to be named in a
  proclamation by the Governor-General, which proclamation may be issued
  when the Governor in council is advised that the privilege of salving
  any property wrecked or of aiding any vessels wrecked, disabled, or in
  distress in United States waters contiguous to Canada will be extended
  to Canadian vessels and wrecking appliances to the extent to which such
  privilege is granted by this act to United States vessels and wrecking
  appliances.

  5. This act shall cease to be in force from and after a date to be named
  in a proclamation to be issued by the Governor-General to the effect
  that the said reciprocal privilege has been withdrawn, revoked, or
  rendered inoperative with respect to Canadian vessels or wrecking
  appliances in United States waters contiguous to Canada.


And whereas said proclamation of the Governor-General of Canada was
communicated to this Government by Her Britannic Majesty's ambassador on
the 2d day of June last:

Now, therefore, being thus satisfied that the privilege of aiding
American or other vessels and property wrecked, disabled, or in distress
in Canadian waters contiguous to the United States has been extended
by the government of the Dominion of Canada to American vessels and
wrecking appliances of all descriptions, I, Grover Cleveland, President
of the United States of America, in virtue of the authority conferred
upon me by the aforesaid act of Congress approved May 24, 1890, do
proclaim that the condition specified in the legislation of Congress
aforesaid now exists and is fulfilled, and that the provisions of said
act of May 24, 1890, whereby Canadian vessels and wrecking appliances
may render aid and assistance to Canadian and other vessels and property
wrecked, disabled, or in distress in the waters of the United States
contiguous to the Dominion of Canada, including the canal and improvement
of the waters between Lake Erie and Lake Huron and the waters of the St.
Marys River and Canal, are now in full force and effect.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States of America to be hereunto affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 17th day of July, A.D. 1893, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 13 of the act of Congress of March 3,
1891, entitled "An act to amend Title LX, chapter 3, of the Revised
Statutes of the United States, relating to copyrights," that said act
"shall only apply to a citizen or subject of a foreign state or nation
when such foreign state or nation permits to citizens of the United
States of America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same
basis as its own citizens, or when such foreign state or nation is a
party to an international agreement which provides for reciprocity in
the granting of copyright, by the terms of which agreement the United
States of America may at its pleasure become a party to such agreement;"
and

Whereas it is also provided by said section that "the existence of
either of the conditions aforesaid shall be determined by the President
of the United States by proclamation made from time to time as the
purposes of this act may require;" and

Whereas satisfactory official assurances have been given that in
Portugal the law permits to citizens of the United States the benefit of
copyright on substantially the same basis as to the subjects of
Portugal:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do declare and proclaim that the first of the conditions
specified in section 13 of the act of March 3, 1891, now exists and is
fulfilled in respect to the subjects of Portugal.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 20th day of July, A.D. 1893, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



EXECUTIVE ORDERS.


AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Departmental Rule VII is hereby amended by adding thereto the following
section:

  8. The First Comptroller of the Treasury having advised the Secretary of
  the Treasury that under the operation of section 5 of the legislative,
  executive, and judicial appropriation act making appropriations for the
  fiscal year ending June 30,1894, the employment of substitutes in the
  departmental service must cease from and after July 1, 1893, it is
  hereby ordered, in view of the fact that the substitutes now employed
  were appointed by regular certification under section 7 of this rule,
  that such of said substitutes as shall not be appointed to regular
  places before the employment of substitutes shall cease shall be
  eligible for appointment to regular places by reinstatement under the
  provisions of Departmental Rule X, in the order of their employment as
  substitutes as provided in said section 7, notwithstanding the
  prohibition contained in the second proviso of said section; and said
  substitutes shall have preference for appointment in the manner herein
  provided over all other eligibles.

  This section shall become inoperative and cease to be a part of the
  civil-service rules when all of the substitutes now employed in the
  several Departments shall have been appointed as herein provided or
  shall have ceased to be eligible for appointment by reason of the
  expiration of the time within which a reinstatement can be made under
  Rule X.


Approved, April 12, 1893.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 8, 1893_.

It has become apparent after two months' experience that the rules
heretofore promulgated regulating interviews with the President have
wholly failed in their operation. The time which under these rules was
set apart for the reception of Senators and Representatives has been
almost entirely spent in listening to applications for office, which
have been bewildering in volume, perplexing and exhausting in their
iteration, and impossible of remembrance.

A due regard for public duty, which must be neglected if present
conditions continue, and an observance of the limitations placed upon
human endurance oblige me to decline from and after this date all
personal interviews with those seeking appointments to office, except as
I on my own motion may especially invite them. The same considerations
make it impossible for me to receive those who merely desire to pay
their respects except on the days and during the hours especially
designated for that purpose.

I earnestly request Senators and Representatives to aid me in securing
for them uninterrupted interviews by declining to introduce their
constituents and friends when visiting the Executive Mansion during the
hours designated for their reception. Applicants for office will only
prejudice their prospects by repeated importunity and by remaining in
Washington to await results.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 26, 1893_.

_It is hereby ordered_, That the several Executive Departments and
the Government Printing Office be closed on Tuesday, the 30th instant,
to enable the employees to participate in the decoration of the graves
of the soldiers and sailors who fell in the defense of the Union during
the War of the Rebellion.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1 is hereby amended as follows: Include
among the places excepted from examination therein the following:

  6. In the Department of Agriculture:

  In the office of the Secretary: The assistant chiefs of the following
  divisions: Of economic ornithology and mammalogy, of pomology, of
  microscopy, of vegetable pathology, of records and editing, and one
  property clerk.

  In the Weather Bureau: The assistant chief of the Bureau, the three
  professors of meteorology of highest grade, executive officer,
  superintendent of telegraph lines, and one property clerk.

  In the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries the following:
  Scientific or professional experts to be temporarily employed in
  investigations authorized by Congress, but not to include any persons
  regularly employed in that Commission nor any person whose duties are
  not scientific or professional and who are not experts in the particular
  line of scientific inquiry in which they are to be employed.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 6, 1893_.

The foregoing amendments are hereby approved.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Postal Rule No. 2 is hereby amended as follows:

Strike out all of section 1 except the last paragraph, relating to
non-competitive examinations, and insert in lieu thereof the following:

  1. To test the fitness for admission to the classified postal service
  one or more examinations shall be provided, as the Commission may
  determine, which shall not include more than the following subjects:
  Orthography, copying, penmanship, arithmetic (fundamental rules,
  fractions, and percentage), elements of the geography of the United
  States, local delivery, reading addresses, physical tests: _Provided_,
  That when special examinations are needed to test fitness for any place
  requiring special or technical knowledge or skill the examination shall
  include, in addition to the special subjects required, such of the
  subjects of the regular examination as the Commission may determine.


Strike out section 2 and insert in lieu thereof the following:

  No person shall be examined for the position of letter carrier if under
  21 or over 40 years of age, and no person shall be examined for any
  other position in the classified postal service if under 18 years of
  age.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 6, 1893_.

The foregoing amendments are hereby approved.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, June 16, 1893_.

In accordance with section 16 of the act of Congress approved April 25,
1890, and entitled "An act to provide for celebrating the four hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus by
holding an international exhibition of arts, industries, manufactures,
and the product of the soil, mine, and sea in the city of Chicago, in
the State of Illinois," the designations of the following-named persons
as members of the board of control and management of the Government
exhibit at the World's Columbian Exhibition are hereby approved:

W.W. Rockhill, chief clerk of the Department of State, to represent that
Department, _vice_ William E. Curtis.

Lieutenant-Commander E.D. Taussig, United States Navy, to represent the
Navy Department, _vice_ Captain R.W. Meade, United States Navy.

Frank W. Clark, chemist, United States Geological Survey, to represent
the Department of the Interior, _vice_ Horace A. Taylor.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



SPECIAL SESSION MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 8, 1893_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

The existence of an alarming and extraordinary business situation,
involving the welfare and prosperity of all our people, has constrained
me to call together in extra session the people's representatives in
Congress, to the end that through a wise and patriotic exercise of the
legislative duty, with which they solely are charged, present evils may
be mitigated and dangers threatening the future may be averted.

Our unfortunate financial plight is not the result of untoward events
nor of conditions related to our natural resources, nor is it traceable
to any of the afflictions which frequently check national growth and
prosperity. With plenteous crops, with abundant promise of remunerative
production and manufacture, with unusual invitation to safe investment,
and with satisfactory assurance to business enterprise, suddenly
financial distrust and fear have sprung up on every side. Numerous
moneyed institutions have suspended because abundant assets were not
immediately available to meet the demands of frightened depositors.
Surviving corporations and individuals are content to keep in hand the
money they are usually anxious to loan, and those engaged in legitimate
business are surprised to find that the securities they offer for loans,
though heretofore satisfactory, are no longer accepted. Values supposed
to be fixed are fast becoming conjectural, and loss and failure have
invaded every branch of business.

I believe these things are principally chargeable to Congressional
legislation touching the purchase and coinage of silver by the General
Government.

This legislation is embodied in a statute passed on the 14th day of
July, 1890, which was the culmination of much agitation on the subject
involved, and which may be considered a truce, after a long struggle,
between the advocates of free silver coinage and those intending to be
more conservative.

Undoubtedly the monthly purchases by the Government of 4,500,000
ounces of silver, enforced under that statute, were regarded by those
interested in silver production as a certain guaranty of its increase in
price. The result, however, has been entirely different, for immediately
following a spasmodic and slight rise the price of silver began to fall
after the passage of the act, and has since reached the lowest point
ever known. This disappointing result has led to renewed and persistent
effort in the direction of free silver coinage.

Meanwhile not only are the evil effects of the operation of the present
law constantly accumulating, but the result to which its execution must
inevitably lead is becoming palpable to all who give the least heed to
financial subjects.

This law provides that in payment for the 4,500,000 ounces of silver
bullion which the Secretary of the Treasury is commanded to purchase
monthly there shall be issued Treasury notes redeemable on demand in
gold or silver coin, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury,
and that said notes may be reissued. It is, however, declared in the act
to be "the established policy of the United States to maintain the two
metals on a parity with each other upon the present legal ratio or such
ratio as may be provided by law." This declaration so controls the
action of the Secretary of the Treasury as to prevent his exercising the
discretion nominally vested in him if by such action the parity between
gold and silver may be disturbed. Manifestly a refusal by the Secretary
to pay these Treasury notes in gold if demanded would necessarily result
in their discredit and depreciation as obligations payable only in
silver, and would destroy the parity between the two metals by
establishing a discrimination in favor of gold.

Up to the 15th day of July, 1893, these notes had been issued in payment
of silver-bullion purchases to the amount of more than $147,000,000.
While all but a very small quantity of this bullion remains uncoined and
without usefulness in the Treasury, many of the notes given in its
purchase have been paid in gold. This is illustrated by the statement
that between the 1st day of May, 1892, and the 15th day of July, 1893,
the notes of this kind issued in payment for silver bullion amounted to
a little more than $54,000,000, and that during the same period about
$49,000,000 were paid by the Treasury in gold for the redemption of such
notes.

The policy necessarily adopted of paying these notes in gold has not
spared the gold reserve of $100,000,000 long ago set aside by the
Government for the redemption of other notes, for this fund has already
been subjected to the payment of new obligations amounting to about
$150,000,000 on account of silver purchases, and has as a consequence
for the first time since its creation been encroached upon.

We have thus made the depletion of our gold easy and have tempted other
and more appreciative nations to add it to their stock. That the
opportunity we have offered has not been neglected is shown by the large
amounts of gold which have been recently drawn from our Treasury and
exported to increase the financial strength of foreign nations. The
excess of exports of gold over its imports for the year ending June 30,
1893, amounted to more than $87,500,000.

Between the 1st day of July, 1890, and the 15th day of July, 1893, the
gold coin and bullion in our Treasury decreased more than $132,000,000,
while during the same period the silver coin and bullion in the Treasury
increased more than $147,000,000. Unless Government bonds are to be
constantly issued and sold to replenish our exhausted gold, only to be
again exhausted, it is apparent that the operation of the
silver-purchase law now in force leads in the direction of the entire
substitution of silver for the gold in the Government Treasury, and that
this must be followed by the payment of all Government obligations in
depreciated silver.

At this stage gold and silver must part company and the Government must
fail in its established policy to maintain the two metals on a parity
with each other. Given over to the exclusive use of a currency greatly
depreciated according to the standard of the commercial world, we could
no longer claim a place among nations of the first class, nor could our
Government claim a performance of its obligation, so far as such an
obligation has been imposed upon it, to provide for the use of the
people the best and safest money.

If, as many of its friends claim, silver ought to occupy a larger
place in our currency and the currency of the world through general
international cooperation and agreement, it is obvious that the United
States will not be in a position to gain a hearing in favor of such an
arrangement so long as we are willing to continue our attempt to
accomplish the result single-handed.

The knowledge in business circles among our own people that our
Government can not make its fiat equivalent to intrinsic value nor keep
inferior money on a parity with superior money by its own independent
efforts has resulted in such a lack of confidence at home in the
stability of currency values that capital refuses its aid to new
enterprises, while millions are actually withdrawn from the channels of
trade and commerce to become idle and unproductive in the hands of timid
owners. Foreign investors, equally alert, not only decline to purchase
American securities, but make haste to sacrifice those which they
already have.

It does not meet the situation to say that apprehension in regard to the
future of our finances is groundless and that there is no reason for
lack of confidence in the purposes or power of the Government in the
premises. The very existence of this apprehension and lack of
confidence, however caused, is a menace which ought not for a moment to
be disregarded. Possibly, if the undertaking we have in hand were the
maintenance of a specific known quantity of silver at a parity with
gold, our ability to do so might be estimated and gauged, and perhaps,
in view of our unparalleled growth and resources, might be favorably
passed upon. But when our avowed endeavor is to maintain such parity in
regard to an amount of silver increasing at the rate of $50,000,000
yearly, with no fixed termination to such increase, it can hardly be
said that a problem is presented whose solution is free from doubt.

The people of the United States are entitled to a sound and stable
currency and to money recognized as such on every exchange and in every
market of the world. Their Government has no right to injure them by
financial experiments opposed to the policy and practice of other
civilized states, nor is it justified in permitting an exaggerated and
unreasonable reliance on our national strength and ability to jeopardize
the soundness of the people's money.

This matter rises above the plane of party politics. It vitally concerns
every business and calling and enters every household in the land. There
is one important aspect of the subject which especially should never be
overlooked. At times like the present, when the evils of unsound finance
threaten us, the speculator may anticipate a harvest gathered from the
misfortune of others, the capitalist may protect himself by hoarding or
may even find profit in the fluctuations of values; but the wage
earner--the first to be injured by a depreciated currency and the last
to receive the benefit of its correction--is practically defenseless. He
relies for work upon the ventures of confident and contented capital.
This failing him, his condition is without alleviation, for he can
neither prey on the misfortunes of others nor hoard his labor. One of
the greatest statesmen our country has known, speaking more than fifty
years ago, when a derangement of the currency had caused commercial
distress, said:

  The very man of all others who has the deepest interest in a sound
  currency and who suffers most by mischievous legislation in money
  matters is the man who earns his daily bread by his daily toil.


These words are as pertinent now as on the day they were uttered, and
ought to impressively remind us that a failure in the discharge of our
duty at this time must especially injure those of our countrymen who
labor, and who because of their number and condition are entitled to the
most watchful care of their Government.

It is of the utmost importance that such relief as Congress can afford
in the existing situation be afforded at once. The maxim "He gives twice
who gives quickly" is directly applicable. It may be true that the
embarrassments from which the business of the country is suffering
arise as much from evils apprehended as from those actually existing.
We may hope, too, that calm counsels will prevail, and that neither the
capitalists nor the wage earners will give way to unreasoning panic
and sacrifice their property or their interests under the influence of
exaggerated fears. Nevertheless, every day's delay in removing one of
the plain and principal causes of the present state of things enlarges
the mischief already done and increases the responsibility of the
Government for its existence. Whatever else the people have a right
to expect from Congress, they may certainly demand that legislation
condemned by the ordeal of three years' disastrous experience shall be
removed from the statute books as soon as their representatives can
legitimately deal with it.

It was my purpose to summon Congress in special session-early in the
coming September, that we might enter promptly upon the work of tariff
reform, which the true interests of the country clearly demand, which so
large a majority of the people, as shown by their suffrages, desire and
expect, and to the accomplishment of which every effort of the present
Administration is pledged. But while tariff reform has lost nothing of
its immediate and permanent importance and must in the near future
engage the attention of Congress, it has seemed to me that the financial
condition of the country should at once and before all other subjects be
considered by your honorable body.

I earnestly recommend the prompt repeal of the provisions of the act
passed July 14, 1890, authorizing the purchase of silver bullion, and
that other legislative action may put beyond all doubt or mistake the
intention and the ability of the Government to fulfill its pecuniary
obligations in money universally recognized by all civilized countries.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



SPECIAL MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, October 18, 1893_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 10th instant,
concerning the attitude of the Government of China with regard to an
extension of the time for the registration of Chinese laborers in the
United States under the act of May 5, 1892, I transmit a report of the
Secretary of State on the subject.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



PROCLAMATIONS.


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, pursuant to section 10 of the act of Congress approved March 3,
1893, entitled "An act making appropriations for current and contingent
expenses and fulfilling treaty stipulations with Indian tribes for
fiscal year ending June 30, 1894," the Cherokee Nation of Indians, by a
written agreement made on the 17th day of May, 1893, has ratified the
agreement for the cession of certain lands hereinafter described, as
amended by said act of March 3, 1893, and thereby ceded, conveyed,
transferred, relinquished, and surrendered all its title, claim, and
interest of every kind and character in and to that part of the Indian
Territory bounded on the west by the one hundredth degree (100 degree)
of west longitude, on the north by the State of Kansas, on the east by
the ninety-sixth degree (96 degree) of west longitude, and on the south
by the Creek Nation, the Territory of Oklahoma, and the Cheyenne and
Arapahoe Reservation created or defined by Executive order dated August
10, 1869: _Provided_, That any citizen of the Cherokee Nation who
prior to the 1st day of November, 1891, was a _bona fide_ resident
upon and, further, had, as a farmer and for farming purposes, made
permanent and valuable improvements upon any part of the land so ceded,
and who has not disposed of the same, but desires to occupy the
particular lands so improved as a homestead and for farming purposes,
shall have the right to select one-eighth of a section of land, to
conform, however, to the United States surveys; such selection to
embrace, as far as the above limitation will admit, such improvements;
the wife and children of any such citizen shall have the same right of
selection that is above given to the citizen, and they shall have the
preference in making selections to take any lands improved by the
husband and father that he can not take until all of his improved land
shall be taken; and that any citizen of the Cherokee Nation not a
resident within the land so ceded who prior to the 1st day of November,
1891, had for farming purposes made valuable and permanent improvements
upon any of the land so ceded shall have the right to select one-eighth
of a section of land, to conform to the United States surveys; such
selection to embrace, as far as the above limitation will admit, such
improvements; but the allotments so provided for shall not exceed
seventy (70) in number and the land allotted shall not exceed five
thousand and six hundred (5,600) acres; and such allotments shall be
made and confirmed under such rules and regulations as shall be
prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, and when so made and
confirmed shall be conveyed to the allottees respectively by the United
States in fee simple; and from the price to be paid to the Cherokee
Nation for the cession so made there shall be deducted the sum of one
dollar and forty cents ($1.40) for each acre so taken in allotment:
_And provided_, That D.W. Bushyhead having made permanent or
valuable improvements prior to the 1st day of November, 1891, on the
lands so ceded, he may select a quarter section of the lands ceded,
whether reserved or otherwise, prior to the opening of said lands to
public settlement, but he shall be required to pay for such selection
at the same rate per acre as other settlers, into the Treasury of the
United States, in such manner as the Secretary of the Interior shall
direct; and

Whereas it is provided in section 10 of the aforesaid act of Congress
approved March 3, 1893, that--

  Said lands, except the portion to be allotted as provided in said
  agreement, shall, upon the payment of the sum of $295,736, herein
  appropriated, to be immediately paid, become and be taken to be and
  treated as a part of the public domain; but in any opening of the same
  to settlement sections 16 and 36 in each township, whether surveyed or
  unsurveyed, shall be, and are hereby, reserved for the use and benefit
  of the public schools to be established within the limits of such lands,
  under such conditions and regulations as may be hereafter enacted by
  Congress. * * *

  Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and the east
  half of sections 17, 20, and 29, all in township No. 29 north of range
  No. 2 east of the Indian meridian, the same being lands reserved by
  Executive order dated July 12, 1884, for use of and in connection with
  the Chilocco Indian Industrial School, in the Indian Territory, shall
  not be subject to public settlement, but shall until the further action
  of Congress continue to be reserved for the purposes for which they were
  set apart in the said Executive order; and the President of the United
  States, in any order or proclamation which he shall make for the opening
  of the lands for settlement, may make such other reservations of lands
  for public purposes as he may deem wise and desirable.

  The President of the United States is hereby authorized, at any time
  within six months after the approval of this act and the acceptance of
  the same by the Cherokee Nation as herein provided, by proclamation, to
  open to settlement any or all of the lands not allotted or reserved in
  the manner provided in section 13 of the act of Congress approved March
  2, 1889, entitled "An act making appropriations for the current and
  contingent expenses of the Indian Department and for fulfilling treaty
  stipulations with various Indian tribes for the year ending June 30,
  1890, and for other purposes" (25 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 1005);
  and also subject to the provisions of the act of Congress approved
  May 2, 1890, entitled "An act to provide a temporary government for
  the Territory of Oklahoma, to enlarge the jurisdiction of the United
  States court in the Indian Territory, and for other purposes;" also
  subject to the second proviso of section 17, the whole of section 18,
  of the act of March 3, 1891, entitled "An act making appropriations
  for the current expenses of the Indian Department and for fulfilling
  treaty stipulations with various Indian tribes for the year ending
  June 30, 1892, and for other purposes;" except as to so much of said
  acts and sections as may conflict with the provisions of this act.
  Each settler on the lands so to be opened to settlement as aforesaid
  shall before receiving a patent for his homestead pay to the United
  States for the lands so taken by him, in addition to the fees provided
  by law, the sum of $2.50 per acre for any land east of 97-1/2° west
  longitude, the sum of $1.50 per acre for any land between 97-1/2° west
  longitude and 98-1/2° west longitude, and the sum of $1 per acre for
  any land west of 98-1/2° west longitude, and shall also pay interest
  upon the amount so to be paid for said land from the date of entry
  to the date of final payment therefor at the rate of 4 per cent per
  annum.

  No person shall be permitted to occupy or enter upon any of the lands
  herein referred to except in the manner prescribed by the proclamation
  of the President opening the same to settlement, and any person
  otherwise occupying or entering upon any of said lands shall forfeit all
  right to acquire any of said lands. The Secretary of the Interior shall,
  under the direction of the President, prescribe rules and regulations,
  not inconsistent with this act, for the occupation and settlement of
  said lands, to be incorporated in the proclamation of the President,
  which shall be issued at least twenty days before the time fixed for
  the opening of said lands.


And whereas by a written agreement made on the 21st day of October,
1891, the Tonkawa tribe of Indians, in the Territory of Oklahoma, ceded,
conveyed, and forever relinquished to the United States all their right,
title, claim, and interest of every kind and character in and to the
lands particularly described in Article I of the agreement:
_Provided_, That the allotments of land to said Tonkawa tribe of
Indians theretofore made or to be made under said agreement and the
provisions of the general allotment act approved February 8, 1887, and
an act amendatory thereof, approved February 28, 1891, shall be
confirmed: _And provided_, That in all cases where the allottee has
died since land has been set off and scheduled to such person the law of
descent and partition in force in Oklahoma Territory shall apply
thereto, any existing law to the contrary notwithstanding; and

Whereas by a certain other agreement with the Pawnee tribe of Indians,
in said Territory, made on the 23d day of November, 1892, said tribe
ceded, conveyed, released, relinquished, and surrendered to the United
States all its title, claim, and interest of every kind and character in
and to the lands particularly described in Article I of the agreement:
_Provided_, That the allotments made or to be made to said Indians
in the manner and subject to the conditions contained in said agreement
shall be confirmed; and

Whereas it is provided in section 13 of the act of Congress accepting,
ratifying, and confirming said agreements with the Tonkawa Indians and
the Pawnee Indians, specified in sections 11 and 12 of the same act,
approved March 3, 1893, entitled "An act making appropriations for
current and contingent expenses and fulfilling treaty stipulations with
Indian tribes for fiscal year ending June 30, 1894"--

  That the lands acquired by the agreements specified in the two preceding
  sections are hereby declared to be a part of the public domain. Sections
  16 and 36 in each township, whether surveyed or unsurveyed, are hereby
  reserved from settlement for the use and benefit of public schools, as
  provided in section 10 relating to lands acquired from the Cherokee
  Nation of Indians; and the lands so acquired by the agreements specified
  in the two preceding sections not so reserved shall be opened to
  settlement by proclamation of the President at the same time and in the
  manner and subject to the same conditions and regulations provided in
  section 10 relating to the opening of the lands acquired from the
  Cherokee Nation of Indians; and each settler on the lands so to be
  opened as aforesaid shall before receiving a patent for his homestead
  pay to the United States for the lands so taken by him, in addition to
  the fees provided by law, the sum of $2.50 per acre, and shall also pay
  interest upon the amount so to be paid for said land from the date of
  entry to the date of final payment at the rate of 4 per cent per annum.


And whereas the thirteenth section of the act approved March 2, 1889,
the act approved May 2, 1890, and the second proviso of section 17 and
the whole of section 18 of the act approved March 3, 1891, are referred
to in the tenth section of the act approved March 3, 1893, and thereby
made applicable in the disposal of the lands in the Cherokee Outlet
hereinbefore mentioned, the provisions of which acts, so far as they
affect the opening to settlement and the disposal of said lands, are
more particularly set forth hereinafter in connection with the rules
and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior for the
occupation and settlement of the lands hereby opened according to said
tenth section; and

Whereas the lands acquired by the three several agreements hereinbefore
mentioned have been divided into counties by the Secretary of the
Interior, as required by said last-mentioned act of Congress before the
same shall be opened to settlement, and lands have been reserved for
county-seat purposes, to be entered under sections 2387 and 2388 of the
Revised Statutes of the United States, as therein required, as follows,
to wit:

For County K, the southeast quarter of section 23 and the northeast
quarter of section 26, township 28 north, range 2 east of the Indian
meridian, excepting 4 acres reserved for the site of a court-house, to
be designated by lot and block upon the official plat of survey of said
reservation for county-seat purposes hereafter to be issued by the
Commissioner of the General Land Office; said reservation to be
additional to the reservations for parks, schools, and other public
purposes required to be made by section 22 of the act of May 2, 1890.

For County L, the southwest quarter of section 1 and the southeast
quarter of section 2, township 25 north, range 6 west of the Indian
meridian, excepting 4 acres reserved for the site of a court-house,
to be designated by lot and block upon the official plat of survey of
said reservation for county-seat purposes hereafter to be issued by
the Commissioner of the General Land Office; said reservation to be
additional to the reservations for parks, schools, and other public
purposes required to be made by section 22 of the act of May 2, 1890.

For County M, the south half of the northeast quarter and the north half
of the southeast quarter of section 23 and the south half of the
northwest quarter and the north half of the southwest quarter of section
24, township 27 north, range 14 west of the Indian meridian, excepting
1 acre reserved for Government use for the site of a land office and
4 acres to be reserved for the site of a court-house, which tracts are
to be contiguous and to be designated by lot and block upon the official
plat of survey of said reservation for county-seat purposes hereafter
to be issued by the Commissioner of the General Land Office; said
reservations to be additional to the reservations for parks, schools,
and other public purposes required to be made by section 22 of the act
of May 2, 1890.

For County N, the south half of section 25, township 23 north, range 21
west of the Indian meridian, excepting 1 acre reserved for Government
use for the site of a land office and 4 acres to be reserved for the
site of a court-house, which tracts are to be contiguous and to be
designated by lot and block upon the official plat of survey of said
reservation for county-seat purposes hereafter to be issued by the
Commissioner of the General Land Office; said reservations to be
additional to the reservations for parks, schools, and other public
purposes required to be made by section 22 of the act of May 2, 1890.

For County O, the southeast quarter of section 7 and the southwest
quarter of section 8, township 22 north, range 6 west of the Indian
meridian, excepting 1 acre reserved for Government use for the site of
a land office and 4 acres to be reserved for the site of a court-house,
which tracts are to be contiguous and to be designated by lot and block
upon the official plat of survey of said reservation for county-seat
purposes hereafter to be issued by the Commissioner of the General Land
Office; said reservations to be additional to the reservations for
parks, schools, and other public purposes required to be made by section
22 of the act of May 2, 1890.

For County P, the northeast quarter of section 22 and the northwest
quarter of section 23, township 21 north, range 1 west of the Indian
meridian, excepting 1 acre reserved for Government use for the site of
a land office and 4 acres reserved for the site of a court-house, which
tracts are to be contiguous and to be designated by lot and block upon
the official plat of survey of said reservation for county-seat purposes
hereafter to be issued by the Commissioner of the General Land Office;
said reservations to be additional to the reservations for parks,
schools, and other public purposes required to be made by section 22 of
the act of May 2, 1890; and

For County Q, the southeast quarter of section 31, the west half of the
southwest quarter of section 32, township 22 north, range 5 east, lot
4 of section 5, and lot 1 of section 6, township 21 north, range 5 east
of the Indian meridian, excepting 4 acres reserved for the site of a
court-house, to be designated by lot and block upon the official plat
of survey of said reservation for county-seat purposes hereafter to be
issued by the Commissioner of the General Land Office; said reservation
to be additional to the reservations for parks, schools, and other
public purposes required to be made by section 22 of the act of May 2,
1890.

Whereas it is provided by act of Congress for temporary government of
Oklahoma, approved May 2, 1890, section 23 (26 U.S. Statutes at Large,
p. 92), that there shall be reserved public highways 4 rods wide between
each section of land in said Territory, the section lines being the
center of said highways; but no deduction shall be made, where cash
payments are provided for, in the amount to be paid for each quarter
section of land by reason of such reservation; and

Whereas all the terms, conditions, and considerations required by said
agreements made with said nation and tribes of Indians and by the laws
relating thereto precedent to opening said lands to settlement have
been, as I hereby declare, complied with:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by the statutes hereinbefore mentioned
and by other the laws of the United States and by said several
agreements, do hereby declare and make known that all the lands acquired
from the Cherokee Nation of Indians, the Tonkawa tribe of Indians, and
the Pawnee tribe of Indians by the three several agreements aforesaid
will at the hour of 12 o'clock noon (central standard time) on Saturday,
the 16th day of the month of September, A.D. 1893, and not before, be
opened to settlement under the terms of and subject to all the
conditions, limitations, reservations, and restrictions contained in
said agreements, the statutes above specified, the laws of the United
States applicable thereto, and the conditions prescribed by this
proclamation, saving and excepting lands described and identified as
follows, to wit: The lands set apart for the Osage and Kansas Indians,
being a tract of country bounded on the north by the State of Kansas, on
the east by the ninety-sixth degree of west longitude, on the south and
west by the Creek country and the main channel of the Arkansas River;
the lands set apart for the Confederated Otoe and Missouria tribes of
Indians, described as follows, to wit: Township 22 north, range 1 east;
township 23 north, range 1 east; township 22 north, range 2 east;
township 23 north, range 2 east; township 22 north, range 3 east; and
that portion of township 23 north, range 3 east, lying west of the
Arkansas River; and the lands set apart for the Ponca tribe of Indians,
described as follows, to wit: Township 24 north, range 1 east; township
25 north, range 1 east; fractional township 24 north, range 2 east;
fractional township 25 north, range 2 east; fractional township 24
north, range 3 east; fractional township 25 north, range 3 east;
fractional township 24 north, range 4 east; fractional township 25
north, range 4 east, the said fractional townships lying on the right
bank of the Arkansas River; excepting also the lands allotted to the
Indians as in said agreements provided; excepting also the lands
reserved by Executive orders dated April 18, 1882, and January 17, 1883
(known as Camp Supply Military Reservation), described as follows, to
wit: Township 24 north, range 22 west; the south half of township 25
north, range 22 west; and the southwest quarter of township 25 north,
range 21 west; excepting also 1 acre of land in each of the reservations
for county-seat purposes in Counties M, N, O, and P, which tracts are
hereby reserved for Government use as sites for land offices, and 4
acres in each reservation for county-seat purposes hereinbefore named,
which tracts are hereby reserved as sites for court-houses; and
excepting also the reservations for the use of and in connection with
the Chilocco Indian Industrial School and for county-seat purposes
hereinbefore described; excepting also the saline lands covered by three
leases made by the Cherokee Nation prior to March 3, 1893, known as the
Eastern, Middle, and Western Saline reserves, under authority of the act
of Congress of August 7, 1882 (22 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 349), said
lands being described and identified as follows: The Eastern Saline
Reserve embracing all of section 6; lots 3 and 4 of section 4; the south
half of the northeast quarter, the south half of the northwest quarter,
the north half of the southwest quarter, and lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of
section 5; and the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter and lots 1
and 2 of section 7, township 25 north, range 9 west. All of sections 6,
7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33; the southwest
quarter, the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter, and lots 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, and 7 of section 5; the southwest quarter, the southwest
quarter of the northwest quarter, the southwest quarter of the southeast
quarter, and lot 1 of section 9; the west half of the southwest quarter
of section 15; the west half, the southeast quarter, the west half of
the northeast quarter, and the southeast quarter of the northeast
quarter of section 16; the west half, the west half of the southeast
quarter, and the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section
22; the west half, the west half of the southeast quarter, the northeast
quarter of the southeast quarter, and the southwest quarter of the
northeast quarter of section 26; the northwest quarter, the north half
of the southwest quarter, the west half of the northeast quarter, and
the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 34; and the
northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 35, township 26
north, range 9 west. All of section 31; the southwest quarter of the
southeast quarter, the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter, and
lot 4 of section 30; and lots 3 and 4 of section 32, township 27 north,
range 9 west. All of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11; the southeast
quarter, the south half of the northeast quarter, the east half of the
southwest quarter, the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and
lots 1, 2, and 3 of section 5; the east half, the southwest quarter, and
the east half of the northwest quarter of section 8; the north half,
the north half of the southwest quarter, the southwest quarter of the
southwest quarter, and the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter
of section 12; the northwest quarter, the northwest quarter of the
northeast quarter, the north half of the southwest quarter, and the
southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 14; the north
half, the southeast quarter and the north half of the southwest quarter
of section 15; and the northeast quarter and the north half of the
northwest quarter of section 16, township 25 north, range 10 west. All
of sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
27, 28, 33, 34, 35, and 36; the south half of the northeast quarter, the
southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, the southeast quarter, the
east half of the southwest quarter, and lots 1, 2, and 3 of section 4;
the east half, the southwest quarter, the east half of the northwest
quarter, and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section
9; the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 17; the
east half of the northeast quarter and the east half of the southeast
quarter of section 20; the southeast quarter and the east half of the
northeast quarter of section 29; and the east half and the southeast
quarter of the southwest quarter of section 32 of township 26 north,
range 10 west. All of sections 22, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36; the east half
of the northeast quarter and the east half of the southeast quarter
of section 21; the southwest quarter, the west half of the southeast
quarter, the south half of the northwest quarter, and lots 1 and 6 of
section 23; the southwest quarter, the west half of the southeast
quarter, the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter, the south half
of the northwest quarter, and lot 1 of section 25; the east half of
section 28; and the east half and the southeast quarter of the southwest
quarter of section 33, township 27 north, range 10 west. The Middle
Saline Reserve embracing the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter,
the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, the west half of the
southeast quarter, the east half of the southwest quarter, and lots 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of section 6; and the northwest quarter of the
northeast quarter, the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and
lot 1 of section 7, township 26 north, range 18 west. The southwest
quarter of the southeast quarter, the southeast quarter of the southwest
quarter, and lot 7 of section 6; the west half of the northeast quarter,
the east half of the northwest quarter, the west half of the southeast
quarter, the east half of the southwest quarter, and lots 1, 2, 3, and 4
of section 7; the west half of the northeast quarter, the east half of
the northwest quarter, the west half of the southeast quarter, the east
half of the southwest quarter, and lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of section 18;
the west half of the northeast quarter, the east half of the northwest
quarter, the west half of the southeast quarter, the east half of the
southwest quarter, and lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of section 19; the northwest
quarter of the northeast quarter, the northeast quarter of the northwest
quarter, and lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of section 30; and the west
half of the northeast quarter, the east half of the northwest quarter,
the west half of the southeast quarter, the east half of the southwest
quarter, and lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of section 31, township 27 north,
range 18 west. All of sections 1 to 6, inclusive; the north half of the
north half of sections 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12; and the north half of the
northeast quarter, the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and
lot 1 of section 7, township 26 north, range 19 west. All of sections 7
to 36, inclusive; the south half of the south half of sections 1, 2, 3,
4, and 5, and the south half of the southeast quarter, the southeast of
the southwest quarter, and lot 7 of section 6, township 27 north, range
19 west. All of sections 1 and 2; the south half of the northeast
quarter, the southeast quarter, and lots 1 and 2 of section 3; the north
half of the northeast quarter of section 10; and the north half of the
north half of sections 11 and 12, township 26 north, range 20 west. All
of sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36; the south half
of the southeast quarter and lot 7 of section 1; the southwest quarter
of the southwest quarter and lot 6 of section 2; the south half of the
southeast quarter of section 3; and the east half of sections 10, 15,
22, 27, and 34, township 27 north, range 20 west. And the Western Saline
Reserve embracing all of sections 18, 19, 30, and 31, township 29 north,
range 20 west; and all of sections 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36,
township 29 north, range 21 west. Excepting also that section 13 in each
township, which has not been otherwise reserved or disposed of, is
hereby reserved for university, agricultural-college, and normal-school
purposes, subject to the action of Congress; excepting also that section
33 in each township, which has not been otherwise reserved or disposed
of, is hereby reserved for public buildings; excepting also sections
16 and 36 in each township, which are reserved by law for the use and
benefit of the public schools; excepting also all selections and
allotments made under the law and the agreements herein referred to,
the lands covered by said selections and allotments to be particularly
described and identified; said descriptions to be furnished by the
Commissioner of the General Land Office and posted in the several booths
hereinafter referred to as those where certain preliminary declarations
are to be made prior to the day named in this proclamation as that when
the strip will be open to settlement.

Said lands so to be opened as herein proclaimed shall be entered upon
and occupied only in the manner and under the provisions following, to
wit:

A strip of land 100 feet in width around and immediately within the
outer boundaries of the entire tract of country to be opened to
settlement under this proclamation is hereby temporarily set apart for
the following purposes and uses, viz:

Said strip, the inner boundary of which shall be 100 feet from the
exterior boundary of the country known as the Cherokee Outlet, shall be
open to occupancy in advance of the day and hour named for the opening
of said country by persons expecting and intending to make settlement
pursuant to this proclamation. Such occupancy shall not be regarded as
trespass or in violation of this proclamation or of the law under which
it is made, nor shall any settlement rights be gained thereby.

The Commissioner of the General Land Office shall, under the direction
of the Secretary of the Interior, establish on said 100-foot strip
booths, to be located as follows: One in township 29 north, range 2
east; one in township 29 north, range 2 west; one in township 29 north,
range 4 west; one in township 29 north, range 8 west; one in township 29
north, range 12 west; one in township 20 north, range 3 east; one in
township 20 north, range 2 west; one in township 20 north, range 7 west;
and one in township 20 north, range 26 west; and shall place in charge
thereof three officers to each booth, who shall be detailed from the
General Land Office. Said booths shall be open for the transaction of
business on and after Monday, the 11th day of the month of September,
A.D. 1893, from 7 a.m. to 12 m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. each business day
until the same shall be discontinued by the Secretary of the Interior,
who is hereby authorized to discontinue the same at his discretion. Each
party desiring to enter upon and occupy as a homestead any of the lands
hereby opened to settlement will be required to first appear at one of
the before-mentioned booths and make a declaration in writing, to be
signed by the party in the presence of one of the officers in charge
thereof, which shall be certified by such officer, according to the form
hereto attached and made a part hereof marked A, showing his or her
qualifications to make homestead entry for said lands, whereupon a
certificate will be issued by the officers in charge of the booth to the
party making the declaration, which shall be of the form hereto attached
and made a part hereof marked D.

Where a party desires to file a soldier's declaratory statement in
person, he will be required to make a declaration which shall be of the
form hereto attached and made a part hereof marked B, the same to be
made and subscribed before one of the officers in charge of the booth
and certified by such officer, independently of the affidavit (Form
4-546) to be filed when he presents the certificate of Form D, there
given him, to the district officers. Where a party desires to file a
declaratory statement through an agent, it will be necessary for him
previously to make the affidavit ordinarily required (Form 4-545) before
some officer authorized to administer oaths and place the same in the
hands of the agent, who, before being permitted to enter upon the lands
to be opened in said outlet for the purpose of making the desired
filing, will be required to appear before the officers in charge of
some one of the booths, to present the said affidavit of the party
authorizing him to act as such agent, and to make a declaration in
writing, to be subscribed by him in the presence of one of such
officers, which shall be certified by such officer, according to the
form hereto attached and made a part hereof marked C, whereupon a
certificate of Form D will be given him by said officer. The agent
should be provided with affidavits of Form 4-545 made in duplicate--one
for presentation to the officers in charge of the booth and the other
for presentation to the district officers when formal filing is to be
made.

Each party desiring to enter upon said lands for the purpose of settling
upon a town lot will be required to first appear at one of the
before-mentioned booths and make a declaration in writing, to be signed
by the party in the presence of one of the officers in charge thereof,
which shall be certified by such officer, according to the form hereto
attached and made a part hereof marked E, whereupon a certificate will
be issued by the officers in charge of the booth to the party making the
declaration, which shall be of the form hereto attached and made a part
hereof marked F.

The said declarations made before the officers in charge shall be given
consecutive numbers, beginning at No. 1 at each booth, and the
certificate issued to the party making the declaration shall be given
the same number as is given the declaration. The declaration shall be
carefully preserved by the officers in charge of the booths, and when
the booths are discontinued said declarations shall be transmitted,
together with the duplicate affidavits (Form 4-545) hereinbefore
required to be presented in case of agents proposing to act for soldiers
in filing declaratory statements, to the General Land Office for filing
as a part of the records pertaining to the disposal of said lands.

The certificate will be evidence only that the party named therein
is permitted to go in upon the lands opened to settlement by this
proclamation at the time specified herein, and the certificate of Form D
must be surrendered when application to enter or file is presented to
the district officers, and the party's right to make a filing, homestead
entry, or settlement shall be passed upon by the district land officers
at the proper time and in the usual manner. The holder of such
certificate will be required when he makes his homestead affidavit, or,
if a soldier or soldier's agent, when he files a declaratory statement
at the district office, to allege under oath before the officers taking
such homestead affidavit or to whom said declaratory statement is
presented for filing that all the statements contained in the
declaration made by him, upon which said certificate is based, are true
in every particular, such oath to be added to affidavit of Form 4-102,
as shown on form hereto attached and made a part hereof marked 102_d_.

After the hour and day hereinbefore named when said lands will be
opened to settlement all parties holding such certificates (Form D or F)
will be permitted to occupy or enter upon the lands so opened, and
parties holding a certificate of Form D may initiate a homestead claim,
either by settlement upon the land or by entry or filing at the proper
district office; but no person not holding any such certificate shall be
permitted to occupy or enter upon any of said lands until after the
booths shall have been discontinued by direction of the Secretary of the
Interior. Until then the officers of the United States are expressly
charged to permit no party without a certificate to occupy or enter upon
any of said lands.

The following rules and regulations have been prescribed by the
Secretary of the Interior, under the direction of the President, as
provided by section 10 of said act of March 3, 1893, for the occupation
and settlement of the lands hereby opened, to wit:

The thirteenth section of the act approved March 2, 1889, the act
approved May 2, 1890, the second proviso of section 17 and the whole of
section 18 of the act approved March 3, 1891, are by section 10 of the
act of March 3, 1893, made applicable in disposing of the lands under
said section 10, and said lands are thereby rendered subject to disposal
under the homestead and town-site laws only, with certain modifications,
which laws as so modified contain provisions substantially as follows:

1. Any party will be entitled to initiate a homestead claim to a tract
of said lands who is over 21 years of age or the head of a family; who
is a citizen of the United States or has declared his intention to
become such; who has not exhausted his homestead right either by
perfecting a homestead entry for 160 acres of land under any law,
excepting what is known as the commuted provision of the homestead law
contained in section 2301 of the United States Revised Statutes, or by
making or commuting a homestead entry since March 2, 1889; who has not
entered since August 30, 1890, under the land laws of the United States
or filed upon a quantity of land agricultural in character and not
mineral which with the tracts sought to be entered in any case would
make more than 320 acres; who is not the owner in fee simple of 160
acres of land in any State or Territory, and who has not entered upon or
occupied the lands hereby opened in violation of this the President's
proclamation opening the same to settlement and entry. (See section
2289, U.S. Revised Statutes; act of March 2, 1889, 25 U.S. Statutes at
Large, p. 854; section 13 of the act of March 2, 1889, 25 U.S. Statutes
at Large, p. 1005; act of August 30, 1890, 26 U.S. Statutes at Large, p.
391; section 20, act of May 2, 1890, 26 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 91,
and section 10, act of March 3, 1893, 27 U.S. Statutes at Large, p.
640.)

2. Each entry shall be in a compact body, according to the rectangular
subdivisions of the public surveys, and in a square form, as nearly as
reasonably practicable consistently with such surveys; and no person
shall be permitted to enter more than one quarter section in quantity of
said lands. (See section 13, act of March 2, 1889, 25 U.S. Statutes at
Large, p. 1005.)

3. Parties who own and reside upon land (not acquired by them under the
homestead law) not amounting in quantity to a quarter section may, if
otherwise qualified, enter other land lying contiguous to their own to
an amount which shall not with the land already owned by them exceed in
the aggregate 160 acres. (See section 2289, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

4. Any party who has made a homestead entry prior to March 2, 1889, for
less than one quarter section of land and who still owns and occupies
the land so entered may, if otherwise qualified, enter an additional
tract of land lying contiguous to the land embraced in the original
entry, which shall not with the land first entered exceed in the
aggregate 160 acres; but such additional entry will not be permitted, or
if permitted will be canceled, if the original entry should fail for any
reason prior to patent or should appear to be illegal or fraudulent. The
final proof of residence and cultivation made on the original entry,
together with the payment of the prescribed price for the land, will be
sufficient to entitle the party to a final certificate for the land so
entered without further proof. (See section 5 of the act of March 2,
1889, 25 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 854.)

5. Parties who have complied with the conditions of the law with regard
to a homestead entry for less than 160 acres of land made prior to March
2, 1889, and have had the final papers issued therefor, may, if
otherwise qualified, make an additional entry, by legal subdivisions, of
so much land as added to the quantity previously so entered shall not
exceed 160 acres. Parties making entry under the provisions set forth in
this paragraph will be required to reside upon and cultivate the land
embraced therein for the prescribed period and to submit proof of
residence and cultivation of a like character with that required in
ordinary homestead entries before the issuance of a final certificate.
(See section 6, act of March 2, 1889, 25 U.S. Statutes at Large, p.
854.)

6. Any officer, soldier, seaman, or marine who served for not less than
ninety days in the Army or Navy of the United States during the War of
the Rebellion and who was honorably discharged and has remained loyal to
the Government, or, in case of his death, his widow, or, in case of her
death or remarriage, his minor orphan children, by a guardian duly
appointed and officially accredited at the Department of the Interior,
may, either in person or by agent, file a declaratory statement for a
tract of land and have six months thereafter within which to make actual
entry and commence residence and improvements upon the land. (See
sections 2304, 2307, and 2309, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

7. Every person entitled under the preceding paragraph to enter a
homestead who, or whose deceased husband or father, in case of the widow
or minor children, may have prior to June 22, 1874, entered under the
homestead laws a quantity of land less than 160 acres may, if otherwise
qualified, enter so much land as when added to the quantity previously
entered shall not exceed 160 acres; but the party must make affidavit
that the entry is made for actual settlement and cultivation, and the
proof of such settlement and cultivation prescribed by existing
homestead laws and regulations thereunder will be required to be
produced before the issue of final certificate. (See section 2306, U.S.
Revised Statutes, and section 18 of the act of May 2, 1890, 26 U.S.
Statutes at Large, p. 90.)

8. Parties may initiate claims under the homestead law either by
settlement on the land or by entry at the district office. In the former
case the party will have three months after settlement within which to
file his application for the tract at the district office; in the latter
case the party will have six months after entry at that office within
which to establish residence and begin improvements upon the land. (See
sections 2290 and 2297, U.S. Revised Statutes, and section 3 of the act
of May 14, 1880, 21 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 140.)

9. The homestead affidavits required to be filed with the application
must be executed before the register or receiver of the proper district
land office (see section 2290, U.S. Revised Statutes) or before any
other officer who may be found duly qualified at the time to administer
such oaths, according to the provisions of the act of Congress of May
26, 1890 (26 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 121).

10. Parties applying to make homestead entry will be required to tender
with the application the legal fee and commissions, which are as
follows: For an entry of over 80 acres a fee of $10, and for an entry of
80 acres or less a fee of $5, and in both cases, in addition,
commissions of 2 per cent upon the Government price of the land,
computed at the rate of $1.25 per acre, the ordinary minimum price of
public lands under the general provisions of section 2357, United States
Revised Statutes. (See sections 2238 and 2290, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

11. Homestead applicants appearing in great number at the local office
to make entry at the time of opening will be required to form in line,
in order that their applications may be presented and acted upon in
regular order.

12. Soldiers' declaratory statements can only be made by the parties
entitled or by their agents in person, and will not be received if sent
by mail. A party acting as agent and appearing in line, as contemplated
under the eleventh paragraph, will be allowed to make one entry or
filing in his individual character, if he so desires, and to file one
declaratory statement in his representative character as agent, if such
he shall be, and thereupon he will be required to step out of line,
giving place to the next person in order, and, if he desires to make any
other filings, to take his place at the end of the line and await his
proper turn before doing so, and thus to proceed in order until all the
filings desired by him shall be made.

13. Section 2301 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, providing
for commutation of homestead entries, is not applicable to said lands.
(See section 18 of the act of May 2, 1890, 26 U.S. Statutes at Large, p.
90.)

14. Proof of five years' residence, cultivation, and improvement and the
payment prescribed by the statute, as hereinbefore mentioned, must be
made before a party will be entitled to a patent under the homestead
law, and such proof is required to be made within seven years from the
date of the entry. Commissions equal to 2 per cent upon the Government
price for the land, computed at $1.25 per acre, under section 2357,
United States Revised Statutes, must also be tendered with the final
proof. Interest at 4 per cent per annum on the purchase price of the
land must be paid from the date of the entry to date of final payment of
purchase money. (See sections 2238 and 2291, U.S. Revised Statutes, and
sections 10 and 13 of the act of March 3, 1893, 27 U.S. Statutes at
Large, p. 640.)

15. The parties named in paragraph 6 of these regulations are entitled
to have the term of service in the Army or Navy under which the claim is
made, not exceeding four years, deducted from the period of five years'
residence or cultivation required as stated in the preceding paragraph,
or, if the party was discharged from service on account of wounds or
disabilities incurred in the line of duty, the whole term of enlistment,
not exceeding four years, may be deducted. (See section 2305, U.S.
Revised Statutes.)

16. Where a homestead settler dies before the consummation of his claim,
the widow, or, in case of her death, the heirs or devisee, may continue
settlement or cultivation and obtain title upon requisite proof at the
proper time. If the widow proves up, title will pass to her; if she dies
before proving up and the heirs or devisee make the proof, the title
will vest in them, respectively. (See section 2291, U.S. Revised
Statutes.)

17. Where both parents die, leaving infant children, the homestead may
be sold for cash for the benefit of such children, and the purchaser
will receive title from the United States. (See section 2292, U.S.
Revised Statutes.)

18. In case of the death of a person after having entered a homestead
the failure of the widow, children, or devisee of the deceased to
fulfill the demands of the letter of the law as to residence on the
lands will not necessarily subject the entry to forfeiture on the ground
of abandonment. If the land is cultivated in good faith, the law will be
considered as having been substantially complied with.

19. Town-site claims maybe initiated upon said lands under the statutes
by two methods, which are separate and distinct in character. The
regulations under the first method are hereinafter set forth in
paragraphs 20, 21, and 22, and under the second method in paragraphs 23
to 28, inclusive. Provision is further made for town-site entries in
cases where lands entered under the homestead law are required for
town-site purposes, as set forth in paragraph 30.

20. Parties having founded or who desire to found a city or town on the
public lands must file with the recorder of the county in which land is
situate a plat thereof, describing the exterior boundaries of the land
according to the lines of public surveys. Such plat must state the name
of the city or town, exhibit the streets, squares, blocks, lots, and
alleys, and specify the size of the same, with measurements and area of
each municipal subdivision the lots in which shall not exceed 4,200
square feet, with a statement of the extent and general character of the
improvements. The plat and statement must be verified by the oath of the
party, acting for and in behalf of the occupants and inhabitants of the
town or city. Within one month after filing the plat with the recorder
of the county a verified copy of said plat and statement must be sent to
the General Land Office, accompanied by the testimony of two witnesses
that such town or city has been established in good faith, and a similar
map and statement must be filed with the register and receiver of the
proper district office. Thereafter the President may cause the lots
embraced within the limits of such city or town to be offered at public
sale to the highest bidder, subject to a minimum of $10 for each lot;
and such lots as may not be disposed of at public sale shall thereafter
be liable to private entry at such minimum or at such reasonable
increase or diminution thereafter as the Secretary of the Interior may
order from time to time, after at least three months' notice, in view
of the increase or decrease in the value of the municipal property. Any
actual settler upon any lot and upon any additional lot upon which he
may have substantial improvements shall be entitled to prove up and
purchase the same as a preemption, at such minimum, at any time before
the day fixed for the public sale. (See section 2382, U.S. Revised
Statutes.)

21. In case the parties interested shall fail or refuse within twelve
months after founding a city or town to file in the General Land Office
a transcript map, with the statement and testimony, as required in
paragraph 20, the Secretary of the Interior may cause a survey and plat
to be made of said city or town, and thereafter the lots will be sold at
an increase of 50 per cent on the minimum price of $10 per lot. (See
section 2384, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

22. When lots vary in size from the limitation of 4,200 square feet and
the lots, buildings, and improvements cover an area greater than 640
acres, such variance as to size of lots or excess in area will prove no
bar to entry, but the price of the lots may be increased to such
reasonable amount as the Secretary of the Interior may by rule
establish. (See section 2385, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

23. Under the second method lands actually settled upon and occupied as
a town site, and therefore not subject to entry under the homestead
laws, may be entered as a town site at the proper district land office.
(See section 2387, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

24. If the town is incorporated, the entry may be made by the corporate
authorities thereof through the mayor or other principal officer duly
authorized so to do. If the town is not incorporated, the entry may be
made by the judge of the county court for the county in which said town
is situated. In either case the entry must be made in trust for the use
and benefit of the occupants thereof according to their respective
interests. The execution of such trust as to the disposal of lots and
the proceeds of sales is to be conducted under regulations prescribed by
the territorial laws. Acts of trustees not in accordance with such
regulations are void. (See sections 2387 and 2391, U.S. Revised
Statutes.)

25. The officer authorized to enter a town site may make entry at once,
or he may initiate an entry by filing a declaratory statement of the
purpose of the inhabitants to make a town-site entry of the land
described. The entry or declaratory statement shall include only such
land as is actually occupied by the town and the title to which is in
the United States, and its exterior limits must conform to the legal
subdivisions of the public lands. (See sections 2388 and 2389, U.S.
Revised Statutes.)

26. The amount of land that may be entered under this method is
proportionate to the number of inhabitants. One hundred and less than
200 inhabitants may enter not to exceed 320 acres; 200 and less than
1,000 inhabitants may enter not to exceed 640 acres; and where the
inhabitants number 1,000 and over an amount not to exceed 1,280 acres
may be entered, and for each additional 1,000 inhabitants, not to exceed
5,000 in all, a further amount of 320 acres may be allowed. When the
number of inhabitants of a town is less than 100, the town site shall be
restricted to the land actually occupied for town purposes by legal
subdivisions. (See section 2389, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

27. Where an entry is made of less than the maximum quantity of land
allowed for town-site purposes, additional entries may be made of
contiguous tracts occupied for town purposes which when added to the
previous entry or entries will not exceed 2,560 acres; but no additional
entry can be allowed which will make the total area exceed the area to
which the town may be entitled by virtue of its population at date of
additional entry. (See section 4 of the act of March 3, 1877, 19 U.S.
Statutes at Large, p. 392.)

28. The land must be paid for at the Government price per acre, and
proof must be furnished relating, first, to municipal occupation of the
land; second, number of inhabitants; third, extent and value of town
improvements; fourth, date when land was first used for town-site
purposes; fifth, official character and authority of officer making
entry; sixth, if an incorporated town, proof of incorporation, which
should be a certified copy of the act of incorporation, and, seventh,
that a majority of the occupants or owners of the lots within the town
desire that such action be taken. Thirty days' publication of notice of
intention to make proof must be made and proof of publication furnished.
(See section 2387, U.S. Revised Statutes.)

29. All surveys for town sites on said lands shall contain reservations
for parks (of substantially equal area if more than one park) and for
schools and other public purposes, embracing in the aggregate not less
than 10 nor more than 20 acres, and patents for such reservations, to be
maintained for such purposes, will be issued to the towns respectively
when organized as municipalities. (See section 22, act of May 2, 1890,
26 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 92.)

30. In case any of said lands which may be entered under the homestead
laws by a person who is entitled to perfect his title thereto under such
laws are required for town-site purposes, the entryman may apply to
the Secretary of the Interior to purchase the lands embraced in said
homestead, or any part thereof not less than a legal subdivision, for
town-site purposes. The party must file in the district office with
his application a plat of the proposed town site and evidence of his
qualifications to perfect title under the homestead law and of his
compliance with all the requirements of the law and the instructions
thereunder, and must deposit with the Secretary of the Interior the sum
of $10 per acre for all the lands embraced in such town site, except the
lands to be donated and maintained for public purposes as mentioned in
the preceding paragraph. (See section 22, act of May 2, 1890, 26 U.S.
Statutes at Large, p. 92.)

Notice, moreover, is hereby given that it is by law enacted that no
person shall be permitted to occupy or enter upon any of the lands
herein referred to except in the manner prescribed by this proclamation,
and any person otherwise occupying or entering upon any of said lands
shall forfeit all right to acquire any of said lands, and that the
officers of the United States will be required to enforce this
provision.

And further notice is hereby given that four land districts have been
established in Oklahoma Territory, with boundaries as follows:

The Perry district, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the
middle of the main channel of the Arkansas River where the same is
intersected by the northern boundary of Oklahoma Territory; thence west
to the northwest corner of township 29 north, range 2 west of the Indian
meridian; thence south on the range line between ranges 2 and 3 west to
the southwest corner of lot 3 of section 31, township 20 north, range 2
west; thence east to the southeast corner of lot 4 of section 36,
township 20 north, range 4 east; thence south on the range line between
ranges 4 and 5 east to the middle of the main channel of the Cimarron
River; thence down said river, in the middle of the main channel
thereof, to the western boundary of the Creek country; thence north to
the northwest corner of the Creek country; thence east on the northern
boundary of said Creek country to the middle of the main channel of the
Arkansas River; thence up said river, in the middle of the main channel
thereof, to the place of beginning; the local land, office of which will
be located at the town of Perry, in County P.

The Enid district, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the
northeast corner of township 29 north, range 3 west of the Indian
meridian; thence west to the northwest corner of township 29 north,
range 8 west; thence south on the range line between ranges 8 and 9 west
to the southwest corner of lot 3 of section 31, township 20 north, range
8 west; thence east to the southeast corner of lot 4 of section 36,
township 20 north, range 3 west; thence north on the range line between
ranges 2 and 3 west to the place of beginning; the local land office of
which will be located at the town of Enid, in County O.

The Alva district, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the
northeast corner of township 29 north, range 9 west of the Indian
meridian; thence west to the northwest corner of township 29 north,
range 16 west; thence south on the range line between ranges 16 and 17
west to the southwest corner of lot 3 of section 31, township 20 north,
range 16 west; thence east to the southeast corner of lot 4 of section
36, township 20 north, range 9 west; thence north on the range line
between ranges 8 and 9 west to the place of beginning; the local land
office of which will be located at the town of Alva, in County M.

The Woodward land district, bounded and described as follows: Beginning
at the northeast corner of township 29 north, range 17 west of the
Indian meridian; thence west to the north west corner of township 29
north, range 26 west; thence south to the southwest corner of lot 3 of
section 32, township 20 north, range 26 west; thence east to the
southeast corner of lot 4 of section 36, township 20 north, range 17
west; thence north on the range line between ranges 16 and 17 west to
the place of beginning; the local land office of which will be located
at the town of Woodward, in County N.

And further notice is hereby given that the line of 97-1/2° west
longitude, named herein for the purpose of disposing of the land hereby
opened to settlement, is held to fall on the west line of sections 2,
11, 14, 23, 26, and 35 of the townships in range 3 west of the Indian
meridian, and the line of 98-1/2° of west longitude is held to fall on
the line running due north and south through the centers of sections 4,
9, 16, 21, 28, and 33 of the townships in range 12 west of the Indian
meridian, and said lines have been so laid down upon the township plats
on file in the General Land Office.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 19th day of August, A.D. 1893, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



A.


  DECLARATION REQUIRED BY PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF AUGUST 19, 1893,
  PREPARATORY TO OCCUPYING OR ENTERING UPON THE LANDS OF THE CHEROKEE
  OUTLET FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A HOMESTEAD ENTRY.

  No. ----.

  BOOTH IN T. ---- N., R. ----, ----, _1893_.

  I, ----, of ----, being desirous of occupying or entering upon the lands
  opened to settlement by the President's proclamation of August 19, 1893,
  for the purpose of making a homestead entry, do solemnly declare that I
  am over 21 years of age or the head of a family; that I am a citizen of
  the United States (or have declared my intention to become such); that
  I have not perfected a homestead entry for 160 acres of land under any
  law except what is known as the commuted provision of the homestead law
  contained in section 2301, Revised Statutes, nor have I made or commuted
  a homestead entry since March 2, 1889;[*] ---- that I have not entered
  since August 30, 1890, under the land laws of the United States or filed
  upon a quantity of land agricultural in character and not mineral which
  with the tracts now desired would make more than 320 acres; that I am
  not the owner in fee simple of 160 acres of land in any State or
  Territory; that I have not entered upon or occupied, nor will I enter
  upon or occupy, the lands to be opened to settlement by the President's
  proclamation of August 19, 1893, in violation of the requirements of
  said proclamation; that I desire to make entry for the purpose of actual
  settlement and cultivation, and not for the benefit of any other person,
  persons, or corporation; that I will faithfully and honestly endeavor to
  comply with all the requirements of law as to settlement, residence, and
  cultivation necessary to acquire title to the land I may select; that I
  am not acting as agent of any person, corporation, or syndicate in
  entering upon said lands, nor in collusion with any person, corporation,
  or syndicate to give them the benefit of the land I may enter, or any
  part thereof, or the timber thereon; that I do not apply to enter upon
  said lands for the purpose of speculation, but in good faith to obtain a
  home for myself; and that I have not, directly or indirectly, made and
  will not make any agreement or contract in any way or manner with any
  person or persons, corporation, or syndicate whatsoever by which the
  title which I may acquire from the Government of the United States
  should inure in whole or in part to the benefit of any person except
  myself.

  ----------.

  I certify that the foregoing declaration was made and subscribed before
  me this ---- day of ----, 1893.

  -------- ----------, _Officer in Charge_.

  * NOTE.--If the party has made a homestead entry since March
  2, 1889, but has failed or is unable to perfect title to the land
  covered thereby because of a valid adverse claim or other invalidity
  existing at the date of its inception, strike out the words "made or"
  and insert in the blank space _that I have made a homestead entry
  since March 2, 1889, but have failed or am unable to perfect title to
  the land covered thereby because of a valid adverse claim or other
  invalidity existing at the date of its inception_.



B.


  DECLARATION REQUIRED BY PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF AUGUST 19, 1893,
  PREPARATORY TO OCCUPYING OR ENTERING UPON THE LANDS OF THE CHEROKEE
  OUTLET FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILING A SOLDIER'S DECLARATORY STATEMENT IN
  PERSON.

  No. ----.

  BOOTH IN T. ---- N., R. ----, ----, _1893_.

  I, ----, of ---- County and State or Territory of ----, do solemnly
  declare that I served for a period of ---- in the Army of the United
  States during the War of the Rebellion and was honorably discharged
  therefrom, as shown by a statement of such service herewith, and that I
  have remained loyal to the Government; that I have not perfected a
  homestead entry for 160 acres of land under any law except what is known
  as the commuted provision of the homestead law contained in section
  2301, Revised Statutes, nor have I filed a declaratory statement under
  sections 2304 and 2309 of the Revised Statutes or made or commuted a
  homestead entry since March 2, 1889;[*] ---- that I have not entered
  since August 30, 1890, under the land laws of the United States or filed
  upon a quantity of land agricultural in character and not mineral which
  with the tracts now desired would make more than 320 acres; that I am
  not the owner in fee simple of 160 acres of land in any State or
  Territory; that I have not entered upon or occupied, nor will I enter
  upon or occupy, the lands to be opened to settlement by the President's
  proclamation of August 19, 1893, in violation of said proclamation; that
  I intend to file a soldier's declaratory statement upon said lands,
  which location will be made for my exclusive use and benefit, for the
  purpose of my actual settlement and cultivation, and not, either
  directly or indirectly, for the use and benefit of any other person.

  -------- ----------.

  I certify that the foregoing declaration was made and subscribed before
  me this ------ day of --------, 1893.

  -------- ----------, _Officer in Charge_.


  * NOTE.--If the party has made an entry or filing since March 2, 1889,
  to which he is unable to perfect title because of a valid adverse claim
  or other invalidity existing at the date of its inception, strike out
  the words "filed a declaratory statement under sections 2304 and 2309 of
  the Revised Statutes, or made or" and insert in the blank space _that
  I have made an entry or filing since March 2, 1889, but have failed or
  am unable to perfect title to the land covered thereby because of a
  valid adverse claim or other invalidity existing at the date of its
  inception_.



C.


  DECLARATION REQUIRED BY PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF AUGUST 19, 1893,
  PREPARATORY TO ENTERING UPON THE LANDS OF THE CHEROKEE OUTLET FOR THE
  PURPOSE OF FILING A SOLDIER'S DECLARATORY STATEMENT AS AGENT.


  No. ------.

  BOOTH IN T. ------- N., R. -------, -------, _1893_.

  I, -------- of --------, desiring to enter upon the Cherokee Outlet for
  the purpose of filing a soldier's declaratory statement under sections
  2304 and 2309, United States Revised Statutes, as agent of --------, do
  hereby declare that I have no interest or authority in the matter,
  present or prospective, beyond the filing of such declaratory statement
  as the true and lawful attorney of the said -------- as provided by said
  sections 2304 and 2309.

  -------- ----------.

  I certify that the foregoing declaration was made and subscribed before
  me this ----- day of --------, 1893.

  -------- ----------, _Officer in Charge_.



D.


  CERTIFICATE THAT MUST BE HELD BY PARTY DESIRING TO OCCUPY OR TO ENTER
  UPON THE LANDS OPENED TO SETTLEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF
  AUGUST 19, 1893, FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A HOMESTEAD ENTRY OR FILING
  A SOLDIER'S DECLARATORY STATEMENT.

  No. -----.

  BOOTH IN T. ------- N., R. -------, -------, _1893_.

  This certifies that -------- has this day made the declaration before me
  required by the President's proclamation of August 19, 1893, and he is
  therefore permitted to go in upon the lands opened to settlement by said
  proclamation at the time named therein for the purpose of making a
  homestead entry or filing a soldier's declaratory statement.

  It is agreed and understood that this certificate will not prevent the
  district land officers from passing upon the holder's qualifications to
  enter or file for any of said lands at the proper time and in the usual
  manner, and that the holder will be required when he makes his homestead
  affidavit, or, if a soldier or a soldier's agent, when he files a
  declaratory statement at the district office, to allege under oath
  before the officer taking such homestead affidavit or to whom said
  declaratory statement is presented for filing that all of the statements
  contained in the declaration made by him, upon which this certificate is
  based, are true in every particular.

  -------- ----------, _Officer in Charge_.

  This certificate is not transferable. The holder will display the
  certificate, if demanded, after locating on claim.



E.


  DECLARATION REQUIRED BY PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF AUGUST 19, 1893,
  PREPARATORY TO OCCUPYING OR ENTERING UPON THE LANDS OF THE CHEROKEE
  OUTLET FOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTLING UPON A TOWN LOT.

  No. ----.

  BOOTH IN T. ----N., R. ----,----, _1893_.

  I, ----, of ----, being desirous of occupying or entering upon lands
  opened to settlement by the President's proclamation of August 19, 1893,
  do solemnly declare that I have not entered upon or occupied, nor will I
  enter upon or occupy, any of the lands to be opened to settlement by the
  President's proclamation of August 19, 1893, in violation of the
  requirements of said proclamation, and that I desire to go in upon said
  lands for the purpose of settling upon a town lot.

  -------- --------.

  I certify that the foregoing declaration was made and subscribed before
  me this ---- day of ----, 1893.

  -------- ----------, _Officer in Charge_.



F.


  CERTIFICATE THAT MUST BE HELD BY PARTY DESIRING TO OCCUPY OR ENTER UPON
  THE LANDS OPENED TO SETTLEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF AUGUST
  19, 1893, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTLING UPON A TOWN LOT.

  No. ----.

  BOOTH IN T. ----N., R. ----,----, _1893_.

  This certifies that ---- has this day made the declaration before me
  required by the President's proclamation of August 19, 1893, and he is
  therefore permitted to go in upon the lands opened to settlement by said
  proclamation at the time named therein for the purpose of settling upon
  a town lot.

  -------- ----------, _Officer in Charge_.


  This certificate is not transferable. The holder will display the
  certificate, if demanded, after locating on claim.



4-102d.


  AFFIDAVIT.

  LAND OFFICE AT --------, --------, 1893.

  I, ----, of ----, applying to enter (or file for) a homestead, do
  solemnly swear that I did not enter upon and occupy any portion of
  the lands described and declared open to entry in the President's
  proclamation dated August 19, 1893, prior to 12 o'clock noon of
  September 16, 1893; also that all of the statements contained in a
  certain declaration made by me as foundation for obtaining permission
  to enter upon the Cherokee Outlet in pursuance of requirements of the
  President's proclamation opening said outlet to settlement are true
  in every particular.

  -------- --------.

  Sworn to and subscribed before me this ---- day of ----, 189--.

  -------- --------.

  NOTE.--This affidavit must be made before the register or receiver of
  the proper district land office or before some officer authorized to
  administer oaths and using a seal.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered
  with timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as
  public reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation
  declare the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Oregon within the limits
hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Oregon and particularly described as follows,
to wit:

Beginning at the meander corner at the intersection of the range line
between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east, township two (2) north,
Willamette meridian, Oregon, with the mean high-water mark on the south
bank of the Columbia River in said State; thence northeasterly along
said mean high-water mark to its intersection with the township line
between townships two (2) and three (3) north; thence easterly along
said township line to the northeast corner of township two (2) north,
range eight (8) east; thence southerly along the range line between
ranges eight (8) and nine (9) east to the southwest corner of township
two (2) north, range nine (9) east; thence westerly along the township
line between townships one (1) and two (2) north to the northwest corner
of township one (1) north, range nine (9) east; thence southerly along
the range line between ranges eight (8) and nine (9) east to the
southwest corner of township one (1) north, range nine (9) east; thence
easterly along the base line to the northeast corner of township one
(1) south, range ten (10) east; thence southerly along the range line
between ranges ten (10) and eleven (11) east to the southeast corner of
township four (4) south, range ten (10) east; thence westerly along the
township line between townships four (4) and five (5) south to the
southwest corner of township four (4) south, range nine (9) east; thence
southerly along the west boundary of township five (5) south, range nine
(9) east, to its intersection with the west boundary of the Warm Springs
Indian Reservation; thence southwesterly along said Indian-reservation
boundary to the southwest corner of said reservation; thence
southeasterly along the south boundary of said Indian reservation to a
point on the north line of section three (3), township twelve (12)
south, range nine (9) east, where said boundary crosses the township
line between townships eleven (11) and twelve (12) south, range nine (9)
east; thence easterly to the northeast corner of township twelve (12)
south, range nine (9) east; thence southerly along the range line
between ranges nine (9) and ten (10) east to the southeast corner of
township thirteen (13) south, range nine (9) east; thence westerly along
the third (3d) standard parallel south to the northeast corner of
township fourteen (14) south, range nine (9) east; thence southerly
along the range line between ranges nine (9) and ten (10) east to the
southeast corner of township fifteen (15) south, range nine (9) east;
thence easterly along the third (3d) standard parallel south to the
northeast corner of township sixteen (16) south, range nine (9) east;
thence southerly along the range line between ranges nine (9) and ten
(10) east to the southeast corner of township twenty (20) south, range
nine (9) east; thence easterly along the fourth (4th) standard parallel
south to the northeast corner of township twenty-one (21) south, range
nine (9) east; thence southerly along the range line between ranges nine
(9) and ten (10) east to the southeast corner of township twenty-three
(23) south, range nine (9) east; thence westerly along the township line
between townships twenty-three (23) and twenty-four (24) south to the
southeast corner of township twenty-three (23) south, range six (6)
east; thence southerly along the range line between ranges six (6) and
seven (7) east to the southwest corner of township twenty-five (25)
south, range seven (7) east; thence westerly along the fifth (5th)
standard parallel south to the point for the northwest corner of
township twenty-six (26) south, range seven (7) east; thence southerly
along the surveyed and unsurveyed west boundaries of townships
twenty-six (26), twenty-seven (27), twenty-eight (28), twenty-nine (29),
and thirty (30) south to the southwest corner of township thirty (30)
south, range seven (7) east; thence westerly along the unsurveyed sixth
(6th) standard parallel south to the point for the northwest corner of
township thirty-one (31) south, range seven and one-half (7-1/2) east;
thence southerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed west boundaries of
townships thirty-one (31), thirty-two (32), and thirty-three (33) south,
range seven and one-half (7-1/2) east, to the southwest corner of
township thirty-three (33) south, range seven and one-half (7-1/2) east;
thence easterly along the township line between townships thirty-three
(33) and thirty-four (34) south to the northeast corner of township
thirty-four (34) south, range six (6) east; thence southerly along the
east boundaries of townships thirty-four (34) and thirty-five (35)
south, range six (6) east, to the point of intersection of the east
boundary of township thirty-five (35) south, range six (6) east, with
the west shore of Upper Klamath Lake; thence along said shore of said
lake to its intersection with the range line between ranges six (6) and
seven (7) east in township thirty-six (36) south; thence southerly along
the range line between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east to the
southeast corner of township thirty-seven (37) south, range six (6)
east; thence westerly along the township line between townships
thirty-seven (37) and thirty-eight (38) south to the southwest corner of
township thirty-seven (37) south, range four (4) east; thence northerly
along the range line between ranges three (3) and four (4) east to the
northwest corner of township thirty-six (36) south, range four (4) east;
thence easterly along the eighth (8th) standard parallel south to the
southwest corner of township thirty-five (35) south, range four (4)
east; thence northerly along the range line between ranges three (3) and
four (4) east to the southwest corner of township thirty-one (31) south,
range four (4) east; thence westerly along the township line between
townships thirty-one (31) and thirty-two (32) south to the southwest
corner of township thirty-one (31) south, range one (1) east; thence
northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed Willamette meridian to the
northwest corner, of township twenty (20) south, range one (1) east;
thence easterly along the township line between townships nineteen (19)
and twenty (20) south to the northeast corner of township twenty (20)
south, range one (1) east; thence northerly along the range line between
ranges one (1) and two (2) east to the northwest corner of township
eighteen (18) south, range two (2) east; thence easterly along the
township line between townships seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) south
to the southeast corner of township seventeen (17) south, range two (2)
east; thence northerly along the range line between ranges two (2) and
three (3) east to the southwest corner of township seventeen (17) south,
range three (3) east; thence easterly along the surveyed and unsurveyed
township line between townships seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) south
to the point for the southeast corner of township seventeen (17) south,
range four (4) east; thence northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed
range line between ranges four (4) and five (5) east, subject to the
proper easterly or westerly offsets on the third (3d), second (2d), and
first (1st) standard parallels south, to the northwest corner of
township five (5) south, range five (5) east; thence easterly along the
township line between townships four (4) and five (5) south to the
southeast corner of township four (4) south, range six (6) east; thence
northerly along the range line between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east
to the northwest corner of township four (4) south, range seven (7)
east; thence easterly along the township line between townships three
(3) and four (4) south to the southwest corner of section thirty-four
(34), township three (3) south, range seven (7) east; thence northerly
along the surveyed and unsurveyed section line between sections
thirty-three (33) and thirty-four (34), twenty-seven (27) and
twenty-eight (28), twenty-one (21) and twenty-two (22), fifteen (15) and
sixteen (16), nine (9) and ten (10), and three (3) and four (4) to the
northwest corner of section three (3) of said township and range; thence
easterly along the surveyed and unsurveyed township line between
townships two (2) and three (3) south to the point for the southeast
corner of township two (2) south, range eight (8) east; thence northerly
along the unsurveyed range line between ranges eight (8) and nine (9)
east to the southeast corner of township one (1) south, range eight (8)
east; thence westerly along the township line between townships one (1)
and two (2) south to the southeast corner of section thirty-four (34),
township one (1) south, range eight (8) east; thence northerly along the
section line between sections thirty-four (34) and thirty-five (35),
twenty-six (26) and twenty-seven (27), and twenty-two (22) and
twenty-three (23) to the northeast corner of section twenty-two (22);
thence westerly along the section line between sections fifteen (15) and
twenty-two (22) to the southeast corner of section sixteen (16); thence
northerly on the section line between sections fifteen (15) and sixteen
(16) to the point for the northeast corner of section sixteen (16);
thence westerly along the section line between sections nine (9) and
sixteen (16) to the southeast corner of section eight (8); thence
northerly along the section line between sections eight (8) and nine (9)
and four (4) and five (5) to the northwest corner of section four (4),
township one (1) south, range eight (8) east; thence easterly along the
base line to the southeast corner of section thirty-three (33), township
one (1) north, range eight (8) east; thence along the unsurveyed section
lines northerly to the point for the northeast corner of section
thirty-three (33), westerly to the point for the northeast corner of
section thirty-two (32), northerly to the point for the northeast corner
of section eight (8), westerly to the point for the southwest corner of
section six (6); thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line
between ranges seven (7) and eight (8) east to the point for the
northwest corner of township one (1) north, range eight (8) east; thence
westerly along the unsurveyed township line between townships one (1)
and two (2) north to the northwest corner of township one (1) north,
range seven (7) east; thence northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed
range line between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east to the meander
corner at its intersection with the mean high-water mark on the south
bank of the Columbia River, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of September, A.D. 1893,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  ALVEY A. ADEE,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--


  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Oregon within the limits
hereinafter described, are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Oregon and within the boundaries particularly
described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the northeast corner of section twenty-seven (27), township
thirty-nine (39) south, range one (1) east, Willamette meridian; thence
westerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed section line to the northwest
corner of section twenty-five (25), township thirty-nine (39) south,
range one (1) west; thence southerly along the section line to the
southwest corner of section thirty-six (36), said township and range;
thence westerly along the ninth (9th) standard parallel south to the
northwest corner of section one (1), township forty (40) south, range
one (1) west; thence southerly along the section line to the southwest
corner of section thirteen (13), said township and range; thence
easterly along the surveyed and unsurveyed section line to the point for
the southeast corner of section fourteen (14), township forty (40)
south, range one (1) east; thence northerly along the surveyed and
unsurveyed section line to the northeast corner of section thirty-five
(35), township thirty-nine (39) south, range one (1) east; thence
westerly to the northwest corner of said section thirty-five (35);
thence northerly to the northeast corner of section twenty-seven (27),
said township and range, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing
of record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of September, A.D. 1893,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  ALVEY A. ADEE,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

While the American people should every day remember with praise and
thanksgiving the divine goodness and mercy which have followed them
since their beginning as a nation, it is fitting that one day in each
year should be especially devoted to the contemplation of the blessings
we have received from the hand of God and to the grateful acknowledgment
of His loving kindness.

Therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do
hereby designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of the present
month of November, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to be kept and
observed by all the people of our land. On that day let us forego our
ordinary work and employments and assemble in our usual places of
worship, where we may recall all that God has done for us and where from
grateful hearts our united tribute of praise and song may reach the
Throne of Grace. Let the reunion of kindred and the social meeting of
friends lend cheer and enjoyment to the day, and let generous gifts of
charity for the relief of the poor and needy prove the sincerity of our
thanksgiving.

Witness my hand and the seal of the United States, which I have caused
to be hereto affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington on the 3d day of November, A.D. 1893, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



EXECUTIVE ORDER.


AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

UNITED STATES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, _Washington, D.C._

Clause 2 of Departmental Rule VIII is hereby amended by inserting after
the letter "_d_" in parentheses in line 2 the following: "until
after absolute appointment and," and by striking out all after the word
"transferred" in line 4 to and including the word "made" in line 7; so
that as amended the clause will read:

  2. No person may be transferred as herein authorized, except as provided
  in section 1, clause (_d_), until after absolute appointment and
  until the Commission shall have certified to the officer making the
  transfer requisition that the person whom it is proposed to transfer has
  passed an examination to test fitness for the place to which he is to be
  transferred: _Provided_, That no person who has been appointed from
  the copyist register shall be transferred to a place the salary of which
  is more than $900 per annum until one year after appointment.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 19, 1893_.

The above amendments to clause 2 of Departmental Rule VIII and said rule
as so amended are hereby approved.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 4, 1893_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

The constitutional duty which requires the President from time to time
to give to the Congress information of the state of the Union and
recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge
necessary and expedient is fittingly entered upon by commending to the
Congress a careful examination of the detailed statements and
well-supported recommendations contained in the reports of the heads of
Departments, who are chiefly charged with the executive work of the
Government. In an effort to abridge this communication as much as is
consistent with its purpose I shall supplement a brief reference to the
contents of these departmental reports by the mention of such executive
business and incidents as are not embraced therein and by such
recommendations as appear to be at this particular time appropriate.

While our foreign relations have not at all times during the past year
been entirely free from perplexity, no embarrassing situation remains
that will not yield to the spirit of fairness and love of justice which
joined with consistent firmness, characterize a truly American foreign
policy.

My predecessor having accepted the office of arbitrator of the
longstanding Missions boundary dispute, tendered to the President by the
Argentine Republic and Brazil, it has been my agreeable duty to receive
the special envoys commissioned by those States to lay before me
evidence and arguments in behalf of their respective Governments.

The outbreak of domestic hostilities in the Republic of Brazil found
the United States alert to watch the interests of our citizens in that
country, with which we carry on important commerce. Several vessels of
our new Navy are now and for some time have been stationed at Rio de
Janeiro. The struggle being between the established Government, which
controls the machinery of administration, and with which we maintain
friendly relations, and certain officers of the navy employing the
vessels of their command in an attack upon the national capital and
chief seaport, and lacking as it does the elements of divided
administration, I have failed to see that the insurgents can reasonably
claim recognition as belligerents.

Thus far the position of our Government has been that of an attentive
but impartial observer of the unfortunate conflict. Emphasizing our
fixed policy of impartial neutrality in such a condition of affairs
as now exists, I deemed it necessary to disavow in a manner not to
be misunderstood the unauthorized action of our late naval commander
in those waters in saluting the revolted Brazilian admiral, being
indisposed to countenance an act calculated to give gratuitous sanction
to the local insurrection.

The convention between our Government and Chile having for its object
the settlement and adjustment of the demands of the two countries
against each other has been made effective by the organization of the
claims commission provided for. The two Governments failing to agree
upon the third member of the commission, the good offices of the
President of the Swiss Republic were invoked, as provided in the
treaty, and the selection of the Swiss representative in this country
to complete the organization was gratifying alike to the United States
and Chile.

The vexatious question of so-called legation asylum for offenders
against the state and its laws was presented anew in Chile by the
unauthorized action of the late United States minister in receiving into
his official residence two persons who had just failed in an attempt at
revolution and against whom criminal charges were pending growing out
of a former abortive disturbance. The doctrine of asylum as applied to
this case is not sanctioned by the best precedents, and when allowed
tends to encourage sedition and strife. Under no circumstances can the
representatives of this Government be permitted, under the ill-defined
fiction of extraterritoriality, to interrupt the administration of
criminal justice in the countries to which they are accredited. A
temperate demand having been made by the Chilean Government for the
correction of this conduct in the instance mentioned, the minister
was instructed no longer to harbor the offenders.

The legislation of last year known as the Geary law, requiring the
registration of all Chinese laborers entitled to residence in the United
States and the deportation of all not complying with the provisions
of the act within the time prescribed, met with much opposition from
Chinamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel
that the law was unconstitutional, the great mass of Chinese laborers,
pending judicial inquiry as to its validity, in good faith declined to
apply for the certificates required by its provisions. A test case upon
proceeding by _habeas corpus_ was brought before the Supreme Court,
and on May 15, 1893, a decision was made by that tribunal sustaining
the law.

It is believed that under the recent amendment of the act extending the
time for registration the Chinese laborers thereto entitled who desire
to reside in this country will now avail themselves of the renewed
privilege thus afforded of establishing by lawful procedure their right
to remain, and that thereby the necessity of enforced deportation may
to a great degree be avoided.

It has devolved upon the United States minister at Peking, as dean of
the diplomatic body, and in the absence of a representative of Sweden
and Norway, to press upon the Chinese Government reparation for the
recent murder of Swedish missionaries at Sung-pu. This question is of
vital interest to all countries whose citizens engage in missionary work
in the interior.

By Article XII of the general act of Brussels, signed July 2, 1890,
for the suppression of the slave trade and the restriction of certain
injurious commerce in the Independent State of the Kongo and in the
adjacent zone of central Africa, the United States and the other
signatory powers agreed to adopt appropriate means for the punishment
of persons selling arms and ammunition to the natives and for the
confiscation of the inhibited articles. It being the plain duty of this
Government to aid in suppressing the nefarious traffic, impairing as
it does the praiseworthy and civilizing efforts now in progress in that
region, I recommend that an act be passed prohibiting the sale of arms
and intoxicants, to natives in the regulated zone by our citizens.

Costa Rica has lately testified its friendliness by surrendering to the
United States, in the absence of a convention of extradition, but upon
duly submitted evidence of criminality, a noted fugitive from justice.
It is trusted that the negotiation of a treaty with that country to meet
recurring cases of this kind will soon be accomplished. In my opinion
treaties for reciprocal extradition should be concluded with all those
countries with which the United States has not already conventional
arrangements of that character.

I have deemed it fitting to express to the Governments of Costa Rica
and Colombia the kindly desire of the United States to see their pending
boundary dispute finally closed by arbitration in conformity with the
spirit of the treaty concluded between them some years ago.

Our relations with the French Republic continue to be intimate and
cordial. I sincerely hope that the extradition treaty with that country,
as amended by the Senate, will soon be operative.

While occasional questions affecting our naturalized citizens returning
to the land of their birth have arisen in our intercourse with Germany,
our relations with that country continue satisfactory.

The questions affecting our relations with Great Britain have been
treated in a spirit of friendliness.

Negotiations are in progress between the two Governments with a view to
such concurrent action as will make the award and regulations agreed
upon by the Bering Sea Tribunal of Arbitration practically effective,
and it is not doubted that Great Britain will cooperate freely with this
country for the accomplishment of that purpose.

The dispute growing out of the discriminating tolls imposed in the
Welland Canal upon cargoes of cereals bound to and from the lake ports
of the United States was adjusted by the substitution of a more
equitable schedule of charges, and my predecessor thereupon suspended
his proclamation imposing discriminating tolls upon British transit
through our canals.[1]

A request for additions to the list of extraditable offenses covered by
the existing treaty between the two countries is under consideration.

During the past year an American citizen employed in a subordinate
commercial position in Hayti, after suffering a protracted imprisonment
on an unfounded charge of smuggling, was finally liberated on judicial
examination. Upon urgent representation to the Haytian Government a
suitable indemnity was paid to the sufferer.

By a law of Hayti a sailing vessel, having discharged her cargo, is
refused clearance until the duties on such cargo have been paid. The
hardship of this measure upon American shipowners, who conduct the bulk
of the carrying trade of that country, has been insisted on with a view
of securing the removal of this cause of complaint.

Upon receiving authentic information of the firing upon an American mail
steamer touching at the port of Amapala because her captain refused to
deliver up a passenger in transit from Nicaragua to Guatemala upon
demand of the military authorities of Honduras, our minister to that
country, under instructions, protested against the wanton act and
demanded satisfaction. The Government of Honduras, actuated by a sense
of justice and in a spirit of the utmost friendship, promptly disavowed
the illegal conduct of its officers and expressed sincere regret for the
occurrence.

It is confidently anticipated that a satisfactory adjustment will
soon be reached of the questions arising out of the seizure and use of
American vessels by insurgents in Honduras and the subsequent denial by
the successful Government of commercial privileges to those vessels on
that account.

A notable part of the southeasterly coast of Liberia between the Cavally
and San Pedro rivers, which for nearly half a century has been generally
recognized as belonging to that Republic by cession and purchase, has
been claimed to be under the protectorate of France in virtue of
agreements entered into by the native tribes, over whom Liberia's
control has not been well maintained.

More recently negotiations between the Liberian representative and the
French Government resulted in the signature at Paris of a treaty whereby
as an adjustment certain Liberian territory is ceded to France. This
convention at last advices had not been ratified by the Liberian
Legislature and Executive.

Feeling a sympathetic interest in the fortunes of the little
Commonwealth, the establishment and development of which were largely
aided by the benevolence of our countrymen, and which constitutes the
only independently sovereign state on the west coast of Africa, this
Government has suggested to the French Government its earnest concern
lest territorial impairment in Liberia should take place without her
unconstrained consent.

Our relations with Mexico continue to be of that close and friendly
nature which should always characterize the intercourse of two
neighboring republics.

The work of relocating the monuments marking the boundary between the
two countries from Paso del Norte to the Pacific is now nearly
completed.

The commission recently organized under the conventions of 1884 and 1889
it is expected will speedily settle disputes growing out of the shifting
currents of the Rio Grande River east of El Paso.

Nicaragua has recently passed through two revolutions, the party at
first successful having in turn been displaced by another. Our newly
appointed minister by his timely good offices aided in a peaceful
adjustment of the controversy involved in the first conflict. The large
American interests established in that country in connection with the
Nicaragua Canal were not molested.

The canal company has unfortunately become financially seriously
embarrassed, but a generous treatment had been extended to it by the
Government of Nicaragua. The United States are especially interested
in the successful achievement of the vast undertaking this company
has in charge. That it should be accomplished under distinctively
American auspices, and its enjoyment assured not only to the vessels
of this country as a channel of communication between our Atlantic and
Pacific seaboards, but to the ships of the world in the interests of
civilization, is a proposition which, in my judgment, does not admit
of question.

Guatemala has also been visited by the political vicissitudes which
have afflicted her Central American neighbors, but the dissolution of
its Legislature and the proclamation of a dictatorship have been
unattended with civil war.

An extradition treaty with Norway has recently been exchanged and
proclaimed.

The extradition treaty with Russia signed in March, 1887, and amended
and confirmed by the Senate in February last, was duly proclaimed last
June.

Led by a desire to compose differences and contribute to the restoration
of order in Samoa, which for some years previous had been the scene of
conflicting foreign pretensions and native strife, the United States,
departing from its policy consecrated by a century of observance,
entered four years ago into the treaty of Berlin, thereby becoming
jointly bound with England and Germany to establish and maintain
Malietoa Laupepa as King of Samoa. The treaty provided for a foreign
court of justice; a municipal council for the district of Apia, with a
foreign president thereof, authorized to advise the King; a tribunal for
the settlement of native and foreign land titles, and a revenue system
for the Kingdom. It entailed upon the three powers that part of the cost
of the new Government not met by the revenue of the islands.

Early in the life of this triple protectorate the native dissensions it
was designed to quell revived. Rivals defied the authority of the new
King, refusing to pay taxes and demanding the election of a ruler by
native suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the throne, and a large number
of his native adherents were in open rebellion on one of the islands.
Quite lately, at the request of the other powers and in fulfillment of
its treaty obligation, this Government agreed to unite in a joint
military movement of such dimensions as would probably secure the
surrender of the insurgents without bloodshed.

The war ship _Philadelphia_ was accordingly put under orders for
Samoa, but before she arrived the threatened conflict was precipitated
by King Malietoa's attack upon the insurgent camp. Mataafa was defeated
and a number of his men killed. The British and German naval vessels
present subsequently secured the surrender of Mataafa and his adherents.
The defeated chief and ten of his principal supporters were deported to
a German island of the Marshall group, where they are held as prisoners
under the joint responsibility and cost of the three powers.

This incident and the events leading up to it signally illustrate the
impolicy of entangling alliances with foreign powers.

More than fifteen years ago this Government preferred a claim against
Spain in behalf of one of our citizens for property seized and
confiscated in Cuba. In 1886 the claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to
pay unconditionally, as a fair indemnity, $1,500,000. A respectful but
earnest note was recently addressed to the Spanish Government insisting
upon prompt fulfillment of its long-neglected obligation.

Other claims preferred by the United States against Spain in behalf of
American citizens for property confiscated in Cuba have been pending for
many years.

At the time Spain's title to the Caroline Islands was confirmed by
arbitration that Government agreed that the rights which had been
acquired there by American missionaries should be recognized and
respected. It is sincerely hoped that this pledge will be observed by
allowing our missionaries, who were removed from Ponape to a place of
safety by a United States war ship during the late troubles between the
Spanish garrison and the natives, to return to their field of
usefulness.

The reproduced caravel _Santa Maria_, built by Spain and sent to
the Columbian Exposition, has been presented to the United States in
token of amity and in commemoration of the event it was designed to
celebrate. I recommend that in accepting this gift Congress make
grateful recognition of the sincere friendship which prompted it.

Important matters have demanded attention in our relations with the
Ottoman Porte.

The firing and partial destruction by an unrestrained mob of one of the
school buildings of Anatolia College, established by citizens of the
United States at Marsovan, and the apparent indifference of the Turkish
Government to the outrage, notwithstanding the complicity of some of its
officials, called for earnest remonstrance, which was followed by
promise of reparation and punishment of the offenders.

Indemnity for the injury to the buildings has already been paid,
permission to rebuild given, registration of the school property in the
name of the American owners secured, and efficient protection
guaranteed.

Information received of maltreatment suffered by an inoffensive American
woman engaged in missionary work in Turkish Koordistan was followed by
such representations to the Porte as resulted in the issuance of orders
for the punishment of her assailants, the removal of a delinquent
official, and the adoption of measures for the protection of our
citizens engaged in mission and other lawful work in that quarter.

Turkey complains that her Armenian subjects obtain citizenship in this
country not to identify themselves in good faith with our people, but
with the intention of returning to the land of their birth and there
engaging in sedition. This complaint is not wholly without foundation.
A journal published in this country in the Armenian language openly
counsels its readers to arm, organize, and participate in movements
for the subversion of Turkish authority in the Asiatic provinces.
The Ottoman Government has announced its intention to expel from its
dominions Armenians who have obtained naturalization in the United
States since 1868.

The right to exclude any or all classes of aliens is an attribute of
sovereignty. It is a right asserted and, to a limited extent, enforced
by the United States, with the sanction of our highest court. There
being no naturalization treaty between the United States and Turkey, our
minister at Constantinople has been instructed that, while recognizing
the right of that Government to enforce its declared policy against
naturalized Armenians, he is expected to protect them from unnecessary
harshness of treatment.

In view of the impaired financial resources of Venezuela consequent upon
the recent revolution there, a modified arrangement for the satisfaction
of the awards of the late revisory claims commission, in progressive
installments, has been assented to, and payments are being regularly
made thereunder.

The boundary dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana is yet
unadjusted. A restoration of diplomatic intercourse between that
Republic and Great Britain and reference of the question to impartial
arbitration would be a most gratifying consummation.

The ratification by Venezuela of the convention for the arbitration of
the long-deferred claim of the Venezuelan Transportation Company is
awaited.

It is hardly necessary for me to state that the questions arising
from our relations with Hawaii have caused serious embarrassment.
Just prior to the installation of the present Administration the
existing Government of Hawaii had been suddenly overthrown and a treaty
of annexation had been negotiated between the Provisional Government
of the islands and the United States and submitted to the Senate for
ratification. This treaty I withdrew for examination and dispatched
Hon. James H. Blount, of Georgia, to Honolulu as a special commissioner
to make an impartial investigation of the circumstances attending the
change of government and of all the conditions bearing upon the subject
of the treaty. After a thorough and exhaustive examination Mr. Blount
submitted to me his report, showing beyond all question that the
constitutional Government of Hawaii had been subverted with the
active aid of our representative to that Government and through the
intimidation caused by the presence of an armed naval force of the
United States, which was landed for that purpose at the instance of our
minister. Upon the facts developed it seemed to me the only honorable
course for our Government to pursue was to undo the wrong that had been
done by those representing us and to restore as far as practicable the
status existing at the time of our forcible intervention. With a view of
accomplishing this result within the constitutional limits of executive
power, and recognizing all our obligations and responsibilities growing
out of any changed conditions brought about by our unjustifiable
interference, our present minister at Honolulu has received appropriate
instructions to that end. Thus far no information of the accomplishment
of any definite results has been received from him.

Additional advices are soon expected. When received they will be
promptly sent to the Congress, together with all other information at
hand, accompanied by a special Executive message fully detailing all the
facts necessary to a complete understanding of the case and presenting a
history of all the material events leading up to the present situation.

By a concurrent resolution passed by the Senate February 14, 1890,
and by the House of Representatives on the 3d of April following the
President was requested to "invite from time to time, as fit occasions
may arise, negotiations with any government with which the United States
has or may have diplomatic relations, to the end that any differences or
disputes arising between the two governments which can not be adjusted
by diplomatic agency may be referred to arbitration and be peaceably
adjusted by such means." April 18, 1890, the International American
Conference of Washington by resolution expressed the wish that all
controversies between the republics of America and the nations of Europe
might be settled by arbitration, and recommended that the government of
each nation represented in that conference should communicate this wish
to all friendly powers. A favorable response has been received from
Great Britain in the shape of a resolution adopted by Parliament July 16
last, cordially sympathizing with the purpose in view and expressing the
hope that Her Majesty's Government will lend ready cooperation to the
Government of the United States upon the basis of the concurrent
resolution above quoted.

It affords me signal pleasure to lay this parliamentary resolution
before the Congress and to express my sincere gratification that the
sentiment of two great and kindred nations is thus authoritatively
manifested in favor of the rational and peaceable settlement of
international quarrels by honorable resort to arbitration.

Since the passage of the act of March 3, 1893, authorizing the President
to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond with the rank in which
foreign countries accredit their agents here, Great Britain, France,
Italy, and Germany have conferred upon their representatives at this
capital the title of ambassador, and I have responded by accrediting the
agents of the United States in those countries with the same title. A
like elevation of mission is announced by Russia, and when made will be
similarly met. This step fittingly comports with the position the United
States hold in the family of nations.

During my former Administration I took occasion to recommend a recast of
the laws relating to the consular service, in order that it might become
a more efficient agency in the promotion of the interests it was
intended to subserve. The duties and powers of consuls have been
expanded with the growing requirements of our foreign trade. Discharging
important duties affecting our commerce and American citizens abroad,
and in certain countries exercising judicial functions, these officers
should be men of character, intelligence, and ability.

Upon proof that the legislation of Denmark secures copyright to American
citizens on equal footing with its own, the privileges of our copyright
laws have been extended by proclamation to subjects of that country.[2]

The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the
Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1893,
amounted to $461,716,561.94 and its expenditures to $459,374,674.29.
There was collected from customs $205,355,016.73 and from internal
revenue $161,027,623.93. Our dutiable imports amounted to $421,856,711,
an increase of $52,453,907 over the preceding year, and importations
free of duty amounted to $444,544,211, a decrease from the preceding
year of $13,455,447. Internal-revenue receipts exceeded those of the
preceding year by $7,147,445.32. The total tax collected on distilled
spirits was $94,720,260.55, on manufactured tobacco $31,889,711.74, and
on fermented liquors $32,548,983.07. We exported merchandise during the
year amounting to $847,665,194, a decrease of $182,612,954 from the
preceding year. The amount of gold exported was larger than any previous
year in the history of the Government, amounting to $108,680,844, and
exceeding the amount exported during the preceding year by $58,485,517.

The sum paid from the Treasury for sugar bounty was $9,375,130.88, an
increase over the preceding year of $2,033,053.09.

It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the receipts
of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1894, will be
$430,121,365.38 and its expenditures $458,121,365.28, resulting in a
deficiency of $28,000,000.

On the 1st day of November, 1893, the amount of money of all kinds in
circulation, or not included in Treasury holdings, was $1,718,544,682,
an increase for the year of $112,404,947. Estimating our population at
67,426,000 at the time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $25.49.
On the same date there was in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to
$96,657,273 and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost of
$126,261,553.

The purchases of silver under the law of July 14, 1890, during the last
fiscal year aggregated 54,008,162.59 fine ounces, which cost
$45,531,374.53. The total amount of silver purchased from the time that
law became operative until the repeal of its purchasing clause, on the
1st day of November, 1893, was 168,674,590.46 fine ounces, which cost
$155,930,940.84. Between the 1st day of March, 1873, and the 1st day of
November, 1893, the Government purchased under all laws 503,003,717 fine
ounces of silver, at a cost of $516,622,948. The silver dollars that
have been coined under the act of July 14, 1890, number 36,087,285. The
seigniorage arising from such coinage was $6,977,098.39, leaving on hand
in the mints 140,699,760 fine ounces of silver, which cost $126,758,218.

Our total coinage of all metals during the last fiscal year consisted
of 97,280,875 pieces, valued at $43,685,178.80, of which there was
$30,038,140 in gold coin, $5,343,715 in silver dollars, $7,217,220.90
in subsidiary silver coin, and $1,086,102.90 in minor coins.

During the calendar year 1892 the production of precious metals in the
United States was estimated to be 1,596,375 fine ounces of gold of the
commercial and coinage value of $33,000,000 and 58,000,000 fine ounces
of silver of the bullion or market value of $50,750,000 and of the
coinage value of $74,989,900.

It is estimated that on the 1st day of July, 1893, the metallic stock of
money in the United States, consisting of coin and bullion, amounted to
$1,213,559,169, of which $597,697,685 was gold and $615,861,484 was
silver.

One hundred and nineteen national banks were organized during the
year ending October 31, 1893, with a capital of $11,230,000. Forty-six
went into voluntary liquidation and 158 suspended. Sixty-five of the
suspended banks were insolvent, 86 resumed business, and 7 remain in the
hands of the bank examiners, with prospects of speedy resumption. Of the
new banks organized, 44 were located in the Eastern States, 41 west of
the Mississippi River, and 34 in the Central and Southern States. The
total number of national banks in existence on October 31, 1893, was
3,796, having an aggregate capital of $695,558,120. The net increase
in the circulation of these banks during the year was $36,886,972.

The recent repeal of the provision of law requiring the purchase of
silver bullion by the Government as a feature of our monetary scheme has
made an entire change in the complexion of our currency affairs. I do
not doubt that the ultimate result of this action will be most salutary
and far-reaching. In the nature of things, however, it is impossible to
know at this time precisely what conditions will be brought about by the
change, or what, if any, supplementary legislation may in the light of
such conditions appear to be essential or expedient. Of course, after
the recent financial perturbation, time is necessary for the
reestablishment of business confidence. When, however, through this
restored confidence, the money which has been frightened into hoarding
places is returned to trade and enterprise, a survey of the situation
will probably disclose a safe path leading to a permanently sound
currency, abundantly sufficient to meet every requirement of our
increasing population and business.

In the pursuit of this object we should resolutely turn away from
alluring and temporary expedients, determined to be content with nothing
less than a lasting and comprehensive financial plan. In these
circumstances I am convinced that a reasonable delay in dealing with
this subject, instead of being injurious, will increase the probability
of wise action.

The monetary conference which assembled at Brussels upon our invitation
was adjourned to the 30th day of November of the present year. The
considerations just stated and the fact that a definite proposition
from us seemed to be expected upon the reassembling of the conference
led me to express a willingness to have the meeting still further
postponed.

It seems to me that it would be wise to give general authority to the
President to invite other nations to such a conference at any time when
there should be a fair prospect of accomplishing an international
agreement on the subject of coinage.

I desire also to earnestly suggest the wisdom of amending the existing
statutes in regard to the issuance of Government bonds. The authority
now vested in the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds is not as
clear as it should be, and the bonds authorized are disadvantageous to
the Government both as to the time of their maturity and rate of
interest.

The Superintendent of Immigration, through the Secretary of the
Treasury, reports that during the last fiscal year there arrived at our
ports 440,793 immigrants. Of these, 1,063 were not permitted to land
under the limitations of the law and 577 were returned to the countries
from whence they came by reason of their having become public charges.
The total arrivals were 141,034 less than for the previous year.

The Secretary in his report gives an account of the operation of the
Marine-Hospital Service and of the good work done under its supervision
in preventing the entrance and spread of contagious diseases.

The admonitions of the last two years touching our public health and the
demonstrated danger of the introduction of contagious diseases from
foreign ports have invested the subject of national quarantine with
increased interest. A more general and harmonious system than now
exists, acting promptly and directly everywhere and constantly operating
by preventive means to shield our country from the invasion of disease,
and at the same time having due regard to the rights and duties of local
agencies, would, I believe, add greatly to the safety of our people.

The Secretary of War reports that the strength of the Army on the 30th
day of September last was 25,778 enlisted men and 2,144 officers.

The total expenditures of the Department for the year ending June 30,
1893, amounted to $51,966,074.89. Of this sum $1,992,581.95 was for
salaries and contingent expenses, $23,377,828.35 for the support of the
military establishment, $6,077,033.18 for miscellaneous objects, and
$20,518,631.41 for public works. This latter sum includes $15,296,876.46
for river and harbor improvements and $3,266,141.20 for fortifications
and other works of defense.

The total enrollment of the militia of the several States was on the
31st of October of the current year 112,597 officers and enlisted men.
The officers of the Army detailed for the inspection and instruction of
this reserve of our military force report that increased interest and
marked progress are apparent in the discipline and efficiency of the
organization.

Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic violence have called the
Army into service during the year, and the only active military duty
required of it has been in the Department of Texas, where violations of
the neutrality laws of the United States and Mexico were promptly and
efficiently dealt with by the troops, eliciting the warm approval of the
civil and military authorities of both countries.

The operation of wise laws and the influences of civilization constantly
tending to relieve the country from the dangers of Indian hostilities,
together with the increasing ability of the States, through the
efficiency of the National Guard organizations, to protect their
citizens from domestic violence, lead to the suggestion that the time is
fast approaching when there should be a reorganization of our Army on
the lines of the present necessities of the country. This change
contemplates neither increase in number nor added expense, but a
redistribution of the force and an encouragement of measures tending to
greater efficiency among the men and improvement of the service.

The adoption of battalion formations for infantry regiments, the
strengthening of the artillery force, the abandonment of smaller and
unnecessary posts, and the massing of the troops at important and
accessible stations all promise to promote the usefulness of the Army.
In the judgment of army officers, with but few exceptions, the operation
of the law forbidding the reenlistment of men after ten years' service
has not proved its wisdom, and while the arguments that led to its
adoption were not without merit the experience of the year constrains me
to join in the recommendation for its repeal.

It is gratifying to note that we have begun to attain completed results
in the comprehensive scheme of seacoast defense and fortification
entered upon eight years ago. A large sum has been already expended, but
the cost of maintenance will be inconsiderable as compared with the
expense of construction and ordnance. At the end of the current calendar
year the War Department will have nine 12-inch guns, twenty 10-inch, and
thirty-four 8-inch guns ready to be mounted on gun lifts and carriages,
and seventy-five 12-inch mortars. In addition to the product of the Army
Gun Factory, now completed at Watervliet, the Government has contracted
with private parties for the purchase of one hundred guns of these
calibers, the first of which should be delivered to the Department for
test before July 1, 1894.

The manufacture of heavy ordnance keeps pace with current needs, but to
render these guns available for the purposes they are designed to meet
emplacements must be prepared for them. Progress has been made in this
direction, and it is desirable that Congress by adequate appropriations
should provide for the uninterrupted prosecution of this necessary work.

After much preliminary work and exhaustive examination in accordance
with the requirements of the law, the board appointed to select a
magazine rifle of modern type with which to replace the obsolete
Springfield rifle of the infantry service completed its labors during
the last year, and the work of manufacture is now in progress at the
national armory at Springfield. It is confidently expected that by the
end of the current year our infantry will be supplied with a weapon
equal to that of the most progressive armies of the world.

The work on the projected Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park has been prosecuted with zeal and judgment, and its
opening will be celebrated during the coming year. Over 9 square miles
of the Chickamauga battlefield have been acquired, 25 miles of roadway
have been constructed, and permanent tablets have been placed at many
historical points, while the invitation to the States to mark the
positions of their troops participating in the battle has been very
generally accepted.

The work of locating and preserving the lines of battle at the
Gettysburg battlefield is making satisfactory progress on the plans
directed by the last Congress.

The reports of the Military Academy at West Point and the several
schools for special instruction of officers show marked advance in the
education of the Army and a commendable ambition among its officers to
excel in the military profession and to fit themselves for the highest
service to the country.

Under the supervision of Adjutant-General Robert Williams, lately
retired, the Bureau of Military Information has become well established
and is performing a service that will put in possession of the
Government in time of war most valuable information, and at all times
serve a purpose of great utility in keeping the Army advised of the
world's progress in all matters pertaining to the art of war.

The report of the Attorney-General contains the usual summary of the
affairs and proceedings of the Department of Justice for the past year,
together with certain recommendations as to needed legislation on
various subjects. I can not too heartily indorse the proposition that
the fee system as applicable to the compensation of United States
attorneys, marshals, clerks of Federal courts, and United States
commissioners should be abolished with as little delay as possible. It
is clearly in the interest of the community that the business of the
courts, both civil and criminal, shall be as small and as inexpensively
transacted as the ends of justice will allow.

The system is therefore thoroughly vicious which makes the compensation
of court officials depend upon the volume of such business, and thus
creates a conflict between a proper execution of the law and private
gain, which can not fail to be dangerous to the rights and freedom of
the citizen and an irresistible temptation to the unjustifiable
expenditure of public funds. If in addition to this reform another was
inaugurated which would give to United States commissioners the final
disposition of petty offenses within the grade of misdemeanors,
especially those coming under the internal-revenue laws, a great advance
would be made toward a more decent administration of the criminal law.

In my first message to Congress, dated December 8, 1885,[3] I strongly
recommended these changes and referred somewhat at length to the evils
of the present system. Since that time the criminal business of the
Federal courts and the expense attending it have enormously increased.
The number of criminal prosecutions pending in the circuit and district
courts of the United States on the 1st day of July, 1885, was 3,808, of
which 1,884 were for violations of the internal-revenue laws, while the
number of such prosecutions pending on the 1st day of July, 1893, was
9,500, of which 4,200 were for violations of the internal-revenue laws.
The expense of the United States courts, exclusive of judges' salaries,
for the year ending July 1, 1885, was $2,874,733.11 and for the year
ending July 1, 1893, $4,528,676.87.

It is therefore apparent that the reasons given in 1885 for a change in
the manner of enforcing the Federal criminal law have gained cogency and
strength by lapse of time.

I also heartily join the Attorney-General in recommending legislation
fixing degrees of the crime of murder within Federal jurisdiction, as
has been done in many of the States; authorizing writs of error on
behalf of the Government in cases where final judgment is rendered
against the sufficiency of an indictment or against the Government upon
any other question arising before actual trial; limiting the right of
review in cases of felony punishable only by fine and imprisonment to
the circuit court of appeals, and making speedy provision for the
construction of such prisons and reformatories as may be necessary for
the confinement of United States convicts.

The report of the Postmaster-General contains a detailed statement of
the operations of the Post-Office Department during the last fiscal year
and much interesting information touching this important branch of the
public service.

The business of the mails indicates with absolute certainty the
condition of the business of the country, and depression in financial
affairs inevitably and quickly reduces the postal revenues. Therefore
a larger discrepancy than usual between the post-office receipts and
expenditures is the expected and unavoidable result of the distressing
stringency which has prevailed throughout the country during much of the
time covered by the Postmaster-General's report. At a date when better
times were anticipated it was estimated by his predecessor that the
deficiency on the 30th day of June, 1893, would be but a little over
a million and a half dollars. It amounted, however, to more than five
millions. At the same time and under the influence of like anticipations
estimates were made for the current fiscal year, ending June 30, 1894,
which exhibited a surplus of revenue over expenditures of $872,245.71;
but now, in view of the actual receipts and expenditures during that
part of the current fiscal year already expired, the present
Postmaster-General estimates that at its close instead of a surplus
there will be a deficiency of nearly $8,000,000.

The post-office receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to
$75,896,933.16 and its expenditures to $81,074,104.90. This post-office
deficiency would disappear or be immensely decreased if less matter were
carried free through the mails, an item of which is upward of 300 tons
of seeds and grain from the Agricultural Department.

The total number of post-offices in the United States on the 30th day of
June, 1893, was 68,403, an increase of 1,284 over the preceding year. Of
these, 3,360 were Presidential, an increase in that class of 204 over
the preceding year.

Forty-two free-delivery offices were added during the year to those
already existing, making a total of 610 cities and towns provided with
free delivery on June 30, 1893. Ninety-three other cities and towns are
now entitled to this service under the law, but it has not been accorded
them on account of insufficient funds to meet the expenses of its
establishment.

I am decidedly of the opinion that the provisions of the present law
permit as general an introduction of this feature of mail service as
is necessary or justifiable, and that it ought not to be extended to
smaller communities than are now designated.

The expenses of free delivery for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894,
will be more than $11,000,000, and under legislation now existing there
must be a constant increase in this item of expenditure.

There were 6,401 additions to the domestic money-order offices during
the last fiscal year, being the largest increase in any year since the
inauguration of the system. The total number of these offices at the
close of the year was 18,434. There were 13,309,735 money orders issued
from these offices, being an increase over the preceding year of
1,240,293, and the value of these orders amounted to $127,576,433.65, an
increase of $7,509,632.58. There were also issued during the year postal
notes amounting to $12,903,076.73.

During the year 195 international money-order offices were added to
those already provided, making a total of 2,407 in operation on June 30,
1893. The number of international money orders issued during the year
was 1,055,999, an increase over the preceding year of 72,525, and their
value was $16,341,837.86, an increase of $1,221,506.31. The number of
orders paid was 300,917, an increase over the preceding year of 13,503,
and their value was $5,283,375.70, an increase of $94,094.83.

From the foregoing statements it appears that the total issue of money
orders and postal notes for the year amounted to $156,821,348.24.

The number of letters and packages mailed during the year for special
delivery was 3,375,693, an increase over the preceding year of nearly
22 per cent. The special-delivery stamps used upon these letters and
packages amounted to $337,569.30, and the messengers' fees paid for
their delivery amounted to $256,592.71, leaving a profit to the
Government of $80,976.59.

The Railway Mail Service not only adds to the promptness of
mail delivery at all offices, but it is the especial instrumentality
which puts the smaller and way places in the service on an equality
in that regard with the larger and terminal offices. This branch
of the postal service has therefore received much attention from the
Postmaster-General, and though it is gratifying to know that it is in
a condition of high efficiency and great usefulness, I am led to agree
with the Postmaster-General that there is room for its further
improvement.

There are now connected to the Post-Office establishment 28,324
employees who are in the classified service. The head of this great
Department gives conclusive evidence of the value of civil-service
reform when, after an experience that renders his judgment on the
subject absolutely reliable, he expresses the opinion that without
the benefit of this system it would be impossible to conduct the vast
business intrusted to him.

I desire to commend as especially worthy of prompt attention the
suggestions of the Postmaster-General relating to a more sensible and
businesslike organization and a better distribution of responsibility
in his Department.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy contains a history of the
operations of his Department during the past year and exhibits a most
gratifying condition of the personnel of our Navy. He presents a
satisfactory account of the progress which has been made in the
construction of vessels and makes a number of recommendations to which
attention is especially invited.

During the past six months the demands for cruising vessels have been
many and urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to
protect American interests in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica,
Honduras, Argentina, and Brazil, while the condition of affairs in
Honolulu has required the constant presence of one or more ships. With
all these calls upon our Navy it became necessary, in order to make up a
sufficient fleet to patrol the Bering Sea under the _modus vivendi_
agreed upon with Great Britain, to detail to that service one vessel
from the Fish Commission and three from the Revenue Marine.

Progress in the construction of new vessels has not been as rapid as
was anticipated. There have been delays in the completion of unarmored
vessels, but for the most part they have been such as are constantly
occurring even in countries having the largest experience in naval
shipbuilding. The most serious delays, however, have been in the work
upon armored ships. The trouble has been the failure of contractors to
deliver armor as agreed. The difficulties seem now, however, to have
been all overcome, and armor is being delivered with satisfactory
promptness. As a result of the experience acquired by shipbuilders and
designers and material men, it is believed that the dates when vessels
will be completed can now be estimated with reasonable accuracy. Great
guns, rapid-fire guns, torpedoes, and powder are being promptly
supplied.

The following vessels of the new Navy have been completed and are
now ready for service: The double-turreted coast-defense monitor
_Miantonomoh_, the double-turreted coast-defense monitor _Monterey_,
the armored cruiser _New York_, the protected cruisers _Baltimore_,
_Chicago_, _Philadelphia_, _Newark_, _San Francisco_, _Charleston_,
_Atlanta_, and _Boston_, the cruiser _Detroit_, the gunboats _Yorktown_,
_Concord_, _Bennington_, _Machias_, _Castine_, and _Petrel_, the
dispatch vessel _Dolphin_, the practice vessel _Bancroft_, and the
dynamite gunboat _Vesuvius_. Of these the _Bancroft_, _Machias_,
_Detroit_, and _Castine_ have been placed in commission during the current
calendar year.

The following vessels are in process of construction: The second-class
battle ships _Maine_ and _Texas_, the cruisers _Montgomery_ and
_Marblehead_, and the coast-defense monitors _Terror_, _Puritan_,
_Amphitrite_, and _Monadnock_, all of which will be completed within one
year; the harbor-defense ram _Katahdin_ and the protected cruisers
_Columbia_, _Minneapolis_, _Olympia_, _Cincinnati_, and _Raleigh_, all
of which will be completed prior to July 1, 1895; the first-class battle
ships _Iowa_, _Indiana_, _Massachusetts_, and _Oregon_, which will be
completed February 1, 1896, and the armored cruiser _Brooklyn_, which
will be completed by August 1 of that year. It is also expected that the
three gunboats authorized by the last Congress will be completed in less
than two years.

Since 1886 Congress has at each session authorized the building of one
or more vessels, and the Secretary of the Navy presents an earnest plea
for the continuance of this plan. He recommends the authorization of at
least one battle ship and six torpedo boats.

While I am distinctly in favor of consistently pursuing the policy we
have inaugurated of building up a thorough and efficient Navy, I can not
refrain from the suggestion that the Congress should carefully take into
account the number of unfinished vessels on our hands and the depleted
condition of our Treasury in considering the propriety of an
appropriation at this time to begin new work.

The method of employing mechanical labor at navy-yards through boards of
labor and making efficiency the sole test by which laborers are employed
and continued is producing the best results, and the Secretary is
earnestly devoting himself to its development. Attention is invited to
the statements of his report in regard to the workings of the system.

The Secretary of the Interior has the supervision of so many important
subjects that his report is of especial value and interest.

On the 30th day of June, 1893, there were on the pension rolls 966,012
names, an increase of 89,944 over the number on the rolls June 30, 1892.
Of these there were 17 widows and daughters of Revolutionary soldiers,
86 survivors of the War of 1812, 5,425 widows of soldiers of that war,
21,518 survivors and widows of the Mexican War, 3,882 survivors and
widows of Indian wars, 284 army nurses, and 475,645 survivors and
widows and children of deceased soldiers and sailors of the War of the
Rebellion. The latter number represents those pensioned on account of
disabilities or death resulting from army and navy service. The number
of persons remaining on the rolls June 30, 1893, who were pensioned
under the act of June 27, 1890, which allows pensions on account of
death and disability not chargeable to army service, was 459,155.

The number added to the rolls during the year was 123,634 and the number
dropped was 33,690. The first payments on pensions allowed during the
year amounted to $33,756,549.98. This includes arrears, or the
accumulation between the time from which the allowance of pension dates
and the time of actually granting the certificate.

Although the law of 1890 permits pensions for disabilities not related
to military service, yet as a requisite to its benefits a disability
must exist incapacitating applicants "from the performance of manual
labor to such a degree as to render them unable to earn a support." The
execution of this law in its early stages does not seem to have been in
accord with its true intention, but toward the close of the last
Administration an authoritative construction was given to the statute,
and since that time this construction has been followed. This has had
the effect of limiting the operation of the law to its intended purpose.
The discovery having been made that many names had been put upon the
pension roll by means of wholesale and gigantic frauds, the Commissioner
suspended payments upon a number of pensions which seemed to be
fraudulent or unauthorized pending a complete examination, giving notice
to the pensioners, in order that they might have an opportunity to
establish, if possible, the justice of their claims notwithstanding
apparent invalidity.

This, I understand, is the practice which has for a long time prevailed
in the Pension Bureau; but after entering upon these recent
investigations the Commissioner modified this rule so as not to allow
until after a complete examination interference with the payment of a
pension apparently not altogether void, but which merely had been fixed
at a rate higher than that authorized by law.

I am unable to understand why frauds in the pension rolls should
not be exposed and corrected with thoroughness and vigor. Every name
fraudulently put upon these rolls is a wicked imposition upon the
kindly sentiment in which pensions have their origin; every fraudulent
pensioner has become a bad citizen; every false oath in support of
a pension has made perjury more common, and false and undeserving
pensioners rob the people not only of their money, but of the patriotic
sentiment which the survivors of a war fought for the preservation of
the Union ought to inspire. Thousands of neighborhoods have their
well-known fraudulent pensioners, and recent developments by the Bureau
establish appalling conspiracies to accomplish pension frauds. By no
means the least wrong done is to brave and deserving pensioners, who
certainly ought not to be condemned to such association. Those who
attempt in the line of duty to rectify these wrongs should not be
accused of enmity or indifference to the claims of honest veterans.

The sum expended on account of pensions for the year ending June 30,
1893, was $156,740,467.14.

The Commissioner estimates that $165,000,000 will be required to pay
pensions during the year ending June 30, 1894.

The condition of the Indians and their ultimate fate are subjects which
are related to a sacred duty of the Government and which strongly appeal
to the sense of justice and the sympathy of our people.

Our Indians number about 248,000. Most of them are located on 161
reservations, containing 86,116,531 acres of land. About 110,000 of
these Indians have to a large degree adopted civilized customs. Lands in
severalty have been allotted to many of them. Such allotments have been
made to 10,000 individuals during the last fiscal year, embracing about
1,000,000 acres. The number of Indian Government schools opened during
the year was 195, an increase of 12 over the preceding year. Of this
total 170 were on reservations, of which 73 were boarding schools and 97
were day schools. Twenty boarding schools and 5 day schools supported by
the Government were not located on reservations. The total number of
Indian children enrolled during the year as attendants of all schools
was 21,138, an increase of 1,231 over the enrollment for the previous
year.

I am sure that secular education and moral and religious teaching must
be important factors in any effort to save the Indian and lead him to
civilization. I believe, too, that the relinquishment of tribal
relations and the holding of land in severalty may in favorable
conditions aid this consummation. It seems to me, however, that
allotments of land in severalty ought to be made with great care and
circumspection. If hastily done, before the Indian knows its meaning,
while yet he has little or no idea of tilling a farm and no conception
of thrift, there is great danger that a reservation life in tribal
relations may be exchanged for the pauperism of civilization instead of
its independence and elevation.

The solution of the Indian problem depends very largely upon good
administration. The personal fitness of agents and their adaptability to
the peculiar duty of caring for their wards are of the utmost importance.

The law providing that, except in special cases, army officers shall be
detailed as Indian agents it is hoped will prove a successful experiment.

There is danger of great abuses creeping into the prosecution of claims
for Indian depredations, and I recommend that every possible safeguard
be provided against the enforcement of unjust and fictitious claims of
this description.

The appropriations on account of the Indian Bureau for the year ending
June 30, 1894, amount to $7,954,962.99, a decrease as compared with the
year preceding it of $387,131.95.

The vast area of land which but a short time ago constituted the public
domain is rapidly falling into private hands. It is certain that in
the transfer the beneficent intention of the Government to supply from
its domain homes to the industrious and worthy home seekers is often
frustrated. Though the speculator, who stands with extortionate purpose
between the land office and those who, with their families, are invited
by the Government to settle on the public lands, is a despicable
character who ought not to be tolerated, yet it is difficult to thwart
his schemes. The recent opening to settlement of the lands in the
Cherokee Outlet, embracing an area of 6,500,000 acres, notwithstanding
the utmost care in framing the regulations governing the selection of
locations and notwithstanding the presence of United States troops,
furnished an exhibition, though perhaps in a modified degree, of the
mad scramble, the violence, and the fraudulent occupation which have
accompanied previous openings of public land.

I concur with the Secretary in the belief that these outrageous
incidents can not be entirely prevented without a change in the laws on
the subject, and I hope his recommendations in that direction will be
favorably considered.

I especially commend to the attention of the Congress the statements
contained in the Secretary's report concerning forestry. The time has
come when efficient measures should be taken for the preservation of
our forests from indiscriminate and remediless destruction.

The report of the Secretary of Agriculture will be found exceedingly
interesting, especially to that large part of our citizens intimately
concerned in agricultural occupations.

On the 7th day of March, 1893, there were upon its pay rolls 2,430
employees. This number has been reduced to 1,850 persons. In view of a
depleted public Treasury and the imperative demand of the people for
economy in the administration of their Government, the Secretary has
entered upon the task of rationally reducing expenditures by the
elimination from the pay rolls of all persons not needed for an
efficient conduct of the affairs of the Department.

During the first quarter of the present year the expenses of the
Department aggregated $345,876.76, as against $402,012.42 for the
corresponding period of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893. The
Secretary makes apparent his intention to continue this rate of
reduction by submitting estimates for the next fiscal year less by
$994,280 than those for the present year.

Among the heads of divisions in this Department the changes have been
exceedingly few. Three vacancies occurring from death and resignations
have been filled by the promotion of assistants in the same divisions.

These promotions of experienced and faithful assistants have not only
been in the interest of efficient work, but have suggested to those in
the Department who look for retention and promotion that merit and
devotion to duty are their best reliance.

The amount appropriated for the Bureau of Animal Industry for the
current fiscal year is $850,000. The estimate for the ensuing year is
$700,000.

The regulations of 1892 concerning Texas fever have been enforced during
the last year and the large stock yards of the country have been kept
free from infection. Occasional local outbreaks have been largely such
as could have been effectually guarded against by the owners of the
affected cattle.

While contagious pleuro-pneumonia in cattle has been eradicated, animal
tuberculosis, a disease widespread and more dangerous to human life than
pleuro-pneumonia, is still prevalent. Investigations have been made
during the past year as to the means of its communication and the method
of its correct diagnosis. Much progress has been made in this direction
by the studies of the division of animal pathology, but work ought to be
extended, in cooperation with local authorities, until the danger to
human life arising from this cause is reduced to a minimum.

The number of animals arriving from Canada during the year and inspected
by Bureau officers was 462,092, and the number from transatlantic
countries was 1,297. No contagious diseases were found among the
imported animals.

The total number of inspections of cattle for export during the past
fiscal year was 611,542. The exports show a falling off of about 25 per
cent from the preceding year, the decrease occurring entirely in the
last half of the year. This suggests that the falling off may have been
largely due to an increase in the price of American export cattle.

During the year ending June 30, 1893, exports of inspected pork
aggregated 20,677,410 pounds, as against 38,152,874 pounds for the
preceding year. The falling off in this export was not confined,
however, to inspected pork, the total quantity exported for 1892 being
665,490,616 pounds, while in 1893 it was only 527,308,695 pounds.

I join the Secretary in recommending that hereafter each applicant for
the position of inspector or assistant inspector in the Bureau of Animal
Industry be required, as a condition precedent to his appointment, to
exhibit to the United States Civil Service Commission his diploma from
an established, regular, and reputable veterinary college, and that this
be supplemented by such an examination in veterinary science as the
Commission may prescribe.

The exports of agricultural products from the United States for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, attained the enormous figure of
$800,000,000, in round numbers, being 78.7 per cent of our total
exports. In the last fiscal year this aggregate was greatly reduced, but
nevertheless reached 615,000,000, being 75.1 per cent of all American
commodities exported.

A review of our agricultural exports with special reference to their
destination will show that in almost every line the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland absorbs by far the largest proportion. Of
cattle the total exports aggregated in value for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1893, $26,000,000, of which Great Britain took considerably
over $25,000,000. Of beef products of all kinds our total exports were
$28,000,000, of which Great Britain took $24,000,000. Of pork products
the total exports were $84,000,000, of which Great Britain took
$53,000,000. In breadstuffs, cotton, and minor products like proportions
sent to the same destination are shown.

The work of the statistical division of the Department of Agriculture
deals with all that relates to the economics of farming.

The main purpose of its monthly reports is to keep the farmers informed
as fully as possible of all matters having any influence upon the
world's markets, in which their products find sale. Its publications
relate especially to the commercial side of farming.

It is therefore of profound importance and vital concern to the farmers
of the United States, who represent nearly one-half of our population,
and also of direct interest to the whole country, that the work of this
division be efficiently performed and that the information it has
gathered be promptly diffused.

It is a matter for congratulation to know that the Secretary will not
spare any effort to make this part of his work thoroughly useful.

In the year 1839 the Congress appropriated $1,000, to be taken from the
Patent Office funds, for the purpose of collecting and distributing
rare and improved varieties of seeds and for prosecuting agricultural
investigations and procuring agricultural statistics. From this small
beginning the seed division of the Department of Agriculture has grown
to its present unwieldy and unjustifiably extravagant proportions.

During the last fiscal year the cost of seeds purchased was $66,548.61.
The remainder of an appropriation of $135,000 was expended in putting
them up and distributing them. It surely never could have entered the
minds of those who first sanctioned appropriations of public money for
the purchase of new and improved varieties of seeds for gratuitous
distribution that from this would grow large appropriations for the
purchase and distribution by members of Congress of ordinary seeds,
bulbs, and cuttings which are common in all the States and Territories
and everywhere easily obtainable at low prices.

In each State and Territory an agricultural experiment station has been
established. These stations, by their very character and name, are the
proper agencies to experiment with and test new varieties of seeds; and
yet this indiscriminate and wasteful distribution by legislation and
legislators continues, answering no purpose unless it be to remind
constituents that their representatives are willing to remember them
with gratuities at public cost.

Under the sanction of existing legislation there was sent out from the
Agricultural Department during the last fiscal year enough of cabbage
seed to plant 19,200 acres of land, a sufficient quantity of beans to
plant 4,000 acres, beet seed enough to plant 2,500 acres, sweet corn
enough to plant 7,800 acres, sufficient cucumber seed to cover 2,025
acres with vines, and enough muskmelon and watermelon seeds to plant
2,675 acres. The total quantity of flower and vegetable seeds thus
distributed was contained in more than 9,000,000 packages, and they were
sufficient if planted to cover 89,596 acres of land.

In view of these facts this enormous expenditure without legitimate
returns of benefit ought to be abolished. Anticipating a consummation so
manifestly in the interest of good administration, more than $100,000
has been stricken from the estimate made to cover this object for the
year ending June 30, 1895; and the Secretary recommends that the
remaining $35,000 of the estimate be confined strictly to the purchase
of new and improved varieties of seeds, and that these be distributed
through experiment stations.

Thus the seed will be tested, and after the test has been completed by
the experiment station the propagation of the useful varieties and the
rejection of the valueless may safely be left to the common sense of the
people.

The continued intelligent execution of the civil-service law and the
increasing approval by the people of its operation are most gratifying.
The recent extension of its limitations and regulations to the employees
at free-delivery post-offices, which has been honestly and promptly
accomplished by the Commission, with the hearty cooperation of the
Postmaster-General, is an immensely important advance in the usefulness
of the system.

I am, if possible, more than ever convinced of the incalculable benefits
conferred by the civil-service law, not only in its effect upon the
public service, but also, what is even more important, in its effect in
elevating the tone of political life generally.

The course of civil-service reform in this country instructively and
interestingly illustrates how strong a hold a movement gains upon our
people which has underlying it a sentiment of justice and right and
which at the same time promises better administration of their
Government.

The law embodying this reform found its way to our statute book
more from fear of the popular sentiment existing in its favor than
from any love for the reform itself on the part of legislators, and
it has lived and grown and flourished in spite of the covert as well
as open hostility of spoilsmen and notwithstanding the querulous
impracticability of many self-constituted guardians. Beneath all
the vagaries and sublimated theories which are attracted to it there
underlies this reform a sturdy common-sense principle not only suited to
this mundane sphere, but whose application our people are more and more
recognizing to be absolutely essential to the most successful operation
of their Government, if not to its perpetuity.

It seems to me to be entirely inconsistent with the character of this
reform, as well as with its best enforcement, to oblige the Commission
to rely for clerical assistance upon clerks detailed from other
Departments. There ought not to be such a condition in any Department
that clerks hired to do work there can be spared to habitually work
at another place, and it does not accord with a sensible view of
civil-service reform that persons should be employed on the theory that
their labor is necessary in one Department when in point of fact their
services are devoted to entirely different work in another Department.

I earnestly urge that the clerks necessary to carry on the work of the
Commission be regularly put upon its roster and that the system of
obliging the Commissioners to rely upon the services of clerks belonging
to other Departments be discontinued. This ought not to increase the
expense to the Government, while it would certainly be more consistent
and add greatly to the efficiency of the Commission.

Economy in public expenditure is a duty that can not innocently be
neglected by those intrusted with the control of money drawn from the
people for public uses. It must be confessed that our apparently endless
resources, the familiarity of our people with immense accumulations
of wealth, the growing sentiment among them that the expenditure of
public money should in some manner be to their immediate and personal
advantage, the indirect and almost stealthy manner in which a large
part of our taxes is exacted, and a degenerated sense of official
accountability have led to growing extravagance in governmental
appropriations.

At this time, when a depleted public Treasury confronts us, when many
of our people are engaged in a hard struggle for the necessaries of
life, and when enforced economy is pressing upon the great mass of our
countrymen, I desire to urge with all the earnestness at my command that
Congressional legislation be so limited by strict economy as to exhibit
an appreciation of the condition of the Treasury and a sympathy with the
straitened circumstances of our fellow-citizens.

The duty of public economy is also of immense importance in its intimate
and necessary relation to the task now in hand of providing revenue to
meet Government expenditures and yet reducing the people's burden of
Federal taxation.

After a hard struggle tariff reform is directly before us. Nothing so
important claims our attention and nothing so clearly presents itself as
both an opportunity and a duty--an opportunity to deserve the gratitude
of our fellow-citizens and a duty imposed upon us by our oft-repeated
professions and by the emphatic mandate of the people. After full
discussion our countrymen have spoken in favor of this reform, and they
have confided the work of its accomplishment to the hands of those who
are solemnly pledged to it.

If there is anything in the theory of a representation in public places
of the people and their desires, if public officers are really the
servants of the people, and if political promises and professions have
any binding force, our failure to give the relief so long awaited will
be sheer recreancy. Nothing should intervene to distract our attention
or disturb our effort until this reform is accomplished by wise and
careful legislation.

While we should stanchly adhere to the principle that only the necessity
of revenue justifies the imposition of tariff duties and other Federal
taxation and that they should be limited by strict economy, we can not
close our eyes to the fact that conditions have grown up among us which
in justice and fairness call for discriminating care in the distribution
of such duties and taxation as the emergencies of our Government
actually demand.

Manifestly if we are to aid the people directly through tariff reform,
one of its most obvious features should be a reduction in present tariff
charges upon the necessaries of life. The benefits of such a reduction
would be palpable and substantial, seen and felt by thousands who would
be better fed and better clothed and better sheltered. These gifts
should be the willing benefactions of a Government whose highest
function is the promotion of the welfare of the people.

Not less closely related to our people's prosperity and well-being is
the removal of restrictions upon the importation of the raw materials
necessary to our manufactures. The world should be open to our national
ingenuity and enterprise. This can not be while Federal legislation
through the imposition of high tariff forbids to American manufacturers
as cheap materials as those used by their competitors. It is quite
obvious that the enhancement of the price of our manufactured products
resulting from this policy not only confines the market for these
products within our own borders, to the direct disadvantage of our
manufacturers, but also increases their cost to our citizens.

The interests of labor are certainly, though indirectly, involved in
this feature of our tariff system. The sharp competition and active
struggle among our manufacturers to supply the limited demand for their
goods soon fill the narrow market to which they are confined. Then
follows a suspension of work in mills and factories, a discharge of
employees, and distress in the homes of our workingmen.

Even if the often-disproved assertion could be made good that a lower
rate of wages would result from free raw materials and low tariff
duties, the intelligence of our workmen leads them quickly to discover
that their steady employment, permitted by free raw materials, is the
most important factor in their relation to tariff legislation.

A measure has been prepared by the appropriate Congressional committee
embodying tariff reform on the lines herein suggested, which will be
promptly submitted for legislative action. It is the result of much
patriotic and unselfish work, and I believe it deals with its subject
consistently and as thoroughly as existing conditions permit.

I am satisfied that the reduced tariff duties provided for in the
proposed legislation, added to existing internal-revenue taxation, will
in the near future, though perhaps not immediately, produce sufficient
revenue to meet the needs of the Government.

The committee, after full consideration and to provide against a
temporary deficiency which may exist before the business of the country
adjusts itself to the new tariff schedules, have wisely embraced in
their plan a few additional internal-revenue taxes, including a small
tax upon incomes derived from certain corporate investments.

These new adjustments are not only absolutely just and easily borne, but
they have the further merit of being such as can be remitted without
unfavorable business disturbance whenever the necessity of their
imposition no longer exists.

In my great desire for the success of this measure I can not restrain
the suggestion that its success can only be attained by means of
unselfish counsel on the part of the friends of tariff reform and as a
result of their willingness to subordinate personal desires and
ambitions to the general good. The local interests affected by the
proposed reform are so numerous and so varied that if all are insisted
upon the legislation embodying the reform must inevitably fail.

In conclusion my intense feeling of responsibility impels me to invoke
for the manifold interests of a generous and confiding people the most
scrupulous care and to pledge my willing support to every legislative
effort for the advancement of the greatness and prosperity of our
beloved country.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 1: See pp. 377-378.]

[Footnote 2: See pp. 395-396.]

[Footnote 3: See Vol. VIII, pp. 353-355.]



SPECIAL MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 18, 1893_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

In my recent annual message to the Congress I briefly referred to our
relations with Hawaii and expressed the intention of transmitting
further information on the subject when additional advices permitted.

Though I am not able now to report a definite change in the actual
situation, I am convinced that the difficulties lately created both
here and in Hawaii, and now standing in the way of a solution through
Executive action of the problem presented, render it proper and
expedient that the matter should be referred to the broader authority
and discretion of Congress, with a full explanation of the endeavor
thus far made to deal with the emergency and a statement of the
considerations which have governed my action.

I suppose that right and justice should determine the path to be
followed in treating this subject. If national honesty is to be
disregarded and a desire for territorial extension or dissatisfaction
with a form of government not our own ought to regulate our conduct, I
have entirely misapprehended the mission and character of our Government
and the behavior which the conscience of our people demands of their
public servants.

When the present Administration entered upon its duties, the Senate
had under consideration a treaty providing for the annexation of the
Hawaiian Islands to the territory of the United States. Surely under our
Constitution and laws the enlargement of our limits is a manifestation
of the highest attribute of sovereignty, and if entered upon as an
Executive act all things relating to the transaction should be clear and
free from suspicion. Additional importance attached to this particular
treaty of annexation because it contemplated a departure from unbroken
American tradition in providing for the addition to our territory of
islands of the sea more than 2,000 miles removed from our nearest coast.

These considerations might not of themselves call for interference with
the completion of a treaty entered upon by a previous Administration,
but it appeared from the documents accompanying the treaty when
submitted to the Senate that the ownership of Hawaii was tendered to us
by a Provisional Government set up to succeed the constitutional ruler
of the islands, who had been dethroned, and it did not appear that such
Provisional Government had the sanction of either popular revolution or
suffrage. Two other remarkable features of the transaction naturally
attracted attention. One was the extraordinary haste, not to say
precipitancy, characterizing all the transactions connected with the
treaty. It appeared that a so-called committee of safety, ostensibly the
source of the revolt against the constitutional Government of Hawaii,
was organized on Saturday, the 14th day of January; that on Monday, the
16th, the United States forces were landed at Honolulu from a naval
vessel lying in its harbor; that on the 17th the scheme of a Provisional
Government was perfected, and a proclamation naming its officers was
on the same day prepared and read at the Government building; that
immediately thereupon the United States minister recognized the
Provisional Government thus created; that two days afterwards, on the
19th day of January, commissioners representing such Government sailed
for this country in a steamer especially chartered for the occasion,
arriving in San Francisco on the 28th day of January and in Washington
on the 3d day of February; that on the next day they had their first
interview with the Secretary of State, and another on the 11th, when the
treaty of annexation was practically agreed upon, and that on the 14th
it was formally concluded and on the 15th transmitted to the Senate.
Thus between the initiation of the scheme for a Provisional Government
in Hawaii, on the 14th day of January, and the submission to the Senate
of the treaty of annexation concluded with such Government the entire
interval was thirty-two days, fifteen of which were spent by the
Hawaiian commissioners in their journey to Washington.

In the next place, upon the face of the papers submitted with the treaty
it clearly appeared that there was open and undetermined an issue of
fact of the most vital importance. The message of the President
accompanying the treaty[4] declared that "the overthrow of the monarchy
was not in any way promoted by this Government," and in a letter to the
President from the Secretary of State, also submitted to the Senate with
the treaty, the following passage occurs:

  At the time the Provisional Government took possession of the Government
  buildings no troops or officers of the United States were present or
  took any part whatever in the proceedings. No public recognition was
  accorded to the Provisional Government by the United States minister
  until after the Queen's abdication and when they were in effective
  possession of the Government buildings, the archives, the treasury, the
  barracks, the police station, and all the potential machinery of the
  Government.


But a protest also accompanied said treaty, signed by the Queen and her
ministers at the time she made way for the Provisional Government, which
explicitly stated that she yielded to the superior force of the United
States, whose minister had caused United States troops to be landed at
Honolulu and declared that he would support such Provisional Government.

The truth or falsity of this protest was surely of the first importance.
If true, nothing but the concealment of its truth could induce our
Government to negotiate with the semblance of a government thus created,
nor could a treaty resulting from the acts stated in the protest have
been knowingly deemed worthy of consideration by the Senate. Yet the
truth or falsity of the protest had not been investigated.

I conceived it to be my duty, therefore, to withdraw the treaty from the
Senate for examination, and meanwhile to cause an accurate, full, and
impartial investigation to be made of the facts attending the subversion
of the constitutional Government of Hawaii and the installment in
its place of the Provisional Government. I selected for the work of
investigation the Hon. James H. Blount, of Georgia, whose service of
eighteen years as a member of the House of Representatives and whose
experience as chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs in that body,
and his consequent familiarity with international topics, joined with
his high character and honorable reputation, seemed to render him
peculiarly fitted for the duties intrusted to him. His report detailing
his action under the instructions given to him and the conclusions
derived from his investigation accompany this message.

These conclusions do not rest for their acceptance entirely upon
Mr. Blount's honesty and ability as a man, nor upon his acumen and
impartiality as an investigator. They are accompanied by the evidence
upon which they are based, which evidence is also herewith transmitted,
and from which it seems to me no other deductions could possibly be
reached than those arrived at by the commissioner.

The report, with its accompanying proofs and such other evidence as is
now before the Congress or is herewith submitted, justifies, in my
opinion, the statement that when the President was led to submit the
treaty to the Senate with the declaration that "the overthrow of the
monarchy was not in any way promoted by this Government," and when the
Senate was induced to receive and discuss it on that basis, both
President and Senate were misled.

The attempt will not be made in this communication to touch upon all
the facts which throw light upon the progress and consummation of this
scheme of annexation. A very brief and imperfect reference to the facts
and evidence at hand will exhibit its character and the incidents in
which it had its birth.

It is unnecessary to set forth the reasons which in January, 1893, led
a considerable proportion of American and other foreign merchants and
traders residing at Honolulu to favor the annexation of Hawaii to the
United States. It is sufficient to note the fact and to observe that
the project was one which was zealously promoted by the minister
representing the United States in that country. He evidently had an
ardent desire that it should become a fact accomplished by his agency
and during his ministry, and was not inconveniently scrupulous as to the
means employed to that end. On the 19th day of November, 1892, nearly
two months before the first overt act tending toward the subversion of
the Hawaiian Government and the attempted transfer of Hawaiian territory
to the United States, he addressed a long letter to the Secretary of
State, in which the case for annexation was elaborately argued on moral,
political, and economical grounds. He refers to the loss to the Hawaiian
sugar interests from the operation of the McKinley bill and the tendency
to still further depreciation of sugar property unless some positive
measure of relief is granted. He strongly inveighs against the existing
Hawaiian Government and emphatically declares for annexation. He says:

  In truth, the monarchy here is an absurd anachronism. It has nothing on
  which it logically or legitimately stands. The feudal basis on which it
  once stood no longer existing, the monarchy now is only an impediment to
  good government--an obstruction to the prosperity and progress of the
  islands.


He further says:

  As a Crown colony of Great Britain or a Territory of the United States
  the government modifications could be made readily and good
  administration of the law secured. Destiny and the vast future interests
  of the United States in the Pacific clearly indicate who at no distant
  day must be responsible for the government of these islands. Under a
  Territorial government they could be as easily governed as any of the
  existing Territories of the United States. * * * Hawaii has reached
  the parting of the ways. She must now take the road which leads to Asia,
  or the other, which outlets her in America, gives her an American
  civilization, and binds her to the care of American destiny.


He also declares:

  One of two courses seems to me absolutely necessary to be
  followed--either bold and vigorous measures for annexation or a "customs
  union," an ocean cable from the Californian coast to Honolulu, Pearl
  Harbor perpetually ceded to the United States, with an implied but not
  expressly stipulated American protectorate over the islands. I believe
  the former to be the better, that which will prove much the more
  advantageous to the islands and the cheapest and least embarrassing in
  the end to the United States. If it was wise for the United States,
  through Secretary Marcy, thirty-eight years ago, to offer to expend
  $100,000 to secure a treaty of annexation, it certainly can not be
  chimerical or unwise to expend $100,000 to secure annexation in the near
  future. To-day the United States has five times the wealth she possessed
  in 1854, and the reasons now existing for annexation are much stronger
  than they were then. I can not refrain from expressing the opinion with
  emphasis that the golden hour is near at hand.


These declarations certainly show a disposition and condition of mind
which may be usefully recalled when interpreting the significance of the
minister's conceded acts or when considering the probabilities of such
conduct on his part as may not be admitted.

In this view it seems proper to also quote from a letter written by the
minister to the Secretary of State on the 8th day of March, 1892, nearly
a year prior to the first step taken toward annexation. After stating
the possibility that the existing Government of Hawaii might be
overturned by an orderly and peaceful revolution, Minister Stevens
writes as follows:

  Ordinarily, in like circumstances, the rule seems to be to limit the
  landing and movement of United States forces in foreign waters and
  dominion exclusively to the protection of the United States legation
  and of the lives and property of American citizens; but as the relations
  of the United States to Hawaii are exceptional, and in former years
  the United States officials here took somewhat exceptional action in
  circumstances of disorder, I desire to know how far the present minister
  and naval commander may deviate from established international rules
  and precedents in the contingencies indicated in the first part of this
  dispatch.


To a minister of this temper, full of zeal for annexation, there seemed
to arise in January, 1893, the precise opportunity for which he was
watchfully waiting--an opportunity which by timely "deviation from
established international rules and precedents" might be improved to
successfully accomplish the great object in view; and we are quite
prepared for the exultant enthusiasm with which, in a letter to the
State Department dated February 1, 1893, he declares:

  The Hawaiian pear is now fully ripe, and this is the golden hour for
  the United States to pluck it.


As a further illustration of the activity of this diplomatic
representative, attention is called to the fact that on the day the
above letter was written, apparently unable longer to restrain his
ardor, he issued a proclamation whereby, "in the name of the United
States," he assumed the protection of the Hawaiian Islands and declared
that said action was "taken pending and subject to negotiations at
Washington." Of course this assumption of a protectorate was promptly
disavowed by our Government, but the American flag remained over the
Government building at Honolulu and the forces remained on guard until
April, and after Mr. Blount's arrival on the scene, when both were
removed.

A brief statement of the occurrences that led to the subversion of the
constitutional Government of Hawaii in the interests of annexation to
the United States will exhibit the true complexion of that transaction.

On Saturday, January 14, 1893, the Queen of Hawaii, who had been
contemplating the proclamation of a new constitution, had, in deference
to the wishes and remonstrances of her cabinet, renounced the project
for the present at least. Taking this relinquished purpose as a basis
of action, citizens of Honolulu numbering from fifty to one hundred,
mostly resident aliens, met in a private office and selected a so-called
committee of safety, composed of thirteen persons, seven of whom were
foreign subjects, and consisted of five Americans, one Englishman,
and one German. This committee, though its designs were not revealed,
had in view nothing less than annexation to the United States, and
between Saturday, the 14th, and the following Monday, the 16th of
January--though exactly what action was taken may not be clearly
disclosed--they were certainly in communication with the United States
minister. On Monday morning the Queen and her cabinet made public
proclamation, with a notice which was specially served upon the
representatives of all foreign governments, that any changes in the
constitution would be sought only in the methods provided by that
instrument. Nevertheless, at the call and under the auspices of the
committee of safety, a mass meeting of citizens was held on that day to
protest against the Queen's alleged illegal and unlawful proceedings and
purposes. Even at this meeting the committee of safety continued to
disguise their real purpose and contented themselves with procuring
the passage of a resolution denouncing the Queen and empowering the
committee to devise ways and means "to secure the permanent maintenance
of law and order and the protection of life, liberty, and property
in Hawaii." This meeting adjourned between 3 and 4 o'clock in the
afternoon. On the same day, and immediately after such adjournment, the
committee, unwilling to take further steps without the cooperation of
the United States minister, addressed him a note representing that the
public safety was menaced and that lives and property were in danger,
and concluded as follows:

  We are unable to protect ourselves without aid, and therefore pray for
  the protection of the United States forces.


Whatever may be thought of the other contents of this note, the absolute
truth of this latter statement is incontestable. When the note was
written and delivered the committee, so far as it appears, had neither
a man nor a gun at their command, and after its delivery they became so
panic-stricken at their position that they sent some of their number to
interview the minister and request him not to land the United States
forces till the next morning. But he replied that the troops had been
ordered and whether the committee were ready or not the landing should
take place. And so it happened that on the 16th day of January, 1893,
between 4 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon, a detachment of marines from
the United States steamer _Boston_, with two pieces of artillery,
landed at Honolulu. The men, upward of 160 in all, were supplied with
double cartridge belts filled with ammunition and with haversacks and
canteens, and were accompanied by a hospital corps with stretchers and
medical supplies.

This military demonstration upon the soil of Honolulu was of itself an
act of war, unless made either with the consent of the Government of
Hawaii or for the _bona fide_ purpose of protecting the imperiled
lives and property of citizens of the United States. But there is no
pretense of any such consent on the part of the Government of the Queen,
which at that time was undisputed and was both the _de facto_ and
the _de jure_ Government. In point of fact the existing Government,
instead of requesting the presence of an armed force, protested against
it. There is as little basis for the pretense that such forces were
landed for the security of American life and property. If so, they would
have been stationed in the vicinity of such property and so as to
protect it, instead of at a distance and so as to command the Hawaiian
Government building and palace. Admiral Skerrett, the officer in command
of our naval force on the Pacific station, has frankly stated that in
his opinion the location of the troops was inadvisable if they were
landed for the protection of American citizens, whose residences and
places of business, as well as the legation and consulate, were in a
distant part of the city; but the location selected was a wise one if
the forces were landed for the purpose of supporting the Provisional
Government. If any peril to life and property calling for any such
martial array had existed, Great Britain and other foreign powers
interested would not have been behind the United States in activity to
protect their citizens. But they made no sign in that direction. When
these armed men were landed the city of Honolulu was in its customary
orderly and peaceful condition. There was no symptom of riot or
disturbance in any quarter. Men, women, and children were about the
streets as usual, and nothing varied the ordinary routine or disturbed
the ordinary tranquillity except the landing of the _Boston's_
marines and their march through the town to the quarters assigned them.
Indeed, the fact that after having called for the landing of the United
States forces on the plea of danger to life and property the committee
of safety themselves requested the minister to postpone action exposed
the untruthfulness of their representations of present peril to life and
property. The peril they saw was an anticipation growing out of guilty
intentions on their part and something which, though not then existing,
they knew would certainly follow their attempt to overthrow the
Government of the Queen without the aid of the United States forces.

Thus it appears that Hawaii was taken possession of by the United States
forces without the consent or wish of the Government of the islands,
or of anybody else so far as shown except the United States minister.
Therefore the military occupation of Honolulu by the United States
on the day mentioned was wholly without justification, either as an
occupation by consent or as an occupation necessitated by dangers
threatening American life and property. It must be accounted for in some
other way and on some other ground, and its real motive and purpose are
neither obscure nor far to seek.

The United States forces being now on the scene and favorably
stationed, the committee proceeded to carry out their original scheme.
They met the next morning, Tuesday, the 17th, perfected the plan of
temporary government, and fixed upon its principal officers, ten of whom
were drawn from the thirteen members of the committee of safety. Between
1 and 2 o'clock, by squads and by different routes to avoid notice, and
having first taken the precaution of ascertaining whether there was
anyone there to oppose them, they proceeded to the Government building
to proclaim the new Government. No sign of opposition was manifest, and
thereupon an American citizen began to read the proclamation from the
steps of the Government building, almost entirely without auditors.
It is said that before the reading was finished quite a concourse of
persons, variously estimated at from 50 to 100, some armed and some
unarmed, gathered about the committee to give them aid and confidence.
This statement is not important, since the one controlling factor in the
whole affair was unquestionably the United States marines, who, drawn
up under arms and with artillery in readiness only 76 yards distant,
dominated the situation.

The Provisional Government thus proclaimed was by the terms of the
proclamation "to exist until terms of union with the United States had
been negotiated and agreed upon." The United States minister, pursuant
to prior agreement, recognized this Government within an hour after the
reading of the proclamation, and before 5 o'clock, in answer to an
inquiry on behalf of the Queen and her cabinet, announced that he had
done so.

When our minister recognized the Provisional Government, the only basis
upon which it rested was the fact that the committee of safety had in
the manner above stated declared it to exist. It was neither a
government _de facto_ nor _de jure_. That it was not in such possession
of the Government property and agencies as entitled it to recognition is
conclusively proved by a note found in the files of the legation at
Honolulu, addressed by the declared head of the Provisional Government
to Minister Stevens, dated January 17, 1893, in which he acknowledges
with expressions of appreciation the minister's recognition of the
Provisional Government, and states that it is not yet in the possession
of the station house (the place where a large number of the Queen's
troops were quartered), though the same had been demanded of the Queen's
officers in charge. Nevertheless, this wrongful recognition by our
minister placed the Government of the Queen in a position of most
perilous perplexity. On the one hand she had possession of the palace,
of the barracks, and of the police station, and had at her command at
least 500 fully armed men and several pieces of artillery. Indeed, the
whole military force of her Kingdom was on her side and at her disposal,
while the committee of safety, by actual search, had discovered that
there were but very few arms in Honolulu that were not in the service of
the Government.

In this state of things, if the Queen could have dealt with the
insurgents alone, her course would have been plain and the result
unmistakable. But the United States had allied itself with her enemies,
had recognized them as the true Government of Hawaii, and had put
her and her adherents in the position of opposition against lawful
authority. She knew that she could not withstand the power of the United
States, but she believed that she might safely trust to its justice.
Accordingly, some hours after the recognition of the Provisional
Government by the United States minister, the palace, the barracks, and
the police station, with all the military resources of the country, were
delivered up by the Queen upon the representation made to her that her
cause would thereafter be reviewed at Washington, and while protesting
that she surrendered to the superior force of the United States, whose
minister had caused United States troops to be landed at Honolulu and
declared that he would support the Provisional Government, and that she
yielded her authority to prevent collision of armed forces and loss of
life, and only until such time as the United States, upon the facts
being presented to it, should undo the action of its representative and
reinstate her in the authority she claimed as the constitutional
sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.

This protest was delivered to the chief of the Provisional Government,
who indorsed thereon his acknowledgment of its receipt. The terms of the
protest were read without dissent by those assuming to constitute the
Provisional Government, who were certainly charged with the knowledge
that the Queen, instead of finally abandoning her power, had appealed to
the justice of the United States for reinstatement in her authority; and
yet the Provisional Government, with this unanswered protest in its
hand, hastened to negotiate with the United States for the permanent
banishment of the Queen from power and for a sale of her Kingdom.

Our country was in danger of occupying the position of having actually
set up a temporary government on foreign soil for the purpose of
acquiring through that agency territory which we had wrongfully put in
its possession. The control of both sides of a bargain acquired in such
a manner is called by a familiar and unpleasant name when found in
private transactions. We are not without a precedent showing how
scrupulously we avoided such accusations in former days. After the
people of Texas had declared their independence of Mexico they resolved
that on the acknowledgment of their independence by the United States
they would seek admission into the Union. Several months after the
battle of San Jacinto, by which Texan independence was practically
assured and established, President Jackson declined to recognize it,
alleging as one of his reasons that in the circumstances it became us
"to beware of a too early movement, as it might subject us, however
unjustly, to the imputation of seeking to establish the claim of our
neighbors to a territory with a view to its subsequent acquisition by
ourselves." This is in marked contrast with the hasty recognition of a
government openly and concededly set up for the purpose of tendering to
us territorial annexation.

I believe that a candid and thorough examination of the facts will force
the conviction that the Provisional Government owes its existence to
an armed invasion by the United States. Fair-minded people, with the
evidence before them, will hardly claim that the Hawaiian Government
was overthrown by the people of the islands or that the Provisional
Government had ever existed with their consent. I do not understand that
any member of this Government claims that the people would uphold it by
their suffrages if they were allowed to vote on the question.

While naturally sympathizing with every effort to establish a republican
form of government, it has been the settled policy of the United States
to concede to people of foreign countries the same freedom and
independence in the management of their domestic affairs that we have
always claimed for ourselves, and it has been our practice to recognize
revolutionary governments as soon as it became apparent that they were
supported by the people. For illustration of this rule I need only to
refer to the revolution in Brazil in 1889, when our minister was
instructed to recognize the Republic "so soon as a majority of the
people of Brazil should have signified their assent to its establishment
and maintenance;" to the revolution in Chile in 1891, when our minister
was directed to recognize the new Government "if it was accepted by the
people," and to the revolution in Venezuela in 1892, when our
recognition was accorded on condition that the new Government was "fully
established, in possession of the power of the nation, and accepted by
the people."

As I apprehend the situation, we are brought face to face with the
following conditions:

The lawful Government of Hawaii was overthrown without the drawing of a
sword or the firing of a shot by a process every step of which, it may
safely be asserted, is directly traceable to and dependent for its
success upon the agency of the United States acting through its
diplomatic and naval representatives.

But for the notorious predilections of the United States minister for
annexation the committee of safety, which should be called the committee
of annexation, would never have existed.

But for the landing of the United States forces upon false pretexts
respecting the danger to life and property the committee would never
have exposed themselves to the pains and penalties of treason by
undertaking the subversion of the Queen's Government.

But for the presence of the United States forces in the immediate
vicinity and in position to afford all needed protection and support the
committee would not have proclaimed the Provisional Government from the
steps of the Government building.

And finally, but for the lawless occupation of Honolulu under false
pretexts by the United States forces, and but for Minister Stevens's
recognition of the Provisional Government when the United States forces
were its sole support and constituted its only military strength, the
Queen and her Government would never have yielded to the Provisional
Government, even for a time and for the sole purpose of submitting her
case to the enlightened justice of the United States.

Believing, therefore, that the United States could not, under the
circumstances disclosed, annex the islands without justly incurring the
imputation of acquiring them by unjustifiable methods, I shall not again
submit the treaty of annexation to the Senate for its consideration, and
in the instructions to Minister Willis, a copy of which accompanies this
message, I have directed him to so inform the Provisional Government.

But in the present instance our duty does not, in my opinion, end with
refusing to consummate this questionable transaction. It has been the
boast of our Government that it seeks to do justice in all things
without regard to the strength or weakness of those with whom it deals.
I mistake the American people if they favor the odious doctrine that
there is no such thing as international morality; that there is one law
for a strong nation and another for a weak one, and that even by
indirection a strong power may with impunity despoil a weak one of its
territory.

By an act of war, committed with the participation of a diplomatic
representative of the United States and without authority of Congress,
the Government of a feeble but friendly and confiding people has been
overthrown. A substantial wrong has thus been done which a due regard
for our national character as well as the rights of the injured people
requires we should endeavor to repair. The Provisional Government has
not assumed a republican or other constitutional form, but has remained
a mere executive council or oligarchy, set up without the assent of the
people. It has not sought to find a permanent basis of popular support
and has given no evidence of an intention to do so. Indeed, the
representatives of that Government assert that the people of Hawaii are
unfit for popular government and frankly avow that they can be best
ruled by arbitrary or despotic power.

The law of nations is founded upon reason and justice, and the rules of
conduct governing individual relations between citizens or subjects of a
civilized state are equally applicable as between enlightened nations.

The considerations that international law is without a court for its
enforcement and that obedience to its commands practically depends upon
good faith instead of upon the mandate of a superior tribunal only
give additional sanction to the law itself and brand any deliberate
infraction of it not merely as a wrong, but as a disgrace. A man of
true honor protects the unwritten word which binds his conscience more
scrupulously, if possible, than he does the bond a breach of which
subjects him to legal liabilities, and the United States, in aiming to
maintain itself as one of the most enlightened nations, would do its
citizens gross injustice if it applied to its international relations
any other than a high standard of honor and morality. On that ground the
United States can not properly be put in the position of countenancing a
wrong after its commission any more than in that of consenting to it in
advance. On that ground it can not allow itself to refuse to redress an
injury inflicted through an abuse of power by officers clothed with its
authority and wearing its uniform; and on the same ground, if a feeble
but friendly state is in danger of being robbed of its independence and
its sovereignty by a misuse of the name and power of the United States,
the United States can not fail to vindicate its honor and its sense of
justice by an earnest effort to make all possible reparation.

These principles apply to the present case with irresistible force when
the special conditions of the Queen's surrender of her sovereignty are
recalled. She surrendered, not to the Provisional Government, but to
the United States. She surrendered, not absolutely and permanently, but
temporarily and conditionally until such time as the facts could be
considered by the United States. Furthermore, the Provisional Government
acquiesced in her surrender in that manner and on those terms, not only
by tacit consent, but through the positive acts of some members of that
Government, who urged her peaceable submission, not merely to avoid
bloodshed, but because she could place implicit reliance upon the
justice of the United States and that the whole subject would be finally
considered at Washington.

I have not, however, overlooked an incident of this unfortunate affair
which remains to be mentioned. The members of the Provisional Government
and their supporters, though not entitled to extreme sympathy, have been
led to their present predicament of revolt against the Government of the
Queen by the indefensible encouragement and assistance of our diplomatic
representative. This fact may entitle them to claim that in our effort
to rectify the wrong committed some regard should be had for their
safety. This sentiment is strongly seconded by my anxiety to do nothing
which would invite either harsh retaliation on the part of the Queen or
violence and bloodshed in any quarter. In the belief that the Queen,
as well as her enemies, would be willing to adopt such a course as
would meet these conditions, and in view of the fact that both the Queen
and the Provisional Government had at one time apparently acquiesced
in a reference of the entire case to the United States Government,
and considering the further fact that in any event the Provisional
Government by its own declared limitation was only "to exist until terms
of union with the United States of America have been negotiated and
agreed upon," I hoped that after the assurance to the members of that
Government that such union could not be consummated I might compass a
peaceful adjustment of the difficulty.

Actuated by these desires and purposes, and not unmindful of the
inherent perplexities of the situation nor of the limitations upon
my power, I instructed Minister Willis to advise the Queen and her
supporters of my desire to aid in the restoration of the status existing
before the lawless landing of the United States forces at Honolulu on
the 16th of January last if such restoration could be effected upon
terms providing for clemency as well as justice to all parties
concerned. The conditions suggested, as the instructions show,
contemplate a general amnesty to those concerned in setting up the
Provisional Government and a recognition of all its _bona fide_
acts and obligations. In short, they require that the past should be
buried and that the restored Government should reassume its authority as
if its continuity had not been interrupted. These conditions have not
proved acceptable to the Queen, and though she has been informed that
they will be insisted upon and that unless acceded to the efforts of the
President to aid in the restoration of her Government will cease, I have
not thus far learned that she is willing to yield them her acquiescence.
The check which my plans have thus encountered has prevented their
presentation to the members of the Provisional Government, while
unfortunate public misrepresentations of the situation and exaggerated
statements of the sentiments of our people have obviously injured the
prospects of successful Executive mediation.

I therefore submit this communication, with its accompanying exhibits,
embracing Mr. Blount's report, the evidence and statements taken by him
at Honolulu, the instructions given to both Mr. Blount and Minister
Willis, and correspondence connected with the affair in hand.

In commending this subject to the extended powers and wide discretion of
the Congress I desire to add the assurance that I shall be much
gratified to cooperate in any legislative plan which may be devised for
the solution of the problem before us which is consistent with American
honor, integrity, and morality.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 4: See pp. 348-349.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 18, 1893_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with a resolution passed by the Senate on the 6th instant,
I hereby transmit reports of the Secretaries of State and of the Navy,
with copies of all instructions given to the respective diplomatic and
naval representatives of the United States in the Hawaiian Islands since
the 4th day of March, 1881, touching the matters specified in the
resolution.

It has seemed convenient to include in the present communication to the
Senate copies of the diplomatic correspondence concerning the political
condition of Hawaii, prepared for transmission to the House of
Representatives in response to a later resolution passed by that body on
the 13th instant.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 18, 1893_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution passed by your honorable body on the
13th instant, I hereby transmit a report of the Secretary of State,
with copies of the instructions given to Mr. Albert S. Willis, the
representative of the United States now in the Hawaiian Islands, and
also the correspondence since the 4th day of March, 1889, concerning
the relations of this Government to those islands.

In making this communication I have withheld only a dispatch from the
former minister to Hawaii, numbered 70, under date of October 8, 1892,
and a dispatch from the present minister, numbered 3, under date of
November 16, 1893, because in my opinion the publication of these two
papers would be incompatible with the public interest.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 4, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, submitted in
compliance with the resolution of October 17 last, in the matter of the
claim of certain persons against the Government of Spain for illegal
arrest off the coast of Yucatan in the year 1850, and subsequent
imprisonment.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 13, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith copies of all dispatches from our minister at Hawaii
relating in any way to political affairs in that country, except such as
have been heretofore laid before the Congress.

I also transmit a copy of the last instructions sent to our minister,
dated January 12, 1894, being the only instructions to him not already
sent to the Congress.

In transmitting certain correspondence with my message dated December
18, 1893, I withheld a dispatch from our present minister, numbered
3 and dated November 16, 1893, and also a dispatch from our former
minister, numbered 70 and dated October 8, 1892. Inasmuch as the
contents of the dispatch of November 16, 1893, are referred to in the
dispatches of a more recent date, now sent to Congress, and inasmuch
as there seems no longer to be sufficient reason for withholding said
dispatch, a copy of the same is herewith submitted. The dispatch
numbered 70 and dated October 8, 1892, above referred to, is still
withheld for the reason that such a course still appears to be
justifiable and proper.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 20, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith dispatches received yesterday from our minister
at Hawaii, with certain correspondence which accompanied the same,
including a most extraordinary letter, dated December 27, 1893, signed
by Sanford B. Dole, minister of foreign affairs of the Provisional
Government, addressed to our minister, Mr. Willis, and delivered to him
a number of hours after the arrival at Honolulu of a copy of my message
to Congress on the Hawaiian question, with copies of instructions given
to our minister.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 22, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith copies of dispatches received from our minister to
Hawaii after the arrival of those copies which accompanied my message
of the 20th instant. I also inclose, for the information of Congress,
copies of reports and a copy of an order just received by the Secretary
of the Navy from Rear-Admiral Irwin, commanding our naval forces at
Honolulu.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 2, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit a communication from the Secretary of State, accompanying a
dispatch received a few days ago from our minister at Hawaii.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 12, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith two dispatches received a few days ago from our
minister at Hawaii, and a reply to one of them from the Secretary of
State, in which a correct version is given of an interview which
occurred November 14, 1893, between the Secretary of State and Mr.
Thurston, representing the Provisional Government at Washington.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 16, 1894_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, a communication
from the Secretary of State, covering the report of the Director of the
Bureau of the American Republics for the year 1893.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 19, 1894_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith transmit copies of certain dispatches recently received from
our minister at Honolulu.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 19, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

On the evening of the 16th instant I received a copy of a resolution
passed by the Senate, requesting the transmission to that body of all
reports and dispatches from our minister at Hawaii, and especially a
certain letter written to him by Mr. Dole, President of the Provisional
Government.

On the same day I received from the State Department a copy of a
dispatch from Minister Willis, accompanied by various exhibits. I was
not able to send them to the Senate on that day. The Senate adjourned
that afternoon until to-day, and thus prevented the submission until now
of these papers.

The next day after the receipt of the Senate resolution, and on the 17th
instant, other dispatches were received from Mr. Willis at the State
Department. They were copied with all possible haste, and are now
submitted at the first meeting of the Senate since their receipt. They
include the letter mentioned in the Senate resolution and the answer of
Minister Willis to the same.

Since the 18th day of December last, when I submitted to the "broader
authority and discretion of the Congress" all matters connected with our
relations with Hawaii, I have with the utmost promptness transmitted
to the Congress all dispatches and reports relative to the subject,
and I am not aware of any dispatches or documents in the remotest way
connected with these relations which have come to the possession of the
State Department or the Executive and been withheld from the Senate.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 7, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith a report submitted by the Secretary of State in
response to the resolution of the Senate dated January 23, 1894,
requesting communication of correspondence exchanged between the
Government of the United States and the Governments of Colombia,
Venezuela, and Hayti.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 7, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith copies of certain dispatches lately received from
our minister at Hawaii, together with copies of the inclosures which
accompanied such dispatches.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 8, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith a report furnished by the Secretary of State in
response to a resolution of the Senate of the 1st instant, making
inquiry respecting the present condition of the _Virginius_
indemnity fund.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., March 14, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith transmit a report[5] of the Secretary of State of the 14th
instant, concerning the several inquiries in the resolution of the
Senate addressed to him under date of the 9th instant.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 5: Relating to the coined silver money and the products of
India, Russia, and the Argentine Republic.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 19, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, with a view to its ratification, a convention
concluded at this capital on the 17th instant between the United States
and China concerning the subject of emigration between those two
countries.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 19, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, concerning the
landing of British troops at Bluefields, Nicaragua, in answer to the
resolution of the Senate of the 7th instant on that subject.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 19, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith a copy of a dispatch received from our minister at
Hawaii, together with copies of the inclosures which accompanied said
dispatch.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 3, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith report from the Secretary of State, inclosing
the final report of the agent of the United States before the Paris
Tribunal, also the protocols thus far received and certain other papers
relating to that arbitration.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 13, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith copies of certain dispatches from the United States
minister at Honolulu, received by the Secretary of State since my
message of March 19, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 21, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
covering a dispatch from the United States minister at Honolulu and
reply thereto.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., May 1, 1894_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith the ninth annual report of the Commissioner of
Labor. This report relates entirely to building and loan associations in
the United States.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 9, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the Senate of
April 6, 1894, a report of the Secretary of State, containing the
requested information as to the present condition of affairs in the
Samoan Islands, with copies of the correspondence in relation thereto,
including that with the Governments of Great Britain and Germany.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 9, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State, in
regard to recent dispatches from the United States minister at Honolulu,
received since my message of April 21, 1894, and also a dispatch from
the minister dated April 14, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 29, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I herewith transmit, having regard to my message of May 9, 1894, a
communication from the Secretary of State, covering a dispatch from the
United States minister at Honolulu.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, June 20, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the Senate of
December 20, 1893, a report from the Acting Secretary of State, covering
the desired copies of correspondence in the matter of the claim of
Antonio Maximo Mora against Spain.

GROVER CLEVELAND.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, June 23, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I herewith transmit a communication covering dispatches from the United
States minister at Honolulu.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 25, 1894_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

The shocking intelligence has been received that the President of the
French Republic met his death yesterday at the hands of an assassin.
This terrible event which has overtaken a sister Republic can not fail to
deeply arouse the sympathies of the American nation, while the violent
termination of a career promising so much in aid of liberty and advancing
civilization should be mourned as an affliction to mankind.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 29, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

Answering a resolution of your honorable body dated the 13th instant,
I transmit herewith a report[6] of the Secretary of State, with an
accompanying document, which contain all the information in my
possession touching the matters embraced in said resolution.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 6: Relating to the probable retaliatory action of foreign
governments for the proposed imposition by the United States of a duty
on sugar.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 9, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in further response to the Senate resolution of
April 6, 1894, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by
copies of certain correspondence relating to Samoan affairs.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 19, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 18th instant,
the House of Representatives concurring, I return herewith the bill
(S. 1105) entitled "An act for the relief of Albert Redstone."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 24, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I herewith transmit a communication from the Secretary of State,
covering a dispatch from the United States minister at Honolulu.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., July 27, 1894_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith the seventh special report of the Commissioner of
Labor. This report relates to what is generally known as the slums of
cities, and has been prepared in accordance with a joint resolution
approved July 20, 1892.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, July 30, 1894_.

_To the Congress_:

I herewith transmit a communication from the Secretary of State,
covering two dispatches from the United States minister at Honolulu.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



VETO MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 17, 1894_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without my approval House bill No. 71, entitled "An act for the
relief of purchasers of timber and stone lands under the act of June 3,
1878."

This bill permits the proofs and affidavits which under present statutes
parties desiring to acquire certain public lands are required to make
before the registers and receivers of the land offices within which such
lands are located to be made before any commissioner of the United
States circuit court or before the judge or clerk of any court of
records of the county or parish in which the lands are situated.

A similar bill was passed by the Fifty-second Congress and was
disapproved by the Commissioner of the General Land Office and the
Secretary of the Interior. The successors of these officers oppose the
present bill on the ground that in its operation it would open the door
to fraud and to a perversion of the intentions of the Government in
relation to the public lands.

It is difficult, with the most scrupulous care, to guard the alienation
of our public lands from fraud and illegal practices. It is perfectly
plain, however, that the prospect of accomplishing this result is better
under present laws, which require the necessary proofs to be made before
land officers who are appointed for that purpose and who are under the
control of the General Land Office and amenable to its regulations, than
it would be by substituting other officers over whom the Land Office has
no control.

Certain rules and orders of the Land Office are now in force which
regulate the taking of the necessary proofs and permit oral examinations
by registers and receivers. These regulations are of the utmost
importance if our land laws are to be justly and honestly administered.

I fully concur in the objections made to this bill by the officers
having charge of the public lands in the last Administration and by
their successors who are now charged with that responsibility. I am
convinced that such a relaxation of our existing land laws as is
contemplated by the bill under consideration would not be in the
interest of good administration.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 20, 1894_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I hereby return without my approval House bill No. 3289, entitled
"An act to authorize the New York and New Jersey Bridge Companies
to construct and maintain a bridge across the Hudson River between
New York City and the State of New Jersey."

This bill authorizes the construction of a bridge over the North River
between the States of New York and New Jersey, the terminus of which
in the city of New York shall not be below Sixty-sixth street. It
contemplates the construction of a bridge upon piers placed in the
river. No mention is made of a single span crossing the entire river,
nor is there anything in the bill indicating that it was within the
intention of the Congress that there should be a bridge built without
piers. I am by no means certain that the Secretary of War, who is
invested by the terms of the bill with considerable discretion so far as
the plans for the structure are concerned, would have the right to exact
of the promoters of this enterprise the erection of a bridge spanning
the entire river.

Much objection has been made to the location of any piers in the river
for the reason that they would seriously interfere with the commerce
which seeks the port of New York through that channel. It is certainly
very questionable whether piers should be permitted at all in the North
River at the point designated for the location of this bridge. It seems
absolutely certain that within a few years a great volume of shipping
will extend to that location, which would be seriously embarrassed by
such obstruction.

I appreciate fully the importance of securing some means by which
railroad traffic can cross this river, and no one can fail to realize
the serious inconvenience to travel caused by lack of facilities of
that character. At the same time, it is a plain dictate of wisdom and
expediency that the commerce of the river be not unnecessarily
interfered with by bridges or in any other manner.

Engineers whose judgment upon the matter can not be questioned,
including the engineer of the company proposing to build this bridge,
have expressed the opinion that the entire river can be spanned safely
and effectively by a suspension bridge, or a construction not needing
the use of piers.

The company to which the permission to bridge the river is granted in
the bill under consideration was created by virtue of an act of the
legislature of the State of New York which became a law, by reason of
the failure of the governor to either approve or veto the same, on the
30th day of April, 1890. It may be safely assumed that the members of
the legislature which passed this law knew what was necessary for the
protection of the commerce of the city of New York and had informed
themselves concerning the plan of a bridge that should be built in view
of all the interests concerned.

By paragraph 24 of the law creating this company it is provided that
"the said bridge shall be constructed with a single span over the entire
river between towers or piers located between the span and the existing
pier-head lines in either State," and that "no pier or tower or other
obstruction of a permanent character shall be placed or built in the
river between said towers or piers under this act."

In view of such professional judgment, and considering the interests
which would be interfered with by the location of piers in the river,
and having due regard to the judgment of the legislature of the State
of New York, it seems to me that a plan necessitating the use of piers
in the bed of the river should be avoided. The question of increased
expense of construction or the compromise of conflicting interests
should not outweigh the other important considerations involved.

I notice the bill provides that the companies availing themselves of
its privileges shall receive no greater pay for transporting the mails
across the bridge than is allowed per mile to railroads using the same.
If this is intended, as the language seems to import, to authorize this
bridge company to charge the United States Government a toll for the
carriage of its mails across the bridge equal to the amount which may
be paid per mile by the Government for carrying the mails by railroads
crossing the bridge, it seems to me it should not be allowed. The
expense to the Government for carrying the mails over the structure
should beyond any doubt be limited to the compensation paid the
railroads for transportation.

An exceedingly important objection to the bill remains to be considered.
In 1890 the North River Bridge Company was incorporated by an act of
Congress for the purpose of constructing a bridge across the North
River, the New York terminus of which was located at or near
Twenty-third street in the city of New York. The proposition to
construct the bridge at that point was a subject very carefully and
thoroughly examined at that time and during the agitation of the project
for a number of years prior to the passage of the act. As a result of
such examination and much discussion, Congress granted permission to
this company to construct a bridge having a single span and suspended
from towers on each side of the river, and in the act especially
prohibited the placing of any piers in the river, either of a temporary
or of a permanent character, in connection with said bridge. This plan
to bridge the river without piers was at that time considered feasible
by the engineers of the company, and it accepted the terms of the act.
Before this permission was finally granted a number of bills were
introduced in the Congress covering the same subject, which were
referred to Government engineers. Reports were made by these officers in
every case insisting upon a construction with a single span and without
piers in the bed of the river.

The eighth subdivision of the bill herewith returned provides that any
company heretofore created for the purpose of bridging the river may
avail itself of the provisions of the act, and makes such company
subject to all its provisions. This, of course, has reference to
the North River Bridge Company and releases that company from the
prohibition of the act under which it was permitted to span the river
and permits it to construct piers in the river. It seems to me that
the language of the bill under consideration, so far as it relates to
this particular feature, is equivalent to a new grant to that company,
differing very materially from the grant which was thought expedient at
the time it was before the Congress, and removes the guaranty that in
the construction of its bridge there shall be no obstructions in the
river such as were especially guarded against by the bill originally
passed for its benefit. In effect a new charter is granted to a company
not named in the bill, and with no apparent reason for the important
enlargement of its privileges thus accomplished. It is entirely apparent
that the reasons against obstructions in the North River which might
interfere with commerce and navigation and the beneficial use of the
harbor of New York are immensely strengthened when they are applied to
a location in the river far below the location of the bridge which is
permitted in the bill now before me.

Whatever question there may be about the injurious character of the
obstruction at Sixty-sixth street in New York City, I believe there can
be no doubt whatever that piers placed in the river more than 2 miles
below, at Twenty-third street, would be very serious impediments. If
this thoroughfare, so important to the commerce of the country and the
State of New York, is to be crossed by bridges, each scheme for that
purpose should be considered by itself and its merits and advisability
determined by the circumstances which naturally belong to it. The
objection to piers in the river for the purpose of supporting bridges is
in any event so serious that the considerations which would determine
the question of a bridge located at Sixty-sixth street ought not in
such an indirect manner as is done by this bill be applied to a like
structure at Twenty-third street.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 29, 1894_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without my approval House bill No. 4956, entitled "An act
directing the coinage of the silver bullion held in the Treasury, and
for other purposes."

My strong desire to avoid disagreement with those in both Houses of
Congress who have supported this bill would lead me to approve it if I
could believe that the public good would not be thereby endangered and
that such action on my part would be a proper discharge of official
duty. Inasmuch, however, as I am unable to satisfy myself that the
proposed legislation is either wise or opportune, my conception of the
obligations and responsibilities attached to the great office I hold
forbids the indulgence of my personal desire and inexorably confines me
to that course which is dictated by my reason and judgment and pointed
out by a sincere purpose to protect and promote the general interests of
our people.

The financial disturbance which swept over the country during the last
year was unparalleled in its severity and disastrous consequences. There
seemed to be almost an entire displacement of faith in our financial
ability and a loss of confidence in our fiscal policy. Among those who
attempted to assign causes for our distress it was very generally
conceded that the operation of a provision of law then in force which
required the Government to purchase monthly a large amount of silver
bullion and issue its notes in payment therefor was either entirely or
to a large extent responsible for our condition. This led to the repeal
on the 1st day of November, 1893, of this statutory provision.

We had, however, fallen so low in the depths of depression and timidity
and apprehension had so completely gained control in financial circles
that our rapid recuperation could not be reasonably expected. Our
recovery has, nevertheless, steadily progressed, and though less than
five months have elapsed since the repeal of the mischievous
silver-purchase requirement a wholesome improvement is unmistakably
apparent. Confidence in our absolute solvency is to such an extent
reinstated and faith in our disposition to adhere to sound financial
methods is so far restored as to produce the most encouraging results
both at home and abroad. The wheels of domestic industry have been
slowly set in motion and the tide of foreign investment has again
started in our direction.

Our recovery being so well under way, nothing should be done to check
our convalescence; nor should we forget that a relapse at this time
would almost surely reduce us to a lower stage of financial distress
than that from which we are just emerging.

I believe that if the bill under consideration should become a law it
would be regarded as a retrogression from the financial intentions
indicated by our recent repeal of the provision forcing silver-bullion
purchases; that it would weaken, if it did not destroy, returning
faith and confidence in our sound financial tendencies, and that
as a consequence our progress to renewed business health would be
unfortunately checked and a return to our recent distressing plight
seriously threatened.

This proposed legislation is so related to the currency conditions
growing out of the law compelling the purchase of silver by the
Government that a glance at such conditions and a partial review of the
law referred to may not be unprofitable.

Between the 14th day of August, 1890, when the law became operative, and
the 1st day of November, 1893, when the clause it contained directing
the purchase of silver was repealed, there were purchased by the
Secretary of the Treasury more than 168,000,000 ounces of silver
bullion. In payment for this bullion the Government issued its Treasury
notes, of various denominations, amounting to nearly $156,000,000, which
notes were immediately added to the currency in circulation among our
people. Such notes were by the law made legal tender in payment of all
debts, public and private, except when otherwise expressly stipulated,
and were made receivable for customs, taxes, and all public dues,
and when so received might be reissued. They were also permitted to be
held by banking associations as a part of their lawful reserves.

On the demand of the holders these Treasury notes were to be redeemed in
gold or silver coin, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury;
but it was declared as a part of this redemption provision that it was
"the established policy of the United States to maintain the two metals
on a parity with each other upon the present legal ratio or such ratio
as may be provided by law." The money coined from such bullion was to be
standard silver dollars, and after directing the immediate coinage of a
little less than 28,000,000 ounces the law provided that as much of the
remaining bullion should be thereafter coined as might be necessary to
provide for the redemption of the Treasury notes issued on its purchase,
and that "any gain or seigniorage arising from such coinage shall be
accounted for and paid into the Treasury."

This gain or seigniorage evidently indicates so much of the bullion
owned by the Government as should remain after using a sufficient amount
to coin as many standard silver dollars as should equal in number the
dollars represented by the Treasury notes issued in payment of the
entire quantity of bullion. These Treasury notes now outstanding and in
circulation amount to $152,951,280, and although there has been thus
far but a comparatively small amount of this bullion coined, yet the
so-called gain or seigniorage, as above defined, which would arise
from the coinage of the entire mass has been easily ascertained to be a
quantity of bullion sufficient to make when coined 55,156,681 standard
silver dollars.

Considering the present intrinsic relation between gold and silver, the
maintenance of the parity between the two metals, as mentioned in this
law, can mean nothing less than the maintenance of such a parity in the
estimation and confidence of the people who use our money in their daily
transactions. Manifestly the maintenance of this parity can only be
accomplished, so far as it is affected by these Treasury notes and in
the estimation of the holders of the same, by giving to such holders
on their redemption the coin, whether it is gold or silver, which they
prefer. It follows that while in terms the law leaves the choice of coin
to be paid on such redemption to the discretion of the Secretary of the
Treasury, the exercise of this discretion, if opposed to the demands of
the holder, is entirely inconsistent with the effective and beneficial
maintenance of the parity between the two metals.

If both gold and silver are to serve us as money and if they together
are to supply to our people a safe and stable currency, the necessity of
preserving this parity is obvious. Such necessity has been repeatedly
conceded in the platforms of both political parties and in our Federal
statutes. It is nowhere more emphatically recognized than in the recent
law which repealed the provision under which the bullion now on hand was
purchased. This law insists upon the "maintenance of the parity in value
of the coins of the two metals and the equal power of every dollar at
all times in the markets and in the payment of debts."

The Secretary of the Treasury has therefore, for the best of reasons,
not only promptly complied with every demand for the redemption of these
Treasury notes in gold, but the present situation as well as the letter
and spirit of the law appear plainly to justify, if they do not enjoin
upon him, a continuation of such redemption.

The conditions I have endeavored to present may be thus summarized:

First. The Government has purchased and now has on hand sufficient
silver bullion to permit the coinage of all the silver dollars necessary
to redeem in such dollars the Treasury notes issued for the purchase of
said silver bullion, and enough besides to coin, as gain or seigniorage,
55,156,681 additional standard silver dollars.

Second. There are outstanding and now in circulation Treasury notes
issued in payment of the bullion purchased amounting to $152,951,280.
These notes are legal tender in payment of all debts, public and
private, except when otherwise expressly stipulated; they are receivable
for customs, taxes, and all public dues; when held by banking
associations they may be counted as part of their lawful reserves,
and they are redeemed by the Government in gold at the option of the
holders. These advantageous attributes were deliberately attached to
these notes at the time of their issue. They are fully understood by our
people to whom such notes have been distributed as currency, and have
inspired confidence in their safety and value, and have undoubtedly thus
induced their continued and contented use as money, instead of anxiety
for their redemption.

Having referred to some incidents which I deem relevant to the subject,
it remains for me to submit a specific statement of my objections to the
bill now under consideration.

This bill consists of two sections, excluding one which merely
appropriates a sum sufficient to carry the act into effect. The first
section provides for the immediate coinage of the silver bullion in the
Treasury which represents the so-called gain or seigniorage, or which
would arise from the coinage of all the bullion on hand, which gain or
seigniorage this section declares to be $55,156,681. It directs that the
money so coined or the certificates issued thereon shall be used in the
payment of public expenditures, and provides that if the needs of the
Treasury demand it the Secretary of the Treasury may, in his discretion,
issue silver certificates in excess of such coinage, not exceeding the
amount of seigniorage in said section authorized to be coined.

The second section directs that as soon as possible after the coinage of
this seigniorage the remainder of the bullion held by the Government
shall be coined into legal-tender standard silver dollars, and that they
shall be held in the Treasury for the redemption of the Treasury notes
issued in the purchase of said bullion. It provides that as fast as the
bullion shall be coined for the redemption of said notes they shall not
be reissued, but shall be canceled and destroyed in amounts equal to the
coin held at any time in the Treasury derived from the coinage provided
for, and that silver certificates shall be issued on such coin in the
manner now provided by law. It is, however, especially declared in said
section that the act shall not be construed to change existing laws
relating to the legal-tender character or mode of redemption of the
Treasury notes issued for the purchase of the silver bullion to be
coined.

The entire bill is most unfortunately constructed. Nearly every sentence
presents uncertainty and invites controversy as to its meaning and
intent. The first section is especially faulty in this respect, and it
is extremely doubtful whether its language will permit the consummation
of its supposed purposes. I am led to believe that the promoters of the
bill intended in this section to provide for the coinage of the bullion
constituting the gain or seigniorage, as it is called, into standard
silver dollars, and yet there is positively nothing in the section to
prevent its coinage into any description of silver coins now authorized
under any existing law.

I suppose this section was also intended, in case the needs of the
Treasury called for money faster than the seigniorage bullion could
actually be coined, to permit the issue of silver certificates in
advance of such coinage; but its language would seem to permit the
issuance of such certificates to double the amount of seigniorage as
stated, one-half of which would not represent an ounce of silver in
the Treasury. The debate upon this section in the Congress developed
an earnest and positive difference of opinion as to its object and
meaning. In any event, I am clear that the present perplexities and
embarrassments of the Secretary of the Treasury ought not to be
augmented by devolving upon him the execution of a law so uncertain
and confused.

I am not willing, however, to rest my objection to this section solely
on these grounds. In my judgment sound finance does not commend a
further infusion of silver into our currency at this time unaccompanied
by further adequate provision for the maintenance in our Treasury of a
safe gold reserve.

Doubts also arise as to the meaning and construction of the second
section of the bill. If the silver dollars therein directed to be coined
are, as the section provides, to be held in the Treasury for the
redemption of Treasury notes, it is suggested that, strictly speaking,
certificates can not be issued on such coin "in the manner now provided
by law," because these dollars are money held in the Treasury for the
express purpose of redeeming Treasury notes on demand, which would
ordinarily mean that they were set apart for the purpose of substituting
them for these Treasury notes. They are not, therefore, held in such a
way as to furnish a basis for certificates according to any provision of
existing law.

If however, silver certificates can properly be issued upon these
dollars, there is nothing in the section to indicate the characteristics
and functions of these certificates. If they were to be of the same
character as silver certificates in circulation under existing laws,
they would at best be receivable only for customs, taxes, and all public
dues; and under the language of this section it is, to say the least,
extremely doubtful whether the certificates it contemplates would be
lawfully received even for such purposes.

Whatever else may be said of the uncertainties of expression in this
bill, they certainly ought not to be found in legislation affecting
subjects so important and far-reaching as our finances and currency.
In stating other and more important reasons for my disapproval of this
section I shall, however, assume that under its provisions the Treasury
notes issued in payment for silver bullion will continue to be redeemed
as heretofore, in silver or gold, at the option of the holders, and that
if when they are presented for redemption or reach the Treasury in any
other manner there are in the Treasury coined silver dollars equal in
nominal value to such Treasury notes, then and in that case the notes
will be destroyed and silver certificates to an equal amount be
substituted.

I am convinced that this scheme is ill advised and dangerous. As an
ultimate result of its operation Treasury notes, which are legal tender
for all debts, public and private, and which are redeemable in gold
or silver at the option of the holder, will be replaced by silver
certificates, which, whatever may be their character and description,
will have none of these qualities. In anticipation of this result and
as an immediate effect the Treasury notes will naturally appreciate in
value and desirability. The fact that gold can be realized upon them and
the further fact that their destruction has been decreed when they reach
the Treasury must tend to their withdrawal from general circulation
to be immediately presented for gold redemption or to be hoarded for
presentation at a more convenient season. The sequel of both operations
will be a large addition to the silver currency in our circulation and a
corresponding reduction of gold in the Treasury. The argument has been
made that these things will not occur at once, because a long time must
elapse before the coinage of anything but the seigniorage can be entered
upon. If the physical effects of the execution of the second section
of this bill are not to be realized until far in the future, this may
furnish a strong reason why it should not be passed so much in advance;
but the postponement of its actual operation can not prevent the fear
and loss of confidence and nervous precaution which would immediately
follow its passage and bring about its worst consequences. I regard this
section of the bill as embodying a plan by which the Government will be
obliged to pay out its scanty store of gold for no other purpose than
to force an unnatural addition of silver money into the hands of our
people. This is an exact reversal of the policy which safe finance
dictates if we are to preserve parity between gold and silver and
maintain sensible bimetallism.

We have now outstanding more than $338,000,000 in silver certificates
issued under existing laws. They are serving the purpose of money
usefully and without question. Our gold reserve, amounting to only a
little more than $100,000,000, is directly charged with the redemption
of $346,000,000 of United States notes. When it is proposed to inflate
our silver currency it is a time for strengthening our gold reserve
instead of depleting it. I can not conceive of a longer step toward
silver monometallism than we take when we spend our gold to buy silver
certificates for circulation, especially in view of the practical
difficulties surrounding the replenishment of our gold.

This leads me to earnestly present the desirability of granting to the
Secretary of the Treasury a better power than now exists to issue bonds
to protect our gold reserve when for any reason it should be necessary.
Our currency is in such a confused condition and our financial affairs
are apt to assume at any time so critical a position that it seems to me
such a course is dictated by ordinary prudence.

I am not insensible to the arguments in favor of coining the bullion
seigniorage now in the Treasury, and I believe it could be done safely
and with advantage if the Secretary of the Treasury had the power to
issue bonds at a low rate of interest under authority in substitution of
that now existing and better suited to the protection of the Treasury.

I hope a way will present itself in the near future for the adjustment
of our monetary affairs in such a comprehensive and conservative manner
as will accord to silver its proper place in our currency; but in the
meantime I am extremely solicitous that whatever action we take on this
subject may be such as to prevent loss and discouragement to our people
at home and the destruction of confidence in our financial management
abroad.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 7, 1894_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 2637, entitled "An act
for the relief of Eugene Wells, late captain, Twelfth Infantry, and
second lieutenant, First Artillery, United States Army."

This bill authorizes the President to nominate and, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint the beneficiary therein
named a second lieutenant of artillery in the Army of the United States,
and it directs that when so appointed he shall be placed upon the
retired list on account of disability, thus dispensing with the usual
examination and finding by a retiring board and all other ordinary
prerequisites of retirement.

Appointments to the Army under the authority of special legislation
which names the proposed appointee, and the purpose of which is the
immediate retirement of the appointee, are open to serious objections,
though I confess I have been persuaded through sympathy and sentiment on
a number of occasions to approve such legislation. When, however, it is
proposed to make the retirement compulsory and without reference to age
or previous examination, a most objectionable feature is introduced.

The cases covered by the special enactments referred to are usually such
as should, if worthy of any consideration, be provided for under general
or private pension laws, leaving the retired list of the Army to serve
the legitimate purpose for which it was established.

A recent discussion in the House of Representatives upon a bill similar
to the one now before me drew from a member of the House Committee on
Military Affairs the declaration that hundreds of such bills were before
that committee and that there were fifty precedents for the passage of
the particular one then under discussion.

It seems to me that this condition suggests such an encroachment upon
the retired list of the Army as should lead to the virtual abandonment
of the legislation referred to.

In addition to the objections to such legislation based upon sound
policy and good administration, there are facts connected with the case
covered by the bill now before me which, in my judgment, forbid its
favorable consideration.

The beneficiary named in this bill entered the military service as first
lieutenant in 1861. In September or October, 1870, then being a captain,
a charge of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman was preferred
against him with a view to his trial on said charge before a
court-martial.

The Articles of War provide that any officer convicted of this offense
shall be dismissed the service.

The first specification under this charge alleged that Captain Wells did
violently and without just cause or provocation assault First Lieutenant
P.H. Breslin "by furiously striking and hitting him (Lieutenant Breslin)
upon the head with a hickory stick, the butt end of a billiard cue, and
did continue the assault (upon Lieutenant Breslin) until forced to
desist therefrom by First Lieutenant Carl Veitenhimer, Fourth United
States Infantry, thereby endangering the life of Lieutenant Breslin and
disgracing himself (Captain Wells) as an officer of the United States
Army."

The second specification alleged that Captain Wells "did become so much
under the influence of intoxicating liquor as to behave himself in a
scandalous manner by violently attacking the person of First Lieutenant
P.H. Breslin, Fourth United States Infantry."

These offenses were charged to have been committed on the 3d day of
September, 1870, at Fort Fetterman, in Wyoming Territory.

On the 15th day of July, 1870, a law was passed, among other things,
to bring about a reduction of the Army, which law provided that the
President should before the 1st day of July, 1871, reduce the number of
enlisted men in the Army to 30,000, and authorized him in his discretion
to honorably discharge from the service of the United States officers of
the Army who might apply therefor on or before January 1, 1871.

Before the trial by court-martial upon the charge then pending against
him Captain Wells applied for his discharge under the provision of the
law above recited, whereupon the charge against him was withdrawn and
canceled, and on the 27th day of October, 1870, his application for a
discharge was granted.

On the 6th day of July, 1875, he was again appointed to the Army as
second lieutenant in the artillery, against which a remonstrance was
made by certain officers in the Army.

In August, 1877, Second Lieutenant Wells was charged with being "drunk
on duty, in violation of the thirty-eighth article of war."

He was also charged with "conduct to the prejudice of good order and
military discipline."

The first specification under the latter charge alleged that the accused
did "engage in an affray with First Lieutenant E. Van A. Andruss, First
Artillery." The second specification under said charge alleged that the
accused addressed his superior officer in a defiant and disrespectful
manner and neglected and hesitated to promptly obey the order of said
superior officer.

All these offenses were alleged to have been committed at Reading, Pa.,
on the 2d day of August, 1877.

Soon after these charges were preferred a court-martial was convened for
the trial of the accused thereon. He pleaded not guilty to the charges
and specifications, but was convicted of them all and sentenced "to be
dismissed the service of the United States."

On the 6th day of October the proceedings, findings, and sentence of the
court-martial were approved by the President, who ordered the sentence
to be executed; and on the 13th day of October, 1877, in pursuance
thereof, Lieutenant Eugene Wells was dismissed from the service.

Since that time repeated efforts have been made to vacate this judgment
and restore the dismissed officer to the service. While a number of
committees in Congress have made reports favorable to such action, at
least two committees have recommended a denial of legislative relief.
Both of these reports were made on behalf of House Committees on
Military Affairs by distinguished soldiers, who, after patient
examination and with an inclination to be not only just but generous to
a fellow-soldier, were constrained to recommend a refusal of the
application for restoration. One of these reports was made to the
Forty-seventh and the other to the Forty-ninth Congress.

I am impressed with the belief that legislation of the kind proposed is
of extremely doubtful expediency in any save very exceptional cases, and
I am thoroughly convinced by the facts now before me that the discipline
and efficiency of our Army, as well as justice to its meritorious
members, do not permit my approval on any ground of the bill herewith
returned.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 11, 1894_.

_To the Senate_:

I hereby return without my approval Senate bill No. 1438, entitled
"An act for the relief of Louis A. Yorke."

In the year 1886 the beneficiary named in this bill was a passed
assistant paymaster in the Navy. In December of that year he appeared
before a naval examining board convened pursuant to law for the purpose
of passing upon his fitness to be promoted to the grade of paymaster.

The investigation of the board was conducted fairly and thoroughly. Much
of the evidence relating to the candidate's moral fitness for promotion
was documentary, and the examination touching his professional
competency was of the usual character in such cases.

Considerable evidence was before the board showing quite a large amount
of personal indebtedness owing by the candidate, and it appeared that
in a few instances his accounts with the Navy Department had not been
promptly settled. It was also shown that he had not at all times
deposited the Government money intrusted to his care in the places
required by law and the regulations of the Navy. In connection with his
personal indebtedness incidents and circumstances were brought to light
which certainly indicated that he entertained very lax ideas of honest
dealing and fairness and which developed a disregard of the obligations
and requirements of his position as an officer in the Navy. He was given
abundant opportunity to meet and explain every damaging allegation and
every adverse inference arising from the evidence, and his claim, not
without foundation it appeared, that the charges against him were
instigated by malice was doubtless given full weight.

The examining board on the evidence made the following decisions and
findings:

  The written examination of the candidate shows that he is deficient in
  his knowledge of the duties appertaining to the next higher grade; and
  the record evidence puts in question his moral fitness, and he has
  failed to establish both his professional and moral qualifications for
  promotion to the satisfaction of the board.

  Therefore we hereby certify that Passed Assistant Paymaster Louis A.
  Yorke, United States Navy, has the mental fitness to perform efficiently
  all the duties, both at sea and on shore, of the next higher grade, but
  he has not the professional and moral qualifications required, and we do
  not recommend him for promotion.


After the board had thus disposed of the case and had adjourned it was,
at the request of the candidate, reconvened by order of the Secretary of
the Navy, who issued for its guidance the following directions, among
others:

  The board will inform Passed Assistant Paymaster Yorke of its findings
  and of the evidence upon which it finds him to be not morally qualified
  for promotion, and will afford him a further hearing and an opportunity
  to present such evidence as he may desire as to his moral fitness for
  promotion.


The board met pursuant to such order on the 4th day of January, 1887,
when the findings of the board were read to the candidate for promotion,
and also the evidence upon which said findings were based, and he was
informed that the board would accord him a further hearing as to his
moral fitness for promotion and would afford him a reasonable time in
which to submit his case. Thereupon he requested the board to allow him
until the 26th day of January to produce the necessary witnesses in his
behalf. This request was granted, but on the day appointed, upon his
representation that he was then unable to submit his defense, he was
upon his request allowed another day for that purpose.

In availing himself of the opportunity thus afforded him to present
evidence in defense or explanation of the matters charged against him
he examined no witnesses and contented himself with presenting his own
statement, containing little more than a reiteration of statements he
had already made before the board at previous hearings, supplemented by
slight documentary evidence which established no new facts in his favor.

The board thereupon reviewed all the evidence and proofs which had been
submitted during the entire examination, and after full consideration
decided that there was nothing in the additional evidence produced to
warrant a modification of the original finding, and the board therefore
again certified and decided that the candidate had not the moral
qualifications to perform efficiently the duties of the grade to which
he sought promotion.

The Secretary of the Navy transmitted the record, proceedings, and
findings of said examining board to the President, with a recommendation
that the same be approved and that the candidate be discharged from the
Navy with one year's pay, pursuant to a statute passed on the 5th day of
August, 1882, directing a discharge from the service in such cases.

Thereupon, and on the 19th day of February, 1887, the record,
proceedings, and findings of said board were approved by the President,
and Passed Assistant Paymaster Yorke was ordered discharged from the
naval service with one year's pay.

The bill now under consideration provides that the action of the
examining board above recited "be set aside and declared null and void."
It also authorizes the President "to appoint the beneficiary to the
office to which he would have been promoted but for said action and to
retire him in that grade as of the date he was wholly retired."

The authority attempted by the bill to be given to the President to thus
make an appointment to the office of paymaster in the Navy without the
interposition of the Senate appears to be inadmissible under that clause
of the Constitution which only permits the President to appoint certain
officers "by and with the advice and consent of the Senate."

The bill provides for the immediate retirement of the beneficiary.
He is now but 47 years old, thus lacking fifteen years of the time
when he would be entitled to retirement on account of age. There is no
suggestion that he is physically incapacitated. On the contrary, when
he was examined for promotion a medical board certified that he was
physically qualified to perform all his duties at sea, and the candidate
himself not only certified to the same thing, but further declared that
he was "free from all bodily ailments." If this condition continues and
if he should be restored to the Navy at all, he should be sent to duty
on the active list instead of being retired. On the facts as presented
he would seem to be out of place among those who, though still
compensated by the Government, have been on account of age, long and
honorable service, or disabilities incurred in the discharge of duty
relieved from further activity.

A careful investigation of the facts submitted to the examining board
and a consideration of all the statements made on behalf of the
beneficiary named in the bill utterly fail, in my opinion, to justify
the impeachment of the findings and determination of the board.

I have no doubt malicious feeling growing out of domestic difficulties
entered into the affair and gave impetus to the search after inculpating
evidence, but facts were nevertheless established beyond any reasonable
doubt which abundantly uphold these findings.

I feel obliged to disapprove the bill herewith returned because I
believe the power to appoint a paymaster in the Navy ought not, under
the Constitution, be conferred upon the President alone; because if the
beneficiary were restored to the Navy there would be no justice or
propriety in placing him upon the retired list, and because upon the
merits of the case I am of the opinion the judgment of the examining
board ought not to be reversed.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



PROCLAMATIONS.


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to give effect to the award
rendered by the Tribunal of Arbitration at Paris under the treaty
between the United States and Great Britain concluded at Washington
February 29, 1892, for the purpose of submitting to arbitration certain
questions concerning the preservation of the fur seals," was approved
April 6, 1894, and reads as follows:

  Whereas the following articles of the award of the Tribunal of
  Arbitration constituted under the treaty concluded at Washington the
  29th of February, 1892, between the United States of America and Her
  Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
  were delivered to the agents of the respective Governments on the
  15th day of August, 1893:

  "ARTICLE 1. The Governments of the United States and Great Britain shall
  forbid their citizens and subjects, respectively, to kill, capture, or
  pursue at any time and in any manner whatever the animals commonly
  called fur seals within a zone of 60 miles around the Pribilof Islands,
  inclusive of the territorial waters.

  "The miles mentioned in the preceding paragraph are geographical miles,
  of 60 to a degree of latitude.

  "ART. 2. The two Governments shall forbid their citizens and subjects,
  respectively, to kill, capture, or pursue in any manner whatever during
  the season extending each year from the 1st of May to the 31st of July,
  both inclusive, the fur seals on the high sea in the part of the Pacific
  Ocean, inclusive of the Bering Sea, which is situated to the north of
  the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and eastward of the one
  hundred and eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich till it strikes
  the water boundary described in Article I of the treaty of 1867 between
  the United States and Russia, and following that line up to Bering
  Strait.

  "ART. 3. During the period of time and in the waters in which the
  fur-seal fishing is allowed only sailing vessels shall be permitted
  to carry on or take part in fur-seal fishing operations. They will,
  however, be at liberty to avail themselves of the use of such canoes or
  undecked boats, propelled by paddles, oars, or sails, as are in common
  use as fishing boats.

  "ART. 4. Each sailing vessel authorized to fish for fur seals must
  be provided with a special license issued for that purpose by its
  Government, and shall be required to carry a distinguishing flag to
  be prescribed by its Government.

  "ART. 5. The masters of the vessels engaged in fur-seal fishing shall
  enter accurately in their official log book the date and place of each
  fur-seal fishing operation, and also the number and sex of the seals
  captured upon each day. These entries shall be communicated by each of
  the two Governments to the other at the end of each fishing season.

  "ART. 6. The use of nets, firearms, and explosives shall be forbidden in
  the fur-seal fishing. This restriction shall not apply to shotguns when
  such fishing takes place outside of Bering Sea during the season when it
  may be lawfully carried on.

  "ART. 7. The two Governments shall take measures to control the fitness
  of the men authorized to engage in fur-seal fishing. These men shall
  have been proved fit to handle with sufficient skill the weapons by
  means of which this fishing may be carried on.

  "ART. 8. The regulations contained in the preceding articles shall not
  apply to Indians dwelling on the coast of the territory of the United
  States or of Great Britain and carrying on fur-seal fishing in canoes
  or undecked boats not transported by or used in connection with other
  vessels, and propelled wholly by paddles, oars, or sails and manned by
  not more than five persons each in the way hitherto practiced by the
  Indians, provided such Indians are not in the employment of other
  persons, and provided that when so hunting in canoes or undecked boats
  they shall not hunt fur seals outside of territorial waters under
  contract for the delivery of the skins to any person.

  "This exemption shall not be construed to affect the municipal law of
  either country, nor shall it extend to the waters of Bering Sea or the
  waters of the Aleutian passes.

  "Nothing herein contained is intended to interfere with the employment
  of Indians as hunters or otherwise in connection with fur-sealing
  vessels as heretofore.

  "ART. 9. The concurrent regulations hereby determined with a view to the
  protection and preservation of the fur seals shall remain in force until
  they have been in whole or in part abolished or modified by common
  agreement between the Governments of the United States and of Great
  Britain.

  "The said concurrent regulations shall be submitted every five years
  to a new examination, so as to enable both interested Governments to
  consider whether in the light of past experience, there is occasion
  for any modification thereof."

  _Now, therefore, be it enacted by the Senate and House of
  Representatives of the United States of America in Congress
  assembled_, That no citizen of the United States or person owing the
  duty of obedience to the laws or the treaties of the United States, nor
  any person belonging to or on board of a vessel of the United States,
  shall kill, capture, or pursue at any time or in any manner whatever
  outside of territorial waters any fur seal in the waters surrounding the
  Pribilof Islands within a zone of 60 geographical miles (60 to a degree
  of latitude) around said islands, exclusive of the territorial waters.

  SEC. 2. That no citizen of the United States or person above described
  in section 1 of this act, nor any person belonging to or on board of a
  vessel of the United States, shall kill, capture, or pursue in any
  manner whatever during the season extending from the 1st day of May to
  the 31st day of July, both inclusive, in each year any fur seal on the
  high seas outside of the zone mentioned in section 1, and in that part
  of the Pacific Ocean, including Bering Sea, which is situated to the
  north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and to the east of
  the one hundred and eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich till it
  strikes the water boundary described in Article I of the treaty of 1867
  between the United States and Russia, and following that line up to
  Bering Strait.

  SEC. 3. No citizen of the United States or person above described in the
  first section of this act shall during the period and in the waters in
  which by section 2 of this act the killing of fur seals is not
  prohibited use or employ any vessel, nor shall any vessel of the United
  States be used or employed, in carrying on or taking part in fur-seal
  fishing operations, other than a sailing vessel propelled by sails
  exclusively and such canoes or undecked boats propelled by paddles,
  oars, or sails as may belong to and be used in connection with such
  sailing vessels; nor shall any sailing vessel carry on or take part in
  such operations without a special license obtained from the Government
  for that purpose and without carrying a distinctive flag prescribed by
  the Government for the same purpose.

  SEC. 4. That every master of a vessel licensed under this act to engage
  in fur-seal fishing operations shall accurately enter in his official
  log book the date and place of every such operation, and also the number
  and sex of the seals captured each day; and on coming into port and
  before landing cargo the master shall verify on oath such official log
  book as containing a full and true statement of the number and character
  of his fur-seal fishing operations, including the number and sex of
  seals captured; and for any false statement willfully made by a person
  so licensed by the United States in this behalf he shall be subject to
  the penalties of perjury, and any seal skins found in excess of the
  statement in the official log book shall be forfeited to the United
  States.

  SEC. 5. That no person or vessel engaging in fur-seal fishing operations
  under this act shall use or employ in such operations any net, firearm,
  air gun, or explosive: _Provided, however_, That this prohibition
  shall not apply to the use of shotguns in such operations outside of
  Bering Sea during the season when the killing of fur seals is not there
  prohibited by this act.

  SEC. 6. That the foregoing sections of this act shall not apply to
  Indians dwelling on the coast of the United States and taking fur seals
  in canoes or undecked boats propelled wholly by paddles, oars, or sails,
  and not transported by or used in connection with other vessels or
  manned by more than five persons, in the manner heretofore practiced by
  the said Indians: _Provided, however_, That the exception made in
  this section shall not apply to Indians in the employment of other
  persons, or who shall kill, capture, or pursue fur seals outside of
  territorial waters under contract to deliver the skins to other persons,
  nor to the waters of Bering Sea or of the passes between the Aleutian
  Islands.

  SEC. 7. That the President shall have power to make regulations
  respecting the special license and the distinctive flag mentioned in
  this act, and regulations otherwise suitable to secure the due execution
  of the provisions of this act, and from time to time to add to, modify,
  amend, or revoke such regulations as in his judgment may seem expedient.

  SEC. 8. That, except in the case of a master making a false statement
  under oath in violation of the provisions of the fourth section of this
  act, every person guilty of a violation of the provisions of this act or
  of the regulations made thereunder shall for each offense be fined not
  less than $200 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both; and all
  vessels, their tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo, at any time used
  or employed in violation of this act or of the regulations made
  thereunder shall be forfeited to the United States.

  SEC. 9. That any violation of this act or the regulations made
  thereunder may be prosecuted either in the district court of Alaska or
  in any district court of the United States in California, Oregon, or
  Washington.

  SEC. 10. That if any unlicensed vessel of the United States shall be
  found within the waters to which this act applies, and at a time when
  the killing of fur seals is by this act there prohibited, having on
  board seal skins or bodies of seals or apparatus or implements suitable
  for killing or taking seals, or if any licensed vessel shall be found
  in the waters to which this act applies having on board apparatus or
  implements suitable for taking seals, but forbidden then and there to
  be used, it shall be presumed that the vessel in the one case and the
  apparatus or implements in the other was or were used in violation of
  this act until it is otherwise sufficiently proved.

  SEC. 11. That it shall be the duty of the President to cause a
  sufficient naval force to cruise in the waters to which this act is
  applicable to enforce its provisions; and it shall be the duty of the
  commanding officer of any vessel belonging to the naval or revenue
  service of the United States, when so instructed by the President, to
  seize and arrest all vessels of the United States found by him to be
  engaged, used, or employed in the waters last aforesaid in violation
  of any of the prohibitions of this act or of any regulations made
  thereunder, and to take the same, with all persons on board thereof, to
  the most convenient port in any district of the United States mentioned
  in this act, there to be dealt with according to law.

  SEC. 12. That any vessel or citizen of the United States or person
  described in the first section of this act offending against the
  prohibitions of this act or the regulations thereunder may be seized and
  detained by the naval or other duly commissioned officers of Her Majesty
  the Queen of Great Britain, but when so seized and detained they shall
  be delivered as soon as practicable, with any witnesses and proofs on
  board, to any naval or revenue officer or other authorities of the
  United States, whose courts alone shall have jurisdiction to try the
  offense and impose the penalties for the came: _Provided, however_,
  That British officers shall arrest and detain vessels and persons as in
  this section specified only after, by appropriate legislation, Great
  Britain shall have authorized officers of the United States duly
  commissioned and instructed by the President to that end to arrest,
  detain, and deliver to the authorities of Great Britain vessels and
  subjects of that Government offending against any statutes or
  regulations of Great Britain enacted or made to enforce the award of
  the treaty mentioned in the title of this act.


Now, therefore, be it known that I, Grover Cleveland, President of the
United States of America, have caused the said act specially to be
proclaimed, to the end that its provisions may be known and observed;
and I hereby proclaim that every person guilty of a violation of the
provisions of said act will be arrested and punished as therein
provided, and all vessels so employed, their tackle, apparel, furniture,
and cargo, will be seized and forfeited.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 9th day of April, A.D. 1894, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas satisfactory proof has been given to me that no light-house and
light dues, tonnage dues, beacon and buoy dues, or other equivalent
taxes of any kind are imposed upon vessels of the United States in the
ports of the island of Grenada, one of the British West India Islands:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by section 11 of the
act of Congress entitled "An act to abolish certain fees for official
services to American vessels and to amend the laws relating to shipping
commissioners, seamen, and owners of vessels, and for other purposes,"
approved June 19, 1886, and in virtue of the further act amendatory
thereof, entitled "An act to amend the laws relating to navigation,
and for other purposes," approved April 4, 1888, do hereby declare and
proclaim that from and after the date of this my proclamation shall
be suspended the collection of the whole of the tonnage duty which
is imposed by said section 11 of the act approved June 19, 1886, upon
vessels entered in the ports of the United States from any of the ports
of the island of Grenada.

_Provided_, That there shall be excluded from the benefits of the
suspension hereby declared and proclaimed the vessels of any foreign
country in whose ports the fees or dues of any kind or nature imposed on
vessels of the United States or the import or export duties on their
cargoes are in excess of the fees, dues, or duties imposed on the
vessels of such country or on the cargoes of such vessels; but this
proviso shall not be held to be inconsistent with the special regulation
by foreign countries of duties and other charges on their own vessels
and the cargoes thereof engaged in their coasting trade, or with the
existence between such countries and other states of reciprocal
stipulations founded on special conditions and equivalents, and thus not
within the treatment of American vessels under the most-favored-nation
clause in treaties between the United States and such countries.

And the suspension hereby declared and proclaimed shall continue so long
as the reciprocal exemption of vessels belonging to citizens of the
United States and their cargoes shall be continued in the said ports of
the island of Grenada, and no longer.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 2d day of May, A.D. 1894, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and eighteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, by reason of unlawful obstructions, combinations, and
assemblages of persons, it has become impracticable, in the judgment of
the President, to enforce by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings
the laws of the United States within the State of Illinois, and
especially in the city of Chicago within said State; and

Whereas, for the purpose of enforcing the faithful execution of
the laws of the United States and protecting its property and removing
obstructions to the United States mails in the State and city aforesaid,
the President has employed a part of the military forces of the United
States:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do
hereby admonish all good citizens and all persons who may be or may come
within the city and State aforesaid against aiding, countenancing,
encouraging, or taking any part in such unlawful obstructions,
combinations, and assemblages; and I hereby warn all persons engaged in
or in any way connected with such unlawful obstructions, combinations,
and assemblages to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective
abodes on or before 12 o'clock noon on the 9th day of July instant.

Those who disregard this warning and persist in taking part with a
riotous mob in forcibly resisting and obstructing the execution of
the laws of the United States or interfering with the functions of the
Government or destroying or attempting to destroy the property belonging
to the United States or under its protection can not be regarded
otherwise than as public enemies.

Troops employed against such a riotous mob will act with all the
moderation and forbearance consistent with the accomplishment of the
desired end, but the stern necessities that confront them will not with
certainty permit discrimination between guilty participants and those
who are mingled with them from curiosity and without criminal intent.
The only safe course, therefore, for those not actually unlawfully
participating is to abide at their homes, or at least not to be found
in the neighborhood of riotous assemblages.

While there will be no hesitation or vacillation in the decisive
treatment of the guilty, this warning is especially intended to protect
and save the innocent.

[SEAL.]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be hereto affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of July, A.D. 1894, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas, by reason of unlawful obstructions, combinations, and
assemblages of persons, it has become impracticable, in the judgment of
the President, to enforce by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings
the laws of the United States at certain points and places within the
States of North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado,
and California and the Territories of Utah and New Mexico, and
especially along the lines of such railways traversing said States and
Territories as are military roads and post routes and are engaged in
interstate commerce and in carrying United States mails; and

Whereas, for the purpose of enforcing the faithful execution of the laws
of the United States and protecting property belonging to the United
States or under its protection, and of preventing obstructions of the
United States mails and of commerce between the States and Territories,
and of securing to the United States the right guaranteed by law to the
use of such roads for postal, military, naval, and other Government
service, the President has employed a part of the military forces of the
United States:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do
hereby command all persons engaged in or in any way connected with such
unlawful obstructions, combinations, and assemblages to disperse and
retire peaceably to their respective abodes on or before 3 o'clock in
the afternoon on the 10th day of July instant.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be hereto affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 9th day of July, A.D. 1894, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to adopt regulations for
preventing collisions at sea" was approved August 19, 1890, the said act
being in the following words:

  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That the following
  regulations for preventing collisions at sea shall be followed by all
  public and private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and
  in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels:


  PRELIMINARY.

  In the following rules every steam vessel which is under sail and not
  under steam is to be considered a sailing vessel, and every vessel under
  steam, whether under sail or not, is to be considered a steam vessel.

  The words "steam vessel" shall include any vessel propelled by
  machinery.

  A vessel is "under way" within the meaning of these rules when she is
  not at anchor or made fast to the shore or aground.


  RULES CONCERNING LIGHTS, ETC.

  The word "visible" in these rules when applied to lights shall mean
  visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere.

  ARTICLE 1. The rules concerning lights shall be complied with in all
  weathers from sunset to sunrise, and during such time no other lights
  which may be mistaken for the prescribed lights shall be exhibited.

  ART. 2. A steam vessel when under way shall carry--

  (_a_) On or in front of the foremast, or if a vessel without a
  foremast, then in the fore part of the vessel, at a height above the
  hull of not less than 20 feet, and if the breadth of the vessel exceeds
  20 feet, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so,
  however, that the light need not be carried at a greater height above
  the hull than 40 feet a bright white light so constructed as to show
  an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 20 points of the
  compass, so fixed as to throw the light 10 points on each side of the
  vessel--namely, from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on either
  side--and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least
  5 miles.

  (_b_) On the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show
  an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the
  compass, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points
  abaft the beam on the starboard side, and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  (_c_) On the port side a red light so constructed as to show an
  unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the compass,
  so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the
  beam on the port side, and of such a character as to be visible at a
  distance of at least 2 miles.

  (_d_) The said green and red side lights shall be fitted with
  inboard screens projecting at least 3 feet forward from the light, so as
  to prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.

  (_e_) A steam vessel when under way may carry an additional white
  light similar in construction to the light mentioned in subdivision
  (_a_). These two lights shall be so placed in line with the keel
  that one shall be at least 15 feet higher than the other and in such a
  position with reference to each other that the lower light shall be
  forward of the upper one. The vertical distance between these lights
  shall be less than the horizontal distance.

  ART. 3. A steam vessel when towing another vessel shall, in addition to
  her side lights, carry two bright white lights in a vertical line one
  over the other, not less than 6 feet apart, and when towing more than
  one vessel shall carry an additional bright white light 6 feet above or
  below such light if the length of the tow measuring from the stern of
  the towing vessel to the stern of the last vessel towed exceeds 600
  feet. Bach of these lights shall be of the same construction and
  character and shall be carried in the same position as the white light
  mentioned in article 2 (_a_), excepting the additional light, which
  may be carried at a height of not less than 14 feet above the hull.

  Such steam vessel may carry a small white light abaft the funnel or
  aftermast for the vessel towed to steer by, but such light shall not be
  visible forward of the beam.

  ART. 4. (_a_) A vessel which from any accident is not under command
  shall carry at the same height as a white light mentioned in article 2
  (_a_), where they can best be seen, and if a steam vessel in lieu
  of that light, two red lights in a vertical line one over the other, not
  less than 6 feet apart, and of such a character as to be visible all
  around the horizon at a distance of at least 2 miles; and shall by day
  carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6 feet apart,
  where they can best be seen, two black balls or shapes each 2 feet in
  diameter.

  (_b_) A vessel employed in laying or in picking up a telegraph
  cable shall carry in the same position as the white light mentioned in
  article 2 (_a_), and if a steam vessel in lieu of that light, three
  lights in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6 feet
  apart. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the
  middle light shall be white, and they shall be of such a character as to
  be visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least 2 miles. By
  day she shall carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than
  6 feet apart, where they can best be seen, three shapes not less than 2
  feet in diameter, of which the highest and lowest shall be globular in
  shape and red in color and the middle one diamond in shape and white.

  (_c_) The vessels referred to in this article, when not making way
  through the water, shall not carry the side lights, but when making way
  shall carry them.

  (_d_) The lights and shapes required to be shown by this article
  are to be taken by other vessels as signals that the vessel showing them
  is not under command and can not, therefore, get out of the way.

  These signals are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring
  assistance. Such signals are contained in article 31.

  ART. 5. A sailing vessel under way and any vessel being towed shall
  carry the same lights as are prescribed by article 2 for a steam vessel
  under way, with the exception of the white lights mentioned therein,
  which they shall never carry.

  ART. 6. Whenever, as in the case of small vessels under way during bad
  weather, the green and red side lights can not be fixed, these lights
  shall be kept at hand, lighted and ready for use, and shall on the
  approach of or to other vessels be exhibited on their respective sides,
  in sufficient time to prevent collision, in such manner as to make them
  most visible and so that the green light shall not be seen on the port
  side nor the red light on the starboard side, nor, if practicable, more
  than 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides.

  To make the use of these portable lights more certain and easy the
  lanterns containing them shall each be painted outside with the color of
  the light they respectively contain and shall be provided with proper
  screens.

  ART. 7. Steam vessels of less than 40 and vessels under oars or sails of
  less than 20 tons gross tonnage, respectively, when under way shall not
  be obliged to carry the lights mentioned in article 2 (_a_),
  (_b_), and (_c_), but if they do not carry them they shall be
  provided with the following lights:

  First. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons shall carry--

  (_a_) In the fore part of the vessel or on or in front of the
  funnel, where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of
  not less than 9 feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as
  prescribed in article 2 (_a_) and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  (_b_) Green and red side lights constructed and fixed as prescribed
  in article 2 (_b_) and (_c_) and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 1 mile, or a combined lantern showing
  a green light and a red light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the
  beam on their respective sides. Such lanterns shall be carried not less
  than 3 feet below the white light.

  Second. Small steamboats, such as are carried by seagoing vessels, may
  carry the white light at a less height than 9 feet above the gunwale,
  but it shall be carried above the combined lantern mentioned in
  subdivision 1 (_b_).

  Third. Vessels under oars or sails of less than 20 tons shall have ready
  at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red glass on the
  other, which on the approach of or to other vessels shall be exhibited,
  in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green light shall
  not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side.

  The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
  the lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_) and article 11, last
  paragraph.

  ART. 8. Pilot vessels when engaged on their station on pilotage duty
  shall not show the lights required for other vessels, but shall carry a
  white light at the masthead, visible all around the horizon, and shall
  also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals,
  which shall never exceed fifteen minutes.

  On the near approach of or to other vessels they shall have their side
  lights lighted, ready for use, and shall flash or show them at short
  intervals to indicate the direction in which they are heading; but the
  green light shall not be shown on the port side nor the red light on the
  starboard side.

  A pilot vessel of such a class as to be obliged to go alongside of a
  vessel to put a pilot on board may show the white light instead of
  carrying it at the masthead, and may, instead of the colored lights
  above mentioned, have at hand, ready for use, a lantern with a green
  glass on the one side and a red glass on the other, to be used as
  prescribed above.

  Pilot vessels when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty shall
  carry lights similar to those of other vessels of their tonnage.

  ART. 9. Fishing vessels and fishing boats when under way and when not
  required by this article to carry or show the lights therein named shall
  carry or show the lights prescribed for vessels of their tonnage under
  way.

  (_a_) Vessels and boats when fishing with drift nets shall exhibit
  two white lights from any part of the vessel where they can best be
  seen. Such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance between
  them shall be not less than 6 feet and not more than 10 feet, and so
  that the horizontal distance between them measured in a line with the
  keel shall be not less than 5 feet and not more than 10 feet. The lower
  of these two lights shall be the more forward, and both of them shall be
  of such a character as to show all around the horizon and to be visible
  at a distance of not less than 3 miles.

  (_b_) Vessels when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the
  dragging of an apparatus along the bottom of the sea--

  First. If steam vessels, shall carry in the same position as the white
  light mentioned in article 2 (_a_) a tricolored lantern so
  constructed and fixed as to show a white light from right ahead to 2
  points on each bow and a green light and a red light over an arc of the
  horizon from 2 points on either bow to 2 points abaft the beam on the
  starboard and port sides, respectively, and not less than 6 nor more
  than 12 feet below the tricolored lantern, a white light in a lantern so
  constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light all around
  the horizon.

  Second. If sailing vessels of 7 tons gross tonnage and upward, shall
  carry a white light in a lantern so constructed as to show a clear,
  uniform, and unbroken light all around the horizon, and shall also be
  provided with a sufficient supply of red pyrotechnic lights, which shall
  each burn for at least 30 seconds, and shall be shown on the approach of
  or to other vessels in sufficient time to prevent collision.

  In the Mediterranean Sea the vessels referred to in subdivision
  (_b_) 2 may use a flare-up light in lieu of a pyrotechnic light.

  All lights mentioned in subdivision (_b_) 1 and 2 shall be visible
  at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  Third. If sailing vessels of less than 7 tons gross tonnage, shall not
  be obliged to carry the white light mentioned in subdivision (_b_)
  2 of this article, but if they do not carry such light they shall have
  at hand, ready for use, a lantern showing a bright white light, which
  shall on the approach of or to other vessels be exhibited where it can
  best be seen, in sufficient time to prevent collision; and they shall
  also show a red pyrotechnic light, as prescribed in subdivision
  (_b_) 2, or in lieu thereof a flare-up light.

  (_c_) Vessels and boats when line fishing with their lines out and
  attached to their lines, and when not at anchor or stationary, shall
  carry the same lights as vessels fishing with drift nets.

  (_d_) Fishing vessels and fishing boats may at any time use a
  flare-up light in addition to the lights which they are by this article
  required to carry and show. All flare-up lights exhibited by a vessel
  when trawling or fishing with any kind of dragnet shall be shown at the
  after part of the vessel, excepting that if the vessel is hanging by the
  stern to her fishing gear they shall be exhibited from the bow.

  (_e_) Every fishing vessel and every boat when at anchor shall
  exhibit a white light visible all around the horizon at a distance of at
  least 1 mile.

  (_f_) If a vessel or boat when fishing becomes stationary in
  consequence of her gear getting fast to a rock or other obstruction, she
  shall show the light and make the fog signal prescribed for a vessel at
  anchor, respectively. (See article 15 (_d_), (_e_), and last
  paragraph.)

  (_g_) In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms drift-net
  vessels attached to their nets, and vessels when trawling, dredging, or
  fishing with any kind of dragnet, and vessels line fishing with their
  lines out shall, if of 20 tons gross tonnage or upward, respectively, at
  intervals of not more than one minute make a blast--if steam vessels,
  with the whistle or siren, and if sailing vessels, with the fog
  horn--each blast to be followed by ringing the bell.

  (_h_) Sailing vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls
  when under way shall in daytime indicate their occupation to an
  approaching vessel by displaying a basket or other efficient signal
  where it can best be seen.

  The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
  the lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_) and article 11, last
  paragraph.

  ART. 10. A vessel which is being overtaken by another shall show from
  her stern to such last-mentioned vessel a white light or a flare-up
  light.

  The white light required to be shown by this article may be fixed
  and carried in a lantern, but in such case the lantern shall be so
  constructed, fitted, and screened that it shall throw an unbroken light
  over an arc of the horizon of 12 points of the compass--namely, for 6
  points from right aft on each side of the vessel--so as to be visible at
  a distance of at least 1 mile. Such light shall be carried as nearly as
  practicable on the same level as the side lights.

  ART. 11. A vessel under 150 feet in length when at anchor shall carry
  forward, where it can best be seen, but at a height not exceeding 20
  feet above the hull, a white light in a lantern so constructed as to
  show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light visible all around the horizon
  at a distance of at least 1 mile.

  A vessel of 150 feet or upward in length when at anchor shall carry in
  the forward part of the vessel, at a height of not less than 20 and not
  exceeding 40 feet above the hull, one such light, and at or near the
  stern of the vessel, and at such a height that it shall be not less than
  15 feet lower than the forward light, another such light.

  The length of a vessel shall be deemed to be the length appearing in her
  certificate of registry.

  A vessel aground in or near a fairway shall carry the above light or
  lights and the two red lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_).

  ART. 12. Every vessel may, if necessary in order to attract attention,
  in addition to the lights which she is by these rules required to carry,
  show a flare-up light or use any detonating signal that can not be
  mistaken for a distress signal.

  ART. 13. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of
  any special rules made by the government of any nation with respect to
  additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or for
  vessels sailing under convoy, or with the exhibition of recognition
  signals adopted by shipowners which have been authorized by their
  respective governments and duly registered and published.

  ART. 14. A steam vessel proceeding under sail only, but having her
  funnel up, shall carry in daytime forward, where it can best be seen,
  one black ball or shape 2 feet in diameter.


  SOUND SIGNALS FOR FOG, ETC.

  ART. 15. All signals prescribed by this article for vessels under way
  shall be given--

  1. By "steam vessels," on the whistle or siren.

  2. By "sailing vessels" and "vessels towed," on the fog horn.

  The words "prolonged blast" used in this article shall mean a blast of
  from four to six seconds' duration.

  A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren,
  sounded by steam or by some substitute for steam, so placed that the
  sound may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient
  fog horn, to be sounded by mechanical means, and also with an efficient
  bell. (In all cases where the rules require a bell to be used a drum may
  be substituted on board Turkish vessels or a gong where such articles
  are used on board small seagoing vessels.) A sailing vessel of 20 tons
  gross tonnage or upward shall be provided with a similar fog horn and
  bell.

  In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms, whether by day or
  night, the signals described in this article shall be used as follows,
  viz:

  (_a_) A steam vessel having way upon her shall sound at intervals
  of not more than two minutes a prolonged blast.

  (_b_) A steam vessel under way, but stopped and having no way upon
  her, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes two prolonged
  blasts with an interval of about one second between them.

  (_c_) A sailing vessel under way shall sound at intervals of not
  more than one minute, when on the starboard tack one blast, when on the
  port tack two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the
  beam three blasts in succession.

  (_d_) A vessel when at anchor shall at intervals of not more than
  one minute ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds.

  (_e_) A vessel at anchor at sea, when not in ordinary anchorage
  ground and when in such a position as to be an obstruction to vessels
  under way, shall sound, if a steam vessel, at intervals of not more than
  two minutes, two prolonged blasts with her whistle or siren, followed by
  ringing her bell; or, if a sailing vessel, at intervals of not more than
  one minute two blasts with her fog horn, followed by ringing her bell.

  (_f_) A vessel when towing shall, instead of the signals prescribed
  in subdivisions (_a_) and (_c_) of this article, at intervals
  of not more than two minutes sound three blasts in succession, namely,
  one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. A vessel towed may
  give this signal, and she shall not give any other.

  (_g_) A steam vessel wishing to indicate to another "The way is off
  my vessel; you may feel your way past me" may sound three blasts in
  succession, namely, short, long, short, with intervals of about one
  second between them.

  (_h_) A vessel employed in laying or picking up a telegraph cable
  shall on hearing the fog signal of an approaching vessel sound in answer
  three prolonged blasts in succession.

  (_i_) A vessel under way which is unable to get out of the way of
  an approaching vessel through being not under command or unable to
  maneuver as required by these rules shall on hearing the fog signal of
  an approaching vessel sound in answer four short blasts in succession.

  Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not
  be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals, but if they do not they
  shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more
  than one minute.


  SPEED OF SHIPS TO BE MODERATE IN FOG, ETC.

  ART. 16. Every vessel shall in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain
  storm go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing
  circumstances and conditions.

  A steam vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal
  of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained shall, so far as
  the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then navigate
  with caution until danger of collision is over.


  STEERING AND SAILING RULES.

  PRELIMINARY.--RISK OF COLLISION.

  Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by
  carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the
  bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed to
  exist.

  ART. 17. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to
  involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the
  other as follows, namely:

  (_a_) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a
  vessel which is closehauled.

  (_b_) A vessel which is closehauled on the port tack shall keep out
  of the way of a vessel which is closehauled on the starboard tack.

  (_c_) When both are running free with the wind on different sides,
  the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way
  of the other.

  (_d_) When both are running free with the wind on the same side,
  the vessel which is to the windward shall keep out of the way of the
  vessel which is to leeward.

  (_e_) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of
  the other vessel.

  ART. 18. When two steam vessels are meeting end on or nearly end on, so
  as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to
  starboard, so that each may pass on the port side of the other.

  This article only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on or
  nearly end on in such a manner as to involve risk of collision, and does
  not apply to two vessels which must if both keep on their respective
  courses pass clear of each other.

  The only cases to which it does apply are when each of the two vessels
  is end on or nearly end on to the other; in other words, to cases in
  which by day each vessel sees the masts of the other in a line or nearly
  in a line with her own, and by night to cases in which each vessel is in
  such a position as to see both the side lights of the other.

  It does not apply by day to cases in which a vessel sees another ahead
  crossing her own course, or by night to cases where the red light of one
  vessel is opposed to the red light of the other, or where the green
  light of one vessel is opposed to the green light of the other, or where
  a red light without a green light or a green light without a red light
  is seen ahead, or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but
  ahead.

  ART. 19. When two steam vessels are crossing, so as to involve risk of
  collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side
  shall keep out of the way of the other.

  ART. 20. When a steam vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such
  directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keep
  out of the way of the sailing vessel.

  ART. 21. Where by any of these rules one of two vessels is to keep out
  of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.

  ART. 22. Every vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out of
  the way of another vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,
  avoid crossing ahead of the other.

  ART. 23. Every steam vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out
  of the way of another vessel shall on approaching her, if necessary,
  slacken her speed or stop or reverse.

  ART. 24. Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules every vessel
  overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the overtaken vessel.

  Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more than
  2 points abaft her beam--that is, in such a position with reference to
  the vessel which she is overtaking, that at night she would be unable to
  see either of that vessel's side lights--shall be deemed to be an
  overtaking vessel, and no subsequent alteration of the bearing between
  the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel
  within the meaning of these rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping
  clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

  As by day the overtaking vessel can not always know with certainty
  whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessel,
  she should if in doubt assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep
  out of the way.

  ART. 25. In narrow channels every steam vessel shall, when it is safe
  and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel which
  lies on the starboard side of such vessel.

  ART. 26. Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of sailing
  vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls. This rule shall
  not give to any vessel or boat engaged in fishing the right of
  obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels or
  boats.

  ART. 27. In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had
  to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special
  circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules
  necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.


  SOUND SIGNALS FOR VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER.

  ART. 28. The words "short blast" used in this article shall mean a blast
  of about one second's duration.

  When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under way, in
  taking any course authorized or required by these rules, shall indicate
  that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren, namely:

  One short blast to mean, "I am directing my course to starboard."

  Two short blasts to mean, "I am directing my course to port."

  Three short blasts to mean, "My engines are going at full speed astern."


  NO VESSEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO NEGLECT PROPER PRECAUTIONS.

  ART. 29. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel or the owner
  or master or crew thereof from the consequences of any neglect to carry
  lights or signals, or of any neglect to keep a proper lookout, or of the
  neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice
  of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case.


  RESERVATION OF RULES FOR HARBORS AND INLAND NAVIGATION.

  ART. 30. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of a
  special rule duly made by local authority relative to the navigation of
  any harbor, river, or inland waters.


  DISTRESS SIGNALS.

  ART. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from other
  vessels or from the shore, the following shall be the signals to be used
  or displayed by her, either together or separately, namely:

  In the daytime--

  First. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.

  Second. The international code signal of distress, indicated by N.C.

  Third. The distance signal, consisting of a square flag, having either
  above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

  Fourth. Rockets or shells as prescribed below for use at night.

  Fifth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

  At night--

  First. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.

  Second. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,
  etc.).

  Third. Rockets or shells bursting in the air with a loud report and
  throwing stars of any color or description, fired one at a time at short
  intervals.

  Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

  SEC. 2. That all laws or parts of laws inconsistent with the foregoing
  regulations for preventing collisions at sea for the navigation of all
  public and private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and
  in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels are
  hereby repealed.

  SEC. 3. That this act shall take effect at a time to be fixed by the
  President by proclamation issued for that purpose.


And whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to amend an act approved
August 19, 1890, entitled 'An act to adopt regulations for preventing
collisions at sea,'" was approved May 28, 1894, the said act being in
the following words:

  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That article 7 of
  the act approved August 19, 1890, entitled "An act to adopt regulations
  for preventing collisions at sea," be amended to read as follows:

  "ART. 7. Steam vessels of less than 40 and vessels under oars or sails
  of less than 20 tons gross tonnage, respectively, and rowing boats, when
  under way, shall not be required to carry the lights mentioned in
  article 2 (_a_), (_b_), and (_c_), but if they do not
  carry them they shall be provided with the following lights:

  "First. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons shall carry--

  "(_a_) In the fore part of the vessel or on or in front of the
  funnel where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of
  not less than 9 feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as
  prescribed in article 2 (_a_) and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  "(_b_) Green and red side lights constructed and fixed as
  prescribed in article 2 (_b_) and (_c_) and of such a
  character as to be visible at a distance of at least 1 mile, or a
  combined lantern showing a green light and a red light from right ahead
  to 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides. Such lanterns
  shall be carried not less than 3 feet below the white light.

  "Second. Small steamboats, such as are carried by seagoing vessels, may
  carry the white light at a less height than 9 feet above the gunwale,
  but it shall be carried above the combined lantern mentioned in
  subdivision 1 (_b_).

  "Third. Vessels under oars or sails of less than 20 tons shall have
  ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red glass
  on the other, which on the approach of or to other vessels shall be
  exhibited, in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green
  light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the
  starboard side.

  "Fourth. Rowing boats, whether under oars or sail, shall have ready at
  hand a lantern showing a white light, which shall be temporarily
  exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

  "The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
  the lights prescribed by article 4 (a) and article 11, last paragraph."

  That article 9 be hereby repealed.

  That article 21 be amended to read as follows:

  "ART. 21. Where by any of these rules one of two vessels is to keep out
  of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.

  "NOTE.--When, in consequence of thick weather or other causes, such
  vessel finds herself so close that collision can not be avoided by the
  action of the giving-way vessel alone, she also shall take such action
  as will best aid to avert collision." (See articles 27 and 29.)


That article 31 be amended to read as follows:

  "DISTRESS SIGNALS.

  "ART. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from
  other vessels or from the shore the following shall be the signals to
  be used or displayed by her, either together or separately, namely:

  "In the daytime--

  "First. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a
  minute.

  "Second. The international code signal of distress indicated by N.C.

  "Third. The distance signal, consisting of a square flag, having either
  above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

  "Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

  "At night--

  "First. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a
  minute.

  "Second. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,
  etc.).

  "Third. Rockets or shells throwing stars of any color or description,
  fired one at a time at short intervals.

  "Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus."


And whereas it is provided by section 3 of the act approved August 19,
1890, that it shall take effect at a time to be fixed by the President
by proclamation issued for that purpose:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do hereby, in virtue of the authority vested in me by section 3
of the act aforesaid, proclaim the 1st day of March, 1895, as the day on
which the said act approved August 19, 1890, as amended by the act
approved May 28, 1894, shall take effect.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States of America to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 13th day of July, 1894, and of the
Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas Congress by a statute approved March 22, 1882, and by statutes
in furtherance and amendment thereof defined the crimes of bigamy,
polygamy, and unlawful cohabitation in the Territories and other places
within the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States and prescribed a
penalty for such crimes; and

Whereas on or about the 6th day of October, 1890, the Church of the
Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, through its
president issued a manifesto proclaiming the purpose of said church no
longer to sanction the practice of polygamous marriages and calling upon
all members and adherents of said church to obey the laws of the United
States in reference to said subject-matter; and

Whereas on the 4th day of January, A.D. 1893,[7] Benjamin Harrison, then
President of the United States, did declare and grant a full pardon and
amnesty to certain offenders under said acts upon condition of future
obedience to their requirements, as is fully set forth in said
proclamation of amnesty and pardon; and

Whereas upon the evidence now furnished me I am satisfied that the
members and adherents of said church generally abstain from plural
marriages and polygamous cohabitation and are now living in obedience to
the laws, and that the time has now arrived when the interests of public
justice and morality will be promoted by the granting of amnesty and
pardon to all such offenders as have complied with the conditions of
said proclamation, including such of said offenders as have been
convicted under the provisions of said act:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the powers in me vested, do hereby declare and grant a full
amnesty and pardon to all persons who have in violation of said acts
committed either of the offenses of polygamy, bigamy, adultery, or
unlawful cohabitation under the color of polygamous or plural marriage,
or who, having been convicted of violations of said acts, are now
suffering deprivation of civil rights in consequence of the same,
excepting all persons who have not complied with the conditions
contained in said executive proclamation of January 4, 1893.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of September, A.D. 1894,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 7: See pp. 368-369.]



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


The American people should gratefully render thanksgiving and praise to
the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, who has watched over them with
kindness and fostering care during the year that has passed; they should
also with humility and faith supplicate the Father of All Mercies for
continued blessings according to their needs, and they should by deeds
of charity seek the favor of the Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift.

Therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do
hereby appoint and set apart Thursday, the 29th day of November instant,
as a day of thanksgiving and prayer to be kept and observed by all the
people of the land.

On that day let our ordinary work and business be suspended and let us
meet in our accustomed places of worship and give thanks to Almighty God
for our preservation as a nation, for our immunity from disease and
pestilence, for the harvests that have rewarded our husbandry, for a
renewal of national prosperity, and for every advance in virtue and
intelligence that has marked our growth as a people.

And with our thanksgiving let us pray that these blessings may be
multiplied unto us, that our national conscience may be quickened to a
better recognition of the power and goodness of God, and that in our
national life we may clearer see and closer follow the path of
righteousness.

And in our places of worship and praise, as well as in the happy
reunions of kindred and friends on that day, let us invoke divine
approval by generously remembering the poor and needy. Surely He who has
given us comfort and plenty will look upon our relief of the destitute
and our ministrations of charity as the work of hearts truly grateful
and as proofs of the sincerity of our thanksgiving.

Witness my hand and the seal of the United States, which I have caused
to be hereto affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington on the 1st day of November, A.D. 1894,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas by the sixteenth section of the act of Congress approved March
2, 1889 (25 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 888), the agreements entered into
between the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company and the
Sioux Indians for the right of way and occupation of certain lands for
station purposes in that portion of the Sioux Reservation, in the State
of South Dakota, relinquished by said Indians were ratified upon the
condition that said railway company shall within three years after the
said act takes effect construct, complete, and put into operation its
line of road as therein provided for, due location of which was to be
made within nine months after said act took effect; and in case of
failure to so construct said road "the lands granted for right of way,
station grounds, or other railway purposes as in this act provided shall
without any further act or ceremony be declared by proclamation of the
President forfeited, and shall without entry or further action on the
part of the United States revert to the United States and be subject to
entry under the other provisions of this act;" and

Whereas under previous proclamation[8] said act took effect on February
10, 1890, and more than three years have elapsed and no construction has
been reported of the said road beyond the town of Chamberlain, in the
State of South Dakota, as evidenced by the report of the Secretary of
the Interior dated December 3, 1894:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do
declare that the said lands granted for right of way and station
purposes, to wit, that tract of land known as lots 2, 3, and 4 and the
southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 10, and lots 1 and
9 in section 15, township 104 north, range 71 west, containing 188
acres, as shown by a plat approved January 24, 1891, being the tract
selected by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company under
the sixteenth section of the act of March 2, 1889 (25 U.S. Statutes at
Large, p. 888), also the 640 acres in said township 104 north, ranges 71
and 72 west, fifth principal meridian, in the State of South Dakota,
plat of which was approved by the Secretary of the Interior January 24,
1889, and now on file in the General Land Office, are forfeited to the
United States and will be subject to entry under the homestead laws as
provided by said act of March 2, 1889, whenever the Secretary of the
Interior shall give due notice to the local officers of this declaration
of forfeiture.

Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, this 5th day of
December, A.D. 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND, _President of the United States_.

By the President:
  S.W. LAMOREUX,
    _Commissioner of the General Land Office_.

[Footnote 8: See pp. 94-97.]



EXECUTIVE ORDERS.


CIVIL SERVICE.--REVOCATION OF PROMOTION REGULATIONS.


DECEMBER 11, 1893.

The promotion regulations applied to the War Department May 7, 1887,
under authority contained in amended Civil-Service Rule VI are hereby
revoked, and hereafter promotions in that Department, until otherwise
provided, will be made in accordance with the provisions of Departmental
Rule IX and the order of the Secretary of War of March 2, 1892, or such
other and further orders as the said Secretary may make not inconsistent
with the civil-service rules and the order of the President of December
4, 1891, directing the keeping of an efficiency record with a view to
the placing of promotions wholly upon the basis of merit.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


GENERAL RULE III.

Amend General Rule III by striking out clause (_e_) of section 2.


DEPARTMENTAL RULE II.

Amend Departmental Rule II by striking out the whole of section 1 and
substituting therefor the following:

  1. To test fitness for the classified departmental service there shall
  be a clerk-copyist examination and such supplementary and special
  examinations as the Commission may provide to meet the special
  requirements of the service. The clerk-copyist examination shall not
  include more than the following subjects: Orthography, copying,
  penmanship, arithmetic (fundamental rules, fractions, percentage,
  interest, and discount), elements of bookkeeping and accounts, elements
  of the English language, letter writing, elements of the geography,
  history, and government of the United States.


DEPARTMENTAL RULE VI.

Amend Departmental Rule VI as follows:

In section 1, line 1, strike out the words "copyist and of the clerk"
and insert in lieu thereof the words "clerk-copyist," and in the same
line strike out the final letter in the word "examinations." In section
4 strike out all after the word "the" where it occurs the second time in
line 6 down to and including the word "separated" in line 8 and insert
in lieu thereof the words "clerk-copyist," and strike out the final
letter of the word "examinations" in line 9. In section 9, line 1,
strike out the words "the copyist and the clerk" and insert in lieu
thereof the word "all," and strike out all after the word "register" in
line 3 to the end of the section.


DEPARTMENTAL RULE VII.

Amend Departmental Rule VII as follows:

In section 1, after the word "clerk" in line 3, insert a hyphen and the
word "copyist." In section 3, after the word "the" where it occurs the
second time in line 1, strike out the words "copyist or the clerk" and
insert in lieu thereof the words "clerk-copyist." Strike out all of
section 4 and change the numbering of the sections following as
required.


DEPARTMENTAL RULE IX.

Amend Departmental Rule IX as follows:

In section 2, after the word "clerk" in line 1, insert a hyphen and the
word "copyist." In section 3, after the word "clerk" in line 1, insert
a hyphen and the word "copyist." Strike out the period at the end of
section 5 and insert in lieu thereof a comma, and add to the section
the following:

  But the provisions of clause I of this rule shall cease to be operative
  when, by reason of the consolidation of the clerk and copyist
  examinations, there shall no longer be any persons in the departmental
  service to whom they apply.


DEPARTMENTAL RULE IV.

Postal Rule IV is hereby amended by adding thereto the following
section:

  4. In case of the sudden occurrence of a vacancy in a position within
  the classified service of any post-office which the public interest
  requires shall be immediately filled, and which can not be so filled by
  certification from the eligible registers, such vacancy may be filled by
  temporary appointment until a regular appointment can be made under the
  provisions of sections 1 and 2 of this rule: _Provided_, Such
  temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer than ninety days:
  _And provided further_, That no person shall serve more than ninety
  days in any one year under such temporary appointment. Every such
  temporary appointment and also the discontinuance of the same shall at
  once be reported to the Commission.


Approved, January 5, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


Departmental Rule VII is hereby amended by adding thereto the following
section:

  9. In case of the sudden occurrence of a vacancy in the position of
  observer in the Weather Bureau of the Department of Agriculture which
  the public interest requires shall be immediately filled, and which can
  not be so filled by certification from the eligible registers of the
  Commission, the Secretary of Agriculture may fill such vacancy by
  temporary appointment until a regular appointment can be made under the
  provisions of sections 1, 2, and 3 of this rule: _Provided_, Such
  temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer than ninety days.
  Every such temporary appointment and the discontinuance of the same
  shall at once be reported to the Commission.


Approved, January 5, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--EXECUTIVE ORDER WITHDRAWING FISH CULTURISTS FROM THE
LIST OF PLACES TO BE FILLED BY NONCOMPETITIVE EXAMINATION.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 20, 1894_.

So much of Executive orders heretofore issued under General Rule III,
section 2, clause (d), as provides for the appointment of fish
culturists upon noncompetitive examination is hereby revoked, and
hereafter fish culturists will be appointed upon competitive
examination.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

SPECIAL INDIAN RULE NO. 1.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 6, 1894_.

Exceptions from examination are hereby made as follows: One
superintendent and the necessary teachers, not exceeding four in number,
for the organization and equipment of a normal school to be established
at Albuquerque, N. Mex., this rule to expire by limitation six months
after the date of its approval.

Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 20, 1894_.

So much of clause 6 of Special Departmental Rule No. 1, providing for
exceptions from examination in the office of the Secretary in the
Department of Agriculture, as excepts "clerk to act as appointment
clerk" is hereby revoked, and that position will hereafter be treated as
subject to competitive examination.

Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Section 6 of Special Departmental Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by
striking from the list of excepted places in the Weather Bureau of the
Department of Agriculture enumerated therein the following:

  The three professors of meteorology of highest grade.


Said section is further amended by adding thereto the following:

  Noncompetitive examinations shall be held, on such dates and at such
  places as the Commission may from time to time determine, to test the
  competency of inspectors and assistant inspectors in the Bureau of
  Animal Industry in the Department of Agriculture employed elsewhere
  than at Washington, who were so employed on the date inspectors and
  assistant inspectors were included in the classified service and have
  been continued in the service of the Department until opportunity has
  been provided for their noncompetitive examination. The results of
  such examination shall be reported by the Commission to the Secretary
  of Agriculture.


Approved, May 1, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 11, 1894_.

SPECIAL DEPARTMENTAL RULE NO. I.

Special Departmental Rule No. I is hereby amended by adding to the
exceptions from examination therein made in the Department of the
Treasury the following:

  In the office of the Second Auditor: One skilled laborer with duties
  exclusively of a carpenter and cabinetmaker.

  In the Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Custodian of proving presses
  and modeler.


SPECIAL CUSTOMS RULE NO. I.

Special Customs Rule No. I, authorizing certain exceptions from
examination in the classified customs service, is hereby amended by
adding to the statement of places therein excepted the following:

  In the customs district of Vermont: One deputy collector and inspector,
  to be stationed at Halifax during the winter and at Quebec during the
  time the St. Lawrence River is open to navigation.


RAILWAY MAIL RULE IV.

Railway Mail Rule IV, section 2, clause (b), of the civil-service rules
is hereby amended by striking out all after the word "averages" in line
3 to and including the word "territory" in line 10, and the word
"further" in line 10; so that as amended the clause will read:

  The Commission shall certify from the register of the State or Territory
  in which the vacancy exists the names of the three eligibles thereon
  having the highest averages: _Provided_, That if upon the register
  of the State or Territory in which the vacancy exists there are the
  names of eligibles having a claim of preference under section 1754,
  Revised Statutes, the names of such eligibles shall be certified before
  the names of other eligibles of higher grade: _Provided further_,
  That on a line on which the service does not require the full time of a
  clerk, and one can be employed jointly with the railroad company, the
  appointment may be made without examination and certification, with the
  consent of the Commission, upon a statement of the facts by the general
  superintendent; but no clerk so appointed shall be eligible for transfer
  or appointment to any other place in the service.


Section 6 of said rule is hereby amended by adding after the word
"substitutes" in line 6 the words "resident in the counties which are
supplied wholly or in part by the road on which the vacancy exists;" so
that as amended the section will read:

  6. There may be certified and appointed in each State and Territory, in
  the manner provided for in this rule, such number of substitute clerks,
  not exceeding the ratio of one substitute to ten regular clerks, in
  such State or Territory as the Postmaster-General may authorize, and
  any vacancies occurring in class I in any State or Territory in which
  substitutes have been appointed shall be filled by the appointment
  thereto of those substitutes resident in the counties which are
  supplied wholly or in part by the road on which the vacancy exists,
  in the order of their appointment as substitutes, without further
  certification. The time during which any substitute is actually
  employed in the service shall be counted as part of his probation.


GENERAL RULE III.

Section 2 of General Rule III is hereby amended by adding thereto the
following clause:

  (_h_) For the appointment of an Indian as assistant teacher in
  the Indian-school service.


INDIAN RULE IV.

Indian Rule IV is hereby amended by adding thereto the following
section:

  6. Upon the nomination by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, through
  the Secretary of the Interior, of an Indian for appointment as
  assistant teacher, the Commission shall give such Indian noncompetitive
  examination under General Rule III, section 2, clause (_h_), upon
  passing which at the required grade he shall be certified and appointed
  for the probationary period provided for in section 3 of this rule, at
  the end of which period he shall be absolutely appointed or discharged
  from the service in accordance with the provisions of said section. Any
  Indian appointed assistant teacher as herein provided may be, any time
  after absolute appointment, appointed teacher upon the certification of
  the Commission that he has passed the teacher's examination.


Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--AMENDMENT OF CLASSIFICATION OF THE INDIAN SERVICE AS
MADE BY THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR APRIL 13, 1891.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 11, 1894_.

In the exercise of the power vested in the President by the third
paragraph of section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and
improve the civil service of the United States," approved January 16,
1883, I hereby direct the Secretary of the Interior to revise the
classification of the Indian service made by him, by direction of the
President, on the 13th day of April, 1891, and to include in class 3
of said classification assistant teachers.

Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

EXECUTIVE ORDER.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 26, 1894_.

_It is hereby ordered_, That the several Executive Departments and
the Government Printing Office be closed on Wednesday, the 30th instant,
to enable the employees to participate in the decoration of the graves
of the soldiers and sailors who fell in defense of the Union during the
War of the Rebellion.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Special Indian Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by adding to the places
excepted from examination therein the following:

  Kindergarten teachers, to be employed as such, not exceeding twenty
  in number.


Approved, June 21, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


Special Customs Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by adding to the places
excepted from examination therein the following:

  In the customs district of Boston, office of the collector: One
  superintendent of warehouses.

  In the customs district of Philadelphia, office of the collector:
  Five chiefs of division.


Approved, June 21, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 9, 1894_.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE II.

Departmental Rule II, clause 3 (_f_), is hereby amended by adding
at the end thereof the following words:

  Except in the Department of Agriculture the chiefs of the following
  divisions: Entomology and economic ornithology and mammalogy.


SPECIAL DEPARTMENTAL RULE NO. I.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by dropping from among
the places therein excepted from examination the following:

  In the Department of Agriculture, office of the Secretary, the
  assistant chiefs of the following divisions: Of entomology and of
  economic ornithology and mammalogy.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--AMENDMENT OF CLASSIFICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 25, 1894_.

In the exercise of the power vested in the President by the third
paragraph of section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and
improve the civil service of the United States," approved January 16,
1883, I hereby direct the Secretary of the Interior to revise the
classification of the Department of the Interior so as to include
therein the chief clerk and the assistant chief clerk at the Indian
warehouse at New York.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by adding to the
places therein excepted from examination in the Department of the
Treasury the following:

  In the Bureau of Statistics: One expert in mechanical designs and in
  diagramming commercial and financial facts.


Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE II.

Departmental Rule II, clause 3 (_f_), is hereby amended by adding
at the end thereof the following words: "and of pomology;" so that as
amended the paragraph will read:

  (_f_) Chiefs of divisions, except in the Department of Agriculture
  the chiefs of the following divisions: Entomology, economic ornithology
  and mammalogy, and of pomology.


SPECIAL DEPARTMENTAL RULE NO. I.

Special Departmental Rule No. I is hereby amended by dropping from among
the places therein excepted from examination the following:

  In the Department of Agriculture, office of the Secretary: The assistant
  chief of the division of pomology.


Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _November 2, 1894_.

INDIAN RULE IV.

Section 6 of Indian Rule IV is hereby amended by inserting the following
proviso at the end of the first sentence:

  _Provided_, That the certificates of graduation of the Indian
  graduates of the normal classes at Santa Fe, N. Mex.; Salem, Oreg.;
  Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kans.; Carlisle, Pa., and Hampton, Va.,
  may be accepted by the Commission as the basis of certification in
  lieu of the examination herein provided.


As amended the section will read:

  6. Upon the nomination by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, through
  the Secretary of the Interior, of an Indian for appointment as
  assistant teacher, the Commission shall give such Indian noncompetitive
  examination, under General Rule III, section 2, clause (_h_), upon
  passing which at the required grade he shall be certified and appointed
  for the probationary period provided for in section 3 of this rule, at
  the end of which period he shall be absolutely appointed or discharged
  from the service in accordance with the provisions of said section:
  _Provided_, That the certificates of graduation of the Indian
  graduates of the normal classes at Santa Fe, N. Mex.; Salem, Oreg.;
  Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kans.; Carlisle, Pa., and Hampton, Va.,
  may be accepted by the Commission as the basis of certification in lieu
  of the examination herein provided for. Any Indian appointed assistant
  teacher as herein provided may at any time after absolute appointment
  be appointed teacher upon the certification of the Commission that he
  has passed the teacher examination.


SPECIAL INDIAN RULE NO. 1.

Special Indian Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by inserting after the words
"New Mexico" in line 3 the words "also one normal teacher each at the
Salem (Oreg.) school and the Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kans." As
amended the rule will read:

  Exceptions from examination are hereby made as follows: One
  superintendent and the necessary teachers, not exceeding four in
  number, for the organization and equipment of one normal school to be
  established at Santa Fe, N. Mex.; also one normal teacher each at the
  Salem (Oreg.) school and the Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kans.; this
  rule to expire by limitation six months after the date of its approval.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Postal Rule II is hereby amended by striking put all of section 5 and
inserting in lieu thereof the following:

  5. Exceptions from examination in the classified postal service are
  hereby made as follows:

  (_a_) Assistant postmaster or the chief assistant to the
  postmaster, by whatever designation known.

  (_b_) One secretary to the postmaster, when authorized by law and
  allowed by the Post-Office Department.

  (_c_) Cashier, when authorized by law and employed under that
  roster title.

  (_d_) Assistant cashier, when authorized by law and employed under
  that roster title.

  (_e_) Superintendents of station or branch post-offices at which
  letter carriers are employed.

  (_f_) Printers and pressmen, when authorized by law and allowed by
  the Post-Office Department and employed as such.

  6. No person appointed to a place under any exception made by any postal
  rule shall be transferred to any other place not also excepted from
  examination.


Postal Rule IV is hereby amended by inserting after the word "manner,"
in section 1, line 3, the following:

  _Provided_, That superintendents of mail shall be selected from
  among the employees of the railway mail service or of the mailing
  division of the post-office at which they are respectively to serve.


Postal Rule VIII is hereby amended as follows:

  In clause (_a_), line 2, after the word "by," insert the word
  "any," and in the same line strike out "II, clause 5."


Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _November 2, 1894_.

Departmental Rule VII, clause 1, is hereby amended by inserting at the
end of line 6 the following:

  Vacancies in places authorized to be filled by noncompetitive
  examination may be filled without examination for a period not exceeding
  thirty days, until a regular appointment can be made upon certification
  made by the Commission.

  Every such appointment and the reasons therefor shall be at once
  reported to the Commission.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--AMENDMENT OF CLASSIFICATION.

In pursuance of the authority contained in the third paragraph of
section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil
service of the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the heads of
the several Executive Departments are hereby directed to amend their
several classifications so as to include among the employees classified
thereunder messengers, assistant messengers, and watchmen.

Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--AMENDMENT OF CLASSIFICATION.


In pursuance of the authority contained in the third paragraph of
section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the
civil service of the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the
Postmaster-General is hereby directed to amend the classification of
the Post-Office Department so as to include among the classes covered
thereby clerks to post-office inspectors.

Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


GENERAL RULE III.

General Rule III is hereby amended by striking out clause (_b_) of
section 2 and relettering the remaining clauses of the section
accordingly.


DEPARTMENTAL RULES.

Departmental Rule II is hereby amended as follows:

In section 4, line 1, strike out the word "hereby," and insert after
the word "made," at the end of the line, the words "by any departmental
rule;" in line 2, after the word "shall," strike out the words "within
one year after appointment;" substitute a period for the semicolon in
line 3 and strike out the remainder of the section. As amended the
section will read:

  4. No person appointed to a place under the exceptions to examination
  made by any departmental rule shall be transferred from such place to
  a place not also excepted from examination.


Departmental Rule XI is hereby amended as follows:

In clause (_a_) line 2, insert the word "any" before the word
"departmental," and strike out in line 3 all after the word "rule."


RAILWAY MAIL RULES.

Railway Mail Rule II is hereby amended as follows:

In section 6, line 2, after the word "shall," strike out the words
"within one year after appointment;" substitute a period for the
semicolon in line 3 and strike out the remainder of the section. As
amended the section will read:

  6. No person appointed to a place under any exception to examination
  hereby made shall be transferred to another place not also excepted
  from examination.


Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


Customs Rule I is hereby amended as follows:

In section 2, line 2, strike out the word "fifty" and insert in lieu
thereof the word "twenty."

Customs Rule II is hereby amended as follows:

In section 6, line 1, strike out the word "hereby," and after the word
"made," at the end of the line, insert the words "by any customs rule;"
in line 2, after the word "shall," strike out the words "within one year
after appointment;" substitute a period for the semicolon in line 3 and
strike out the remainder of the section. As amended the clause will
read:

  No person appointed to a place under any exception to examination made
  by any customs rule shall be transferred from such place to another
  place not also excepted from examination.


Customs Rule VIII is hereby amended as follows:

In clause (_a_), line 2, after the word "by," insert the word
"any," and in the same line strike out "II, clause 5."

Approved, November 2, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.


DEPARTMENTAL RULE VII.

Departmental Rule VII is hereby amended by adding to the first paragraph
of section 1 the following proviso:

  _Provided further_, That sea post clerks in the Post-Office
  Department shall be appointed by transfer from the classified railway
  mail service or the classified postal service, and shall be eligible
  at any time for retransfer to the service from which transferred, but
  shall not be transferred to any other department or branch of the
  service, nor to any other place in the Post-Office Department, without
  examination and certification by the Commission.


RAILWAY MAIL RULE II.

Railway Mail Rule II is hereby amended as follows:

In section 5 strike out clauses (_e_) and (_f_).


RAILWAY MAIL RULE IV.

Railway Mail Rule IV is hereby amended as follows:

In the last proviso of clause (_b_) of section 2, in line 2 of
that proviso, after the word "line," insert the words "or at a transfer
station or on a steamboat;" in the same line strike out the words "on
which" and substitute therefor the word "where," and in line 3, after
the word "railroad," insert the words "or steamboat;" so that as amended
the proviso will read:

  _Provided further_, That on a line or at a transfer station or on a
  steamboat where the service does not require the full time of a clerk,
  and one can be employed jointly with the railroad or steamboat company,
  the appointment may be made without examination and certification, with
  the consent of the Commission, upon a statement of the facts by the
  general superintendent; but no clerk so appointed shall be eligible for
  transfer or appointment to any other place in the service.


Approved, November 17, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 3, 1894_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

The assemblage within the nation's legislative halls of those charged
with the duty of making laws for the benefit of a generous and free
people impressively suggests the exacting obligation and inexorable
responsibility involved in their task. At the threshold of such labor
now to be undertaken by the Congress of the United States, and in the
discharge of an executive duty enjoined by the Constitution, I submit
this communication, containing a brief statement of the condition of
our national affairs and recommending such legislation as seems to me
necessary and expedient.

The history of our recent dealings with other nations and our peaceful
relations with them at this time additionally demonstrate the advantage
of consistently adhering to a firm but just foreign policy, free from
envious or ambitious national schemes and characterized by entire
honesty and sincerity.

During the past year, pursuant to a law of Congress, commissioners were
appointed to the Antwerp Industrial Exposition. Though the participation
of American exhibitors fell far short of completely illustrating our
national ingenuity and industrial achievements, yet it was quite
creditable in view of the brief time allowed for preparation.

I have endeavored to impress upon the Belgian Government the
needlessness and positive harmfulness of its restrictions upon the
importation of certain of our food products, and have strongly urged
that the rigid supervision and inspection under our laws are amply
sufficient to prevent the exportation from this country of diseased
cattle and unwholesome meat.

The termination of the civil war in Brazil has been followed by the
general prevalence of peace and order. It appearing at an early stage of
the insurrection that its course would call for unusual watchfulness on
the part of this Government, our naval force in the harbor of Rio de
Janeiro was strengthened. This precaution, I am satisfied, tended to
restrict the issue to a simple trial of strength between the Brazilian
Government and the insurgents and to avert complications which at times
seemed imminent. Our firm attitude of neutrality was maintained to the
end. The insurgents received no encouragement of eventual asylum from
our commanders, and such opposition as they encountered was for the
protection of our commerce and was clearly justified by public law.

A serious tension of relations having arisen at the close of the war
between Brazil and Portugal by reason of the escape of the insurgent
admiral Da Gama and his followers, the friendly offices of our
representatives to those countries were exerted for the protection of
the subjects of either within the territory of the other.

Although the Government of Brazil was duly notified that the commercial
arrangement existing between the United States and that country based on
the third section of the tariff act of 1890 was abrogated on August 28,
1894, by the taking effect of the tariff law now in force, that
Government subsequently notified us of its intention to terminate such
arrangement on the 1st day of January, 1895, in the exercise of the
right reserved in the agreement between the two countries. I invite
attention to the correspondence between the Secretary of State and the
Brazilian minister on this subject.

The commission organized under the convention which we had entered
into with Chile for the settlement of the outstanding claims of each
Government against the other adjourned at the end of the period
stipulated for its continuance leaving undetermined a number of American
cases which had been duly presented. These claims are not barred, and
negotiations are in progress for their submission to a new tribunal.

On the 17th of March last a new treaty with China in further regulation
of emigration was signed at Washington, and on August 13 it received the
sanction of the Senate. Ratification on the part of China and formal
exchange are awaited to give effect to this mutually beneficial
convention.

A gratifying recognition of the uniform impartiality of this country
toward all foreign states was manifested by the coincident request of
the Chinese and Japanese Governments that the agents of the United
States should within proper limits afford protection to the subjects of
the other during the suspension of diplomatic relations due to a state
of war. This delicate office was accepted, and a misapprehension which
gave rise to the belief that in affording this kindly unofficial
protection our agents would exercise the same authority which the
withdrawn agents of the belligerents had exercised was promptly
corrected. Although the war between China and Japan endangers no policy
of the United States, it deserves our gravest consideration by reason of
its disturbance of our growing commercial interests in the two countries
and the increased dangers which may result to our citizens domiciled or
sojourning in the interior of China.

Acting under a stipulation in our treaty with Korea (the first concluded
with a western power), I felt constrained at the beginning of the
controversy to tender our good offices to induce an amicable arrangement
of the initial difficulty growing out of the Japanese demands for
administrative reforms in Korea, but the unhappy precipitation of actual
hostilities defeated this kindly purpose.

Deploring the destructive war between the two most powerful of the
eastern nations and anxious that our commercial interests in those
countries may be preserved and that the safety of our citizens there
shall not be jeopardized, I would not hesitate to heed any intimation
that our friendly aid for the honorable termination of hostilities would
be acceptable to both belligerents.

A convention has been finally concluded for the settlement by
arbitration of the prolonged dispute with Ecuador growing out of the
proceedings against Emilio Santos, a naturalized citizen of the United
States.

Our relations with the Republic of France continue to be such as should
exist between nations so long bound together by friendly sympathy and
similarity in their form of government.

The recent cruel assassination of the President of this sister Republic
called forth such universal expressions of sorrow and condolence from
our people and Government as to leave no doubt of the depth and
sincerity of our attachment. The resolutions passed by the Senate and
House of Representatives on the occasion have been communicated to the
widow of President Carnot.

Acting upon the reported discovery of Texas fever in cargoes of American
cattle, the German prohibition against importations of live stock and
fresh meats from this country has been revived. It is hoped that Germany
will soon become convinced that the inhibition is as needless as it is
harmful to mutual interests.

The German Government has protested against that provision of the
customs tariff act which imposes a discriminating duty of one-tenth of
1 cent a pound on sugars coming from countries paying an export bounty
thereon, claiming that the exaction of such duty is in contravention of
Articles V and IX of the treaty of 1828 with Prussia.

In the interests of the commerce of both countries and to avoid even the
accusation of treaty violation, I recommend the repeal of so much of the
statute as imposes that duty, and I invite attention to the accompanying
report of the Secretary of State, containing a discussion of the
questions raised by the German protests.

Early in the present year an agreement was reached with Great Britain
concerning instructions to be given to the naval commanders of the two
Governments in Bering Sea and the contiguous North Pacific Ocean for
their guidance in the execution of the award of the Paris Tribunal of
Arbitration and the enforcement of the regulations therein prescribed
for the protection of seal life in the waters mentioned. An
understanding has also been reached for the payment by the United States
of $425,000 in full satisfaction of all claims which may be made by
Great Britain for damages growing out of the controversy as to fur seals
in Bering Sea or the seizure of British vessels engaged in taking seal
in those waters. The award and findings of the Paris Tribunal to a great
extent determined the facts and principles upon which these claims
should be adjusted, and they have been subjected by both Governments to
a thorough examination upon the principles as well as the facts which
they involve. I am convinced that a settlement upon the terms mentioned
would be an equitable and advantageous one, and I recommend that
provision be made for the prompt payment of the stated sum.

Thus far only France and Portugal have signified their willingness to
adhere to the regulations established under the award of the Paris
Tribunal of Arbitration.

Preliminary surveys of the Alaskan boundary and a preparatory
examination of the question of protection of food fish in the contiguous
waters of the United States and the Dominion of Canada are in progress.

The boundary of British Guiana still remains in dispute between Great
Britain and Venezuela. Believing that its early settlement on some just
basis alike honorable to both parties is in the line of our established
policy to remove from this hemisphere all causes of difference with
powers beyond the sea, I shall renew the efforts heretofore made to
bring about a restoration of diplomatic relations between the disputants
and to induce a reference to arbitration--a resort which Great Britain
so conspicuously favors in principle and respects in practice and which
is earnestly sought by her weaker adversary.

Since communicating the voluminous correspondence in regard to Hawaii
and the action taken by the Senate and House of Representatives on
certain questions submitted to the judgment and wider discretion of
Congress the organization of a government in place of the provisional
arrangement which followed the deposition of the Queen has been
announced, with evidence of its effective operation. The recognition
usual in such cases has been accorded the new Government.

Under our present treaties of extradition with Italy miscarriages
of justice have occurred owing to the refusal of that Government to
surrender its own subjects. Thus far our efforts to negotiate an amended
convention obviating this difficulty have been unavailing.

Apart from the war in which the Island Empire is engaged, Japan attracts
increasing attention in this country by her evident desire to cultivate
more liberal intercourse with us and to seek our kindly aid in
furtherance of her laudable desire for complete autonomy in her domestic
affairs and full equality in the family of nations. The Japanese Empire
of to-day is no longer the Japan of the past, and our relations with
this progressive nation should not be less broad and liberal than those
with other powers.

Good will, fostered by many interests in common, has marked our
relations with our nearest southern neighbor. Peace being restored along
her northern frontier, Mexico has asked the punishment of the late
disturbers of her tranquillity. There ought to be a new treaty of
commerce and navigation with that country to take the place of the one
which terminated thirteen years ago. The friendliness of the intercourse
between the two countries is attested by the fact that during this long
period the commerce of each has steadily increased under the rule of
mutual consideration, being neither stimulated by conventional
arrangements nor retarded by jealous rivalries or selfish distrust.

An indemnity tendered by Mexico as a gracious act for the murder in 1887
of Leon Baldwin, an American citizen, by a band of marauders in Durango
has been accepted and is being paid in installments.

The problem of the storage and use of the waters of the Rio Grande for
irrigation should be solved by appropriate concurrent action of the two
interested countries. Rising in the Colorado heights, the stream flows
intermittently, yielding little water during the dry months to the
irrigation channels already constructed along its course. This scarcity
is often severely felt in the regions where the river forms a common
boundary. Moreover, the frequent changes in its course through level
sands often raise embarrassing questions of territorial jurisdiction.

Prominent among the questions of the year was the Bluefields incident,
in what is known as the Mosquito Indian Strip, bordering on the Atlantic
Ocean and within the jurisdiction of Nicaragua. By the treaty of 1860
between Great Britain and Nicaragua the former Government expressly
recognized the sovereignty of the latter over the strip, and a limited
form of self-government was guaranteed to the Mosquito Indians, to be
exercised according to their customs, for themselves and other dwellers
within its limits. The so-called native government, which grew to be
largely made up of aliens, for many years disputed the sovereignty of
Nicaragua over the strip and claimed the right to maintain therein a
practically independent municipal government. Early in the past year
efforts of Nicaragua to maintain sovereignty over the Mosquito territory
led to serious disturbances, culminating in the suppression of the
native government and the attempted substitution of an impracticable
composite administration in which Nicaragua and alien residents were to
participate. Failure was followed by an insurrection, which for a time
subverted Nicaraguan rule, expelling her officers and restoring the old
organization. This in turn gave place to the existing local government
established and upheld by Nicaragua.

Although the alien interests arrayed against Nicaragua in these
transactions have been largely American and the commerce of that region
for some time has been and still is chiefly controlled by our citizens,
we can not for that reason challenge the rightful sovereignty of
Nicaragua over this important part of her domain.

For some months one, and during part of the time two, of our naval ships
have been stationed at Bluefields for the protection of all legitimate
interests of our citizens. In September last the Government at Managua
expelled from its territory twelve or more foreigners, including two
Americans, for alleged participation in the seditious or revolutionary
movements against the Republic at Bluefields already mentioned; but
through the earnest remonstrance of this Government the two Americans
have been permitted to return to the peaceful management of their
business. Our naval commanders at the scene of these disturbances by
their constant exhibition of firmness and good judgment contributed
largely to the prevention of more serious consequences and to the
restoration of quiet and order. I regret that in the midst of these
occurrences there happened a most grave and irritating failure of
Nicaraguan justice. An American citizen named Wilson, residing at Rama,
in the Mosquito territory, was murdered by one Argüello, the acting
governor of the town. After some delay the murderer was arrested, but so
insecurely confined or guarded that he escaped, and notwithstanding our
repeated demands it is claimed that his recapture has been impossible by
reason of his flight beyond Nicaraguan jurisdiction.

The Nicaraguan authorities, having given notice of forfeiture of their
concession to the canal company on grounds purely technical and not
embraced in the contract, have receded from that position.

Peru, I regret to say, shows symptoms of domestic disturbance, due
probably to the slowness of her recuperation from the distresses of
the war of 1881. Weakened in resources, her difficulties in facing
international obligations invite our kindly sympathy and justify our
forbearance in pressing long-pending claims. I have felt constrained
to testify this sympathy in connection with certain demands urgently
preferred by other powers.

The recent death of the Czar of Russia called forth appropriate
expressions of sorrow and sympathy on the part of our Government with
his bereaved family and the Russian people. As a further demonstration
of respect and friendship our minister at St. Petersburg was directed to
represent our Government at the funeral ceremonies.

The sealing interests of Russia in Bering Sea are second only to our
own. A _modus vivendi_ has therefore been concluded with the
Imperial Government restrictive of poaching on the Russian rookeries and
of sealing in waters which were not comprehended in the protected area
defined in the Paris award.

Occasion has been found to urge upon the Russian Government equality of
treatment for our great life-insurance companies whose operations have
been extended throughout Europe. Admitting as we do foreign corporations
to transact business in the United States, we naturally expect no less
tolerance for our own in the ample fields of competition abroad.

But few cases of interference with naturalized citizens returning to
Russia have been reported during the current year. One Krzeminski was
arrested last summer in a Polish province on a reported charge of
unpermitted renunciation of Russian allegiance, but it transpired
that the proceedings originated in alleged malfeasance committed by
Krzeminski while an imperial official a number of years ago. Efforts for
his release, which promised to be successful, were in progress when his
death was reported.

The Government of Salvador having been overthrown by an abrupt popular
outbreak, certain of its military and civil officers, while hotly
pursued by infuriated insurgents, sought refuge on board the United
States war ship _Bennington_, then lying in a Salvadorean port.
Although the practice of asylum is not favored by this Government, yet
in view of the imminent peril which threatened the fugitives and solely
from considerations of humanity they were afforded shelter by our naval
commander, and when afterwards demanded under our treaty of extradition
with Salvador for trial on charges of murder, arson, and robbery I
directed that such of them as had not voluntarily left the ship be
conveyed to one of our nearest ports where a hearing could be had before
a judicial officer, in compliance with the terms of the treaty. On their
arrival at San Francisco such a proceeding was promptly instituted
before the United States district judge, who held that the acts
constituting the alleged offenses were political and discharged all the
accused except one Cienfuegos, who was held for an attempt to murder.
Thereupon I was constrained to direct his release for the reason that an
attempt to murder was not one of the crimes charged against him and upon
which his surrender to the Salvadorean authorities had been demanded.

Unreasonable and unjust fines imposed by Spain on the vessels and
commerce of the United States have demanded from time to time during the
last twenty years earnest remonstrance on the part of our Government.
In the immediate past exorbitant penalties have been imposed upon our
vessels and goods by customs authorities of Cuba and Puerto Rico for
clerical errors of the most trivial character in the manifests or bills
of lading. In some cases fines amounting to thousands of dollars have
been levied upon cargoes or the carrying vessels when the goods in
question were entitled to free entry. Fines have been exacted even when
the error had been detected and the Spanish authorities notified before
the arrival of the goods in port.

This conduct is in strange contrast with the considerate and liberal
treatment extended to Spanish vessels and cargoes in our ports in like
cases. No satisfactory settlement of these vexatious questions has yet
been reached.

The Mora case, referred to in my last annual message, remains unsettled.
From the diplomatic correspondence on this subject which has been laid
before the Senate it will be seen that this Government has offered to
conclude a convention with Spain for disposal by arbitration of
outstanding claims between the two countries, except the Mora claim,
which, having been long ago adjusted, now only awaits payment as
stipulated, and of course it could not be included in the proposed
convention. It was hoped that this offer would remove parliamentary
obstacles encountered by the Spanish Government in providing payment of
the Mora indemnity. I regret to say that no definite reply to this offer
has yet been made and all efforts to secure payment of this settled
claim have been unavailing.

In my last annual message I adverted to the claim on the part of Turkey
of the right to expel as persons undesirable and dangerous Armenians
naturalized in the United States and returning to Turkish
jurisdiction.[9] Numerous questions in this relation have arisen. While
this Government acquiesces in the asserted right of expulsion, it will
not consent that Armenians may be imprisoned or otherwise punished for
no other reason than having acquired without imperial consent American
citizenship.

Three of the assailants of Miss Melton, an American teacher in Mosul,
have been convicted by the Ottoman courts, and I am advised that an
appeal against the acquittal of the remaining five has been taken by the
Turkish prosecuting officer.

A convention has been concluded with Venezuela for the arbitration of a
long-disputed claim growing out of the seizure of certain vessels the
property of citizens of the United States. Although signed, the treaty
of extradition with Venezuela is not yet in force, owing to the
insistence of that Government that when surrendered its citizens shall
in no case be liable to capital punishment.

The rules for the prevention of collisions at sea which were framed
by the maritime conference held in this city in 1889, having been
concurrently incorporated in the statutes of the United States and
Great Britain, have been announced to take effect March 1, 1895, and
invitations have been extended to all maritime nations to adhere to
them. Favorable responses have thus far been received from Austria,
France, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

In my last annual message I referred briefly to the unsatisfactory state
of affairs in Samoa under the operation of the Berlin treaty as signally
illustrating the impolicy of entangling alliances with foreign
powers,[10] and on May 9, 1894, in response to a resolution of the
Senate, I sent a special message [11] and documents to that body on the
same subject, which emphasized my previously expressed opinions. Later
occurrences, the correspondence in regard to which will be laid before
the Congress, further demonstrate that the Government which was devised
by the three powers and forced upon the Samoans against their inveterate
hostility can be maintained only by the continued presence of foreign
military force and at no small sacrifice of life and treasure.

The suppression of the Mataafa insurrection by the powers and the
subsequent banishment of the leader and eleven other chiefs, as recited
in my last message, did not bring lasting peace to the islands.
Formidable uprisings continued, and finally a rebellion broke out in
the capital island, Upolu, headed in Aana, the western district, by the
younger Tamasese, and in Atua, the eastern district, by other leaders.
The insurgents ravaged the country and fought the Government's troops
up to the very doors of Apia. The King again appealed to the powers
for help, and the combined British and German naval forces reduced the
Atuans to apparent subjection, not, however, without considerable loss
to the natives. A few days later Tamasese and his adherents, fearing the
ships and the marines, professed submission.

Reports received from our agents at Apia do not justify the belief
that the peace thus brought about will be of long duration. It is
their conviction that the natives are at heart hostile to the present
Government, that such of them as profess loyalty to it do so from fear
of the powers, and that it would speedily go to pieces if the war ships
were withdrawn. In reporting to his Government on the unsatisfactory
situation since the suppression of the late revolt by foreign armed
forces, the German consul at Apia stated:

  That peace will be lasting is hardly to be presumed. The lesson given
  by firing on Atua was not sufficiently sharp and incisive to leave
  a lasting impression on the forgetful Samoan temperament. In fact,
  conditions are existing which show that peace will not last and is not
  seriously intended. Malietoa, the King, and his chiefs are convinced
  that the departure of the war ships will be a signal for a renewal of
  war. The circumstance that the representatives of the villages of all
  the districts which were opposed to the Government have already
  withdrawn to Atua to hold meetings, and that both Atua and Aana have
  forbidden inhabitants of those districts which fought on the side of the
  Government to return to their villages, and have already partly burned
  down the latter, indicates that a real conciliation of the parties is
  still far off.


And in a note of the 10th ultimo, inclosing a copy of that report for
the information of this Government, the German ambassador said:

  The contents of the report awakened the Imperial Government's
  apprehension that under existing circumstances the peace concluded
  with the rebels will afford no assurance of the lasting restoration
  of tranquillity in the islands.


The present Government has utterly failed to correct, if indeed it has
not aggravated, the very evils it was intended to prevent. It has not
stimulated our commerce with the islands. Our participation in its
establishment against the wishes of the natives was in plain defiance of
the conservative teachings and warnings of the wise and patriotic men
who laid the foundations of our free institutions, and I invite an
expression of the judgment of Congress on the propriety of steps being
taken by this Government looking to the withdrawal from its engagements
with the other powers on some reasonable terms not prejudicial to any of
our existing rights.

The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the
Government from all sources of revenue during the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1894, amounted to $372,802,498.29 and its expenditures to
$442,605,758.87, leaving a deficit of $69,803,260.58. There was a
decrease of $15,952,674.66 in the ordinary expense of the Government as
compared with the fiscal year 1893.

There was collected from customs $131,818,530.62 and from internal
revenue $147,168,449.70. The balance of the income for the year,
amounting to $93,815,517.97, was derived from the sales of lands and
other sources.

The value of our total dutiable imports amounted to $275,199,086, being
$146,657,625 less than during the preceding year, and the importations
free of duty amounted to $379,795,536, being $64,748,675 less than
during the preceding year. The receipts from customs were $73,536,486.11
less and from internal revenue $13,836,539.97 less than in 1893.

The total tax collected from distilled spirits was $85,259,250.25, on
manufactured tobacco $28,617,898.62, and on fermented liquors
$31,414,788.04.

Our exports of merchandise, domestic and foreign, amounted during the
year to $892,140,572, being an increase over the preceding year of
$44,495,378.

The total amount of gold exported during the fiscal year was
$76,898,061, as against $108,680,444 during the fiscal year 1893. The
amount imported was $72,449,119, as against $21,174,381 during the
previous year.

The imports of silver were $13,286,552 and the exports were $50,451,265.

The total bounty paid upon the production of sugar in the United
States for the fiscal year was $12,100,208.89, being an increase of
$2,725,078.01 over the payments made during the preceding year. The
amount of bounty paid from July 1, 1894, to August 28, 1894, the time
when further payments ceased by operation of law, was $966,185.84. The
total expenses incurred in the payment of the bounty upon sugar during
the fiscal year was $130,140.85.

It is estimated that upon the basis of the present revenue laws the
receipts of the Government during the current fiscal year, ending June
30, 1895, will be $424,427,748.44 and its expenditures $444,427,748.44,
resulting in a deficit of $20,000,000.

On the 1st day of November, 1894, the total stock of money of all kinds
in the country was $2,240,773,888, as against $2,204,651,000 on the 1st
day of November, 1893, and the money of all kinds in circulation, or not
included in the Treasury holdings, was $1,672,093,422, or $24.27 per
capita upon an estimated population of 68,887,000. At the same date
there was held in the Treasury gold bullion amounting to $44,615,177.55
and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost of $127,772,988. The
purchase of silver bullion under the act of July 14, 1890, ceased on the
1st day of November, 1893, and up to that time there had been purchased
during the fiscal year 11,917,658.78 fine ounces, at a cost of
$8,715,521.32, an average cost of $O.7313 per fine ounce. The total
amount of silver purchased from the time that law took effect until the
repeal of its purchasing clause, on the date last mentioned, was
168,674,682.53 fine ounces, which cost $155,931,002.25, the average
price per fine ounce being $0.9244.

The total amount of standard silver dollars coined at the mints of the
United States since the passage of the act of February 28, 1878, is
$421,776,408, of which $378,166,793 were coined under the provisions of
that act, $38,531,143 under the provisions of the act of July 14, 1890,
and $5,078,472 under the act providing for the coinage of trade-dollar
bullion.

The total coinage of all metals at our mints during the last fiscal year
consisted of 63,485,220 pieces, valued at $106,216,730.06, of which
there were $99,474,912.50 in gold coined, $758 in standard silver
dollars, $6,024,140.30 in subsidiary silver coin, and $716,919.26 in
minor coin.

During the calendar year 1893 the production of precious metals in the
United States was estimated at 1,739,323 fine ounces of gold of the
commercial and coinage value of $35,955,000 and 60,000,000 fine ounces
of silver of the bullion or market value of $46,800,000 and of the
coinage value of $77,576,000. It is estimated that on the 1st day of
July, 1894, the stock of metallic money in the United States, consisting
of coin and bullion, amounted to $1,251,640,958, of which $627,923,201
was gold and $624,347,757 was silver.

Fifty national banks were organized during the year ending October
31, 1894, with a capital of $5,285,000, and 79, with a capital of
$10,475,000, went into voluntary liquidation. Twenty-one banks, with a
capital of $2,770,000, were placed in the hands of receivers. The total
number of national banks in existence on the 31st day of October last
was 3,756, being 40 less than on the 31st day of October, 1893. The
capital stock paid in was $672,671,365, being $9,678,491 less than at
the same time in the previous year, and the surplus fund and individual
profits, less expenses and taxes paid, amounted to $334,121,082.10,
which was $16,089,780 less than on October 31, 1893. The circulation was
decreased $1,741,563. The obligations of the banks to each other were
increased $117,268,334 and the individual deposits were $277,294,489
less than at the corresponding date in the previous year. Loans and
discounts were $161,206,923 more than at the same time the previous
year, and checks and other cash items were $90,349,963 more. The total
resources of the banks at the date mentioned amounted to $3,473,922,055,
as against $3,109,563,284.36 in 1893.

From the report of the Secretary of War it appears that the strength of
the Army on September 30, 1894, was 2,135 officers and 25,765 enlisted
men. Although this is apparently a very slight decrease compared with
the previous year, the actual effective force has been increased to the
equivalent of nearly two regiments through the reorganization of the
system of recruiting and the consequent release to regimental duty of
the large force of men hitherto serving at the recruiting depots. The
abolition of these depots, it is predicted, will furthermore effect an
annual reduction approximating $250,000 in the direct expenditures,
besides promoting generally the health, morale, and discipline of the
troops.

The execution of the policy of concentrating the Army at important
centers of population and transportation, foreshadowed in the last
annual report of the Secretary, has resulted in the abandonment of
fifteen of the smaller posts, which was effected under a plan which
assembles organizations of the same regiments hitherto widely separated.
This renders our small forces more readily effective for any service
which they may be called upon to perform, increases the extent of the
territory under protection without diminishing the security heretofore
afforded to any locality, improves the discipline, training, and
_esprit de corps_ of the Army, besides considerably decreasing the
cost of its maintenance.

Though the forces of the Department of the East have been somewhat
increased, more than three-fourths of the Army is still stationed west
of the Mississippi. This carefully matured policy, which secures the
best and greatest service in the interests of the general welfare from
the small force comprising our Regular Army, should not be thoughtlessly
embarrassed by the creation of new and unnecessary posts through acts of
Congress to gratify the ambitions or interests of localities.

While the maximum legal strength of the Army is 25,000 men, the
effective strength, through various causes, is but little over 20,000
men. The purpose of Congress does not, therefore, seem to be fully
attained by the existing condition. While no considerable increase in
the Army is, in my judgment, demanded by recent events, the policy of
seacoast fortification, in the prosecution of which we have been
steadily engaged for some years, has so far developed as to suggest that
the effective strength of the Army be now made at least equal to the
legal strength. Measures taken by the Department during the year, as
indicated, have already considerably augmented the effective force,
and the Secretary of War presents a plan, which I recommend to the
consideration of Congress, to attain the desired end. Economies effected
in the Department in other lines of its work will offset to a great
extent the expenditure involved in the proposition submitted. Among
other things this contemplates the adoption of the three-battalion
formation of regiments, which for several years has been indorsed by
the Secretaries of War and the Generals Commanding the Army. Compact
in itself, it provides a skeleton organization, ready to be filled out
in the event of war, which is peculiarly adapted to our strength and
requirements; and the fact that every other nation, with a single
exception, has adopted this formation to meet the conditions of
modern warfare should alone secure for the recommendation an early
consideration.

It is hardly necessary to recall the fact that in obedience to the
commands of the Constitution and the laws, and for the purpose of
protecting the property of the United States, aiding the process of
Federal courts, and removing lawless obstructions to the performance
by the Government of its legitimate functions, it became necessary in
various localities during the year to employ a considerable portion of
the regular troops. The duty was discharged promptly, courageously, and
with marked discretion by the officers and men, and the most gratifying
proof was thus afforded that the Army deserves that complete confidence
in its efficiency and discipline which the country has at all times
manifested.

The year has been free from disturbances by Indians, and the chances of
further depredations on their part are constantly becoming more remote
and improbable.

The total expenditures for the War Department for the year ended June
30, 1894, amounted to $56,039,009.34. Of this sum $2,000,614.99 was for
salaries and contingent expenses, $23,665,156.16 for the support of the
military establishment, $5,001,682.23 for miscellaneous objects, and
$25,371,555.96 for public works. This latter sum includes $19,494,037.49
for river and harbor improvements and $3,947,863.56 for fortifications
and other works of defense. The appropriations for the current year
aggregate $52,429,112.78, and the estimates submitted by the Secretary
of War for the next fiscal year call for appropriations amounting to
$52,318,629.55.

The skill and industry of our ordnance officers and inventors have, it
is believed, overcome the mechanical obstacles which have heretofore
delayed the armament of our coasts, and this great national undertaking
upon which we have entered may now proceed as rapidly as Congress shall
determine. With a supply of finished guns of large caliber already
on hand, to which additions should now rapidly follow, the wisdom of
providing carriages and emplacements for their mount can not be too
strongly urged.

The total enrollment of the militia of the several States is 117,533
officers and enlisted men, an increase of 5,343 over the number reported
at the close of the previous year. The reports of militia inspections by
Regular Army officers show a marked increase in interest and efficiency
among the State organizations, and I strongly recommend a continuance of
the policy of affording every practical encouragement possible to this
important auxiliary of our military establishment.

The condition of the Apache Indians held as prisoners by the Government
for eight years at a cost of half a million dollars has been changed
during the year from captivity to one which gives them an opportunity
to demonstrate their capacity for self-support and at least partial
civilization. Legislation enacted at the late session of Congress gave
the War Department authority to transfer the survivors, numbering 346,
from Mount Vernon Barracks, in Alabama, to any suitable reservation. The
Department selected as their future home the military lands near Fort
Sill, Ind. T., where, under military surveillance, the former prisoners
have been established in agriculture under conditions favorable to their
advancement.

In recognition of the long and distinguished military services and
faithful discharge of delicate and responsible civil duties by
Major-General John M. Schofield, now the General Commanding the Army,
it is suggested to Congress that the temporary revival of the grade of
lieutenant-general in his behalf would be a just and gracious act and
would permit his retirement, now near at hand, with rank befitting his
merits.

The report of the Attorney-General notes the gratifying progress made
by the Supreme Court in overcoming the arrears of its business and in
reaching a condition in which it will be able to dispose of cases as
they arise without any unreasonable delay. This result is of course very
largely due to the successful working of the plan inaugurating circuit
courts of appeals. In respect to these tribunals the suggestion is made
in quarters entitled to the highest consideration that an additional
circuit judge for each circuit would greatly strengthen these courts and
the confidence reposed in their adjudications, and that such an addition
would not create a greater force of judges than the increasing business
of such courts requires. I commend the suggestion to the careful
consideration of the Congress. Other important topics are adverted to
in the report, accompanied by recommendations, many of which have been
treated at large in previous messages, and at this time, therefore, need
only be named. I refer to the abolition of the fee system as a measure
of compensation to Federal officers; the enlargement of the powers of
United States commissioners, at least in the Territories; the allowance
of writs of error in criminal cases on behalf of the United States, and
the establishment of degrees in the crime of murder. A topic dealt
with by the Attorney-General of much importance is the condition of
the administration of justice in the Indian Territory. The permanent
solution of what is called the Indian problem is probably not to be
expected at once, but meanwhile such ameliorations of present conditions
as the existing system will admit of ought not to be neglected. I am
satisfied there should be a Federal court established for the Territory,
with sufficient judges, and that this court should sit within the
Territory and have the same jurisdiction as to Territorial affairs as
is now vested in the Federal courts sitting in Arkansas and Texas.

Another subject of pressing moment referred to by the Attorney-General
is the reorganization of the Union Pacific Railway Company on a basis
equitable as regards all private interests and as favorable to the
Government as existing conditions will permit. The operation of a
railroad by a court through a receiver is an anomalous state of things
which should be terminated on all grounds, public and private, at the
earliest possible moment. Besides, not to enact the needed enabling
legislation at the present session postpones the whole matter until
the assembling of a new Congress and inevitably increases all the
complications of the situation, and could not but be regarded as a
signal failure to solve a problem which has practically been before
the present Congress ever since its organization.

Eight years ago in my annual message I urged upon the Congress as
Strongly as I could the location and construction of two prisons for the
confinement of United States prisoners.[12] A similar recommendation has
been made from time to time since, and a few years ago a law was passed
providing for the selection of sites for three such institutions. No
appropriation has, however, been made to carry the act into effect, and
the old and discreditable condition still exists.

It is not my purpose at this time to repeat the considerations which
make an impregnable case in favor of the ownership and management by the
Government of the penal institutions in which Federal prisoners are
confined. I simply desire to again urge former recommendations on the
subject and to particularly call the attention of the Congress to that
part of the report of the Secretary of War in which he states that the
military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., can be turned over to the
Government as a prison for Federal convicts without the least difficulty
and with an actual saving of money from every point of view.

Pending a more complete reform, I hope that by the adoption of the
suggestion of the Secretary of War this easy step may be taken in the
direction of the proper care of its convicts by the Government of the
United States.

The report of the Postmaster-General presents a comprehensive statement
of the operations of the Post-Office Department for the last fiscal
year. The receipts of the Department during the year amounted to
$75,080,479.04 and the expenditures to $84,324,414.15.

The transactions of the postal service indicate with barometric
certainty the fluctuations in the business of the country. Inasmuch,
therefore, as business complications continued to exist throughout
the last year to an unforeseen extent, it is not surprising that the
deficiency of revenue to meet the expenditures of the Post-Office
Department, which was estimated in advance at about $8,000,000, should
be exceeded by nearly $1,225,000. The ascertained revenues of the last
year, which were the basis of calculation for the current year, being
less than estimated, the deficiency for the current year will be
correspondingly greater, though the Postmaster-General states that the
latest indications are so favorable that he confidently predicts an
increase of at least 8 per cent in the revenues of the current year over
those of the last year.

The expenditures increase steadily and necessarily with the growth and
needs of the country, so that the deficiency is greater or less in any
year, depending upon the volume of receipts.

The Postmaster-General states that this deficiency is unnecessary and
might be obviated at once if the law regulating rates upon mail matter
of the second class was modified. The rate received for the transmission
of this second-class matter is 1 cent per pound, while the cost of such
transmission to the Government is eight times that amount. In the
general terms of the law this rate covers newspapers and periodicals.
The extensions of the meaning of these terms from time to time have
admitted to the privileges intended for legitimate newspapers and
periodicals a surprising range of publications and created abuses the
cost of which amounts in the aggregate to the total deficiency of the
Post-Office Department. Pretended newspapers are started by business
houses for the mere purpose of advertising goods, complying with the law
in form only and discontinuing the publications as soon as the period of
advertising is over. "Sample copies" of pretended newspapers are issued
in great numbers for a like purpose only. The result is a great loss of
revenue to the Government, besides its humiliating use as an agency to
aid in carrying out the scheme of a business house to advertise its
goods by means of a trick upon both its rival houses and the regular
and legitimate newspapers. Paper-covered literature, consisting mainly
of trashy novels, to the extent of many thousands of tons is sent
through the mails at 1 cent per pound, while the publishers of standard
works are required to pay eight times that amount in sending their
publications. Another abuse consists in the free carriage through the
mails of hundreds of tons of seed and grain uselessly distributed
through the Department of Agriculture. The Postmaster-General predicts
that if the law be so amended as to eradicate these abuses not only will
the Post-Office Department show no deficiency, but he believes that in
the near future all legitimate newspapers and periodical magazines might
be properly transmitted through the mails to their subscribers free of
cost. I invite your prompt consideration of this subject and fully
indorse the views of the Postmaster-General.

The total number of post-offices in the United States on the 30th day of
June, 1894, was 69,805, an increase of 1,403 over the preceding year. Of
these, 3,428 were Presidential, an increase in that class of 68 over the
preceding year.

Six hundred and ten cities and towns are provided with free delivery.
Ninety-three other cities and towns entitled to this service under the
law have not been accorded it on account of insufficient funds. The
expense of free delivery for the current fiscal year will be more than
$12,300,000, and under existing legislation this item of expenditure is
subject to constant increase. The estimated cost of rural free delivery
generally is so very large that it ought not to be considered in the
present condition of affairs.

During the year 830 additional domestic money-order offices were
established. The total number of these offices at the close of the year
was 19,264. There were 14,304,041 money orders issued during the year,
being an increase over the preceding year of 994,306. The value of these
orders amounted to $138,793,579.49, an increase of $11,217,145.84. There
were also issued during the year postal notes amounting to
$12,649,094.55.

During the year 218 international money-order offices were added to
those already established, making a total of 2,625 such offices in
operation June 30, 1894. The number of international money orders issued
during the year was 917,823, a decrease in number of 138,176, and their
value was $13,792,455.31, a decrease in amount of $2,549,382.55. The
number of orders paid was 361,180, an increase over the preceding year
of 60,263, and their value was $6,568,493.78, an increase of
$1,285,118.08.

From the foregoing statements it appears that the total issue of money
orders and postal notes for the year amounted to $165,235,129.35.

The number of letters and packages mailed during the year for special
delivery was 3,436,970. The special-delivery stamps used upon these
letters and packages amounted to $343,697. The messengers' fees paid for
their delivery amounted to $261,209.70, leaving a balance in favor of
the Government of $82,487.30.

The report shows most gratifying results in the way of economies worked
out without affecting the efficiency of the postal service. These
consist in the abrogation of steamship subsidy contracts, reletting of
mail transportation contracts, and in the cost and amount of supplies
used in the service, amounting in all to $16,619,047.42.

This report also contains a valuable contribution to the history of the
Universal Postal Union, an arrangement which amounts practically to
the establishment of one postal system for the entire civilized world.
Special attention is directed to this subject at this time in view of
the fact that the next congress of the union will meet in Washington in
1897, and it is hoped that timely action will be taken in the direction
of perfecting preparations for that event.

The Postmaster-General renews the suggestion made in a previous report
that the Department organization be increased to the extent of creating
a direct district supervision of all postal affairs, and in this
suggestion I fully concur.

There are now connected with the Post-Office establishment 32,661
employees who are in the classified service. This includes many who have
been classified upon the suggestion of the Postmaster-General. He states
that another year's experience at the head of the Department serves only
to strengthen the conviction as to the excellent working of the
civil-service law in this branch of the public service.

Attention is called to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, which
shows very gratifying progress in the construction of ships for our new
Navy. All the vessels now building, including the three torpedo boats
authorized at the last session of Congress and excepting the first-class
battle ship _Iowa_, will probably be completed during the coming
fiscal year.

The estimates for the increase of the Navy for the year ending June 30,
1896, are large, but they include practically the entire sum necessary
to complete and equip all the new ships not now in commission, so that
unless new ships are authorized the appropriations for the naval service
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, should fall below the
estimates for the coming year by at least $12,000,000.

The Secretary presents with much earnestness a plea for the authorization
of three additional battle ships and ten or twelve torpedo boats. While
the unarmored vessels heretofore authorized, including those now nearing
completion, will constitute a fleet which it is believed is sufficient
for ordinary cruising purposes in time of peace, we have now completed
and in process of construction but four first-class battle ships and
but few torpedo boats. If we are to have a navy for warlike operations,
offensive and defensive, we certainly ought to increase both the number
of battle ships and torpedo boats.

The manufacture of armor requires expensive plants and the aggregation
of many skilled workmen. All the armor necessary to complete the vessels
now building will be delivered before the 1st of June next. If no new
contracts are given out, contractors must disband their workmen and
their plants must lie idle. Battle ships authorized at this time would
not be well under way until late in the coming fiscal year, and at least
three years and a half from the date of the contract would be required
for their completion. The Secretary states that not more than 15 per
cent of the cost of such ships need be included in the appropriations
for the coming year.

I recommend that provision be made for the construction of additional
battle ships and torpedo boats.

The Secretary recommends the manufacture not only of a reserve supply of
ordnance and ordnance material for ships of the Navy, but also a supply
for the auxiliary fleet. Guns and their appurtenances should be provided
and kept on hand for both these purposes. We have not to-day a single
gun that could be put upon the ships _Paris_ or _New York_ of the
International Navigation Company or any other ship of our reserve Navy.

The manufacture of guns at the Washington Navy-Yard is proceeding
satisfactorily, and none of our new ships will be required to wait for
their guns or ordnance equipment.

An important order has been issued by the Secretary of the Navy
coordinating the duties of the several bureaus concerned in the
construction of ships. This order, it is believed, will secure to a
greater extent than has heretofore been possible the harmonious action
of these several bureaus and make the attainment of the best results
more certain.

During the past fiscal year there has been an unusual and pressing
demand in many quarters of the world for the presence of vessels to
guard American interests.

In January last, during the Brazilian insurrection, a large fleet was
concentrated in the harbor of Rio de Janeiro. The vigorous action of
Rear-Admiral Benham in protecting the personal and commercial rights of
our citizens during the disturbed conditions afforded results which
will, it is believed, have a far-reaching and wholesome influence
whenever in like circumstances it may become necessary for our naval
commanders to interfere on behalf of our people in foreign ports.

The war now in progress between China and Japan has rendered it
necessary or expedient to dispatch eight vessels to those waters.

Both the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Treasury
recommend the transfer of the work of the Coast Survey proper to the
Navy Department. I heartily concur in this recommendation. Excluding
Alaska and a very small area besides, all the work of mapping and
charting our coasts has been completed. The hydrographic work, which
must be done over and over again by reason of the shifting and varying
depths of water consequent upon the action of streams and tides,
has heretofore been done under the direction of naval officers in
subordination to the Superintendent of the Coast Survey. There seems to
be no good reason why the Navy should not have entire charge hereafter
of such work, especially as the Hydrographic Office of the Navy
Department is now and has been for many years engaged in making
efficient maps entirely similar to those prepared by the Coast Survey.

I feel it my imperative duty to call attention to the recommendation of
the Secretary in regard to the personnel of the line of the Navy. The
stagnation of promotion in this the vital branch of the service is so
great as to seriously impair its efficiency.

I consider it of the utmost importance that the young and middle-aged
officers should before the eve of retirement be permitted to reach a
grade entitling them to active and important duty.

The system adopted a few years ago regulating the employment of labor
at the navy-yards is rigidly upheld and has fully demonstrated its
usefulness and expediency. It is within the domain of civil-service
reform inasmuch as workmen are employed through a board of labor
selected at each navy-yard and are given work without reference to
politics and in the order of their application, preference, however,
being given to Army and Navy veterans and those having former navy-yard
experience.

Amendments suggested by experience have been made to the rules
regulating the system. Through its operation the work at our navy-yards
has been vastly improved in efficiency and the opportunity to work has
been honestly and fairly awarded to willing and competent applicants.

It is hoped that if this system continues to be strictly adhered to
there will soon be as a natural consequence such an equalization of
party benefit as will remove all temptation to relax or abandon it.

The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits the situation of
the numerous and interesting branches of the public service connected
with his Department. I commend this report and the valuable
recommendations of the Secretary to the careful attention of the
Congress.

The public land disposed of during the year amounted to 10,406,100.77
acres, including 28,876.05 of Indian lands.

It is estimated that the public domain still remaining amounts to
a little more than 600,000,000 acres, including, however, about
360,000,000 acres in Alaska, as well as military reservations and
railroad and other selections of lands yet unadjudicated.

The total cash receipts from sale of lands amounted to $2,674,285.79,
including $91,981.03 received for Indian lands.

Thirty-five thousand patents were issued for agricultural lands, and
3,100 patents were issued to Indians on allotments of their holdings
in severalty, the land so allotted being inalienable by the Indian
allottees for a period of twenty-five years after patent.

There were certified and patented on account of railroad and wagon-road
grants during the year 865,556.45 acres of land, and at the close of the
year 29,000,000 acres were embraced in the lists of selections made by
railroad and wagon-road companies and awaited settlement.

The selections of swamp lands and that taken as indemnity therefor since
the passage of the act providing for the same in 1849 amount to nearly
or quite 80,500,000 acres, of which 58,000,000 have been patented to
States. About 138,000 acres were patented during the last year. Nearly
820,000 acres of school and education grants were approved during the
year, and at its close 1,250,363.81 acres remained unadjusted.

It appears that the appropriation for the current year on account of
special service for the protection of the public lands and the timber
thereon is much less than those for previous years, and inadequate for
an efficient performance of the work. A larger sum of money than has
been appropriated during a number of years past on this account has been
returned to the Government as a result of the labors of those employed
in the particular service mentioned, and I hope it will not be crippled
by insufficient appropriation.

I fully indorse the recommendation of the Secretary that adequate
protection be provided for our forest reserves and that a comprehensive
forestry system be inaugurated. Such keepers and superintendents as are
necessary to protect the forests already reserved should be provided.
I am of the opinion that there should be an abandonment of the policy
sanctioned by present laws under which the Government, for a very small
consideration, is rapidly losing title to immense tracts of land covered
with timber, which should be properly reserved as permanent sources of
timber supply.

The suggestion that a change be made in the manner of securing surveys
of the public lands is especially worthy of consideration. I am
satisfied that these surveys should be made by a corps of competent
surveyors under the immediate control and direction of the Commissioner
of the General Land Office.

An exceedingly important recommendation of the Secretary relates to the
manner in which contests and litigated cases growing out of efforts to
obtain Government land are determined. The entire testimony upon which
these controversies depend in all their stages is taken before the
local registers and receivers, and yet these officers have no power
to subpoena witnesses or to enforce their attendance to testify. These
cases, numbering three or four thousand annually, are sent by the local
officers to the Commissioner of the General Land Office for his action.
The exigencies of his other duties oblige him to act upon the decisions
of the registers and receivers without an opportunity of thorough
personal examination. Nearly 2,000 of these cases are appealed annually
from the Commissioner to the Secretary of the Interior. Burdened with
other important administrative duties, his determination of these
appeals must be almost perfunctory and based upon the examination of
others, though this determination of the Secretary operates as a final
adjudication upon rights of very great importance.

I concur in the opinion that the Commissioner of the General Land Office
should be relieved from the duty of deciding litigated land cases, that
a nonpartisan court should be created to pass on such cases, and that
the decisions of this court should be final, at least so far as the
decisions of the Department are now final. The proposed court might be
given authority to certify questions of law in matters of especial
importance to the Supreme Court of the United States or the court of
appeals for the District of Columbia for decision. The creation of such
a tribunal would expedite the disposal of cases and insure decisions of
a more satisfactory character. The registers and receivers who
originally hear and decide these disputes should be invested with
authority to compel witnesses to attend and testify before them.

Though the condition of the Indians shows a steady and healthy progress,
their situation is not satisfactory at all points. Some of them to whom
allotments of land have been made are found to be unable or disinclined
to follow agricultural pursuits or to otherwise beneficially manage
their land. This is especially true of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, who,
as it appears by reports of their agent, have in many instances never
been located upon their allotments, and in some cases do not even know
where their allotments are. Their condition has deteriorated. They are
not self-supporting and they live in camps and spend their time in
idleness.

I have always believed that allotments of reservation lands to Indians
in severalty should be made sparingly, or at least slowly, and with
the utmost caution. In these days, when white agriculturists and stock
raisers of experience and intelligence find their lot a hard one, we
ought not to expect Indians, unless far advanced in civilization and
habits of industry, to support themselves on the small tracts of land
usually allotted to them.

If the self-supporting scheme by allotment fails, the wretched pauperism
of the allottees which results is worse than their original condition
of regulated dependence. It is evident that the evil consequences of
ill-advised allotment are intensified in cases where the false step
can not be retraced on account of the purchase by the Government
of reservation lands remaining after allotments are made and the
disposition of such remaining lands to settlers or purchasers from
the Government.

I am convinced that the proper solution of the Indian problem and the
success of every step taken in that direction depend to a very large
extent upon the intelligence and honesty of the reservation agents and
the interest they have in their work. An agent fitted for his place can
do much toward preparing the Indians under his charge for citizenship
and allotment of their lands, and his advice as to any matter concerning
their welfare will not mislead. An unfit agent will make no effort
to advance the Indians on his reservation toward civilization or
preparation for allotment of lands in severalty, and his opinion as to
their condition in this and other regards is heedless and valueless.

The indications are that the detail of army officers as Indian agents
will result in improved management on the reservations.

Whenever allotments are made and any Indian on the reservation has
previously settled upon a lot and cultivated it or shown a disposition
to improve it in any way, such lot should certainly be allotted to him,
and this should be made plainly obligatory by statute.

In the light of experience and considering the uncertainty of the Indian
situation and its exigencies in the future, I am not only disposed to
be very cautious in making allotments, but I incline to agree with the
Secretary of the Interior in the opinion that when allotments are made
the balance of reservation land remaining after allotment, instead of
being bought by the Government from the Indians and opened for
settlement with such scandals and unfair practices as seem unavoidable,
should remain for a time at least as common land or be sold by the
Government on behalf of the Indians in an orderly way and at fixed
prices, to be determined by its location and desirability, and that the
proceeds, less expenses, should be held in trust for the benefit of the
Indian proprietors.

The intelligent Indian-school management of the past year has been
followed by gratifying results. Efforts have been made to advance the
work in a sound and practical manner. Five institutes of Indian teachers
have been held during the year, and have proved very beneficial through
the views exchanged and methods discussed particularly applicable to
Indian education.

Efforts are being made in the direction of a gradual reduction of the
number of Indian contract schools, so that in a comparatively short time
they may give way altogether to Government schools, and it is hoped
that the change may be so gradual as to be perfected without too great
expense to the Government or undue disregard of investments made by
those who have established and are maintaining such contract schools.

The appropriation for the current year, ending June 30, 1895, applicable
to the ordinary expenses of the Indian service amounts to $6,733,003.18,
being less by $663,240.64 than the sum appropriated on the same account
for the previous year.

At the close of the last fiscal year, on the 30th day of June, 1894,
there were 969,544 persons on our pension rolls, being a net increase
of 3,532 over the number reported at the end of the previous year.

These pensioners may be classified as follows: Soldiers and sailors
survivors of all wars, 753,968; widows and relatives of deceased
soldiers, 215,162; army nurses in the War of the Rebellion, 414. Of
these pensioners 32,039 are surviving soldiers of Indian and other
wars prior to the late Civil War and the widows or relatives of such
soldiers.

The remainder, numbering 937,505, are receiving pensions on account of
the rebellion, and of these 469,344 are on the rolls under the authority
of the act of June 27, 1890, sometimes called the dependent-pension law.

The total amount expended for pensions during the year was
$139,804,461.05, leaving an unexpended balance from the sum appropriated
of $25,205,712.65.

The sum necessary to meet pension expenditures for the year ending June
30, 1896, is estimated at $140,000,000.

The Commissioner of Pensions is of the opinion that the year 1895,
being the thirtieth after the close of the War of the Rebellion, must,
according to all sensible human calculation, see the highest limit of
the pension roll, and that after that year it must begin to decline.

The claims pending in the Bureau have decreased more than 90,000 during
the year. A large proportion of the new claims filed are for increase of
pension by those now on the rolls.

The number of certificates issued was 80,213.

The names dropped from the rolls for all causes during the year numbered
37,951.

Among our pensioners are 9 widows and 3 daughters of soldiers of the
Revolution and 45 survivors of the War of 1812.

The barefaced and extensive pension frauds exposed under the direction
of the courageous and generous veteran soldier now at the head of the
Bureau leave no room for the claim that no purgation of our pension
rolls was needed or that continued vigilance and prompt action are not
necessary to the same end.

The accusation that an effort to detect pension frauds is evidence of
unfriendliness toward our worthy veterans and a denial of their claims
to the generosity of the Government suggests an unfortunate indifference
to the commission of any offense which has for its motive the securing
of a pension and indicates a willingness to be blind to the existence
of mean and treacherous crimes which play upon demagogic fears and make
sport of the patriotic impulse of a grateful people.

The completion of the Eleventh Census is now in charge of the
Commissioner of Labor. The total disbursements on account of the work
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, amounted to $10,365,676.81.
At the close of the year the number of persons employed in the Census
Office was 679; at present there are about 400. The whole number of
volumes necessary to comprehend the Eleventh Census will be 25, and they
will contain 22,270 printed pages. The assurance is confidently made
that before the close of the present calendar year the material still
incomplete will be practically in hand, and the census can certainly be
closed by the 4th of March, 1895. After that the revision and proof
reading necessary to bring out the volumes will still be required.

The text of the census volumes has been limited as far as possible to
the analysis of the statistics presented. This method, which is in
accordance with law, has caused more or less friction and in some
instances individual disappointment, for when the Commissioner of Labor
took charge of the work he found much matter on hand which according
to this rule he was compelled to discard. The census is being prepared
according to the theory that it is designed to collect facts and certify
them to the public, not to elaborate arguments or to present personal
views.

The Secretary of Agriculture in his report reviews the operations of his
Department for the last fiscal year and makes recommendations for the
further extension of its usefulness. He reports a saving in expenditures
during the year of $600,000, which is covered back into the Treasury.
This sum is 23 per cent of the entire appropriation.

A special study has been made of the demand for American farm products
in all foreign markets, especially Great Britain. That country received
from the United States during the nine months ending September 30, 1894,
305,910 live beef cattle, valued at $26,500,000, as against 182,611
cattle, valued at $16,634,000, during the same period for 1893.

During the first six months of 1894 the United Kingdom took also
112,000,000 pounds of dressed beef from the United States, valued at
nearly $10,000,000.

The report shows that during the nine months immediately preceding
September 30, 1894, the United States exported to Great Britain
222,676,000 pounds of pork; of apples, 1,900,000 bushels, valued at
$2,500,000, and of horses 2,811, at an average value of $139 per head.
There was a falling off in American wheat exports of 13,500,000 bushels,
and the Secretary is inclined to believe that wheat may not in the
future be the staple export cereal product of our country, but that corn
will continue to advance in importance as an export on account of the
new uses to which it is constantly being appropriated.

The exports of agricultural products from the United States for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, amounted to $628,363,038, being 72.28
per cent of American exports of every description, and the United
Kingdom of Great Britain took more than 54 per cent of all farm products
finding foreign markets.

The Department of Agriculture has undertaken during the year two new
and important lines of research. The first relates to grasses and forage
plants, with the purpose of instructing and familiarizing the people as
to the distinctive grasses of the United States and teaching them how to
introduce valuable foreign forage plants which may be adapted to this
country. The second relates to agricultural soils and crop production,
involving the analyses of samples of soils from all sections of the
American Union, to demonstrate their adaptability to particular plants
and crops. Mechanical analyses of soils may be of such inestimable
utility that it is foremost in the new lines of agricultural research,
and the Secretary therefore recommends that a division having it in
charge be permanently established in the Department.

The amount appropriated for the Weather Bureau was $951,100. Of that sum
$138,500, or 14 per cent, has been saved and is returned to the Treasury.

As illustrating the usefulness of this service it may be here stated
that the warnings which were very generally given of two tropical storms
occurring in September and October of the present year resulted in
detaining safely in port 2,305 vessels, valued at $36,283,913, laden
with cargoes of probably still greater value. What is much more
important and gratifying, many human lives on these ships were also
undoubtedly saved.

The appropriation to the Bureau of Animal Industry was $850,000, and the
expenditures for the year were only $495,429.24, thus leaving unexpended
$354,570.76. The inspection of beef animals for export and interstate
trade has been continued, and 12,944,056 head were inspected during the
year, at a cost of 1-3/4 cents per head, against 4-3/4 cents for 1893.
The amount of pork microscopically examined was 35,437,937 pounds,
against 20,677,410 pounds in the preceding year. The cost of this
inspection has been diminished from 8-3/4 cents per head in 1893 to
6-1/2 cents in 1894.

The expense of inspecting the pork sold in 1894 to Germany and France by
the United States was $88,922.10. The quantity inspected was greater by
15,000,000 pounds than during the preceding year, when the cost of such
inspection was $172,367.08. The Secretary of Agriculture recommends
that the law providing for the microscopic inspection of export and
interstate meat be so amended as to compel owners of the meat inspected
to pay the cost of such inspection, and I call attention to the
arguments presented in his report in support of this recommendation.

The live beef cattle exported and tagged during the year numbered
353,535. This is an increase of 69,533 head over the previous year.

The sanitary inspection of cattle shipped to Europe has cost an average
of 10-3/4 cents for each animal, and the cost of inspecting Southern
cattle and the disinfection of cars and stock yards averages 2.7 cents
per animal.

The scientific inquiries of the Bureau of Animal Industry have
progressed steadily during the year. Much tuberculin and mallein have
been furnished to State authorities for use in the agricultural colleges
and experiment stations for the treatment of tuberculosis and glanders.

Quite recently this Department has published the results of its
investigations of bovine tuberculosis, and its researches will be
vigorously continued. Certain herds in the District of Columbia will be
thoroughly inspected and will probably supply adequate scope for the
Department to intelligently prosecute its scientific work and furnish
sufficient material for purposes of illustration, description, and
definition.

The sterilization of milk suspected of containing the bacilli of
tuberculosis has been during the year very thoroughly explained in a
leaflet by Dr. D.E. Salmon, the Chief of the Bureau, and given general
circulation throughout the country.

The Office of Experiment Stations, which is a part of the United States
Department of Agriculture, has during the past year engaged itself
almost wholly in preparing for publication works based upon the reports
of agricultural experiment stations and other institutions for
agricultural inquiry in the United States and foreign countries.

The Secretary in his report for 1893 called attention to the fact that
the appropriations made for the support of the experiment stations
throughout the Union were the only moneys taken out of the National
Treasury by act of Congress for which no accounting to Federal
authorities was required. Responding to this suggestion, the Fifty-third
Congress, in making the appropriation for the Department for the present
fiscal year, provided that--

  The Secretary of Agriculture shall prescribe the form of annual
  financial statement required by section 3 of said act of March 2, 1887;
  shall ascertain whether the expenditures under the appropriation hereby
  made are in accordance with the provisions of said act, and shall make
  report thereon to Congress.


In obedience to this law the Department of Agriculture immediately sent
out blank forms of expense accounts to each station, and proposes in
addition to make, through trusted experts, systematic examination of
the several stations during each year for the purpose of acquiring by
personal investigation the detailed information necessary to enable
the Secretary of Agriculture to make, as the statute provides, a
satisfactory report to Congress. The boards of management of the
several stations with great alacrity and cordiality have approved the
amendment to the law providing this supervision of their expenditures,
anticipating that it will increase the efficiency of the stations and
protect their directors and managers from loose charges concerning their
use of public funds, besides bringing the Department of Agriculture into
closer and more confidential relations with the experimental stations,
and through their joint service largely increasing their usefulness to
the agriculture of the country.

Acting upon a recommendation contained in the report of 1893, Congress
appropriated $10,000 "to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to
investigate and report upon the nutritive value of the various articles
and commodities used for human food, with special suggestions of full,
wholesome, and edible rations less wasteful and more economical than
those in common use."

Under this appropriation the Department has prepared and now has nearly
ready for distribution an elementary discussion of the nutritive value
and pecuniary economy of food. When we consider that fully one-half of
all the money earned by the wage earners of the civilized world is
expended by them for food, the importance and utility of such an
investigation is apparent.

The Department expended in the fiscal year 1893 $2,354,809.56, and
out of that sum the total amount expended in scientific research was
45.6 per cent. But in the year ending June 30, 1894, out of a total
expenditure of $1,948,988.38, the Department applied 51.8 per cent of
that sum to scientific work and investigation. It is therefore very
plainly observable that the economies which have been practiced in
the administration of the Department have not been at the expense of
scientific research.

The recommendation contained in the report of the Secretary for 1893
that the vicious system of promiscuous free distribution of its
departmental documents be abandoned is again urged. These publications
may well be furnished without cost to public libraries, educational
institutions, and the officers and libraries of States and of the
Federal Government; but from all individuals applying for them a price
covering the cost of the document asked for should be required. Thus the
publications and documents would be secured by those who really desire
them for proper purposes. Half a million of copies of the report of the
Secretary of Agriculture are printed for distribution, at an annual cost
of about $300,000. Large numbers of them are cumbering storerooms at the
Capitol and the shelves of secondhand-book stores throughout the
country. All this labor and waste might be avoided if the
recommendations of the Secretary were adopted.

The Secretary also again recommends that the gratuitous distribution of
seeds cease and that no money be appropriated for that purpose except to
experiment stations. He reiterates the reasons given in his report for
1893 for discontinuing this unjustifiable gratuity, and I fully concur
in the conclusions which he has reached.

The best service of the statistician of the Department of Agriculture
is the ascertainment, by diligence and care, of the actual and real
conditions, favorable or unfavorable, of the farmers and farms of the
country, and to seek the causes which produce these conditions, to the
end that the facts ascertained may guide their intelligent treatment.

A further important utility in agricultural statistics is found in their
elucidation of the relation of the supply of farm products to the demand
for them in the markets of the United States and of the world.

It is deemed possible that an agricultural census may be taken each year
through the agents of the statistical division of the Department. Such a
course is commended for trial by the chief of that division. Its scope
would be:

(1) The area under each of the more important crops. (2) The aggregate
products of each of such crops. (3) The quantity of wheat and corn in
the hands of farmers at a date after the spring sowings and plantings
and before the beginning of harvest, and also the quantity of cotton and
tobacco remaining in the hands of planters, either at the same date or
at some other designated time.

The cost of the work is estimated at $500,000.

Owing to the peculiar quality of the statistician's work and the natural
and acquired fitness necessary to its successful prosecution, the
Secretary of Agriculture expresses the opinion that every person
employed in gathering statistics under the chief of that division should
be admitted to that service only after a thorough, exhaustive, and
successful examination at the hands of the United States Civil Service
Commission. This has led him to call for such examination of candidates
for the position of assistant statisticians, and also of candidates for
chiefs of sections in that division.

The work done by the Department of Agriculture is very superficially
dealt with in this communication, and I commend the report of the
Secretary and the very important interests with which it deals to the
careful attention of the Congress.

The advantages to the public service of an adherence to the principles
of civil-service reform are constantly more apparent, and nothing
is so encouraging to those in official life who honestly desire good
government as the increasing appreciation by our people of these
advantages. A vast majority of the voters of the land are ready to
insist that the time and attention of those they select to perform for
them important public duties should not be distracted by doling out
minor offices, and they are growing to be unanimous in regarding party
organization as something that should be used in establishing party
principles instead of dictating the distribution of public places as
rewards of partisan activity.

Numerous additional offices and places have lately been brought within
civil-service rules and regulations, and some others will probably soon
be included.

The report of the Commissioners will be submitted to the Congress, and
I invite careful attention to the recommendations it contains.

I am entirely convinced that we ought not to be longer without a
national board of health or national health officer charged with no
other duties than such as pertain to the protection of our country
from the invasion of pestilence and disease. This would involve the
establishment by such board or officer of proper quarantine precautions,
or the necessary aid and counsel to local authorities on the subject;
prompt advice and assistance to local boards of health or health
officers in the suppression of contagious disease, and in cases where
there are no such local boards or officers the immediate direction by
the national board or officer of measures of suppression; constant and
authentic information concerning the health of foreign countries and
all parts of our own country as related to contagious diseases, and
consideration of regulations to be enforced in foreign ports to prevent
the introduction of contagion into our cities and the measures which
should be adopted to secure their enforcement.

There seems to be at this time a decided inclination to discuss measures
of protection against contagious diseases in international conference,
with a view of adopting means of mutual assistance. The creation of such
a national health establishment would greatly aid our standing in such
conferences and improve our opportunities to avail ourselves of their
benefits.

I earnestly recommend the inauguration of a national board of health
or similar national instrumentality, believing the same to be a needed
precaution against contagious disease and in the interest of the safety
and health of our people.

By virtue of a statute of the United States passed in 1888 I appointed
in July last Hon. John D. Kernan, of the State of New York, and Hon.
Nicholas E. Worthington, of the State of Illinois, to form, with Hon.
Carroll D. Wright, Commissioner of Labor, who was designated by said
statute, a commission for the purpose of making careful inquiry into
the causes of the controversies between certain railroads and their
employees which had resulted in an extensive and destructive strike,
accompanied by much violence and dangerous disturbance, with
considerable loss of life and great destruction of property.

The report of the commissioners has been submitted to me and will be
transmitted to the Congress with the evidence taken upon their
investigation.

Their work has been well done, and their standing and intelligence give
assurance that the report and suggestions they make are worthy of
careful consideration.

The tariff act passed at the last session of the Congress needs
important amendments if it is to be executed effectively and with
certainty. In addition to such necessary amendments as will not change
rates of duty, I am still very decidedly in favor of putting coal and
iron upon the free list.

So far as the sugar schedule is concerned, I would be glad, under
existing aggravations, to see every particle of differential duty in
favor of refined sugar stricken out of our tariff law. If with all the
favor now accorded the sugar-refining interest in our tariff laws it
still languishes to the extent of closed refineries and thousands of
discharged workmen, it would seem to present a hopeless case for
reasonable legislative aid. Whatever else is done or omitted, I
earnestly repeat here the recommendation I have made in another portion
of this communication, that the additional duty of one-tenth of a cent
per pound laid upon sugar imported from countries paying a bounty on its
export be abrogated. It seems to me that exceedingly important
considerations point to the propriety of this amendment.

With the advent of a new tariff policy not only calculated to relieve
the consumers of our land in the cost of their daily life, but to invite
a better development of American thrift and create for us closer and
more profitable commercial relations with the rest of the world, it
follows as a logical and imperative necessity that we should at once
remove the chief if not the only obstacle which has so long prevented
our participation in the foreign carrying trade of the sea. A tariff
built upon the theory that it is well to check imports and that a home
market should bound the industry and effort of American producers was
fitly supplemented by a refusal to allow American registry to vessels
built abroad, though owned and navigated by our people, thus exhibiting
a willingness to abandon all contest for the advantages of American
transoceanic carriage. Our new tariff policy, built upon the theory that
it is well to encourage such importations as our people need, and that
our products and manufactures should find markets in every part of the
habitable globe, is consistently supplemented by the greatest possible
liberty to our citizens in the ownership and navigation of ships in
which our products and manufactures may be transported. The millions now
paid to foreigners for carrying American passengers and products across
the sea should be turned into American hands. Shipbuilding, which has
been protected to strangulation, should be revived by the prospect of
profitable employment for ships when built, and the American sailor
should be resurrected and again take his place--a sturdy and industrious
citizen in time of peace and a patriotic and safe defender of American
interests in the day of conflict.

The ancient provision of our law denying American registry to ships
built abroad and owned by Americans appears in the light of present
conditions not only to be a failure for good at every point, but to
be nearer a relic of barbarism than anything that exists under the
permission of a statute of the United States. I earnestly recommend
its prompt repeal.

During the last month the gold reserved in the Treasury for the purpose
of redeeming the notes of the Government circulating as money in the
hands of the people became so reduced and its further depletion in the
near future seemed so certain that in the exercise of proper care for
the public welfare it became necessary to replenish this reserve and
thus maintain popular faith in the ability and determination of the
Government to meet as agreed its pecuniary obligations.

It would have been well if in this emergency authority had existed to
issue the bonds of the Government bearing a low rate of interest and
maturing within a short period; but the Congress having failed to confer
such authority, resort was necessarily had to the resumption act of
1875, and pursuant to its provisions bonds were issued drawing interest
at the rate of 5 per cent per annum and maturing ten years after their
issue, that being the shortest time authorized by the act. I am glad
to say, however, that on the sale of these bonds the premium received
operated to reduce the rate of interest to be paid by the Government
to less than 3 per cent.

Nothing could be worse or further removed from sensible finance than the
relations existing between the currency the Government has issued, the
gold held for its redemption, and the means which must be resorted to
for the purpose of replenishing such redemption fund when impaired. Even
if the claims upon this fund were confined to the obligations originally
intended and if the redemption of these obligations meant their
cancellation, the fund would be very small. But these obligations when
received and redeemed in gold are not canceled, but are reissued and may
do duty many times by way of drawing gold from the Treasury. Thus we
have an endless chain in operation constantly depleting the Treasury's
gold and never near a final rest. As if this was not bad enough, we
have, by a statutory declaration that it is the policy of the Government
to maintain the parity between gold and silver, aided the force and
momentum of this exhausting process and added largely to the currency
obligations claiming this peculiar gold redemption. Our small gold
reserve is thus subject to drain from every side. The demands that
increase our danger also increase the necessity of protecting this
reserve against depletion, and it is most unsatisfactory to know that
the protection afforded is only a temporary palliation.

It is perfectly and palpably plain that the only way under present
conditions by which this reserve when dangerously depleted can be
replenished is through the issue and sale of the bonds of the Government
for gold, and yet Congress has not only thus far declined to authorize
the issue of bonds best suited to such a purpose, but there seems a
disposition in some quarters to deny both the necessity and power for
the issue of bonds at all.

I can not for a moment believe that any of our citizens are
deliberately willing that their Government should default in its
pecuniary obligations or that its financial operations should be reduced
to a silver basis. At any rate, I should not feel that my duty was done
if I omitted any effort I could make to avert such a calamity. As long,
therefore, as no provision is made for the final redemption or the
putting aside of the currency obligation now used to repeatedly and
constantly draw from the Government its gold, and as long as no better
authority for bond issues is allowed than at present exists, such
authority will be utilized whenever and as often as it becomes necessary
to maintain a sufficient gold reserve, and in abundant time to save the
credit of our country and make good the financial declarations of our
Government.

Questions relating to our banks and currency are closely connected with
the subject just referred to, and they also present some unsatisfactory
features. Prominent among them are the lack of elasticity in our
currency circulation and its frequent concentration in financial centers
when it is most needed in other parts of the country.

The absolute divorcement of the Government from the business of banking
is the ideal relationship of the Government to the circulation of the
currency of the country.

This condition can not be immediately reached, but as a step in that
direction and as a means of securing a more elastic currency and
obviating other objections to the present arrangement of bank
circulation the Secretary of the Treasury presents in his report a
scheme modifying present banking laws and providing for the issue of
circulating notes by State banks free from taxation under certain
limitations.

The Secretary explains his plan so plainly and its advantages are
developed by him with such remarkable clearness that any effort on my
part to present argument in its support would be superfluous. I shall
therefore content myself with an unqualified indorsement of the
Secretary's proposed changes in the law and a brief and imperfect
statement of their prominent features.

It is proposed to repeal all laws providing for the deposit of United
States bonds as security for circulation; to permit national banks to
issue circulating notes not exceeding in amount 75 per cent of their
paid-up and unimpaired capital, provided they deposit with the
Government as a guaranty fund, in United States legal-tender notes,
including Treasury notes of 1890, a sum equal in amount to 30 per cent
of the notes they desire to issue, this deposit to be maintained at
all times, but whenever any bank retires any part of its circulation
a proportional part of its guaranty fund shall be returned to it;
to permit the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and keep on hand
ready for issue in case an increase in circulation is desired blank
national-bank notes for each bank having circulation and to repeal the
provisions of the present law imposing limitations and restrictions upon
banks desiring to reduce or increase their circulation, thus permitting
such increase or reduction within the limit of 75 per cent of capital
to be quickly made as emergencies arise.

In addition to the guaranty fund required, it is proposed to provide a
safety fund for the immediate redemption of the circulating notes of
failed banks by imposing a small annual tax, say one-half of 1 per cent,
upon the average circulation of each bank until the fund amounts to 5
per cent of the total circulation outstanding. When a bank fails its
guaranty fund is to be paid into this safety fund and its notes are to
be redeemed in the first instance from such safety fund thus augmented,
any impairment of such fund caused thereby to be made good from the
immediately available cash assets of said bank, and if these should
be insufficient such impairment to be made good by _pro rata_
assessment among the other banks, their contributions constituting
a first lien upon the assets of the failed bank in favor of the
contributing banks. As a further security it is contemplated that the
existing provision fixing the individual liability of stockholders is to
be retained and the bank's indebtedness on account of its circulating
notes is to be made a first lien on all its assets.

For the purpose of meeting the expense of printing notes, official
supervision, cancellation, and other like charges there shall be imposed
a tax of say one-half of 1 per cent per annum upon the average amount of
notes in circulation.

It is further provided that there shall be no national-bank notes issued
of a less denomination than $10; that each national bank, except in case
of a failed bank, shall redeem or retire its notes in the first instance
at its own office or at agencies to be designated by it, and that no
fixed reserve need be maintained on account of deposits.

Another very important feature of this plan is the exemption of State
banks from taxation by the United States in cases where it is shown to
the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury and Comptroller of
the Currency by banks claiming such exemption that they have not had
outstanding their circulating notes exceeding 75 per cent of their
paid-up and unimpaired capital; that their stockholders are individually
liable for the redemption of their circulating notes to the full extent
of their ownership of stock; that the liability of said banks upon their
circulating notes constitutes under their State law a first lien upon
their assets; that such banks have kept and maintained a guaranty fund
in United States legal-tender notes, including Treasury notes of 1890,
equal to 30 per cent of their outstanding circulating notes, and that
such banks have promptly redeemed their circulating notes when presented
at their principal or branch offices.

It is quite likely that this scheme may be usefully amended in some of
its details, but I am satisfied it furnishes a basis for a very great
improvement in our present banking and currency system.

I conclude this communication fully appreciating that the responsibility
for all legislation affecting the people of the United States rests upon
their representatives in the Congress, and assuring them that, whether
in accordance with recommendations I have made or not, I shall be glad
to cooperate in perfecting any legislation that tends to the prosperity
and welfare of our country.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 9: See pp. 440-441.]

[Footnote 10: See p. 439.]

[Footnote 11: See p. 477.]

[Footnote 12: See Vol. VIII, pp. 517-518.]



SPECIAL MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 6, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 24th of July,
1894, directing the Secretary of State to furnish copies of all papers,
correspondence, diplomatic or otherwise, on file in the State Department
in connection with the arrest and imprisonment at Arequipa, Peru, of
Victor H. McCord, I transmit herewith the correspondence indicated.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 10, 1894_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
inclosing the report, with accompanying papers, of the commission of the
United States for the Columbian Historical Exposition in Madrid in 1892
and 1893, constituted in virtue of the act of Congress approved May 13,
1892.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 10, 1894_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith the report on the Chicago strike of June and July,
1894, forwarded to me by the Strike Commission appointed July 26, 1894,
under the provisions of section 6 of chapter 1063 of the laws of the
United States, passed October 1, 1888.

The testimony taken by the commission and the suggestions and
recommendations made to it accompany the report in the form of
appendixes.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 11, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate dated December 6, 1894,
requesting that copies of correspondence in regard to the claim of
Antonio Maximo Mora against the Government of Spain exchanged since my
last message to the Senate on the same subject, dated June 20, 1894,[13]
be communicated to it, if not incompatible with the public interests,
I transmit herewith the report of the Secretary of State on the matter,
with accompanying copies of correspondence.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 13: See p. 478.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 11, 1894_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I have received a copy of the following resolution of the Senate, passed
on 3d instant:

  _Resolved_, That the President be requested, if in his judgment
  it be not incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to
  the Senate any information he may have received in regard to alleged
  cruelties committed upon Armenians in Turkey, and especially whether
  any such cruelties have been committed upon citizens who have declared
  their intention to become naturalized in this country or upon persons
  because of their being Christians.

  And further, to inform the Senate whether any expostulations have been
  addressed by this Government to the Government of Turkey in regard to
  such matters or any proposals made by or to this Government to act in
  concert with other Christian powers regarding the same.


In response to said resolution I beg leave to inform the Senate that
I have no information concerning cruelties committed upon Armenians in
Turkey or upon persons because of their being Christians, except such
information as has been derived from newspapers and statements emanating
from the Turkish Government denying such cruelties and two telegraphic
reports from our minister at Constantinople.

One of these reports, dated November 28, 1894, is in answer to an
inquiry by the State Department touching reports in the press alleging
the killing of Armenians, and is as follows:

  Reports in American papers of Turkish atrocities at Sassoun are
  sensational and exaggerated. The killing was in a conflict between
  armed Armenians and Turkish soldiers. The grand vizier says it was
  necessary to suppress insurrection, and that about fifty Turks were
  killed; between three and four hundred Armenian guns were picked up
  after the fight, and reports that about that number of Armenians were
  killed. I give credit to his statement.


The other dispatch referred to is dated December 2, 1894, and is as
follows:

  Information from British ambassador indicates far more loss of lives in
  Armenia, attended with atrocities, than stated in my telegram of 28th.


I have received absolutely no information concerning any cruelties
committed "upon citizens who have declared their intention to become
naturalized in this country," or upon any persons who had a right to
claim or have claimed for any reason the protection of the United States
Government.

In the absence of such authentic detailed knowledge on the subject as
would justify our interference no "expostulations have been addressed by
this Government to the Government of Turkey in regard to such matters."

The last inquiry contained in the resolution of the Senate touching
these alleged cruelties seeks information concerning "any proposals made
by or to this Government to act in concert with other Christian powers
regarding the same."

The first proposal of the kind referred to was made by the Turkish
Government through our minister on the 30th day of November, when the
Sultan then expressed a desire that a consul of the United States be
sent with a Turkish commission to investigate these alleged atrocities
on Armenians. This was construed as an invitation on the part of the
Turkish Government to actually take part with a Turkish commission in an
investigation of these affairs and any report to be made thereon, and
the proposition came before our minister's second dispatch was received
and at a time when the best information in the possession of our
Government was derived from his first report, indicating that the
statements made in the press were sensational and exaggerated and that
the atrocities alleged really did not exist. This condition very much
weakened any motive for an interference based on considerations of
humanity, and permitted us without embarrassment to pursue a course
plainly marked out by other controlling incidents.

By a treaty entered into at Berlin in the year 1878 between Turkey and
various other governments Turkey undertook to guarantee protection to
the Armenians, and agreed that it would "periodically make known the
steps taken to this effect to the powers, who will superintend their
application."

Our Government was not a party to this treaty, and it is entirely
obvious that in the face of the provisions of such treaty above recited
our interference in the proposed investigation, especially without the
invitation of any of the powers which had assumed by treaty obligations
to secure the protection of these Armenians, might have been exceedingly
embarrassing, if not entirely beyond the limits of justification or
propriety.

The Turkish invitation to join the investigation set on foot by that
Government was therefore, on the 2d day of December, declined. On the
same day, and after this declination had been sent, our minister at
Constantinople forwarded his second dispatch, tending to modify his
former report as to the extent and character of Armenian slaughter.
At the same time the request of the Sultan for our participation in the
investigation was repeated, and Great Britain, one of the powers which
joined in the treaty of Berlin, made a like request.

In view of changed conditions and upon reconsideration of the subject
it was determined to send Mr. Jewett, our consul at Sivas, to the scene
of the alleged outrages, not for the purpose of joining with any other
government in an investigation and report, but to the end that he might
be able to inform this Government as to the exact truth.

Instructions to this effect were sent to Mr. Jewett, and it is supposed
he has already entered upon the duty assigned him.

I submit with this communication copies of all correspondence and
dispatches in the State Department on this subject and the report to me
of the Secretary of State thereon.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 3, 1895_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 4th ultimo,
requesting "any reports or correspondence relating to affairs at
Bluefields, in the Mosquito territory," and also information as to
"whether any American citizens have been arrested or the rights of any
American citizens at Bluefields have been interfered with during the
past two years by the Government of Nicaragua," I transmit herewith a
report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 9, 1895_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:


I submit herewith certain dispatches from our minister at Hawaii and the
documents which accompanied the same.

They disclose the fact that the Hawaiian Government desires to lease
to Great Britain one of the uninhabited islands belonging to Hawaii as
a station for a submarine telegraph cable to be laid from Canada to
Australia, with a connection between the island leased and Honolulu.

Both the Hawaiian Government and the representatives of Great Britain
in this negotiation concede that the proposed lease can not be effected
without the consent of the United States, for the reason that in our
reciprocity treaty with the King of Hawaii he agreed that as long as
said treaty remained in force he would not "lease or otherwise dispose
of or create any lien upon any port, harbor, or other territory in his
dominion, or grant any special privilege or right of use therein, to any
other power, state, or government."

At the request of the Hawaiian Government this subject is laid before
the Congress for its determination upon the question of so modifying the
treaty agreement above recited as to permit the proposed lease.

It will be seen that the correspondence which is submitted between the
Hawaiian and British negotiators negatives the existence on the part of
Hawaii of any suspicion of British unfriendliness or the fear of British
aggression.

The attention of the Congress is directed to the following statement
contained in a communication addressed to the Hawaiian Government by the
representatives of Great Britain:

  We propose to inform the British Government of your inquiry whether
  they would accept the sovereignty of Nicker Island or some other
  uninhabited island on condition that no subsidy is required from you.
  As we explained, we have not felt at liberty to entertain that question
  ourselves, as we were definitely instructed not to ask for the
  sovereignty of any island, but only for a lease simply for the purpose
  of the cable.


Some of the dispatches from our minister, which are submitted, not
only refer to the project for leasing an uninhabited island belonging
to Hawaii, but contain interesting information concerning recent
occurrences in that country and its political and social condition.
This information is valuable because it is based upon the observation
and knowledge necessarily within the scope of the diplomatic duties
which are intrusted solely to the charge of this intelligent diplomatic
officer representing the United States Government at Hawaii.

I hope the Congress will see fit to grant the request of the Hawaiian
Government, and that our consent to the proposed lease will be promptly
accorded. It seems to me we ought not by a refusal of this request to
stand in the way of the advantages to be gained by isolated Hawaii
through telegraphic communication with the rest of the world, especially
in view of the fact that our own communication with that country would
thereby be greatly improved without apparent detriment to any legitimate
American interest.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 11, 1895_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 19th ultimo,
requesting the record of the extradition proceedings in the case of
General Ezeta, etc., I transmit herewith a letter from the Secretary of
State, with accompanying papers.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 15, 1895_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying
papers, in response to the resolution of the Senate of the 3d instant,
requesting "all correspondence or other papers relating to the delivery
by the United States consul at Shanghai of two Japanese citizens to
the Chinese authorities," and information "whether the said Japanese
were put to death after being tortured, and whether there was any
understanding with the Chinese Government that officers of the United
States should aid, assist, and give comfort to any Japanese citizen
desiring to leave China, and whether the United States consul at Hankow
was reprimanded by Chinese officials for aiding Japanese citizens to
leave the country, and whether all information was refused to the United
States consul at Ningpo when he made inquiries as to the charges against
certain Japanese citizens arrested there."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 28, 1895_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

In my last annual message I commended to the serious consideration of
the Congress the condition of our national finances, and in connection
with the subject indorsed a plan of currency legislation which at that
time seemed to furnish protection against impending danger.[14] This plan
has not been approved by the Congress. In the meantime the situation has
so changed and the emergency now appears so threatening that I deem it
my duty to ask at the hands of the legislative branch of the Government
such prompt and effective action as will restore confidence in our
financial soundness and avert business disaster and universal distress
among our people.

Whatever may be the merits of the plan outlined in my annual message as
a remedy for ills then existing and as a safeguard against the depletion
of the gold reserve then in the Treasury, I am now convinced that its
reception by the Congress and our present advanced stage of financial
perplexity necessitate additional or different legislation.

With natural resources unlimited in variety and productive strength and
with a people whose activity and enterprise seek only a fair opportunity
to achieve national success and greatness, our progress should not be
checked by a false financial policy and a heedless disregard of sound
monetary laws, nor should the timidity and fear which they engender
stand in the way of our prosperity.

It is hardly disputed that this predicament confronts us to-day.
Therefore no one in any degree responsible for the making and execution
of our laws should fail to see a patriotic duty in honestly and
sincerely attempting to relieve the situation. Manifestly this effort
will not succeed unless it is made untrammeled by the prejudice of
partisanship and with a steadfast determination to resist the temptation
to accomplish party advantage. We may well remember that if we are
threatened with financial difficulties all our people in every station
of life are concerned; and surely those who suffer will not receive the
promotion of party interests as an excuse for permitting our present
troubles to advance to a disastrous conclusion. It is also of the utmost
importance that we approach the study of the problems presented as free
as possible from the tyranny of preconceived opinions, to the end that
in a common danger we may be able to seek with unclouded vision a safe
and reasonable protection.

The real trouble which confronts us consists in a lack of confidence,
widespread and constantly increasing, in the continuing ability or
disposition of the Government to pay its obligations in gold. This lack
of confidence grows to some extent out of the palpable and apparent
embarrassment attending the efforts of the Government under existing
laws to procure gold and to a greater extent out of the impossibility
of either keeping it in the Treasury or canceling obligations by its
expenditure after it is obtained.

The only way left open to the Government for procuring gold is by the
issue and sale of its bonds. The only bonds that can be so issued were
authorized nearly twenty-five years ago and are not well calculated to
meet our present needs. Among other disadvantages, they are made payable
in coin instead of specifically in gold, which in existing conditions
detracts largely and in an increasing ratio from their desirability as
investments. It is by no means certain that bonds of this description
can much longer be disposed of at a price creditable to the financial
character of our Government.

The most dangerous and irritating feature of the situation, however,
remains to be mentioned. It is found in the means by which the Treasury
is despoiled of the gold thus obtained without canceling a single
Government obligation and solely for the benefit of those who find
profit in shipping it abroad or whose fears induce them to hoard it at
home. We have outstanding about five hundred millions of currency notes
of the Government for which gold may be demanded, and, curiously enough,
the law requires that when presented and, in fact, redeemed and paid in
gold they shall be reissued. Thus the same notes may do duty many times
in drawing gold from the Treasury; nor can the process be arrested as
long as private parties, for profit or otherwise, see an advantage in
repeating the operation. More than $300,000,000 in these notes have
already been redeemed in gold, and notwithstanding such redemption they
are all still outstanding.

Since the 17th day of January, 1894, our bonded interest-bearing debt
has been increased $100,000,000 for the purpose of obtaining gold to
replenish our coin reserve. Two issues were made amounting to fifty
millions each, one in January and the other in November. As a result of
the first issue there was realized something more than $58,000,000 in
gold. Between that issue and the succeeding one in November, comprising
a period of about ten months, nearly $103,000,000 in gold were drawn
from the Treasury. This made the second issue necessary, and upon that
more than fifty-eight millions in gold was again realized. Between the
date of this second issue and the present time, covering a period of
only about two months, more than $69,000,000 in gold have been drawn
from the Treasury. These large sums of gold were expended without any
cancellation of Government obligations or in any permanent way
benefiting our people or improving our pecuniary situation.

The financial events of the past year suggest facts and conditions which
should certainly arrest attention.

More than $172,000,000 in gold have been drawn out of the Treasury
during the year for the purpose of shipment abroad or hoarding at home.

While nearly $103,000,000 of this amount was drawn out during the first
ten months of the year, a sum aggregating more than two-thirds of that
amount, being about $69,000,000, was drawn out during the following two
months, thus indicating a marked acceleration of the depleting process
with the lapse of time.

The obligations upon which this gold has been drawn from the Treasury
are still outstanding and are available for use in repeating the
exhausting operation with shorter intervals as our perplexities
accumulate.

Conditions are certainly supervening tending to make the bonds which may
be issued to replenish our gold less useful for that purpose.

An adequate gold reserve is in all circumstances absolutely essential to
the upholding of our public credit and to the maintenance of our high
national character.

Our gold reserve has again reached such a stage of diminution as to
require its speedy reenforcement.

The aggravations that must inevitably follow present conditions and
methods will certainly lead to misfortune and loss, not only to our
national credit and prosperity and to financial enterprise, but to those
of our people who seek employment as a means of livelihood and to those
whose only capital is their daily labor.

It will hardly do to say that a simple increase of revenue will cure our
troubles. The apprehension now existing and constantly increasing as to
our financial ability does not rest upon a calculation of our revenue.
The time has passed when the eyes of investors abroad and our people at
home were fixed upon the revenues of the Government. Changed conditions
have attracted their attention to the gold of the Government. There need
be no fear that we can not pay our current expenses with such money as
we have. There is now in the Treasury a comfortable surplus of more than
$63,000,000, but it is not in gold, and therefore does not meet our
difficulty.

I can not see that differences of opinion concerning the extent to which
silver ought to be coined or used in our currency should interfere with
the counsels of those whose duty it is to rectify evils now apparent in
our financial situation. They have to consider the question of national
credit and the consequences that will follow from its collapse. Whatever
ideas may be insisted upon as to silver or bimetallism, a proper
solution of the question now pressing upon us only requires a
recognition of gold as well as silver and a concession of its
importance, rightfully or wrongfully acquired, as a basis of national
credit, a necessity in the honorable discharge of our obligations
payable in gold, and a badge of solvency. I do not understand that the
real friends of silver desire a condition that might follow inaction or
neglect to appreciate the meaning of the present exigency if it should
result in the entire banishment of gold from our financial and currency
arrangements.

Besides the Treasury notes, which certainly should be paid in gold,
amounting to nearly $500,000,000, there will fall due in 1904 one
hundred millions of bonds issued during the last year, for which we have
received gold, and in 1907 nearly six hundred millions of 4 per cent
bonds issued in 1877. Shall the payment of these obligations in gold be
repudiated? If they are to be paid in such a manner as the preservation
of our national honor and national solvency demands, we should not
destroy or even imperil our ability to supply ourselves with gold for
that purpose.

While I am not unfriendly to silver and while I desire to see it
recognized to such an extent as is consistent with financial safety and
the preservation of national honor and credit, I am not willing to see
gold entirely banished from our currency and finances. To avert such a
consequence I believe thorough and radical remedial legislation should
be promptly passed. I therefore beg the Congress to give the subject
immediate attention.

In my opinion the Secretary of the Treasury should be authorized
to issue bonds of the Government for the purpose of procuring
and maintaining a sufficient gold reserve and the redemption and
cancellation of the United States legal-tender notes and the Treasury
notes issued for the purchase of silver under the law of July 14, 1890.
We should be relieved from the humiliating process of issuing bonds
to procure gold to be immediately and repeatedly drawn out on these
obligations for purposes not related to the benefit of our Government or
our people. The principal and interest of these bonds should be payable
on their face in gold, because they should be sold only for gold or its
representative, and because there would now probably be difficulty in
favorably disposing of bonds not containing this stipulation. I suggest
that the bonds be issued in denominations of twenty and fifty dollars
and their multiples and that they bear interest at a rate not exceeding
3 per cent per annum. I do not see why they should not be payable fifty
years from their date. We of the present generation have large amounts
to pay if we meet our obligations, and long bonds are most salable. The
Secretary of the Treasury might well be permitted at his discretion to
receive on the sale of bonds the legal-tender and Treasury notes to be
retired, and of course when they are thus retired or redeemed in gold
they should be canceled.

These bonds under existing laws could be deposited by national
banks as security for circulation, and such banks should be allowed to
issue circulation up to the face value of these or any other bonds so
deposited, except bonds outstanding bearing only 2 per cent interest and
which sell in the market at less than par. National banks should not be
allowed to take out circulating notes of a less denomination than $10,
and when such as are now outstanding reach the Treasury, except for
redemption and retirement, they should be canceled and notes of the
denomination of $10 and upward issued in their stead. Silver certificates
of the denomination of $10 and upward should be replaced by certificates
of the denominations under $10.

As a constant means for the maintenance of a reasonable supply of gold
in the Treasury, our duties on imports should be paid in gold, allowing
all other dues to the Government to be paid in any other form of money.

I believe all the provisions I have suggested should be embodied in our
laws if we are to enjoy a complete reinstatement of a sound financial
condition. They need not interfere with any currency scheme providing
for the increase of the circulating medium through the agency of
national or State banks that may commend itself to the Congress, since
they can easily be adjusted to such a scheme. Objection has been made to
the issuance of interest-bearing obligations for the purpose of retiring
the noninterest-bearing legal-tender notes. In point of fact, however,
these notes have burdened us with a large load of interest, and it is
still accumulating. The aggregate interest on the original issue of
bonds, the proceeds of which in gold constituted the reserve for the
payment of these notes, amounted to $70,326,250 on January 1, 1895, and
the annual charge for interest on these bonds and those issued for the
same purpose during the last year will be $9,145,000, dating from
January 1, 1895.

While the cancellation of these notes would not relieve us from the
obligations already incurred on their account, these figures are given
by way of suggesting that their existence has not been free from
interest charges and that the longer they are outstanding, judging from
the experience of the last year, the more expensive they will become.

In conclusion I desire to frankly confess my reluctance to issuing more
bonds in present circumstances and with no better results than have
lately followed that course. I can not, however, refrain from adding to
an assurance of my anxiety to cooperate with the present Congress in any
reasonable measure of relief an expression of my determination to leave
nothing undone which furnishes a hope for improving the situation or
checking a suspicion of our disinclination or disability to meet with
the strictest honor every national obligation.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 14: See pp. 553-556.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 30, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the
28th instant, the Senate concurring, I herewith return the bill (H.R.
6186) entitled "An act to pension Maria Davis."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 4, 1895_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate dated December 6, 1894,
requesting that copies of correspondence in regard to the claim of
Antonio Maximo Mora against the Government of Spain exchanged since my
last message to the Senate on the same subject, dated June 20, 1894,[15]
be communicated to it if not incompatible with the public interests, I
transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, inclosing copies
of further correspondence exchanged between the Governments of the
United States and Spain since the date of my last message to the Senate,
December 11, 1894.[16]

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 15: See p. 476.]

[Footnote 16: See p. 557.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 4, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In response to the resolution of the House of Representatives of
the 1st instant, calling for certain information touching the recent
insurrection in the Hawaiian Islands, I transmit herewith a report of
the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 7, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the
2d instant, the Senate concurring, I return herewith the bill (H.R.
5377) entitled "An act granting a pension to Richard R. Knight."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 7, 1895_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the
16th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by copies
of certain correspondence touching the enforcement of the provisions of
the tariff act of 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 8, 1895_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

Since my recent communication to the Congress calling attention to our
financial condition and suggesting legislation which I deemed essential
to our national welfare and credit[17] the anxiety and apprehension then
existing in business circles have continued.

As a precaution, therefore, against the failure of timely legislative
aid through Congressional action, cautious preparations have been
pending to employ to the best possible advantage, in default of better
means, such Executive authority as may without additional legislation be
exercised for the purpose of reenforcing and maintaining in our Treasury
an adequate and safe gold reserve.

In the judgment of those especially charged with this responsibility
the business situation is so critical and the legislative situation is
so unpromising, with the omission thus far on the part of Congress to
beneficially enlarge the powers of the Secretary of the Treasury in the
premises, as to enjoin immediate Executive action with the facilities
now at hand.

Therefore, in pursuance of section 3700 of the Revised Statutes, the
details of an arrangement have this day been concluded with parties
abundantly able to fulfill their undertaking whereby bonds of the United
States authorized under the act of July 14, 1875, payable in coin thirty
years after their date, with interest at the rate of 4 per cent per
annum, to the amount of a little less than $62,400,000, are to be issued
for the purchase of gold coin, amounting to a sum slightly in excess of
$65,000,000, to be delivered to the Treasury of the United States, which
sum added to the gold now held in our reserve will so restore such
reserve as to make it amount to something more than $100,000,000. Such a
premium is to be allowed to the Government upon the bonds as to fix the
rate of interest upon the amount of gold realized at 3-3/4 per cent per
annum. At least one-half of the gold to be obtained is to be supplied
from abroad, which is a very important and favorable feature of the
transaction.

The privilege is especially reserved to the Government to substitute
at par within ten days from this date, in lieu of the 4 per cent coin
bonds, other bonds in terms payable in gold and bearing only 3 per cent
interest if the issue of the same should in the meantime be authorized
by the Congress.

The arrangement thus completed, which after careful inquiry appears in
present circumstances and considering all the objects desired to be
the best attainable, develops such a difference in the estimation of
investors between bonds made payable in coin and those specifically
made payable in gold in favor of the latter as is represented by
three-fourths of a cent in annual interest. In the agreement just
concluded the annual saving in interest to the Government if 3 per cent
gold bonds should be substituted for 4 per cent coin bonds under the
privilege reserved would be $539,159 amounting in thirty years, or at
the maturity of the coin bonds, to $16,174,770.

Of course there never should be a doubt in any quarter as to the
redemption in gold of the bonds of the Government which are made payable
in coin. Therefore the discrimination, in the judgment of investors,
between our bond obligations payable in coin and those specifically made
payable in gold is very significant. It is hardly necessary to suggest
that, whatever may be our views on the subject, the sentiments or
preferences of those with whom we must negotiate in disposing of our
bonds for gold are not subject to our dictation.

I have only to add that in my opinion the transaction herein detailed
for the information of the Congress promises better results than the
efforts previously made in the direction of effectively adding to our
gold reserve through the sale of bonds, and I believe it will tend,
as far as such action can in present circumstances, to meet the
determination expressed in the law repealing the silver-purchasing
clause of the act of July 14, 1890, and that, in the language of such
repealing act, the arrangement made will aid our efforts to "insure the
maintenance of the parity in value of the coins of the two metals and
the equal power of every dollar at all times in the markets and in the
payment of debts."

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 17: See pp. 561-565.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 8, 1895_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress, a copy of
a telegraphic dispatch just received from Mr. Willis, our minister to
Hawaii, with a copy of the reply thereto which was immediately sent by
the Secretary of State.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 11, 1895_.

_To the Senate_::

On the 8th day of January I received a copy of the following Senate
resolution:

  _Resolved_, That the President be requested, if not incompatible
  with the public interests, to communicate to the Senate all reports,
  documents, and other papers, including logs of vessels, relating to the
  enforcement of the regulations respecting fur seals adopted by the
  Governments of the United States and Great Britain in accordance with
  the decision of the Tribunal of Arbitration convened at Paris and the
  resolutions under which said reports are required to be made, as well
  as relating to the number of seals taken during the season of 1894
  by pelagic hunters and by the lessees of the Pribilof and Commander
  islands; also relating to the steps which may have been taken to extend
  the said regulations to the Asiatic waters of the North Pacific Ocean
  and Bering Sea and to secure the concurrence of other nations in
  said regulations, and, further, all papers not heretofore published,
  including communications of the agent of the United States before said
  tribunal at Paris, relating to the claims of the British Government on
  account of the seizure of the sealing vessels in Bering Sea.


In compliance with said request I herewith transmit sundry papers,
documents, and reports which have been returned to me by the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Navy,
to whom said resolution was referred. I am not in possession of any
further information touching the various subjects embodied in such
resolution.

It will be seen from a letter of the Secretary of the Navy accompanying
the papers and documents sent from his Department that it is impossible
to furnish at this time the complete log books of some of the naval
vessels referred to in the resolution, but I venture to express the hope
that the reports of the commanders of such vessels herewith submitted
will be found to contain in substance so much of the matters recorded in
said log books as are important in answering the inquiries addressed to
me by the Senate.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 12, 1895_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress, a
communication from the Secretary of State, covering the report of the
Director of the Bureau of the American Republics for the year 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 14, 1895_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith the eighth special report of the Commissioner of
Labor, which relates to "the housing of the working people" in different
countries.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 26, 1895_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the
29th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by copies
of correspondence touching Samoan affairs.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



VETO MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 14, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without my approval House bill No. 7451, entitled
"An act to authorize the entry of land for gravel pits and reservoir
purposes and authorizing the grant of right of way for pipe lines."

The first section of this bill permits the sale to railroad companies,
in the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, under certain
restrictions and at an appraised value, certain public lands to be used
by said companies for gravel pits or the construction of reservoirs. It
also permits grants of the right of way for pipe lines connecting such
reservoirs with the railways of said companies.

The second, third, and fourth sections of the bill relate to the
purchase by any citizen of the United States, or any association of
citizens, or any ditch or water company, of public lands suitable for
reservoir purposes at such a price as the Secretary of the Interior
shall prescribe, not less than $2 per acre.

The right to purchase these lands is given by the sections last referred
to "under rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the
Interior."

I think the expediency and propriety of disposing of these lands for the
purposes specified should in each case be determined by the Secretary of
the Interior, as well as the rules and regulations governing such
disposition.

The objections to the bill, however, which appear to be the most serious
are found in its fifth and last section, which provides:

  That any State or any county or district organization duly organized
  under the laws of any State or Territory may apply for any of the
  storage-reservoir sites not reserved by the United States, situated on
  unentered public lands, for the storage of water for irrigating, mining,
  or other useful purposes, whereupon the Secretary of the Interior shall
  set aside and withdraw from public sale or other disposition such site
  or sites and permit the use thereof for either or all of such purposes.


These provisions do not seem to be in harmony with prior laws by which,
under certain conditions, arid lands may be conveyed to States for the
purpose of irrigation, and it is not clear what is intended by the words
"any of the storage-reservoir sites not reserved by the United States."

The apparent purpose and effect of the section is to give to the
organizations mentioned the right to select such land as may present
eligible reservoir sites not reserved and upon unentered lands, and
demand of the Secretary of the Interior a grant of the same, leaving
no discretion on the subject to him or to any other officer of the
Government; and these grants are to be made without any compensation
to the Government and without any specific requirement of the amount
or kind of work to be done or improvements to be made upon such sites.

The grants may be demanded not only for the storage of water for
irrigating purposes, but for "mining and other useful purposes."
Inasmuch as no officer of the Government is vested with any discretion
in the premises, the pretext that the "purpose" to be accomplished is
"useful" might result in the use of these sites in a manner prejudicial
to the surrounding public domain and destructive of the utilization of
such sites for irrigating purposes.

The wise and prudent safeguards which have been incorporated in
other legislation relating to the disposition of arid public lands and
their irrigation seem to have been to such an extent overlooked in the
construction of the bill under consideration that, in my judgment, if
it should become the law a beneficent policy which the Government has
entered upon in the interest of agriculture would be seriously
endangered.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 1, 1895_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith return without my approval Senate bill No. 2338, entitled
"An act granting to the Gila Valley, Globe and Northern Railway Company a
right of way through the San Carlos Indian Reservation, in the Territory
of Arizona."

The reservation through which it is proposed to construct a railroad
under the provisions of this bill is inhabited by tribes of Indians
which in the past have been most troublesome and whose depredations
on more than one occasion have caused loss of life, destruction of
property, and serious alarm to the people of the surrounding country;
and their condition as to civilization is not now so far improved as
to give assurance that in the future they may not upon occasion make
trouble.

The discontent among the Indians which has given rise to disturbances
in the past has been largely caused by trespass upon their lands and
interference with their rights by the neighboring whites. I am in
very great doubt whether in any circumstances a road through their
reservation should at this time be permitted, and especially since the
route, which is rather indefinitely described in the bill, appears to
pass through the richest and most desirable part of their lands. In
any event, I am thoroughly convinced that the construction of the road
should not be permitted without first obtaining the consent of these
Indians. This is a provision which has been insisted upon, so far as
I am aware, in all the like bills which have been approved for a long
time, and I think it should especially be inserted in this bill if, even
upon any conditions, it is thought expedient to permit a railroad to
traverse this reservation.

The importance of this consent does not rest solely upon the extent to
which the Indians have the right of ownership over this land. The fact
that the procurement of this consent is the most effective means of
allaying the discontent which might arise and perhaps develop into a
train of lamentable and destructive outbreaks of violence particularly
emphasizes its importance.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 5, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 5368, entitled "An act
for the relief of H.W. McConnell."

The reports of both the Senate and House committees, which favorably
reported this bill, disclose an intention to partially relieve the
former postmaster at Jacksboro, in the State of Texas, from liability
on account of two remittances of postal funds which he dispatched at
different times during the year 1883 to be deposited at Dallas, in the
same State, and which were lost by robberies of the stage conveying
the same. In dealing with the first remittance the committees report
that the postmaster should be relieved of liability to the amount of
only $94, the loss of the remainder of the money being chargeable to
his neglect and violation of postal regulations. As to the second
remittance, the committees report that by reason of like neglect and
violation of regulations the postmaster should be held responsible
for the loss of all the money transmitted except the sum of $42.

For these two sums, amounting to $136, an appropriation is made for the
benefit of H.W. McConnell.

The name of the postmaster intended to be relieved is H.H. McConnell, as
appears by the records of the Post-Office Department. The person to whom
the money appropriated should be paid is therefore not correctly named
in the bill.

An examination of this postmaster's accounts discloses the further fact
that the amount proposed to be appropriated for his relief is too large
by $42, that being the sum allowed him by reason of the second stage
robbery. This item has already been credited to him in the adjustment
of his accounts at the Post-Office Department, and the claim for its
reimbursement has been thereby extinguished.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 12, 1895_.

_To the Senate_:

I return herewith without approval Senate bill No. 143, entitled "An act
for the relief of the heirs of D. Fulford."

This bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury "to redeem, in favor of
the heirs at law of D. Fulford, four bonds of the United States, consols
of 1867, of the denomination of $500, $100, $50, and $50, and known as
five-twenties, said bonds having been destroyed by fire the 9th day of
July, 1872, and to pay to the heirs at law of said D. Fulford the amount
of said bonds, together with accrued interest from July 1, 1872, to the
date of the maturity of said bonds."

The bill further provides that the heirs to whom the payment is to be
made shall execute and file with the Secretary of the Treasury a bond
"conditioned to save harmless the United States from loss or liability
on account of said bonds or the interest accrued thereon, and to contain
such words as to cover any liability resulting from any mistake in the
designation or description of the bonds, so that in no event shall the
United States be called upon by a rightful claimant for a second payment
thereof."

The proposition is that the Government shall pay bonds alleged to have
been destroyed by fire nearly twenty-three years ago.

The Secretary of the Treasury states that an application for the
payment of these bonds, made by Mr. Fulford himself, was rejected by
the Department because he was unable to describe the bonds in such a
way as to permit their identification and because the evidence of their
destruction by fire was inconclusive.

The Senate Committee on Claims, however, in their report on the bill
under consideration, state that they are entirely satisfied that Mr.
Fulford was the owner of four Government bonds, one for $500, one for
$100, and two for $50, and that they were burned with his residence,
which was destroyed by fire on the 9th day of July, 1872, and that
while he could not furnish the numbers or descriptions of said bonds
he understood all these bonds were of the class known as consols of
1867, and that he had collected the coupons thereon for the interest
due July 1, 1872.

The particular class of bonds mentioned were dated July 1, 1867, and
were payable or redeemable not less than five nor more than twenty years
from their date. The short period expired, therefore, on the 1st day of
July, 1872. That was the date when the last coupons on Mr. Fulford's
bonds, which it is alleged were detached and collected, became due, and
only nine days before the supposed destruction of the bonds by fire.

A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury dated July 20, 1892,
attached to the report of the Senate committee made upon a bill similar
to this which was pending at that time, discloses the fact that among
the consols of 1867 then outstanding there were 107 of the denomination
of $500, 167 of the denomination of $100, and 85 of the denomination
of $50. This statement merely shows that there were numerous bonds
precisely similar to those described as belonging to Mr. Fulford which
had not in July, 1892, been redeemed, though the extreme limit of
their maturity expired on the 1st day of July, 1887. The letter of
the Secretary further discloses, however, that there were two of
these outstanding bonds of the denomination of $500 and two of the
denomination of $100 upon which coupons of interest had not been paid
since July 1, 1872. Of course this lends plausibility to the suggestion
that two of these four bonds, one of each denomination, were those
destroyed when Mr. Fulford's house was burned in July, 1872; but this
suggestion loses its force under the additional statement in the letter
of the Secretary of the Treasury that in July, 1892, there were no
consols of 1867 of the denomination of $50 whose last coupon was paid
July 1, 1872. This shows conclusively that no fifty-dollar bonds of this
class were destroyed by fire in Mr. Fulford's house and casts great
uncertainty upon the description of the other bonds, inasmuch as the
theory of the claimants seems to be that all the bonds destroyed
belonged to the same class.

In 1893, upon an examination of the records of the Treasury Department,
it was found that the two unpaid bonds for $500 reported in 1892 as
outstanding, from which no coupons had been paid since July 1, 1872,
still remained unredeemed, but that one of the two one-hundred-dollar
bonds which were in that condition in 1892 had been since that time paid
and canceled. I think it must be conceded that this late redemption of
this bond greatly weakens any presumption that the other three will not
be presented for payment.

It is perfectly clear that so far as this bill directs the payment to
the persons therein named of two consols of 1867 of the denomination of
$50 each on the ground that such bonds were destroyed by fire in July,
1872, it requires the payment of money to those not entitled to it,
since it is shown that these consols could not have been destroyed at
the time stated, because coupons due on all consols of that denomination
unredeemed have been paid since that date.

While the objections to the payment of the amount of the other two bonds
mentioned in the bill are less conclusive, there seem to be so much
doubt and uncertainty concerning their description and character, and
their identification as unredeemed consols of 1867 is so unsatisfactory,
that, in my opinion, it is not safe to assume, as is done in this bill,
that they are represented among those bonds of that class recorded as
still outstanding whose coupons for some reason have not been presented
for payment since July 1, 1872.

I do not believe that an indemnity bond could be drawn which, as against
the strict rights of sureties, would protect the Government against
double liability in case all the payments directed by this bill were
made. Even if the payments were confined to the two larger consols
described, there would be great difficulty in framing a bond which would
surely indemnify the Government.

There should always be a willingness to save the holders of Government
securities from damage through their loss or destruction, but, in my
judgment, a bad precedent would be established by paying obligations
whose destruction and identification are not more satisfactorily
established than in this case.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 19, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 6244, entitled "An act
to remove the charge of desertion from the military record of Jacob
Eckert."

This bill directs the Secretary of War "to cause the records of the War
Department to be so amended as to remove the charge of desertion from
the service record of Jacob Eckert, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, late a
private in Company B, Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and to grant
an honorable discharge to said Jacob Eckert from the service of the
United States Army as of date when said company was mustered out of
service."

The regiment and company to which this soldier belonged, except such
members as reenlisted as veterans, were mustered out of the service
October 17, 1864.

Jacob Eckert did not reenlist and was not mustered out with his comrades
for the reason that he was then under arrest on a charge of desertion.
In November, 1864, he was tried by a general court-martial and convicted
of having deserted on the 1st of September, 1864, and again on the 2d
day of September, 1864, and upon such conviction he was sentenced to
forfeit all pay due him from September 1, the date of his first
desertion, until the expiration of his term of service, to be
dishonorably discharged and confined at hard labor for twelve months.

This sentence was approved by the reviewing authority, and I assume the
convicted soldier served his term of imprisonment, since the statement
contained in the report of the House committee to whom this bill was
referred that he was dishonorably discharged in 1865 can be accounted
for in no other way.

It seems to me that the provisions of this bill amount to a legislative
reversal of the judgment of a regularly constituted court and a
legislative pardon of the offense of which this soldier was convicted.
If this doubtful authority is to be exercised by Congress, it should be
done in such a manner as not to restore a man properly convicted and
sentenced as a deserter, without even the allegation of injustice,
to the rights of pay, allowance, and pension belonging to those who
faithfully and honorably served in the military service of their
country according to the terms of their enlistment.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 20, 1895_.

_To the Senate_:

I return herewith without approval Senate bill No. 1526, entitled "An
act for the relief of Henry Halteman."

This bill directs the Secretary of War "to grant an honorable discharge
from the United States service to Henry Halteman, late of Company F,
Second United States Artillery."

It is conceded that this soldier enlisted in the Regular Army on the
18th day of December, 1860, for the term of five years and that he
deserted on the 18th day of August, 1865. The only excuse or palliation
offered for his offense is found in the statement that his desertion
was provoked by his company's being ordered to California so near the
termination of his enlistment that his term would have expired before
or soon after his company could have reached California, and "that his
return would have been both tedious and somewhat perilous, if not
expensive."

The fact must not be overlooked that this soldier enlisted in the
Regular Army and that his term had no relation to the duration of the
war or the immediate need of the Government for troops at the time of
his desertion. The morale and discipline of the Regular Army are
therefore directly involved in the proposed legislation.

The soldier's name remained on the records of the War Department as
a deserter at large for twenty-three years, and until the year 1888.
In August of that year application was made to the Department for the
removal of the charge of desertion against him, which was refused on
the ground that it was not shown that such charge was founded in error.
Thereupon he applied for a discharge without character, as it is called,
as of the date of his desertion. This was granted on the 21st day of
September, 1888. Such discharges, which were not uncommon at that time,
omitted the certificate of character which entitled the soldier to
reenlistment.

In 1892 a bill similar to that now under consideration was referred
to the Adjutant-General of the Army and was returned with an adverse
report.

The record of the War Department on the subject of this soldier's
separation from the Army is absolutely correct as it stands, and no
sufficient reason is apparent why another record should be substituted.
If this deserter is to be allowed an honorable discharge, I do not see
why every deserter should not be absolved from the consequences of his
unfaithfulness.

The effect of this bill if it should become a law would be to allow
the beneficiary not only a pensionable status, but arrears of pay and
clothing allowances up to the date of his desertion and travel allowance
from the place of his desertion to the place of his enlistment.

It is not denied that all these things have been justly forfeited by
deliberate and inexcusable desertion. In the case presented it seems to
me that the laws and regulations adopted for the purpose of maintaining
the discipline and efficiency of the Army ought not to be set aside.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 23, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 8165, entitled "An
act authorizing the Kansas City, Oklahoma and Pacific Railway Company
to construct and operate a railway through Indian reservations in the
Indian Territory and the Territories of Oklahoma and New Mexico, and
for other purposes."

This bill contains concessions more comprehensive and sweeping than
any ever presented for my approval, and it seems to me the rights and
interests of the Indians and the Government are the least protected.

The route apparently desired, though passing through or into one State
and three Territories, is described as indefinitely as possible, and
does not seem to be subject to the approval in its entirety of the
Secretary of the Interior or any other governmental agency having
relation to the interest involved.

There is no provision for obtaining the consent of the Indians through
whose territory and reservations the railroad may be located.

Though it is proposed to build the railroad through territories having
local courts convenient to their inhabitants, all controversies that may
arise out of the location and building of the road are by the provisions
of the bill to be passed upon by the United States circuit and district
courts for the district of Kansas "and such other courts as may be
authorized by Congress."

The bill provides that "the civil jurisdiction of said courts is
hereby extended within the limits of said Indian reservations, without
distinction as to citizenship of the parties, so far as may be necessary
to carry out the provisions of this act." This provision permits the
subordination of the jurisdiction of Indian courts, which we are bound
by treaty to protect, to the "provisions of this act" and to the
interests and preferences of the railroad company for whose benefit the
bill under consideration is intended.

A plan of appraisal is provided for in the bill in case an agreement
can not be reached as to the amount of compensation to be paid for the
taking of lands held by individual occupants according to the laws,
customs, and usages of any of the Indian nations or tribes or by
allotment or agreement with the Indians. It is, however, further
provided that in case either party is dissatisfied with the award of the
referees to be appointed an appeal may be taken to the district court
held at Wichita, Kans., no matter where on the proposed route of the
road the controversy may originate. If upon the hearing of said appeal
the judgment of the court shall be for the same sum as the award of the
referees, the costs shall be adjudged against the appellant, and if said
judgment shall be for a smaller sum the costs shall be adjudged against
the party claiming damages. It does not seem to me that the interests of
an Indian occupant or allottee are properly regarded when he is obliged,
if dissatisfied with an award for the taking of his land, to go to the
district court of Kansas for redress, at the risk of incurring costs and
expenses that may not only exceed the award originally made to him, but
leave him in debt.

It is probable that there are other valid objections to this bill.
I have only attempted to suggest enough to justify my action in
disapproving it.

In constructing legislation of this description it should not be
forgotten that the rights and interests of the Indians are important in
every view and should be scrupulously protected.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 23, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 5740, entitled "An act
incorporating the Society of American Florists."

No sufficient reason is apparent for the incorporation of this
organization under Federal laws. There is not the least difficulty in
the way of the accomplishment under State laws by the incorporators
named in the bill of every purpose which can legitimately belong to
their corporate existence. The creation of such a corporation by a
special act of Congress establishes a vexatious and troublesome
precedent.

There appears to be no limit in the bill to the value of the real and
personal property which the proposed corporation may hold if acquired
by donation or bequest. The limit of $50,000 applies only to property
acquired by purchase.

A conclusive objection to the bill is found in the fact that it fails to
carry out the purposes and objects of those interested in its passage.
The promoters of the bill are florists, who undoubtedly seek to advance
floriculture. The declared object of the proposed incorporation is,
however, stated in the bill to be "the elevation and advancement of
horticulture in all its branches, to increase and diffuse the knowledge
thereof, and for kindred purposes in the interest of horticulture."

It is entirely clear that the interests of florists would be badly
served by a corporation confined to the furtherance of garden culture.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 23, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 4658, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Hiram R. Rhea and repealing an act approved March
3, 1871."

The person named in the title of this bill was pensioned under the
provisions of a private act passed March 3, 1871. In 1892 a letter from
the Commissioner of Pensions was presented to Congress exhibiting facts
which established in a most satisfactory manner that the claim for
pension allowed by said special act was a barefaced and impudent fraud,
supported by deliberate perjury. This letter appears to be the moving
cause of the passage of the bill now before me. Payment of pension under
the fraudulent act has been suspended since January 28, 1893, and since
that time no information has been received from the fraudulent pensioner.

The circumstances developed called for the repeal of the law of 1871
lacing him upon the pension roll. This is accomplished in the second
section of the bill under consideration, which section I would be glad
to approve. This repeal, however, is accompanied by a provision in the
first section of the bill directing the Secretary of the Interior to
place upon the pension roll this identical fraudulent pensioner, under
a certificate numbered precisely the same as that heretofore issued to
him, "at a rate proportionate to the degree of disability from such
gunshot wounds as may be shown to the satisfaction of said Secretary to
have been received at the hands of Confederate soldiers or sympathizers
while said Rhea was attempting to cooperate with the Union forces," etc.

Inasmuch as the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions to which
reference has been made, and which forms part of the committee's report
on this bill, is the basis of this repealing provision, and inasmuch as
this letter furnishes evidence that the pensioner was when injured a
very disreputable member of a band of armed rebels and was wounded by
Union soldiers, I can not understand why the same bill which for this
reason purges the pension rolls of his name should in the same breath
undo this work and direct his name to be rewritten on the rolls.

If the facts before Congress justify the repeal of the law under which
this man fraudulently received a pension for nearly twenty-two years,
they certainly do not justify the provision directing his name to be put
on the rolls again with a view to further examination of his case or for
any other purpose.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 27, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 2051, entitled "An act
to grant a pension to Eunice Putman."

This bill provides for a pension to the beneficiary therein named as the
helpless daughter of John Putman, who served as a private in the War of
the Rebellion from August 27, 1864, to June 2, 1865. In 1870, when the
beneficiary was not 2 years old, her mother died, and her father married
again in 1872. He applied for a pension in 1884, but died the same year.
His claim was allowed, however, in 1891, and his pension which had
accrued between the date of his application and his death was paid to
his widow, Jeanette S. Putman. Immediately thereafter a pension was
allowed the widow in her own right, dating from the soldier's death, in
1884, with $2 additional per month for each of the two minor children.
The beneficiary was not included because she had reached the age of 16
years prior to her father's death.

The report of the committee to whom this bill was referred states that
no claim for pension on account of the soldier's death has ever been
filed in the Pension Bureau, and it seems that upon this theory it was
proposed to pension the daughter. I do not suppose it was intended that
a double pension should be allowed. In point of fact, the widow has
already been pensioned, and no such pension allowance has been made for
the minor children. There is no suggestion that the widow has died or
remarried.

If this bill should become a law, two full pensions would be in force at
the same time, one to the widow and another to the daughter, each
predicated upon the services and death of the same soldier.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 27, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 6868, entitled "An act
for the relief of Catherine Ott, widow of Joseph Ott."

An application by the beneficiary named in this bill, under the law of
1890, was rejected on the ground that her husband died in the service,
and therefore had not been honorably discharged, as required by that
law.

It appears that after he had served a number of years in a cavalry
regiment, and having been once discharged for reenlistment, he was
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and was in that service at the
time of his death.

In these circumstances the rejection of the beneficiary's claim on the
ground stated is held, under present rulings of the Pension Bureau, to
have been erroneous, and such claim can now be favorably adjudicated
upon proof of continued widowhood of the applicant and the lack of other
means of support than her daily labor.

If such proof is supplied, she would be entitled to a pension dating
from July 14, 1890, which would be much more advantageous than the
relief afforded by the bill herewith returned.

If the beneficiary can justly claim a pension dating from her
application to the Pension Bureau in 1890, the benefits accruing to her
therefrom should not be superseded by this special legislation, which
allows relief only from the date of its enactment.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 28, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 8681, entitled "An act
authorizing the Arkansas Northwestern Railway Company to construct and
operate a railway through the Indian Territory, and for other purposes."

The contemplated route of this railway, so far as it is disclosed in the
bill, would run from a point in the southwestern corner of the State of
Missouri, across the northeastern corner of the Indian Territory, to
a point in the southeastern part of the State of Kansas. This route
necessarily runs through the lands of the Cherokee Indians or through
the small reservations of the Quapaws, the Peorias, the Ottawas, the
Wyandottes, and the Senecas.

There is no provision in the bill requiring the consent of the Indians
whose lands are to be thus traversed.

There is no provision requiring the entire line to be located and
approved by the Secretary of the Interior before the work of building
is commenced.

The bill provides for compensation to individual occupants or allottees
by a process of appraisal by referees, with the right of appeal to the
district court held at Fort Smith, in the State of Arkansas.

In the case of allotted land or land held in individual occupancy by
the Indians great care should be exercised in interfering with their
holdings. Their land is given them for cultivation and with a view of
making them self-supporting and industrious citizens. If their land is
invaded and cut up by railroads, the purpose of allotment is in danger
of being defeated. Money compensation is of but little use to them, and
no amount can compensate for the disturbance in the cultivation of their
lands and their consequent discontent and discouragement.

These considerations, it seems to me, emphasize the necessity of the
exact location of the entire line of the contemplated railroad and such
control over it by the Secretary of the Interior as will enable him to
avoid as much as possible interference with individual Indian occupants
and other difficulties.

This supervision and regulation of the line can be done with much more
safety and effectiveness in considering the entire line than it can be
done in sections of 25 miles each, as is provided in the bill.

The United States circuit and district courts for the districts of
Kansas and the district of Arkansas and such other courts as may
be authorized by Congress are given concurrent jurisdiction of all
controversies arising between the railway company and the nations
and tribes of Indians through whose territory the railway shall be
constructed, or between said company and the members of said nations or
tribes, without reference to the amount in controversy, and the civil
jurisdiction of said courts is extended within the limits of said Indian
Territory, without distinction as to the citizenship of parties, so far
as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the act.

The requirement that an Indian shall be obliged to seek a distant court
for the adjudication of his rights in his controversies, great and
small, with this railway company would result in many cases to a denial
of justice.

I am convinced of the growing necessity, in this period of change in our
relations with the Indians, of caution and certainty in the grants given
to railroads to pass through Indian lands and of the exercise of care in
allowing interference with their occupation.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 28, 1895_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 5624, entitled "An act
to authorize the Oklahoma Central Railroad to construct and operate a
railway through the Indian and Oklahoma Territories, and for other
purposes."

The railroad proposed to be built under authority of this bill commences
at a point in the Creek Nation called Sapulpa and runs through the
Indian Territory to Oklahoma City, in Oklahoma, and thence through the
Kiowa and Comanche Reservation to a point at or near the Red River, on
the west line of said reservation.

There is no provision in this bill requiring the consent of the Indians
through whose lands it is proposed to build the road.

The character and situation of these Indians are such as to make this
consent important.

The first section gives the railroad company the right to build not only
its line of road, but "such tracks, turn-outs, branches, sidings, and
extensions as said company may deem it to their interest to construct."

If under an apparent grant to build a railroad the route of which is
in a general way defined this company is to be allowed to build such
branches and extensions as it may deem it to its interest to construct,
the grant, I am sure, is more comprehensive than was intended by the
Congress.

It seems to me that the entire line of the proposed railroad should be
precisely located and subjected to the approval of the Secretary of the
Interior before the work of construction is entered upon. This bill
provides that it shall be approved in sections of 25 miles before
construction on such sections shall be commenced.

Our relations to the Indians on reservations and their welfare and quiet
are better preserved and protected when the entire line of road can be
settled upon at one time and all uncertainty and doubt on the subject
removed. The object sought by submitting the line to the supervision and
determination of the Secretary of the Interior can be better and more
intelligently accomplished if it is dealt with in its entirety instead
of in sections.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



PROCLAMATIONS.


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

The following provisions of the laws of the United States are hereby
published for the information of all concerned:

Section 1956, Revised Statutes, chapter 3, Title XXIII, enacts that--

  No person shall kill any otter, mink, marten, sable, or fur seal, or
  other fur-bearing animal within the limits of Alaska Territory or in
  the waters thereof; and every person guilty thereof shall for each
  offense be fined not less than $200 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned
  not more than six months, or both; and all vessels, their tackle,
  apparel, furniture, and cargo, found engaged in violation of this
  section shall be forfeited; but the Secretary of the Treasury shall
  have power to authorize the killing of any such mink, marten, sable, or
  other fur-bearing animal, except fur seals, under such regulations as
  he may prescribe; and it shall be the duty of the Secretary to prevent
  the killing of any fur seal and to provide for the execution of the
  provisions of this section until it is otherwise provided by law, nor
  shall he grant any special privileges under this section.


Section 3 of the act entitled "An act to provide for the protection of
the salmon fisheries of Alaska," approved March 2, 1889, provides--

  SEC. 3. That section 1956 of the Revised Statutes of the United
  States is hereby declared to include and apply to all the dominion
  of the United States in the waters of Bering Sea; and it shall be the
  duty of the President at a timely season in each year to issue his
  proclamation, and cause the same to be published for one month in at
  least one newspaper (if any such there be) published at each United
  States port of entry on the Pacific coast, warning all persons against
  entering said waters for the purpose of violating the provisions of
  said section; and he shall also cause one or more vessels of the United
  States to diligently cruise said waters and arrest all persons and
  seize all vessels found to be or to have been engaged in any violation
  of the laws of the United States therein.


Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
hereby warn all persons against entering the waters of Bering Sea within
the dominion of the United States for the purpose of violating the
provisions of said section 1956 of the Revised Statutes; and I hereby
proclaim that all persons found to be or to have been engaged in any
violation of the laws of the United States in said waters will be
arrested, proceeded against, and punished as above provided.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 18th day of February, A.D. 1895,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to postpone the enforcement
of the act of August 19, 1890, entitled 'An act to adopt regulations for
preventing collisions at sea,'" was approved February 23, 1895:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States
of America, do hereby give notice that said act of August 19, 1890, as
amended by the act of May 28, 1894, will not go into force on March 1,
1895, the date fixed in my proclamation of July 13, 1894,[18] but on such
future date as may be designated in a proclamation of the President to
be issued for that purpose.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States of America to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of February, 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  W.Q. GRESHAM,
    _Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 18: See pp. 501-510.]



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, pursuant to section 1 of the act of Congress approved July 13,
1892, entitled "An act making appropriations for the current and
contingent expenses of the Indian Department and for fulfilling treaty
stipulations with various Indian tribes for the fiscal year ending June
30, 1893, and for other purposes," certain articles of agreement were
made and concluded at the Yankton Indian Agency, S. Dak., on the 31st
day of December, 1892, by and between the United States of America
and the Yankton tribe of Sioux or Dakota Indians upon the Yankton
Reservation, whereby the said Yankton tribe of Sioux or Dakota Indians,
for the consideration therein mentioned, ceded, sold, relinquished,
and conveyed to the United States all their claim, right, title, and
interest in and to all the unallotted lands within the limits of the
reservation set apart to said tribe by the first article of the treaty
of April 19, 1858, between said tribe and the United States; and

Whereas it is further stipulated and agreed by article 8 that such part
of the surplus lands by said agreement ceded and sold to the United
States as may be occupied by the United States for agency, schools, and
other purposes shall be reserved from sale to settlers until they are no
longer required for such purposes, but all of the other lands so ceded
and sold shall immediately after the ratification of the agreement by
Congress be offered for sale through the proper land office, to be
disposed of under the existing land laws of the United States to actual
and _bona fide_ settlers only; and

Whereas it is also stipulated and agreed by article 10 that any
religious society or other organization shall have the right for two
years from the date of the ratification of the said agreement within
which to purchase the lands occupied by it under proper authority for
religious or educational work among the Indians, at a valuation fixed by
the Secretary of the Interior, which shall not be less than the average
price paid to the Indians for the surplus lands; and

Whereas it is provided in the act of Congress accepting, ratifying, and
confirming the said agreement, approved August 15, 1894, section 12
(Pamphlet Statutes, Fifty-third Congress, second session, pp. 314-319)--

  That the lands by said agreement ceded to the United States shall upon
  proclamation by the President be opened to settlement, and shall be
  subject to disposal only under the homestead and town-site laws of the
  United States, excepting the sixteenth and thirty-sixth sections in
  each Congressional township, which shall be reserved for common-school
  purposes and be subject to the laws of the State of South Dakota:
  _Provided_, That each settler on said lands shall, in addition
  to the fees provided by law, pay to the United States for the land so
  taken by him the sum of $3.75 per acre, of which sum he shall pay 50
  cents at the time of making his original entry and the balance before
  making final proof and receiving a certificate of final entry; but the
  rights of honorably discharged Union soldiers and sailors as defined
  and described in sections 2304 and 2305 of the Revised Statutes of the
  United States shall not be abridged except as to the sum to be paid
  as aforesaid.

  That the Secretary of the Interior, upon proper plats and description
  being furnished, is hereby authorized to issue patents to Charles
  Picotte and Felix Brunot and W.T. Selwyn, United States interpreters,
  for not to exceed 1 acre of land each, so as to embrace their houses
  near the agency buildings upon said reservation, but not to embrace any
  buildings owned by the Government, upon the payment by each of said
  persons of the sum of $3.75.

  That every person who shall sell or give away any intoxicating liquors
  or other intoxicants upon any of the lands by said agreement ceded, or
  upon any of the lands included in the Yankton Sioux Indian Reservation
  as created by the treaty of April 19, 1858, shall be punishable by
  imprisonment for not more than two years and by a fine of not more than
  $300.


And whereas all the terms, conditions, and considerations required by
said agreement made with said tribes of Indians and by the laws relating
thereto precedent to opening said lands to settlement have been, as I
hereby declare, complied with:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by the statutes hereinbefore mentioned,
do hereby declare and make known that all of the lands acquired from the
Yankton tribe of Sioux or Dakota Indians by the said agreement, saving
and excepting the lands reserved in pursuance of the provisions of said
agreement and the act of Congress ratifying the same, will, at and after
the hour of 12 o'clock noon (central standard time) on the 21st day of
May, 1895, and not before, be open to settlement under the terms of
and subject to all the conditions, limitations, reservations, and
restrictions contained in said agreement, the statutes hereinbefore
specified, and the laws of the United States applicable thereto.

The lands to be so opened to settlement are for greater convenience
particularly described in the accompanying schedule, entitled "Schedule
of lands within the Yankton Reservation, S. Dak., to be opened to
settlement by proclamation of the President," and which schedule is made
a part hereof.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 16th day of May, A.D. 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  EDWIN F. UHL,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, pursuant to section I of the act of Congress approved July 13,
1892, entitled "An act making appropriations for the current and
contingent expenses of the Indian Department and for fulfilling treaty
stipulations with various Indian tribes for the fiscal year ending June
30, 1893, and for other purposes," certain articles of cession and
agreement were made and concluded at the Siletz Agency, Oreg., on the
31st day of October, 1892, by and between the United States of America
and the Alsea and other Indians on Siletz Reservation in Oregon, whereby
said Alsea and other Indians, for the consideration therein mentioned,
ceded and conveyed to the United States all their claim, right, title,
and interest in and to all the unallotted lands within the limits of
said reservation, except the five sections described in article 4 of
the agreement, viz: Section 9, township 9 south, range 11 west of the
Willamette meridian; and the west half of the west half of section 5,
and the east half of section 6, and the east half of the west half of
section 6, township 10 south, range 10 west; and the south half of
section 8, and the north half of section 17, and section 16, township 9
south, range 9 west; and the east half of the northeast quarter and lot
3, section 20, and south half and south half of north half of section
21, township 8, range 10 west; and

Whereas it is further stipulated and agreed by article 6 that any
religious society or other organization shall have the right for two
years from the date of the ratification of this agreement within which
to purchase the lands occupied by it with proper authority for religious
or educational work among the Indians, at the rate of $2.50 per acre,
the same to be conveyed to such society or organization by patent; and

Whereas it is provided in the act of Congress accepting, ratifying, and
confirming said agreement, approved August 15, 1894 (Pamphlet Statutes,
pp. 286-338), section 15, that--

  The mineral lands shall be disposed of under the laws applicable
  thereto, and the balance of the land so ceded shall be disposed of until
  further provided by law under the town-site law and under the provisions
  of the homestead law: _Provided_, _however_, That each settler
  under and in accordance with the provisions of said homestead laws shall
  at the time of making his original entry pay the sum of 50 cents per
  acre in addition to the fees now required by law, and at the time of
  making final proof shall pay the further sum of $1 per acre, final proof
  to be made within five years from the date of entry; and three years'
  actual residence on the land shall be established by such evidence as is
  now required in homestead proofs as a prerequisite to title or patent.


And whereas it is provided--

  That immediately after the passage of this act the Secretary of the
  Interior shall, under such regulations as he may prescribe, open said
  lands to settlement, after proclamation by the President and sixty
  days' notice.


And whereas all the terms, conditions, and considerations required by
said agreement made with said tribe of Indians hereinbefore mentioned
and the laws relating thereto precedent to opening said lands to
settlement have been, as I hereby declare, provided for, paid, and
complied with:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by the statutes hereinbefore mentioned
and by said agreement, do hereby declare and make known that all of the
lands acquired from the Alsea and other Indians by said agreement will,
at and after the hour of 12 o'clock noon (Pacific standard time) on
the 25th day of July, 1895, and not before, be opened to settlement
under the terms of and subject to all the conditions, limitations,
reservations, and restrictions contained in said agreement, the statutes
above specified, and the laws of the United States applicable thereto.

The lands to be so opened to settlement are for greater convenience
particularly described in the accompanying schedule, entitled "Schedule
of lands within the Siletz Indian Reservation, in Oregon, opened to
settlement by proclamation of the President dated May 16, 1895," and
which schedule is made a part hereof.

Warning is hereby given that no person entering upon and occupying said
lands before said hour of 12 o'clock noon of the 25th day of July, 1895,
hereinbefore fixed, will ever be permitted to enter any of said lands or
acquire any rights thereto, and that the officers of the United States
will be required to strictly enforce this provision, which is authorized
by the act of August 15, 1894, hereinbefore mentioned.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 16th day of May, A.D. 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  EDWIN F. UHL,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas by a written agreement made on the 9th day of September, 1891,
the Kickapoo Nation of Indians, in the Territory of Oklahoma, ceded,
conveyed, transferred, and relinquished, forever and absolutely, without
any reservation whatever, all their claim, title, and interest of every
kind and character in and to the lands particularly described in article
1 of the agreement: _Provided_, That in said tract of country there
shall be allotted to each and every member, native and adopted, of said
Kickapoo tribe of Indians 80 acres of land, in the manner and under the
conditions stated in said agreement, and that when the allotments of
land shall have been made and approved by the Secretary of the Interior
the title thereto shall be held in trust for the allottees respectively
for the period of twenty-five years in the manner and to the extent
provided for in the act of Congress approved February 8, 1887 (24 U.S.
Statutes at Large, p. 388); and

Whereas it is further stipulated and agreed by article 6 of the
agreement that wherever in this reservation any religious society or
other organization is now occupying any portion of said reservation for
religious or educational work among the Indians the land so occupied may
be allotted and confirmed to such society or organization, not, however,
to exceed 160 acres of land to any one society or organization, so long
as the same shall be so occupied and used: and such land shall not be
subject to homestead entry; and

Whereas it is provided in the act of Congress accepting, ratifying, and
confirming the said agreement with the Kickapoo Indians, approved March
3, 1893 (27 U.S. Statutes at Large, pp. 557-563), section 3--

  That whenever any of the lands acquired by this agreement shall by
  operation of law or proclamation of the President of the United States
  be open to settlement or entry they shall be disposed of (except
  sections 16 and 36 in each township thereof) to actual settlers only
  under the provisions of the homestead and town-site laws, except section
  2301 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, which shall not
  apply: _Provided_, _however_, That each settler on said lands
  shall before making a final proof and receiving a certificate of entry
  pay to the United States for the land so taken by him, in addition to
  the fees provided by law and within five years from the date of the
  first original entry, the sum of $1.50 an acre, one-half of which shall
  be paid within two years; but the rights of honorably discharged Union
  soldiers and sailors as defined and described in sections 2304 and 2305
  of the Revised Statutes of the United States shall not be abridged
  except as to the sum to be paid as aforesaid. Until said lands are
  opened to settlement by proclamation of the President of the United
  States no person shall be permitted to enter upon or occupy any of said
  lands, and any person violating this provision shall never be permitted
  to make entry of any of said lands or acquire any title thereto:
  _Provided_, That any person having attempted to but for any cause
  failed to acquire a title in fee under existing law, or who made entry
  under what is known as the commuted provision of the homestead law,
  shall be qualified to make homestead entry upon said lands.


And whereas allotments of land in severalty to said Kickapoo Indians
have been made and approved in accordance with law and the provisions of
the before-mentioned agreement with them; and

Whereas it is provided by the act of Congress for the temporary
government of Oklahoma, approved May 2, 1890, section 23 (26 U.S.
Statutes at Large, p. 92), that there shall be reserved public highways
4 rods wide between each section of land in said Territory, the section
lines being the center of said highways; but no deduction shall be made,
where cash payments are provided for, in the amount to be paid for each
quarter section of land by reason of such reservation; and

Whereas it is provided in the act of Congress approved February 10, 1894
(28 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 37)--

  That every homestead settler on the public lands on the left bank of
  the Deep Fork River in the former Iowa Reservation, in the Territory of
  Oklahoma, who entered less than 160 acres of land may enter under the
  homestead laws other lands adjoining the land embraced in his original
  entry when such additional lands become subject to entry, which
  additional entry shall not with the lands originally entered exceed in
  the aggregate 160 acres: _Provided_, That where such adjoining
  entry is made residence shall not be required upon the lands so
  entered, but the residence and cultivation by the settler upon and of
  the land embraced in his original entry shall be considered residence
  and cultivation for the same length of time upon the land embraced in
  his additional entry; but such lands so entered shall be paid for
  conformably to the terms of the act acquiring the same and opening it
  to homestead entry.


And whereas it is further provided in the act of Congress approved March
2, 1895 (28 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 899)--

  That any State or Territory entitled to indemnity school lands or
  entitled to select lands for educational purposes under existing law
  may select such lands within the boundaries of any Indian reservation
  in such State or Territory from the surplus lands thereof purchased by
  the United States, after allotments have been made to the Indians of
  such reservation and prior to the opening of such reservation to
  settlement.


And whereas all the terms, conditions, and considerations required by
said agreement made with said tribes of Indians and by the laws relating
thereto precedent to opening said lands to settlement have been, as I
hereby declare, complied with:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by the statutes hereinbefore mentioned
and by other the laws of the United States and by the said agreement,
do hereby declare and make known that all of said lands hereinbefore
described, acquired from the Kickapoo Indians by the agreement
aforesaid, will, at and after the hour of 12 o'clock noon (central
standard time), Thursday, the 23d day of the month of May, A.D. 1895,
and not before, be open to settlement under the terms of and subject
to all the conditions, limitations, reservations, and restrictions
contained in the said agreement, the statutes above specified, and the
laws of the United States applicable thereto, saving and excepting such
tracts as have been allotted, reserved, or selected under the laws
herein referred to and such tracts as may be properly selected by the
Territory of Oklahoma under and in accordance with the provisions of
the act of March 2, 1895, hereinbefore quoted, prior to the time herein
fixed for the opening of said lands to settlement.

The lands to be so opened to settlement are for greater convenience
particularly described in the accompanying schedule, entitled "Schedule
of lands within the Kickapoo Reservation, Oklahoma Territory, to be
opened to settlement by proclamation of the President;" but notice is
hereby given that should any of the lands described in the accompanying
schedule be properly selected by the Territory of Oklahoma under and in
accordance with the provisions of said act of Congress approved March 2,
1895, prior to the time herein fixed for the opening of said lands to
settlement such tracts will not be subject to settlement or entry.

Notice, moreover, is hereby given that it is by law enacted that until
said lands are opened to settlement by proclamation no person shall be
permitted to enter upon or occupy the same, and any person violating
this provision shall never be permitted to make entry of any of said
lands or acquire any title thereto. The officers of the United States
will be required to enforce this provision.

And further notice is hereby given that all of said lands lying north of
the township line between townships 13 and 14 north are now attached to
the Eastern land district, the office of which is at Guthrie, Oklahoma
Territory, and all of said lands lying south of the township line
between townships 13 and 14 north are now attached to the Oklahoma land
district, the office of which is at Oklahoma, Oklahoma Territory.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 18th day of May, A.D. 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  EDWIN F. UHL,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



A PROCLAMATION

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Walter Q. Gresham, Secretary of State of the United States, is dead.

The President in making this distressing announcement to his
fellow-countrymen speaks from the depths of a personal affliction to
remind them that they too have lost a pure and able public servant, a
wise and patriotic guardian of all their rights and interests, a manly
and loyal American, and a generous and lovable man.

As a suitable expression of national bereavement, I direct that the
diplomatic representatives of the United States in all foreign countries
display the flags over their embassies and legations at half-mast for
ten days; that for a like period the flag of the United States be
displayed at half-mast at all forts and military posts and at all naval
stations and on all vessels of the United States.

I further order that on the day of the funeral the Executive Departments
in the city of Washington be closed and that on all public buildings
throughout the United States the national flag be displayed at
half-mast.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of May, A.D. 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  EDWIN F. UHL,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas the island of Cuba is now the seat of serious civil
disturbances, accompanied by armed resistance to the authority of the
established Government of Spain, a power with which the United States
are and desire to remain on terms of peace and amity; and

Whereas the laws of the United States prohibit their citizens,
as well as all others being within and subject to their jurisdiction,
from taking part in such disturbances adversely to such established
Government, by accepting or exercising commissions for warlike service
against it, by enlistment or procuring others to enlist for such
service, by fitting out or arming or procuring to be fitted out and
armed ships of war for such service, by augmenting the force of any ship
of war engaged in such service and arriving in a port of the United
States, and by setting on foot or providing or preparing the means for
military enterprises to be carried on from the United States against the
territory of such Government:

Now, therefore, in recognition of the laws aforesaid and in discharge of
the obligations of the United States toward a friendly power, and as a
measure of precaution, and to the end that citizens of the United States
and all others within their jurisdiction may be deterred from subjecting
themselves to legal forfeitures and penalties, I, Grover Cleveland,
President of the United States of America, do hereby admonish all such
citizens and other persons to abstain from every violation of the laws
hereinbefore referred to, and do hereby warn them that all violations of
such laws will be rigorously prosecuted; and I do hereby enjoin upon all
officers of the United States charged with the execution of said laws
the utmost diligence in preventing violations thereof and in bringing to
trial and punishment any offenders against the same.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of June, A.D. 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
nineteenth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 13 of the act of Congress of March 3,
1891, entitled "An act to amend Title LX, chapter 3, of the Revised
Statutes of the United States, relating to copyrights," that said act
"shall only apply to a citizen or subject of a foreign state or nation
when such foreign state or nation permits to citizens of the United
States of America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same
basis as its own citizens, or when such foreign state or nation is a
party to an international agreement which provides for reciprocity in
the granting of copyright, by the terms of which agreement the United
States of America may at its pleasure become a party to such agreement;"
and

Whereas it is also provided by said section that "the existence of
either of the conditions aforesaid shall be determined by the President
of the United States by proclamation made from time to time as the
purposes of this act may require;" and

Whereas satisfactory official assurances have been given that in Spain
and her provinces and colonial possessions the law permits to citizens
of the United States the benefit of copyright on substantially the same
basis as to the subjects of Spain:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do declare and proclaim that the first of the conditions
specified in section 13 of the act of March 3, 1891, now exists and is
fulfilled in respect to the subjects of Spain.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 10th day of July, 1895, and of the
Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  ALVEY A. ADEE,
    _Acting Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

A PROCLAMATION.

The constant goodness and forbearance of Almighty God which have been
vouchsafed to the American people during the year which is just past
call for their sincere acknowledgment and devout gratitude.

To the end, therefore, that we may with thankful hearts unite in
extolling the loving care of our Heavenly Father, I, Grover Cleveland,
President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart
Thursday, the 28th day of the present month of November, as a day of
thanksgiving and prayer to be kept and observed by all our people.

On that day let us forego our usual occupations and in our accustomed
places of worship join in rendering thanks to the Giver of Every Good
and Perfect Gift for the bounteous returns that have rewarded our labors
in the fields and in the busy marts of trade, for the peace and order
that have prevailed throughout the land, for our protection from
pestilence and dire calamity, and for the other blessings that have been
showered upon us from an open hand.

And with our thanksgiving let us humbly beseech the Lord to so incline
the hearts of our people unto Him that He will not leave us nor forsake
us as a nation, but will continue to us His mercy and protecting care,
guiding us in the path of national prosperity and happiness, enduing us
with rectitude and virtue, and keeping alive within us a patriotic love
for the free institutions which have been given to us as our national
heritage.

And let us also on the day of our thanksgiving especially remember the
poor and needy, and by deeds of charity let us show the sincerity of our
gratitude.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 4th day of November, A.D. 1895, and
in the one hundred and twentieth year of the Independence of the United
States.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas section 17 of the act of August 28, 1894, entitled "An act to
reduce taxation, to provide revenue for the Government, and for other
purposes," prohibits "the importation of neat cattle and the hides of
neat cattle from any foreign country into the United States;" and

Whereas it is provided by the act of Congress approved March 2, 1895,
entitled "An act making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896"--

  That whenever the Secretary of Agriculture shall certify to the
  President of the United States what countries or parts of countries are
  free from contagious or infectious diseases of domestic animals, and
  that neat cattle and hides can be imported from such countries without
  danger to the domestic animals of the United States, the President of
  the United States may suspend the prohibition of the importation of
  neat cattle and hides in the manner provided by law.


And whereas the Secretary of Agriculture has now certified to me that
the countries of Norway, Sweden, Holland, Great Britain, Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and the countries of North, Central, and South America,
including Mexico, are so far free from contagious or infectious diseases
of domestic animals that neat cattle may be imported from those
countries into the United States, under the sanitary regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture, without danger to the
domestic animals of the United States, and that so far as the countries
above named, as well as all other countries from which hides are
imported into the United States, are concerned, they are so far free
from contagious or infectious diseases of domestic animals that hides of
neat cattle can be imported from all parts of the world, under proper
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, without danger
to the domestic animals of the United States: Now, therefore, I, Grover
Cleveland, President of the United States, do hereby suspend the
prohibition of the importation of neat cattle from the countries of
Norway, Sweden, Holland, Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and the countries of North, Central, and South America, including
Mexico, and of the hides of neat cattle from all parts of the world; but
all importations of neat cattle shall be made under the sanitary
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture and all
importations of hides shall be made under proper regulations prescribed
by the Secretary of the Treasury.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of November, 1895, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, pursuant to section 5 of the act of Congress approved February
8, 1887 (24 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 388), entitled "An act to provide
for the allotment of lands in severalty to the Indians on the various
reservations and to extend the protection of the laws of the United
States and the Territories over the Indians, and for other purposes,"
certain articles of cession and agreement were made and concluded at
the Nez Percé Agency, Idaho, on the 1st day of May, 1893, by and between
the United States of America and the Nez Percé Indians, whereby said
Indians, for the consideration therein mentioned, ceded and conveyed to
the United States all their claim, right, title, and interest to all the
unallotted lands set apart as a home for their use and occupation by the
second article of the treaty between said Indians and the United States
concluded June 9, 1863 (14 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 647), and included
in the following boundaries, to wit:

  Commencing at the northeast corner of Lake Wa-ha and running thence
  northerly to a point on the north bank of the Clearwater River 3
  miles below the mouth of the Lapwai; thence down the north bank of
  the Clearwater to the mouth of the Hatwai Creek; thence due north to
  a point 7 miles distant; thence eastwardly to a point on the North Fork
  of the Clearwater 7 miles distant from its mouth; thence to a point on
  Oro Fino Creek 5 miles above its mouth; thence to a point on the North
  Fork of the South Fork of the Clearwater 1 mile above the bridge on the
  road leading to Elk City (so as to include all the Indian farms now
  within the forks); thence in a straight line westwardly to the place
  of beginning.


Saving and excepting the sixteenth and thirty-sixth sections of each
Congressional township, which shall be reserved for common-school
purposes and be subject to the laws of Idaho, and excepting the tracts
described in articles 1 and 2 of the agreement, viz:


  The said Nez Percé Indians hereby cede, sell, relinquish, and convey to
  the United States all their claim, right, title, and interest in and to
  all the unallotted lands within the limits of said reservation, saving
  and excepting the following-described tracts of lands, which are hereby
  retained by the said Indians, viz:

  In township 34, range 4 west: Northeast quarter, north half and
  southeast of northwest quarter, northeast quarter of southwest quarter,
  north half and east half of southwest quarter, and the southeast quarter
  of southeast quarter, section 13; 440 acres.

  In township 34, range 3 west: Sections 10, 15, 36; 1,920 acres.

  In township 33, range 3 west: Section 1; northwest quarter of northeast
  quarter, north half of northwest quarter, section 12; 760 acres.

  In township 35, range 2 west: South half of northeast quarter, northwest
  quarter, north half and southeast quarter of southwest quarter,
  southeast quarter, section 3; east half, east half of northwest quarter,
  southwest quarter, section 10; section 11; north half, north half of
  south half, section 21; east half of northeast quarter, section 20;
  sections 22, 27, 35; 4,200 acres.

  In township 34, range 2 west: North half, southwest quarter, north half
  and southwest quarter and west half of southeast quarter of southeast
  quarter, section 13; section 14; north half, section 23; west half of
  east half and west half of northeast quarter, northwest quarter, north
  half of southwest quarter, west half of east half and northwest quarter
  and east half of southwest quarter of southeast quarter, section 24;
  section 29; 2,700 acres.

  In township 33, range 2 west: West half and southeast quarter, section
  6; sections 16, 22, 27; north half and north half of south half, section
  34; 2,880 acres.

  In township 34, range 1 west: West half, section 2; sections 3, 4: north
  half and southwest quarter, section 8; north half, section 9; north half
  and north half of southwest quarter, section 18; northwest quarter,
  section 17; 2,960 acres.

  In township 37, range 1 east: Section 20; section 21, less south half of
  south half of southwest quarter of southeast quarter (10 acres); 1,270
  acres.

  In township 36, range 1 east: South half of sections 3, 4; sections 1,
  12; 1,920 acres.

  In township 36, range 2 east: Sections 16, 17, 18, 20; all of section 25
  west of boundary line of reservation; sections 26, 27; 4,240 acres.

  In township 35, range 2 east: North half of sections 16, 17; section 27;
  north half of section 34; 1,600 acres.

  In township 34, range 2 east: East half and east half of west half of
  southeast quarter, section 24; 100 acres.

  In township 34, range 3 east: South half of sections 19, 20; north half,
  north half of south half, southwest quarter and north half of southeast
  quarter of southwest quarter, north half of south half of southeast
  quarter, section 23; north half, north half and north half of southwest
  quarter and southeast quarter of southwest quarter, southeast quarter,
  section 24; north half and southeast quarter of northeast quarter, north
  half of northwest quarter, section 25; south half of northeast quarter
  of northeast quarter, section 26; section 29; northeast quarter of
  northeast quarter and south half, section 30; northwest quarter and
  north half of southwest quarter, section 31, northeast quarter, north
  half and southeast quarter of northwest quarter, section 32; northwest
  quarter, north half of southwest quarter, section 33; 3,700 acres.

  In township 33, range 4 east: South half of southeast quarter, section
  18; northeast quarter and fraction northeast of river in east half of
  northwest quarter, section 19; fraction west of boundary line of
  reservation in section 22; west half and southeast quarter of section
  35; 1,440 acres.

  In township 32, range 4 east: Fraction in west half of northeast quarter
  of southwest quarter, fraction in northwest quarter of southeast
  quarter, section 1; section 2; south half of section 6; west half and
  southeast quarter of northeast quarter of section 9; 1,410 acres.

  In township 31, range 4 east: South half of northeast quarter, southeast
  quarter of northwest quarter, northeast quarter of southwest quarter,
  southeast quarter, section 17; northwest quarter, section 21; 480 acres.

  Total, 32,020 acres.

  ART. II. It is also stipulated and agreed that the place known as "the
  boom" on the Clearwater River, near the mouth of Lapwai Creek, shall be
  excepted from this cession and reserved for the common use of the tribe,
  with full right of access thereto, and that the tract of land adjoining
  said boom now occupied by James Moses shall be allotted to him in such
  manner as not to interfere with such right; also that there shall be
  reserved from said cession the land described as follows: "Commencing at
  a point at the margin of Clearwater River, on the south side thereof,
  which is 300 yards below where the middle thread of Lapwai Creek empties
  into said river; run thence up the margin of said Clearwater River at
  low-water mark 900 yards to a point; run thence south 250 yards to a
  point; thence southwesterly in a line to the southeast corner of a stone
  building partly finished as a church; thence west 300 yards to a point;
  thence from said point northerly in a straight line to the point of
  beginning; and also the adjoining tract of land lying southerly of said
  tract, on the south end thereof, commencing at the said corner of said
  church, and at the point 300 yards west thereof and run a line from each
  of said points, one of said lines running on the east side and the other
  on the west of said Lapwai Creek, along the foothills of each side of
  said creek, up the same sufficiently far so that a line being drawn east
  and west to intersect the aforesaid lines shall embrace within its
  boundaries, together with the first above-described tract of land, a
  sufficient quantity of land as to include and comprise 640 acres."


And excepting the land embraced in the William Craig donation claim, in
township 35 north, range 3 west. (See case of Caldwell _vs._
Robinson, Federal Reporter, vol. 59, p. 653); and

Whereas it is further stipulated and agreed by article 6 of the
agreement that any religious society or other organization now occupying
under proper authority, for religious or educational work among the
Indians, any of the lands ceded shall have the right for two years from
the date of the ratification of this agreement within which to purchase
the land so occupied, at the rate of $3 per acre, the same to be conveyed
to such society or organization by patent in the usual form; and

Whereas it is further agreed by article 9 of the agreement that the
lands by this agreement ceded, those retained, and those allotted to the
said Nez Percé Indians shall be subject for a period of twenty-five
years to all the laws of the United States prohibiting the introduction
of intoxicants into the Indian country, and that the Nez Percé Indian
allottees, whether under the care of an Indian agent or not, shall for a
like period be subject to all the laws of the United States prohibiting
the sale or other disposition of intoxicants to Indians; and

Whereas it is provided in the act of Congress accepting, ratifying, and
confirming said agreement, approved August 15, 1894 (28 U.S. Statutes at
Large, pp. 286-338), section 16--

  That immediately after the issuance and receipt by the Indians of trust
  patents for the allotted lands, as provided for in said agreement, the
  lands so ceded, sold, relinquished, and conveyed to the United States
  shall be opened to settlement by proclamation of the President and shall
  be subject to disposal only under the homestead, town-site, stone and
  timber, and mining laws of the United States, excepting the sixteenth
  and thirty-sixth sections in each Congressional township, which shall be
  reserved for common-school purposes and be subject to the laws of Idaho:
  _Provided_, That each settler on said lands shall before making
  final proof and receiving a certificate of entry pay to the United
  States for the lands so taken by him, in addition to the fees provided
  bylaw, the sum of $3.75 per acre for agricultural lands, one-half of
  which shall be paid within three years from the date of original entry,
  and the sum of $5 per acre for stone, timber, and mineral lands, subject
  to the regulations prescribed by existing laws; but the rights of
  honorably discharged Union soldiers and sailors as defined and described
  in sections 2304 and 2305 of the Revised Statutes of the United States
  shall not be abridged except as to the sum to be paid as aforesaid.


And whereas all the terms, conditions, and considerations required by
said agreement made with said tribe of Indians hereinbefore mentioned
and the laws relating thereto precedent to opening said lands to
settlement have been, as I hereby declare, provided for, paid, and
complied with:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by the statutes hereinbefore mentioned
and by said agreement, do hereby declare and make known that all of the
unallotted and unreserved lands acquired from the Nez Percé Indians by
said agreement will, at and after the hour of 12 o'clock noon (Pacific
standard time) on the 18th day of November, 1895, and not before, be
opened to settlement under the terms of and subject to all the
conditions, limitations, reservations, and restrictions contained in
said agreement, the statutes above specified, and the laws of the United
States applicable thereto.

The lands to be so opened to settlement are for greater convenience
particularly described in the accompanying schedule, entitled "Schedule
of lands within the Nez Percé Indian Reservation, Idaho, to be opened to
settlement by proclamation of the President," and which schedule is made
a part hereof.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of November, A.D. 1895, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



EXECUTIVE ORDERS.


AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1 is hereby amended by striking out
the whole of the paragraph in section 3, Department of the Interior,
relating to the Geological Survey and substituting in lieu thereof the
following:

  In the Geological Survey: Geologist, assistant geologist,
  paleontologist, assistant paleontologist, chief photographer,
  photographer, chief chemist, chemist, assistant chemist, chief
  engraver, engraver, assistant engraver, lithographic engraver, map
  printer, lithographic printer, assistant lithographic printer, map
  reviser, statistical experts temporarily employed.


Approved, December 4, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Departmental Rule VII is hereby amended by adding thereto the following
section, to be numbered 9:

  The Commission shall certify for transfer and reappointment to any
  classified non-excepted place in the departmental service, upon the
  requisition of the head of a Department, any person who at the time of
  making such requisition is holding an office outside the classified
  service in any Executive Department at Washington to which he was
  appointed from a classified place in the departmental service; and upon
  the requisition of any head of Department the Commission shall certify
  for reinstatement in the classified service of said Department any such
  officer who within one year next preceding the date of the requisition,
  by the abolition of his office or otherwise, has without delinquency or
  misconduct been separated from said office: _Provided_, That this
  section shall not authorize the reappointment to the classified
  service of any such officer or ex-officer who was appointed to his
  office from an excepted place, unless his appointment to such excepted
  place was by promotion from a nonexcepted place.


Approved, December 15, 1894.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 3, 1895_.

Postal Rule II, clause 5, is amended by striking out paragraph (_e_)
and relettering paragraph (_f_) as (_e_), so that as amended the clause
will read:

  5. Exceptions from examination in the classified postal service are
  hereby made as follows:

  (_a_) Assistant postmaster, or the chief assistant to the
  postmaster, by whatever designation known.

  (_b_) One secretary to the postmaster, when authorized by law and
  allowed by the Post-Office Department.

  (_c_) Cashier, when authorized by law and employed under that
  roster title.

  (_d_) Assistant cashier, when authorized by law and employed under
  that roster title.

  (_e_) Printers and pressmen, when authorized by law and allowed by
  the Post-Office Department and employed as such.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 12, 1895_.

Departmental Rule VII, clause 8, is hereby amended to read as follows:

  In case of the occurrence of a vacancy in any Department which the
  public interest requires shall be immediately filled, and which can not
  be so filled by certification from the eligible registers of the
  Commission, such vacancy may be filled by temporary appointment outside
  the civil service until a regular appointment can be made under the
  provisions of sections 1, 2, and 3 of this rule: _Provided_, That
  such temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer than ninety
  days, and shall expire by limitation at the end of that time: _And
  provided further_, That no person shall serve longer than the period
  herein prescribed in any one year under such temporary appointment.

  The year limitation in regard to reappointment shall begin to run on the
  date of the original appointment.

  Every such temporary appointment and the discontinuance of the same
  shall at once be reported to the Commission.


Postal Rule IV, clause 4, is hereby amended to read as follows:

  4. In case of the occurrence of a vacancy in a position within the
  classified service of any post-office which the public interest requires
  shall be immediately filled, where there is no eligible remaining on the
  proper register, such vacancy may be filled by temporary appointment
  outside the civil service until a regular appointment can be made under
  the provisions of sections 1 and 2 of this rule: _Provided_, That
  such temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer than ninety
  days, and shall expire by limitation at the end of that time: _And
  provided further_, That no person shall serve more than ninety days
  in any one year under such temporary appointment.

  The year limitation in regard to reappointment shall begin to run on the
  date of the original appointment.

  Every such temporary appointment and also the discontinuance of the same
  shall at once be reported to the Commission.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

GENERAL RULES.

General Rule II: Strike out the word "five" in line 1 and insert in lieu
thereof the word "six," and add at the end of the rule a new clause, as
follows:

  6. The classified internal-revenue service.


General Rule III, section 5: Insert after the word "may" in line 1 the
words "in its discretion," and after the word "appointment" in line 2
the following: "or an applicant who has been guilty of a crime or of
infamous or notoriously disgraceful conduct." As amended the section
will read:

  5. The Commission may, in its discretion, refuse to examine an applicant
  who would be physically unable to perform the duties of the place to
  which he desires appointment or an applicant who has been guilty of a
  crime or of infamous or notoriously disgraceful conduct. The reason for
  any such action shall be entered on the minutes of the Commission.


Section 9: In line 1 strike out the word "departmental," and after the
word "service" in the same line and in line 2 the words "and the
classified railway mail service."

General Rule V: In line 2 change the order of words and insert other
words so as to make the phrase amended read as follows: "and postmasters
and customs and internal-revenue officers and custodians of public
buildings."

General Rule IV, section 2: Insert after the word "may" in line 1 the
words "in its discretion."


DEPARTMENTAL RULES.

Departmental Rule II: In section 1, line 2, after the word "such,"
insert the word "other" and strike out the words "supplementary and
special." In section 2, line 2, strike out the words "supplementary and
special" and insert in lieu thereof the word "other."

Departmental Rule IV: In section 1, after the semicolon following the
word "age" in line 4, insert the following: "or for the position of
messenger or assistant messenger who is not under 18 years of age, or
for the position of page or messenger boy who is not under 14 nor over
18 years of age."

Departmental Rule V: In section 2, paragraph 6, line 1, after the word
"postal," insert the words "internal-revenue."

Departmental Rule VI: In section 1, line 2, after the word "of," strike
out the words "special and supplementary" and insert in lieu thereof the
word "other." In section 4, line 7, after the words "clerk-copyist,"
insert the words "or the messenger and watchman." In section 5, line 3,
after the word "printing," insert the words "or for page or messenger
boy."

Departmental Rule VII: In section 3, at the beginning of line 2, before
the word "register," insert the words "the messenger or the watchman."
In the second paragraph of the same section, in line 2, after the word
"assistant," insert the words "or page or messenger boy."

Departmental Rule VIII: In section 1 insert a clause, to be lettered
(_c_), as follows:

  (_c_) From a bureau of the Treasury Department in which business
  relating to the internal revenue is transacted to a classified
  internal-revenue district, and from such a district to such a bureau
  in the Treasury Department, upon requisition by the Secretary of the
  Treasury.


The remaining clauses of the section to be relettered (_d_) and
(_e_), respectively. In section 2, line 2, strike out the letter
"_d_" in parentheses and insert in lieu thereof the letter
"_e_," and at the end of the section add the following proviso:

  _Provided_, That a person may be transferred from a place in one
  Department to a place requiring no higher examination in another
  Department without examination.


Departmental Rule IX: Strike out the whole of section 1 and insert in
lieu thereof the following:

  1. Until promotion regulations have been applied to a Department under
  the provisions of section 6 of General Rule III promotions therein may
  be made as follows:

  (_a_) Any person appointed from the appropriate register to the
  position of messenger, assistant messenger, watchman, or other
  subordinate position below the positions of clerk and copyist may at any
  time after absolute appointment, if not barred by age limitations, be
  transferred to any other of said subordinate positions, but shall not be
  promoted to the position of clerk or copyist or to any place the duties
  of which are clerical: _Provided_, That printers' assistants in the
  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Treasury Department, shall only be
  eligible for transfer to the grade of operative in that Bureau.


Strike out sections 2, 3, and 5 and renumber section 4 as 2.

Approved, March 2, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 18, 1895_.

Indian Rule IV is amended by adding at the end thereof a new section, to
read as follows:

  7. Graduates of Indian normal schools and of normal classes in Indian
  schools may be employed in the Indian-school service as assistant
  teachers or day-school teachers without further examination:
  _Provided_, That certificates of satisfactory proficiency, of
  good moral character, and of physical soundness, signed by the proper
  officials, be transmitted at the time of appointment to the Civil
  Service Commission: _And provided further_, That until the 1st of
  July, 1896, graduates of the senior classes of Carlisle, Hampton,
  Lincoln Institute, Chilocco, Haskell Institute, and other Indian
  schools of equal grade may be included in the provisions of this rule.
  Such teachers shall become eligible for promotion to advanced positions
  on presentation to the Civil Service Commission of satisfactory
  certificates of efficiency and fidelity in their work and of a
  progressive spirit in their professional interests, signed by their
  immediate official superiors and by the superintendent of Indian
  schools, and forwarded with his approval by the Secretary of the
  Interior, the Commission reserving to itself the right to decide
  as to the satisfactoriness of such certificates.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 20, 1895_.

The Executive order dated February 26, 1891,[19] establishing limits
of punishment for enlisted men of the Army, under an act of Congress
approved September 27, 1890, and which was published in General Orders,
No. 21, 1891, Headquarters of the Army, is amended so as to prescribe as
follows:


ARTICLE I.

In all cases of desertion the sentence may include dishonorable
discharge and forfeiture of pay and allowances.

Subject to the modifications authorized in section 3 of this article,
the limit of the term of confinement (at hard labor) for desertion shall
be as follows:

SECTION 1. In case of surrender--

(_a_) When the deserter surrenders himself after an absence of not
more than thirty days, one year.

(_b_) When the surrender is made after an absence of more than
thirty days, eighteen months.

SEC. 2. In case of apprehension--

(_a_) When at the time of desertion the deserter shall not have
been more than six months in the service, eighteen months.

(_b_) When he shall have been more than six months in the service,
two and one-half years.

SEC. 3. The foregoing limitations are subject to modification under the
following conditions:

(_a_) The punishment of a deserter may be increased by one year of
confinement at hard labor in consideration of each previous conviction
of desertion.

(_b_) The punishment for desertion when joined in by two or more
soldiers in the execution of a conspiracy or for desertion in the
presence of an outbreak of Indians or of any unlawful assemblage which
the troops may be opposing shall not exceed dishonorable discharge,
forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement at hard labor for
five years.

ARTICLE II.

Except as herein otherwise indicated punishments shall not exceed the
limits prescribed in the following table:



Offenses.                           Limits of punishment.

_Under seventeenth article of war_.

Selling horse or arms, or both.     Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    confinement at hard labor for 3 years.

Selling accouterments.              Four months' confinement at hard
                                    labor and forfeiture of $10 per
                                    month for the same period; for
                                    noncommissioned officer, reduction
                                    in addition thereto.

Selling clothing.                   Two months' confinement at hard labor
                                    and forfeiture of $10 per month for
                                    the same period; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.

Losing or spoiling horse or arms    Four months' confinement at hard labor
through neglect.                    and forfeiture of $10 per month for
                                    the same period; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.

Losing or spoiling accouterments    One month's confinement at hard
or clothing through neglect.        labor and forfeiture of $10: for
                                    noncommissioned officer, reduction
                                    in addition thereto.


_Under twentieth article of war_.

Behaving himself with disrespect    Six months' confinement at hard labor
to his commanding officer.          and forfeiture of $10 per month for
                                    the same period; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.


_Under twenty-fourth article of war_.

Refusal to obey or using violence   Dishonorable discharge, with
to officer or noncommissioned       forfeiture of all pay and allowances,
officer while quelling quarrels     and confinement at hard labor for
or disorders.                       2 years.


_Under thirty-first article of war_.

Lying out of quarters.              Forfeiture of $2; corporal, $3;
                                    sergeant, $4.


_Under thirty-second article of war_.

Absence without leave--[20]

  Less than 1 hour.                 Forfeiture of $1; corporal, $2;
                                    sergeant, $3; first sergeant or
                                    noncommissioned officer of higher
                                    grade, $4.

  From 1 to 6 hours[21].            Forfeiture of $2; corporal, $3;
                                    sergeant, $4; first sergeant or
                                    noncommissioned officer of higher
                                    grade, $5.

  From 6 to 12 hours.               Forfeiture of $3; corporal, $4;
                                    sergeant, $6; first sergeant or
                                    noncommissioned officer of higher
                                    grade, $7.

  From 12 to 24 hours.              Forfeiture of $5; corporal, $6;
                                    sergeant, $7; first sergeant or
                                    noncommissioned officer of higher
                                    grade, $10.

  From 24 to 48 hours.              Forfeiture of $6 and 5 days'
                                    confinement at hard labor; for
                                    corporal, forfeiture of $8; sergeant,
                                    $10; first sergeant or noncommissioned
                                    officer of higher grade, $12, or,
                                    for all noncommissioned officers,
                                    reduction.

  From 2 to 10 days.                Forfeiture of $10 and 10 days'
                                    confinement at hard labor;
                                    for noncommissioned officer,
                                    reduction in addition thereto.

  From 10 to 30 days.               Forfeiture of $20 and 1 month's
                                    confinement at hard labor;
                                    for noncommissioned officer,
                                    reduction in addition thereto.

  From 30 to 90 days.               Three months' confinement at hard
                                    labor and forfeiture of $10 per month
                                    for same period; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.

  For 90 or more than 90 days.      Dishonorable discharge and forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances and
                                    6 months' confinement at hard labor.


_Under thirty-third article of war_.

Failure to repair at the time
fixed, etc., to the place of
parade for--

  Reveille or retreat roll call     Forfeiture of $1; corporal, $2;
  and 11 p.m. inspection.           sergeant, $3; first sergeant, $4.

  Guard detail.                     Forfeiture of $5; corporal, $8;
                                    sergeant, $10.

  Fatigue detail.                   }
                                    }
  Dress parade.                     }
                                    }
  The weekly inspection.            }
                                    }
  Target practice.                  } Forfeiture of $2; corporal, $3;
                                    } sergeant, $5.
  Drill.                            }
                                    }
  Guard mounting (by musician).     }
                                    }
  Stable duty.                      }


_Under thirty-eighth article of war_.

Drunkenness on--

  Guard.                            Six months' confinement at hard
                                    labor and forfeiture of $10 per
                                    month for the same period; for
                                    noncommissioned officer, reduction
                                    in addition thereto.

  Duty as company cook.             Forfeiture of $20.

  Extra or special duty.            }
                                    }
  At drill.                         }
                                    }
  At target practice.               }
                                    } Forfeiture of $12;
  At parade.                        } for noncommissioned officer,
                                    } reduction and forfeiture of $20.
  At inspection.                    }
                                    }
  At inspection of company          }
    guard detail.                   }
                                    }
  At stable duty.                   }


_Under fortieth article of war_.

  Quitting guard.                   Six months' confinement at hard
                                    labor and forfeiture of $10 per
                                    month for the same period;
                                    for noncommissioned officer,
                                    reduction in addition thereto.


_Under fifty-first article of war_.

  Persuading soldiers to desert.    Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    1 year's confinement at hard labor.


_Under sixtieth article of war_
                                    Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    4 years' confinement at hard labor.


_Under sixty-second article of war_.

  Manslaughter.                     Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    10 years' confinement at hard labor.

  Assault with intent to kill.      Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    10 years' confinement at hard labor.

  Burglary.                         Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    5 years' confinement at hard labor.

  Forgery.                          Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    4 years' confinement at hard labor.

  Perjury.                          Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    4 years' confinement at hard labor.

  False swearing.                   Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    2 years' confinement at hard labor.

  Robbery.                          Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    6 years' confinement at hard labor.

  Larceny or embezzlement
    of property of
    the value of--[22]

  More than $100.                   Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    4 years' confinement at hard labor.

  $100 or less and more than $50.   Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    3 years' confinement at hard labor.

  $50 or less and more than $20.    Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    2 years' confinement at hard labor.

  $20 or less.                      Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
                                    of all pay and allowances, and
                                    1 year's confinement at hard labor.

Fraudulent enlistment procured      Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
by false representation or          of all pay and and allowances, and
concealment of a fact in regard     confinement at hard labor for 1 year.
to a prior enlistment or discharge
or in regard to conviction of
a civil or military crime.

Fraudulent enlistment, other        Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
cases of.                           of all pay and allowances, and
                                    confinement at hard labor for
                                    6 months.

Disobedience of orders, involving   Six months' confinement at hard labor
willful defiance of the authority   and forfeiture of $10 per month for
of a noncommissioned officer in     the same period; for noncommissioned
the execution of his office.        officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.

Using threatening or insulting      One month's confinement at hard
language or behaving in an          labor and forfeiture of $10; for
insubordinate manner to a           noncommissioned officer, reduction
noncommissioned officer while       in addition thereto.
in the execution of his office.

Absence from fatigue duty.          Forfeiture of $4; corporal, $5;
                                    sergeant, $6.

Absence from extra or special duty. Forfeiture of $4; corporal, $5;
                                    sergeant, $6.

Absence from duty as company or     Forfeiture of $10.
hospital cook.

Introducing liquor into post or     Forfeiture of $3; for noncommissioned
camp in violation of standing       officer reduction and forfeiture
orders.                             of $5.

Drunkenness at post or in quarters. Forfeiture of $3; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction and forfeiture
                                    of $5.

Drunkenness and disorderly conduct  Forfeiture of $10 and 7 days'
causing the offender's arrest       confinement at hard labor;
and conviction by civil             for noncommissioned officer,
authorities at a place within       reduction and forfeiture of $12.
10 miles of his station.

Noisy or disorderly conduct in      Forfeiture of $4; corporal, $7;
quarters.                           sergeant, $10.

Abuse by noncommissioned officer    Reduction, 3 months' confinement at
of his authority over an inferior.  hard labor, and forfeiture of $10 per
                                    month for the same period.

Noncommissioned officer             Reduction and forfeiture of $5.
encouraging gambling.

Noncommissioned officer making      Reduction, forfeiture of $8, and
false report.                       10 days' confinement at hard labor.

Sentinel allowing a prisoner        Six months' confinement at hard labor
under his charge to escape          and forfeiture of $10 per month for
through neglect.                    the same period.

Sentinel willfully suffering        Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture
prisoner under his charge           of all pay and allowances, and
to escape.                          1 year's confinement at hard labor.

Sentinel allowing a prisoner        Two months' confinement at hard labor
under his charge to obtain          and forfeiture of $10 per month for
liquor.                             the same period.

Sentinel or member of guard         Two months' confinement at hard labor
drinking liquor with prisoners.     and forfeiture of $10 per month for
                                    the same period.

Disrespect or affront to a          Two months' confinement at hard labor
sentinel.                           and forfeiture of $10 per month for
                                    the same period; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.

Resisting or disobeying sentinel    Six months' confinement at hard labor
in lawful execution of his duty.    and forfeiture of $10 per month for
                                    the same period; for noncommissioned
                                    officer, reduction in addition
                                    thereto.

Lewd or indecent exposure of        Three months' confinement at hard
person.                             labor and forfeiture of $10 per
                                    month for the same period;
                                    for noncommissioned officer,
                                    reduction in addition thereto.


ARTICLE III.

SECTION 1. When a soldier shall be convicted of an offense the
punishment for which, as authorized by Article II of this order
or the custom of the service, does not exceed that which an inferior
court-martial may award, the punishment so authorized may be increased
by one-half for every previous conviction of one or more offenses within
eighteen months preceding the trial and during the current enlistment:
_Provided_, That the increase of punishment for five or more
previous convictions shall not exceed that thus authorized when there
are four previous convictions, and that when one or more of such five or
more previous convictions shall have been by general court-martial or
when such convictions shall have occurred within one year preceding
the trial the limit of punishment shall be dishonorable discharge,
forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement at hard labor for
three months.

When the conviction is of an offense punishable under Article II of this
order or the custom of the service with a greater punishment than an
inferior court-martial can award, but not punishable with dishonorable
discharge, the sentence may on proof of five or more previous
convictions within eighteen months and during the current enlistment
impose dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of all pay and allowances
in addition to the authorized confinement, and when this confinement is
less than three months it may be increased to three months.

When a noncommissioned officer is convicted of an offense not punishable
with reduction, he may, if he shall have been convicted of a military
offense within a year and during the current enlistment, be sentenced to
reduction in addition to the punishment already authorized.

SEC. 2. In every case when an offense on trial before a court-martial
is of a character admitting of the introduction of evidence of previous
convictions and the accused is convicted the court, after determining
its findings, will be opened for the purpose of ascertaining whether
there is such evidence, and, if so, of hearing it. These convictions
must be proved by the records of previous trials or by duly authenticated
orders promulgating the same, except in the cases of conviction by
summary court, when a duly authenticated copy of the record of said
court shall be deemed sufficient proof. Charges forwarded to the
authority ordering a general court-martial or submitted to a summary,
garrison, or regimental court must be accompanied by the proper evidence
of such previous convictions as may have to be considered in determining
upon a sentence.


ARTICLE IV.

When a soldier shall on one arraignment be convicted of two or more
offenses none of which is punishable under Article II of this order or
the custom of the service with dishonorable discharge, but the aggregate
term of confinement for which may exceed six months, dishonorable
discharge with forfeiture of pay and allowances may be awarded in
addition to the authorized confinement.


ARTICLE V.

This order prescribes the _maximum_ limit of punishment for the
offenses named, and this limit is intended for those cases in which the
severest punishment should be awarded. In other cases the punishment
should be graded down according to the extenuating circumstances.
Offenses not herein provided for remain punishable as authorized by the
Articles of War and the custom of the service.


ARTICLE VI.

Summary courts are subject to the restrictions named in the eighty-third
article of war. Soldiers against whom charges may be preferred for trial
by summary court shall not be confined in the guardhouse, but shall be
placed in arrest in quarters before and during trial and while awaiting
sentence, except when in particular cases restraint may be necessary.


ARTICLE VII.

The following substitutions for punishments named in Article II of this
order are authorized at the discretion of the court:

Two days' confinement at hard labor for $1 forfeiture; one day's
solitary confinement on bread and water diet for two days' confinement
at hard labor or for $1 forfeiture: _Provided_, That a noncommissioned
officer not sentenced to reduction shall not be subject to confinement:
_And provided_, That solitary confinement shall not exceed fourteen
days at one time nor be repeated until fourteen days have elapsed, and
shall not exceed eighty-four days in one year. Whenever the limit herein
prescribed for an offense or offenses may be brought within the
punishing power of inferior courts-martial, as defined by the
eighty-third article of war, by substitution of punishment under the
provisions of this article, the said courts have jurisdiction of such
offense or offenses.


ARTICLE VIII.

Noncommissioned officers above the rank of corporal shall not, if they
object thereto, be brought to trial before regimental, garrison, or
summary courts-martial without the authority of the officer competent to
order their trial by general court-martial, nor shall sergeants of the
post noncommissioned staff or hospital stewards be reduced, but they may
be dishonorably discharged whenever reduction is included in the limit
of punishment.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 19: See pp. 167-172.]

[Footnote 20: Upon trial for desertion and conviction of absence without
leave only, the court may, in addition to the limit prescribed for such
absence, award a stoppage of the amount paid for apprehension.]

[Footnote 21: Including first and excluding last.]

[Footnote 22: In specifications to charges of larceny or embezzlement the
value of the property shall be stated.]



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 15, 1895_.

Whereas on November 2, 1894, Departmental Rule II, section 4, Customs
Rule II, section 6, Postal Rule II, section 6, Railway Mail Rule II,
section 6, were amended to declare that no person appointed to a place
under any exception to examination should be transferred from such place
to another place not also excepted from examination; and

Whereas it was not my intention that these several amendments should be
retroactive in their effect:

I therefore direct that the word "hereafter" be inserted after the word
"person" in the first line of each of said sections as of the date of
said amendments, viz, November 2, 1894.

Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--INTERNAL-REVENUE RULES.

ADOPTING AND PROMULGATING ORDER.

MAY 7, 1895.

In the exercise of the power vested in him by the Constitution, by the
seventeen hundred and fifty-third section of the Revised Statutes, and
the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil service of
the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the President hereby
makes and promulgates the following rules concerning the classified
internal-revenue service, to be known as the Internal-Revenue Rules:


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE I.

  The classified internal-revenue service shall include all the clerks,
  storekeepers, storekeepers and gaugers, and gaugers classified under the
  provisions of section 6 of the act to regulate and improve the civil
  service of the United States, approved January 16, 1883.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE II.

  1. To test fitness for admission to the classified internal-revenue
  service, examinations of a practical character shall be provided on such
  subjects as the Commission may direct.

  2. The following age limitations shall apply to applicants for the
  classified internal-revenue service: For clerk, not under 18 years of
  age; for storekeepers, storekeepers and gaugers, and for gaugers, not
  under 21 years of age.

  3. Blank forms of application shall be furnished by the secretaries of
  the several internal-revenue boards of examiners to any person desiring
  to be examined who applies therefor in person or by letter in his own
  handwriting.

  4. The date of reception of each application and also of its approval
  by the board shall be noted on the application paper.

  5. Exceptions from examination in the classified internal-revenue
  service are hereby made as follows:

  6. No person appointed to a place excepted from examination by any
  internal-revenue rule shall be transferred from such place to another
  place not also excepted from examination.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE III.

  1. The Commission shall appoint in each classified internal-revenue
  district a board of examiners, which shall--

  (_a_) Conduct all examinations for admission to or promotion in the
  classified service of the internal-revenue district in which the board
  is located.

  (_b_) Conduct such other examinations as the Commission may direct.

  (_c_) Mark the papers of such examinations as the Commission may
  direct.

  2. The papers of every examination shall be marked under the direction
  of the Commission, and each competitor shall be graded on a scale of
  100, according to general average determined by the marks of the
  examiners.

  3. Immediately after the general average shall have been ascertained
  each competitor shall be notified that he has passed or has failed to
  pass.

  4. No competitor who has failed to pass an examination and no eligible
  during the period of his eligibility shall be allowed reexamination
  unless he shall furnish satisfactory evidence to the Commission that at
  the time of his examination he was, because of illness or other good
  cause, incapable of doing himself justice; and his rating on such
  reexamination, if an eligible, shall cancel and be a substitute for his
  rating on his previous examination.

  5. All competitors whose claim to preference under section 1754, Revised
  Statutes, has been allowed by the Commission who attain a general
  average of 65 per cent or over, and all other competitors who attain a
  general average of 70 per cent or over, shall be eligible for
  appointment to the place for which they were examined, and the names of
  all the eligibles shall be entered in the order of grade on the proper
  register of eligibles.

  6. When two or more eligibles are of the same grade, preference in
  certification shall be determined by the order in which their
  application papers were filed.

  7. The period of eligibility shall be one year from the date on which
  the name of the eligible is entered on the register.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE IV.

  1. All vacancies, unless filled by promotion, reduction, transfer, or
  reappointment, shall be filled in the following manner:

  (_a_) When a vacancy occurs in any district, the collector thereof
  shall report the fact to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, stating
  the class in which the vacancy occurs and whether in his judgment the
  place should be filled. If the Commissioner decides that the good of the
  public service requires that it be filled, he shall request the
  secretary of the board of examiners of that district to certify to him
  the names of persons eligible to the vacant place.

  (_b_) If fitness for the vacant place is tested by competitive
  examination, the names of the three eligibles highest in grade on the
  proper register who have not been three times certified shall be
  certified; but if the request indicates the sex of the eligibles desired
  the three highest in grade of that sex shall be certified: _Provided_,
  That the eligibles upon any register who have been allowed preference
  under section 1754 of the Revised Statutes shall be certified,
  according to their grade, before all other eligibles thereon:
  _Provided further_, That no certification for an appointment shall
  be made under this clause while there are persons in the district in
  which any vacancy may exist, who have been removed from the service in
  that district on account of a reduction of the force or otherwise, who
  are eligible for reinstatement under Internal-Revenue Rule VII, and who
  are willing to reenter the service by reinstatement. Every collector of
  internal revenue shall keep a list of all such persons in his office,
  and said persons shall have preference for reinstatement to the service
  in the order of their separation therefrom.

  (_c_) No eligible shall be certified more than three times.

  2. Of the three names certified to him the Commissioner of Internal
  Revenue shall select one, and may select more than one if more than one
  vacancy exists at the time the certification is made. If the vacancy is
  in the class of clerk, the Commissioner shall certify the name of the
  person selected by him to the collector of the district in which the
  vacancy occurs and the collector shall make the appointment. If the
  vacancy is in the storekeepers', gaugers', or storekeepers and gaugers'
  class, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall certify the name to
  the Secretary of the Treasury with his recommendation that the person
  whose name is thus certified be appointed: _Provided_, That if any
  objection is made under section 3 of General Rule IV to any eligible
  certified, and is sustained by the Commission, another eligible shall
  be certified in the place of the one objected to.

  3. Each person thus selected for appointment shall be notified, and upon
  indicating his acceptance shall be appointed for a probationary period
  of six months, at the end of which period, if his conduct and capacity
  be satisfactory to the appointing officer, he shall receive absolute
  appointment; but if his conduct and capacity be not satisfactory to said
  officer he shall be so notified, and this notification shall be his
  discharge from the service: _Provided_, That any probationer may
  be discharged during probation for misconduct or evident unfitness or
  incapacity.

  4. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall require the collector
  under whom a probationer is serving to carefully observe and report
  in writing upon the services rendered by and the character and
  qualifications of such probationer as to punctuality, industry, habits,
  ability, and adaptability. These reports shall be preserved on file in
  the office of the collector, and copies thereof shall be filed with the
  Commissioner of Internal Revenue for such disposition as the Secretary
  of the Treasury may direct. The Civil Service Commission may prescribe
  the form and manner in which these reports shall be made.

  5. In case of the occurrence of a vacancy in the classified service
  of any internal-revenue collection district which the public interest
  requires shall be immediately filled, and there is no eligible entitled
  to reinstatement under section 1, clause (_b_), of this rule or
  remaining on the proper register, such vacancy, if in the class of
  storekeeper, storekeeper and gauger, or clerk, may be filled without
  examination and certification by a temporary designation by the
  collector of the district of some suitable person to perform the duties
  of the position until a regular appointment can be made under the
  provisions of sections 1, 2, and 3 of this rule: _Provided_, That
  service under such temporary designation shall in no case continue
  longer than six months, and shall expire by limitation at the end of
  that time: _And provided further_, That no person shall serve more
  than six months in any one year under such temporary designation, the
  year limitation in regard to such designation to begin to run on the
  date thereof.

  Every such temporary designation and also the discontinuance of the same
  shall at once be reported to the Commission.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE V.

  Until promotion regulations shall have been applied to a classified
  internal-revenue collection district promotions therein may be made
  upon any test of fitness determined upon by the Commissioner of
  Internal Revenue, with the approval of the Commission: _Provided_,
  That no employee shall be promoted to any grade he could not enter by
  appointment under the minimum age limitation applied thereto by section
  2 of Internal-Revenue Rule II.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE VI.

  Transfers may be made as follows:

  From one classified internal-revenue collection district to another,
  from any classified internal-revenue collection district to a bureau
  in the Treasury Department in which business relating to the internal
  revenue is transacted, and from such a bureau in the Treasury Department
  to such a district, upon the requisition of the Secretary of the
  Treasury and the certification of the Commission, the appointment upon
  such transfer to be made by the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the
  recommendation of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, if the place
  to be filled by such transfer is that of storekeeper, storekeeper and
  gauger, or gauger: _Provided_, That no person shall be transferred
  as herein authorized who is not within the age limitations prescribed by
  the civil-service rules for the place to which he is to be transferred
  and who has not been absolutely appointed, or, if appointed without
  civil-service examination, who has not served six months continuously
  in the district or bureau from which he is to be transferred.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE VII.

  Upon the requisition of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue the
  secretary of the board of examiners for his district shall certify for
  reinstatement in a grade requiring no higher examination than the one
  in which he was formerly employed any person who within one year next
  preceding the date of the requisition has through no delinquency or
  misconduct been separated from the classified service of said district:
  _Provided_, That certification may be made, subject to the other
  conditions of this rule, for the reinstatement of any person who served
  in the military or naval service of the United States in the late War
  of the Rebellion and was honorably discharged therefrom, or the widow
  of any such person, without regard to the length of time he or she has
  been separated from the service.


  INTERNAL-REVENUE RULE VIII.

  Each collector in the classified internal-revenue service shall report
  to the board of examiners--

  (_a_) Every probational and every absolute appointment and every
  appointment to an excepted or to an unclassified place in the
  internal-revenue service under him.

  (_b_) Every refusal to make an absolute appointment and the reason
  therefor, and every refusal to accept an appointment,

  (_c_) Every separation from the internal-revenue service under
  him and the cause of such separation, whether death, resignation, or
  dismissal.

  (_d_) Every restoration to the internal-revenue service under him.


GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CUSTOMS RULE IV.


Customs Rule IV is hereby amended by adding thereto the following
section, to be numbered 5:

  5. In case of the occurrence of a vacancy in the classified service
  of any customs district which the public interest requires shall be
  immediately filled, and there is no eligible remaining on the proper
  register, such vacancy may be filled by temporary appointment without
  examination and certification until a regular appointment can be made
  under the provisions of sections 1 and 2 of this rule: _Provided_,

  That such temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer than
  ninety days and shall expire by limitation at the end of that time:
  _And provided further_, That no person shall serve more than
  ninety days in any one year under such temporary appointment, the year
  limitation in regard to such appointment to begin to run on the date
  thereof.

  Every such temporary appointment and also the discontinuance of the same
  shall at once be reported to the Commission.


Approved, May 18, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION,  _Washington, D.C., May 16, 1895_.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1 is hereby amended as follows:

Include among the places excepted from examination therein the
following:

  6. In the Department of Agriculture: The chief of the dairy division.


Approved, May 24, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND, _President_.



CIVIL SERVICE.--EXECUTIVE ORDER REVOKED.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 24., 1895_.

The Executive order heretofore issued under General Rule III, section 2,
clause (_c_) that provides for the appointment of four clerks in
the division of accounts and disbursements in the Department of
Agriculture by noncompetitive examination is hereby revoked, and
hereafter these positions will be filled through competitive
examination.

Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--AMENDMENT OF CLASSIFICATION.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 24, 1895_.

In pursuance of the authority contained in the third paragraph of
section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil
service of the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the Secretary
of Agriculture is hereby directed to amend the classification of the
Department of Agriculture so as to include among the classes covered
thereby clerks, microscopists, assistant microscopists, stock examiners,
taggers, agents, and all other employees, except temporary laborers, in
the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture outside
of Washington, D.C., all State statistical agents of the Department of
Agriculture outside of Washington, D.C., and all messengers in the
Weather Bureau of the Department of Agriculture outside of Washington,
D.C. The classification when so amended shall take effect on July 1,
1895.

Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 24, 1895_.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1, section 6, is hereby amended by
striking out the whole of said section and substituting therefor the
following:

  6. In the Department of Agriculture, in the office of the Secretary:
  Private secretary to the chief clerk, and wood engravers; scientific or
  professional experts employed for a period of not exceeding six months
  outside of Washington, D.C., in investigations specially authorized by
  Congress, but no such expert shall be reappointed as an expert unless
  the United States Civil Service Commission shall certify that such
  person has passed a suitable examination and is eligible for such
  appointment. This exception does not include any person to be employed
  in that Department in Washington, D.C., nor any person whose duties are
  not scientific or professional or who is not expert in the particular
  line of scientific or professional inquiry in which such person is to
  be employed.


Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 24, 1895_.

Special Departmental Rule No. I, clause 3, is hereby amended by adding
to the places excepted from examination in the Department of the
Interior the following:

  In the Bureau of Education: Specialist in foreign educational systems
  and specialist in education as a preventive of pauperism and crime.


Approved: GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE II.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 24, 1895_.

Section 3 is hereby amended as follows: At the end of clause (_b_)
add the following: "nor the cashier, nor the two clerks employed as
assistant disbursing clerks in the division of accounts and
disbursements in the Department of Agriculture."

At the end of clause (_c_) add the following: "but not including
the disbursing clerk in the division of accounts and disbursements in
the Department of Agriculture."

At the end of clause (_e_) add the following: "except those of the
Weather Bureau and the Bureau of Animal Industry, in the Department of
Agriculture."

At the end of clause (_f_) add the following: "except all chiefs of
division in the Department of Agriculture."

The section as amended will read:

  3. Exceptions from examination in the classified departmental service
  are hereby made as follows:

  (_a_) One private secretary or one confidential clerk of the head
  of each classified Department and of each Assistant Secretary thereof,
  and also of each head of bureau appointed by the President by and with
  the advice and consent of the Senate.

  (_b_) Direct custodians of money for whose fidelity another officer
  is under official bond; but this exception shall not include any officer
  below the grade of assistant cashier or assistant teller, nor the
  cashier, nor the two clerks employed as assistant disbursing clerks in
  the division of accounts and disbursements in the Department of
  Agriculture.

  (_c_) Disbursing officers who give bonds, but not including the
  disbursing clerk in the division of accounts and disbursements in the
  Department of Agriculture.

  (_d_) Persons employed exclusively in the secret service of the
  Government.

  (_e_) Chief clerks, except those of the Weather Bureau and of the
  Bureau of Animal Industry, in the Department of Agriculture.

  (_f_) Chiefs of division, except all chiefs of division in the
  Department of Agriculture.


GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 28, 1895_.

_To the Heads of the Executive Departments_:

As a mark of respect to the memory of the Hon. Walter Q. Gresham, late
Secretary of State, the President directs that the several Executive
Departments and the Government Printing Office, in the city of
Washington, be closed on Wednesday, the 29th day of May, 1895, the day
of the funeral.

HENRY T. THURBER,
  _Private Secretary_.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 28, 1895_.

_It is hereby ordered_, That the several Executive Departments and
the Government Printing Office be closed on Thursday, the 30th instant,
to enable the employees to participate in the decoration of the graves
of the soldiers and sailors who fell in defense of the Union during the
War of the Rebellion.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE RULES.

ADOPTING AND PROMULGATING ORDER.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 13, 1895_.

In the exercise of the power vested in him by the Constitution, by the
seventeen hundred and fifty-third section of the Revised Statutes, and
the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil service of
the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the President hereby
makes and promulgates the following rules concerning the classified
service of the Government Printing Office, to be known as the Government
Printing Office Rules:

  RULE I.

  1. The classified service of the Government Printing Office shall
  include all persons employed in that office. except those appointed by
  and with the advice and consent of the Senate and unskilled laborers or
  workmen,

  2. The officers, clerks, and other employees of the Government Printing
  Office are hereby arranged in the following classes:

  _Class 1_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of less than
  $720, or a compensation at the rate of less than $720 per annum.

  _Class 2_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $720 or more,
  or a compensation at the rate of $720 or more, but less than $840 per
  annum.

  _Class 3_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $840 or more,
  or a compensation at the rate of $840 or more, but less than $900 per
  annum.

  _Class 4_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $900 or more,
  or a compensation at the rate of $900 or more, but less than $1,000 per
  annum.

  _Class 5_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,000 or
  more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,000 or more, but less than
  $1,200 per annum.

  _Class 6_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,200 or
  more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,200 or more, but less than
  $1,400 per annum.

  _Class 7_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,400 or
  more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,400 or more, but less than
  $1,600 per annum.

  _Class 8_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,600 or
  more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,600 or more, but less than
  $1,800 per annum.

  _Class 9_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,800 or
  more or a compensation at the rate of $1,800 or more, but less than
  $2,000 per annum.

  _Class 10_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $2,000 or
  more, or a compensation at the rate of $2,000 or more per annum.


  RULE II.

  1. To test fitness for admission to the classified service of the
  Government Printing Office, examinations of a practical character shall
  be provided by the Commission. If the trade or occupation is such that a
  competitive test can not be made, the Commission shall provide
  regulations for the registration of applicants without competitive
  tests.

  2. Any male citizen of the United States not under 21 or over 45 years
  of age and any female citizen not under 18 or over 35 years of age may
  be examined for positions in the Government Printing Office.

  3. No application for a position in the Government Printing Office which
  belongs to one of the recognized mechanical trades shall be received
  from any applicant who has not served at least five years at the
  particular trade to which the position for which he applies belongs, one
  year of which service must have been rendered as a journeyman.

  4. Blank forms of application shall be furnished by the Commission, and
  the date of reception and also of approval by the Commission of each
  application shall be entered on the application paper.


  RULE III.

  1. The grade or standing of every competitor shall be determined under
  regulations made by the Commission, and each competitor shall be duly
  notified whether or not he is eligible for appointment.

  2. No competitor who has failed to obtain an eligible standing shall
  be admitted to another test within six months from the date of failure
  unless he shall furnish satisfactory evidence to the Commission that at
  the time of his examination he was unable to do himself justice because
  of illness or other good cause.

  3. No eligible shall be admitted to a test during the period of his
  eligibility unless he shall furnish satisfactory evidence to the
  Commission that at the time of his examination he was unable to do
  himself justice because of illness or other good cause.

  4. All competitors whose claims of preference under section 1754 of the
  Revised Statutes have been allowed by the Commission who attain a
  general average of 65 per cent or over, and all other competitors who
  attain a general average of 70 per cent or over, shall be eligible for
  appointment to the place for which they were examined. The names of all
  competitors thus rendered eligible shall be entered in the order of
  grade on the proper register of eligibles.

  5. The Commission shall establish regulations for the order of
  certification of applicants who are registered without competitive
  examinations under the provisions of Rule II, paragraph I.

  6. When two or more eligibles are of the same grade, preference in
  certification shall be determined by the order in which the application
  papers are filed.

  7. The period of eligibility to appointment shall be one year from the
  date on which the name of the eligible is entered on the register,
  unless otherwise determined by regulations by the Commission.


  RULE IV.

  1. All vacancies, unless filled by promotion, transfer, or
  reappointment, shall be filled in the following manner:

  (_a_) The Public Printer shall, in form and manner to be prescribed
  by the Commission, request the certification to him of either males or
  females, or both, eligible to the vacant place.

  (_b_) If fitness for the vacant place is tested by competitive
  examination, the Commission shall certify from the proper register the
  names of the three eligibles thereon, of the sex or sexes called for,
  having the highest averages, who have not been three times certified:
  _Provided_, That the eligibles upon any register who have been
  allowed preference under section 1754 of the Revised Statutes shall be
  certified according to their grade before all other eligibles thereon:
  _And provided further_, That if the vacancy is in a position for
  which a competitive examination can not be provided certification shall
  be made of the names of the first three eligibles on the register, of
  the sex or sexes called for, who have not been three times certified.

  2. Of the three names certified to him the Public Printer shall select
  one, and if at the time of making this selection there are more
  vacancies than one he may select more than one: _Provided_, That if
  the Public Printer shall object in writing to any eligible named in the
  certification, stating that because of physical incapacity or for other
  good cause particularly specified such eligible is not capable of
  properly performing the duties of the vacant place, the Commission may,
  upon investigation and ascertainment of the fact that the objection made
  is good and well founded, direct the certification of another eligible
  in place of the eligible to whom objection is made.

  3. When a person designated for appointment shall have reported in
  person to the Public Printer, he shall be appointed for a probational
  period of six months, at the end of which period, if his conduct and
  capacity be satisfactory to the Public Printer, he shall receive
  absolute appointment; but if his conduct and capacity be not
  satisfactory he shall be notified that he will not receive absolute
  appointment, and this notification shall discharge him from the service.
  The Public Printer shall require the officer under whom the probationer
  may be serving to carefully observe and report in writing upon the
  services rendered by and the character and qualifications of such
  probationer as to punctuality, industry, habits, ability, and
  adaptability. These reports shall be preserved on file, and the
  Commission may prescribe the form and manner in which they shall be
  made.

  4. Any person appointed to a position which belongs to one of the
  recognized mechanical trades may upon reporting for appointment be
  subjected to a practical test under the supervision of a board
  designated by the Commission, and if he or she fails to attain a general
  average of 70 per cent on a maximum of 100 per cent he or she shall be
  rejected for appointment.

  5. In case of public and pressing exigency, demanding the immediate
  employment of skilled and experienced workmen who can not be at once
  supplied in the manner provided for in section 2 of this rule, or by
  transfer under Rule VI, or reinstatement under Rule VII, there may be
  employed without examination or certification for a period not to exceed
  thirty days, which with the consent of the Commission may be extended in
  periods of thirty days each, any persons who have the requisite
  knowledge or experience who may be available: _Provided_, That no
  person shall serve more than ninety days in any one year under such
  temporary appointment. The year limitation in regard to appointment
  shall begin to run at the date of the original appointment. Every such
  temporary appointment and also the discontinuance of the same shall be
  at once reported to the Commission.


  RULE V.

  1. Until promotion regulations shall have been applied to the classified
  service of the Government Printing Office promotions therein may be made
  upon any test of fitness determined upon by the Public Printer if not
  disapproved by the Commission.


  RULE VI.

  1. Transfers may be made as follows:

  (_a_) From a position in the classified service of the Government
  Printing Office requiring a knowledge of some mechanical trade to a
  position in any one of the Executive Departments requiring a knowledge
  of the same mechanical trade, upon requisition from the head of the
  Department to which the transfer is to be made and the consent of the
  Public Printer: _Provided_, That a person so transferred shall not
  be transferred to another position in one of the Executive Departments
  unless such other position requires a knowledge of the same mechanical
  trade upon which the original transfer was based, nor until he has
  served one year in the position to which he was originally transferred.

  (_b_) From any Executive Department to the classified service of
  the Government Printing Office upon requisition from the Public Printer
  and the consent of the head of the Department from which the transfer is
  to be made.

  2. No person shall be transferred as herein authorized until after
  absolute appointment and until the Commission shall have certified to
  the officer making the transfer requisition that the person whom it is
  proposed to transfer has passed an examination to test fitness for the
  place to which he or she is to be transferred. No person shall be
  transferred to any place from which he or she may be barred by age
  limitations for original entrance or by the rules regulating the
  apportionment of appointments among the several States and Territories
  and the District of Columbia.


  RULE VII.

  Upon requisition of the Public Printer the Commission shall certify for
  reinstatement in the Government Printing Office, in a grade requiring no
  higher examination than the one in which he was formerly employed, any
  person who within one year next preceding the date of the requisition
  has through no delinquency or misconduct been separated from the
  classified service of the Government Printing Office: _Provided_,
  That certification may be made, subject to the other conditions of this
  rule, for the reinstatement of any person who served in the military or
  naval service of the United States in the late War of the Rebellion and
  was honorably discharged therefrom, or the widow of any such person,
  without regard to the length of time he or she has been separated from
  the service.


  RULE VIII.

  The Public Printer shall report to the Commission--

  (_a_) Every probational and every absolute appointment to the
  service of the Government Printing Office.

  (_b_) Every refusal to make an absolute appointment and the reason
  therefor, and every declination of an appointment.

  (_c_) Every separation from the service of the Government Printing
  Office and the cause of such separation, whether death, resignation, or
  dismissal.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--EXECUTIVE ORDER WITHDRAWING ENGINEERS AND ASSISTANT
ENGINEERS FROM THE LIST OF PLACES TO BE FILLED BY NONCOMPETITIVE
EXAMINATION.

So much of Executive orders heretofore issued under General Rule III,
section 2, clause (_c_), as provides for the appointment of
engineers and assistant engineers by noncompetitive examination is
hereby revoked, and hereafter engineers and assistant engineers will
be appointed by competitive examination.

Approved, June 25, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



In the exercise of the power vested in him by the Constitution, by the
seventeen hundred and fifty-third section of the Revised Statutes, and
the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil service of
the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the President hereby
makes and promulgates the following rule to cancel and be in lieu of
Customs Rule V of the Revised Civil-Service Rules:


  CUSTOMS RULE V.

  1. Until promotion regulations have been applied to a classified customs
  district the following promotions may be made therein at any time after
  absolute appointment:

  (_a_) Any employee in any grade, upon any test of fitness
  determined upon by the nominating officer, to any vacant place in the
  class next above the one in which he may be serving, except to the
  positions of weigher and gauger.

  (_b_) Any employee in any grade may be promoted or transferred to a
  vacancy in the lowest class of the grade of examiner after passing the
  examiner examination, to a vacancy in the lowest class of the grade
  of weigher after passing the weigher examination, to a vacancy
  in the lowest class of the grade of gauger after passing the gauger
  examination, or to a vacancy in the lowest class of any other grade
  than the one in which he may be serving upon passing the examination
  provided for that grade.


Approved, July 11, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--CLASSIFICATION OF THE PENSION AGENCIES OF THE INTERIOR
DEPARTMENT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 15, 1895_.

In the exercise of the power vested in the President by the third
paragraph of section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and
improve the civil service of the United States," approved January 16,
1883, I hereby direct the Secretary of the Interior to amend the
classification of the Department of the Interior so as to include among
the employees classified thereunder the officers, clerks, and other
employees of the pension agencies of said Department.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE VIII.

Section 1, clause (_a_), is hereby amended as follows: Strike out
the period after the word "made" in the second line, insert a semicolon,
and add the following:

  But transfers from a pension agency of the Interior Department may be
  made only as follows: From a pension agency of the Interior Department
  to the office of the Secretary of the Interior, or of the Assistant
  Attorney-General for the Interior Department, or to the Pension Office,
  or from any of the above-named offices to a pension agency, or from one
  pension agency to another pension agency, upon requisition of the
  Secretary of the Interior: _Provided_, That a transfer from a
  pension agency to a position in the Interior Department shall not be
  made when the person to be transferred would not be eligible to original
  appointment in the departmental service under the law requiring an
  apportionment of appointments among the States, Territories, and the
  District of Columbia according to population.


The section and clause as amended will read:

  1. Transfers may be made as follows:

  (_a_) From one Department to another, upon requisition by the head
  of the Department to which the transfer is to be made; but transfers
  from a pension agency of the Interior Department may be made only as
  follows: From a pension agency of the Interior Department to the office
  of the Secretary of the Interior, or of the Assistant Attorney-General
  for the Interior Department, or to the Pension Office, or from any of
  the above-named offices to a pension agency, or from one pension agency
  to another pension agency, upon requisition of the Secretary of the
  Interior: _Provided_, That a transfer from a pension agency to a
  position in the Interior Department shall not be made when the person
  to be transferred would not be eligible to original appointment in
  the departmental service under the law requiring an apportionment of
  appointments among the States, Territories, and the District of Columbia
  according to population.


Approved, July 15, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE II.

Section 3, providing for exceptions from examination in the classified
departmental service, is hereby amended as follows by the insertion of
clause (_g_):

  One designated clerk at each pension agency (designated to sign
  official checks for the pension agent).


Section 4 is hereby amended as follows: In the third line, after the
word "examination," add the following proviso:

  _Provided_, That any person employed in an excepted place in any
  office or bureau at the time when said office or bureau is brought
  into the classified service, or any person transferred directly from
  a nonexcepted to an excepted place in the office or bureau in which he
  is serving, may at any time be directly transferred from such excepted
  place to any nonexcepted place in the office or bureau in which he is
  serving.


The section as amended will read:

  4. No person hereafter appointed to a place under the exceptions to
  examination made by any departmental rule shall be transferred from
  such place to a place not also excepted from examination: _Provided_,
  That any person employed in an excepted place in any office or bureau
  at the time when said office or bureau is brought into the classified
  service, or any person transferred directly from a nonexcepted to an
  excepted place in the office or bureau in which he is serving, may at
  any time be directly transferred from such excepted place to any
  nonexcepted place in the office or bureau in which he is serving.


Approved, July 15, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 15, 1895_.

Special Departmental Rule I is hereby amended by striking out the whole
of the paragraph in section 3, Department of the Interior, relating to
the Geological Survey and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

  In the Geological Survey: Professional experts and special agents
  employed for short periods at per diem salaries and paid only when
  actually employed.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

DEPARTMENTAL RULE VII.

Section 2 is hereby amended as follows: At the end of the section, after
the word "law," add the following proviso:

  _Provided_, That appointments to positions at pension agencies
  shall not be charged to the apportionment.


The section as amended will read as follows:

  2. Certifications hereunder shall be made in such a manner as to
  maintain as nearly as possible the apportionment of appointments among
  the several States and Territories and the District of Columbia as
  required by law: _Provided_, That appointments to positions at
  pension agencies shall not be charged to the apportionment.


Section 3, paragraph 2, is hereby amended as follows: In the second
line, after the word "register," insert the following: "or when
certification is made from any register to fill a vacancy at any pension
agency."

The paragraph as amended will read:

  When certification is made from a supplementary or special register or
  the printer's assistant or page and messenger-boy register, or when
  certification is made from any register to fill a vacancy at any
  pension agency, and there are more vacancies than one to be filled,
  the appointing officer may select from the three names certified more
  than one.


Section 6 is hereby amended as follows: Strike out the word "and" at the
beginning of line 9, and in line 12, after the word "appointment,"
insert the following proviso:

  _And provided further_, That at each pension agency at the time of
  the quarterly payment of pensions such temporary appointments may be
  made as the needs of the service may demand for a period not to exceed
  thirty days, which appointments shall not be extended or renewed until
  the date of the next quarterly payment of pensions.


The section as amended will read:

  6. In case of the occurrence of a vacancy in any Department which the
  public interest requires shall be immediately filled, and which can
  not be so filled by certification from the eligible registers of the
  Commission, such vacancy may be filled by temporary appointment outside
  the civil service until a regular appointment can be made under the
  provisions of sections 1, 2, and 3 of this rule: _Provided_, That
  such temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer than
  ninety days, and shall expire by limitation at the end of that time:
  _Provided further_, That no person shall serve longer than the
  period herein prescribed in any one year under such temporary
  appointment. The year limitation in regard to reappointment shall
  begin to run on the date of the original appointment: _And provided
  further_, That at each pension agency at the time of the quarterly
  payment of pensions such temporary appointments may be made as the
  needs of the service may demand for a period not to exceed thirty
  days, which appointments shall not be extended or renewed until the
  date of the next quarterly payment of pensions. Every such temporary
  appointment and the discontinuance of the same shall at once be
  reported to the Commission.


Approved, July 15, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--AMENDMENT OF CLASSIFICATION.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 15, 1895_.

In pursuance of the authority contained in the third paragraph of
section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil
service of the United States," approved January 16, 1883, the heads of
the several Executive Departments are hereby directed to amend their
several classifications so as to include firemen among the employees
classified thereunder.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _July 15, 1895_.

Executive orders heretofore issued designating the places to be filled
by noncompetitive examination under clause (_c_) of General Rule III
are hereby amended so as to include among those places in the Department
of the Interior, in the Geological Survey, the editor and the
photographer.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Special Departmental Rule I is hereby amended by adding to the list of
places excepted from examination in the Treasury Department--

  In the Bureau of Immigration: One statistician and stenographer, with
  power to act as immigrant inspector.


Approved, July 30, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE RULES.

Departmental Rule IX, clause 1, paragraph 2, is hereby amended by
striking out in line 1 the words "appointed from the appropriate
register to" and substituting therefor the word "occupying;" by adding
before the word "messenger" in line 2 the following: "engineers,
assistant engineers, firemen;" by striking out in line 3 the words
"below the positions of clerk and copyist" and substituting therefor the
words "the educational test for appointment to which is below the grade
of the educational test required for the position of clerk or copyist;"
and by adding in line 7, after the words "printers' assistants," the
words "and skilled helpers." As amended the paragraph will read as
follows:

  Any person occupying the position of engineer, assistant engineer,
  fireman, messenger, assistant messenger, watchman, or other subordinate
  position the educational test for appointment to which is below the
  grade of the educational test required for the position of clerk or
  copyist may at any time after absolute appointment, if not barred
  by age limitations, be transferred to any other of said subordinate
  positions, but shall not be promoted to the position of clerk or
  copyist or to any place the duties of which are clerical: _Provided_,
  That printers' assistants and skilled helpers in the Bureau of
  Engraving and Printing, Treasury Department, shall only be eligible
  for transfer to the grade of operator in that Bureau.


Approved, August 5, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--EXECUTIVE ORDER WITHDRAWING COMPOSITORS AND PRESSMEN
FROM THE LIST OF PLACES TO BE FILLED BY NONCOMPETITIVE EXAMINATION.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 16, 1895_.

So much of Executive orders heretofore issued under General Rule III,
section 2, clause (_c_), as provides for the appointment of
compositors and pressmen by noncompetitive examination is hereby
revoked, and hereafter compositors and pressmen will be appointed by
competitive examination.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _August 22, 1895_.

Government Printing Office Rule II, section 2, is hereby amended by
omitting in line 1, after the words "under 21," the words "or over 45,"
and in line 2, after the words "under 18," the words "or over 35." The
section as amended will read as follows:

  2. Any male citizen of the United States not under 21 years of age
  and any female citizen not under 18 years of age may be examined for
  positions in the Government Printing Office.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _September 5, 1895_.

Special Departmental Rule I is hereby amended by striking out from the
list of places excepted from examination in all the Departments
"bookbinders."

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Special Departmental Rule I is hereby amended to except from examination
in the Department of the Treasury, in the Bureau of Printing and
Engraving, forty-three compositors and eight pressmen now temporarily
employed under authority of the sundry civil act of March 2, 1895, such
employment to cease prior to March 14, 1896. Vacancies occurring in this
force shall be filled only by competitive examination under the
civil-service rules.

Approved, September 16, 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _September 20, 1895_.

It being of great importance that the consuls and commercial agents of
the United States shall possess the proper qualifications for their
respective positions, to be ascertained either through a satisfactory
record of previous actual service under the Department of State or
through an appropriate examination:

_It is hereby ordered_, That any vacancy in a consulate or
commercial agency now or hereafter existing the salary of which is not
more than $2,500 nor less than $1,000, or the compensation of which, if
derived from official fees, exclusive of notarial and other unofficial
receipts, does not exceed $2,500 nor fall below $1,000, shall be filled
(_a_) by a transfer or promotion from some other position under the
Department of State of a character tending to qualify the incumbent for
the position to be filled, or (_b_) by appointment of a person not
under the Department of State, but having previously served thereunder
to its satisfaction in a capacity tending to qualify him for the
position to be filled, or (_c_) by the appointment of a person who,
having furnished the customary evidence of character, responsibility,
and capacity, and being thereupon selected by the President for
examination, is found upon such examination to be qualified for the
position.

For the purposes of this order notarial and unofficial fees shall not be
regarded, but the compensation of a consulate or commercial agency shall
be ascertained, if the office is salaried, by reference to the last
preceding appropriation act, and if the office is not salaried by
reference to the returns of official fees for the last preceding fiscal
year.

The examination hereinbefore provided for shall be by a board of three
persons designated by the Secretary of State, who shall also prescribe
the subjects to which such examinations shall relate and the general
mode of conducting the same by the board.

A vacancy in a consulate will be filled at discretion only when a
suitable appointment can not be made in any of the modes indicated in
the second paragraph of this order.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, September 30, 1895_.

Lieutenant-General John M. Schofield having reached the age entitling
him to relief from active military service, he is, in accordance with
the provisions of law, hereby placed upon the retired list of the Army,
to date September 29, 1895, with all the pay and allowances belonging
to his rank upon such retirement.

It is with much regret that the President makes the announcement
that the country is thus to lose from the command of its Army this
distinguished general, who has done so much for its honor and
efficiency. His gallantry in war challenges the admiration of all
his countrymen, while they will not fail to gratefully remember and
appreciate how faithfully he has served his country in times of peace
by his splendid and successful performance of civil as well as military
duty.

Lieutenant-General Schofield's career, exhibiting an unvarying
love for his profession, a jealous care for its honor and good name,
a just apprehension of the subordination it exacts, and a constant
manifestation of the best traits of true Americanism, furnishes to the
Army an example of inestimable value, and should teach all our people
that the highest soldierly qualities are built upon the keenest sense
of the obligations belonging to good citizenship.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _November 6, 1895_.

Section 2 of Postal Rule I is hereby amended by inserting after the word
"thereto" in line 6 the following:

  And whenever, by order of the Postmaster-General, any post-office
  shall be consolidated with and made part of another post-office where
  free delivery is established, all the employees of the office thus
  consolidated whose names appear on the roster of said office approved
  by the Post-Office Department, and including the postmaster thereof,
  shall from the date of said order be employees of said free-delivery
  office, and the person holding on the date of said order the position
  of postmaster at the office thus consolidated with said free-delivery
  office may be assigned to any position therein and given any appropriate
  designation under the classification act which the Postmaster-General
  may direct.


The section as amended shall read as follows:

  2. The classification of the postal service made by the
  Postmaster-General under section 6 of the act of January 16, 1883,
  is hereby extended to all free-delivery post-offices, and hereafter
  whenever any post-office becomes a free-delivery office the said
  classification or any then existing classification made by the
  Postmaster-General under said section and act shall apply thereto;
  and whenever, by order of the Postmaster-General, any post-office
  shall be consolidated with and made part of another post-office where
  free delivery is established, all the employees of the office thus
  consolidated whose names appear on the roster of said office approved
  by the Post-Office Department, and including the postmaster thereof,
  shall from the date of said order be employees of said free-delivery
  office, and the person holding on the date of said order the position
  of postmaster at the office thus consolidated with said free-delivery
  office may be assigned to any position therein and given any appropriate
  designation under the classification act which the Postmaster-General
  may direct; and the Civil Service Commission shall provide examinations
  to test the fitness of persons to fill vacancies in all free-delivery
  post-offices, and these rules shall be in force therein; but this shall
  not include any post-office made an experimental free-delivery office
  under the authority contained in the appropriation act of March 3, 1891.
  Every revision of the classification of any post-office under section 6
  of the act of January 16, 1883, and every inclusion of a post-office
  within the classified postal service shall be reported to the President.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 2, 1895_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

The present assemblage of the legislative branch of our Government
occurs at a time when the interests of our people and the needs of
the country give especial prominence to the condition of our foreign
relations and the exigencies of our national finances. The reports of
the heads of the several administrative Departments of the Government
fully and plainly exhibit what has been accomplished within the scope
of their respective duties and present such recommendations for the
betterment of our country's condition as patriotic and intelligent labor
and observation suggest.

I therefore deem my executive duty adequately performed at this time
by presenting to the Congress the important phases of our situation as
related to our intercourse with foreign nations and a statement of the
financial problems which confront us, omitting, except as they are
related to these topics, any reference to departmental operations.

I earnestly invite, however, not only the careful consideration but the
severely critical scrutiny of the Congress and my fellow-countrymen to
the reports concerning these departmental operations. If justly and
fairly examined, they will furnish proof of assiduous and painstaking
care for the public welfare. I press the recommendations they contain
upon the respectful attention of those charged with the duty of
legislation, because I believe their adoption would promote the people's
good.

By amendatory tariff legislation in January last the Argentine Republic,
recognizing the value of the large market opened to the free importation
of its wools under our last tariff act, has admitted certain products
of the United States to entry at reduced duties. It is pleasing to note
that the efforts we have made to enlarge the exchanges of trade on a
sound basis of mutual benefit are in this instance appreciated by the
country from which our woolen factories draw their needful supply of raw
material.

The Missions boundary dispute between the Argentine Republic and Brazil,
referred to the President of the United States as arbitrator during the
term of my predecessor, and which was submitted to me for determination,
resulted in an award in favor of Brazil upon the historical and
documentary evidence presented, thus ending a long-protracted
controversy and again demonstrating the wisdom and desirability of
settling international boundary disputes by recourse to friendly
arbitration.

Negotiations are progressing for a revival of the United States and
Chilean Claims Commission, whose work was abruptly terminated last year
by the expiration of the stipulated time within which awards could be
made.

The resumption of specie payments by Chile is a step of great interest
and importance both in its direct consequences upon her own welfare and
as evincing the ascendency of sound financial principles in one of the
most influential of the South American Republics.

The close of the momentous struggle between China and Japan, while
relieving the diplomatic agents of this Government from the delicate
duty they undertook at the request of both countries of rendering such
service to the subjects of either belligerent within the territorial
limits of the other as our neutral position permitted, developed
a domestic condition in the Chinese Empire which has caused much
anxiety and called for prompt and careful attention. Either as a
result of a weak control by the central Government over the provincial
administrations, following a diminution of traditional governmental
authority under the stress of an overwhelming national disaster, or as
a manifestation upon good opportunity of the aversion of the Chinese
population to all foreign ways and undertakings, there have occurred
in widely separated provinces of China serious outbreaks of the old
fanatical spirit against foreigners, which, unchecked by the local
authorities, if not actually connived at by them, have culminated in
mob attacks on foreign missionary stations, causing much destruction of
property and attended with personal injuries as well as loss of life.

Although but one American citizen was reported to have been actually
wounded, and although the destruction of property may have fallen more
heavily upon the missionaries of other nationalities than our own, it
plainly behooved this Government to take the most prompt and decided
action to guard against similar or perhaps more dreadful calamities
befalling the hundreds of American mission stations which have grown up
throughout the interior of China under the temperate rule of toleration,
custom, and imperial edict. The demands of the United States and other
powers for the degradation and punishment of the responsible officials
of the respective cities and provinces who by neglect or otherwise had
permitted uprisings, and for the adoption of stern measures by the
Emperor's Government for the protection of the life and property of
foreigners, were followed by the disgrace and dismissal of certain
provincial officials found derelict in duty and the punishment by death
of a number of those adjudged guilty of actual participation in the
outrages.

This Government also insisted that a special American commission should
visit the province where the first disturbances occurred for the purpose
of investigation. The latter commission, formed after much opposition,
has gone overland from Tientsin, accompanied by a suitable Chinese
escort, and by its demonstration of the readiness and ability of our
Government to protect its citizens will act, it is believed, as a most
influential deterrent of any similar outbreaks.

The energetic steps we have thus taken are all the more likely to
result in future safety to our citizens in China because the Imperial
Government is, I am persuaded, entirely convinced that we desire only
the liberty and protection of our own citizens and redress for any
wrongs they may have suffered, and that we have no ulterior designs or
objects, political or otherwise. China will not forget either our kindly
service to her citizens during her late war nor the further fact that,
while furnishing all the facilities at our command to further the
negotiation of a peace between her and Japan, we sought no advantages
and interposed no counsel.

The Governments of both China and Japan have, in special dispatches
transmitted through their respective diplomatic representatives,
expressed in a most pleasing manner their grateful appreciation of our
assistance to their citizens during the unhappy struggle and of the
value of our aid in paving the way to their resumption of peaceful
relations.

The customary cordial relations between this country and France have
been undisturbed, with the exception that a full explanation of the
treatment of John L. Waller by the expeditionary military authorities
of France still remains to be given. Mr. Waller, formerly United States
consul at Tamatav, remained in Madagascar after his term of office
expired, and was apparently successful in procuring business concessions
from the Hovas of greater or less value. After the occupation of Tamatav
and the declaration of martial law by the French he was arrested upon
various charges, among them that of communicating military information
to the enemies of France, was tried and convicted by a military
tribunal, and sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment.

Following the course justified by abundant precedents, this Government
requested from that of France the record of the proceedings of the
French tribunal which resulted in Mr. Waller's condemnation. This
request has been complied with to the extent of supplying a copy of the
official record, from which appear the constitution and organization of
the court, the charges as formulated, and the general course and result
of the trial, and by which it is shown that the accused was tried in
open court and was defended by counsel; but the evidence adduced in
support of the charges, which was not received by the French minister
for foreign affairs till the first week in October, has thus far been
withheld, the French Government taking the ground that its production in
response to our demand would establish a bad precedent. The efforts of
our ambassador to procure it, however, though impeded by recent changes
in the French ministry, have not been relaxed, and it is confidently
expected that some satisfactory solution of the matter will shortly be
reached. Meanwhile it appears that Mr. Waller's confinement has every
alleviation which the state of his health and all the other
circumstances of the case demand or permit.

In agreeable contrast to the difference above noted respecting a matter
of common concern, where nothing is sought except such a mutually
satisfactory outcome as the true merits of the case require, is the
recent resolution of a permanent treaty of arbitration between the two
countries.

An invitation has been extended by France to the Government and people
of the United States to participate in a great international exposition
at Paris in 1900 as a suitable commemoration of the close of this the
world's marvelous century of progress. I heartily recommend its
acceptance, together with such legislation as will adequately provide
for a due representation of this Government and its people on the
occasion.

Our relations with the States of the German Empire are in some aspects
typical of a condition of things elsewhere found in countries whose
productions and trade are similar to our own. The close rivalries of
competing industries; the influence of the delusive doctrine that the
internal development of a nation is promoted and its wealth increased
by a policy which, in undertaking to reserve its home markets for the
exclusive use of its own producers, necessarily obstructs their sales
in foreign markets and prevents free access to the products of the
world; the desire to retain trade in time-worn ruts, regardless of
the inexorable laws of new needs and changed conditions of demand and
supply, and our own halting tardiness in inviting a freer exchange of
commodities, and by this means imperiling our footing in the external
markets naturally open to us, have created a situation somewhat
injurious to American export interests, not only in Germany, where they
are perhaps most noticeable, but in adjacent countries. The exports
affected are largely American cattle and other food products, the reason
assigned for unfavorable discrimination being that their consumption is
deleterious to the public health. This is all the more irritating in
view of the fact that no European state is as jealous of the excellence
and wholesomeness of its exported food supplies as the United States,
nor so easily able, on account of inherent soundness, to guarantee those
qualities.

Nor are these difficulties confined to our food products designed for
exportation. Our great insurance companies, for example, having built
up a vast business abroad and invested a large share of their gains in
foreign countries in compliance with the local laws and regulations then
existing, now find themselves within a narrowing circle of onerous and
unforeseen conditions, and are confronted by the necessity of retirement
from a field thus made unprofitable, if, indeed, they are not summarily
expelled, as some of them have lately been from Prussia.

It is not to be forgotten that international trade can not be one-sided.
Its currents are alternating, and its movements should be honestly
reciprocal. Without this it almost necessarily degenerates into a device
to gain advantage or a contrivance to secure benefits with only the
semblance of a return. In our dealings with other nations we ought
to be open-handed and scrupulously fair. This should be our policy
as a producing nation, and it plainly becomes us as a people who love
generosity and the moral aspects of national good faith and reciprocal
forbearance.

These considerations should not, however, constrain us to submit to
unfair discrimination nor to silently acquiesce in vexatious hindrances
to the enjoyment of our share of the legitimate advantages of proper
trade relations. If an examination of the situation suggests such
measures on our part as would involve restrictions similar to those from
which we suffer, the way to such a course is easy. It should, however,
by no means be lightly entered upon, since the necessity for the
inauguration of such a policy would be regretted by the best sentiment
of our people and because it naturally and logically might lead to
consequences of the gravest character.

I take pleasure in calling to your attention the encomiums bestowed on
those vessels of our new Navy which took part in the notable ceremony of
the opening of the Kiel Canal. It was fitting that this extraordinary
achievement of the newer German nationality should be celebrated in the
presence of America's exposition of the latest developments of the
world's naval energy.

Our relations with Great Britain, always intimate and important, have
demanded during the past year even a greater share of consideration than
is usual.

Several vexatious questions were left undetermined by the decision of
the Bering Sea Arbitration Tribunal. The application of the principles
laid down by that august body has not been followed by the results they
were intended to accomplish, either because the principles themselves
lacked in breadth and definiteness or because their execution has been
more or less imperfect. Much correspondence has been exchanged between
the two Governments on the subject of preventing the exterminating
slaughter of seals. The insufficiency of the British patrol of Bering
Sea under the regulations agreed on by the two Governments has been
pointed out, and yet only two British ships have been on police duty
during this season in those waters.

The need of a more effective enforcement of existing regulations as well
as the adoption of such additional regulations as experience has shown
to be absolutely necessary to carry out the intent of the award have
been earnestly urged upon the British Government, but thus far without
effective results. In the meantime the depletion of the seal herds by
means of pelagic hunting has so alarmingly progressed that unless their
slaughter is at once effectively checked their extinction within a few
years seems to be a matter of absolute certainty.

The understanding by which the United States was to pay and Great
Britain to receive a lump sum of $425,000 in full settlement of
all British claims for damages arising from our seizure of British
sealing vessels unauthorized under the award of the Paris Tribunal of
Arbitration was not confirmed by the last Congress, which declined to
make the necessary appropriation. I am still of the opinion that this
arrangement was a judicious and advantageous one for the Government,
and I earnestly recommend that it be again considered and sanctioned.
If, however, this does not meet with the favor of Congress, it certainly
will hardly dissent from the proposition that the Government is bound by
every consideration of honor and good faith to provide for the speedy
adjustment of these claims by arbitration as the only other alternative.
A treaty of arbitration has therefore been agreed upon, and will be
immediately laid before the Senate, so that in one of the modes
suggested a final settlement may be reached.

Notwithstanding that Great Britain originated the proposal to enforce
international rules for the prevention of collisions at sea, based on
the recommendations of the Maritime Conference of Washington, and
concurred in, suggesting March 11, 1895, as the date to be set by
proclamation for carrying these rules into general effect, Her Majesty's
Government, having encountered opposition on the part of British
shipping interests, announced its inability to accept that date, which
was consequently canceled. The entire matter is still in abeyance,
without prospect of a better condition in the near future.

The commissioners appointed to mark the international boundary in
Passamaquoddy Bay according to the description of the treaty of Ghent
have not yet fully agreed.

The completion of the preliminary survey of that Alaskan boundary which
follows the contour of the coast from the southernmost point of Prince
of Wales Island until it strikes the one hundred and forty-first
meridian at or near the summit of Mount St. Elias awaits further
necessary appropriation, which is urgently recommended. This survey was
undertaken under the provisions of the convention entered into by this
country and Great Britain July 22, 1892, and the supplementary
convention of February 3, 1894.

As to the remaining section of the Alaskan boundary, which follows the
one hundred and forty-first meridian northwardly from Mount St. Elias
to the Frozen Ocean, the settlement of which involves the physical
location of the meridian mentioned, no conventional agreement has yet
been made. The ascertainment of a given meridian at a particular point
is a work requiring much time and careful observations and surveys.
Such observations and surveys were undertaken by the United States Coast
and Geodetic Survey in 1890 and 1891, while similar work in the same
quarters, under British auspices, is believed to give nearly coincident
results; but these surveys have been independently conducted, and no
international agreement to mark those or any other parts of the one
hundred and forty-first meridian by permanent monuments has yet been
made. In the meantime the valley of the Yukon is becoming a highway
through the hitherto unexplored wilds of Alaska, and abundant mineral
wealth has been discovered in that region, especially at or near the
junction of the boundary meridian with the Yukon and its tributaries. In
these circumstances it is expedient, and, indeed, imperative, that the
jurisdictional limits of the respective Governments in this new region
be speedily determined. Her Britannic Majesty's Government has proposed
a joint delimitation of the one hundred and forty-first meridian by an
international commission of experts, which, if Congress will authorize
it and make due provision therefor, can be accomplished with no
unreasonable delay. It is impossible to overlook the vital importance of
continuing the work already entered upon and supplementing it by further
effective measures looking to the exact location of this entire boundary
line.

I call attention to the unsatisfactory delimitation of the respective
jurisdictions of the United States and the Dominion of Canada in the
Great Lakes at the approaches to the narrow waters that connect them.
The waters in question are frequented by fishermen of both nationalities
and their nets are there used. Owing to the uncertainty and ignorance as
to the true boundary, vexatious disputes and injurious seizures of boats
and nets by Canadian cruisers often occur, while any positive settlement
thereof by an accepted standard is not easily to be reached. A joint
commission to determine the line in those quarters on a practical basis,
by measured courses following range marks on shore, is a necessity for
which immediate provision should be made.

It being apparent that the boundary dispute between Great Britain and
the Republic of Venezuela concerning the limits of British Guiana was
approaching an acute stage, a definite statement of the interest and
policy of the United States as regards the controversy seemed to be
required both on its own account and in view of its relations with the
friendly powers directly concerned. In July last, therefore, a dispatch
was addressed to our ambassador at London for communication to the
British Government in which the attitude of the United States was fully
and distinctly set forth. The general conclusions therein reached and
formulated are in substance that the traditional and established policy
of this Government is firmly opposed to a forcible increase by any
European power of its territorial possessions on this continent; that
this policy is as well founded in principle as it is strongly supported
by numerous precedents; that as a consequence the United States is bound
to protest against the enlargement of the area of British Guiana in
derogation of the rights and against the will of Venezuela; that
considering the disparity in strength of Great Britain and Venezuela
the territorial dispute between them can be reasonably settled only
by friendly and impartial arbitration, and that the resort to such
arbitration should include the whole controversy, and is not satisfied
if one of the powers concerned is permitted to draw an arbitrary line
through the territory in debate and to declare that it will submit to
arbitration only the portion lying on one side of it. In view of these
conclusions, the dispatch in question called upon the British Government
for a definite answer to the question whether it would or would not
submit the territorial controversy between itself and Venezuela in its
entirety to impartial arbitration. The answer of the British Government
has not yet been received, but is expected shortly, when further
communication on the subject will probably be made to the Congress.

Early in January last an uprising against the Government of Hawaii was
promptly suppressed. Martial law was forthwith proclaimed and numerous
arrests were made of persons suspected of being in sympathy with the
Royalist party. Among these were several citizens of the United States,
who were either convicted by a military court and sentenced to death,
imprisonment, or fine or were deported without trial. The United States,
while denying protection to such as had taken the Hawaiian oath of
allegiance, insisted that martial law, though altering the forms of
justice, could not supersede justice itself, and demanded stay of
execution until the proceedings had been submitted to this Government
and knowledge obtained therefrom that our citizens had received fair
trial. The death sentences were subsequently commuted or were remitted
on condition of leaving the islands. The cases of certain Americans
arrested and expelled by arbitrary order without formal charge or trial
have had attention, and in some instances have been found to justify
remonstrance and a claim for indemnity, which Hawaii has not thus far
conceded.

Mr. Thurston, the Hawaiian minister, having furnished this Government
abundant reason for asking that he be recalled, that course was pursued,
and his successor has lately been received.

The deplorable lynching of several Italian laborers in Colorado was
naturally followed by international representations, and I am happy to
say that the best efforts of the State in which the outrages occurred
have been put forth to discover and punish the authors of this atrocious
crime. The dependent families of some of the unfortunate victims invite
by their deplorable condition gracious provision for their needs.

These manifestations against helpless aliens may be traced through
successive stages to the vicious _padroni_ system, which, unchecked
by our immigration and contract-labor statutes, controls these workers
from the moment of landing on our shores and farms them out in distant
and often rude regions, where their cheapening competition in the fields
of bread-winning toil brings them into collision with other labor
interests. While welcoming, as we should, those who seek our shores to
merge themselves in our body politic and win personal competence by
honest effort, we can not regard such assemblages of distinctively alien
laborers, hired out in the mass to the profit of alien speculators and
shipped hither and thither as the prospect of gain may dictate, as
otherwise than repugnant to the spirit of our civilization, deterrent
to individual advancement, and hindrances to the building up of stable
communities resting upon the wholesome ambitions of the citizen and
constituting the prime factor in the prosperity and progress of our
nation. If legislation can reach this growing evil, it certainly should
be attempted.

Japan has furnished abundant evidence of her vast gain in every trait
and characteristic that constitutes a nation's greatness. We have reason
for congratulation in the fact that the Government of the United States,
by the exchange of liberal treaty stipulations with the new Japan, was
the first to recognize her wonderful advance and to extend to her the
consideration and confidence due to her national enlightenment and
progressive character.

The boundary dispute which lately threatened to embroil Guatemala and
Mexico has happily yielded to pacific counsels, and its determination
has, by the joint agreement of the parties, been submitted to the sole
arbitration of the United States minister to Mexico.

The commission appointed under the convention of February 18, 1889, to
set new monuments along the boundary between the United States and
Mexico has completed its task.

As a sequel to the failure of a scheme for the colonization in Mexico
of negroes, mostly immigrants from Alabama under contract, a great
number of these helpless and suffering people, starving and smitten
with contagious disease, made their way or were assisted to the
frontier, where, in wretched plight, they were quarantined by the Texas
authorities. Learning of their destitute condition, I directed rations
to be temporarily furnished them through the War Department. At the
expiration of their quarantine they were conveyed by the railway
companies at comparatively nominal rates to their homes in Alabama, upon
my assurance, in the absence of any fund available for the cost of their
transportation, that I would recommend to Congress an appropriation for
its payment. I now strongly urge upon Congress the propriety of making
such an appropriation. It should be remembered that the measures taken
were dictated not only by sympathy and humanity, but by a conviction
that it was not compatible with the dignity of this Government that so
large a body of our dependent citizens should be thrown for relief upon
the charity of a neighboring state.

In last year's message I narrated at some length the jurisdictional
questions then freshly arisen in the Mosquito Indian Strip of Nicaragua.
Since that time, by the voluntary act of the Mosquito Nation, the
territory reserved to them has been incorporated with Nicaragua, the
Indians formally subjecting themselves to be governed by the general
laws and regulations of the Republic instead of by their own customs and
regulations, and thus availing themselves of a privilege secured to them
by the treaty between Nicaragua and Great Britain of January 28, 1860.

After this extension of uniform Nicaraguan administration to the
Mosquito Strip, the case of the British vice-consul, Hatch, and of
several of his countrymen who had been summarily expelled from Nicaragua
and treated with considerable indignity provoked a claim by Great
Britain upon Nicaragua for pecuniary indemnity, which, upon Nicaragua's
refusal to admit liability, was enforced by Great Britain. While the
sovereignty and jurisdiction of Nicaragua was in no way questioned by
Great Britain, the former's arbitrary conduct in regard to British
subjects furnished the ground for this proceeding.

A British naval force occupied without resistance the Pacific seaport
of Corinto, but was soon after withdrawn upon the promise that the sum
demanded would be paid. Throughout this incident the kindly offices of
the United States were invoked and were employed in favor of as peaceful
a settlement and as much consideration and indulgence toward Nicaragua
as were consistent with the nature of the case. Our efforts have since
been made the subject of appreciative and grateful recognition by
Nicaragua.

The coronation of the Czar of Russia at Moscow in May next invites the
ceremonial participation of the United States, and in accordance with
usage and diplomatic propriety our minister to the imperial court has
been directed to represent our Government on the occasion.

Correspondence is on foot touching the practice of Russian consuls
within the jurisdiction of the United States to interrogate citizens as
to their race and religious faith, and upon ascertainment thereof to
deny to Jews authentication of passports or legal documents for use in
Russia. Inasmuch as such a proceeding imposes a disability which in the
case of succession to property in Russia may be found to infringe the
treaty rights of our citizens, and which is an obnoxious invasion of
our territorial jurisdiction, it has elicited fitting remonstrance, the
result of which, it is hoped, will remove the cause of complaint. The
pending claims of sealing vessels of the United States seized in Russian
waters remain unadjusted. Our recent convention with Russia establishing
a _modus vivendi_ as to imperial jurisdiction in such cases has
prevented further difficulty of this nature.

The Russian Government has welcomed in principle our suggestion for a
_modus vivendi_, to embrace Great Britain and Japan, looking to the
better preservation of seal life in the North Pacific and Bering Sea and
the extension of the protected area defined by the Paris Tribunal to all
Pacific waters north of the thirty-fifth parallel. It is especially
noticeable that Russia favors prohibition of the use of firearms in seal
hunting throughout the proposed area and a longer closed season for
pelagic sealing.

In my last two annual messages I called the attention of the Congress
to the position we occupied as one of the parties to a treaty or
agreement by which we became jointly bound with England and Germany
to so interfere with the government and control of Samoa as in effect
to assume the management of its affairs.[23] On the 9th day of May, 1894,
I transmitted to the Senate a special message,[24] with accompanying
documents, giving information on the subject and emphasizing the opinion
I have at all times entertained, that our situation in this matter was
inconsistent with the mission and traditions of our Government, in
violation of the principles we profess, and in all its phases
mischievous and vexatious.

I again press this subject upon the attention of the Congress and ask
for such legislative action or expression as will lead the way to our
relief from obligations both irksome and unnatural.

Cuba is again gravely disturbed. An insurrection in some respects more
active than the last preceding revolt, which continued from 1868 to
1878, now exists in a large part of the eastern interior of the island,
menacing even some populations on the coast. Besides deranging the
commercial exchanges of the island, of which our country takes the
predominant share, this flagrant condition of hostilities, by arousing
sentimental sympathy and inciting adventurous support among our people,
has entailed earnest effort on the part of this Government to enforce
obedience to our neutrality laws and to prevent the territory of the
United States from being abused as a vantage ground from which to aid
those in arms against Spanish sovereignty.

Whatever may be the traditional sympathy of our countrymen as
individuals with a people who seem to be struggling for larger autonomy
and greater freedom, deepened, as such sympathy naturally must be, in
behalf of our neighbors, yet the plain duty of their Government is to
observe in good faith the recognized obligations of international
relationship. The performance of this duty should not be made more
difficult by a disregard on the part of our citizens of the obligations
growing out of their allegiance to their country, which should restrain
them from violating as individuals the neutrality which the nation of
which they are members is bound to observe in its relations to friendly
sovereign states. Though neither the warmth of our people's sympathy
with the Cuban insurgents, nor our loss and material damage consequent
upon the futile endeavors thus far made to restore peace and order, nor
any shock our humane sensibilities may have received from the cruelties
which appear to especially characterize this sanguinary and fiercely
conducted war, have in the least shaken the determination of the
Government to honestly fulfill every international obligation, yet it
is to be earnestly hoped on every ground that the devastation of armed
conflict may speedily be stayed and order and quiet restored to the
distracted island, bringing in their train the activity and thrift of
peaceful pursuits.

One notable instance of interference by Spain with passing American
ships has occurred. On March 8 last the _Allianca_, while bound
from Colon to New York, and following the customary track for vessels
near the Cuban shore, but outside the 3-mile limit, was fired upon by a
Spanish gunboat. Protest was promptly made by the United States against
this act as not being justified by a state of war, nor permissible in
respect of vessels on the usual paths of commerce, nor tolerable in
view of the wanton peril occasioned to innocent life and property.
The act was disavowed, with full expression of regret and assurance
of nonrecurrence of such just cause of complaint, while the offending
officer was relieved of his command. Military arrests of citizens of the
United States in Cuba have occasioned frequent reclamations. Where held
on criminal charges their delivery to the ordinary civil jurisdiction
for trial has been demanded and obtained in conformity with treaty
provisions, and where merely detained by way of military precaution
under a proclaimed state of siege, without formulated accusation, their
release or trial has been insisted upon. The right of American consular
officers in the island to prefer protests and demands in such cases
having been questioned by the insular authority, their enjoyment of the
privilege stipulated by treaty for the consuls of Germany was claimed
under the most-favored-nation provision of our own convention and was
promptly recognized.

The long-standing demand of Antonio Maximo Mora against Spain has at
last been settled by the payment, on the 14th of September last, of the
sum originally agreed upon in liquidation of the claim. Its distribution
among the parties entitled to receive it has proceeded as rapidly as the
rights of those claiming the fund could be safely determined.

The enforcement of differential duties against products of this country
exported to Cuba and Puerto Rico prompted the immediate claim on our
part to the benefit of the minimum tariff of Spain in return for the
most favorable treatment permitted by our laws as regards the production
of Spanish territories. A commercial arrangement was concluded in
January last securing the treatment so claimed.

Vigorous protests against excessive fines imposed on our ships and
merchandise by the customs officers of these islands for trivial errors
have resulted in the remission of such fines in instances where the
equity of the complaint was apparent, though the vexatious practice has
not been wholly discontinued.

Occurrences in Turkey have continued to excite concern. The reported
massacres of Christians in Armenia and the development there and in
other districts of a spirit of fanatic hostility to Christian influences
naturally excited apprehension for the safety of the devoted men and
women who, as dependents of the foreign missionary societies in the
United States, reside in Turkey under the guaranty of law and usage
and in the legitimate performance of their educational and religious
mission. No efforts have been spared in their behalf, and their
protection in person and property has been earnestly and vigorously
enforced by every means within our power.

I regret, however, that an attempt on our part to obtain better
information concerning the true condition of affairs in the disturbed
quarter of the Ottoman Empire by sending thither the United States
consul at Sivas to make investigation and report was thwarted by the
objections of the Turkish Government. This movement on our part was in
no sense meant as a gratuitous entanglement of the United States in the
so-called Eastern question nor as an officious interference with the
right and duty which belong by treaty to certain great European powers
calling for their intervention in political matters affecting the good
government and religious freedom of the non-Mussulman subjects of the
Sultan, but it arose solely from our desire to have an accurate
knowledge of the conditions in our efforts to care for those entitled
to our protection.

The presence of our naval vessels which are now in the vicinity of the
disturbed localities affords opportunities to acquire a measure of
familiarity with the condition of affairs and will enable us to take
suitable steps for the protection of any interests of our countrymen
within reach of our ships that might be found imperiled.

The Ottoman Government has lately issued an imperial _irade_
exempting forever from taxation an American college for girls at
Scutari. Repeated assurances have also been obtained by our envoy at
Constantinople that similar institutions maintained and administered by
our countrymen shall be secured in the enjoyment of all rights and that
our citizens throughout the Empire shall be protected.

The Government, however, in view of existing facts, is far from relying
upon such assurances as the limit of its duty. Our minister has been
vigilant and alert in affording all possible protection in individual
cases where danger threatened or safety was imperiled. We have sent
ships as far toward the points of actual disturbance as it is possible
for them to go, where they offer refuge to those obliged to flee, and we
have the promise of other powers which have ships in the neighborhood
that our citizens as well as theirs will be received and protected on
board those ships. On the demand of our minister orders have been issued
by the Sultan that Turkish soldiers shall guard and escort to the coast
American refugees.

These orders have been carried out, and our latest intelligence
gives assurance of the present personal safety of our citizens and
missionaries. Though thus far no lives of American citizens have been
sacrificed, there can be no doubt that serious loss and destruction of
mission property have resulted from riotous conflicts and outrageous
attacks.

By treaty several of the most powerful European powers have secured a
right and have assumed a duty not only in behalf of their own citizens
and in furtherance of their own interests, but as agents of the
Christian world. Their right is to enforce such conduct of Turkish
government as will restrain fanatical brutality, and if this fails their
duty is to so interfere as to insure against such dreadful occurrences
in Turkey as have lately shocked civilization. The powers declare this
right and this duty to be theirs alone, and it is earnestly hoped that
prompt and effective action on their part will not be delayed.

The new consulates at Erzerum and Harpoot, for which appropriation was
made last session, have been provisionally filled by trusted employees
of the Department of State. These appointees, though now in Turkey, have
not yet received their exequaturs.

The arbitration of the claim of the Venezuela Steam Transportation
Company under the treaty of January 19, 1892, between the United States
and Venezuela, resulted in an award in favor of the claimant.

The Government has used its good offices toward composing the
differences between Venezuela on the one hand and France and Belgium on
the other growing out of the dismissal of the representatives of those
powers on the ground of a publication deemed offensive to Venezuela.
Although that dismissal was coupled with a cordial request that other
more personally agreeable envoys be sent in their stead, a rupture of
intercourse ensued and still continues.

In view of the growth of our interests in foreign countries and the
encouraging prospects for a general expansion of our commerce, the
question of an improvement in the consular service has increased in
importance and urgency. Though there is no doubt that the great body
of consular officers are rendering valuable services to the trade and
industries of the country, the need of some plan of appointment and
control which would tend to secure a higher average of efficiency can
not be denied.

The importance of the subject has led the Executive to consider what
steps might properly be taken without additional legislation to answer
the need of a better system of consular appointments. The matter having
been committed to the consideration of the Secretary of State, in
pursuance of his recommendations an Executive order was issued on the
20th of September, 1895,[25] by the terms of which it is provided that
after that date any vacancy in a consulate or commercial agency with an
annual salary or compensation from official fees of not more than $2,500
or less than $1,000 should be filled either by transfer or promotion
from some other position under the Department of State of a character
tending to qualify the incumbent for the position to be filled, or by
the appointment of a person not under the Department of State, but
having previously served thereunder and shown his capacity and fitness
for consular duty, or by the appointment of a person who, having been
selected by the President and sent to a board for examination, is found
upon such examination to be qualified for the position. Posts which pay
less than $1,000 being usually, on account of their small compensation,
filled by selection from residents of the locality, it was not deemed
practicable to put them under the new system.

The compensation of $2,500 was adopted as the maximum limit in the
classification for the reason that consular officers receiving more than
that sum are often charged with functions and duties scarcely inferior
in dignity and importance to those of diplomatic agents, and it was
therefore thought best to continue their selection in the discretion of
the Executive without subjecting them to examination before a board.
Excluding 71 places with compensation at present less than $1,000 and
53 places above the maximum in compensation, the number of positions
remaining within the scope of the order is 196. This number will
undoubtedly be increased by the inclusion of consular officers whose
remuneration in fees, now less than $1,000, will be augmented with the
growth of our foreign commerce and a return to more favorable business
conditions.

In execution of the Executive order referred to the Secretary of State
has designated as a board to conduct the prescribed examinations the
Third Assistant Secretary of State, the Solicitor of the Department
of State, and the Chief of the Consular Bureau, and has specified the
subjects to which such examinations shall relate.

It is not assumed that this system will prove a full measure of
consular reform. It is quite probable that actual experience will
show particulars in which the order already issued may be amended
and demonstrate that for the best results appropriate legislation
by Congress is imperatively required.

In any event, these efforts to improve the consular service
ought to be immediately supplemented by legislation providing for
consular inspection. This has frequently been a subject of Executive
recommendation, and I again urge such action by Congress as will permit
the frequent and thorough inspection of consulates by officers appointed
for that purpose or by persons already in the diplomatic or consular
service. The expense attending such a plan would be insignificant
compared with its usefulness, and I hope the legislation necessary
to set it on foot will be speedily forthcoming.

I am thoroughly convinced that in addition to their salaries our
ambassadors and ministers at foreign courts should be provided by the
Government with official residences. The salaries of these officers are
comparatively small and in most cases insufficient to pay, with other
necessary expenses, the cost of maintaining household establishments in
keeping with their important and delicate functions. The usefulness of
a nation's diplomatic representative undeniably depends much upon the
appropriateness of his surroundings, and a country like ours, while
avoiding unnecessary glitter and show, should be certain that it does
not suffer in its relations with foreign nations through parsimony and
shabbiness in its diplomatic outfit. These considerations and the other
advantages of having fixed and somewhat permanent locations for our
embassies would abundantly justify the moderate expenditure necessary
to carry out this suggestion.

As we turn from a review of our foreign relations to the contemplation
of our national financial situation we are immediately aware that we
approach a subject of domestic concern more important than any other
that can engage our attention, and one at present in such a perplexing
and delicate predicament as to require prompt and wise treatment.

We may well be encouraged to earnest effort in this direction when
we recall the steps already taken toward improving our economic and
financial situation and when we appreciate how well the way has been
prepared for further progress by an aroused and intelligent popular
interest in these subjects.

By command of the people a customs-revenue system designed for the
protection and benefit of favored classes at the expense of the great
mass of our countrymen, and which, while inefficient for the purpose
of revenue, curtailed our trade relations and impeded our entrance to
the markets of the world, has been superseded by a tariff policy which
in principle is based upon a denial of the right of the Government
to obstruct the avenues to our people's cheap living or lessen their
comfort and contentment for the sake of according especial advantages to
favorites, and which, while encouraging our intercourse and trade with
other nations, recognizes the fact that American self-reliance, thrift,
and ingenuity can build up our country's industries and develop its
resources more surely than enervating paternalism.

The compulsory purchase and coinage of silver by the Government,
unchecked and unregulated by business conditions and heedless of
our currency needs, which for more than fifteen years diluted our
circulating medium, undermined confidence abroad in our financial
ability, and at last culminated in distress and panic at home, has been
recently stopped by the repeal of the laws which forced this reckless
scheme upon the country.

The things thus accomplished, notwithstanding their extreme importance
and beneficent effects, fall far short of curing the monetary evils from
which we suffer as a result of long indulgence in ill-advised financial
expedients.

The currency denominated United States notes and commonly known as
greenbacks was issued in large volume during the late Civil War and was
intended originally to meet the exigencies of that period. It will be
seen by a reference to the debates in Congress at the time the laws
were passed authorizing the issue of these notes that their advocates
declared they were intended for only temporary use and to meet the
emergency of war. In almost if not all the laws relating to them
some provision was made contemplating their voluntary or compulsory
retirement. A large quantity of them, however, were kept on foot and
mingled with the currency of the country, so that at the close of the
year 1874 they amounted to $381,999,073.

Immediately after that date, and in January, 1875, a law was passed
providing for the resumption of specie payments, by which the Secretary
of the Treasury was required whenever additional circulation was issued
to national banks to retire United States notes equal in amount to 80
per cent of such additional national-bank circulation until such notes
were reduced to $300,000,000. This law further provided that on and
after the 1st day of January, 1879, the United States notes then
outstanding should be redeemed in coin, and in order to provide and
prepare for such redemption the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized
not only to use any surplus revenues of the Government, but to issue
bonds of the United States and dispose of them for coin and to use the
proceeds for the purposes contemplated by the statute.

In May, 1878, and before the date thus appointed for the redemption
and retirement of these notes, another statute was passed forbidding
their further cancellation and retirement. Some of them had, however,
been previously redeemed and canceled upon the issue of additional
national-bank circulation, as permitted by the law of 1875, so that the
amount outstanding at the time of the passage of the act forbidding
their further retirement was $346,681,016.

The law of 1878 did not stop at distinct prohibition, but contained in
addition the following express provision:

  And when any of said notes may be redeemed or be received into the
  Treasury under any law from any source whatever, and shall belong to
  the United States, they shall not be retired, canceled, or destroyed,
  but they shall be reissued and paid out again and kept in circulation.


This was the condition of affairs on the 1st day of January, 1879, which
had been fixed upon four years before as the date for entering upon the
redemption and retirement of all these notes, and for which such
abundant means had been provided.

The Government was put in the anomalous situation of owing to the
holders of its notes debts payable in gold on demand which could neither
be retired by receiving such notes in discharge of obligations due the
Government nor canceled by actual payment in gold. It was forced to
redeem without redemption and to pay without acquittance.

There had been issued and sold $95,500,000 of the bonds authorized by
the resumption act of 1875, the proceeds of which, together with other
gold in the Treasury, created a gold fund deemed sufficient to meet
the demands which might be made upon it for the redemption of the
outstanding United States notes. This fund, together with such other
gold as might be from time to time in the Treasury available for the
same purpose, has been since called our gold reserve, and $100,000,000
has been regarded as an adequate amount to accomplish its object. This
fund amounted on the 1st day of January, 1879, to $114,193,360, and
though thereafter constantly fluctuating it did not fall below that
sum until July, 1892. In April, 1893, for the first time since its
establishment, this reserve amounted to less than $100,000,000,
containing at that date only $97,011,330.

In the meantime, and in July, 1890, an act had been passed directing
larger governmental monthly purchases of silver than had been required
under previous laws, and providing that in payment for such silver
Treasury notes of the United States should be issued payable on demand
in gold or silver coin, at the discretion of the Secretary of the
Treasury. It was, however, declared in the act to be "the established
policy of the United States to maintain the two metals on a parity with
each other upon the present legal ratio or such ratio as may be provided
by law." In view of this declaration it was not deemed permissible for
the Secretary of the Treasury to exercise the discretion in terms
conferred on him by refusing to pay gold on these notes when demanded,
because by such discrimination in favor of the gold dollar the so-called
parity of the two metals would be destroyed and grave and dangerous
consequences would be precipitated by affirming or accentuating the
constantly widening disparity between their actual values under the
existing ratio.

It thus resulted that the Treasury notes issued in payment of silver
purchases under the law of 1890 were necessarily treated as gold
obligations at the option of the holder. These notes on the 1st day of
November, 1893, when the law compelling the monthly purchase of silver
was repealed, amounted to more than $155,000,000. The notes of this
description now outstanding added to the United States notes still
undiminished by redemption or cancellation constitute a volume of gold
obligations amounting to nearly $500,000,000.

These obligations are the instruments which ever since we had a gold
reserve have been used to deplete it.

This reserve, as has been stated, had fallen in April, 1893, to
$97,011,330. It has from that time to the present, with very few and
unimportant upward movements, steadily decreased, except as it has been
temporarily replenished by the sale of bonds.

Among the causes for this constant and uniform shrinkage in this fund
may be mentioned the great falling off of exports under the operation of
the tariff law until recently in force, which crippled our exchange of
commodities with foreign nations and necessitated to some extent the
payment of our balances in gold; the unnatural infusion of silver into
our currency and the increasing agitation for its free and unlimited
coinage, which have created apprehension as to our disposition or
ability to continue gold payments; the consequent hoarding of gold at
home and the stoppage of investments of foreign capital, as well as
the return of our securities already sold abroad; and the high rate of
foreign exchange, which induced the shipment of our gold to be drawn
against as a matter of speculation.

In consequence of these conditions the gold reserve on the 1st day
of February, 1894, was reduced to $65,438,377, having lost more than
$31,000,000 during the preceding nine months, or since April, 1893. Its
replenishment being necessary and no other manner of accomplishing it
being possible, resort was had to the issue and sale of bonds provided
for by the resumption act of 1875. Fifty millions of these bonds were
sold, yielding $58,633,295.71, which was added to the reserve fund of
gold then on hand. As a result of this operation this reserve, which had
suffered constant and large withdrawals in the meantime, stood on the
6th day of March, 1894, at the sum of $107,446,802. Its depletion was,
however, immediately thereafter so accelerated that on the 30th day of
June, 1894, it had fallen to $64,873,025, thus losing by withdrawals
more than $42,000,000 in five months and dropping slightly below its
situation when the sale of $50,000,000 in bonds was effected for its
replenishment.

This depressed condition grew worse, and on the 24th day of November,
1894, our gold reserve being reduced to $57,669,701, it became necessary
to again strengthen it.

This was done by another sale of bonds amounting to $50,000,000, from
which there was realized $58,538,500, with which the fund was increased
to $111,142,021 on the 4th day of December, 1894.

Again disappointment awaited the anxious hope for relief. There was not
even a lull in the exasperating withdrawals of gold. On the contrary,
they grew larger and more persistent than ever. Between the 4th day of
December, 1894, and early in February, 1895, a period of scarcely more
than two months after the second reenforcement of our gold reserve by
the sale of bonds, it had lost by such withdrawals more than $69,000,000
and had fallen to $41,340,181. Nearly $43,000,000 had been withdrawn
within the month immediately preceding this situation.

In anticipation of impending trouble I had on the 28th day of January,
1895, addressed a communication[26] to the Congress fully setting forth
our difficulties and dangerous position and earnestly recommending that
authority be given the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds bearing
a low rate of interest, payable by their terms in gold, for the purpose
of maintaining a sufficient gold reserve and also for the redemption and
cancellation of outstanding United States notes and the Treasury notes
issued for the purchase of silver under the law of 1890. This
recommendation did not, however, meet with legislative approval.

In February, 1895, therefore, the situation was exceedingly critical.
With a reserve perilously low and a refusal of Congressional aid,
everything indicated that the end of gold payments by the Government
was imminent. The results of prior bond issues had been exceedingly
unsatisfactory, and the large withdrawals of gold immediately succeeding
their public sale in open market gave rise to a reasonable suspicion
that a large part of the gold paid into the Treasury upon such sales was
promptly drawn out again by the presentation of United States notes or
Treasury notes, and found its way to the hands of those who had only
temporarily parted with it in the purchase of bonds.

In this emergency, and in view of its surrounding perplexities, it
became entirely apparent to those upon whom the struggle for safety was
devolved not only that our gold reserve must, for the third time in less
than thirteen months, be restored by another issue and sale of bonds
bearing a high rate of interest and badly suited to the purpose, but
that a plan must be adopted for their disposition promising better
results than those realized on previous sales. An agreement was
therefore made with a number of financiers and bankers whereby it was
stipulated that bonds described in the resumption act of 1875, payable
in coin thirty years after their date, bearing interest at the rate of
4 per cent per annum, and amounting to about $62,000,000, should be
exchanged for gold, receivable by weight, amounting to a little more
than $65,000,000.

This gold was to be delivered in such installments as would complete
its delivery within about six months from the date of the contract, and
at least one-half of the amount was to be furnished from abroad. It was
also agreed by those supplying this gold that during the continuance
of the contract they would by every means in their power protect the
Government against gold withdrawals. The contract also provided that
if Congress would authorize their issue bonds payable by their terms
in gold and bearing interest at the rate of 3 per cent per annum might
within ten days be substituted at par for the 4 per cent bonds described
in the agreement.

On the day this contract was made its terms were communicated to
Congress by a special Executive message,[27] in which it was stated that
more than $16,000,000 would be saved to the Government if gold bonds
bearing 3 per cent interest were authorized to be substituted for those
mentioned in the contract.

The Congress having declined to grant the necessary authority to secure
this saving, the contract, unmodified, was carried out, resulting in a
gold reserve amounting to $107,571,230 on the 8th day of July, 1895.
The performance of this contract not only restored the reserve, but
checked for a time the withdrawals of gold and brought on a period of
restored confidence and such peace and quiet in business circles as
were of the greatest possible value to every interest that affects our
people. I have never had the slightest misgiving concerning the wisdom
or propriety of this arrangement, and am quite willing to answer for
my full share of responsibility for its promotion. I believe it averted
a disaster the imminence of which was, fortunately, not at the time
generally understood by our people.

Though the contract mentioned stayed for a time the tide of gold
withdrawal, its good results could not be permanent. Recent withdrawals
have reduced the reserve from $107,571,230 on the 8th day of July, 1895,
to $79,333,966. How long it will remain large enough to render its
increase unnecessary is only matter of conjecture, though quite large
withdrawals for shipment in the immediate future are predicted in
well-informed quarters. About $16,000,000 has been withdrawn during the
month of November.

The foregoing statement of events and conditions develops the fact that
after increasing our interest-bearing bonded indebtedness more than
$162,000,000 to save our gold reserve we are nearly where we started,
having now in such reserve $79,333,966, as against $65,438,377 in
February, 1894, when the first bonds were issued.

Though the amount of gold drawn from the Treasury appears to be very
large as gathered from the facts and figures herein presented, it
actually was much larger, considerable sums having been acquired by the
Treasury within the several periods stated without the issue of bonds.
On the 28th of January, 1895, it was reported by the Secretary of the
Treasury that more than $172,000,000 of gold had been withdrawn for
hoarding or shipment during the year preceding. He now reports that from
January 1, 1879, to July 14, 1890, a period of more than eleven years,
only a little over $28,000,000 was withdrawn, and that between July 14,
1890, the date of the passage of the law for an increased purchase of
silver, and the 1st day of December, 1895, or within less than five and
a half years, there was withdrawn nearly $375,000,000, making a total of
more than $403,000,000 drawn from the Treasury in gold since January 1,
1879, the date fixed in 1875 for the retirement of the United States
notes.

Nearly $327,000,000 of the gold thus withdrawn has been paid out on
these United States notes, and yet every one of the $346,000,000 is
still uncanceled and ready to do service in future gold depletions.

More than $76,000,000 in gold has since their creation in 1890 been paid
out from the Treasury upon the notes given on the purchase of silver by
the Government, and yet the whole, amounting to $155,000,000, except a
little more than $16,000,000 which has been retired by exchanges for
silver at the request of the holders, remains outstanding and prepared
to join their older and more experienced allies in future raids upon the
Treasury's gold reserve.

In other words, the Government has paid in gold more than nine-tenths
of its United States notes and still owes them all. It has paid in
gold about one-half of its notes given for silver purchases without
extinguishing by such payment one dollar of these notes.

When, added to all this, we are reminded that to carry on this
astounding financial scheme the Government has incurred a bonded
indebtedness of $95,500,000 in establishing a gold reserve and of
$162,315,400 in efforts to maintain it; that the annual interest charge
on such bonded indebtedness is more than $11,000,000; that a continuance
of our present course may result in further bond issues, and that we
have suffered or are threatened with all this for the sake of supplying
gold for foreign shipment or facilitating its hoarding at home, a
situation is exhibited which certainly ought to arrest attention and
provoke immediate legislative relief.

I am convinced the only thorough and practicable remedy for our troubles
is found in the retirement and cancellation of our United States notes,
commonly called greenbacks, and the outstanding Treasury notes issued by
the Government in payment of silver purchases under the act of 1890.

I believe this could be quite readily accomplished by the exchange
of these notes for United States bonds, of small as well as large
denominations, bearing a low rate of interest. They should be long-term
bonds, thus increasing their desirability as investments, and because
their payment could be well postponed to a period far removed from
present financial burdens and perplexities, when with increased
prosperity and resources they would be more easily met.

To further insure the cancellation of these notes and also provide a way
by which gold may be added to our currency in lieu of them, a feature in
the plan should be an authority given to the Secretary of the Treasury
to dispose of the bonds abroad for gold if necessary to complete the
contemplated redemption and cancellation, permitting him to use the
proceeds of such bonds to take up and cancel any of the notes that may
be in the Treasury or that may be received by the Government on any
account.

The increase of our bonded debt involved in this plan would be amply
compensated by renewed activity and enterprise in all business circles,
the restored confidence at home, the reinstated faith in our monetary
strength abroad, and the stimulation of every interest and industry
that would follow the cancellation of the gold-demand obligations now
afflicting us. In any event, the bonds proposed would stand for the
extinguishment of a troublesome indebtedness, while in the path we now
follow there lurks the menace of unending bonds, with our indebtedness
still undischarged and aggravated in every feature. The obligations
necessary to fund this indebtedness would not equal in amount those
from which we have been relieved since 1884 by anticipation and payment
beyond the requirements of the sinking fund out of our surplus revenues.

The currency withdrawn by the retirement of the United States notes and
Treasury notes, amounting to probably less than $486,000,000, might be
supplied by such gold as would be used on their retirement or by an
increase in the circulation of our national banks. Though the aggregate
capital of those now in existence amounts to more than $664,000,000,
their outstanding circulation based on bond security amounts to only
about $190,000,000. They are authorized to issue notes amounting to 90
per cent of the bonds deposited to secure their circulation, but in no
event beyond the amount of their capital stock, and they are obliged to
pay 1 per cent tax on the circulation they issue.

I think they should be allowed to issue circulation equal to the par
value of the bonds they deposit to secure it, and that the tax on their
circulation should be reduced to one-fourth of 1 per cent, which would
undoubtedly meet all the expense the Government incurs on their account.
In addition they should be allowed to substitute or deposit in lieu of
the bonds now required as security for their circulation those which
would be issued for the purpose of retiring the United States notes and
Treasury notes.

The banks already existing, if they desired to avail themselves of the
provisions of law thus modified, could issue circulation, in addition to
that already outstanding, amounting to $478,000,000, which would nearly
or quite equal the currency proposed to be canceled. At any rate, I
should confidently expect to see the existing national banks or others
to be organized avail themselves of the proposed encouragements to issue
circulation and promptly fill any vacuum and supply every currency need.

It has always seemed to me that the provisions of law regarding the
capital of national banks, which operate as a limitation to their
location, fail to make proper compensation for the suppression of State
banks, which came near to the people in all sections of the country and
readily furnished them with banking accommodations and facilities. Any
inconvenience or embarrassment arising from these restrictions on the
location of national banks might well be remedied by better adapting
the present system to the creation of banks in smaller communities or
by permitting banks of large capital to establish branches in such
localities as would serve the people, so regulated and restrained as
to secure their safe and conservative control and management.

But there might not be the necessity for such an addition to the
currency by new issues of bank circulation as at first glance is
indicated. If we should be relieved from maintaining a gold reserve
under conditions that constitute it the barometer of our solvency, and
if our Treasury should no longer be the foolish purveyor of gold for
nations abroad or for speculation and hoarding by our citizens at home,
I should expect to see gold resume its natural and normal functions in
the business affairs of the country and cease to be an object attracting
the timid watch of our people and exciting their sensitive imaginations.

I do not overlook the fact that the cancellation of the Treasury notes
issued under the silver-purchasing act of 1890 would leave the Treasury
in the actual ownership of sufficient silver, including seigniorage,
to coin nearly $178,000,000 in standard dollars. It is worthy of
consideration whether this might not from time to time be converted into
dollars or fractional coin and slowly put into circulation, as in the
judgment of the Secretary of the Treasury the necessities of the country
should require.

Whatever is attempted should be entered upon fully appreciating the fact
that by careless, easy descent we have reached a dangerous depth, and
that our ascent will not be accomplished without laborious toil and
struggle. We shall be wise if we realize that we are financially ill and
that our restoration to health may require heroic treatment and
unpleasant remedies.

In the present stage of our difficulty it is not easy to understand how
the amount of our revenue receipts directly affects it. The important
question is not the quantity of money received in revenue payments, but
the kind of money we maintain and our ability to continue in sound
financial condition. We are considering the Government's holdings of
gold as related to the soundness of our money and as affecting our
national credit and monetary strength.

If our gold reserve had never been impaired; if no bonds had ever
been issued to replenish it; if there had been no fear and timidity
concerning our ability to continue gold payments; if any part of our
revenues were now paid in gold, and if we could look to our gold
receipts as a means of maintaining a safe reserve, the amount of
our revenues would be an influential factor in the problem. But,
unfortunately, all the circumstances that might lend weight to this
consideration are entirely lacking.

In our present predicament no gold is received by the Government
in payment of revenue charges, nor would there be if the revenues
were increased. The receipts of the Treasury, when not in silver
certificates, consist of United States notes and Treasury notes issued
for silver purchases. These forms of money are only useful to the
Government in paying its current ordinary expenses, and its quantity in
Government possession does not in the least contribute toward giving us
that kind of safe financial standing or condition which is built on gold
alone.

If it is said that these notes if held by the Government can be used to
obtain gold for our reserve, the answer is easy. The people draw gold
from the Treasury on demand upon United States notes and Treasury notes,
but the proposition that the Treasury can on demand draw gold from the
people upon them would be regarded in these days with wonder and
amusement; and even if this could be done there is nothing to prevent
those thus parting with their gold from regaining it the next day or the
next hour by the presentation of the notes they received in exchange for
it.

The Secretary of the Treasury might use such notes taken from a
surplus revenue to buy gold in the market. Of course he could not do
this without paying a premium. Private holders of gold, unlike the
Government, having no parity to maintain, would not be restrained
from making the best bargain possible when they furnished gold to the
Treasury; but the moment the Secretary of the Treasury bought gold on
any terms above par he would establish a general and universal premium
upon it, thus breaking down the parity between gold and silver, which
the Government is pledged to maintain, and opening the way to new and
serious complications. In the meantime the premium would not remain
stationary, and the absurd spectacle might be presented of a dealer
selling gold to the Government and with United States notes or Treasury
notes in his hand immediately clamoring for its return and a resale at
a higher premium.

It may be claimed that a large revenue and redundant receipts might
favorably affect the situation under discussion by affording an
opportunity of retaining these notes in the Treasury when received, and
thus preventing their presentation for gold. Such retention to be useful
ought to be at least measurably permanent; and this is precisely what is
prohibited, so far as United States notes are concerned, by the law of
1878, forbidding their further retirement. That statute in so many words
provides that these notes when received into the Treasury and belonging
to the United States shall be "paid out again and kept in circulation."

It will, moreover, be readily seen that the Government could not
refuse to pay out United States notes and Treasury notes in current
transactions when demanded, and insist on paying out silver alone,
and still maintain the parity between that metal and the currency
representing gold. Besides, the accumulation in the Treasury of currency
of any kind exacted from the people through taxation is justly regarded
as an evil, and it can not proceed far without vigorous protest against
an unjustifiable retention of money from the business of the country and
a denunciation of a scheme of taxation which proves itself to be unjust
when it takes from the earnings and income of the citizen money so much
in excess of the needs of Government support that large sums can be
gathered and kept in the Treasury. Such a condition has heretofore in
times of surplus revenue led the Government to restore currency to the
people by the purchase of its unmatured bonds at a large premium and
by a large increase of its deposits in national banks, and we easily
remember that the abuse of Treasury accumulation has furnished a most
persuasive argument in favor of legislation radically reducing our
tariff taxation.

Perhaps it is supposed that sufficient revenue receipts would in a
sentimental way improve the situation by inspiring confidence in our
solvency and allaying the fear of pecuniary exhaustion. And yet through
all our struggles to maintain our gold reserve there never has been any
apprehension as to our ready ability to pay our way with such money as
we had, and the question whether or not our current receipts met our
current expenses has not entered into the estimate of our solvency. Of
course the general state of our funds, exclusive of gold, was entirely
immaterial to the foreign creditor and investor. His debt could only be
paid in gold, and his only concern was our ability to keep on hand that
kind of money.

On July 1, 1892, more than a year and a half before the first bonds
were issued to replenish the gold reserve, there was a net balance in
the Treasury, exclusive of such reserve, of less than $13,000,000, but
the gold reserve amounted to more than $114,000,000, which was the
quieting feature of the situation. It was when the stock of gold began
rapidly to fall that fright supervened and our securities held abroad
were returned for sale and debts owed abroad were pressed for payment.
In the meantime extensive shipments of gold and other unfavorable
indications caused restlessness and fright among our people at home.
Thereupon the general state of our funds, exclusive of gold, became
also immaterial to them, and they too drew gold from the Treasury for
hoarding against all contingencies. This is plainly shown by the large
increase in the proportion of gold withdrawn which was retained by
our own people as time and threatening incidents progressed. During
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, nearly $85,000,000 in gold was
withdrawn from the Treasury and about $77,000,000 was sent abroad, while
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, over $117,000,000 was drawn
out, of which only about $66,000,000 was shipped, leaving the large
balance of such withdrawals to be accounted for by domestic hoarding.

Inasmuch as the withdrawal of our gold has resulted largely from
fright, there is nothing apparent that will prevent its continuance or
recurrence, with its natural consequences, except such a change in our
financial methods as will reassure the frightened and make the desire
for gold less intense. It is not clear how an increase in revenue,
unless it be in gold, can satisfy those whose only anxiety is to gain
gold from the Government's store.

It can not, therefore, be safe to rely upon increased revenues as a cure
for our present troubles.

It is possible that the suggestion of increased revenue as a remedy for
the difficulties we are considering may have originated in an intimation
or distinct allegation that the bonds which have been issued ostensibly
to replenish our gold reserve were really issued to supply insufficient
revenue. Nothing can be further from the truth. Bonds were issued to
obtain gold for the maintenance of our national credit. As has been
shown, the gold thus obtained has been drawn again from the Treasury
upon United States notes and Treasury notes. This operation would have
been promptly prevented if possible; but these notes having thus been
passed to the Treasury, they became the money of the Government, like
any other ordinary Government funds, and there was nothing to do but to
use them in paying Government expenses when needed.

At no time when bonds have been issued has there been any consideration
of the question of paying the expenses of Government with their
proceeds. There was no necessity to consider that question. At the time
of each bond issue we had a safe surplus in the Treasury for ordinary
operations, exclusive of the gold in our reserve. In February, 1894,
when the first issue of bonds was made, such surplus amounted to over
$18,000,000; in November, when the second issue was made, it amounted to
more than $42,000,000, and in February, 1895, when bonds for the third
time were issued, such surplus amounted to more than $100,000,000. It
now amounts to $98,072,420.30.

Besides all this, the Secretary of the Treasury had no authority
whatever to issue bonds to increase the ordinary revenues or pay current
expenses.

I can not but think there has been some confusion of ideas regarding the
effects of the issue of bonds and the results of the withdrawal of gold.
It was the latter process, and not the former, that, by substituting in
the Treasury United States notes and Treasury notes for gold, increased
by their amount the money which was in the first instance subject to
ordinary Government expenditure.

Although the law compelling an increased purchase of silver by the
Government was passed on the 14th day of July, 1890, withdrawals of gold
from the Treasury upon the notes given in payment on such purchases
did not begin until October, 1891. Immediately following that date the
withdrawals upon both these notes and United States notes increased
very largely, and have continued to such an extent that since the
passage of that law there has been more than thirteen times as much gold
taken out of the Treasury upon United States notes and Treasury notes
issued for silver purchases as was thus withdrawn during the eleven and
a half years immediately prior thereto and after the 1st day of January,
1879, when specie payments were resumed.

It is neither unfair nor unjust to charge a large share of our present
financial perplexities and dangers to the operation of the laws of 1878
and 1890 compelling the purchase of silver by the Government, which not
only furnished a new Treasury obligation upon which its gold could be
withdrawn, but so increased the fear of an overwhelming flood of silver
and a forced descent to silver payments that even the repeal of these
laws did not entirely cure the evils of their existence.

While I have endeavored to make a plain statement of the disordered
condition of our currency and the present dangers menacing our
prosperity and to suggest a way which leads to a safer financial system,
I have constantly had in mind the fact that many of my countrymen, whose
sincerity I do not doubt, insist that the cure for the ills now
threatening us may be found in the single and simple remedy of the free
coinage of silver. They contend that our mints shall be at once thrown
open to the free, unlimited, and independent coinage of both gold and
silver dollars of full legal-tender quality, regardless of the action of
any other government and in full view of the fact that the ratio between
the metals which they suggest calls for 100 cents' worth of gold in the
gold dollar at the present standard and only 50 cents in intrinsic worth
of silver in the silver dollar.

Were there infinitely stronger reasons than can be adduced for hoping
that such action would secure for us a bimetallic currency moving on
lines of parity, an experiment so novel and hazardous as that proposed
might well stagger those who believe that stability is an imperative
condition of sound money.

No government, no human contrivance or act of legislation, has ever
been able to hold the two metals together in free coinage at a ratio
appreciably different from that which is established in the markets of
the world.

Those who believe that our independent free coinage of silver at an
artificial ratio with gold of 16 to 1 would restore the parity between
the metals, and consequently between the coins, oppose an unsupported
and improbable theory to the general belief and practice of other
nations and to the teaching of the wisest statesmen and economists
of the world, both in the past and present, and, what is far more
conclusive, they run counter to our own actual experiences.

Twice in our earlier history our lawmakers, in attempting to establish
a bimetallic currency, undertook free coinage upon a ratio which
accidentally varied from the actual relative values of the two metals
not more than 3 per cent. In both cases, notwithstanding greater
difficulties and cost of transportation than now exist, the coins whose
intrinsic worth was undervalued in the ratio gradually and surely
disappeared from our circulation and went to other countries where their
real value was better recognized.

Acts of Congress were impotent to create equality where natural causes
decreed even a slight inequality.

Twice in our recent history we have signally failed to raise by
legislation the value of silver. Under an act of Congress passed in
1878 the Government was required for more than twelve years to expend
annually at least $24,000,000 in the purchase of silver bullion for
coinage. The act of July 14, 1890, in a still bolder effort, increased
the amount of silver the Government was compelled to purchase and forced
it to become the buyer annually of 54,000,000 ounces, or practically the
entire product of our mines. Under both laws silver rapidly and steadily
declined in value. The prophecy and the expressed hope and expectation
of those in the Congress who led in the passage of the last-mentioned
act that it would reestablish and maintain the former parity between the
two metals are still fresh in our memory.

In the light of these experiences, which accord with the experiences of
other nations, there is certainly no secure ground for the belief that
an act of Congress could now bridge an inequality of 50 per cent between
gold and silver at our present ratio, nor is there the least possibility
that our country, which has less than one-seventh of the silver money
in the world, could by its action alone raise not only our own but all
silver to its lost ratio with gold. Our attempt to accomplish this by
the free coinage of silver at a ratio differing widely from actual
relative values would be the signal for the complete departure of
gold from our circulation, the immediate and large contraction of our
circulating medium, and a shrinkage in the real value and monetary
efficiency of all other forms of currency as they settled to the level
of silver monometallism. Everyone who receives a fixed salary and every
worker for wages would find the dollar in his hand ruthlessly scaled
down to the point of bitter disappointment, if not to pinching
privation.

A change in our standard to silver monometallism would also bring on a
collapse of the entire system of credit, which, when based on a standard
which is recognized and adopted by the world of business, is many times
more potent and useful than the entire volume of currency and is safely
capable of almost indefinite expansion to meet the growth of trade and
enterprise. In a self-invited struggle through darkness and uncertainty
our humiliation would be increased by the consciousness that we had
parted company with all the enlightened and progressive nations of the
world and were desperately and hopelessly striving to meet the stress of
modern commerce and competition with a debased and unsuitable currency
and in association with the few weak and laggard nations which have
silver alone as their standard of value.

All history warns us against rash experiments which threaten violent
changes in our monetary standard and the degradation of our currency.
The past is full of lessons teaching not only the economic dangers but
the national immorality that follow in the train of such experiments.
I will not believe that the American people can be persuaded after sober
deliberation to jeopardize their nation's prestige and proud standing by
encouraging financial nostrums, nor that they will yield to the false
allurements of cheap money when they realize that it must result in the
weakening of that financial integrity and rectitude which thus far in
our history has been so devotedly cherished as one of the traits of true
Americanism.

Our country's indebtedness, whether owing by the Government or existing
between individuals, has been contracted with reference to our present
standard. To decree by act of Congress that these debts shall be payable
in less valuable dollars than those within the contemplation and
intention of the parties when contracted would operate to transfer by
the fiat of law and without compensation an amount of property and a
volume of rights and interests almost incalculable.

Those who advocate a blind and headlong plunge to free coinage in
the name of bimetallism, and professing the belief, contrary to all
experience, that we could thus establish a double standard and a
concurrent circulation of both metals in our coinage, are certainly
reckoning from a cloudy standpoint. Our present standard of value is the
standard of the civilized world and permits the only bimetallism now
possible, or at least that is within the independent reach of any single
nation, however powerful that nation may be. While the value of gold as
a standard is steadied by almost universal commercial and business use,
it does not despise silver nor seek its banishment. Wherever this
standard is maintained there is at its side in free and unquestioned
circulation a volume of silver currency sometimes equaling and sometimes
even exceeding it in amount, both maintained at a parity notwithstanding
a depreciation or fluctuation in the intrinsic value of silver.

There is a vast difference between a standard of value and
a currency for monetary use. The standard must necessarily be fixed
and certain. The currency may be in divers forms and of various kinds.
No silver-standard country has a gold currency in circulation, but an
enlightened and wise system of finance secures the benefits of both gold
and silver as currency and circulating medium by keeping the standard
stable and all other currency at par with it. Such a system and such
a standard also give free scope for the use and expansion of safe and
conservative credit, so indispensable to broad and growing commercial
transactions and so well substituted for the actual use of money. If
a fixed and stable standard is maintained, such as the magnitude and
safety of our commercial transactions and business require, the use
of money itself is conveniently minimized.

Every dollar of fixed and stable value has through the agency of
confident credit an astonishing capacity of multiplying itself in
financial work. Every unstable and fluctuating dollar fails as a basis
of credit, and in its use begets gambling speculation and undermines the
foundations of honest enterprise.

I have ventured to express myself on this subject with earnestness and
plainness of speech because I can not rid myself of the belief that
there lurk in the proposition for the free coinage of silver, so
strongly approved and so enthusiastically advocated by a multitude
of my countrymen, a serious menace to our prosperity and an insidious
temptation of our people to wander from the allegiance they owe to
public and private integrity. It is because I do not distrust the
good faith and sincerity of those who press this scheme that I have
imperfectly but with zeal submitted my thoughts upon this momentous
subject. I can not refrain from begging them to reexamine their views
and beliefs in the light of patriotic reason and familiar experience and
to weigh again and again the consequences of such legislation as their
efforts have invited. Even the continued agitation of the subject adds
greatly to the difficulties of a dangerous financial situation already
forced upon us.

In conclusion I especially entreat the people's representatives
in the Congress, who are charged with the responsibility of inaugurating
measures for the safety and prosperity of our common country, to
promptly and effectively consider the ills of our critical financial
plight. I have suggested a remedy which my judgment approves. I desire,
however, to assure the Congress that I am prepared to cooperate with
them in perfecting any other measure promising thorough and practical
relief, and that I will gladly labor with them in every patriotic
endeavor to further the interests and guard the welfare of our
countrymen, whom in our respective places of duty we have undertaken
to serve.

GROVER CLEVELAND.


[Footnote 23: See pp. 439, 531-532.]

[Footnote 24: See p. 477.]

[Footnote 25: See p. 624.]

[Footnote 26: See pp. 561-565.]

[Footnote 27: See pp. 567-568.]



SPECIAL MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 17, 1895_.

_To the Congress_:

In my annual message addressed to the Congress on the 3d instant I
called attention to the pending boundary controversy between Great
Britain and the Republic of Venezuela and recited the substance of a
representation made by this Government to Her Britannic Majesty's
Government suggesting reasons why such dispute should be submitted to
arbitration for settlement and inquiring whether it would be so
submitted.[28]

The answer of the British Government, which was then awaited, has since
been received, and, together with the dispatch to which it is a reply,
is hereto appended.

Such reply is embodied in two communications addressed by the British
prime minister to Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British ambassador at this
capital. It will be seen that one of these communications is devoted
exclusively to observations upon the Monroe doctrine, and claims that
in the present instance a new and strange extension and development
of this doctrine is insisted on by the United States; that the reasons
justifying an appeal to the doctrine enunciated by President Monroe are
generally inapplicable "to the state of things in which we live at the
present day," and especially inapplicable to a controversy involving the
boundary line between Great Britain and Venezuela.

Without attempting extended argument in reply to these positions, it may
not be amiss to suggest that the doctrine upon which we stand is strong
and sound, because its enforcement is important to our peace and safety
as a nation and is essential to the integrity of our free institutions
and the tranquil maintenance of our distinctive form of government. It
was intended to apply to every stage of our national life and can not
become obsolete while our Republic endures. If the balance of power is
justly a cause for jealous anxiety among the Governments of the Old
World and a subject for our absolute noninterference, none the less is
an observance of the Monroe doctrine of vital concern to our people and
their Government.

Assuming, therefore, that we may properly insist upon this doctrine
without regard to "the state of things in which we live" or any changed
conditions here or elsewhere, it is not apparent why its application may
not be invoked in the present controversy.

If a European power by an extension of its boundaries takes possession
of the territory of one of our neighboring Republics against its will
and in derogation of its rights, it is difficult to see why to that
extent such European power does not thereby attempt to extend its system
of government to that portion of this continent which is thus taken.
This is the precise action which President Monroe declared to be
"dangerous to our peace and safety," and it can make no difference
whether the European system is extended by an advance of frontier or
otherwise.

It is also suggested in the British reply that we should not seek to
apply the Monroe doctrine to the pending dispute because it does not
embody any principle of international law which "is founded on the
general consent of nations," and that "no statesman, however eminent,
and no nation, however powerful, are competent to insert into the code
of international law a novel principle which was never recognized before
and which has not since been accepted by the government of any other
country."

Practically the principle for which we contend has peculiar, if not
exclusive, relation to the United States. It may not have been admitted
in so many words to the code of international law, but since in
international councils every nation is entitled to the rights belonging
to it, if the enforcement of the Monroe doctrine is something we may
justly claim it has its place in the code of international law as
certainly and as securely as if it were specifically mentioned; and when
the United States is a suitor before the high tribunal that administers
international law the question to be determined is whether or not we
present claims which the justice of that code of law can find to be
right and valid.

The Monroe doctrine finds its recognition in those principles of
international law which are based upon the theory that every nation
shall have its rights protected and its just claims enforced.

Of course this Government is entirely confident that under the sanction
of this doctrine we have clear rights and undoubted claims. Nor is this
ignored in the British reply. The prime minister, while not admitting
that the Monroe doctrine is applicable to present conditions, states:

  In declaring that the United States would resist any such enterprise if
  it was contemplated, President Monroe adopted a policy which received
  the entire sympathy of the English Government of that date.


He further declares:

  Though the language of President Monroe is directed to the attainment
  of objects which most Englishmen would agree to be salutary, it is
  impossible to admit that they have been inscribed by any adequate
  authority in the code of international law.


Again he says:

  They [Her Majesty's Government] fully concur with the view which
  President Monroe apparently entertained, that any disturbance of the
  existing territorial distribution in that hemisphere by any fresh
  acquisitions on the part of any European State would be a highly
  inexpedient change.


In the belief that the doctrine for which we contend was clear and
definite, that it was founded upon substantial considerations and
involved our safety and welfare, that it was fully applicable to our
present conditions and to the state of the world's progress, and that
it was directly related to the pending controversy, and without any
conviction as to the final merits of the dispute, but anxious to learn
in a satisfactory and conclusive manner whether Great Britain sought
under a claim of boundary to extend her possessions on this continent
without right, or whether she merely sought possession of territory
fairly included within her lines of ownership, this Government proposed
to the Government of Great Britain a resort to arbitration as the proper
means of settling the question, to the end that a vexatious boundary
dispute between the two contestants might be determined and our exact
standing and relation in respect to the controversy might be made clear.

It will be seen from the correspondence herewith submitted that this
proposition has been declined by the British Government upon grounds
which in the circumstances seem to me to be far from satisfactory. It is
deeply disappointing that such an appeal, actuated by the most friendly
feelings toward both nations directly concerned, addressed to the sense
of justice and to the magnanimity of one of the great powers of the
world, and touching its relations to one comparatively weak and small,
should have produced no better results.

The course to be pursued by this Government in view of the present
condition does not appear to admit of serious doubt. Having labored
faithfully for many years to induce Great Britain to submit this dispute
to impartial arbitration, and having been now finally apprised of her
refusal to do so, nothing remains but to accept the situation, to
recognize its plain requirements, and deal with it accordingly. Great
Britain's present proposition has never thus far been regarded as
admissible by Venezuela, though any adjustment of the boundary which
that country may deem for her advantage and may enter into of her own
free will can not of course be objected to by the United States.

Assuming, however, that the attitude of Venezuela will remain unchanged,
the dispute has reached such a stage as to make it now incumbent upon
the United States to take measures to determine with sufficient
certainty for its justification what is the true divisional line between
the Republic of Venezuela and British Guiana. The inquiry to that end
should of course be conducted carefully and judicially, and due weight
should be given to all available evidence, records, and facts in support
of the claims of both parties.

In order that such an examination should be prosecuted in a thorough
and satisfactory manner, I suggest that the Congress make an adequate
appropriation for the expenses of a commission, to be appointed by the
Executive, who shall make the necessary investigation and report upon
the matter with the least possible delay. When such report is made and
accepted it will, in my opinion, be the duty of the United States to
resist by every means in its power, as a willful aggression upon its
rights and interests, the appropriation by Great Britain of any lands or
the exercise of governmental jurisdiction over any territory which after
investigation we have determined of right belongs to Venezuela.

In making these recommendations I am fully alive to the responsibility
incurred and keenly realize all the consequences that may follow.

I am, nevertheless, firm in my conviction that while it is a grievous
thing to contemplate the two great English-speaking peoples of the world
as being otherwise than friendly competitors in the onward march of
civilization and strenuous and worthy rivals in all the arts of peace,
there is no calamity which a great nation can invite which equals that
which follows a supine submission to wrong and injustice and the
consequent loss of national self-respect and honor, beneath which are
shielded and defended a people's safety and greatness.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 28: See p. 632.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 19, 1895_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant,
requesting the President, "if in his judgment not incompatible with the
public interest, to communicate to the Senate all information which has
been received by him or by the State Department in regard to injuries
inflicted upon the persons or property of American citizens in Turkey
and in regard to the condition of affairs there in reference to the
oppression or cruelties practiced upon the Armenian subjects of the
Turkish Government; also to inform the Senate whether all the American
consuls in the Turkish Empire are at their posts of duty, and, if not,
to state any circumstances which have interfered with the performance
of the duties of such consuls," I transmit herewith a report from the
Secretary of State.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 20, 1895_.

_To the Congress_:

In my last annual message the evils of our present financial system
were plainly pointed out and the causes and means of the depletion of
Government gold were explained. It was therein stated that after all the
efforts that had been made by the executive branch of the Government
to protect our gold reserve by the issuance of bonds amounting to more
than $162,000,000, such reserve then amounted to but little more than
$79,000,000; that about $16,000,000 had been withdrawn from such reserve
during the month next previous to the date of that message, and that
quite large withdrawals for shipment in the immediate future were
predicted.

The contingency then feared has reached us, and the withdrawals of gold
since the communication referred to and others that appear inevitable
threaten such a depletion in our Government gold reserve as brings us
face to face to the necessity of further action for its protection. This
condition is intensified by the prevalence in certain quarters of sudden
and unusual apprehension and timidity in business circles.

We are in the midst of another season of perplexity caused by our
dangerous and fatuous financial operations. These may be expected to
recur with certainty as long as there is no amendment in our financial
system. If in this particular instance our predicament is at all
influenced by a recent insistence upon the position we should occupy in
our relation to certain questions concerning our foreign policy, this
furnishes a signal and impressive warning that even the patriotic
sentiment of our people is not an adequate substitute for a sound
financial policy.

Of course there can be no doubt in any thoughtful mind as to the
complete solvency of our nation, nor can there be any just apprehension
that the American people will be satisfied with less than an honest
payment of our public obligations in the recognized money of the
world. We should not overlook the fact, however, that aroused fear
is unreasoning and must be taken into account in all efforts to avert
possible loss and the sacrifice of our people's interests.

The real and sensible cure for our recurring troubles can only be
effected by a complete change in our financial scheme. Pending that
the executive branch of the Government will not relax its efforts
nor abandon its determination to use every means within its reach
to maintain before the world American credit, nor will there be any
hesitation in exhibiting its confidence in the resources of our country
and the constant patriotism of our people.

In view, however, of the peculiar situation now confronting us,
I have ventured to herein express the earnest hope that the Congress,
in default of the inauguration of a better system of finance, will not
take a recess from its labors before it has by legislative enactment or
declaration done something not only to remind those apprehensive among
our own people that the resources of their Government and a scrupulous
regard for honest dealing afford a sure guaranty of unquestioned safety
and soundness, but to reassure the world that with these factors and the
patriotism of our citizens the ability and determination of our nation
to meet in any circumstances every obligation it incurs do not admit of
question.

I ask at the hands of the Congress such prompt aid as it alone has
the power to give to prevent in a time of fear and apprehension any
sacrifice of the people's interests and the public funds or the
impairment of our public credit in an effort by Executive action to
relieve the dangers of the present emergency.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, December 30, 1895_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st instant,
relative to the refusal of the Turkish Government to grant exequaturs to
the vice-consuls of the United States at Erzerum and Harpoot, I transmit
herewith a report from the Secretary of State.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 10, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the Senate resolution of December
18, 1895, addressed to the Secretary of State, a report of that officer,
with the accompanying correspondence, in relation to the arrest and
imprisonment of Victor Hugo McCord at Arequipa, Peru, requested by said
resolution.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 17, 1896_.

_To the Congress_:

I desire to invite attention to the necessity for prompt legislation
in order to remove the limitation of the time within which suits may be
brought by the Government to annul unlawful or unauthorized grants of
public lands.

By the act of March 3, 1887 (24 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 556), the
Secretary of the Interior is directed to adjust each of the railroad
land grants which may be unadjusted, and it is provided, if it shall
appear upon the completion of such adjustment or sooner that the lands
have been from any cause erroneously certified or patented by the United
States to or for the use of a company claiming under any of said grants,
it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Interior to demand a
reconveyance of the title to all lands so erroneously certified or
patented, and on failure of the company to make such reconveyance within
ninety days the Attorney-General is required to institute and prosecute
in the proper courts necessary proceedings to restore title to said
lands to the United States. The demands made under this act have been
numerous, and in some cases have resulted in the reinvestment of title
to the lands in the United States upon demand, but in most cases the
demand has been refused and suits have been necessary.

The work of adjustment has been unavoidably slow. The said act makes
provision for the reinstatement of entries erroneously canceled on
account of railroad withdrawals, and, upon certain conditions, provides
for the confirmation of titles derived by purchase from the companies
of lands shown to be excepted from the grants. It contemplates a
disposition of every tract, described by the granting act, situated
within the primary or granted limits; an inspection of each tract
certified or patented to the company within such limit, to determine
whether such certification or patenting was proper; the listing of those
tracts shown to be erroneously certified, and the determination for what
tracts lost to the grant indemnity is to be allowed.

It is necessary in making such an adjustment that all questions of
conflicting claims, either between settlers and the road or between two
roads the grants for which conflict or overlap, be finally disposed of,
so that a proper disposition of the land can be shown in the adjustment.
While adjustments have proceeded with the utmost rapidity consistent
with a due regard for the rights of the settlers, of the United States,
and the railroad companies, and while to this end the force of adjusters
has been largely augmented in the General Land Office, many of the
grants yet remain unadjusted.

In some of the grants, notably the corporation grants, the lack of
surveys up to the present time made the completion of the work
impossible.

Decisions rendered by the Interior Department in numerous conflicts
have been carried into the courts. The construction of the Interior
Department has generally been sustained when final determination has
been reached, but many of the cases are still pending in the courts,
not yet having been decided. Some of these cases, while involving
immediately the title to only one particular tract, will when decided
furnish a rule of construction to control the disposition of the title
to thousands of acres of other lands in the same situation. Until the
courts pass upon these questions final adjustments can not be made.

By section 8 of the act of March 3, 1891 (26 U.S. Statutes at Large, p.
1099), it is expressly enacted that suits by the United States to vacate
and annul any patent theretofore issued "shall only be brought within
five years from the passage of this act." This period of five years will
expire on the 3d of March, 1896. Of course no suit by the United States
to secure the cancellation of a patent in this class of cases after
that date would be effective. Indeed, it is now too late to initiate
proceedings looking to any such suit, inasmuch as demand has to be first
made on the company, and thereafter ninety days must be allowed for
compliance or refusal, in accordance with the provisions of the act of
March 3, 1887. Before the expiration of this period the statute would
bar the right of recovery by the Government, and the benefits of
anticipated favorable decisions of the courts would be lost so far as
they might determine the character and disposition of grants similar
to those directly involved in pending cases.

It will be readily seen that if this act of limitations is to remain on
the statute books the portion of the adjustment act referred to would be
rendered nugatory. Indeed, there would be but little use in continuing
the adjustment of many of the land grants, inasmuch as ascertained
rights of the United States or of settlers could not be enforced by law.

Legislation establishing limitations against the right of the Government
to sue is an innovation not entirely consistent with the general history
of the rights of the Government, for it has uniformly been held that
time did not bar the sovereign power from the assertion of a right.

The early adjudications of the Land Department construed the grants with
a degree of liberality toward the grantees which later decisions of the
courts and of the Department have not sustained. It seems clear that the
further progress of adjustments will develop facts and transactions in
connection with these land grants which ought to be the subjects of
legal examination and scrutiny before they are allowed to become final
and conclusive. The Government should not be prevented from going into
the courts to right wrongs perpetrated by its agents or any other
parties, and by which much of the public domain may be diverted from the
people at large to corporate uses.

In these circumstances it seems to me that the act of 1891 should be
so amended as not to apply to suits brought to recover title to lands
certified or patented on account of railroad or other grants; and
I respectfully urge upon Congress speedy action to the end suggested,
so that the adjustment of these grants may proceed without the
interposition of a bar, through lapse of time, against the right of
recovery by the Government in proper cases.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 20, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In response to the resolution of the House of Representatives of
December 28, 1895, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of
State and accompanying papers, relating to certain speeches made by
Thomas F. Bayard, ambassador of the United States to Great Britain.

In response to that part of said resolution which requests information
as to the action taken by the President concerning the speeches therein
referred to, I reply that no action has been taken thereon by the
President except such as is indicated in the report and correspondence
herewith submitted.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 22, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, in compliance with the resolution of the House of
Representatives of December 28, 1895, a report from the Secretary of
State, with copies of all the correspondence of record in the Department
of State in relation to the schooner _Henry Crosby_, fired upon
while at anchor at Azua, Santo Domingo, December 10, 1893.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 22, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution adopted by the Senate on December 16,
1895, respecting what action had been taken in regard to the payment of
the appropriation for the bounty on sugar contained in the sundry civil
bill approved March 2, 1895, I herewith transmit a communication
received from the Secretary of the Treasury, which contains all the
information I have upon the subject.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 23, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to a
resolution of the Senate of the 16th instant, requesting information in
regard to the treatment of naturalized citizens of the United States of
Armenian origin, and their families, by the Turkish Government.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 27, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with copies of
all correspondence of record relating to the failure of the scheme for
the colonization of negroes in Mexico, necessitating their return to
their home in Alabama.

I referred to this matter in my message to Congress at the beginning of
the present session, and for the reasons then given[29] I again urge the
propriety of making an appropriation to cover the cost of transportation
furnished by the railroad companies.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 29: See p. 634.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 30, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
accompanying the reports of the consuls of the United States on trade
and commerce. In view of the evident value of this compilation to our
business interests, I indorse the recommendation of the Secretary that
Congress authorize the printing of a special edition of 10,000 copies
of the General Summary of the Commerce of the World for distribution
by the Department of State, and of 2,500 copies of Commercial Relations
(including this summary) to enable the Department to meet the increasing
demand for commercial information.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 3, 1896_.

_To the Congress_:

In my last annual message allusion was made to the lawless killing of
certain Italian laborers in the State of Colorado,[30] and it was added
that "the dependent families of some of the unfortunate victims invite
by their deplorable condition gracious provision for their needs."

It now appears that in addition to three of these laborers who were
riotously killed two others, who escaped death by flight, incurred
pitiable disabilities through exposure and privation.

Without discussing the question of the liability of the United States
for these results, either by reason of treaty obligations or under the
general rules of international law, I venture to urge upon the Congress
the propriety of making from the public Treasury prompt and reasonable
pecuniary provision for those injured and for the families of those who
were killed.

To aid in the consideration of the subject I append hereto a report of
the Secretary of State, accompanied by certain correspondence which
quite fully presents all the features of the several cases.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 30: See p. 633.]



_To the House of Representatives_:

Pursuant to the request made in a House resolution passed on the 30th
day of January, 1896, I herewith transmit the report, with accompanying
maps and exhibits, of the board of engineers under the provisions of
chapter 189 of laws of 1895, for the purpose of ascertaining the
feasibility, permanence, and cost of the construction and completion of
the Nicaragua Canal by the route contemplated and provided for by the
act which passed the Senate January 28, 1895, entitled "An act to amend
an act entitled 'An act to incorporate the Maritime Canal Company of
Nicaragua,' approved February 20, 1889."

GROVER CLEVELAND.

FEBRUARY 7, 1896.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 10, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of
December 18, 1895, a report by the Secretary of State, accompanied by
copies of correspondence touching the establishment or attempted
establishment of post routes by Great Britain or the Dominion of Canada
over or upon United States territory in Alaska; also as to the
occupation or attempted occupation by any means of any portion of that
territory by the military or civil authorities of Great Britain or of
Canada.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 10, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate with a view
to its ratification, a convention signed at Washington the 8th instant
between the Governments of the United States of America and of Her
Britannic Majesty, providing for the settlement of the claims presented
by Great Britain against the United States in virtue of the convention
of February 29, 1892, and of the findings of the Paris Tribunal of
Arbitration pursuant to article 8 of said convention, as well as of
the additional claims specified in paragraph 5 of the preamble of the
present convention.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 11, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of
December 9, 1895, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by
copies of correspondence and other papers in regard to the case of John
L. Waller, a citizen of the United States, at present in the custody of
the French Government.

It will be seen upon examination, as would of course be expected, that
there is a slight conflict of evidence upon some of the features of Mr.
Waller's case. Nevertheless, upon a fair and just consideration of all
the facts and circumstances as presented, and especially in view of Mr.
Waller's own letters, the conclusions set forth in the report of the
Secretary of State do not appear to admit of any reasonable doubt nor to
leave open to the Executive any other course of action than that adopted
and acted upon as therein stated.

It is expected that Mr. Waller's release from imprisonment will be
immediately forthcoming.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[A similar message was sent to the House of Representatives in answer to
a resolution of that body of December 28, 1895.]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 11, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In response to the resolution of the House of Representatives of
December 28 last, as follows--

  _Resolved_, That the Secretary of State be directed to communicate
  to the House of Representatives, if not inconsistent with the public
  interests, copies of all correspondence relating to affairs in Cuba
  since February last--


I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State and such
portions of the correspondence requested as I deem it not inconsistent
with the public interests to communicate.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 14, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of January 7, 1896,
I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with an
accompanying report of the special agent of the United States sent
to the Fiji Islands to investigate the claims of B.H. Henry and other
American citizens for compensation for certain lands alleged to have
been owned by them and claimed to have been appropriated by the British
Government.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 14, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit, with the accompanying papers, a report from the Secretary
of State, answering the resolution of the Senate of January 16, 1896,
addressed to him, calling for information concerning the claims against
Peru of Thomas W. Sparrow, N.B. Noland, and others, members of the
commission known as the Hydrographic Commission of the Amazon, employed
by the Government of Peru, for compensation for their services on said
commission.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 14, 1896_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, a communication
from the Secretary of State, covering the report of the Director of the
Bureau of the American Republics for the year 1895.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 14, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, in compliance with the resolution of the House of
Representatives of February 1, 1896, a report from the Secretary of
State, with copies of the correspondence of record in the Department of
State in relation to the exclusion of life-insurance companies of the
United States from transacting business in Germany.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 18, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, the
Senate concurring, I return herewith Senate bill 879, entitled "An act
to amend an act entitled 'An act to grant to the Gainesville, McAlester
and St. Louis Railroad Company a right of way through the Indian
Territory.'"

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 28, 1896_.

_To the Senate:_

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolutions of the Senate of the
18th and 19th instant, a report of the Secretary of State, in regard to
the claim of A.H. Lazare against the Government of Hayti.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 9, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the
24th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, in relation to the
claim of the legal representatives of Lieutenant George C. Foulke
against the Government of the United States.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 9, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the Senate's resolution of February
6, 1896, addressed to the Secretary of State, copies, in translation, of
the decrees or orders of the Governments of Germany, France, Belgium,
and Denmark placing restrictions upon the importation of certain
American products.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 13, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of
March 2, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by copies of
correspondence touching the arrest in Havana of Marcus E. Rodriguez,
Luis Someillau y Azpeitia, and Luis Someillau y Vidal, citizens of the
United States.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 13, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In response to the resolution of the House of Representatives of
February 13, 1896, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and
accompanying papers, relating to the claim of Bernard Campbell against
the Government of Hayti.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 14, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with a resolution of the Senate, the House of
Representatives concurring, I return herewith the enrolled joint
resolution (S.R. 116) authorizing the Public Printer to print the Annual
Report of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey in quarto form and
to bind it in one volume.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 15, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of March 24, 1896, requesting that the
Senate be furnished with the correspondence of the Department of State
between November 5, 1875, and the date of the pacification of Cuba in
1878 relating to the subject of mediation or intervention by the United
States in the affairs of that island, I transmit a report from the
Secretary of State, forwarding such papers as seem to be called for by
the resolution in question.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, April 30, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the House of
Representatives of the 9th instant, addressed to the Secretary of State,
a report of that officer, accompanied by copies of the correspondence in
regard to the imprisonment of Mrs. Florence E. Maybrick.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 16, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the Senate dated
the 9th instant and addressed to the Secretary of State, a report of
that officer, accompanied by copies of printed documents containing the
information desired respecting the historical archives deposited in the
Department of State.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, May 23, 1896_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the
16th instant, a report of the Secretary of State, to which are attached
copies in English and Spanish of the original text of a protocol
executed January 12, 1877, between the minister plenipotentiary of the
United States of America to the Court of Spain and the minister of state
of His Majesty the King of Spain.

It being, in my judgment, incompatible with the public service, I am
constrained to refrain from communicating to the Senate at this time
copies of the correspondence described in the third paragraph of said
resolution.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 28, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the
27th instant, the Senate concurring, I return herewith the bill (H.R.
5731) entitled "An act to regulate the practice of medicine and surgery,
to license physicians and surgeons, and to punish persons violating the
provisions thereof in the District of Columbia."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 3, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the
2d instant, the Senate concurring, I return herewith the bill (H.R.
3279) entitled "An act to authorize the reassessment of water-main taxes
or assessments in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 8, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, in answer to the
resolution of the Senate of May 9, 1896, directing that "the Secretary
of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, the
Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of
Agriculture, the Postmaster-General, and the Attorney-General cause a
careful and thorough inquiry to be made regarding the number of aliens
employed in their respective Departments, and to communicate the result
of said inquiry to the Senate at the earliest practicable day."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



VETO MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 28, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without my approval House bill No. 2769, entitled
"An act to authorize the leasing of lands for educational purposes
in Arizona."

This bill provides for the leasing of all the public lands reserved to
the Territory of Arizona for the benefit of its universities and
schools, "under such laws and regulations as may be hereafter prescribed
by the legislature of said Territory."

If the proposed legislation granted no further authority than this,
it would, in terms at least, recognize the safety and propriety of
leaving the desirability of leasing these lands and the limitations
and safeguards regulating such leasing to be determined by the local
legislature chosen by the people to make their laws and protect their
interests.

Instead of stopping here, however, the bill further provides that until
such legislative action the governor, the secretary of the Territory,
and the superintendent of public instruction shall constitute a board
for the leasing of said lands under the rules and regulations heretofore
prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior. It is specifically declared
that it shall not be necessary to submit said leases to the Secretary of
the Interior for approval, and that no leases shall be made for a longer
term than five years nor for a term extending beyond the date of the
admission of the Territory to statehood.

Under these provisions the lands reserved for university and school
purposes, whose value largely depends upon their standing timber, and in
which every citizen of the Territory has a deep interest, may be leased
and denuded of their timber by officers none of whom have been chosen by
the people, and without the sanction of any law or regulation made by
their representatives in the local legislature. Even the measure of
protection which would be afforded the citizens of the Territory by a
submission to the Secretary of the Interior of the leases proposed, and
thus giving him an opportunity to ascertain whether or not they comply
with his regulations, is especially withheld.

It was hardly necessary to provide in this bill that these lands
might be leased "under such laws and regulations as may be hereafter
prescribed by the legislature of said Territory" if the action of the
legislature was to be forestalled and rendered nugatory by the immediate
and unrestrained action of the officers constituted "a board for the
leasing of said lands" pending such legislative consideration. These
are inconsistencies which are not satisfactorily accounted for by the
suggestion that the time that would elapse before the legislature could
consider the subject would be important.

The protests I have received from numerous and influential citizens of
the Territory indicate considerable opposition to this bill among those
interested in the preservation and proper management of these school
lands.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 21, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith return without my approval Senate bill No. 894, entitled
"An act granting a pension to Nancy G. Allabach."

This bill provides for the payment of a pension of $30 a month to the
beneficiary named as the widow of Peter H. Allabach.

This soldier served for nine months in the Army during the War of the
Rebellion, having also served in the war with Mexico.

He was mustered out of his last service on the 23d day of May, 1863,
and died on the 11th of February, 1892.

During his life he made no application for pension on account of
disabilities. It is not now claimed that he was in the least disabled as
an incident of his military service, nor is it alleged that his death,
which occurred nearly twenty-nine years after his discharge from the
Army, was in any degree related to such service.

His widow was pensioned after his death under the statute allowing
pensions to widows of soldiers of the Mexican War without reference to
the cause of the death of their husbands. Her case is also, indirectly,
one of those provided for by the general act passed in 1890, commonly
called the dependent-pension law.

It is proposed, however, by the special act under consideration to give
this widow a pension of $30 a month without the least suggestion of the
death or disability of her husband having been caused by his military
service, and solely, as far as is discoverable, upon the ground that she
is poor and needs the money.

This condition is precisely covered by existing general laws; and if a
precedent is to be established by the special legislation proposed, I do
not see how the same relief as is contained in this bill can be denied
to the many thousand widows who in a similar situation are now on the
pension rolls under general laws.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 21, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 249, entitled
"An act granting a pension to Charles E. Jones."

The beneficiary named in this bill was a photographer who accompanied
one of the regiments of the Union Army in the War of the Rebellion. He
was injured, apparently not very seriously, while taking photographs and
when no battle was in actual progress. He was not enlisted, and was in
no manner in the military service of the United States.

Aside from the question as to whether his present sad condition is
attributable to the injury mentioned, it seems to me the extension of
pension relief to such cases would open the door to legislation hard to
justify and impossible to restrain from abuse.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _April 25, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without my approval House bill No. 1094, entitled
"An act granting a pension to Francis E. Hoover."

It is proposed by this bill to grant a pension of $50 a month to the
beneficiary named, who served as a private for about one year and nine
months in the Union Army during the War of the Rebellion.

I do not understand it is claimed in any quarter that the present
helpless condition of this soldier is at all attributable to his army
service.

He himself never applied for a pension until after the passage of the
law of 1890, providing for a pension for those who had served in the
Army and are unable to maintain themselves by manual labor on account of
disability not chargeable to army service. The committee of the House of
Representatives in reporting this bill declare: "The testimony does not
show the disease of the soldier to be of service origin."

The beneficiary is now receiving the largest pension permitted under the
law of 1890.

His condition may well excite our sympathy, but to grant him a pension
of $50 a month without the least suggestion that his pitiable disability
is related to his army service, and in view of the fact that he is now
receiving the highest pension allowed by a general law enacted to
expressly meet such cases, it seems to me would result in an unfair
discrimination as against many thousand worthy soldiers similarly
situated, and would invite applications which, while difficult to refuse
in the face of such a precedent, must certainly lead to the breaking
down of all the limitations and restrictions provided by our laws
regulating pensions.

The value of pension legislation depends as much upon fairness and
justice in its administration as it does upon its liberality and
generosity.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 19, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 1139, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Caroline D. Mowatt."

The beneficiary mentioned in this bill was married in 1858 to Alfred B.
Soule, who served as major of a Maine regiment of volunteers in the War
of the Rebellion from September 10, 1862, to July 15, 1863, when he was
mustered out of the service. He died in February, 1864, and in 1866 a
pension was granted to the beneficiary as his widow at the rate of $25 a
month, dating from the time of her husband's death, two years before.

The widow continued to receive the pension allowed her until June 17,
1869, when She was married to Henry T. Mowatt, which under the law
terminated her pensionable right. It appears, however, that a small
pension was allowed two minor children of the soldier at the time of
their mother's remarriage, which continued until 1876, more than seven
years after such remarriage, when the youngest of said children became
16 years of age.

In 1878, nine years after he became the second husband of the
beneficiary, Henry T. Mowatt died.

Though twenty-seven years have passed since the beneficiary ceased to
be the widow of the deceased soldier, and though she has been the widow
of Henry T. Mowatt for eighteen years, it is proposed by the bill under
consideration to again place her name upon the pension roll "as widow
of Alfred B. Soule, late major of the Twenty-third Regiment Maine
Volunteers."

Of course the propriety of the law which terminates the pension of a
soldier's widow upon her remarriage will not be questioned. I suppose no
one would suggest the renewal of such pension during the lifetime of her
second husband. Her pensionable relation to the Government as the widow
of her deceased soldier husband, under any reasonable pension theory,
absolutely terminated with her remarriage.

If she is to be again pensioned because her second husband does not
survive her, the transaction has more the complexion of an adjustment
of a governmental insurance on the life of the second husband than the
allowance of a pension on just and reasonable grounds.

Legislation of this description is sure to establish a precedent which
it will be difficult to disclaim, and which if followed can not fail to
lead to abuse.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 20, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 577, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Lydia A. Taft."

In 1858 the beneficiary named in this bill became the wife of Lowell
Taft, who afterwards enlisted in the Union Army as a private in a
Connecticut regiment and served from August, 1862, until June, 1865.
The records of the War Department show that he was captured by the
enemy June 15, 1863, and paroled July 14, 1863.

No application for a pension was ever made by him, though he lived until
1891, when he died at a soldiers' home in Connecticut.

No suggestion is made that he incurred any disability in the service or
that his death was in any manner related to such service.

In 1882, nearly twenty-four years after her marriage to the soldier
and seventeen years after his discharge from the Army, the beneficiary
obtained a divorce from him upon the grounds of habitual drunkenness
and failure to afford her a support.

It is now proposed, five years after the soldier's death, to pension as
his widow the wife who was divorced from him at her own instance
fourteen years ago.

A government's generous care for widows deprived of a husband's support
and companionship by the casualties or disabilities of war rests upon
grounds which all must cheerfully approve; but it is difficult to place
upon these grounds the case of this proposed beneficiary, who has
renounced a wife's relation, with all its duties and all its rights, and
who by her own act placed herself beyond the possibility of becoming the
widow of her soldier husband.

If, as stated in the report of the House committee on this bill, the
beneficiary for some reason contributed something toward the soldier's
support after her divorce and paid the expense of his burial, the fact
still remains that this soldier died in a soldiers' home wifeless and
leaving no one surviving who, claiming to be his widow, should be
allowed to profit by his death.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 21, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 1185, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Rachel Patton."

John H. Patton, the husband of the beneficiary, was a captain in an
Illinois regiment, and was killed in action June 25, 1863.

In December, 1863, the beneficiary was pensioned as his widow at the
rate of $20 a month.

She received this pension for thirteen years and until 1876, when she
married one William G. Culbertson. Thereupon, because of such marriage,
her name was dropped from the pension rolls, pursuant to law.

In 1889, thirteen years after her remarriage and the termination of her
pension, she procured a decree of divorce against her second husband on
the ground of desertion.

She has a small income, but it does not appear that alimony was allowed
her in the divorce proceedings.

It is proposed by this bill to pension her at the same rate which was
allowed her while she remained the widow of the deceased soldier.

It can not be denied that the remarriage of this beneficiary terminated
her pensionable relation to the Government as completely as if it never
existed. The statute which so provides simply declares what is approved
by a fair and sensible consideration of pension principles. As a legal
proposition, the pensionable status of a soldier's widow, lost by her
remarriage, can not be recovered by the dissolution of the second
marriage. Waiving, however, the application of strictly legal principles
to the subject, there does not appear to be any sentiment which should
restore to the pension rolls as the widow of a deceased soldier a
divorced wife who has relinquished the title of soldier's widow to again
become a wife, and who to secure the expected advantages and comforts of
a second marriage has been quite willing to forego the provision which
was made for her by the Government solely on the grounds of her soldier
widowhood.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 23, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 4804, entitled "An act
to amend subdivision 10 of section 2238 of the Revised Statutes of the
United States."

The subdivision of the section of the law proposed to be amended by
this bill has reference to the fees allowed receivers and registers at
public-land offices. This subdivision now reads as follows:

  Tenth. Registers and receivers are allowed jointly at the rate of 15
  cents per hundred words for testimony reduced by them to writing for
  claimants in establishing preemption and homestead rights.


The bill under consideration so amends this subdivision that in the
first clause a compensation of 10 cents per hundred words is allowed
to the registers and receivers for reducing to writing the testimony
of claimants "in all cases," instead of 15 cents per hundred words for
reducing to writing testimony "in establishing preemption and homestead
rights," as provided in the old law.

Whether this reduction of fees preserves an adequate and just
compensation to the officers affected I suppose has been duly considered
by the Congress.

The bill, however, after providing for this change in compensation,
contains the following words:

  And in all cases where they [the registers and receivers] can secure a
  competent person to reduce the testimony to writing for a sum less per
  folio than the sum herein prescribed it shall be their duty to do so.


By the addition of these words the bill seems to give certain fees by
way of official compensation to the officers named for certain services
to be performed by them and at the same time to provide that if they can
secure other persons willing to perform these services for a less sum
than the amount allowed to them they shall forego their fees in favor of
such persons.

It is very important that the fees and perquisites of public officers
should be definitely and clearly fixed, so that the official may know
precisely the items of his lawful compensation and the people be
protected from extortion and imposition.

A public officer ought not to be expected to search very industriously
for a person to underbid him for official work, and if such a person
appeared the temptation to combination and conspiracy would in many
cases lead to abuse.

It will be observed that the officers are not given by this amendment
the option to do this work themselves at 10 cents per folio or secure a
competent person to do it at a less rate, nor, if they desire, are they
allowed to compete with those willing to accept a less compensation.
They may charge a fixed rate for the service if performed by them, but
in any event if they can procure another party to perform the services
for a less sum they must do so.

I am convinced that this bill in its present form, perhaps through
unfortunate phraseology, if it became a law would lead to confusion and
uncertainty and would invite practices against which the public service
ought to be carefully guarded.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 26, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 7161, entitled "An act
for the relief of Benjamin F. Jones."

This bill directs the payment to the beneficiary, late postmaster
at Beauregard, Miss., or to his order, of the sum of $50, in full
compensation for services and expenses in carrying and distributing
the mails between Wesson and Beauregard, in the State of Mississippi,
in 1883.

It appears from the report of the House committee recommending the
passage of this bill that on April 22, 1883, while Mr. Jones was
postmaster at Beauregard, a cyclone destroyed every building in the
place, including that in which the post-office was kept; that in
consequence of this disaster the mails for Beauregard were for a period
of thirty-five days, and until May 27, 1883, deposited at Wesson, 1 mile
distant; that during that time it became necessary to transport such
mails from Wesson to Beauregard, and that the postmaster caused this to
be done, at an expense of $97.

A report from the Postmaster-General discloses the fact that this claim
was presented to the Department in 1884 and was rejected on the ground
that if the service was performed as alleged it was not authorized or
directed by the Department.

In 1885 a suit was instituted against this postmaster and his sureties
for a balance due the Government from him on his official accounts for
the quarter ending June 30, 1883.

It will be observed that this quarter covered the period within which
the alleged services were performed.

In the suit referred to a judgment was recovered by the Government
against the postmaster for $190.45, being the balance found due from
him. This judgment still remains unpaid.

In this condition of affairs it is quite plain that in fairness and
justice no appropriation should be made in favor of the claimant.

It is the opinion of the Auditor of the Post-Office Department that even
if this bill becomes a law payment of the money appropriated should be
withheld under a section of the Revised Statutes which provides:

  No money shall be paid to any person for his compensation who is in
  arrears to the United States until he has accounted for and paid into
  the Treasury all sums for which he may be liable.


GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 29, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without approval House bill No. 7977, entitled "An act
making appropriations for the construction, repair, and preservation of
certain public works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes."

There are 417 items of appropriation contained in this bill, and every
part of the country is represented in the distribution of its favors.

It directly appropriates or provides for the immediate expenditure of
nearly $14,000,000 for river and harbor work. This sum is in addition to
appropriations contained in another bill for similar purposes amounting
to a little more than $3,000,000, which have already been favorably
considered at the present session of Congress.

The result is that the contemplated immediate expenditures for the
objects mentioned amount to about $17,000,000.

A more startling feature of this bill is its authorization of contracts
for river and harbor work amounting to more than $62,000,000. Though the
payments on these contracts are in most cases so distributed that they
are to be met by future appropriations, more than $3,000,000 on their
account are included in the direct appropriations above mentioned. Of
the remainder, nearly $20,000,000 will fall due during the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1898, and amounts somewhat less in the years immediately
succeeding. A few contracts of a like character authorized under
previous statutes are still outstanding, and to meet payments on these
more than $4,000,000 must be appropriated in the immediate future.

If, therefore, this bill becomes a law, the obligations which will be
imposed on the Government, together with the appropriations made for
immediate expenditure on account of rivers and harbors, will amount to
about $80,000,000. Nor is this all. The bill directs numerous surveys
and examinations which contemplate new work and further contracts and
which portend largely increased expenditures and obligations.

There is no ground to hope that in the face of persistent and growing
demands the aggregate of appropriations for the smaller schemes, not
covered by contracts, will be reduced or even remain stationary. For the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, such appropriations, together with the
installments on contracts which will fall due in that year, can hardly
be less than $30,000,000; and it may reasonably be apprehended that the
prevalent tendency toward increased expenditures of this sort and the
concealment which postponed payments afford for extravagance will
increase the burdens chargeable to this account in succeeding years.

In view of the obligation imposed upon me by the Constitution, it
seems to me quite clear that I only discharge a duty to our people when
I interpose my disapproval of the legislation proposed.

Many of the objects for which it appropriates public money are not
related to the public welfare, and many of them are palpably for the
benefit of limited localities or in aid of individual interests.

On the face of the bill it appears that not a few of these alleged
improvements have been so improvidently planned and prosecuted that
after an unwise expenditure of millions of dollars new experiments for
their accomplishment have been entered upon.

While those intrusted with the management of public funds in the
interest of all the people can hardly justify questionable expenditures
for public work by pleading the opinions of engineers or others as to
the practicability of such work, it appears that some of the projects
for which appropriations are proposed in this bill have been entered
upon without the approval or against the objections of the examining
engineers.

I learn from official sources that there are appropriations contained in
the bill to pay for work which private parties have actually agreed with
the Government to do in consideration of their occupancy of public
property.

Whatever items of doubtful propriety may have escaped observation or may
have been tolerated in previous Executive approvals of similar bills,
I am convinced that the bill now under consideration opens the way to
insidious and increasing abuses and is in itself so extravagant as to be
especially unsuited to these times of depressed business and resulting
disappointment in Government revenue. This consideration is emphasized
by the prospect that the public Treasury will be confronted with other
appropriations made at the present session of Congress amounting to more
than $500,000,000.

Individual economy and careful expenditure are sterling virtues
which lead to thrift and comfort. Economy and the exaction of clear
justification for the appropriation of public moneys by the servants
of the people are not only virtues, but solemn obligations.

To the extent that the appropriations contained in this bill are
instigated by private interests and promote local or individual projects
their allowance can not fail to stimulate a vicious paternalism and
encourage a sentiment among our people, already too prevalent, that
their attachment to our Government may properly rest upon the hope and
expectation of direct and especial favors and that the extent to which
they are realized may furnish an estimate of the value of governmental
care.

I believe no greater danger confronts us as a nation than the unhappy
decadence among our people of genuine and trustworthy love and affection
for our Government as the embodiment of the highest and best aspirations
of humanity, and not as the giver of gifts, and because its mission is
the enforcement of exact justice and equality, and not the allowance of
unfair favoritism.

I hope I may be permitted to suggest, at a time when the issue of
Government bonds to maintain the credit and financial standing of the
country is a subject of criticism, that the contracts provided for in
this bill would create obligations of the United States amounting to
$62,000,000 no less binding than its bonds for that sum.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 29, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 147, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Elvira Bachelder."

This bill provides for a pension to the beneficiary as dependent mother
of "J.K.P. Bachelder, late a private in Company D, Seventh New Hampshire
Volunteer Infantry."

On the merits of the case I am satisfied this mother deserves a pension.
I withhold my approval of the bill intended to grant her this relief
solely because I am advised that the law would be inoperative for the
reason that the deceased soldier never served in the Seventh New
Hampshire Infantry, and should have been described in the bill as a
member of Company D, First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 29, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 900, entitled "An act
to provide for the payment of the claim of William H. Mahoney."

This bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to receive and pay to
W.H. Mahoney, without the indorsement of N.A. Rogers, a certain bond
issued by the United States in 1861 for the sum of $500, such payment to
be made upon the giving by said Mahoney of a bond to hold harmless the
United States against repayment of said bond.

The bond mentioned is one of a large issue which was authorized under an
act passed March 2, 1861, and known as Oregon war-debt bonds. They were
made payable in 1881.

In 1864 an act was passed directing the Secretary of the Treasury to
issue or cause to be issued to E.F. and Samuel A. Ward duplicates of
nineteen of these bonds, particularly described by their numbers and
otherwise. Among others are mentioned "Nos. 1352 to 1359, inclusive."
This of course includes the bond numbered 1358, which is directed to be
paid in the bill under consideration. Nothing can now be discovered to
indicate the occasion for the issuance of these duplicates, but from the
fact that a bond of indemnity was required it is inferred that they were
issued because of the loss or destruction of the original bonds.

Pursuant to this act a duplicate of the bond in question, among others,
was issued and made payable to the order of Thomas Pritchard, attorney,
who was the payee in the original bond.

In 1881 this duplicate was paid by the Treasury Department and is now in
possession of the Government. The indorsement of the payee, "Thomas
Pritchard, attorney," appears thereon and all other proper indorsements
to show title in the party to whom the payment was made.

The Government has therefore once paid the amount of this bond to the
party apparently entitled to it. If the beneficiary named in this bill
has a better right to the money, the Government, not being in default,
should be protected against double payment. I suppose to sustain a
claim upon the indemnity bond given when the duplicate was issued in
1864 we should be prepared to show that the second payment on the
original bond was made upon such a state of facts as compelled or at
least justified it. The passage of an act simply directing such payment
would alone not be sufficient. The bond directed to be given by this
bill would afford the Government no protection, since it only provides
against repayment of the bond in the future, whereas the payment we
should suffer from has already been made.

I suggest that an act be passed directing the Secretary of the Treasury
to investigate the entire subject with a view of determining to whom
this money should be paid, in a manner to bind, if possible, by the
results of the examination the party to whom it has already been paid,
and who should refund if another has a better right.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 30, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return without approval House bill No. 6037, entitled "An act granting
a pension to Mrs. Amanda Woodcock."

The bill provides for the granting of a pension to the beneficiary
therein named, describing her as the "widow of Robert Woodcock,
deceased, late a private in the Fourth United States Volunteer Infantry
in the Mexican War."

My action in this case is based upon the following statement concerning
the bill from the Pension Bureau:

  The bill, if approved, would be inoperative, inasmuch as there was
  no such organization in the Mexican War as named in the bill (Fourth
  United States Volunteer Infantry), and the service alleged by the
  soldier having been in the Fourth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry.


GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 30, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 4526, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Jonathan Scott."

This bill directs that the Secretary of the Interior place upon the
pension roll, at the rate of $72 per month, subject to the provisions
and limitations of the pension laws, the name of Jonathan Scott, late
of Company M, Sixth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Cavalry.

The beneficiary was dropped from the pension roll in October, 1895,
after a very thorough examination, for fraud, it appearing to the
satisfaction of the Pension Bureau that the disability for which he was
pensioned was not due to his army service. There certainly ought to be
a strong presumption that the case was fairly and justly determined by
the Bureau, and the evidence strongly tends to support the conclusion
reached. If restored to the rolls, such restoration would still be
"subject to the provisions and limitations of the pension laws," and he
would not be exempt from further investigation if circumstances or newly
developed facts justified such a course.

Whatever may be the merits of the case, however, I am advised by the
Pension Bureau that the bill, if it becomes a law in its present form,
would be inoperative for the reason that the beneficiary is therein
described as having been a member of the Sixth Regiment of Iowa
Volunteer Cavalry, whereas he actually served in the Fifth Regiment of
the Volunteer Cavalry of that State.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 1, 1896_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith return without approval Senate bill No. 149, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Helen M. Jacob."

The purpose of this bill is to grant a pension of $12 per month to
"Helen M. Jacob, of Rochester, Ind., widow of Benjamin Oden West."

It appears from the records of the War Department that Benjamin O. West
served in the Mexican War from January to November in the year 1847. The
beneficiary named in this bill was married to him in 1850, and he died
in 1856. She was pensioned as his widow, and received such pension from
the date of her husband's death until April 17, 1861. On that date she
was married to William W. Jacob, whereupon her pension ceased, but two
minor children were awarded pensions and continued in receipt of the
same until January, 1873, when the youngest child became 16 years of
age.

The entire absence of any fixed or reasonable principle or rule
regulating private pension legislation at this time suggests the danger
of its near approach in many cases to caprice and favoritism.

Though I have in a number of instances deferred to the judgment of
Congress and refrained from interposing objections to bills of this
character which seemed to me to be of doubtful merit, I am unwilling to
follow such a wide departure from a palpably just pension theory and
assent to the establishment of such an unfortunate precedent as this
bill involves.

There is no duty or obligation due from the Government to a soldier's
widow except it be worked out through the deceased soldier. She is
pensioned only because he served his country and because through his
death she as his wife has lost his support. In other words, she becomes
a beneficiary of the Government because she is a soldier's widow. When
she marries again, and thus displaces the memory of her soldier husband
and surrenders all that belongs to soldier widowhood, she certainly
ought not on the death of her second husband to be allowed to claim that
she is again the soldier's widow.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 6, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I hereby return without my approval House bill No. 8293, entitled "An
act making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the appropriations
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, and for prior years, and for
other purposes."

To the extent that the Constitution has devolved upon the President a
participation in legislation I suppose his action on bills presented to
him for approval involves a duty to be performed, like others pertaining
to his office, with care and circumspection and in full view of his
responsibility to the people and his obligation to subserve the public
welfare. It is difficult to understand why under the Constitution it
should be necessary to submit proposed legislation to Executive scrutiny
and approval except to invoke the exercise of Executive judgment and
invite independent Executive action.

The unpleasant incidents which accompany the use of the veto power would
tempt its avoidance if such a course did not involve an abandonment of
constitutional duty and an assent to legislation for which the Executive
is not willing to share the responsibility.

I regret that I am constrained to disapprove an important appropriation
bill so near the close of the present session of Congress. I have,
however, by immediate action after the receipt of the bill, endeavored
to delay as little as possible a reconsideration of this proposed
legislation, though I am thus obliged to content myself with a less
complete explanation of my objections than would otherwise be submitted.

This bill is in many of its features far removed from a legitimate
deficiency bill, and it contains a number of appropriations which seem
to me to be exceedingly questionable. Without noticing in detail many of
these items, I shall refer to two of them which, in my judgment, justify
my action in the premises.

The bill appropriates $1,027,314.09 for a partial payment upon claims
which originated in depredations upon our commerce by French cruisers
and vessels during the closing years of the last century. They have
become quite familiar to those having Congressional experience, as they
have been pressed for recognition and payment, with occasional intervals
of repose, for nearly one hundred years.

These claims are based upon the allegations that France, being at war
with England, seized and condemned many American vessels and cargoes in
violation of the rules of international law and treaty provisions and
contrary to the duty she owed to our country as a neutral power and to
our citizens; that by reason of these acts claims arose in favor of such
of our citizens as were demnified against the French nation, which
claims our Government attempted to enforce, and that in concluding a
treaty with France in the year 1800 these claims were abandoned or
relinquished in consideration of the relinquishment of certain claims
which France charged against us.

Upon these statements it is insisted by those interested that we as a
nation having reaped a benefit in our escape from these French demands
against us through the abandonment of the claims of our citizens against
France, the Government became equitably bound as between itself and its
citizens to pay the claims thus relinquished.

I do not understand it to be asserted that there exists any legal
liability against the Government on account of its relation to these
claims. At the term of the Supreme Court just finished the Chief
Justice, in an opinion concerning them and the action of Congress in
appropriating for their payment, said:

  We think that payments thus prescribed to be made were purposely
  brought within the category of payments by way of gratuity--payments
  of grace and not of right.


From the time the plan was conceived to charge the Government with
the payment of these claims they have abided in the atmosphere of
controversy. Every proposition presented in their support has been
stoutly disputed and every inference suggested in their favor has
been promptly challenged.

Thus, inasmuch as it must, I think, be conceded that if a state of war
existed between our country and France at the time these depredations
were committed our Government was not justified in claiming indemnity
for our citizens, it is asserted that we were at the time actually
engaged in war with the French nation. This position seems to be
sustained by an opinion of the Attorney-General of the United States
written in 1798 and by a number of decisions of the Supreme Court
delivered soon after that time.

We had certainly abrogated treaties with France, and our cruisers and
armed ships were roaming the seas capturing her vessels and property.

So, also, when it is asserted that the validity of these claims was
acknowledged in the treaty negotiations by the representatives of
France, their declarations to a contrary purport are exhibited.

And when it is alleged that the abandonment of these claims against
France was in consideration of great benefits to the Government, it is
as confidently alleged that they were in point of fact abandoned because
their enforcement was hopeless and that even if any benefit really
accrued to us by insistence upon their settlement in the course of
diplomatic negotiation such result gave no pretext for taxing the
Government with liability to the claimants.

Without noticing other considerations and contentions arising from the
alleged origin of these claims, a brief reference to their treatment in
the past and the development of their presentation may be useful and
pertinent.

It is, I believe, somewhat the fashion in interested quarters to speak
of the failure by the Government to pay these claims as such neglect
as amounts to repudiation and a denial of justice to citizens who have
suffered. Of course the original claimants have for years been beyond
the reach of relief; but as their descendants in each generation become
more numerous the volume of advocacy, importunity, and accusation
correspondingly increases. If injustice has been done in the refusal of
these claims, it began early in the present century and may be charged
against men then in public life more conversant than we can be with the
facts involved and whose honesty and sense of right ought to be secure
from suspicion.

As early as 1802 a committee of the House of Representatives reported
the facts connected with these claims, but apparently without
recommendation. No action was taken on the report. In 1803 a resolution
declaring that indemnity ought to be paid was negatived by a vote of the
same body. A favorable committee report was made in 1807, but it seems
that no legislative action resulted. In 1818 an adverse report was made
to the Senate, followed by the passage of a resolution declaring "that
the relief asked by the memorialists and petitioners ought not to be
granted." In 1822 and again in 1824 adverse committee reports on the
subject were made to the House, concluding with similar resolutions.

The presumption against these claims arising from such unfavorable
reports and resolutions and from the failure of Congress to provide for
their payment at a time so near the events upon which they are based can
not be destroyed by the interested cry of injustice and neglect of the
rights of our citizens.

Until 1846 these claims were from time to time pressed upon the
attention of Congress with varying fortunes, but never with favorable
legislative action. In that year, however, a bill was passed for their
ascertainment and satisfaction, and $5,000,000 were appropriated for
their payment. This bill was vetoed by President Polk,[31] who declared
that he could "perceive no legal or equitable ground upon which this
large appropriation can rest." This veto was sustained by the House of
Representatives.

Nine years afterwards, and in 1855, another bill was passed similar to
the one last mentioned, and appropriating for the settlement of these
claims a like sum of money. This bill was also vetoed,[32] President
Pierce concluding a thorough discussion of its demerits with these
words:

  In view of what has been said there would seem to be no ground on which
  to raise a liability of the United States, unless it be the assumption
  that the United States are to be considered the insurer and the
  guarantor of all claims, of whatever nature, which any individual
  citizen may have against a foreign nation.


This veto was also sustained by the House of Representatives.

I think it will be found that in all bills proposed in former times for
the payment of these claims the sum to be appropriated for that purpose
did not exceed $5,000,000. It is now estimated that those already passed
upon, with those still pending for examination in the Court of Claims,
may amount to $25,000,000. This indicates either that the actual
sufferers or those nearer to them in time and blood than the present
claimants underestimated their losses or that there has been a great
development in the manner of their presentation.

Notwithstanding persistent efforts to secure payment from the
Government and the importunity of those interested, no appropriation has
ever been made for that purpose except a little more than $1,300,000,
which was placed in the general deficiency bill in the very last hours
of the session of Congress on March 3, 1891.

In the long list of beneficiaries who are provided for in the bill now
before me on account of these claims 152 represent the owners of ships
and their cargoes and 186 those who lost as insurers of such vessels or
cargoes.

These insurers by the terms of their policies undertook and agreed
"to bear and take upon themselves all risks and perils of the sea,
men-of-war, fire, enemies, rovers, thieves, jettison, letters of mart
and counter mart, surprisals, takings at sea, arrests, restraints, and
detainments of all kings, princes, or people of what nation, condition,
or quality whatsoever."

The premiums received on these policies were large, and the losses
were precisely those within the contemplation of the insurers. It is
well known that the business of insurance is entered upon with the
expectation that the premiums received will pay all losses and yield a
profit to the insurance in addition; and yet, without any showing that
the business did not result in a profit to these insurance claimants,
it is proposed that the Government shall indemnify them against the
precise risks they undertook, notwithstanding the fact that the money
appropriated is not to be paid except "by way of gratuity--payments
as of grace and not of right."

The appropriations to indemnify against insurance losses rest upon
weaker grounds, it seems to me, than those of owners; but in the light
of all the facts and circumstances surrounding these spoliation claims,
as they are called, none of them, in my opinion, should be paid by the
Government.

Another item in this bill which seems to me especially objectionable is
an appropriation in favor of Charles P. Chouteau, survivor, etc., of
$174,445.75, in full satisfaction of all claims arising out of the
construction of the ironclad steam battery _Etlah_.

The contract for the construction of this battery was made by the
Government with Charles W. McCord during the war, and he was to be paid
therefor the sum of $386,000. He was paid this sum and $210,991 for
extras, and in May, 1866, gave his receipt in full. The assignee of
McCord in bankruptcy assigned to Chouteau and his associates in 1868
all claims of McCord against the United States for the precise extras
for which he had receipted in full two years before. Chouteau brought
suit in the Court of Claims for such extras and was defeated. I can not
gather from the facts I have been able to collect concerning this
appropriation that it is justified on any ground.

In 1890 my immediate predecessor vetoed a bill allowing the matter to be
examined again by the Court of Claims.[33]

If the additional payment proposed in this bill was made, the cost of
the battery in question would be almost double that of the contract
price.

I have determined to submit this incomplete presentation of my
objections to this bill at once in order that the Congress may act
thereon without embarrassment or the interruption of plans for an early
adjournment.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 31: See Vol. IV, pp. 466-469.]

[Footnote 32: See Vol. V, pp. 307-322.]

[Footnote 33: See p. 93]



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _June 10, 1896_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without my approval House bill No. 225, entitled "An
act to provide for the lease of Fort Omaha Military Reservation to the
State of Nebraska."

This bill authorizes and directs the Secretary of War, when Fort Crook,
near the city of Omaha, is ready for occupancy, to lease for a nominal
rent to the State of Nebraska the possession of Fort Omaha Military
Reservation, containing about 80 acres, with all the buildings,
appurtenances, and improvements thereof. It is declared that the lease
shall be conditional upon the use of said reservation by the State of
Nebraska as a place of rendezvous and school of instruction for the
National Guard of said State; that the State of Nebraska shall while it
is in possession of said reservation keep the buildings and improvements
thereon in as good condition and repair as at the date it shall enter
into possession thereof, and that at any time when, in the judgment of
the Secretary of War, the interests of the United States shall require
such action he shall take possession of said military reservation for
the use of the Government, together with all the buildings,
appurtenances, and improvements thereon.

On the 23d day of July, 1888, an act was passed authorizing the
Secretary of War to purchase suitable grounds, of not less than 640
acres in extent, to be situate within 10 miles of the city of Omaha, and
to construct the necessary buildings thereon for a ten-company military
post, to be known as Fort Omaha, and a necessary sum, not exceeding
$200,000, was appropriated to enable the Secretary of War to carry out
the provisions of said act.

The said act also authorized the Secretary of War, when the purchase of
the new site should be effected, to sell the military reservation known
as Fort Omaha and such of the buildings and improvements thereon as
could not be economically removed to the new site, and to cause the said
reservation, for the purposes of said sale, to be platted in blocks,
streets, and alleys, if in his judgment it would inure to the benefit of
the Government in making a sale of such site.

The new site provided for by this act has been purchased, a large sum of
money has been spent by the Government in preparing it for use, and I
understand it will soon be ready for occupancy. The authority to sell
the old site has not been exercised. This may be accounted for by the
fact that the Government has not thus far been able to dispense with its
use or because the depression in land values at Omaha has rendered it
unadvisable.

The authority to sell and to remove any of the buildings from the old
reservation to the new site still remains, however, unimpaired. In this
condition of affairs it is now proposed to lease this land and these
buildings to the State of Nebraska at a nominal rent, allowing the
Government to repossess it only "when the interests of the United States
shall require such action."

Of course it would be claimed that this language, in view of the
statute of 1888, should not be construed as permitting the Government to
retake the property for the purpose of selling it, because that is not
stipulated in the bill. For that reason it would be plausibly urged that
the lease was paramount to the power of sale contained in the law of
1888 and that the omission of any provision that possession might be
resumed for the purpose of sale plainly indicated that "the interests of
the United States" which allow such resumption contemplate some other
and different emergency.

As a practical question, we all know that transactions of this character
relating to Government property amount to a permanent alienation, or
certainly pave the way for an absolute grant.

I do not think there should be anything done with this valuable property
which will in the least embarrass the Government in its sale, and to
that extent reimbursing itself for the cost of the new military post,
which was plainly contemplated in the law of 1888.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



PROCLAMATIONS.


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas the Congress of the United States passed an act, which was
approved on the 16th day of July, 1894, entitled "An act to enable the
people of Utah to form a constitution and State government and to be
admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the original States,"
which act provided for the election of delegates to a constitutional
convention to meet at the seat of government of the Territory of Utah
on the first Monday in March, 1895, for the purpose of declaring the
adoption of the Constitution of the United States by the people of the
proposed State and forming a constitution and State government for such
State; and

Whereas delegates were accordingly elected, who met, organized, and
declared on behalf of the people of said proposed State their adoption
of the Constitution of the United States, all as provided in said act;
and

Whereas said convention, so organized, did, by ordinance irrevocable
without the consent of the United States and the people of said State,
as required by said act, provide that perfect toleration of religious
sentiment shall be secured and that no inhabitant of said State shall
ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of
religious worship, but that polygamous or plural marriages are forever
prohibited, and did also by said ordinance make the other various
stipulations recited in section 3 of said act; and

Whereas said convention thereupon formed a constitution and State
government for said proposed State, which constitution, including said
ordinance, was duly submitted to the people thereof at an election held
on the Tuesday next after the first Monday of November, 1895, as
directed by said act; and

Whereas the return of said election has been made and canvassed and the
result thereof certified to me, together with a statement of the votes
cast and a copy of said constitution and ordinance, all as provided in
said act, showing that a majority of the votes lawfully cast at such
election was for the ratification and adoption of said constitution and
ordinance; and

Whereas the constitution and government of said proposed State are
republican in form, said constitution is not repugnant to the
Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence,
and all the provisions of said act have been complied with in the
formation of said constitution and government:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States
of America, in accordance with the act of Congress aforesaid and by
authority thereof, announce the result of said election to be as so
certified and do hereby declare and proclaim that the terms and
conditions prescribed by the Congress of the United States to entitle
the State of Utah to admission into the Union have been duly complied
with and that the creation of said State and its admission into the
Union on an equal footing with the original States is now accomplished.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 4th day of January, A.D. 1896, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas it is provided by section 13 of the act of Congress of March 3,
1891, entitled "An act to amend Title LX, chapter 3, of the Revised
Statutes of the United States, relating to copyrights," that said act
"shall only apply to a citizen or subject of a foreign state or nation
when such foreign state or nation permits to citizens of the United
States of America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same
basis as its own citizens, or when such foreign state or nation is a
party to an international agreement which provides for reciprocity in
the granting of copyright, by the terms of which agreement the United
States of America may at its pleasure become a party to such agreement;"
and

Whereas it is also provided by said section that "the existence of
either of the conditions aforesaid shall be determined by the President
of the United States by proclamation made from time to time as the
purposes of this act may require;" and

Whereas satisfactory official assurances have been given that in the
United States of Mexico the law permits to citizens of the United States
of America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same basis as
to the citizens of that Republic:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do declare and proclaim that the first of the conditions
specified in section 13 of the act of March 3, 1891, now exists and is
fulfilled in respect to the citizens of the United States of Mexico.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of February, 1896, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas in a suit between the United States and the State of Texas
involving the title to and jurisdiction over all that territory lying
between the North and South forks of the Red River and the one hundredth
degree of longitude, known and styled as "Greer County, Tex.," the
Supreme Court of the United States has decided that the title to and
jurisdiction over said territory is vested in the United States; and

Whereas the Choctaw Nation claims that the title to these lands passed
to said nation by virtue of treaties with the United States and that the
title of said nation to said lands has not been extinguished, but that
said Choctaw Nation has a right and interest therein; and

Whereas it is claimed that divers persons settled upon said lands prior
to the 30th day of December, 1887, acting in good faith upon the belief
that the same belonged to and were subject to the jurisdiction of the
State of Texas and that Congress will be asked to extend to all such
settlers suitable relief:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the authority in me vested, not admitting in any wise the
validity of such claim on behalf of the Choctaw Nation, but for the
purpose of preserving the status of said lands intact until such time
as said claim of the Choctaw Nation thereto may be duly determined, and
that the settlers herein before referred to shall not be disturbed until
Congress shall have fully considered their claims for relief, do hereby
withdraw said lands from disposition under the public-land laws of the
United States and declare the same to be in a state of reservation until
such time as this order of withdrawal may be revoked; and I do further
warn and admonish all persons against entering upon said lands with a
view to occupying the same or settling thereon under the public-land
laws during the existence of this order.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 16th day of March, A.D. 1896, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


The following provisions of the laws of the United States are published
hereby for the information of all concerned:

Section 1956, Revised Statutes, chapter 3, Title XXIII, enacts that--

  No person shall kill any otter, mink, marten, sable, or fur seal, or
  other fur-bearing animal within the limits of Alaska Territory or in
  the waters thereof; and every person guilty thereof shall for each
  offense be fined not less than $200 nor more than $1,000, or imprisoned
  not more than six months, or both; and all vessels, their tackle,
  apparel, furniture, and cargo, found engaged in violation of this
  section shall be forfeited; but the Secretary of the Treasury shall
  have power to authorize the killing of any such mink, marten, sable, or
  other fur-bearing animal, except fur seals, under such regulations as
  he may prescribe; and it shall be the duty of the Secretary to prevent
  the killing of any fur seal and to provide for the execution of the
  provisions of this section until it is otherwise provided by law, nor
  shall he grant any special privileges under this section.


Section 3 of the act entitled "An act to provide for the protection of
the salmon fisheries of Alaska," approved March 2, 1889, provides--

  Sec. 3. That section 1956 of the Revised Statutes of the United States
  is hereby declared to include and apply to all the dominion of the
  United States in the waters of Bering Sea; and it shall be the duty of
  the President at a timely season in each year to issue his proclamation,
  and cause the same to be published for one month in at least one
  newspaper (if any such there be) published at each United States port of
  entry on the Pacific coast, warning all persons against entering said
  waters for the purpose of violating the provisions of said section;
  and he shall also cause one or more vessels of the United States to
  diligently cruise said waters and arrest all persons and seize all
  vessels found to be or to have been engaged in any violation of the
  laws of the United States therein.


The act entitled "An act to extend to the North Pacific Ocean the
provisions of the statutes for the protection of the fur seals and other
fur-bearing animals," approved February 21, 1893, provides--

  That whenever the Government of the United States shall conclude an
  effective international arrangement for the protection of fur seals
  in the North Pacific Ocean by agreement with any power or as a result
  of the decision of the Tribunal of Arbitration under the convention
  concluded between the United States and Great Britain February 29,
  1892, and so long as such arrangement shall continue, the provisions
  of section 1956 of the Revised Statutes and all other provisions of the
  statutes of the United States, so far as the same may be applicable,
  relative to the protection of fur seals and other fur-bearing animals
  within the limits of Alaska or in the waters thereof shall be extended
  to and over all that portion of the Pacific Ocean included in such
  international arrangement. Whenever an effective international
  arrangement is concluded as aforesaid it shall be the duty of the
  President to declare that fact by proclamation and to designate the
  portion of the Pacific Ocean to which it is applicable and that this
  act has become operative, and likewise when such arrangement ceases
  to declare that fact and that this act has become inoperative; and
  his proclamation in respect thereto shall be conclusive. During the
  extension as aforesaid of said laws for the protection of fur seals or
  other fur-bearing animals all violations thereof in said designated
  portion of the Pacific Ocean shall be held to be the same as if
  committed within the limits of Alaska or in the waters thereof, but
  they may be prosecuted either in the district court of Alaska or in
  any district court of the United States in California, Oregon, or
  Washington.


An arrangement having been made for the protection of fur seals as
a result of the decision of the Tribunal of Arbitration under the
convention concluded as aforesaid February 29, 1892, which prohibits
the killing of seals at any time within a radius of 60 miles around the
Pribilof Islands or during May, June, and July of each year in that
portion of the Pacific Ocean, inclusive of Bering Sea, situated to the
north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and eastward of the
one hundred and eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich until it
strikes the water boundary described in Article I of the treaty of 1867
between the United States and Russia, and following that line up to
Bering Strait:

Now, therefore, be it known that I, Grover Cleveland, President of the
United States of America, hereby declare that the said act of Congress
of February 21, 1893, has become operative; that in accordance therewith
section 1956 of the Revised Statutes is applicable to the waters above
mentioned, included in the award of the tribunal at Paris given under
the said convention of February 29, 1892, and that I have caused the
foregoing laws specially to be proclaimed to the end that their
provisions may be known and observed.

I hereby proclaim that every person guilty of a violation of the
provisions of said laws and of any other provisions of the statutes of
the United States, so far as the same may be applicable, relative to the
protection of fur-bearing animals within the limits of Alaska or in the
waters thereof will be arrested and punished as therein provided, and
all vessels so engaged, their tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo,
will be seized and forfeited.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 14th day of April, A.D. 1896, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas it is provided by section 13 of the act of Congress of March 3,
1891, entitled "An act to amend Title LX, chapter 3, of the Revised
Statutes of the United States, relating to copyrights," that said act
"shall only apply to a citizen or subject of a foreign state or nation
when such foreign state or nation permits to citizens of the United
States of America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same
basis as its own citizens, or when such foreign state or nation is a
party to an international agreement which provides for reciprocity in
the granting of copyright, by the terms of which agreement the United
States of America may at its pleasure become a party to such agreement;"
and

Whereas it is also provided by said section that "the existence of
either of the conditions aforesaid shall be determined by the President
of the United States by proclamation made from time to time as the
purposes of this act may require;" and

Whereas satisfactory official assurances have been given that in the
Republic of Chile the law permits to citizens of the United States of
America the benefit of copyright on substantially the same basis as to
the citizens of that Republic:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States
of America, do declare and proclaim that the first of the conditions
specified in section 13 of the act of March 3, 1891, now exists and
is fulfilled in respect to the citizens of the Republic of Chile.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of May, 1896, and of the
Independence of the United States the one hundred and twentieth.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
   _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas by a proclamation dated the 12th day of June, A.D. 1895,[34]
attention was called to the serious civil disturbances, accompanied by
armed resistance to the established Government of Spain, then prevailing
in the island of Cuba, and citizens of the United States and all other
persons were admonished to abstain from taking part in such disturbances
in contravention of the neutrality laws of the United States; and

Whereas said civil disturbances and armed resistance to the authority
of Spain, a power with which the United States are on terms of peace
and amity, continue to prevail in said island of Cuba; and

Whereas since the date of said proclamation said neutrality laws of the
United States have been the subject of authoritative exposition by the
judicial tribunal of last resort, and it has thus been declared that any
combination of persons organized in the United States for the purpose
of proceeding to and making war upon a foreign country with which the
United States are at peace, and provided with arms to be used for such
purpose, constitutes a "military expedition or enterprise" within the
meaning of said neutrality laws, and that the providing or preparing
of the means for such "military expedition or enterprise," which is
expressly prohibited by said laws, includes furnishing or aiding in
transportation for such "military expedition or enterprise;" and

Whereas, by express enactment, if two or more persons conspire to commit
an offense against the United States any act of one conspirator to
effect the object of such conspiracy renders all the conspirators liable
to fine and imprisonment; and

Whereas there is reason to believe that citizens of the United States
and others within their jurisdiction fail to apprehend the meaning and
operation of the neutrality laws of the United States as authoritatively
interpreted as aforesaid, and may be misled into participation in
transactions which are violations of said laws and will render them
liable to the severe penalties provided for such violations:

Now, therefore, that the laws above referred to, as judicially
construed, may be duly executed, that the international obligations of
the United States may be fully satisfied, and that their citizens and
all others within their jurisdiction, being seasonably apprised of their
legal duty in the premises, may abstain from disobedience to the laws
of the United States and thereby escape the forfeitures and penalties
legally consequent thereon, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United
States, do hereby solemnly warn all citizens of the United States and
all others within their jurisdiction against violations of the said
laws, interpreted as hereinbefore explained, and give notice that all
such violations will be vigorously prosecuted; and I do hereby invoke
the cooperation of all good citizens in the enforcement of said laws and
in the detection and apprehension of any offenders against the same, and
do hereby enjoin upon all the executive officers of the United States
the utmost diligence in preventing, prosecuting, and punishing any
infractions thereof.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed,

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of July, A.D. 1896, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 34: See pp. 591-592.]



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION.


The United States should never be unmindful of the gratitude they owe
the God of Nations for His watchful care, which has shielded them from
dire disaster and pointed out to them the way of peace and happiness.
Nor should they ever refuse to acknowledge with contrite hearts their
proneness to turn away from God's teachings and to follow with sinful
pride after their own devices.

To the end that these thoughts may be quickened it is fitting that on
a day especially appointed we should join together in approaching the
Throne of Grace with praise and supplication.

Therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, do
hereby designate and set apart Thursday, the 26th day of the present
month of November, to be kept and observed as a day of thanksgiving and
prayer throughout our land.

On that day let all our people forego their usual work and occupation,
and, assembled in their accustomed places of worship, let them with one
accord render thanks to the Ruler of the Universe for our preservation
as a nation and our deliverance from every threatened danger, for the
peace that has dwelt within our boundaries, for our defense against
disease and pestilence during the year that has passed, for the
plenteous rewards that have followed the labors of our husbandmen,
and for all the other blessings that have been vouchsafed to us.

And let us, through the mediation of Him who has taught us how to pray,
implore the forgiveness of our sins and a continuation of heavenly
favor.

Let us not forget on this day of thanksgiving the poor and needy, and by
deeds of charity let our offerings of praise be made more acceptable in
the sight of the Lord.

Witness my hand and the seal of the United States, which I have caused
to be hereto affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 4th day of November, A.D. 1896, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas on June 21, 1890, the President of the United States by
proclamation reserved certain lands in Juneau and Douglas City, Fort
Wrangell and Sitka, in the Territory of Alaska, for public buildings,
barracks, parade grounds, parks, wharves, coaling stations, etc., which
are fully set forth and particularly described in said proclamation; and

Whereas a treaty of cession was exchanged and proclaimed on June 20,
1867, whereby the Russian Empire ceded to the United States the
Territory of Alaska; and

Whereas said treaty, by Article II, provided, _inter alia_, that--

  It is, however, understood and agreed that the churches which have been
  built in the ceded territory by the Russian Government shall remain the
  property of such members of the Greek Oriental Church resident in the
  territory as may choose to worship therein.


And whereas there were included among the lands hereinbefore referred
to as reserved on June 21, 1890, certain lands in and about the town
of Sitka, in said Territory of Alaska, which are claimed by the Holy
Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Oriental Church, commonly styled the
Greco-Russian Church, and described in the said treaty as the Greek
Oriental Church:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby declare, proclaim,
and make known that the Executive order of June 21, 1890, making said
reservations of lands in the Territory of Alaska, therein particularly
described, is hereby modified, and said reservations are diminished so
that the following property, described in Inventory B attached to and
referred to in the protocol of transfer signed by the representatives of
Russia and the United States on October 26, 1867, and being in and about
the town of Sitka aforesaid, be excluded therefrom, to wit:

The Cathedral Church of St. Michael, built of timber, situated in the
center of the city.

The Church of Resurrection, of timber, commonly called the Kalochian
Church, situated near the battery number at the palisade separating the
city from the Indian village.

102. A double-storied timber building for bishop house, with
outbuildings, appurtenances, and grounds.

35. A timber house for church warden.

98. A timber house for the deacon.

104, 105, 114. Three timber houses, with their appurtenances and
outbuildings, for lodging of priests.

F, G, H, I. Four lots of ground belonging to the parsonages.

_a_ The place commemorative of the old church.

_b_ A tomb.

Three cemeteries, two outside palisades and one by the Church of the
Resurrection.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 14th day of November, in the year
1896, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

A PROCLAMATION.


Whereas by a proclamation of the President of the United States dated
January 26, 1888,[35] upon proof then appearing satisfactory that no
tonnage or light-house dues or any equivalent tax or taxes whatever
were imposed upon American vessels entering the ports of the Empire of
Germany, either by the Imperial Government or by the governments of the
German maritime States, and that vessels belonging to the United States
of America and their cargoes were not required in German ports to pay
any fee or due of any kind or nature or any import due higher or other
than was payable by German vessels or their cargoes in the United
States, the President did thereby declare and proclaim, from and after
the date of his said proclamation of January 26, 1888, the suspension
of the collection of the whole of the duty of 6 cents per ton, not to
exceed 30 cents per ton per annum, imposed upon vessels entered in
the ports of the United States from any of the ports of the Empire
of Germany by section 11 of the act of Congress approved June 19,
1886, entitled "An act to abolish certain fees for official services
to American vessels and to amend the laws relating to shipping
commissioners, seamen, and owners of vessels, and for other purposes;"
and

Whereas the President did further declare and proclaim in his
proclamation of January 26, 1888, that the said suspension should
continue so long as the reciprocal exemption of vessels belonging to
citizens of the United States and their cargoes should be continued in
the said ports of the Empire of Germany, and no longer; and

Whereas it now appears upon satisfactory proof that tonnage or
lighthouse dues or a tax or taxes equivalent thereto are in fact imposed
upon American vessels and their cargoes entered in German ports higher
and other than those imposed upon German vessels or their cargoes
entered in ports of the United States, so that said proclamation of
January 26, 1888, in its operation and effect contravenes the meaning
and intent of said section 11 of the act of Congress approved June 19,
1886:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the aforesaid section II of the act aforesaid,
as well as in pursuance of the terms of said proclamation itself, do
hereby revoke my said proclamation of January 26, 1888, suspending the
collection of the whole of the duty of 6 cents per ton, not to exceed 30
cents per ton per annum, which is imposed by the aforesaid section of
said act upon vessels entered in the ports of the United States from any
of the ports of the German Empire, this revocation of said proclamation
to take effect on and after the 2d day of January, 1897.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of December, A.D. 1896, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 35: See Vol. VIII, pp. 741-742.]



EXECUTIVE ORDERS.


AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 2, 1895_.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1, clause 8, is hereby amended by striking
from the list of places excepted from examination in the Department of
Labor statistical experts and temporary experts.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 2, 1895_.

So much of Executive orders heretofore issued under General Rule III,
section 2, clause (_c_), as provides for the appointment of special
agents in the Department of Labor by noncompetitive examination is
hereby revoked.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 18, 1896_.

Section 5 of Internal-Revenue Rule IV is hereby amended by adding at the
end of the first paragraph thereof the following:

  _And provided further_, That whenever an emergency shall arise
  requiring that a vacant position in any internal-revenue district shall
  be filled before a certificate can be issued by the Commission and an
  appointment made thereto in the manner provided in these rules, such
  position may be filled without regard to the provisions of these rules
  by temporary appointment for a period not to exceed fifteen days, and
  only for such period as may be required for the execution of the
  necessary details of an appointment thereto in accordance with said
  provisions; but no person shall receive such emergency appointment who
  within the sixty days next previous thereto has been separated from a
  position in said district to which he was temporarily appointed under
  the provisions of this section.


The section as amended shall read as follows:

  5. In the case of the occurrence of a vacancy in the classified service
  of any internal-revenue collection district which the public interest
  requires shall be immediately filled and there is no eligible entitled
  to reinstatement under section 1, clause (_b_), of this rule
  or remaining on the proper register, such vacancy in the class of
  storekeeper, storekeeper and gauger, or clerk may be filled without
  examination and certification by a temporary designation by the
  collector of the district of some suitable person to perform the duties
  of the position until a regular appointment can be made under the
  provisions of sections 1, 2, and 3 of this rule: _Provided_, That
  service under such temporary designation shall in no case continue
  longer than six months, and shall expire by limitation at the end of
  that time: _And provided further_, That no person shall serve
  more than six months in any one year under such temporary designation,
  the year limitation in regard to such designation to begin to run
  on the date thereof: _And provided further_, That whenever
  an emergency shall arise requiring that a vacant position in any
  internal-revenue district shall be filled before a certificate can be
  issued by the Commission and an appointment made thereto in the manner
  provided in these rules, such position may be filled without regard to
  the provisions of these rules by temporary appointment for a period not
  to exceed fifteen days, and only for such period as may be required for
  the execution of the necessary details of an appointment thereto in
  accordance with said provisions; but no person shall receive such
  emergency appointment who within the sixty days next previous thereto
  has been separated from a position in said district to which he was
  temporarily appointed under the provisions of this section.

  Every such temporary designation, and also the discontinuance of the
  same, shall be at once reported to the Commission.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 1896_.

Section 5 of Customs Rule II is hereby amended by adding thereto the
following:

  (_i_) Any person appointed to a position which requires only a
  portion of his time and attention for the performance of its duties,
  pays him a compensation not exceeding $300 per annum, and permits of
  his pursuing other regular business or occupation, such person being
  conveniently located for the performance of said duties.


The section as amended shall read as follows:

  5. Exceptions from examination in the classified customs service are
  hereby made as follows:

  (_a_) Deputy collectors who do not also act as inspectors,
  examiners, or clerks.

  (_b_) Cashier of the collector.

  (_c_) Assistant cashier of the collector.

  (_d_) Auditor of the collector.

  (_e_) Chief acting disbursing officer.

  (_f_) Deputy naval officers.

  (_g_) Deputy surveyors.

  (_h_) One private secretary or one confidential clerk of each
  nominating officer.

  (_i_) Any person appointed to a position which requires only a
  portion of his time and attention for the performance of its duties,
  pays him a compensation not exceeding $300 per annum, and permits of
  his pursuing other regular business or occupation, such person being
  conveniently located for the performance of said duties.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--EXTENSION OF THE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENTAL AND INDIAN
SERVICES.

In the exercise of the power vested in the President by the third
paragraph of section 6 of the act entitled "An act to regulate and
improve the civil service of the United States," approved January 16,
1883, I hereby direct the Secretary of the Interior to amend the
classification of the Interior Department so as to include among the
positions classified thereunder and subject to competitive examination
clerk, assistant clerk, issue clerk, property clerk, storekeeper, and
all other clerical positions at Indian agencies and Indian schools;
likewise to amend the classification of the Indian service so as to
include among the positions classified thereunder supervisor of Indian
schools, day-school inspector, disciplinarian, industrial teacher,
teacher of industries, kindergarten teacher, farmer, nurse, assistant
matron, and seamstress.

But Indians shall be eligible to appointment to any of said positions
on such test of fitness as may be required by the Secretary of the
Interior and without examination or certification by the Civil Service
Commission; but they shall not be transferred from said positions to
the departmental service.

Approved, March 20, 1896.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 28, 1896_.

So much of the Executive orders heretofore issued under General Rule
III, section 2, clause (_c_) as provides for the appointment of
members of the board of pension appeals in the Department of the
Interior by non-competitive examination is hereby revoked, and these
places will hereafter be treated as subject to competitive examination.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 28, 1896_.

Special Departmental Rule No. 1, clause 3, is hereby amended by striking
from the list of places excepted from examination in the Department of
the Interior assistant attorneys and law clerks, and these places will
hereafter be treated as subject to competitive examination.

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

In the exercise of power vested in him by the Constitution and of
authority given to him by the seventeen hundred and fifty-third section
of the Revised Statutes and by an act to regulate and improve the civil
service of the United States, approved January 16, 1883, the President
hereby makes and promulgates the following rules and revokes all others:


  RULE I.

  1. The United States Civil Service Commission shall have authority to
  prescribe regulations in pursuance of and for the execution of the
  provisions of these rules and of the civil-service act.

  2. The several terms hereinafter mentioned, wherever used in these rules
  or the regulations of the Commission, shall be construed as follows:

  (_a_) The term "civil-service act" refers to "An act to regulate
  and improve the civil service of the United States," approved January
  16, 1883.

  (_b_) The term "classified service" refers to all that part of the
  executive civil service of the United States included within the
  provisions of the civil-service act.

  (_c_) The term "grade" in connection with employees or positions
  refers to a group of employees or positions in the classified service
  arranged upon the basis of duties performed, without regard to salaries
  received.

  (_d_) The term "class" in connection with employees or positions
  refers to a group of employees or positions in any grade arranged upon
  the basis of salaries received, in pursuance of the provisions of
  section 163 of the Revised Statutes and of section 6 of the
  civil-service act.

  (_e_) The term "excepted position" refers to any position within
  the provisions of the civil-service act, but excepted from the
  requirement of competitive examination or registration for appointment
  thereto.


  RULE II.

  1. Any person in the executive civil service of the United States who
  shall willfully violate any of the provisions of the civil-service act
  or of these rules shall be dismissed from office.

  2. No person in the executive civil service shall use his official
  authority or official influence for the purpose of interfering with an
  election or controlling the result thereof.

  3. No person in the executive civil service shall dismiss, or cause to
  be dismissed, or make any attempt to procure the dismissal of, or in any
  manner change the official rank or compensation of, any other person
  therein because of his political or religious opinions or affiliations.

  4. No question in any examination or form of application shall be so
  framed as to elicit information concerning, nor shall any inquiry be
  made concerning, nor any other attempt be made to ascertain, the
  political or religious opinions or affiliations of any applicant,
  competitor, or eligible; and all disclosures thereof shall be
  discountenanced, and no discrimination shall be exercised, threatened,
  or promised against or in favor of any applicant, competitor, or
  eligible because of his political or religious opinions or affiliations.

  5. No recommendation of an applicant, competitor, or eligible involving
  any disclosure of his political or religious opinions or affiliations
  shall be received, filed, or considered by the Commission, by any board
  of examiners, or by any nominating or appointing officer.

  6. In making removals or reductions or in imposing punishment for
  delinquency or misconduct penalties like in character shall be imposed
  for like offenses, and action thereupon shall be taken irrespective of
  the political or religious opinions or affiliations of the offenders.

  7. A person holding a position on the date said position is classified
  under the civil-service act shall be entitled to all the rights and
  benefits possessed by persons of the same class or grade appointed upon
  examination under the provisions of said act.


  RULE III.

  1. All that part of the executive civil service of the United States
  which has been or may hereafter be classified under the civil-service
  act shall be arranged in branches as follows: The departmental service,
  the custom-house service, the post-office service, the Government
  printing service, and the internal-revenue service.

  2. The departmental service shall include officers and employees as
  follows, except those in the service of the Government Printing Office
  and in the service of the several custom-houses, post-offices, and
  internal-revenue districts:

  (_a_) All officers and employees, of whatever designation, except
  persons merely employed as laborers or workmen and persons who have been
  nominated for confirmation by the Senate, however or for whatever
  purpose employed, whether compensated by a fixed salary or otherwise,
  who are serving in or on detail from--

    The several Executive Departments, the commissions, and offices
      in the District of Columbia.

    The railway mail service.

    The Indian service.

    The several pension agencies.

    The steamboat-inspection service.

    The marine-hospital service.

    The light-house service.

    The life-saving service.

    The several mints and assay offices.

    The revenue-cutter service.

    The force employed under custodians of public buildings.

    The several subtreasuries.

    The engineer department at large.


  (_b_) All executive officers and employees outside of the District
  of Columbia not covered in (_a_), of whatever designation, whether
  compensated by a fixed salary or otherwise--

    Who are serving in a clerical capacity or whose duties are in whole or
    in part of a clerical nature.

    Who are serving in the capacity of watchman or messenger.

    Who are serving in the capacity of physician, hospital steward, nurse,
    or whose duties are of a medical nature.

    Who are serving in the capacity of draftsman, civil engineer, steam
    engineer, electrical engineer, computer, or fireman.

    Who are in the service of the Supervising Architect's Office in the
    capacity of superintendent of construction, superintendent of repair,
    or foreman.

    Who are in the service of the Treasury Department in any capacity
    except those in the life-saving service.


  3. The custom-house service shall include the officers and employees
  serving in any customs district whose employees number as many as five
  who have been or may hereafter be classified under the civil-service
  act; and whenever in any customs district whose officers and employees
  number less than five the number of officers and employees shall be
  increased to as many as five the Secretary of the Treasury shall at once
  notify the Commission of such increase and the officers and employees in
  said district shall be included within the classified service from the
  date of said increase.

  4. The post-office service shall include the officers and employees
  in any free-delivery post-office who have been or may hereafter be
  classified under the civil-service act; and whenever the free-delivery
  system shall be established in any post-office the Postmaster-General
  shall at once notify the Commission of such establishment and the
  officers or employees of said office shall be included within the
  classified service from the date of such establishment; and whenever
  by order of the Postmaster-General any post-office shall be
  consolidated with and made a part of a free-delivery post-office
  the Postmaster-General shall at once notify the Commission of such
  consolidation and from the date of said order the employees of the
  office thus made a part of the free-delivery office whose names appear
  on the roster of the Post-Office Department shall be employees of said
  free-delivery office, and the person holding on the date of said order
  the position of postmaster at the office thus made a part of said
  free-delivery office may be made an employee in said free-delivery
  office and may at the time of classification be assigned to any
  position therein and given any appropriate designation which the
  Postmaster-General may direct.

  5. The Government printing service shall include the officers and
  employees in the Government Printing Office who have been or may
  hereafter be classified under the civil-service act.

  6. The internal-revenue service shall include the officers and employees
  who have been or may hereafter be classified under the civil-service act
  in any internal-revenue district.

  7. All officers and employees who have heretofore been classified under
  the civil-service act shall be considered as still classified and
  subject to the provisions of these rules.

  8. The following-mentioned positions or employees shall not be subject
  to the provisions of these rules:

  (_a_) Any position filled by a person whose place of private
  business is conveniently located for the performance of the duties of
  said position, or any position filled by a person remunerated in one sum
  both for services rendered therein and for necessary rent, fuel, and
  lights furnished for the performance of the duties thereof:
  _Provided_, That in either case the performance of the duties of
  said position requires only a portion of the time and attention of the
  occupant, paying him a compensation not exceeding, for his personal
  salary only, $300 per annum, and permitting of his pursuing other
  regular business or occupation.

  (_b_) Any person in the military or naval service of the United
  States who is detailed for the performance of civil duties.

  (_c_) Any person employed in a foreign country under the State
  Department or temporarily employed in a confidential capacity in a
  foreign country.

  (_d_) Any position whose duties are of a quasi military or quasi
  naval character and for the performance of whose duties a person is
  enlisted for a term of years.


  RULE IV.

  1. In pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of the civil-service act,
  there shall be provided, to test fitness for admission to positions
  which have been or may hereafter be classified under the civil-service
  act, examinations of a practical and suitable character involving such
  subjects and tests as the Commission may direct.

  2. No person shall be appointed to or be employed in any position which
  has been or may hereafter be classified under the civil-service act
  until he shall have passed the examination provided therefor or unless
  he is especially exempt from examination by the provisions of said act
  or the rules made in pursuance thereof.

  3. In pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of the civil-service act,
  wherever competent persons can be found who are willing to compete, no
  noncompetitive examination shall be given except as follows:

  (_a_) To test fitness for transfer or for promotion in a part of
  the service to which promotion regulations have not been applied.

  (_b_) To test fitness for appointment of Indians as
  superintendents, teachers, teachers of industries, kindergartners, and
  physicians in the Indian service at large.

  The noncompetitive examinations of Indians for the positions mentioned
  shall consist of such tests of fitness, not disapproved by the
  Commission, as may be determined upon by the Secretary of the Interior.
  A statement of the result of every noncompetitive test and all
  appointments, transfers, or promotions based thereon shall be
  immediately forwarded to the Commission.

  4. In pursuance of the provisions of section 3 of the civil-service act,
  examinations shall be provided at such places and upon such dates as the
  Commission shall deem most practicable to subserve the convenience of
  applicants and the needs of the service.

  5. In pursuance of the provisions of section 3 of the civil-service act,
  the Commission shall appoint from persons in the Government service such
  boards of examiners as it may deem necessary. The members of said boards
  shall perform such duties as the Commission may direct in connection
  with examinations, appointments, and promotions in any part of the
  service which has been or may hereafter be classified. The members of
  any board of examiners in the performance of their duties as such shall
  be under the direct and sole control and authority of the Commission.
  The duties performed by the members of any board of examiners in their
  capacity as such shall be considered part of the duties of the office in
  which they are serving, and time shall be allowed for the performance of
  said duties during the office hours of said office. The members of any
  board of examiners shall not all be adherents of one political party
  when persons of other political parties are available and competent to
  serve upon said board.

  6. In pursuance of the provisions of section 3 of the civil-service
  act, all executive officers of the United States shall facilitate
  civil-service examinations, and postmasters, customs officers,
  internal-revenue officers, and custodians of public buildings at places
  where such examinations are to be held shall for the purpose of such
  examinations permit and arrange for the use of suitable rooms under
  their charge and for heating, lighting, and furnishing the same.


  RULE V.

  1. Every applicant for examination must be a citizen of the United
  States, must be of proper age, and must make an application under oath
  upon a form prescribed by the Commission and accompanied by such
  certificates as may be prescribed.

  2. No application for examination shall be accepted from any person
  serving in the Army, the Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States
  unless the written consent of the head of the department under which
  said person is enlisted is filed with his application.

  3. The Commission may, in its discretion, refuse to examine an applicant
  or to certify an eligible who is physically so disabled as to be
  rendered unfit for the performance of the duties of the position to
  which he seeks appointment, or who has been guilty of a crime or of
  infamous or notoriously disgraceful conduct, or who has been dismissed
  from the service for delinquency or misconduct within one year next
  preceding the date of his application, or who has intentionally made a
  false statement in any material fact or practiced or attempted to
  practice any deception or fraud in securing his registration or
  appointment. Any of the foregoing disqualifications shall be good cause
  for the removal of an eligible from the service after his appointment.

  4. No application for examination shall be accepted unless the applicant
  is within the age limitations fixed herein for entrance to the position
  to which he seeks to be appointed: _Provided_, That, subject to the
  other conditions of these rules, the application of any person whose
  claim of preference under the provisions of section 1754 of the Revised
  Statutes has been allowed by the Commission may be accepted without
  regard to his age. The age limitations for entrance to positions in the
  different branches of the service shall be as follows:


                                                       Minimum.  Maximum.

  Departmental service:

    Page or messenger boy                                  14       18
    Apprentice (or student)                                16       20
    Printer's assistant and messenger                      18    No limit.
    Positions in railway mail service                      18       35
    Superintendent, physician, supervisor, day-school
      inspector, Indian service                            25       55
    All other positions in the Indian service              21       45
    All other positions                                    20    No limit.

    (These limitations shall not apply in the cases
    of wives of superintendents of Indian schools who
    apply for examination for the position of teacher
    or matron.)

  Custom-house service:

    Clerk and messenger                                    20    No limit.
    Other positions                                        21    No limit.

  Post-office service:

    Letter carrier                                         21       40
    Other positions                                        18    No limit.
    Government printing service:
    All positions (male)                                   21    No limit.
    All positions (female)                                 18    No limit.
    Internal-revenue service:
    Clerk                                                  18    No limit.
    Other positions                                        21    No limit.


  5. No application shall be accepted for examination for a position which
  belongs to one of the recognized mechanical trades unless it shall be
  shown that the applicant has served as apprentice or as journeyman or as
  apprentice and journeyman at said trade for such periods as the
  Commission may prescribe.


  RULE VI.

  The following-named employees or positions which have been or may
  hereafter be classified under the civil-service act shall be excepted
  from the requirement of examination or registration:

  _Departmental service_.--(_a_) Private secretaries or
  confidential clerks (not exceeding two) to the President or to the head
  of each of the eight Executive Departments; (_b_) Indians employed
  in the Indian service at large, except those employed as
  superintendents, teachers, teachers of industries, kindergartners, and
  physicians.

  _Custom-house service_.--(_a_) One cashier in each customs
  district; (_b_) one chief or principal deputy or assistant
  collector in each customs district whose employees number as many as
  150.

  _Post-office service_.--(_a_) One assistant postmaster, or
  chief assistant to the postmaster, of whatever designation, at each
  post-office; (_b_) one cashier of each first-class post-office when
  employed under the roster title of cashier only.

  _Internal-revenue service_.--One cashier in each internal-revenue
  district.


  RULE VII.

  1. Examination papers shall be rated on a scale of 100, and the subjects
  therein shall be given such relative weights as the Commission may
  prescribe. After a competitor's papers have been rated he shall be duly
  notified of the result thereof.

  2. Every competitor who attains an average percentage of 70 or over
  shall be eligible for appointment to the position for which he was
  examined, and the names of eligibles shall be entered in the order of
  their average percentages on the proper register of eligibles:
  _Provided_, That the names of all competitors whose claims to
  preference under the provisions of section 1754 of the Revised Statutes
  have been allowed by the Commission, and who attain an average
  percentage of 65 or over, shall be placed in the order of their average
  percentages at the head of the proper register of eligibles.

  3. For filling vacancies in positions for which competitive tests are
  not practicable the registration of applicants shall be in the order in
  which they fulfill the requirements prescribed therefor by regulation of
  the Commission: _Provided_, That persons who served in the military
  or naval service of the United States in the late War of the Rebellion
  and were honorably discharged therefrom, and persons who have been
  separated from such positions above mentioned through no delinquency or
  misconduct, shall be placed at the head of the proper register in the
  order of their fulfillment of said requirements.

  4. The term of eligibility shall be one year from the date on which the
  name of the eligible is entered upon the register.


  RULE VIII.

  In pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of the civil-service
  act, whenever a vacancy occurs in any position which has been or may
  hereafter be classified under the civil-service act, and which is not
  an excepted position, the filling of said vacancy, unless filled through
  noncompetitive examination or by reinstatement, transfer, promotion, or
  reduction, shall be governed as follows:

  1. The appointing or nominating officer shall request certification
  to him of the names of eligibles for the position vacant, and the
  Commission shall certify to said officer from the proper register
  the three names at the head thereof which have not been three times
  certified to the Department or office in which the vacancy exists:
  _Provided_, That certification for temporary appointment shall not
  be counted as one of the three certifications to which an eligible is
  entitled: _And provided further_, That whenever the sex of those
  whose names are to be certified is fixed by any law, rule, or regulation
  or is specified in the request for certification the names of those of
  the sex so fixed or specified shall be certified, but in other cases
  certification shall be made without regard to sex.

  2. Of the three names certified the nominating or appointing officer
  shall select one, and if at the time of selection there are more
  vacancies than one he may select more than one name, unless otherwise
  directed by the Commission.

  3. If an eligible who is not entitled to certification is certified and
  appointed, his appointment shall be immediately revoked by the
  appointing officer upon notification from the Commission.

  4. A person selected for appointment shall be notified of his selection
  by the appointing or nominating officer, and upon his acceptance shall
  receive from the appointing officer a certificate of appointment for a
  probationary period of six months, at the end of which period, if the
  conduct and capacity of the probationer are satisfactory to the
  appointing officer, his retention in the service shall be equivalent to
  his absolute appointment; but if his conduct or capacity be not
  satisfactory he shall be notified by the appointing officer that he will
  not receive absolute appointment because of such unsatisfactory conduct
  or want of capacity, and such notification shall discharge him from the
  service: _Provided_, That the probation of an employee in the
  Indian-school service shall terminate at the end of the school year in
  which he is appointed: _And provided further_, That the time which
  an employee has actually served as substitute in parts of the service
  where substitutes are authorized shall be counted as part of the
  probationary period of his regular appointment, but that time served
  under a temporary appointment shall not be so counted.

  5. If the appointing or nominating officer shall object to an eligible
  named in the certificate, stating that because of some physical defect,
  mental unsoundness, or moral disqualification, particularly specified,
  said eligible would be incompetent or unfit for the performance of the
  duties of the vacant position, and if said officer shall sustain such
  objection with evidence satisfactory to the Commission, the Commission
  may certify the eligible on the register who is in average percentage
  next below those already certified in place of the one to whom objection
  is made and sustained.

  6. Certifications for appointment of persons for service in or on direct
  detail from any Department or office in Washington, D.C., shall be so
  made as to maintain as nearly as possible the apportionment of such
  appointments among the several States and Territories and District of
  Columbia upon the basis of population, except to appointments in the
  Government Printing Office, to the position of printer's assistant,
  skilled helper, and operative in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing,
  to positions in the post quartermaster's office, in the pension agency,
  and other local offices in the District of Columbia, and to the
  positions of page and messenger boy and apprentice or student.

  7. Within any part of the service to which promotion regulations have
  been or may hereafter be applied certification of those eligible to
  original appointment shall not be made for filling a vacancy in a
  position above the lowest class in any grade whenever there is any
  person eligible and willing to be promoted to said vacancy:
  _Provided_, That a vacancy in any position requiring the exercise
  of technical or professional knowledge may be filled by original
  appointment.

  8. When two or more eligibles on a register have the same average
  percentage, preference in certification shall be determined by the order
  in which their applications were filed.

  9. For filling vacancies in positions outside of the District
  of Columbia and in positions in the pension agency, the depot
  quartermaster's office, and other local offices in the District of
  Columbia the territory of the United States shall be arranged in
  such sections or districts as the Commission may determine, and an
  eligible shall be certified in his order to vacancies in the section
  or district in which he resides, and, upon his written request, to
  vacancies in any one or more of the other sections or districts:
  _Provided_, That in the custom-house service, post-office service,
  or internal-revenue service an eligible shall be certified only to
  vacancies in the customs district, post-office, or internal-revenue
  district where he was examined.

  10. In any part of the service in which the employment of substitutes is
  not prohibited by law there may be certified and appointed in the manner
  provided for in this rule only such number of substitutes as are
  actually needed for the performance of substitute duty.

  11. In any part of the service in which substitutes are employed
  certifications of those eligible to original appointment shall be made
  for filling vacancies in substitute positions only, and vacancies in
  regular positions shall be filled by the appointment or promotion
  thereto of substitutes in the order of their original appointment as
  substitutes whenever there are substitutes of the required sex who are
  eligible and willing to be so appointed or promoted. Substitutes so
  appointed or promoted shall, however, be subject to the provisions of
  these rules relating to probation and permanent appointment.

  12. Upon request of the appointing or nominating officer preference
  in certification may be given to the wife of the superintendent of an
  Indian school for filling a vacancy in the position of teacher or matron
  in said school.

  13. Whenever there shall occur a vacancy which the public interest
  requires shall be immediately filled and which can not be so filled in
  time to meet the emergency by certification from the eligible registers,
  such vacancy may, subject to the approval of the Commission, be filled
  by temporary appointment without examination until a regular appointment
  can be made. Such temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer
  than ninety days, and shall expire by limitation at the end of that
  time. No person shall serve longer than ninety days in any one year
  under such temporary appointment or appointments, and in any event only
  until a regular appointment can be made through examination and
  certification. Said year limitation shall begin to run in the case of
  any person on the date of his first such appointment: _Provided_,
  That whenever an emergency shall arise requiring that a vacant position
  in any internal-revenue district shall be filled before a certificate
  can be issued by the Commission and an appointment made thereto in the
  manner provided in these rules such position may be filled without
  regard to the provisions of these rules by temporary appointment for a
  period not to exceed thirty days, and only for such period as may be
  required for the execution of the necessary details of an appointment
  thereto in accordance with said provisions; but no person shall receive
  such temporary appointment who within the ninety days next previous
  thereto has been separated from a position in said district to which he
  was temporarily appointed under the provisions of this section.

  14. Whenever a temporary appointment shall be made through certification
  from the eligible registers of the Commission in the manner provided in
  these rules, such temporary appointment shall in no case continue longer
  than six months, and shall expire by limitation at the end of that
  period.


  RULE IX.

  A vacancy in any position which has been or may hereafter be classified
  under the civil service act may, upon requisition of the proper officer
  and the certificate of the Commission, be filled by the reinstatement
  without examination of any person who within one year next preceding the
  date of said requisition has through no delinquency or misconduct been
  separated from a classified position at the date of said requisition and
  in that Department or office and that branch of the service in which
  said vacancy exists: _Provided_, That for original entrance to the
  position proposed to be filled by reinstatement there is not required by
  these rules, in the opinion of the Commission, an examination involving
  essential tests different from or higher than those involved in the
  examination for original entrance to the position formerly held by the
  person proposed to be reinstated: _And provided further_, That,
  subject to the other conditions of these rules, any person who served in
  the military or naval service of the United States in the late War of
  the Rebellion and was honorably discharged therefrom, or the widow of
  any such person, may be reinstated without regard to the length of time
  he or she has been separated from the service.


  RULE X.

  Within that part of the civil service of the United States which has
  been or may hereafter be classified under the civil-service act
  transfers shall be governed as follows:

  1. A person in any Department or office may be transferred within the
  same Department or office and the same branch of the service upon any
  test of fitness, not disapproved by the Commission, which may be
  determined upon by the appointing officer, subject to the limitations of
  the provisos of section 2 of this rule.

  2. A person who has received absolute appointment may be transferred
  without examination from any Department, office, or branch of the
  service upon requisition and consent of the proper officers and the
  certificate of the Commission: _Provided_, That no transfer shall
  be made of a person to a position within the same Department or office
  and the same branch of the service, or to a position in another
  Department, office, or branch of the service, if from original entrance
  to such position said person is barred by the age limitations prescribed
  therefor or by the provisions regulating apportionment, or if in said
  position there is not required, in the judgment of the Commission, the
  performance of the same class of work or the practice of the same
  mechanical trade performed or practiced in the position from which
  transfer is proposed: _And provided further_, That transfer shall
  not be made without examination, provided by the Commission, to a
  position for original entrance to which, in the judgment of the
  Commission, there is required by these rules an examination involving
  essential tests different from or higher than those involved in the
  examination required for original entrance to the position from which
  transfer is proposed; but a person employed in any grade shall not
  because of such employment be barred from the open competitive
  examination provided for original entrance to any other grade.

  3. Upon requisition of the proper officer and the certificate of the
  Commission transfer may be made without examination from the office of
  the President of the United States, after continuous service therein for
  the two years next preceding the date of said requisition, to any
  position classified under the civil-service act, if in said position
  there is required, in the judgment of the Commission, the performance of
  the same class of work that is required to be performed in the position
  from which transfer is proposed.

  4. Transfer shall not be made from an excepted position to a position
  not excepted: _Provided_, That a person holding an excepted
  position at the time said position is classified under the civil-service
  act, or a person holding an excepted position which he entered prior to
  the President's order of November 2, 1894, may, subject to the other
  conditions and provisions of this rule, be transferred to a position not
  excepted.

  5. Transfer shall not be made from a position not classified under the
  civil-service act to a classified position: _Provided_, That a
  person who by promotion or transfer from a classified position has
  entered a position appointment to which is made by the President by and
  with the advice and consent of the Senate, and has served continuously
  therein from the date of said promotion or transfer, may be transferred
  from said Presidential appointment to the position from which he was so
  transferred or to any position to which transfer could be made
  therefrom.

  6. Transfer shall not be made from a position outside the District of
  Columbia to a position within the District of Columbia except upon the
  certificate of the Commission, subject to the other conditions and
  provisions of this rule.

  7. Any person who has been transferred from a classified position to
  another classified position may be retransferred to the position in
  which he was formerly employed or to any position to which transfer
  could be made therefrom without regard to the limitations of this rule.

  8. All transfers herein authorized shall be made only after the issuance
  by the Commission of the certificates therefor, except those which may
  be specifically exempted from such condition by regulation of the
  Commission.

  9. Whenever a person is proposed for transfer from one branch of the
  service to another branch of the service and from a part of the service
  not within the provisions regulating apportionment to a part of the
  service within said provisions, and the transfer is one which under the
  provisions of this rule may be allowed without examination, such person
  shall be required precedent to his transfer to file a statement under
  oath setting forth the same facts, accompanied by the same certificates
  or vouchers relating to residence, as may be required in an application
  for examination.


  RULE XI.

  1. In pursuance of the requirements of section 7 of the civil-service
  act, competitive tests or examinations shall, as far as practicable and
  useful, be established to test fitness for promotion in any part of the
  civil service of the United States which has been or may hereafter be
  classified under the civil-service act.

  2. The details regulating promotions shall be formulated by the
  Commission after consultation with the heads of the several Departments,
  bureaus, or offices. It shall be the duty of the head of each
  Department, bureau, or office when such regulations have been formulated
  to promulgate the same, and any amendments or revocations thereof shall
  be approved by the Commission before going into effect.

  3. The Commission shall, upon the nomination of the head of each
  Department, bureau, or office, designate and select a suitable number of
  persons, not less than three, in said Department, bureau, or office to
  be members of a board of promotion. In the Departments, bureaus, or
  offices in Washington and in all other offices the members of any board
  of examiners shall not all be adherents of one political party when
  persons of other political parties are available and competent to serve
  upon said board.

  4. Until the regulations herein authorized have been approved for any
  Department, bureau, or office in which promotion regulations approved by
  the Commission are not in force promotions therein may be made from one
  class to another class which is in the same grade and from one grade to
  another grade upon any test of fitness, not disapproved by the
  Commission, which may be determined upon by the promoting officer:
  _Provided_, That no promotion of a person shall be made, except
  upon examination provided by the Commission, from one class to another
  class or from one grade to another grade if for original entrance to
  said class or grade to which promotion is proposed there is required by
  these rules an examination involving essential tests different from or
  higher than those involved in the examination required for original
  entrance to the class or grade from which promotion is proposed: _And
  provided further_, That no promotion of a person shall be made,
  except upon examination provided by the Commission, to a position in
  which, in the judgment of the Commission, there is not required the
  performance of the same class of work or the practice of the same
  mechanical trade which is required to be performed or practiced in the
  position from which promotion is proposed; but a person employed in any
  grade shall not because of such employment be barred from the open
  competitive examination provided for original entrance to any other
  grade: _And provided further_, That no promotion of a person shall
  be made to a class or grade from original entrance to which such person
  is barred by the age limitations prescribed therefor or by the
  provisions regulating apportionment.


  RULE XII.

  1. In pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of the civil-service act
  every nominating or appointing officer in the executive civil service of
  the United States shall furnish to the Commission a list of all the
  positions and employments under his control and authority, together with
  the names, designations, compensations, and dates of appointment or
  employment of all persons serving in said positions or employments, said
  list to be arranged as follows: (_a_) Classified positions not
  excepted from examination; (_b_) classified positions excepted from
  examination; (_c_) unclassified positions.

  2. Every nominating or appointing officer in the executive civil service
  shall report in detail to the Commission, in form and manner to be
  prescribed by the Commission, all changes as soon as made, and the dates
  thereof, in the service under his control and authority, setting forth
  among other things the following: The position to which an appointment
  or reinstatement is made; the position from which a separation is made,
  whether the same was caused by dismissal, resignation, or death, and the
  position from which and the position to which a transfer or promotion is
  made; the compensation of every position from which or to which a change
  is made; the name of every person appointed, reinstated, promoted,
  transferred, or separated from the service, and every failure to accept
  an appointment and the reasons therefor.


Approved, May 6, 1896.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., May 7, 1896_.

In the exercise of the authority vested in the President by the
seventeen hundred and fifty-third (1753d) section of the Revised
Statutes--

_It is ordered_, That the office of the Interstate Commerce
Commission be, and the same is hereby, classified as a part of the
classified departmental service, and for the purpose of applying the
civil-service rules thereto the officers, clerks, and other employees of
said Commission are hereby arranged in the following classes, viz:

_Class A_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of less than
$720, or a compensation at the rate of less than $720 per annum.

_Class B_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $720 or more,
or a compensation at the rate of $720 or more, but less than $840 per
annum.

_Class C_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $840 or more,
or a compensation at the rate of $840 or more, but less than $900 per
annum.

_Class D_.--All persons receiving a salary of $900 or more, or a
compensation at the rate of $900 or more, but less than $1,000 per
annum.

_Class E_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,000 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,000 or more, but less than
$1,200 per annum.

_Class 1_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,200 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,200 or more, but less than
$1,400 per annum.

_Class 2_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,400 or
more per annum, or a compensation at the rate of $1,400 or more, but
less than $1,600 per annum.

_Class 3_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,600 or
more per annum, or an annual compensation at the rate of $1,600 or more,
but less than $1,800 per annum.

_Class 4_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,800 or
more per annum, or a compensation at the rate of $1,800 or more, but
less than $2,000 per annum.

_Class 5_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $2,000 or
more or a compensation at the rate of $2,000 or more per annum.

_Provided_, That no person who may be appointed to an office by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate and that no person who may be
employed merely as a workman or laborer shall be considered as within
this classification, and no person so employed shall be assigned to the
duties of a classified place.

_Provided further_, That no person shall be admitted to any place
not excepted from examination by the civil-service rules in any of the
classes above designated until he or she shall have passed an
appropriate examination under the United States Civil Service Commission
and his or her eligibility has been certified to by said Commission.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 13, 1896_.

The civil-service rules are hereby amended as follows:

Rule III, clause 2 (_a_), is amended by adding after the words "the
light-house service" the words "the life-saving service."

Paragraph (_b_) of the same rule and clause is amended by striking
out after the words "who are in the service of the Treasury Department
in any capacity" the words "except those in the life-saving service."

Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENTS OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

The civil-service rules as revised May 6, 1896, are hereby amended as
follows:

Rule I, section 2, clause (_b_): In the third line, after the word
"act," insert "and these rules;" so that as amended the clause will
read:

  (_b_) The term "classified service" refers to all that part of
  the executive civil service of the United States included within the
  provisions of the civil-service act and these rules.


Rule III, section 2, clause (_a_), is amended by adding thereto the
following clause:

  The Ordnance Department at large.


Rule III, section 2, clause (_a_), is amended by striking out after
"persons" in the third line the words "who have been nominated for" and
inserting in lieu thereof the words "whose appointments are subject to."

Rule III, section 2 clause (_b_), is amended by inserting in the
second line, after the word "designation," the words "except persons
merely employed as laborers or workmen and persons whose appointments
are subject to confirmation by the Senate."

Rule III, section 2, clause (_b_), is amended by adding thereto the
following words:

  Who are employed in the Department of Justice under the annual
  appropriation for the investigation of official acts, records, and
  accounts of officers of the courts.


Rule III, section 3, is amended to read as follows:

  3. The custom-house service shall include such officers and employees as
  have been or may hereafter he classified under the civil-service act who
  are serving in any customs district whose officers and employees number
  as many as five; and whenever in any customs district whose officers and
  employees number less than five the number of officers and employees
  shall be increased to as many as five the Secretary of the Treasury
  shall at once notify the Commission of such increase, and the officers
  and employees of said district shall be included within the classified
  service from the date of said increase.


Rule III, section 6, is amended by inserting in the second line, after
the word "employees," the following: "in any internal-revenue district;"
and in the third line, after the word "act," by striking out the
following: "in any internal-revenue district;" so that as amended the
section will read:

  6. The internal-revenue service shall include the officers and
  employees in any internal-revenue district who have been or may
  hereafter be classified under the civil-service act.


Rule VI is amended by adding in the departmental service an additional
clause, making exceptions from examination, to read as follows:

  (_c_) Attorneys or assistant attorneys in any Department whose
  main duties are connected with the management of cases in court.


Amend Rule VI by striking out after "internal-revenue service" the words
"one cashier in each internal-revenue district" and inserting in lieu
thereof--

  One employee in each internal-revenue district who shall act as cashier
  or chief deputy or assistant collector, as may be determined by the
  Treasury Department.


Amend Rule VIII by striking out section 3.

Rule IX is amended by striking out in the seventh line the word
"classified" and inserting in lieu thereof after the word "position" in
the same line the following: "included within the classified service;"
so that as amended the line will read: "misconduct, been separated from
a position included within the classified service at the."

Rule XI, section 2, is amended by striking out in line 1 the words "The
details regulating" and inserting in their stead the words "Regulations
to govern;" so that as amended the section will read:

  2. Regulations to govern promotions shall be formulated by the
  Commission after consultation with the heads of the several Departments,
  bureaus, and offices. It shall be the duty of the head of each
  Department, bureau, or office when such regulations have been formulated
  to promulgate the same, and any amendments or revocations thereof shall
  be approved by the Commission before going into effect.


Rule XI, section 3: The word "examiners" in line 7 is changed to
"promotion," making the section read:

  3. The Commission shall, upon the nomination of the head of each
  Department, bureau, or office, designate and select a suitable number
  of persons, not less than three, in said Department, bureau, or office
  to be members of a board of promotion. In the Departments, bureaus, or
  offices in Washington and in all other offices the members of any board
  of promotion shall not all be adherents of one political party when
  persons of other political parties are available and competent to serve
  upon said board.


Approved, November 2, 1896.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE--EXECUTIVE ORDER.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _November 2, 1896_.

The regulations of the Navy Department governing the employment of labor
at navy-yards having been adopted by the Civil Service Commission as
a regulation of the Commission July 29, 1896, under the authority
conferred by clause 1, Rule 1, of the revised civil-service rules of
May 6, 1896, it is hereby ordered that no modification of the existing
regulations shall be made without the approval of the Civil Service
Commission.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 7, 1896_.

_To the Congress of the United States_:

As representatives of the people in the legislative branch of
their Government, you have assembled at a time when the strength and
excellence of our free institutions and the fitness of our citizens to
enjoy popular rule have been again made manifest. A political contest
involving momentous consequences, fraught with feverish apprehension,
and creating aggressiveness so intense as to approach bitterness and
passion has been waged throughout our land and determined by the decree
of free and independent suffrage without disturbance of our tranquillity
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 discover abundant evidence of a determination on the part
of our countrymen to abide by every verdict of the popular will and
to be controlled at all times by an abiding faith in the agencies
established for the direction of the affairs of their Government.

Thus our people exhibit a patriotic disposition which entitles them
to demand of those who undertake to make and execute their laws such
faithful and unselfish service in their behalf as can only be prompted
by a serious appreciation of the trust and confidence which the
acceptance of public duty invites.

In obedience to a constitutional requirement I herein submit to the
Congress certain information concerning national affairs, with the
suggestion of such legislation as in my judgment is necessary and
expedient. To secure brevity and avoid tiresome narration I shall omit
many details concerning matters within Federal control which, though
by no means unimportant, are more profitably discussed in departmental
reports. I shall also further curtail this communication by omitting
a minute recital of many 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.

At the outset of a reference to the more important matters affecting our
relations with foreign powers it would afford me satisfaction if I could
assure the Congress that the disturbed condition in Asiatic Turkey had
during the past year assumed a less hideous and bloody aspect and that,
either as a consequence of the awakening of the Turkish Government to
the demands of humane civilization or as the result of decisive action
on the part of the great nations having the right by treaty to interfere
for the protection of those exposed to the rage of mad bigotry and cruel
fanaticism, the shocking features of the situation had been mitigated.
Instead, however, of welcoming a softened disposition or protective
intervention, we have been afflicted by continued and not infrequent
reports of the wanton destruction of homes and the bloody butchery of
men, women, and children, made martyrs to their profession of Christian
faith.

While none of our citizens in Turkey have thus far been killed or
wounded, though often in the midst of dreadful scenes of danger, their
safety in the future is by no means assured. Our Government at home
and our minister at Constantinople have left nothing undone to protect
our missionaries in Ottoman territory, who constitute nearly all the
individuals residing there who have a right to claim our protection on
the score of American citizenship. Our efforts in this direction will
not be relaxed; but the deep feeling and sympathy that have been aroused
among our people ought not to so far blind their reason and judgment as
to lead them to demand impossible things. The outbreaks of blind fury
which lead to murder and pillage in Turkey occur suddenly and without
notice, and an attempt on our part to force such a hostile presence
there as might be effective for prevention or protection would not only
be resisted by the Ottoman Government, but would be regarded as an
interruption of their plans by the great nations who assert their
exclusive right to intervene in their own time and method for the
security of life and property in Turkey.

Several naval vessels are stationed in the Mediterranean as a measure
of caution and to furnish all possible relief and refuge in case of
emergency.

We have made claims against the Turkish Government for the pillage
and destruction of missionary property at Harpoot and Marash during
uprisings at those places. Thus far the validity of these demands has
not been admitted, though our minister, prior to such outrages and
in anticipation of danger, demanded protection for the persons and
property of our missionary citizens in the localities mentioned and
notwithstanding that strong evidence exists of actual complicity of
Turkish soldiers in the work of destruction and robbery.

The facts as they now appear do not permit us to doubt the justice of
these claims, and nothing will be omitted to bring about their prompt
settlement.

A number of Armenian refugees having arrived at our ports, an order has
lately been obtained from the Turkish Government permitting the wives
and children of such refugees to join them here. It is hoped that
hereafter no obstacle will be interposed to prevent the escape of all
those who seek to avoid the perils which threaten them in Turkish
dominions.

Our recently appointed consul to Erzerum is at his post and discharging
the duties of his office, though for some unaccountable reason his
formal exequatur from the Sultan has not been issued.

I do not believe that the present somber prospect in Turkey will be long
permitted to offend the sight of Christendom. It so mars the humane and
enlightened civilization that belongs to the close of the nineteenth
century that it seems hardly possible that the earnest demand of good
people throughout the Christian world for its corrective treatment will
remain unanswered.

The insurrection in Cuba still continues with all its perplexities. It
is difficult to perceive that any progress has thus far been made toward
the pacification of the island or that the situation of affairs as
depicted in my last annual message has in the least improved. If Spain
still holds Havana and the seaports and all the considerable towns, the
insurgents still roam at will over at least two-thirds of the inland
country. If the determination of Spain to put down the insurrection
seems but to strengthen with the lapse of time and is evinced by her
unhesitating devotion of largely increased military and naval forces
to the task, there is much reason to believe that the insurgents have
gained in point of numbers and character and resources and are none
the less inflexible in their resolve not to succumb without practically
securing the great objects for which they took up arms. If Spain has not
yet reestablished 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 government exists on
the island, except so far as Spain is able to maintain it, has been
practically abandoned. Spain does keep on foot such a government, more
or less imperfectly, in the large towns and their immediate suburbs;
but that exception being made, the entire country is either given over
to anarchy or is subject to the military occupation of one or the other
party. It is reported, indeed, on reliable authority that at the demand
of the commander in chief of the insurgent army the putative Cuban
government has now given up all attempt to exercise its functions,
leaving that government confessedly (what there is the best reason for
supposing it always to have been in fact) a government merely on paper.

Were the Spanish armies able to meet their antagonists in the open or in
pitched battle, prompt and decisive results might be looked for, and the
immense superiority of the Spanish forces in numbers, discipline, and
equipment could hardly fail to tell greatly to their advantage. But they
are called upon to face a foe that shuns general engagements, that can
choose and does choose its own ground, that from the nature of the
country is visible or invisible at pleasure, and that fights only from
ambuscade and when all the advantages of position and numbers are on its
side. In a country where all that is indispensable to life in the way of
food, clothing, and shelter is so easily obtainable, especially by those
born and bred on the soil, it is obvious that there is hardly a limit
to the time during which hostilities of this sort may be prolonged.
Meanwhile, as in all cases of protracted civil strife, the passions of
the combatants grow more and more inflamed and excesses on both sides
become more frequent and more deplorable. They are also participated in
by bands of marauders, who, now in the name of one party and now in the
name of the other, as may best suit the occasion, harry the country at
will and plunder its wretched inhabitants for their own advantage. Such
a condition of things would inevitably entail immense destruction of
property, even if it were the policy of both parties to prevent it as
far as practicable; but while such seemed to be the original policy of
the Spanish Government, it has now apparently abandoned it and is acting
upon the same theory as the insurgents, namely, that the exigencies of
the contest require the wholesale annihilation of property that it may
not prove of use and advantage to the enemy.

It is to the same end that, in pursuance of general orders, Spanish
garrisons are now being withdrawn from plantations and the rural
population required to concentrate itself in the towns. The sure
result would seem to be that the industrial value of the island is
fast diminishing and that unless there is a speedy and radical change
in existing conditions it will soon disappear altogether. That value
consists very largely, of course, in its capacity to produce sugar--a
capacity already much reduced by the interruptions to tillage which
have taken place during the last two years. It is reliably asserted
that should these interruptions continue during the current year, and
practically extend, as is now threatened, to the entire sugar-producing
territory of the island, so much time and so much money will be required
to restore the land to its normal productiveness that it is extremely
doubtful if capital can be induced to even make the attempt.

The spectacle of the utter ruin of an adjoining country, by nature
one of the most fertile and charming on the globe, would engage the
serious attention of the Government and people of the United States in
any circumstances. In point of fact, they have a concern with it which
is by no means of a wholly sentimental or philanthropic character. It
lies so 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
and Government of Spain. It is reasonably estimated that at least
from $30,000,000 to $50,000,000 of American capital are invested in
plantations and in railroad, mining, and other business enterprises
on the island. The volume of trade between the United States and Cuba,
which in 1889 amounted to about $64,000,000, rose in 1893 to about
$103,000,000, and in 1894, the year before the present insurrection
broke out, amounted to nearly $96,000,000. Besides this large pecuniary
stake in the fortunes of Cuba, the United States finds itself
inextricably involved in the present contest in other ways, both
vexatious and costly.

Many Cubans reside in this country, and indirectly promote the
insurrection through the press, by public meetings, by the purchase and
shipment of arms, by the raising of funds, and by other means which the
spirit of our institutions and the tenor of our laws do not permit to be
made the subject of criminal prosecutions. Some of them, though Cubans
at heart and in all their feelings and interests, have taken out papers
as naturalized citizens of the United States--a proceeding resorted
to with a view to possible protection by this Government, and not
unnaturally regarded with much indignation by the country of their
origin. The insurgents are undoubtedly encouraged and supported by the
widespread sympathy the people of this country always and instinctively
feel for every struggle for better and freer government, and which,
in the case of the more adventurous and restless elements of our
population, leads in only too many instances to active and personal
participation in the contest. The result is that this Government is
constantly called upon to protect American citizens, to claim damages
for injuries to persons and property, now estimated at many millions of
dollars, and to ask explanations and apologies for the acts of Spanish
officials whose zeal for the repression of rebellion sometimes blinds
them to the immunities belonging to the unoffending citizens of a
friendly power. It follows from the same causes that the United States
is compelled to actively police a long line of seacoast against unlawful
expeditions, the escape of which the utmost vigilance will not always
suffice to prevent.

These inevitable entanglements of the United States with the
rebellion in Cuba, the large American property interests affected,
and considerations of philanthropy and humanity in general have led
to a vehement demand in various quarters for some sort of positive
intervention on the part of the United States. It was at first proposed
that belligerent rights should be accorded to the insurgents--a
proposition no longer urged because untimely and in practical operation
clearly perilous and injurious to our own interests. It has since been
and is now sometimes contended that the independence of the insurgents
should be recognized; 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 command of a particular district
can be dignified as a species of government. It is now also suggested
that the United States should buy the island--a suggestion possibly
worthy of consideration if there were any evidence of a desire or
willingness on the part of Spain to entertain such a proposal. It is
urged finally that, all other methods failing, the existing 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
advocates confidently prophesy could neither be large in its proportions
nor doubtful in its issue.

The correctness of this forecast need be neither affirmed nor denied.
The United States has, nevertheless, a character to maintain as a
nation, which plainly dictates that right and not might should be the
rule of its conduct. Further, though the United States is not a nation
to which peace is a necessity, it is in truth the most pacific of powers
and desires nothing so much as to live in amity with all the world.
Its own ample and diversified domains satisfy all possible longings for
territory, preclude all dreams of conquest, and prevent any casting of
covetous eyes upon neighboring regions, however attractive. That our
conduct toward Spain and her dominions has constituted no exception
to this national disposition is made manifest by the course of our
Government, not only thus far during the present insurrection, but
during the ten years that followed the rising at Yara in 1868. No other
great power, it may safely be said, under circumstances of similar
perplexity, would have manifested the same restraint and the same
patient endurance. It may also be said that this persistent attitude of
the United States toward Spain in connection with Cuba unquestionably
evinces no slight respect and regard for Spain on the part of the
American people. They in truth do not forget her connection with the
discovery of the Western Hemisphere, nor do they underestimate the
great qualities of the Spanish people nor fail to fully recognize their
splendid patriotism and their chivalrous devotion to the national honor.

They view with wonder and admiration the cheerful resolution with which
vast bodies of men are sent across thousands of miles of ocean and an
enormous debt accumulated that the costly possession of the gem of the
Antilles may still hold its place in the Spanish crown. And yet neither
the Government nor the people of the United States have shut their eyes
to the course of events in Cuba or have failed to realize the existence
of conceded grievances which have led to the present revolt from the
authority of Spain--grievances recognized by the Queen Regent and by
the Cortes, voiced by the most patriotic and enlightened of Spanish
statesmen, without regard to party, and demonstrated by reforms proposed
by the executive and approved by the legislative branch of the Spanish
Government. It is in the assumed temper and disposition of the Spanish
Government to remedy these grievances, fortified by indications of
influential public opinion in Spain, that this Government has hoped to
discover the most promising and effective means of composing the present
strife with honor and advantage to Spain and with the achievement of all
the reasonable objects of the insurrection.

It would seem that if Spain should offer to Cuba genuine autonomy--a
measure of home rule which, while preserving the sovereignty of Spain,
would satisfy all rational requirements of her Spanish subjects--there
should be no just reason why the pacification of the island might not
be effected on that basis. Such a result would appear to be in the true
interest of all concerned. It would at once stop the conflict which
is now consuming the resources of the island and making it worthless
for whichever party may ultimately prevail. It would keep intact the
possessions of Spain without touching her honor, which will be consulted
rather than impugned by the adequate redress of admitted grievances.
It would put the prosperity of the island and the fortunes of its
inhabitants within their own control without severing the natural and
ancient ties which bind them to the mother country, and would yet enable
them to test their capacity for self-government under the most favorable
conditions. It has been objected on the one side that Spain should not
promise autonomy until her insurgent subjects lay down their arms;
on the other side, that promised autonomy, however liberal, is
insufficient, because without assurance of the promise being fulfilled.

But the reasonableness of a requirement by Spain of unconditional
surrender on the part of the insurgent Cubans before their autonomy
is conceded is not altogether apparent. It ignores important features
of the situation--the stability two years' duration has given to the
insurrection; the feasibility of its indefinite prolongation in the
nature of things, and, as shown by past experience, the utter and
imminent ruin of the island unless the present strife is speedily
composed; above all, the rank abuses which all parties in Spain, all
branches of her Government, and all her leading public men concede to
exist and profess a desire to remove. Facing such circumstances, to
withhold the proffer of needed reforms until the parties demanding them
put themselves at mercy by throwing down their arms has the appearance
of neglecting the gravest of perils and inviting suspicion as to the
sincerity of any professed willingness to grant reforms. The objection
on behalf of the insurgents that promised reforms can not be relied upon
must of course be considered, though we have no right to assume and no
reason for assuming that anything Spain undertakes to do for the relief
of Cuba will not be done according to both the spirit and the letter of
the undertaking.

Nevertheless, realizing that suspicions and precautions on the part
of the weaker of two combatants are always natural and not always
unjustifiable, being sincerely desirous in the interest of both as
well as on its own account that the Cuban problem should be solved with
the least possible delay, it was intimated by this Government to the
Government of Spain some months ago that if a satisfactory measure of
home rule were tendered the Cuban insurgents and would be accepted by
them upon a guaranty of its execution the United States would endeavor
to find a way not objectionable to Spain of furnishing such guaranty.
While no definite response to this intimation 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 it should not be
approved by the insurgents. Neither party can fail to see the importance
of early action, and both must realize that to prolong the present
state of things for even a short period will add enormously to the
time and labor and expenditure necessary to bring about the industrial
recuperation of the island. It 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
inaugurated and pushed to an immediate and successful 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 circumstances may arise, our policy and our interests would
constrain us to object to the acquisition of the island or an
interference with its control by any other power.

It should be added that it can not be reasonably assumed that the
hitherto expectant attitude of the United States will be indefinitely
maintained. While we are anxious to accord all due respect to the
sovereignty of Spain, we can not view the pending conflict in all its
features and properly apprehend our inevitably close relations to it and
its possible results without considering that by the course of events we
may be drawn into such an unusual and unprecedented condition as will
fix a limit to our patient waiting for Spain to end the contest, either
alone and in her own way or with our friendly cooperation.

When the inability of Spain to deal successfully with the insurrection
has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is
extinct in Cuba for all purposes of its rightful existence, and when a
hopeless struggle for its reestablishment has degenerated into a strife
which means nothing more than the useless sacrifice of human life and
the utter destruction of the very subject-matter of the conflict, a
situation will be presented in which our obligations to the sovereignty
of Spain will be superseded by higher obligations, 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 existing; and they should not be
determined upon without giving careful heed to every consideration
involving our honor and interest or the international duty we owe to
Spain. Until we face the contingencies suggested or the situation is by
other incidents imperatively changed we should continue in the line of
conduct heretofore pursued, thus in all circumstances exhibiting our
obedience to the requirements of public law and our regard for the duty
enjoined upon us by the position we occupy in the family 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 stimulation and ill-timed expression of feeling.
But I have deemed it not amiss to remind the Congress that a time may
arrive when a correct policy and care for our interests, as well as a
regard for the interests of other nations and their citizens, joined by
considerations of humanity and a desire to see a rich and fertile
country intimately related to us saved from complete devastation, will
constrain our Government to such action as will subserve the interests
thus involved and at the same time promise to Cuba and its inhabitants
an opportunity to enjoy the blessings of peace.

The Venezuelan boundary question has ceased to be a matter of
difference between Great Britain and the United States, their respective
Governments having agreed upon the substantial provisions of a treaty
between Great Britain and Venezuela submitting the whole controversy to
arbitration. The provisions of the treaty are so eminently just and fair
that the assent of Venezuela thereto may confidently be anticipated.

Negotiations for a treaty of general arbitration for all differences
between Great Britain and the United States are far advanced and promise
to reach a successful consummation at an early date.

The scheme of examining applicants for certain consular positions to
test their competency and fitness, adopted under an Executive order
issued on the 20th of September, 1895,[36] has fully demonstrated the
usefulness of this innovation. In connection with this plan of
examination promotions and transfers of deserving incumbents have been
quite extensively made, with excellent results.

During the past year 35 appointments have been made in the consular
service, 27 of which were made to fill vacancies caused by death or
resignation or to supply newly created posts, 2 to succeed incumbents
removed for cause, 2 for the purpose of displacing alien consular
officials by American citizens, and 4 merely changing the official
title of incumbent from commercial agent to consul. Twelve of these
appointments were transfers or promotions from other positions under the
Department of State, 4 of those appointed had rendered previous service
under the Department, 8 were made of persons who passed a satisfactory
examination, 7 were appointed to places not included in the order of
September 20, 1895, and 4 appointments, as above stated, involved no
change of incumbency.

The inspection of consular offices provided for by an appropriation for
that purpose at the last session of the Congress has been productive
of such wholesome effects that I hope this important work will in the
future be continued. I know of nothing that can be done with the same
slight expense so improving to the service.

I desire to repeat the recommendation contained in my last annual
message in favor of providing at public expense official residences
for our ambassadors and ministers at foreign capitals. The reasons
supporting this recommendation are strongly stated in the report of the
Secretary of State, and the subject seems of such importance that I hope
it may receive the early attention of the Congress.

We have during the last year labored faithfully and against unfavorable
conditions to secure better preservation of seal life in the Bering Sea.
Both the United States and Great Britain have lately dispatched
commissioners to these waters to study the habits and condition of the
seal herd and the causes of their rapid decrease. Upon the reports of
these commissioners, soon to be submitted, and with the exercise of
patience and good sense on the part of all interested parties, it is
earnestly hoped that hearty cooperation may be secured for the
protection against threatened extinction of seal life in the Northern
Pacific and Bering Sea.

The Secretary of the Treasury reports that during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1896, the receipts of the Government from all sources amounted
to $409,475,408.78. During the same period its expenditures were
$434,678,654.48, the excess of expenditures over receipts thus amounting
to $25,203,245.70. The ordinary expenditures during the year were
$4,015,852.21 less than during the preceding fiscal year. Of the
receipts mentioned there was derived from customs the sum of
$160,021,751.67 and from internal revenue $146,830,615.66. The receipts
from customs show an increase of $7,863,134.22 over those from the same
source for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1895, and the receipts from
internal revenue an increase of $3,584,537.91.

The value of our imported dutiable merchandise during the last fiscal
year was $369,757,470 and the value of free goods imported $409,967,470,
being an increase of $6,523,675 in the value of dutiable goods and
$41,231,034 in the value of free goods over the preceding year. Our
exports of merchandise, foreign and domestic, amounted in value to
$882,606,938, being an increase over the preceding year of $75,068,773.
The average _ad valorem_ duty paid on dutiable goods imported
during the year was 39.94 per cent and on free and dutiable goods taken
together 20.55 per cent.

The cost of collecting our internal revenue was 2.78 percent, as
against 2.81 per cent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895. The
total production of distilled spirits, exclusive of fruit brandies, was
86,588,703 taxable gallons, being an increase of 6,639,108 gallons over
the preceding year. There was also an increase of 1,443,676 gallons of
spirits produced from fruit as compared with the preceding year. The
number of barrels of beer produced was 35,859,250, as against 33,589,784
produced in the preceding fiscal year, being an increase of 2,269,466
barrels.

The total amount of gold exported during the last fiscal year was
$112,409,947 and of silver $60,541,670, being an increase of $45,941,466
of gold and $13,246,384 of silver over the exportations of the preceding
fiscal year. The imports of gold were $33,525,065 and of silver
$28,777,186, being $2,859,695 less of gold and $8,566,007 more of silver
than during the preceding year.

The total stock of metallic money in the United States at the close
of the last fiscal year, ended on the 30th day of June, 1896, was
$1,228,326,035, of which $599,597,964 was in gold and $628,728,071
in silver.

On the 1st day of November, 1896, the total stock of money of all kinds
in the country was $2,285,410,590, and the amount in circulation, not
including that in the Treasury holdings, was $1,627,055,641, being
$22.63 Per capita upon an estimated population of 71,902,000.

The production of the precious metals in the United States during the
calendar year 1895 is estimated to have been 2,254,760 fine ounces of
gold, of the value of $46,610,000, and 55,727,000 fine ounces of silver,
of the commercial value of $36,445,000 and the coinage value of
$72,051,000. The estimated production of these metals throughout the
world during the same period was 9,688,821 fine ounces of gold,
amounting to $200,285,700 in value, and 169,189,249 fine ounces of
silver, of the commercial value of $110,654,000 and of the coinage value
of $218,738,100 according to our ratio.

The coinage of these metals in the various countries of the world during
the same calendar year amounted to $232,701,438 in gold and $121,996,219
in silver.

The total coinage at the mints of the United States during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1896, amounted to $71,188,468.52, of which
$58,878,490 was in gold coins and $12,309,978.52 in standard silver
dollars, subsidiary coins, and minor coins.

The number of national banks organized from the time the law authorizing
their creation was passed up to October 31, 1896, was 5,051, and of
this number 3,679 were at the date last mentioned in active operation,
having authorized capital stock of $650,014,895, held by 288,902
shareholders, and circulating notes amounting to $211,412,620.

The total outstanding circulating notes of all national banks on
the 31st day of October, 1896, amounted to $234,553,807, including
unredeemed but fully secured notes of banks insolvent and in process
of liquidation. The increase in national-bank circulation during the
year ending on that day was $21,099,429. On October 6, 1896, when the
condition of national banks was last reported, the total resources of
the 3,679 active institutions were $3,263,685,313.83, which included
$1,893,268,839.31 in loans and discounts and $362,165,733.85 in money
of all kinds on hand. Of their liabilities $1,597,891,058.03 was due
to individual depositors and $209,944,019 consisted of outstanding
circulating notes.

There were organized during the year preceding the date last mentioned
28 national banks, located in 15 States, of which 12 were organized in
the Eastern States, with a capital of $1,180,000, 6 in the Western
States, with a capital of $875,000, and 10 in the Southern States, with
a capital of $1,190,000. During the year, however, 37 banks voluntarily
abandoned their franchises under the national law, and in the case of
27 others it was found necessary to appoint receivers. Therefore, as
compared with the year preceding, there was a decrease of 36 in the
number of active banks.

The number of existing banks organized under State laws is 5,708.

The number of immigrants arriving in the United States during the fiscal
year was 343,267, of whom 340,468 were permitted to land and 2,799 were
debarred on various grounds prescribed by law and returned to the
countries whence they came at the expense of the steamship companies
by which they were brought in. The increase in immigration over the
preceding year amounted to 84,731. It is reported that with some
exceptions the immigrants of the past year were of a hardy laboring
class, accustomed and able to earn a support for themselves, and it
is estimated that the money brought with them amounted to at least
$5,000,000, though it was probably much in excess of that sum, since
only those having less than $30 are required to disclose the exact
amount, and it is known that many brought considerable sums of money to
buy land and build homes. Including all the immigrants arriving who were
over 14 years of age, 28.63 Per cent were illiterate, as against 20.37
Per cent of those of that age arriving during the preceding fiscal year.
The number of immigrants over 14 years old, the countries from which
they came, and the percentage of illiterates among them were as follows:
Italy, 57,515, with 54.59 per cent; Ireland, 37,496, with 7 per cent;
Russia, 35,188, with 41.14 per cent; Austria-Hungary and provinces,
57,053, with 38.92 per cent; Germany, 25,334, with 2.96 per cent;
Sweden, 18,821, with 1.16 per cent; while from Portugal there came
2,067, of whom 77.69 per cent were illiterate. There arrived from Japan
during the year only 1,100 immigrants, and it is the opinion of the
immigration authorities that the apprehension heretofore existing to
some extent of a large immigration from Japan to the United States is
without any substantial foundation.

From the Life-Saving Service it is reported that the number of disasters
to documented vessels within the limits of its operations during the
year was 437. These vessels had on board 4,608 persons, of whom 4,595
were saved and 13 lost. The value of such vessels is estimated at
$8,880,140 and of their cargoes $3,846,380, making the total value of
property imperiled $12,726,520. Of this amount $11,292,707 was saved and
$1,432,750 was lost. Sixty-seven of the vessels were totally wrecked.
There were besides 243 casualties to small undocumented craft, on board
of which there were 594 persons, of whom 587 were saved and 7 were lost.
The value of the property involved in these latter casualties is
estimated at $119,265, of which $114,915 was saved and $4,350 was lost.
The life-saving crews during the year also rescued or assisted numerous
other vessels and warned many from danger by signals, both by day and
night. The number of disasters during the year exceeded that of any
previous year in the history of the service, but the saving of both life
and property was greater than ever before in proportion to the value of
the property involved and to the number of persons imperiled.

The operations of the Marine-Hospital Service, the Revenue Cutter
Service, the Steamboat-Inspection Service, the Light-House Service, the
Bureau of Navigation, and other branches of public work attached to the
Treasury Department, together with various recommendations concerning
their support and improvement, are fully stated in the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of the Congress is
especially invited.

The report of the Secretary of War exhibits satisfactory conditions in
the several branches of the public service intrusted to his charge.

The limit of our military force as fixed by law is constantly and
readily maintained. The present discipline and morale of our Army are
excellent, and marked progress and efficiency are apparent throughout
its entire organization.

With the exception of delicate duties in the suppression of slight
Indian disturbances along our southwestern boundary, in which the
Mexican troops cooperated, and the compulsory but peaceful return, with
the consent of Great Britain, of a band of Cree Indians from Montana to
the British possessions, no active operations have been required of the
Army during the year past.

Changes in methods of administration, the abandonment of unnecessary
posts and consequent concentration of troops, and the exercise of care
and vigilance by the various officers charged with the responsibility
in the expenditure of the appropriations have resulted in reducing to
a minimum the cost of maintenance of our military establishment.

During the past year the work of constructing permanent infantry and
cavalry posts has been continued at the places heretofore designated.
The Secretary of War repeats his recommendation that appropriations for
barracks and quarters should more strictly conform to the needs of the
service as judged by the Department rather than respond to the wishes
and importunities of localities. It is imperative that much of the money
provided for such construction should now be allotted to the erection
of necessary quarters for the garrisons assigned to the coast defenses,
where many men will be needed to properly care for and operate modern
guns. It is essential, too, that early provision be made to supply the
necessary force of artillery to meet the demands of this service.

The entire Army has now been equipped with the new magazine arms, and
wise policy demands that all available public and private resources
should be so employed as to provide within a reasonable time a
sufficient number to supply the State militia with these modern weapons
and provide an ample reserve for any emergency.

The organized militia numbers 112,879 men. The appropriations for its
support by the several States approximate $2,800,000 annually, and
$400,000 is contributed by the General Government. Investigation shows
these troops to be usually well drilled and inspired with much military
interest, but in many instances they are so deficient in proper arms and
equipment that a sudden call to active duty would find them inadequately
prepared for field service. I therefore recommend that prompt measures
be taken to remedy this condition and that every encouragement be given
to this deserving body of unpaid and voluntary citizen soldiers, upon
whose assistance we must largely rely in time of trouble.

During the past year rapid progress has been made toward the completion
of the scheme adopted for the erection and armament of fortifications
along our seacoast, while equal progress has been made in providing the
material for submarine defense in connection with these works.

It is peculiarly gratifying at this time to note the great advance that
has been made in this important undertaking since the date of my annual
message to the Fifty-third Congress at the opening of its second
session, in December, 1893. At that time I informed the Congress of the
approaching completion of nine 12-inch, twenty 10-inch, and thirty-four
8-inch high-power steel guns and seventy-five 12-inch rifled mortars.

This total then seemed insignificant when compared with the great work
remaining to be done. Yet it was none the less a source of satisfaction
to every citizen when he reflected that it represented the first
installment of the new ordnance of American design and American
manufacture and demonstrated our ability to supply from our own
resources guns of unexcelled power and accuracy.

At that date, however, there were practically no carriages upon which
to mount these guns and only thirty-one emplacements for guns and
sixty-four for mortars. Nor were all these emplacements in condition
to receive their armament. Only one high-power gun was at that time in
position for the defense of the entire coast.

Since that time the number of guns actually completed has been increased
to a total of twenty-one 12-inch, fifty-six 10-inch, sixty-one 8-inch
high-power breech-loading steel guns, ten rapid-fire guns, and eighty
12-inch rifled mortars. In addition there are in process of construction
one 16-inch-type gun, fifty 12-inch, fifty-six l0-inch, twenty-seven
8-inch high-power guns, and sixty-six 12-inch rifled mortars; in all,
four hundred and twenty-eight guns and mortars.

During the same year, immediately preceding the message referred to, the
first modern gun carriage had been completed and eleven more were in
process of construction. All but one were of the nondisappearing type.
These, however, were not such as to secure necessary cover for the
artillery gunners against the intense fire of modern machine rapid-fire
and high-power guns.

The inventive genius of ordnance and civilian experts has been taxed
in designing carriages that would obviate this fault, resulting, it is
believed, in the solution of this difficult problem. Since 1893 the
number of gun carriages constructed or building has been raised to a
total of 129, of which 90 are on the disappearing principle, and the
number of mortar carriages to 152, while the 95 emplacements which were
provided for prior to that time have been increased to 280 built and
building.

This improved situation is largely due to the recent generous response
of Congress to the recommendations of the War Department.

Thus we shall soon have complete about one-fifth of the comprehensive
system the first step in which was noted in my message to the Congress
of December 4, 1893.[37]

When it is understood that a masonry emplacement not only furnishes
a platform for the heavy modern high power gun, but also in every
particular serves the purpose and takes the place of the fort of former
days, the importance of the work accomplished is better comprehended.

In the hope that the work will be prosecuted with no less vigor in the
future, the Secretary of War has submitted an estimate by which, if
allowed, there will be provided and either built or building by the end
of the next fiscal year such additional guns, mortars, gun carriages,
and emplacements as will represent not far from one-third of the total
work to be done under the plan adopted for our coast defenses, thus
affording a prospect that the entire work will be substantially
completed within six years. In less time than that, however, we shall
have attained a marked degree of security.

The experience and results of the past year demonstrate that with a
continuation of present careful methods the cost of the remaining work
will be much less than the original estimate.

We should always keep in mind that of all forms of military preparation
coast defense alone is essentially pacific in its nature. While it gives
the sense of security due to a consciousness of strength, it is neither
the purpose nor the effect of such permanent fortifications to involve
us in foreign complications, but rather to guarantee us against them.
They are not temptation to war, but security against it. Thus they are
thoroughly in accord with all the traditions of our national diplomacy.

The Attorney-General presents a detailed and interesting statement of
the important work done under his supervision during the last fiscal
year.

The ownership and management by the Government of penitentiaries for
the confinement of those convicted in United States courts of violations
of Federal laws, which for many years has been a subject of Executive
recommendation, have at last to a slight extent been realized by the
utilization of the abandoned military prison at Fort Leavenworth as a
United States penitentiary.

This is certainly a movement in the right direction, but it ought to be
at once supplemented by the rebuilding or extensive enlargement of this
improvised prison and the construction of at least one more, to be
located in the Southern States. The capacity of the Leavenworth
Penitentiary is so limited that the expense of its maintenance,
calculated at a per capita rate upon the number of prisoners it can
accommodate, does not make as economical an exhibit as it would if it
were larger and better adapted to prison purposes; but I am thoroughly
convinced that economy, humanity, and a proper sense of responsibility
and duty toward those whom we punish for violations of Federal law
dictate that the Federal Government should have the entire control and
management of the penitentiaries where convicted violators are confined.

It appears that since the transfer of the Fort Leavenworth Military
Prison to its new uses the work previously done by prisoners confined
there, and for which expensive machinery has been provided, has been
discontinued. This work consisted of the manufacture of articles for
army use, now done elsewhere. On all grounds it is exceedingly desirable
that the convicts confined in this penitentiary be allowed to resume
work of this description.

It is most gratifying to note the satisfactory results that have
followed the inauguration of the new system provided for by the act of
May 28, 1896, under which certain Federal officials are compensated by
salaries instead of fees. The new plan was put in operation on the 1st
day of July, 1896, and already the great economy it enforces, its
prevention of abuses, and its tendency to a better enforcement of the
laws are strikingly apparent. Detailed evidence of the usefulness of
this long-delayed but now happily accomplished reform will be found
clearly set forth in the Attorney-General's report.

Our Post-Office Department is in good condition, and the exhibit
made of its operations during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896,
if allowance is made for imperfections in the laws applicable to
it, is very satisfactory. The total receipts during the year were
$82,499,208.40. The total expenditures were $90,626,296.84, exclusive
of the $1,559,898.27 which was earned by the Pacific Railroad for
transportation and credited on their debt to the Government. There was
an increase of receipts over the previous year of $5,516,080.21, or 7.1
per cent, and an increase of expenditures of $3,836,124.02, or 4.42
percent. The deficit was $1,679,956.19 less than that of the preceding
year. The chief expenditures of the postal service are regulated by law
and are not in the control of the Postmaster-General. All that he can
accomplish by the most watchful administration and economy is to enforce
prompt and thorough collection and accounting for public moneys and such
minor savings in small expenditures and in letting those contracts, for
post-office supplies and star service, which are not regulated by
statute.

An effective cooperation between the Auditor's Office and the
Post-Office Department and the making and enforcement of orders by
the Department requiring immediate notification to their sureties
of all delinquencies on the part of postmasters, and compelling such
postmasters to make more frequent deposits of postal funds, have
resulted in a prompter auditing of their accounts and much less default
to the Government than heretofore.

The year's report shows large extensions of both star-route service and
railway mail service, with increased postal facilities. Much higher
accuracy in handling mails has also been reached, as appears by the
decrease of errors in the railway mail service and the reduction of mail
matter returned to the Dead-Letter Office.

The deficit for the last year, although much less than that of the last
and preceding years, emphasizes the necessity for legislation to correct
the growing abuse of second-class rates, to which the deficiency is
mainly attributable. The transmission at the rate of 1 cent a pound of
serial libraries, advertising sheets, "house organs" (periodicals
advertising some particular "house" or institution), sample copies, and
the like ought certainly to be discontinued. A glance at the revenues
received for the work done last year will show more plainly than any
other statement the gross abuse of the postal service and the growing
waste of its earnings.

The free matter carried in the mails for the Departments, offices, etc.,
of the Government and for Congress, in pounds, amounted to 94,480,189.

If this is offset against buildings for post-offices and stations, the
rental of which would more than compensate for such free postal service,
we have this exhibit:

_Weight of mail matter (other than above) transmitted through the
mails for the year ending June 30, 1896_.


  ---------------------------------------+--------------+---------------+
                 Class.                  |   Weight.    |    Revenue.   |
  ---------------------------------------+--------------+---------------+
                                         |_Pounds._|               |
  1. Domestic and foreign letters and    |              |               |
       postal cards, etc.                |  65,337,343  |  $60,624,464  |
  2. Newspapers and periodicals,         |              |               |
        1 cent per pound.                | 348,988,648  |    2,996,403  |
  3. Books, seeds, etc., 8 cents a pound.|  78,701,148  |   10,324,069  |
  4. Parcels, etc., 16 cents a pound.    |  19,950,187  |    3,129,321  |
                                         +--------------+---------------+
           Total                         | 512,977,326  |    77,044,257 |
  ---------------------------------------+--------------+---------------+


The remainder of our postal revenue, amounting to something more than
$5,000,000, was derived from box rents, registry fees, money-order
business, and other similar items.

The entire expenditures of the Department, including pay for
transportation credited to the Pacific railroads, were $92,186,195.11,
which may be considered as the cost of receiving, carrying, and
delivering the above mail matter. It thus appears that though the
second-class matter constituted more than two-thirds of the total that
was carried, the revenue derived from it was less than one-thirtieth of
the total expense.


  The average revenue was--

  From each pound of first-class matter                 cents   93.0
  From each pound of second class[38]                   mills    8.5
  From each pound of third class                        cents   13.1
  From each pound of fourth class                         do    15.6


The growth in weight of second-class matter has been from 299,000,000
pounds in 1894 to 312,000,000 in 1895 and to almost 349,000,000 in 1896,
and it is quite evident this increasing drawback is far outstripping any
possible growth of postal revenues.

Our mail service should of course be such as to meet the wants and even
the conveniences of our people at a direct charge upon them so light
as perhaps to exclude the idea of our Post-Office Department being
a money-making concern; but in the face of a constantly recurring
deficiency in its revenues and in view of the fact that we supply the
best mail service in the world it seems to me it is quite time to
correct the abuses that swell enormously our annual deficit. If we
concede the public policy of carrying weekly newspapers free in the
county of publication, and even the policy of carrying at less than
one-tenth of their cost other _bona fide_ newspapers and periodicals,
there can be no excuse for subjecting the service to the further immense
and increasing loss involved in carrying at the nominal rate of 1 cent a
pound the serial libraries, sometimes including trashy and even harmful
literature, and other matter which under the loose interpretation of
a loose statute have been gradually given second-class rates, thus
absorbing all profitable returns derived from first-class matter, which
pays three or four times more than its cost, and producing a large
annual loss to be paid by general taxation. If such second-class matter
paid merely the cost of its handling, our deficit would disappear and
a surplus result which might be used to give the people still better
mail facilities or cheaper rates of letter postage. I recommend that
legislation be at once enacted to correct these abuses and introduce
better business ideas in the regulation of our postal rates.

Experience and observation have demonstrated that certain improvements
in the organization of the Post-Office Department must be secured before
we can gain the full benefit of the immense sums expended in its
administration. This involves the following reforms, which I earnestly
recommend:

There should be a small addition to the existing inspector service,
to be employed in the supervision of the carrier force, which now
numbers 13,000 men and performs its service practically without the
surveillance exercised over all other branches of the postal or public
service. Of course such a lack of supervision and freedom from wholesome
disciplinary restraints must inevitably lead to imperfect service. There
should also be appointed a few inspectors who could assist the central
office in necessary investigation concerning matters of post-office
leases, post-office sites, allowances for rent, fuel, and lights, and
in organizing and securing the best results from the work of the 14,000
clerks now employed in first and second class offices.

I am convinced that the small expense attending the inauguration of
these reforms would actually be a profitable investment.

I especially recommend such a recasting of the appropriations
by Congress for the Post-Office Department as will permit the
Postmaster-General to proceed with the work of consolidating
post-offices. This work has already been entered upon sufficiently to
fully demonstrate by experiment and experience that such consolidation
is productive of better service, larger revenues, and less expenditures,
to say nothing of the further advantage of gradually withdrawing
post-offices from the spoils system.

The Universal Postal Union, which now embraces all the civilized world
and whose delegates will represent 1,000,000,000 people, will hold its
fifth congress in the city of Washington in May, 1897. The United States
may be said to have taken the initiative which led to the first meeting
of this congress, at Berne in 1874, and the formation of the Universal
Postal Union, which brings the postal service of all countries to every
man's neighborhood and has wrought marvels in cheapening postal rates
and securing absolutely safe mail communication throughout the world.
Previous congresses have met in Berne, Paris, Lisbon, and Vienna, and
the respective countries in which they have assembled have made generous
provision for their accommodation and for the reception and
entertainment of the delegates.

In view of the importance of this assemblage and of its deliberations
and of the honors and hospitalities accorded to our representatives by
other countries on similar occasions, I earnestly hope that such an
appropriation will be made for the expenses necessarily attendant upon
the coming meeting in our capital city as will be worthy of our national
hospitality and indicative of our appreciation of the event.

The work of the Navy Department and its present condition are fully
exhibited in the report of the Secretary.

The construction of vessels for our new Navy has been energetically,
prosecuted by the present Administration upon the general lines
previously adopted, the Department having seen no necessity for radical
changes in prior methods, under which the work was found to be
progressing in a manner highly satisfactory. It has been decided,
however, to provide in every shipbuilding contract that the builder
should pay all trial expenses, and it has also been determined to pay no
speed premiums in future contracts. The premiums recently earned and
some yet to be decided are features of the contracts made before this
conclusion was reached.

On March 4, 1893, there were in commission but two armored vessels--the
double-turreted monitors _Miantonomoh_ and _Monterey_. Since
that date, of vessels theretofore authorized, there have been placed in
their first commission 3 first-class and 2 second-class battle ships, 2
armored cruisers, 1 harbor-defense ram, and 5 double-turreted monitors,
including the _Maine_ and the _Puritan_, just completed. Eight
new unarmored cruisers and 2 new gunboats have also been commissioned.
The _Iowa_, another battle ship, will be completed about March 1,
and at least 4 more gunboats will be ready for sea in the early spring.

It is gratifying to state that our ships and their outfits are believed
to be equal to the best that can be manufactured elsewhere, and that
such notable reductions have been made in their cost as to justify the
statement that quite a number of vessels are now being constructed at
rates as low as those that prevail in European shipyards.

Our manufacturing facilities are at this time ample for all possible
naval contingencies. Three of our Government navy-yards--those at
Mare Island, Cal., Norfolk, Va., and Brooklyn, N.Y.--are equipped for
shipbuilding, our ordnance plant in Washington is equal to any in
the world, and at the torpedo station we are successfully making the
highest grades of smokeless powder. The first-class private shipyards
at Newport News, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are building battle
ships; eleven contractors, situated in the States of Maine, Rhode
Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and the State
of Washington, are constructing gunboats or torpedo boats; two plants
are manufacturing large quantities of first-class armor, and American
factories are producing automobile torpedoes, powder, projectiles,
rapid-fire guns, and everything else necessary for the complete outfit
of naval vessels.

There have been authorized by Congress since March, 1893, 5 battle
ships, 6 light-draft gunboats, 16 torpedo boats, and 1 submarine torpedo
boat. Contracts for the building of all of them have been let. The
Secretary expresses the opinion that we have for the present a
sufficient supply of cruisers and gunboats, and that hereafter the
construction of battle ships and torpedo boats will supply our needs.

Much attention has been given to the methods of carrying on departmental
business. Important modifications in the regulations have been made,
tending to unify the control of shipbuilding as far as may be under the
Bureau of Construction and Repair, and also to improve the mode of
purchasing supplies for the Navy by the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts.
The establishment under recent acts of Congress of a supply fund with
which to purchase these supplies in large quantities and other
modifications of methods have tended materially to their cheapening and
better quality.

The War College has developed into an institution which it is believed
will be of great value to the Navy in teaching the science of war, as
well as in stimulating professional zeal in the Navy, and it will be
especially useful in the devising of plans for the utilization in case
of necessity of all the naval resources of the United States.

The Secretary has persistently adhered to the plan he found in operation
for securing labor at navy-yards through boards of labor employment, and
has done much to make it more complete and efficient. The naval officers
who are familiar with this system and its operation express the decided
opinion that its results have been to vastly improve the character of
the work done at our yards and greatly reduce its cost.

Discipline among the officers and men of the Navy has been maintained
to a high standard and the percentage of American citizens enlisted has
been very much increased.

The Secretary is considering and will formulate during the coming winter
a plan for laying up ships in reserve, thereby largely reducing the cost
of maintaining our vessels afloat. This plan contemplates that battle
ships, torpedo boats, and such of the cruisers as are not needed for
active service at sea shall be kept in reserve with skeleton crews on
board to keep them in condition, cruising only enough to insure the
efficiency of the ships and their crews in time of activity.

The economy to result from this system is too obvious to need comment.

The Naval Militia, which was authorized a few years ago as an
experiment, has now developed into a body of enterprising young men,
active and energetic in the discharge of their duties and promising
great usefulness. This establishment has nearly the same relation to our
Navy as the National Guard in the different States bears to our Army,
and it constitutes a source of supply for our naval forces the
importance of which is immediately apparent.

The report of the Secretary of the Interior presents a comprehensive and
interesting exhibit of the numerous and important affairs committed to
his supervision. It is impossible in this communication to do more than
briefly refer to a few of the subjects concerning which the Secretary
gives full and instructive information.

The money appropriated on account of this Department and for its
disbursement for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, amounted to more
than $157,000,000, or a greater sum than was appropriated for the entire
maintenance of the Government for the two fiscal years ended June 30,
1861.

Our public lands, originally amounting to 1,840,000,000 acres, have been
so reduced that only about 600,000,000 acres still remain in Government
control, excluding Alaska. The balance, being by far the most valuable
portion, has been given away to settlers, to new States, and to
railroads or sold at a comparatively nominal sum. The patenting of land
in execution of railroad grants has progressed rapidly during the
year, and since the 4th day of March, 1893, about 25,000,000 acres have
thus been conveyed to these corporations.

I agree with the Secretary that the remainder of our public lands should
be more carefully dealt with and their alienation guarded by better
economy and greater prudence.

The commission appointed from the membership of the National Academy of
Sciences, provided for by an act of Congress, to formulate plans for a
national forestry system will, it is hoped, soon be prepared to present
the result of thorough and intelligent examination of this important
subject.

The total Indian population of the United States is 177,235, according
to a census made in 1895, exclusive of those within the State of New
York and those comprising the Five Civilized Tribes. Of this number
there are approximately 38,000 children of school age. During the year
23,393 of these were enrolled in schools. The progress which has
attended recent efforts to extend Indian-school facilities and the
anticipation of continued liberal appropriations to that end can not
fail to afford the utmost satisfaction to those who believe that the
education of Indian children is a prime factor in the accomplishment of
Indian civilization.

It may be said in general terms that in every particular the improvement
of the Indians under Government care has been most marked and
encouraging.

The Secretary, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the agents having
charge of Indians to whom allotments have been made strongly urge the
passage of a law prohibiting the sale of liquor to allottees who have
taken their lands in severalty. I earnestly join in this recommendation
and venture to express the hope that the Indian may be speedily
protected against this greatest of all obstacles to his well-being and
advancement.

The condition of affairs among the Five Civilized Tribes, who occupy
large tracts of land in the Indian Territory and who have governments
of their own, has assumed such an aspect as to render it almost
indispensable that there should be an entire change in the relations of
these Indians to the General Government. This seems to be necessary in
furtherance of their own interests, as well as for the protection of
non-Indian residents in their territory. A commission organized and
empowered under several recent laws is now negotiating with these
Indians for the relinquishment of their courts and the division of their
common lands in severalty and are aiding in the settlement of the
troublesome question of tribal membership. The reception of their first
proffers of negotiation was not encouraging, but through patience and
such conduct on their part as demonstrated that their intentions were
friendly and in the interest of the tribes the prospect of success has
become more promising. The effort should be to save these Indians from
the consequences of their own mistakes and improvidence and to secure to
the real Indian his rights as against intruders and professed friends
who profit by his retrogression. A change is also needed to protect life
and property through the operation of courts conducted according to
strict justice and strong enough to enforce their mandates.

As a sincere friend of the Indian, I am exceedingly anxious that
these reforms should be accomplished with the consent and aid of the
tribes and that no necessity may be presented for radical or drastic
legislation. I hope, therefore, that the commission now conducting
negotiations will soon be able to report that progress has been made
toward a friendly adjustment of existing difficulties.

It appears that a very valuable deposit of gilsonite or asphaltum has
been found on the reservation in Utah occupied by the Uncompahgre Ute
Indians. Every consideration of care for the public interest and every
sensible business reason dictate such management or disposal of this
important source of public revenue as will except it from the general
rules and incidents attending the ordinary disposition of public lands
and secure to the Government a fair share at least of its advantages in
place of its transfer for a nominal sum to interested individuals.

I indorse the recommendation made by the present Secretary of the
Interior, as well as his predecessor, that a permanent commission,
consisting of three members, one of whom shall be an army officer, be
created to perform the duties now devolving upon the Commissioner and
Assistant Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The management of the Bureau
involves such numerous and diverse details and the advantages of an
uninterrupted policy are so apparent that I hope the change suggested
will meet the approval of the Congress.

The diminution of our enormous pension roll and the decrease of pension
expenditure, which have been so often confidently foretold, still fail
in material realization. The number of pensioners on the rolls at the
close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, was 970,678. This is the
largest number ever reported. The amount paid exclusively for pensions
during the year was $138,214,761.94, a slight decrease from that of the
preceding year, while the total expenditures on account of pensions,
including the cost of maintaining the Department and expenses attending
pension distribution, amounted to $142,206,550.59, or within a very
small fraction of one third of the entire expense of supporting the
Government during the same year. The number of new pension certificates
issued was 90,640. Of these, 40,374 represent original allowances of
claims and 15,878 increases of existing pensions.

The number of persons receiving pensions from the United States, but
residing in foreign countries, at the close of the last fiscal year was
3,781, and the amount paid to them during the year was $582,735.38.

The sum appropriated for the payment of pensions for the current fiscal
year, ending June 30, 1897, is $140,000,000, and for the succeeding year
it is estimated that the same amount will be necessary.

The Commissioner of Pensions reports that during the last fiscal year
339 indictments were found against violators of the pension laws. Upon
these indictments 167 convictions resulted.

In my opinion, based upon such statements as these and much other
information and observation, the abuses which have been allowed to creep
into our pension system have done incalculable harm in demoralizing our
people and undermining good citizenship. I have endeavored within my
sphere of official duty to protect our pension roll and make it what it
should be, a roll of honor, containing the names of those disabled in
their country's service and worthy of their country's affectionate
remembrance. When I have seen those who pose as the soldiers' friends
active and alert in urging greater laxity and more reckless pension
expenditure, while nursing selfish schemes, I have deprecated the
approach of a situation when necessary retrenchment and enforced economy
may lead to an attack upon pension abuses so determined as to overlook
the discrimination due to those who, worthy of a nation's care, ought to
live and die under the protection of a nation's gratitude.

The Secretary calls attention to the public interests involved in an
adjustment of the obligations of the Pacific railroads to the
Government. I deem it to be an important duty to especially present this
subject to the consideration of the Congress.

On January 1, 1897, with the amount already matured, more than
$13,000,000 of the principal of the subsidy bonds issued by the United
States in aid of the construction of the Union Pacific Railway,
including its Kansas line, and more than $6,000,000 of like bonds issued
in aid of the Central Pacific Railroad, including those issued to the
Western Pacific Railroad Company, will have fallen due and been paid or
must on that day be paid by the Government. Without any reference to the
application of the sinking fund now in the Treasury, this will create
such a default on the part of these companies to the Government as will
give it the right to at once institute proceedings to foreclose its
mortgage lien. In addition to this indebtedness, which will be due
January 1, 1897, there will mature between that date and January 1,
1899, the remaining principal of such subsidy bonds, which must also be
met by the Government. These amount to more than $20,000,000 on account
of the Union Pacific lines and exceed $21,000,000 on account of the
Central Pacific lines.

The situation of these roads and the condition of their indebtedness to
the Government' have been fully set forth in the reports of various
committees to the present and prior Congresses, and as early as 1887
they were thoroughly examined by a special commission appointed pursuant
to an act of Congress. The considerations requiring an adjustment of the
Government's relations to the companies have been clearly presented and
the conclusion reached with practical uniformity that if these relations
are not terminated they should be revised upon a basis securing their
safe continuance.

Under section 4 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 paramount to the interest of the United States in the
property of the Pacific railroads should exist and be lawfully liable
to be enforced, to direct the action of the Departments of Treasury and
of Justice in the protection of the interest of the United States by
redemption or through judicial proceedings, including foreclosures of
the Government liens.

In view of the fact that the Congress has for a number of years almost
constantly had under consideration various plans for dealing with the
conditions existing between these roads and the Government, I have thus
far felt justified in withholding action under the statute above
mentioned.

In the case of the Union Pacific Company, however, the situation
has become especially and immediately urgent. Proceedings have been
instituted to foreclose a first mortgage upon those aided parts of the
main lines upon which the Government holds a second and subordinate
mortgage lien. In consequence of those proceedings and increasing
complications, added to the default occurring on the 1st day of January,
1897, a condition will be presented at that date, so far as this company
is concerned, that must emphasize the mandate of the act of 1887 and
give to Executive duty under its provisions a more imperative aspect.
Therefore, unless Congress shall otherwise direct or shall have
previously determined upon a different solution of the problem, there
will hardly appear to exist any reason for delaying beyond the date of
the default above mentioned such Executive action as will promise to
subserve the public interests and save the Government from the loss
threatened by further inaction.

The Department of Agriculture is so intimately related to the welfare of
our people and the prosperity of our nation that it should constantly
receive the care and encouragement of the Government. From small
beginnings it has grown to be the center of agricultural intelligence
and the source of aid and encouragement to agricultural efforts. Large
sums of money are annually appropriated for the maintenance of this
Department, and it must be confessed that the legislation relating to it
has not always been directly in the interest of practical farming or
properly guarded against waste and extravagance. So far, however, as
public money has been appropriated fairly and sensibly to help those who
actually till the soil, no expenditure has been more profitably made or
more generally approved by the people.

Under the present management of the Department its usefulness has been
enhanced in every direction, and at the same time strict economy has
been enforced to the utmost extent permitted by Congressional action.
From the report of the Secretary it appears that through careful and
prudent financial management he has annually saved a large sum from his
appropriations, aggregating during his incumbency and up to the close
of the present fiscal year nearly one-fifth of the entire amount
appropriated. These results have been accomplished by a conscientious
study of the real needs of the farmer and such a regard for economy
as the genuine farmer ought to appreciate, supplemented by a rigid
adherence to civil-service methods in a Department which should be
conducted in the interest of agriculture instead of partisan politics.

The Secretary reports that the value of our exports of farm products
during the last fiscal year amounted to $570,000,000, an increase of
$17,000,000 over those of the year immediately preceding. This statement
is not the less welcome because of the fact that, notwithstanding such
increase, the proportion of exported agricultural products to our total
exports of all descriptions fell off during the year. The benefits of
an increase in agricultural exports being assured, the decrease in its
proportion to our total exports is the more gratifying when we consider
that it is owing to the fact that such total exports for the year
increased more than $75,000,000.

The large and increasing exportation 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 concerning the condition, needs, and
advantages 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,
it is quite apparent that a knowledge of the conditions and wants that
affect those markets ought to result in sowing more intelligently and
reaping with a better promise of profit. Such information points out the
way to a prudent foresight in the selection and cultivation of crops and
to a release from the bondage of unreasoning monotony of production, a
glutted and depressed market, and constantly recurring unprofitable toil.

In my opinion the gratuitous distribution of seeds by the Department
as at present conducted ought to be discontinued. No one can read the
statement of the Secretary on this subject and doubt the extravagance
and questionable results of this practice. The professed friends of the
farmer, and certainly the farmers themselves, are naturally expected
to be willing to rid a Department devoted to the promotion of farming
interests of a feature which tends so much to its discredit.

The Weather Bureau, now attached to the Department of Agriculture, has
continued to extend its sphere of usefulness, and by an uninterrupted
improvement in the accuracy of its forecasts has greatly increased its
efficiency as an aid and protection to all whose occupations are related
to weather conditions.

Omitting further reference to the operations of the Department, I
commend the Secretary's report and the suggestions it contains to the
careful consideration of the Congress.

The progress made in civil-service reform furnishes a cause for the
utmost congratulation. It has survived the doubts of its friends as well
as the rancor of its enemies and has gained a permanent place among the
agencies destined to cleanse our politics and to improve, economize, and
elevate the public service.

There are now in the competitive classified service upward of 84,000
places, more than half of these having been included from time to time
since March 4, 1893. A most radical and sweeping extension was made by
Executive order dated the 6th day of May, 1896,[39] and if fourth-class
postmasterships are not included in the statement it may be said that
practically all positions contemplated by the civil-service law are now
classified. Abundant reasons exist for including these postmasterships,
based upon economy, improved service, and the peace and quiet of
neighborhoods. If, however, obstacles prevent such action at present,
I earnestly hope that Congress will, without increasing post-office
appropriations, so adjust them as to permit in proper cases a
consolidation of these post-offices, to the end that through this
process the result desired may to a limited extent be accomplished.

The civil-service rules as amended during the last year provide for a
sensible and uniform method of promotion, basing eligibility to better
positions upon demonstrated efficiency and faithfulness. The absence of
fixed rules on this subject has been an infirmity in the system more and
more apparent as its other benefits have been better appreciated.

The advantages of civil-service methods in their business aspects are
too well understood to require argument. Their application has become a
necessity to the executive work of the Government. But those who gain
positions through the operation of these methods should be made to
understand that the nonpartisan scheme through which they receive their
appointments demands from them by way of reciprocity nonpartisan and
faithful performance of duty under every Administration and cheerful
fidelity to every chief. While they should be encouraged to decently
exercise their rights of citizenship and to support through their
suffrages the political beliefs they honestly profess, the noisy,
pestilent, and partisan employee, who loves political turmoil and
contention or who renders lax and grudging service to an Administration
not representing his political views, should be promptly and fearlessly
dealt with in such a way as to furnish a warning to others who may be
likewise disposed.

The annual report of the Commissioners will be duly transmitted, and
I commend the important matter they have in charge to the careful
consideration of the Congress.

The Interstate Commerce Commission has during the last year supplied
abundant evidence of its usefulness and the importance of the work
committed to its charge.

Public transportation is a universal necessity, and the question of just
and reasonable charges therefor has become of vital importance not only
to shippers and carriers, but also to the vast multitude of producers
and consumers. The justice and equity of the principles embodied in the
existing law passed for the purpose of regulating these charges are
everywhere conceded, and there appears to be no question that the policy
thus entered upon has a permanent place in our legislation.

As the present statute when enacted was in the nature of the case more
or less tentative and experimental, it was hardly expected to supply a
complete and adequate system. While its wholesome effects are manifest
and have amply justified its enactment, it is evident that all desired
reforms in transportation methods have not been fully accomplished.
In view of the judicial interpretation which some provisions of this
statute have received and the defects disclosed by the efforts made for
its enforcement, its revision and amendment appear to be essential, to
the end that it may more effectually reach the evils designed to be
corrected. I hope the recommendations of the Commission upon this
subject will be promptly and favorably considered by the Congress.

I desire to recur to the statements elsewhere made concerning the
Government's receipts and expenditures for the purpose of venturing upon
some suggestions touching our present tariff law and its operation.

This statute took effect on the 28th day of August, 1894. Whatever may
be its shortcomings as a complete measure of tariff reform, it must be
conceded that it has opened the way to a freer and greater exchange of
commodities between us and other countries, and thus furnished a wider
market for our products and manufactures.

The only entire fiscal year during which this law has been in force
ended on the 30th day of June, 1896. In that year our imports increased
over those of the previous year more than $6,500,000, while the value
of the domestic products we exported and which found markets abroad was
nearly $70,000,000 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 the necessities of 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
opportunities, 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 efficiency
in this aspect, the present law can by no means fall under just
condemnation. During the only complete fiscal year of its operation it
has yielded nearly $8,000,000 more revenue than was received from tariff
duties in the preceding year. There was, nevertheless, a deficit between
our receipts and expenditures of a little more than $25,000,000. This,
however, was not unexpected.

The situation was such in December last, seven months before the close
of the fiscal year, that the Secretary of the Treasury foretold a
deficiency of $17,000,000. The great and increasing apprehension and
timidity in business circles and the depression in all activities
intervening since that time, resulting from causes perfectly well
understood and entirely disconnected with our tariff law or its
operation, seriously checked the imports we would have otherwise
received and readily account for the difference between this estimate
of the Secretary and the actual deficiency, as well as for a continued
deficit. Indeed, it must be confessed that we could hardly have had a
more unfavorable period than the last two years for the collection of
tariff revenue. We can not reasonably hope that our recuperation from
this business depression will be sudden, but it has already set in with
a promise of acceleration and continuance.

I believe our present tariff law, if allowed a fair opportunity, will
in the near future yield a revenue which, with reasonably economical
expenditures, will overcome all deficiencies. In the meantime no deficit
that has occurred or may occur need excite or disturb us. To meet any
such deficit we have in the Treasury in addition to a gold reserve of
one hundred millions a surplus of more than $128,000,000 applicable
to the payment of the expenses of the Government, and which must,
unless expended for that purpose, remain a useless hoard, or, if not
extravagantly wasted, must in any event be perverted from the purpose of
its exaction from our people. The payment, therefore, of any deficiency
in the revenue from this fund is nothing more than its proper and
legitimate use. The Government thus applying a surplus fortunately in
its Treasury to the payment of expenses not met by its current revenues
is not at all to be likened to a man living beyond his income and thus
incurring debt or encroaching on his principal.

It is not one of the functions of our Government to accumulate
and make additions to a fund not needed for immediate expenditure.
With individuals it is the chief object of struggle and effort. The
application of an accumulated fund by the Government to the payment of
its running expenses is a duty. An individual living beyond his income
and embarrassing himself with debt or drawing upon his accumulated fund
of principal is either unfortunate or improvident. The distinction is
between a government charged with the duty of expending for the benefit
of the people and for proper purposes all the money it receives from any
source, and the individual, who is expected to manifest a natural desire
to avoid debt or to accumulate as much as possible and to live within
the income derived from such accumulations, to the end that they may be
increased or at least remain unimpaired for the future use and enjoyment
of himself or the objects of his love and affection who may survive him.

It is immeasurably better to appropriate our surplus to the payment
of justifiable expenses than to allow it to become an invitation to
reckless appropriations and extravagant expenditures.

I suppose it will not be denied that under the present law our people
obtain the necessaries of a comfortable existence at a cheaper rate
than formerly. This is a matter of supreme importance, since it is the
palpable duty of every just government to make the burdens of taxation
as light as possible. The people should not be required to relinquish
this privilege of cheaper living except under the stress of their
Government's necessity made plainly manifest.

This reference to the condition and prospects 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 communications and the inevitable danger of their
continued toleration pointed out. Without now repeating these details,
I can not refrain from again earnestly presenting the necessity of the
prompt reform of a system opposed to every rule of sound finance and
shown by experience to be fraught with the gravest peril and perplexity.
The terrible Civil War, which shook the foundations of our Government
more than thirty years ago, brought in its train the destruction of
property, the wasting of our country's substance, and the estrangement
of brethren. These are now past and forgotten. Even the distressing
loss of life the conflict entailed is but a sacred memory which fosters
patriotic sentiment and keeps alive a tender regard for those who
nobly died. And yet there remains with us to-day in full strength and
activity, as an incident of that tremendous struggle, a feature of its
financial necessities not only unsuited to our present circumstances,
but manifestly a disturbing menace to business security and an
ever-present agent of monetary distress.

Because we may be enjoying a temporary relief from its depressing
influence, this should not lull us into a false security nor lead us to
forget the suddenness of past visitations.

I am more convinced than ever that we can have no assured financial
peace and safety until the Government currency obligations upon which
gold may be demanded from the Treasury are withdrawn from circulation
and canceled. This might be done, as has been heretofore recommended,
by their exchange for long-term bonds bearing a low rate of interest or
by their redemption with the proceeds of such bonds. Even if only the
United States notes known as greenbacks were thus retired it is probable
that the Treasury notes issued in payment of silver purchases under the
act of July 14, 1890, now paid in gold when demanded, would not create
much disturbance, as they might from time to time, when received in the
Treasury by redemption in gold or otherwise, be gradually and prudently
replaced by silver coin.

This plan of issuing bonds for the purpose of redemption certainly
appears to be the most effective and direct path to the needed reform.
In default of this, however, it would be a step in the right direction
if currency obligations redeemable in gold whenever so redeemed should
be canceled instead of being reissued. This operation would be a slow
remedy, but it would improve present conditions.

National banks should redeem their own notes. They should be allowed to
issue circulation to the par value of bonds deposited as security for
its redemption and the tax on their circulation should be reduced to
one-fourth of 1 per cent.

In considering projects for the retirement of United States notes and
Treasury notes issued under the law of 1890, I am of the opinion that we
have placed too much stress upon the danger of contracting the currency
and have calculated too little upon the gold that would be added to our
circulation if invited to us by better and safer financial methods. It
is not so much a contraction of our currency that should be avoided as
its unequal distribution.

This might be obviated and any fear of harmful contraction at the same
time removed by allowing the organization of smaller banks and in less
populous communities than are now permitted, and also authorizing
existing banks to establish branches in small communities under proper
restrictions.

The entire case may be presented by the statement that the day of
sensible and sound financial methods will not dawn upon us until our
Government abandons the banking business and the accumulation of funds
and confines its monetary operations to the receipt of the money
contributed by the people for its support and to the expenditure of such
money for the people's benefit.

Our business interests and all good citizens long for rest from feverish
agitation and the inauguration by the Government of a reformed financial
policy which will encourage enterprise and make certain the rewards of
labor and industry.

Another topic in which our people rightfully take a deep interest
may be here briefly considered. I refer to the existence of trusts and
other huge aggregations of capital the object of which is to secure the
monopoly of some particular branch of trade, industry, or commerce and
to stifle wholesome competition. When these are defended, it is usually
on the ground that though they increase profits they also reduce prices,
and thus may benefit the public. It must be remembered, however, that
a reduction of prices to the people is not one of the real objects
of these organizations, nor is their tendency necessarily in that
direction. If it occurs in a particular case it is only because it
accords with the purposes or interests of those managing the scheme.

Such occasional results fall far short of compensating the palpable
evils charged to the account of trusts and monopolies. Their tendency
is to crush out individual independence and to hinder or prevent the
free use of human faculties and the full development of human character.
Through them the farmer, the artisan, and the small trader is in danger
of dislodgment from the proud position of being his own master, watchful
of all that touches his country's prosperity, in which he has an
individual lot, and interested in all that affects the advantages of
business of which he is a factor, to be relegated to the level of a mere
appurtenance to a great machine, with little free will, with no duty but
that of passive obedience, and with little hope or opportunity of rising
in the scale of responsible and helpful citizenship.

To the instinctive belief that such is the inevitable trend of trusts
and monopolies is due the widespread and deep-seated popular aversion in
which they are held and the not unreasonable insistence that, whatever
may be their incidental economic advantages, their general effect upon
personal character, prospects, and usefulness can not be otherwise than
injurious.

Though Congress has attempted to deal with this matter by legislation,
the laws passed for that purpose thus far have proved ineffective, not
because of any lack of disposition or attempt to enforce them, but
simply because the laws themselves as interpreted by the courts do not
reach the difficulty. If the insufficiencies of existing laws can be
remedied by further legislation, it should be done. The fact must be
recognized, however, that all Federal legislation on this subject may
fall short of its purpose because of inherent obstacles and also because
of the complex character of our governmental system, which, while making
the Federal authority supreme within its sphere, has carefully limited
that sphere by metes and bounds that can not be transgressed. The
decision of our highest court on this precise question renders it quite
doubtful whether the evils of trusts and monopolies can be adequately
treated through Federal action unless they seek directly and purposely
to include in their objects transportation or intercourse between States
or between the United States and foreign countries.

It does not follow, however, that this is the limit of the remedy that
may be applied. Even though it may be found that Federal authority is
not broad enough to fully reach the case, there can be no doubt of the
power of the several States to act effectively in the premises, and
there should be no reason to doubt their willingness to judiciously
exercise such power.

In concluding this communication its last words shall be an appeal to
the Congress for the most rigid economy in the expenditure of the money
it holds in trust for the people. The way to perplexing extravagance
is easy, but a return to frugality is difficult. When, however, it is
considered that those who 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 contests of political
opinion are no longer remembered, nothing in the retrospect of our
public service will be as fortunate and comforting as the recollection
of official duty well performed and the memory of a constant devotion to
the interests of our confiding fellow-countrymen.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

[Footnote 36: See p. 624.]

[Footnote 37: See pp. 450-451.]

[Footnote 38: Of the second class 52,348,297 was county-free matter.]

[Footnote 39: See pp. 701-711.]



SPECIAL MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 5, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the
22d ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by copies
of correspondence concerning the death of Charles Govin, a citizen of
the United States, in the island of Cuba.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 8, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the House of
Representatives of May 8, 1896, requesting information as to what had
been done by the Department of State to carry out the provision in the
act of March 2, 1895, making appropriations for the Department of
Agriculture for the year 1896, as to negotiations with Great Britain to
secure the abrogation or modification of the regulations requiring the
slaughter of cattle from the United States at the port of entry, a
report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 8, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith the report of the Secretary of State in response to
the resolution of the House of Representatives of June 5, 1896, calling
for information concerning the changes made in the force of his
Department since the 4th day of March, 1893.

This report has been in my hands since the 9th day of December, 1896,
and its transmission to the House of Representatives has been delayed by
my inadvertence.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 11, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith a treaty for the arbitration of all matters in
difference between the United States and Great Britain.

The provisions of the treaty are the result of long and patient
deliberation and represent concessions made by each party for the sake
of agreement upon the general scheme.

Though the result reached may not meet the views of the advocates of
immediate, unlimited, and irrevocable arbitration of all international
controversies, it is nevertheless confidently believed that the treaty
can not fail to be everywhere recognized as making a long step in the
right direction and as embodying a practical working plan by which
disputes between the two countries will reach a peaceful adjustment as
matter of course and in ordinary routine.

In the initiation of such an important movement it must be expected that
some of its features will assume a tentative character looking to a
further advance, and yet it is apparent that the treaty which has been
formulated not only makes war between the parties to it a remote
possibility, but precludes those fears and rumors of war which of
themselves too often assume the proportions of national disaster.

It is eminently fitting as well as fortunate that the attempts to
accomplish results so beneficent should be initiated by kindred peoples,
speaking the same tongue and joined together by all the ties of common
traditions, common institutions, and common aspirations. The experiment
of substituting civilized methods for brute force as the means of
settling international questions of right will thus be tried under the
happiest auspices. Its success ought not to be doubtful, and the fact
that its ultimate ensuing benefits are not likely to be limited to the
two countries immediately concerned should cause it to be promoted all
the more eagerly. The examples set and the lesson furnished by the
successful operation of this treaty are sure to be felt and taken to
heart sooner or later by other nations, and will thus mark the beginning
of a new epoch in civilization.

Profoundly impressed as I am, therefore, by the promise of transcendent
good which this treaty affords, I do not hesitate to accompany its
transmission with an expression of my earnest hope that it may commend
itself to the favorable consideration of the Senate.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 18, 1897_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith the report of Messrs. James B. Angell, of Michigan,
John E. Russell, of Massachusetts, and Lyman E. Cooley, of Illinois, who
were appointed commissioners under the authority of a law passed March
2, 1895, to make inquiry and report, after conference with such similar
commissioners as might be appointed on behalf of Great Britain or the
Dominion of Canada, concerning the feasibility of the construction of
such canals as will enable vessels engaged in ocean commerce to pass
between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, and the most convenient
location and probable cost of such canals, together with other facts and
information in said act specified relating to their construction and
use.

The commissioners have prosecuted the work assigned them with great zeal
and intelligence, resulting in the collection of a mass of information
embodied in their report and its accompanying exhibits which is of great
importance and interest as related to the project subjected to their
examination.

The advantages of direct and unbroken water transportation of the
products of our Western States and Territories from convenient points of
shipment to our seaboard ports are plainly palpable. The report of the
commissioners contains, in my opinion, demonstration of the feasibility
of securing such transportation, and gives ground for the anticipation
that better and more uninterrupted commerce, through the plan suggested,
between the great West and foreign ports, with the increase of national
prosperity which must follow in its train, will not long escape American
enterprise and activity.

It will be observed that the report of the commissioners, though as
comprehensive as the time and facilities at their disposal permitted,
does not definitely deal with the cost of the work they were called upon
to consider and omits some of the other details related to it. Thus far
they have labored without compensation, and a part of the small sum
appropriated for the payment of their expenses still remains unexpended.

I suggest to the Congress the propriety of making economical provision
for such further prosecution of their work as will more fully develop
the information necessary to an exact and complete understanding of this
interesting and important subject.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 22, 1897_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of December 15, 1896,
relating to Cuban affairs, I transmit a report from the Secretary of
State, submitting a list of the claims filed in the Department of State
by citizens of the United States against Spain arising out of the
insurrection existing in the island of Cuba, and the accompanying
correspondence relating to the vessel called the _Competitor_ and
the persons claiming American citizenship captured thereon, which I deem
it not incompatible with the public interests to communicate.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 25, 1897_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the Senate resolution of December
21, 1896, addressed to the Secretary of State, a report of that officer
covering a list of persons claiming to be citizens of the United States
who have been arrested on the island of Cuba since February 24, 1895, to
the present time.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 1, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to a resolution of the Senate of the
6th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by copies
of correspondence concerning the arrest, imprisonment, trial, and
condemnation to perpetual imprisonment in chains of Jules Sanguily, a
citizen of the United States, by the authorities of Spain in Cuba.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 5, 1897_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

The World's Columbian Commission has delivered to me certain documents
and exhibits which they desire should constitute the final report
required by section 12 of the act of Congress passed April 25, 1890,
providing for the celebration of the four hundredth anniversary of the
discovery of America and the holding of an international exhibition in
the city of Chicago.

The documents referred to embrace the reports of the president and
secretary of the commission and a report of the executive committee on
awards, with exhibits relating to the same. They are contained in five
boxes of considerable size, which, instead of actually transmitting with
this communication, I have deposited in the State Department subject to
the action and direction of the Congress.

I am informed that the director-general of the exposition has made a
report directly to the Congress, and that no report of the lady managers
has yet been made.

The selection of such part of the material mentioned as may be
considered necessary to constitute a final exhibit of the action of
the commission and the results of the exposition is submitted to the
discretion of Congress.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 8, 1897_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State and
accompanying reports from diplomatic and consular officers of the United
States on the passport regulations of foreign countries. In view of the
evident value of the information contained in these reports, especially
to American citizens going abroad and sojourning or traveling in foreign
lands, I approve the recommendation of the Secretary that Congress
authorize the printing of a special edition of 3,000 copies of the work,
to be distributed by the Department of State as indicated in the
Secretary's report.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 8, 1897_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I herewith submit the thirteenth annual report of the Civil Service
Commission, containing a detailed statement of its important work and
exhibiting the present condition of the classified service of the
Government.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 10, 1897_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 9th instant, the
House of Representatives concurring, I return herewith Senate bill No.
3328, entitled "An act to amend an act entitled 'An act to repeal the
timber-culture laws, and for other purposes.'"

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 11, 1897_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of February 4, 1897, I
transmit a report from the Secretary of State, submitting copies of
correspondence relative to the arrest and detention of Gaspar A.
Betancourt, a citizen of the United States, by the Spanish authorities
in Cuba.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 11, 1897_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of February 2, 1897, I
transmit a report from the Secretary of State, relative to the killing
of Segundo N. Lopez, son of M.F. Lopez, at Sagua la Grande, in Cuba.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 20, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the
17th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, touching the reply
of the British Government in regard to the failure of the negotiations
of the Paris Tribunal to protect the fur-seal herd of Alaska.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 20, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the
15th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by
copies of correspondence with the German Government in reference to
American insurance companies.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 23, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the Senate of
February 6, 1897, a report from the Secretary of State, in regard to the
persons claiming American citizenship captured on board of the
_Competitor_.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 24, 1897_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
covering the report of the joint commission on behalf of the United
States and Great Britain, dated December 31, 1896, relative to the
preservation of the fisheries in waters contiguous to the United States
and Canada, as provided by the joint agreement between the United States
and Great Britain dated December 6, 1892.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 25, 1897_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress, a
communication from the Secretary of State, covering the report of the
Director of the Bureau of the American Republics for the year 1896.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, February 26, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State,
accompanying the annual reports of the consuls of the United States
upon foreign industries and commerce. In view of the value of these
reports to the business interests throughout the country, I indorse the
recommendation of the Secretary of State that Congress authorize the
printing of a special edition of 10,000 copies of the general summary
entitled Review of the World's Commerce, and of 5,000 copies of
Commercial Relations (including this summary), to enable the Department
of State to meet the demand for such information.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 1, 1897_.

_To the Congress_:

I transmit herewith the report of the board of lady managers of the
World's Columbian Commission.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 1, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 24th ultimo, I
transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, covering copies
of the correspondence and reports of the consul-general of the United
States at Havana relating to all American citizens now in prison in the
island of Cuba not previously reported on.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 2, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the Senate of
February 24, 1897, a report from the Secretary of State, in relation to
the claim of M.A. Cheek against the Siamese Government, with
accompanying papers.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 2, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I herewith transmit a report of the Secretary of State upon a resolution
of the Senate relating to the arrest, imprisonment, and death of Dr.
Ricardo Ruiz in the jail of Guanabacoa, on the island of Cuba. Agreeing
with the suggestion of the Secretary, I have not thought it compatible
with the public interest that the correspondence referred to in the
resolution should be communicated pending the public and exhaustive
investigation about to be instituted.

Though it seems to be clear that the consul-general should have
professional aid in such investigation, that matter, together with the
selection of the particular persons to act with him, properly devolves
upon my successor in office.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 3, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I transmit herewith, in reply to the resolution of the Senate of January
23, 1897, a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied by copies of
the correspondence therein requested, relating to the Nicaraguan Canal
or the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua, since 1887.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



VETO MESSAGES.


EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 14, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without my approval House bill No. 9469, entitled
"An act to constitute a new division of the eastern judicial district
of Texas, and to provide for the holding of terms of court at Beaumont,
Tex., and for the appointment of a clerk for said court."

It appears that terms of court are now held at four different places
within the eastern judicial district of Texas and that parties having
business in the courts are not seriously inconvenienced under present
arrangements.

Both the Federal judge and district attorney in this district express
themselves in opposition to the bill as unnecessary and an interruption
to the transaction of the large volume of business now pending and
constantly coming before the court.

I have before me certificates of the clerks of the present divisions of
the courts showing that during the last five years the counties which
it is proposed shall constitute the new division have contributed but
forty-two cases to the calendars of the court.

Conclusive proof is also before me that the additional terms of court
provided for in this bill would so interfere with the terms already
appointed in the existing divisions that the proper administration of
the civil as well as the criminal law would be impracticable.

The criminal docket of the terms held at Paris is so large that under
present arrangements and with the utmost industry trials can not now be
as promptly disposed of as the ends of justice require. This condition
would be further aggravated if terms of the court should be held at
Beaumont on the dates proposed in this bill, since they are fixed at
such times as to necessarily curtail the period now devoted to the
Paris terms.

On the grounds stated and because I am unable to discover how the public
interests can possibly be promoted by the proposed legislation I am
constrained to withhold my approval of the bill under consideration.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 22, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without my approval House bill No. 2189, entitled
"An act granting a pension to Mrs. Mary A. Freeman."

A former husband of the beneficiary, named Andrew V. Pritchard, did
service in the Mexican War, and on July 22, 1847, died of disease
contracted in such service. Thereupon the beneficiary named in this bill
was pensioned as his widow. She continued to receive this pension until
1852, when she married John Freeman, through which she of course lost
her pensionable status. Two minor children of the soldier were, however,
placed on the pension roll in her stead, and their pension was paid to
them until the youngest became 16 years of age, in 1863.

John Freeman died in December, 1871, the beneficiary having been his
wife for almost twenty years. It is now proposed to restore her to the
pension roll as the widow of her former husband, the Mexican soldier,
who died nearly fifty years ago, and notwithstanding the fact that less
than five years after his death she relinquished her right to a pension
and surrendered her widowhood to become the wife of another husband,
with whom she lived for many years.

I am not willing, even by inaction, to be charged with acquiescence in
what appears to be such an entire departure from the principle, as well
as sentiment, connected with reasonable pension legislation.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 22, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I return herewith without approval Senate bill No. 1323, entitled "An
act granting a pension to Maria Somerlat, widow of Valentine Somerlat."

This beneficiary, under the name of Maria Somerlat, was pensioned in
1867 as the widow of Valentine Somerlat, a volunteer soldier, dating
from his death, in 1864. She continued to draw the pension allowed
her as such widow until 1881, when she married one Hiram Smith.
Subsequently, but at what time does not appear, she was divorced from
Smith in a suit that seems to have been begun by him, but in which
she interposed a cross bill and obtained judgment in her favor.
Notwithstanding her remarriage, through which she ceased to be the widow
of the dead soldier, it is proposed to pension her again on account of
his death.

The rule governing the operation of general pension laws which forfeits
a widow's pension on her remarriage seems so reasonable and just and
its relaxation must necessarily lead to such a departure from just
principles and to such vexatious pension administration that I am
convinced it ought to be strictly maintained.

I hope I may be permitted to call the attention of the Senate to the
increasing latitude clearly discernible in special pension legislation.
It has seemed to me so useless to attempt to stem the tide of this
legislation by Executive interference that I have contented myself with
nonacquiescence in numerous cases where I could not approve.

There have been already presented to me for Executive action during the
present session of the Congress 206 special pension bills, of which I
have actually examined 115. The entire number of such bills that have
become laws during the four sessions of the Congress since March 4,
1893, is 391. Some of those presented at the present session are not
based upon the least pretext that the death or disability involved is
related to army service, while in numerous other cases it is extremely
difficult to satisfactorily discover such relationship.

There is one feature of this legislation which I am sure deserves
attention. I refer to the great number of special bills passed for
the purpose of increasing the pensions of those already on the rolls.
Of the 115 special pension bills which I have examined since the
beginning of the present session of the Congress, 58 granted or restored
pensions and 57 increased those already existing, and the appropriation
of money necessary to meet these increases exceeds considerably the
amount required to pay the original pensions granted or restored by the
remaining 58 bills.

I can not discover that these increases are regulated by any rule
or principle, and when we remember that there are nearly a million
pensioners on our rolls and consider the importunity for such increase
that must follow the precedents already made, the relation of the
subject to a justifiable increase of our national revenues can not
escape attention.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 22, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I return herewith without my approval House bill No. 6902, entitled
"An act granting a pension to Mrs. Mary A. Viel."

This beneficiary was married in 1862 to Major W.D. Sanger, then in the
volunteer military service. He died in 1872, never having made any
application for pension. His widow made no application for pension, but
within three years after her husband's death, and in 1875, became the
wife of Paul Viel. Eight years thereafter he died, leaving her his
widow, and it is now proposed to pension her as the widow of the
soldier, Major Sanger, though she long ago by her own deliberate act
surrendered that title and all its incidents.

There is a further objection to granting this pension. I do not find
that any claim is made that the death of the soldier, who was the
beneficiary's first husband, was at all attributable to his army
service. Neither he nor his widow, while she remained such, presented
any such claim, nor is it found in reports of the committees in the
Senate or House to whom the bill under consideration was referred.
On the contrary, the Senate Committee on Pensions in their report
distinctly state that "there is no proof that soldier contracted disease
while in the service or that he died of pensionable disabilities."

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March i, 1897_.

_To the Senate_:

I return herewith without approval Senate bill No. 719, entitled "An act
to restore a pension to Harriet M. Knowlton."

Major William Knowlton, a most worthy volunteer soldier, died of wounds
received in battle on the 20th day of September, 1864.

In 1865 his widow, the beneficiary named in this bill, was pensioned at
the rate of $25 a month, commencing on the day of her husband's death,
with an additional allowance for four minor children dating from July,
1866.

She continued to receive this pension and allowance until November,
1867, when she married Albin P. Stinchfield.

Thereupon her name was dropped from the pension roll, she having by
her remarriage lost her pensionable condition, and her children were
pensioned at a small monthly rate from the date of their mother's
remarriage until June 1, 1880, when the youngest became 16 years of age.

The beneficiary, after living with her second husband about twenty-two
years, secured a divorce from him in the year 1889, and it is now
proposed to pension the divorced wife as the widow of her deceased
soldier husband at the rate she received while she was actually his
widow, thirty years ago.

Her pensionable relation to the Government terminated with her
remarriage, and her divorce from her second husband could not upon any
ground of principle restore it. A departure from this rule, even in aid
of cases of hardship, can not fail to establish precedents inviting the
abandonment of reasonable and justifiable pension theories.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 1, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 1299, entitled "An act
to pension Harriet Woodbury, of Windsor, Vt."

The beneficiary named in this bill was the wife of Aaron G. Firman at
the time of his enlistment in 1863. He died October 2, 1864, and the
beneficiary, as his widow, was pensioned in 1865, from the day of her
soldier husband's death.

She continued to receive the pension allowed to her as such widow until
July 14, 1866, when she married Samuel H. Woodbury. She was thereupon
dropped from the pension roll pursuant to law, and in 1868 the minor son
of the soldier was allowed a pension of $8 a month, commencing at the
date of the remarriage of his mother. This pension was increased to $10
a month in 1873, from July 25, 1866, and was continued until 1880, when
the minor child reached the age of 16 years.

On July 26, 1886, twenty years after the beneficiary ceased to be the
widow of the soldier Aaron G. Firman and became the wife of the civilian
Samuel H. Woodbury, he died and she became his widow.

It is now proposed by this bill to pension her again as the widow of the
deceased soldier, notwithstanding her voluntary abandonment of that
relation to become the wife of another more than thirty years ago.

No feature of our pension laws is so satisfactory and just as a fair
allowance to the widows of our soldiers who have died from causes
attributable to their army service. When, however, such a beneficiary
by remarriage surrenders her soldier widowhood and turns away from its
tender and patriotic associations to assume again the relation and
allegiance of wife to another husband, when she discards the soldier's
name and in every way terminates her pensionable relationship to the
Government, I am unable to discover any principle which justifies her
restoration to that relationship upon the death of her second husband.

No one can be insensible to the sad plight of a widow in needy
condition, but our pension laws should deal with soldiers' widows. I
understand that only the existence of this relationship to a deceased
soldier creates through him the Government's duty and justifies the
application of public money to the relief of such widows.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 2, 1897_.

_To the House of Representatives_:

I herewith return without approval House bill No. 7864, entitled "An act
to amend the immigration laws of the United States."

By the first section of this bill it is proposed to amend section 1 of
the act of March 3, 1891, relating to immigration by adding to the
classes of aliens thereby excluded from admission to the United States
the following:

  All persons physically capable and over 16 years of age who can not read
  and write the English language or some other language; but a person not
  so able to read and write who is over 50 years of age and is the parent
  or grandparent of a qualified immigrant over 21 years of age and capable
  of supporting such parent or grandparent may accompany such immigrant,
  or such a parent or grandparent may be sent for and come to join the
  family of a child or grandchild over 21 years of age similarly qualified
  and capable, and a wife or minor child not so able to read and write may
  accompany or be sent for and come and join the husband or parent
  similarly qualified and capable.


A radical departure from our national policy relating to immigration is
here presented. Heretofore we have welcomed all who came to us from
other lands except those whose moral or physical condition or history
threatened danger to our national welfare and safety. Relying upon the
zealous watchfulness of our people to prevent injury to our political
and social fabric, we have encouraged those coming from foreign
countries to cast their lot with us and join in the development of our
vast domain, securing in return a share in the blessings of American
citizenship.

A century's stupendous growth, largely due to the assimilation and
thrift of millions of sturdy and patriotic adopted citizens, attests the
success of this generous and free-handed policy which, while guarding
the people's interests, exacts from our immigrants only physical and
moral soundness and a willingness and ability to work.

A contemplation of the grand results of this policy can not fail to
arouse a sentiment in its defense, for however it might have been
regarded as an original proposition and viewed as an experiment its
accomplishments are such that if it is to be uprooted at this late day
its disadvantages should be plainly apparent and the substitute adopted
should be just and adequate, free from uncertainties, and guarded
against difficult or oppressive administration.

It is not claimed, I believe, that the time has come for the further
restriction of immigration on the ground that an excess of population
overcrowds our land.

It is said, however, that the quality of recent immigration is
undesirable. The time is quite within recent memory when the same thing
was said of immigrants who, with their descendants, are now numbered
among our best citizens.

It is said that too many immigrants settle in our cities, thus
dangerously increasing their idle and vicious population. This is
certainly a disadvantage. It can not be shown, however, that it affects
all our cities, nor that it is permanent; nor does it appear that this
condition where it exists demands as its remedy the reversal of our
present immigration policy.

The claim is also made that the influx of foreign laborers deprives of
the opportunity to work those who are better entitled than they to the
privilege of earning their livelihood by daily toil. An unfortunate
condition is certainly presented when any who are willing to labor are
unemployed, but so far as this condition now exists among our people it
must be conceded to be a result of phenomenal business depression and
the stagnation of all enterprises in which labor is a factor. With the
advent of settled and wholesome financial and economic governmental
policies and consequent encouragement to the activity of capital the
misfortunes of unemployed labor should, to a great extent at least, be
remedied. If it continues, its natural consequences must be to check the
further immigration to our cities of foreign laborers and to deplete the
ranks of those already there. In the meantime those most willing and
best entitled ought to be able to secure the advantages of such work as
there is to do.

It is proposed by the bill under consideration to meet the alleged
difficulties of the situation by establishing an educational test by
which the right of a foreigner to make his home with us shall be
determined. Its general scheme is to prohibit from admission to our
country all immigrants "physically capable and over 16 years of age who
can not read and write the English language or some other language," and
it is provided that this test shall be applied by requiring immigrants
seeking admission to read and afterwards to write not less than twenty
nor more than twenty-five words of the Constitution of the United States
in some language, and that any immigrant failing in this shall not be
admitted, but shall be returned to the country from whence he came at
the expense of the steamship or railroad company which brought him.

The best reason that could be given for this radical restriction of
immigration is the necessity of protecting our population against
degeneration and saving our national peace and quiet from imported
turbulence and disorder.

I can not believe that we would be protected against these evils by
limiting immigration to those who can read and write in any language
twenty-five words of our Constitution. In my opinion, it is infinitely
more safe to admit a hundred thousand immigrants who, though unable to
read and write, seek among us only a home and opportunity to work than
to admit one of those unruly agitators and enemies of governmental
control who can not only read and write, but delights in arousing by
inflammatory speech the illiterate and peacefully inclined to discontent
and tumult. Violence and disorder do not originate with illiterate
laborers. They are, rather, the victims of the educated agitator. The
ability to read and write, as required in this bill, in and of itself
affords, in my opinion, a misleading test of contented industry and
supplies unsatisfactory evidence of desirable citizenship or a proper
apprehension of the benefits of our institutions. If any particular
element of our illiterate immigration is to be feared for other causes
than illiteracy, these causes should be dealt with directly, instead of
making illiteracy the pretext for exclusion, to the detriment of other
illiterate immigrants against whom the real cause of complaint can not
be alleged.

The provisions intended to rid that part of the proposed legislation
already referred to from obvious hardship appears to me to be indefinite
and inadequate.

A parent, grandparent, wife, or minor child of a qualified immigrant,
though unable to read and write, may accompany the immigrant or be sent
for to join his family, provided the immigrant is capable of supporting
such relative. These exceptions to the general rule of exclusion
contained in the bill were made to prevent the separation of families,
and yet neither brothers nor sisters are provided for. In order that
relatives who are provided for may be reunited, those still in foreign
lands must be sent for to join the immigrant here. What formality is
necessary to constitute this prerequisite, and how are the facts of
relationship and that the relative is sent for to be established?
Are the illiterate relatives of immigrants who have come here under
prior laws entitled to the advantage of these exceptions? A husband who
can read and write and who determines to abandon his illiterate wife
abroad will find here under this law an absolutely safe retreat. The
illiterate relatives mentioned must not only be sent for, but such
immigrant must be capable of supporting them when they arrive. This
requirement proceeds upon the assumption that the foreign relatives
coming here are in every case, by reason of poverty, liable to become
a public charge unless the immigrant is capable of their support. The
contrary is very often true. And yet if unable to read and write, though
quite able and willing to support themselves and their relatives here
besides, they could not be admitted under the provisions of this bill
if the immigrant was impoverished, though the aid of his fortunate but
illiterate relative might be the means of saving him from pauperism.

The fourth section of this bill provides--

  That it shall be unlawful for any male alien who has not in good faith
  made his declaration before the proper court of his intention to become
  a citizen of the United States to be employed on any public works of the
  United States or to come regularly or habitually into the United States
  by land or water for the purpose of engaging in any mechanical trade or
  manual labor for wages or salary, returning from time to time to a
  foreign country.

The fifth section provides--

  That it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, company, or
  corporation knowingly to employ any alien coming into the United States
  in violation of the next preceding section of this act.

The prohibition against the employment of aliens upon any public works
of the United States is in line with other legislation of a like
character. It is quite a different thing, however, to declare it a crime
for an alien to come regularly and habitually into the United States for
the purpose of obtaining work from private parties, if such alien
returns from time to time to a foreign country, and to constitute any
employment of such alien a criminal offense.

When we consider these provisions of the bill in connection with our
long northern frontier and the boundaries of our States and Territories,
often but an imaginary line separating them from the British dominions,
and recall the friendly intercourse between the people who are neighbors
on either side, the provisions of this bill affecting them must be
regarded as illiberal, narrow, and un-American.

The residents of these States and Territories have separate and especial
interests which in many cases make an interchange of labor between their
people and their alien neighbors most important, frequently with the
advantage largely in favor of our citizens. This suggests the
inexpediency of Federal interference with these conditions when not
necessary to the correction of a substantial evil, affecting the general
welfare. Such unfriendly legislation as is proposed could hardly fail to
provoke retaliatory measures, to the injury of many of our citizens who
now find employment on adjoining foreign soil.

The uncertainty of construction to which the language of these
provisions is subject is a serious objection to a statute which
describes a crime. An important element in the offense sought to be
created by these sections is the coming "regularly or habitually into
the United States." These words are impossible of definite and certain
construction. The same may be said of the equally important words
"returning from time to time to a foreign country."

A careful examination of this bill has convinced me that for the reasons
given and others not specifically stated its provisions are
unnecessarily harsh and oppressive, and that its defects in construction
would cause vexation and its operation would result in harm to our
citizens.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



POCKET VETOES.


["An act granting a pension to Mrs. Mary Gould Carr, widow of the late
Brigadier and Brevet Major General Joseph B. Carr, United States
Volunteers, deceased."]

DECEMBER 30, 1896.

This bill was presented to me on the 16th day of December, 1896.
Congress, pursuant to a concurrent resolution adopted by both Houses of
Congress, adjourned from the 22d day of December, 1896, to January 5,
1897. I have not approved the bill.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



"An act to increase the pension of Caroline A. Hough, widow of
Brigadier-General John Hough."

DECEMBER 31, 1896.

This bill was presented to me on the 16th day of December, 1896.
Congress, pursuant to a concurrent resolution adopted by both Houses of
Congress, adjourned from the 22d day of December, 1896, to January 5,
1897. I have not approved the bill.

GROVER CLEVELAND.



PROCLAMATIONS.


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to adopt regulations for
preventing collisions at sea" was approved August 19, 1890, the said act
being in the following words:


  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That the following
  regulations for preventing collisions at sea shall be followed by all
  public and private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and
  in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels:


  PRELIMINARY.

  In the following rules every steam vessel which is under sail and not
  under steam is to be considered a sailing vessel, and every vessel under
  steam, whether under sail or not, is to be considered a steam vessel.

  The words "steam vessel" shall include any vessel propelled by
  machinery.

  A vessel is "under way" within the meaning of these rules when she is
  not at anchor or made fast to the shore or aground.


  RULES CONCERNING LIGHTS, ETC.

  The word "visible" in these rules when applied to lights shall mean
  visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere.

  ARTICLE 1. The rules concerning lights shall be complied with in all
  weathers from sunset to sunrise, and during such time no other lights
  which may be mistaken for the prescribed lights shall be exhibited.

  ART. 2. A steam vessel when under way shall carry--

  (_a_) On or in front of the foremast, or if a vessel without a
  foremast, then in the fore part of the vessel, at a height above the
  hull of not less than 20 feet, and if the breadth of the vessel exceeds
  20 feet, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so,
  however, that the light need not be carried at a greater height above
  the hull than 40 feet, a bright white light so constructed as to show an
  unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 20 points of the compass,
  so fixed as to throw the light 10 points on each side of the
  vessel--namely, from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on either
  side--and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least
  5 miles.

  (_b_) On the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show
  an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the
  compass, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points
  abaft the beam on the starboard side, and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  (_c_) On the port side a red light so constructed as to show an
  unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the compass,
  so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the
  beam on the port side, and of such a character as to be visible at a
  distance of at least 2 miles.

  (_d_) The said green and red side lights shall be fitted with
  inboard screens projecting at least 3 feet forward from the light, so as
  to prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.

  (_e_) A steam vessel when under way may carry an additional white
  light similar in construction to the light mentioned in subdivision
  (_a_). These two lights shall be so placed in line with the keel
  that one shall be at least 15 feet higher than the other, and in such a
  position with reference to each other that the lower light shall be
  forward of the upper one. The vertical distance between these lights
  shall be less than the horizontal distance.

  ART. 3. A steam vessel when towing another vessel shall, in addition to
  her side lights, carry two bright white lights in a vertical line one
  over the other, not less than 6 feet apart, and when towing more than
  one vessel shall carry an additional bright white light 6 feet above or
  below such light, if the length of the tow measuring from the stern of
  the towing vessel to the stern of the last vessel towed exceeds 600
  feet. Each of these lights shall be of the same construction and
  character and shall be carried in the same position as the white light
  mentioned in article 2 (_a_), excepting the additional light, which
  may be carried at a height of not less than 14 feet above the hull.

  Such steam vessel may carry a small white light abaft the funnel or
  aftermast for the vessel towed to steer by, but such light shall not be
  visible forward of the beam.

  ART. 4. (_a_) A vessel which from any accident is not under command
  shall carry at the same height as a white light mentioned in article 2
  (_a_), where they can best be seen, and if a steam vessel in lieu
  of that light, two red lights in a vertical line one over the other, not
  less than 6 feet apart, and of such a character as to be visible all
  around the horizon at a distance of at least 2 miles, and shall by day
  carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6 feet apart,
  where they can best be seen, two black balls or shapes each 2 feet in
  diameter.

  (_b_) A vessel employed in laying or in picking up a telegraph
  cable shall carry in the same position as the white light mentioned in
  articles (_a_), and if a steam vessel in lieu of that light, three
  lights in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6 feet
  apart. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the
  middle light shall be white, and they shall be of such a character as to
  be visible all around the horizon at a distance of at least 2 miles. By
  day she shall carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than
  6 feet apart, where they can best be seen, three shapes not less than 2
  feet in diameter, of which the highest and lowest shall be globular in
  shape and red in color and the middle one diamond in shape and white.

  (_c_) The vessels referred to in this article when not making way
  through the water shall not carry the side lights, but when making way
  shall carry them.

  (_d_) The lights and shapes required to be shown by this article
  are to be taken by other vessels as signals that the vessel showing them
  is not under command and can not, therefore, get out of the way.

  These signals are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring
  assistance. Such signals are contained in article 31.

  ART. 5. A sailing vessel under way and any vessel being towed shall
  carry the same lights as are prescribed by article 2 for a steam vessel
  under way, with the exception of the white lights mentioned therein,
  which they shall never carry.

  ART. 6. Whenever, as in the case of small vessels under way during bad
  weather, the green and red side lights can not be fixed, these lights
  shall be kept at hand, lighted and ready for use, and shall on the
  approach of or to other vessels be exhibited on their respective sides,
  in sufficient time to prevent collision, in such manner as to make them
  most visible and so that the green light shall not be seen on the port
  side nor the red light on the starboard side, nor, if practicable, more
  than 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides.

  To make the use of these portable lights more certain and easy the
  lanterns containing them shall each be painted outside with the color of
  the light they respectively contain and shall be provided with proper
  screens.

  ART. 7. Steam vessels of less than 40 and vessels under oars or sails of
  less than 20 tons gross tonnage, respectively, when under way shall not
  be obliged to carry the lights mentioned in article 2 (_a_),
  (_b_), and (_c_), but if they do not carry them they shall be
  provided with the following lights:

  First. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons shall carry--

  (_a_) In the fore part of the vessel or on or in front of the
  funnel, where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of
  not less than 9 feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as
  prescribed in article 2 (_a_) and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  (_b_) Green and red side lights constructed and fixed as prescribed
  in article 2 (_b_) and (_c_) and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 1 mile, or a combined lantern showing
  a green light and a red light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the
  beam on their respective sides. Such lanterns shall be carried not less
  than 3 feet below the white light.

  Second. Small steamboats, such as are carried by seagoing vessels, may
  carry the white light at a less height than 9 feet above the gunwale,
  but it shall be carried above the combined lantern mentioned in
  subdivision 1 (_b_).

  Third. Vessels under oars or sails of leas than 20 tons shall have ready
  at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red glass on the
  other, which on the approach of or to other vessels shall be exhibited,
  in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green light shall
  not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side.

  The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
  the lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_) and article 11 last
  paragraph.

  ART. 8. Pilot vessels when engaged on their station on pilotage duty
  shall not show the lights required for other vessels, but shall carry a
  white light at the masthead, visible all around the horizon, and shall
  also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals,
  which shall never exceed fifteen minutes.

  On the near approach of or to other vessels they shall have their side
  lights lighted ready for use and shall flash or show them at short
  intervals to indicate the direction in which they are heading; but the
  green light shall not be shown on the port side nor the red light on the
  starboard side.

  A pilot vessel of such a class as to be obliged to go alongside of a
  vessel to put a pilot on board may show the white light instead of
  carrying it at the masthead, and may instead of the colored lights above
  mentioned have at hand ready for use a lantern with a green glass on the
  one side and a red glass on the other, to be used as prescribed above.

  Pilot vessels when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty shall
  carry lights similar to those of other vessels of their tonnage.

  ART. 9. Fishing vessels and fishing boats when under way and when not
  required by this article to carry or show the lights therein named shall
  carry or show the lights prescribed for vessels of their tonnage under
  way.

  (_a_) Vessels and boats when fishing with drift nets shall exhibit
  two white lights from any part of the vessel where they can best be
  seen. Such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance between
  them shall be not less than 6 feet and not more than 10 feet, and so
  that the horizontal distance between them measured in a line with the
  keel shall be not less than 5 feet and not more than 10 feet. The lower
  of these two lights shall be the more forward, and both of them shall be
  of such a character as to show all around the horizon and to be visible
  at a distance of not less than 3 miles.

  (_b_) Vessels when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the
  dragging of an apparatus along the bottom of the sea--

  First. If steam vessels, shall carry in the same position as the white
  light mentioned in article 2 (_a_) tricolored lantern so
  constructed and fixed as to show a white light from right ahead to 2
  points on each bow and a green light and a red light over an arc of the
  horizon from 2 points on either bow to 2 points abaft the beam on the
  starboard and port sides, respectively, and not less than 6 nor more
  than 12 feet below the tricolored lantern a white light in a lantern so
  constructed as to show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light all around
  the horizon.

  Second. If sailing vessels of 7 tons gross tonnage and upward, shall
  carry a white light in a lantern so constructed as to show a clear,
  uniform, and unbroken light all around the horizon, and shall also be
  provided with a sufficient supply of red pyrotechnic lights, which shall
  each burn for at least thirty seconds and shall be shown on the approach
  of or to other vessels in sufficient time to prevent collision.

  In the Mediterranean Sea the vessels referred to in subdivision
  (_b_) 2 may use a flare-up light in lieu of a pyrotechnic light.

  All lights mentioned in subdivision (_b_) 1 and 2 shall be visible
  at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  Third. If sailing vessels of less than 7 tons gross tonnage, shall not
  be obliged to carry the white light mentioned in subdivision (_b_)
  2 of this article, but if they do not carry such light they shall have
  at hand, ready for use, a lantern showing a bright white light, which
  shall on the approach of or to other vessels be exhibited where it can
  best be seen in sufficient time to prevent collision; and they shall
  also show a red pyrotechnic light, as prescribed in subdivision
  (_b_) 2, or in lieu thereof a flare-up light.

  (_c_) Vessels and boats when line fishing with their lines out and
  attached to their lines, and when not at anchor or stationary, shall
  carry the same lights as vessels fishing with drift nets.

  (_d_) Fishing vessels and fishing boats may at any time use a
  flare-up light in addition to the lights which they are by this article
  required to carry and show. All flare-up lights exhibited by a vessel
  when trawling or fishing with any kind of drag net shall be shown at the
  after part of the vessel, excepting that if the vessel is hanging by the
  stern to her fishing gear they shall be exhibited from the bow.

  (_e_) Every fishing vessel and every boat when at anchor shall
  exhibit a white light visible all around the horizon at a distance of at
  least 1 mile.

  (_f_) If a vessel or boat when fishing becomes stationary in
  consequence of her gear getting fast to a rock or other obstruction, she
  shall show the light and make the fog signal prescribed for a vessel at
  anchor, respectively. (See article 15 (_d_), (_e_), and last
  paragraph.)

  (_g_) In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms drift-net
  vessels attached to their nets, and vessels when trawling, dredging, or
  fishing with any kind of dragnet, and vessels line fishing with their
  lines out shall, if of 20 tons gross tonnage or upward, respectively, at
  intervals of not more than one minute make a blast--if steam vessels,
  with the whistle or siren, and if sailing vessels, with the fog
  horn--each blast to be followed by ringing the bell.

  (_h_) Sailing vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls
  when under way shall in daytime indicate their occupation to an
  approaching vessel by displaying a basket or other efficient signal
  where it can best be seen.

  The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
  the light prescribed by article 4 (_a_) and article 11, last
  paragraph.

  ART. 10. A vessel which is being overtaken by another shall show from
  her stern to such last-mentioned vessel a white light or a flare-up
  light.

  The white light required to be shown by this article may be fixed and
  carried in a lantern, but in such case the lantern shall be so
  constructed, fitted, and screened that it shall throw an unbroken light
  over an arc of the horizon of 12 points of the compass--namely, for 6
  points from right aft on each side of the vessel--so as to be visible at
  a distance of at least 1 mile. Such light shall be carried as nearly as
  practicable on the same level as the side lights.

  ART. 11. A vessel under 150 feet in length when at anchor shall carry
  forward, where it can best be seen, but at a height not exceeding 20
  feet above the hull, a white light in a lantern so constructed as to
  show a clear, uniform, and unbroken light visible all around the horizon
  at a distance of at least 1 mile.

  A vessel of 150 feet or upward in length when at anchor shall carry in
  the forward part of the vessel, at a height of not less than 20 and not
  exceeding 40 feet above the hull, one such light, and at or near the
  stern of the vessel, and at such a height that it shall be not less than
  15 feet lower than the forward light, another such light.

  The length of a vessel shall be deemed to be the length appearing in her
  certificate of registry.

  A vessel aground in or near a fairway shall carry the above light or
  lights and the two red lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_).

  ART. 12. Every vessel may, if necessary in order to attract attention,
  in addition to the lights which she is by these rules required to carry,
  show a flare-up light or use any detonating signal that can not be
  mistaken for a distress signal.

  ART. 13. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of
  any special rules made by the government of any nation with respect to
  additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or
  for vessels sailing under convoy, or with the exhibition of recognition
  signals adopted by ship owners, which have been authorized by their
  respective governments and duly registered and published.

  ART. 14. A steam vessel proceeding under sail only, but having her
  funnel up, shall carry in daytime forward, where it can best be seen,
  one black ball or shape 2 feet in diameter.


  SOUND SIGNALS FOR FOG, ETC.

  ART. 15. All signals prescribed by this article for vessels under way
  shall be given--

  1. By "steam vessels," on the whistle or siren.

  2. By "sailing vessels" and "vessels towed," on the fog horn.

  The words "prolonged blast" used in this article shall mean a blast of
  from four to six seconds' duration.

  A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren,
  sounded by steam or by some substitute for steam, so placed that the
  sound may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient
  fog horn, to be sounded by mechanical means, and also with an efficient
  bell. (In all cases where the rules require a bell to be used a drum may
  be substituted on board Turkish vessels or a gong where such articles
  are used on board small seagoing vessels.) A sailing vessel of 20 tons
  gross tonnage or upward shall be provided with a similar fog horn and
  bell.

  In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms, whether by day or
  night, the signals described in this article shall be used as follows,
  viz:

  (_a_) A steam vessel having way upon her shall sound at intervals
  of not more than two minutes a prolonged blast.

  (_b_) A steam vessel under way, but stopped and having no way upon
  her, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes two prolonged
  blasts, with an interval of about one second between them.

  (_c_) A sailing vessel under way shall sound at intervals of not
  more than one minute, when on the starboard tack one blast, when on the
  port tack two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the
  beam three blasts in succession.

  (_d_) A vessel when at anchor shall at intervals of not more than
  one minute ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds.

  (_e_) A vessel at anchor at sea, when not in ordinary anchorage
  ground and when in such a position as to be an obstruction to vessels
  under way, shall sound, if a steam vessel, at intervals of not more than
  two minutes, two prolonged blasts with her whistle or siren, followed by
  ringing her bell, or if a sailing vessel, at intervals of not more than
  one minute, two blasts with her fog horn, followed by ringing her bell.

  (_f_) A vessel when towing shall, instead of the signals prescribed
  in subdivisions (_a_) and (_c_) of this article, at intervals
  of not more than two minutes sound three blasts in succession, namely,
  one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. A vessel towed may
  give this signal, and she shall not give any other.

  (_g_) A steam vessel wishing to indicate to another "The way is off
  my vessel; you may feel your way past me" may sound three blasts in
  succession--namely, short, long, short--with intervals of about one
  second between them.

  (_h_) A vessel employed in laying or picking up a telegraph cable
  shall on hearing the fog signal of an approaching vessel sound in answer
  three prolonged blasts in succession.

  (_i_) A vessel under way which is unable to get out of the way of
  an approaching vessel through being not under command or unable to
  maneuver as required by these rules shall on hearing the fog signal of
  an approaching vessel sound in answer four short blasts in succession.

  Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not
  be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals, but if they do not they
  shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more
  than one minute.


  SPEED OF SHIPS TO BE MODERATE IN FOG, ETC.

  ART. 16. Every vessel shall in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain
  storms go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing
  circumstances and conditions.

  A steam vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal
  of a vessel the position of which is not ascertained shall, so far as
  the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines and then navigate
  with caution until danger of collision is over.


  STEERING AND SAILING RULES.

  PRELIMINARY.--RISK OF COLLISION.

  Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by
  carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the
  bearing does not appreciably change, such risk should be deemed to
  exist.

  ART. 17. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another so as to
  involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the
  other as follows, namely:

  (_a_) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a
  vessel which is closehauled.

  (_b_) A vessel which is closehauled on the port tack shall keep out
  of the way of a vessel which is closehauled on the starboard tack.

  (_c_) When both are running free with the wind on different sides,
  the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way
  of the other.

  (_d_) When both are running free with the wind on the same side,
  the vessel which is to the windward shall keep out of the way of the
  vessel which is to leeward.

  (_e_) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep out of the way of
  the other vessel.

  ART. 18. When two steam vessels are meeting end on or nearly end on, so
  as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to
  starboard, so that each may pass on the port side of the other.

  This article only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on or
  nearly end on in such a manner as to involve risk of collision, and does
  not apply to two vessels which must, if both keep on their respective
  courses, pass clear of each other.

  The only cases to which it does apply are when each of the two vessels
  is end on or nearly end on to the other; in other words, to cases in
  which by day each vessel sees the masts of the other in a line or nearly
  in a line with her own, and by night to cases in which each vessel is in
  such a position as to see both the side lights of the other.

  It does not apply by day to cases in which a vessel sees another ahead
  crossing her own course, or by night to cases where the red light of one
  vessel is opposed to the red light of the other, or where the green
  light of one vessel is opposed to the green light of the other, or where
  a red light without a green light or a green light without a red light
  is seen ahead, or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but
  ahead.

  ART. 19. When two steam vessels are crossing, so as to involve risk of
  collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side
  shall keep out of the way of the other.

  ART. 20. When a steam vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such
  directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keep
  out of the way of the sailing vessel.

  ART. 21. Where by any of these rules one of two vessels is to keep out
  of the way, the other shall keep her course and speed.

  ART. 22. Every vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out
  of the way of another vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case
  admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other.

  ART. 23. Every steam vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out
  of the way of another vessel shall on approaching her, if necessary,
  slacken her speed or stop or reverse.

  ART. 24. Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules every vessel
  overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the overtaken vessel.

  Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more than
  2 points abaft her beam--that is, in such a position with reference to
  the vessel which she is overtaking that at night she would be unable to
  see either of that vessel's side lights--shall be deemed to be an
  overtaking vessel, and no subsequent alteration of the bearing between
  the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel
  within the meaning of these rules or relieve her of the duty of keeping
  clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.

  As by day the overtaking vessel can not always know with certainty
  whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessel,
  she should if in doubt assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep
  out of the way.

  ART. 25. In narrow channels every steam vessel shall, when it is safe
  and practicable, keep to that side of the fairway or mid-channel which
  lies on the starboard side of such vessel.

  ART. 26. Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of sailing
  vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls. This rule shall
  not give to any vessel or boat engaged in fishing the right of
  obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels or
  boats.

  ART. 27. In obeying and construing these rules due regard shall be had
  to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special
  circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules
  necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.


  SOUND SIGNALS FOR VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER.

  ART. 28. The words "short blast" used in this article shall mean a blast
  of about one second's duration.

  When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under way in
  taking any course authorized or required by these rules shall indicate
  that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren, namely:

  One short blast to mean, "I am directing my course to starboard."

  Two short blasts to mean, "I am directing my course to port."

  Three short blasts to mean, "My engines are going at full speed astern."


  NO VESSEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO NEGLECT PROPER PRECAUTIONS.

  ART. 29. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel or the owner
  or master or crew thereof from the consequences of any neglect to carry
  lights or signals, or of any neglect to keep a proper lookout, or of the
  neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice
  of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case.


  RESERVATION OF RULES FOR HARBORS AND INLAND NAVIGATION.

  ART. 30. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of a
  special rule duly made by local authority relative to the navigation of
  any harbor, river, or inland waters.


  DISTRESS SIGNALS.

  ART. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from other
  vessels or from the shore, the following shall be the signals to be used
  or displayed by her either together or separately, namely:

  In the daytime--

  First. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.

  Second. The international code signal of distress indicated by N.C.

  Third. The distance signal, consisting of a square flag, having either
  above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

  Fourth. Rockets or shells as prescribed below for use at night.

  Fifth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

  At night--

  First. A gun fired at intervals of about a minute.

  Second. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,
  etc.).

  Third. Rockets or shells bursting in the air with a loud report and
  throwing stars of any color or description, fired one at a time at short
  intervals.

  Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

  SEC. 2. That all laws or parts of laws inconsistent with the foregoing
  regulations for preventing collisions at sea, for the navigation of all
  public and private vessels of the United States upon the high seas and
  in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels, are
  hereby repealed.

  SEC. 3. That this act shall take effect at a time to be fixed by the
  President by proclamation issued for that purpose.


And whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to amend an act approved
August 19, 1890, entitled 'An act to adopt regulations for preventing
collisions at sea,'" was approved May 28, 1894, the said act being in
the following words:


  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_. That article 7 of
  the act approved August 19, 1890, entitled "An act to adopt regulations
  for preventing collisions at sea," be amended to read as follows:

  "ART. 7. Steam vessels of less than 40 and vessels under oars or sails
  of less than 20 tons gross tonnage, respectively, and rowing boats, when
  under way, shall not be required to carry the lights mentioned in
  article 2 (_a_), (_b_), and (_c_), but if they do not
  carry them they shall be provided with the following lights:

  "First. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons shall carry--

  "(_a_) In the fore part of the vessel or on or in front of the
  funnel, where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of
  not less than 9 feet, a bright white light constructed and fixed as
  prescribed in article 2 (_a_) and of such a character as to be
  visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

  "(_b_) Green and red side lights constructed and fixed as
  prescribed in article 2 (_b_) and (_c_) and of such a
  character as to be visible at a distance of at least 1 mile, or a
  combined lantern showing a green light and a red light from right ahead
  to 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides. Such lanterns
  shall be carried not less than 3 feet below the white light.

  "Second. Small steamboats, such as are carried by seagoing vessels, may
  carry the white light at a less height than 9 feet above the gunwale,
  but it shall be carried above the combined lantern mentioned in
  subdivision 1 (_b_).

  "Third. Vessels under oars or sails of less than 20 tons shall have
  ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red glass
  on the other, which on the approach of or to other vessels shall be
  exhibited, in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green
  light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the
  starboard side.

  "Fourth. Rowing boats, whether under oars or sail, shall have ready at
  hand a lantern showing a white light, which shall be temporarily
  exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

  "The vessels referred to in this article shall not be obliged to carry
  the lights prescribed by article 4 (_a_) and article 11, last
  paragraph."

  That article 9 be hereby repealed.

  That article 21 be amended to read as follows:

  "ART. 21. Where by any of these rules one of two vessels is to keep out
  of the way the other shall keep her course and speed.

  "NOTE.--When in consequence of thick weather or other causes such vessel
  finds herself so close that collision can not be avoided by the action
  of the giving-way vessel alone, she also shall take such action as will
  best aid to avert collision." (See articles 27 and 29.)

  That article 31 be amended to read as follows:


  "DISTRESS SIGNALS.

  "ART. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from
  other vessels or from the shore, the following shall be the signals to
  be used or displayed by her, either together or separately, namely:

  "In the daytime--

  "First. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a
  minute.

  "Second. The international code signal of distress indicated by N.C.

  "Third. The distance signal, consisting of a square flag, having either
  above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

  "Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus.

  "At night--

  "First. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a
  minute.

  "Second. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel,
  etc.).

  "Third. Rockets or shells throwing stars of any color or description,
  fired one at a time at short intervals.

  "Fourth. A continuous sounding with any fog-signal apparatus."


And whereas it was provided by section 3 of the said act of August 19,
1890, that it should take effect at a time to be fixed by the President
by proclamation issued for that purpose; and

Whereas the President did, in virtue of the authority vested in him by
the said section 3 of the act of August 19, 1890, issue a proclamation
on the 13th day of July, 1894,[40] declaring the 1st day of March, 1895,
as the day on which the said act approved August 19, 1890, as amended by
the act approved May 28, 1894, should take effect; and

Whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act relating to lights on
fishing vessels" was approved August 13, 1894, the said act being in the
following words:

  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That article 10 of
  the act approved March 3, 1885, entitled "An act to adopt the 'Revised
  international regulations for preventing collisions at sea,'" so far as
  said article relates to lights for fishing vessels, is hereby reenacted
  and continued in force, anything in the act approved May 28, 1894,
  entitled "An act to amend an act approved August 19, 1890, entitled
  'An act to adopt regulations for preventing collisions at sea,'" to
  the contrary notwithstanding.


And whereas the said article of the act approved March 3, 1885, entitled
"An act to adopt the 'Revised international regulations for preventing
collisions at sea,'" reenacted by the said act of August 13, 1894, is as
follows:

  ART. 10. Open boats and fishing vessels of less than 20 tons net
  registered tonnage when under way and when not having their nets,
  trawls, dredges, or lines in the water shall not be obliged to carry
  the colored side lights; but every such boat and vessel shall in lieu
  thereof have ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on the one
  side and a red glass on the other side, and on approaching to or being
  approached by another vessel such lantern shall be exhibited, in
  sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green light shall not
  be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side.

  The following portion of this article applies only to fishing vessels
  and boats when in the sea off the coast of Europe lying north of Cape
  Finisterre:

  (_a_) All fishing vessels and fishing boats of 20 tons net
  registered tonnage or upward when under way and when not having their
  nets, trawls, dredges, or lines in the water shall carry and show the
  same lights as other vessels under way.

  (_b_) All vessels when engaged in fishing with drift nets shall
  exhibit two white lights from any part of the vessel where they can be
  best seen. Such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance
  between them shall be not less than 6 feet and not more than 10 feet and
  so that the horizontal distance between them measured in a line with the
  keel of the vessel shall be not less than 5 feet and not more than 10
  feet. The lower of these two lights shall be the more forward, and both
  of them shall be of such a character and contained in lanterns of such
  construction as to show all round the horizon on a dark night with a
  clear atmosphere for a distance of not less than 3 miles.

  (_c_) All vessels when trawling, dredging, or fishing with any kind
  of dragnets shall exhibit from some part of the vessel where they can be
  best seen two lights. One of these lights shall be red and the other
  shall be white. The red light shall be above the white light and shall
  be at a vertical distance from it of not less than 6 feet and not more
  than 12 feet, and the horizontal distance between them, if any, shall
  not be more than 10 feet. These two lights shall be of such a character
  and contained in lanterns of such construction as to be visible all
  round the horizon on a dark night with a clear atmosphere, the white
  light to a distance of not less than 3 miles and the red light of not
  less than 2 miles.

  (_d_) A vessel employed in line fishing with her lines out shall
  carry the same lights as a vessel when engaged in fishing with drift
  nets.

  (_e_) If a vessel when fishing with a trawl, dredge, or any kind of
  dragnet becomes stationary in consequence of her gear getting fast to a
  rock or other obstruction, she shall show the light and make the fog
  signal for a vessel at anchor.

  (_f_) Fishing vessels and open boats may at any time use a flare-up
  in addition to the lights which they are by this article required to
  carry and show. All flare-up lights exhibited by a vessel when trawling,
  dredging, or fishing with any kind of dragnet shall be shown at the
  after part of the vessel, excepting that if the vessel is hanging by the
  stern to her trawl, dredge, or dragnet they shall be exhibited from the
  bow.

  (_g_) Every fishing vessel and every open boat when at anchor
  between sunset and sunrise shall exhibit a white light visible all round
  the horizon at a distance of at least 1 mile.

  (_h_) In a fog a drift-net vessel attached to her nets, and a
  vessel when trawling, dredging, or fishing with any kind of dragnet, and
  a vessel employed in line fishing with her lines out shall at intervals
  of not more than two minutes make a blast with her fog horn and ring her
  bell alternately.


And whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to postpone the
enforcement of the act of August 19, 1890, entitled 'An act to adopt
regulations for preventing collisions at sea,'" was approved February
23, 1895, the said act being in the following words:

  Whereas the President, in accordance with the proposition of Great
  Britain to enforce on March 1, 1895, the "Revised international
  regulations for preventing collisions at sea," and on the
  representations of that Government that those regulations had received
  the general approval of the several foreign maritime powers, pursuant
  to section 3 of the act of August 19, 1890, entitled "An act to adopt
  regulations for preventing collisions at sea," issued on July 13,
  1894, his proclamation[41] fixing March 1, 1895, as the time when the
  provisions of said act, as amended, embodying said revised international
  regulations, shall take effect; and

  Whereas the Government of Great Britain has withdrawn from the position
  communicated to this Government on April 25, 1894, that no time should
  be lost in carrying those regulations into effect, and on January 16,
  1895, announced to this Government that the Government of Great Britain
  now finds it impossible until Parliament has been consulted to fix a
  date for bringing the regulations into force, and earnestly requests
  this Government to consent to a temporary postponement of the
  enforcement of said regulations; and

  Whereas it is desirable that the "Revised international regulations for
  preventing collisions at sea" shall be put into force simultaneously by
  the maritime powers: Therefore,

  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That said act of
  August 19, 1890, take effect not on March 1, 1895, but at a subsequent
  time, to be fixed by the President by proclamation issued for that
  purpose.


And whereas the President did, in virtue of the authority vested in him
by the said act of February 23, 1895, issue a proclamation on the 25th
day of February, 1895,[42] giving notice that the said act of August 19,
1890, as amended by the act of May 28, 1894, would not go into force on
March 1, 1895, the date fixed in his said proclamation of July 13,
1894,[43] but on such future date as might be designated in a
proclamation of the President to be issued for that purpose; and

Whereas an act of Congress entitled "An act to amend an act approved
August 19, 1890, entitled 'An act to adopt regulations for preventing
collisions at sea,'" was approved June 10, 1896, the said act being in
the following words:

  _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
  United States of America in Congress assembled_, That article 15 of
  the act approved August 19, 1890, entitled "An act to adopt regulations
  for preventing collisions at sea," be amended to read as follows:

  "ART. 15. All signals prescribed by this article for vessels under way
  shall be given--

  "First. By 'steam vessels,' on the whistle or siren.

  "Second. By 'sailing vessels' and 'vessels towed,' on the fog horn.

  "The words 'prolonged blast' used in this article shall mean a blast of
  from four to six seconds' duration.

  "A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren,
  sounded by steam or some substitute for steam, so placed that the sound
  may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient fog
  horn to be sounded by mechanical means, and also with an efficient bell.
  (In all cases where the rules require a bell to be used a drum may be
  substituted on board Turkish vessels or a gong where such articles are
  used on board small seagoing vessels.) A sailing vessel of 20 tons gross
  tonnage or upward shall be provided with a similar fog horn and bell.

  "In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain storms, whether by day or
  night, the signals described in this article shall be used as follows,
  namely:

  "(_a_) A steam vessel having way upon her shall sound at intervals
  of not more than two minutes a prolonged blast.

  "(_b_) A steam vessel under way, but stopped and having no way upon
  her, shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes two prolonged
  blasts with an interval of about one second between.

  "(_c_) A sailing vessel under way shall sound at intervals of not
  more than one minute, when on the starboard tack one blast, when on the
  port tack two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the
  beam three blasts in succession.

  "(_d_) A vessel when at anchor shall at intervals of not more than
  one minute ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds.

  "(_e_) A vessel when towing, a vessel employed in laying or in
  picking up a telegraph cable, and a vessel under way which is unable to
  get out of the way of an approaching vessel through being not under
  command or unable to maneuver as required by the rules shall, instead of
  the signals prescribed in subdivisions (_a_) and (_c_) of this
  article, at intervals of not more than two minutes sound three blasts in
  succession, namely, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. A
  vessel towed may give this signal, and she shall not give any other.

  "Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not
  be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals, but if they do not they
  shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more
  than one minute."

  SEC. 2. That said act of August 19, 1890, as amended, shall take effect
  at a subsequent time to be fixed by the President by proclamation issued
  for that purpose.


And whereas it was provided by section 2 of the act approved June 10,
1896, that the said act of August 19, 1890, as amended should take
effect at a subsequent time to be fixed by the President by proclamation
issued for that purpose:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do hereby, in virtue of the authority vested in me by section 3
of the act of August 19, 1890, and by section 2 of the act of June 10,
1896, proclaim the 1st day of July, 1897, as the day on which the said
act approved August 19, 1890, as amended by the act approved May 28,
1894, by the act approved August 13, 1894, and by the act approved June
10, 1896, shall take effect.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States of America to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 31st day of December, 1896, and of
the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 40: See pp. 501-510.]

[Footnote 41: See pp. 501-510]

[Footnote 42: See p. 584]

[Footnote 43: See pp. 501-510]



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Utah within the limits
hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Utah and within the boundaries particularly
described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the northwest corner of township one (1) south, range seven
(7) east, Salt Lake meridian, Utah; thence easterly along the base line
to the southeast corner of township one (1) north, range eight (8) east;
thence northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of said
township; thence easterly along the township line between townships one
(1) and two (2) north to the southeast corner of township two (2) north,
range thirteen (13) east; thence northerly along the range line to the
northeast corner of said township; thence easterly along the surveyed
and unsurveyed township line between townships two (2) and three (3)
north to its point of intersection with the Green River; thence in a
southeasterly direction along the middle of the channel of said river to
the point for the unsurveyed range line between ranges twenty-two (22)
and twenty-three (23) east; thence southerly along the unsurveyed and
surveyed range line between said ranges to the point for the southeast
corner of township two (2) south, range twenty-two (22) east; thence
westerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line between
townships two (2) and three (3) south to the northwest corner of
township three (3) south, range nineteen (19) east; thence southerly
along the west boundary of said township to its intersection with the
east boundary of the Uintah Indian Reservation; thence northwesterly
along said Indian-reservation boundary to the northeast corner of said
reservation; thence southwesterly along the north boundary of said
Indian reservation to the intersection therewith by the range line
between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east; thence northerly along said
range line, surveyed and unsurveyed, to the northwest corner of township
one (1) south, range seven (7) east, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing
of record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of California within the
limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of California and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southeast corner of township eight (8) south, range
eight (8) east, San Bernardino base and meridian, California; thence
northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of said township;
thence westerly along the township line to the southwest corner of
township seven (7) south, range eight (8) east; thence northerly along
the range line to the northwest corner of said township; thence westerly
along the township line to the southwest corner of township six (6)
south, range seven (7) east; thence northerly along the range line
to the northwest corner of said township; thence westerly along the
unsurveyed and surveyed township line to the southwest corner of
township five (5) south, range six (6) east; thence northerly along the
range line to the northwest corner of said township; thence westerly
along the first (1st) standard parallel south to the southwest corner of
township four (4) south, range four (4) east; thence northerly along the
range line to the northwest corner of said township; thence westerly
along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line between townships three
(3) and four (4) south to its intersection with the east boundary line
of the "Rancho San Jacinto Neuvo y Potrero;" thence southeasterly along
the boundary line of said rancho and the boundary line of "Rancho San
Jacinto Viejo" to the most southeasterly point of said last-named
rancho; thence westerly along the south boundary of said "Rancho San
Jacinto Viejo" to the point of intersection by the section line between
sections fifteen (15) and sixteen (16), township five (5) south, range
one (1) east; thence southerly along the section line to the southwest
corner of section thirty-four (34), township six (6) south, range one
(1) east; thence easterly along the township line to the northwest
corner of township seven (7) south, range two (2) east; thence southerly
along the range line between ranges one (1) and two (2) east to the
southwest corner of township eight (8) south, range two (2) east; thence
along the second (2d) standard parallel south to the northwest corner of
township nine (9) south, range two (2) east; thence southerly along the
range line to the southwest corner of said township; thence easterly
along the township line between townships nine (9) and ten (10) south to
the southeast corner of township nine (9) south, range four (4) east;
thence northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of said
township; thence easterly along the second (2d) standard parallel south
to the north west corner of township nine (9) south, range seven (7)
east; thence southerly along the range line to the southwest corner of
section eighteen (18), said township; thence easterly along the section
line to the southeast corner of section thirteen (13), said township;
thence southerly along the range line between ranges seven (7) and eight
(8) east to the southwest corner of township ten (10) south, range eight
(8) east; thence easterly along the township line to the southeast
corner of said township; thence northerly along the range line between
ranges eight (8) and nine (9) east to the northeast corner of township
nine (9) south, range eight (8) east; thence westerly along the second
(2d) standard parallel south to the southeast corner of township eight
(8) south, range eight (8) east, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all irrigation
rights and lands lawfully acquired therefor and all lands which may have
been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or covered
by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States land
office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant to law
and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of record
has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held according
to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not in
conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Washington within the
limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Washington and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southeast corner of township four (4) north, range
nine (9) east, Willamette base and meridian, Washington; thence
northerly along the range line between ranges nine (9) and (10) east,
subject to the proper offset on the first (1st) standard parallel north
to the northwest corner of township six (6) north, range ten (10) east;
thence easterly along the township line to the northeast corner of said
township; thence northerly along the range line to the northwest corner
of township seven (7) north, range eleven (11) east; thence easterly
along the township line between townships seven (7) and eight (8) north
to the northeast corner of township seven (7) north, range twelve (12)
east; thence northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed range line
between ranges twelve (12) and thirteen (13) east, subject to the proper
offset on the second (2d) standard parallel north, to the northwest
corner of township (11) north, range thirteen (13) east; thence easterly
along the surveyed and unsurveyed township line between townships eleven
(11) and twelve (12) north to the southwest corner of township twelve
(12) north, range (15) east; thence northerly along the surveyed and
unsurveyed range line between ranges fourteen (14) and fifteen (15)
east, subject to the proper offsets on the third (3d) and fourth (4th)
standard parallels north to the point for the northeast corner of
township eighteen (18) north, range fourteen (14) east; thence westerly
along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line between townships
eighteen (18) and nineteen (19) north to the southwest corner of
township nineteen (19) north, range seven (7) east; thence southerly
along the surveyed and unsurveyed range line between ranges six (6) and
seven (7) east, subject to the proper offsets on the township line
between townships seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) north and on the
fourth (4th), third (3d), and second (2d) standard parallels north, to
the point for the northeast corner of township five (5) north, range six
(6) east; thence westerly along the unsurveyed township line between
townships five (5) and (6) north to the southeast corner of township six
(6) north, range four (4) east; thence southerly along the unsurveyed
range line between ranges four (4) and five (5) east, subject to the
proper offset on the first (1st) standard parallel north, to the point
for the southwest corner of township four (4) north, range five (5)
east; thence easterly along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line
between townships three (3) and four (4) north to the southeast corner
of township four (4) north, range nine (9) east, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entry man, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

Whereas a portion of the land embraced within the limits above described
was reserved by proclamation of February 20, 1893, and designated as
"The Pacific Forest Reserve," and whereas it appearing proper that the
entire area herein described should be distinguished by the name of the
most notable landmark within its boundaries, the title "The Pacific
Forest Reserve" is hereby abolished, and the reservation established by
this proclamation shall be known as "The Mount Rainier Forest Reserve."

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of California within the
limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of California and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southeast corner of township three (3) north, range
twenty-four (24) east, Mount Diablo base and meridian, California;
thence northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of said
township; thence westerly along the township line to the northwest
corner of said township; thence northerly along the range line to the
township line between townships four (4) and five (5) north, range
twenty-three (23) east; thence easterly along the township line to the
southeast corner of township five (5) north, range twenty-three (23)
east; thence northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of
said township; thence westerly along the first (1st) standard parallel
north to the southwest corner of township six (6) north, range
twenty-two (22) east; thence northerly along the range line between
ranges twenty-one (21) and twenty-two (22) east to the northeast corner
of township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) east; thence westerly
along the township line to the northwest corner of said township; thence
northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of township eight
(8) north, range twenty (20) east; thence westerly along the surveyed
and unsurveyed township line between townships eight (8) and nine (9)
north to the northwest corner of township eight (8) north, range
seventeen (17) east; thence southerly along the range line to the
southeast corner of township eight (8) north, range sixteen (16) east;
thence easterly along the unsurveyed township line to the point for the
southeast corner of township eight (8) north, range seventeen (17) east;
thence southerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed range line between
ranges seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) east, subject to the easterly
offset on the first (1st) standard parallel north, to the southeast
corner of township four (4) north, range seventeen (17) east; thence
easterly along the township line to the northeast corner of township
three (3) north, range eighteen (18) east; thence southerly along the
range line to the southeast corner of said township; thence easterly
along the township line between townships two (2) and three (3) north to
the southeast corner of township three (3) north, range twenty-four (24)
east, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the States of Idaho and Montana within
the limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the States of Idaho and Montana and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the northeast corner of township thirty-six (36) north,
range five (5) east, Boise meridian, Idaho; thence southerly along the
surveyed and unsurveyed range line between ranges five (5) and six (6)
east to the point of intersection with the Salmon River; thence in an
easterly direction along the middle of the channel of said river to the
point of intersection for the unsurveyed range line between ranges
eighteen (18) and nineteen (19) east; thence northerly along said
unsurveyed range line to the point of intersection with the boundary
line between the States of Idaho and Montana; thence in an easterly
direction along said State boundary line to the point for the unsurveyed
range line between ranges nineteen (19) and twenty (20) west, principal
meridian, Montana; thence northerly along said range line to the base
line; thence westerly along said base line to the southeast corner of
township one (1) north, range twenty (20) west; thence northerly along
the range line to the northeast corner of said township; thence westerly
along the surveyed and unsurveyed township line between townships one
(1) and two (2) north to the point for the southeast corner of township
two (2) north, range twenty-two (22) west; thence northerly along the
unsurveyed range line between ranges twenty-one (21) and twenty-two (22)
west, allowing for the proper offsets on the first (1st) and second (2d)
standard parallels north, to the point for the northeast corner of
township ten (10) north, range twenty-two (22) west; thence westerly
along the unsurveyed township line between townships ten (10) and eleven
(11) north to the point of intersection with the boundary line between
the States of Montana and Idaho; thence along said State boundary
line to the point for the unsurveyed township line between townships
thirty-eight (38) and thirty-nine (39) north, Idaho; thence westerly
along said township line to the point for the northwest corner of
township thirty-eight (38) north, range ten (10) east; thence southerly
along the unsurveyed range line between ranges nine (9) and ten (10)
east to the point for the southwest corner of township thirty-seven (37)
north, range ten (10) east; thence westerly along the unsurveyed seventh
(7th) standard parallel north to the northeast corner of township
thirty-six (36) north, range five (5) east, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Washington within the
limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Washington and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southeast corner of township twenty-one (21) north,
range five (5) west, Willamette base and meridian, Washington; thence
northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed range line between ranges
four (4) and five (5) west to the point for the northeast corner of
township twenty-three (23) north, range five (5) west; thence easterly
along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line to the point for the
southeast corner of township twenty-four (24) north, range four (4)
west; thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line to the point
for the northeast corner of said township; thence easterly along the
unsurveyed and surveyed sixth (6th) standard parallel north to the
southeast corner of township twenty-five (25) north, range three (3)
west; thence northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed range line
between ranges two (2) and three (3) west to the northeast corner of
township twenty-nine (29) north, range three (3) west; thence westerly
along the surveyed and unsurveyed seventh (7th) standard parallel north
to the point for the southeast corner of township thirty (30) north,
range nine (9) west; thence northerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed
range line to the northeast corner of said township; thence westerly
along the township line between townships thirty (30) and thirty-one
(31) north to the northeast corner of township thirty (30) north, range
fourteen (14) west; thence northerly along the range line to its
intersection with the shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca; thence
northwesterly along said shore line to the east boundary of the Makah
Indian Reservation; thence southerly along the east boundary to the
southeast corner of said reservation and westerly along the south
boundary thereof to the high-water mark on the Pacific coast; thence
southerly along said coast line to the north boundary of the Quinaielt
Indian Reservation; thence southeasterly along the north boundary to
the eastern point of said reservation and southwesterly along the south
boundary thereof to the point of intersection with the fifth (5th)
standard parallel north; thence easterly along said parallel to the
southeast corner of township twenty-one (21) north, range five (5) west,
the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land Unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of South Dakota within the
limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of South Dakota and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the northwest corner of township one (1) south, range seven
(7) east, Black Hills meridian, South Dakota; thence westerly along the
Black Hills base line to the southwest corner of township one (1) north,
range six (6) east; thence northerly along the range line between ranges
five (5) and six (6) east to the northwest corner of township two (2)
north, range six (6) east; thence westerly along the unsurveyed township
line between townships two (2) and three (3) north to the point of
intersection with the boundary line between the States of South Dakota
and Wyoming; thence southerly along said State boundary line to the
point of intersection by the township line between townships six (6) and
seven (7) south, Black Hills base line; thence easterly along said
township line to the southwest corner of township six (6) south, range
four (4) east; thence northerly along the range line to the northwest
corner of said township; thence easterly along the township line between
townships five (5) and six (6) south to the southwest corner of township
five (5) south, range (6) east; thence northerly along the range line to
the northwest corner of said township; thence easterly along the first
(1st) standard parallel south to the southwest corner of township four
(4) south, range seven (7) east; thence northerly along the range line
between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east to the northwest corner of
township one (1) south, range seven (7) east, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entry man, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the States of Idaho and Washington
within the limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber,
and it appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart
and reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all that tract of land situate in the States of Idaho and Washington
embraced within the following boundaries, to wit:

Bounded on the east by the summit of the ridges dividing the waters
tributary to the Kootenai River and Priest Lake and River; on the west
by the summit of the ridges dividing the waters tributary to the Pend
Oreille River or Clark Fork of the Columbia River and Priest Lake and
River; on the north by the international boundary line between the
States of Idaho and Washington and the British possessions, connecting
the east and west boundaries above described; on the south by the
township line between townships fifty-six (56) and fifty-seven (57)
north of the base line, Idaho, projected to connect the east and west
boundaries above described.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing
of record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Washington within the
limits hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it
appears that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and
reserving said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Washington and within the boundaries
particularly described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the point for the southwest corner of township twenty-nine
(29) north, range eight (8) east, Willamette meridian, Washington;
thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line between ranges seven
(7) and eight (8) east to the point for the northwest corner of township
thirty-two (32) north, range eight (8) east; thence easterly along the
unsurveyed eighth (8th) standard parallel north to the point for the
southwest corner of township thirty-three (33) north, range twelve (12)
east; thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line between ranges
eleven (11) and twelve (12) east to the point for the northwest corner
of township thirty-six (36) north, range twelve (12) east; thence
westerly along the unsurveyed ninth (9th) standard parallel north to the
point for the southwest corner of township thirty-seven (37) north,
range seven (7) east; thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line
between ranges six (6) and seven (7) east to its point of intersection
with the international boundary line between the State of Washington
and the British possessions; thence easterly along said international
boundary line to the point for the unsurveyed range line between ranges
twenty-two (22) and twenty-three (23) east; thence southerly along said
unsurveyed range line, subject to the proper easterly or westerly
offsets on the ninth (9th) and eighth (8th) standard parallels north, to
the point for the southeast corner of township twenty-nine (29) north,
range twenty-two (22) east; thence westerly along the unsurveyed and
surveyed seventh (7th) standard parallel north to the point for the
southwest corner of township twenty-nine (29) north, range (8) east, the
place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entry man, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Wyoming within the limits
hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, by
virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act of
Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Wyoming and within the boundaries particularly
described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southeast corner of township forty-three (43) north,
range one hundred and ten (110) west sixth (6th) principal meridian,
Wyoming; thence northerly along the surveyed and unsurveyed range line
between ranges one hundred and nine (109) and one hundred and ten
(110) west to the point of intersection with the south boundary of
the Yellowstone National Park Timber Land Reserve as established by
proclamation of September 10, 1891;[44] thence westerly along said
boundary to its intersection with the boundary line between the States
of Wyoming and Idaho; thence southerly along said State boundary line to
the point for the unsurveyed township line between townships forty-two
(42) and forty-three (43) north; thence easterly along the unsurveyed
and surveyed township line between townships forty-two (42) and
forty-three (43) north to the southeast corner of township forty-three
(43) north, range one hundred and ten (110) west, the place of
beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry of filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897, and
of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.

[Footnote 44: See pp. 155-156.]



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Montana within the limits
hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Montana and within the boundaries particularly
described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the point on the south boundary of the Blackfeet Indian
Reservation where said boundary line is intersected by the range line
between ranges eight (8) and nine (9) west, principal meridian, Montana;
thence southwesterly along the south boundary to the southwest corner of
said reservation and northwesterly along the west boundary thereof as
defined and described in the act of Congress approved June 10, 1896,
entitled "An act making appropriations for current and contingent
expenses of the Indian Department and fulfilling treaty stipulations
with various Indian tribes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897,
and for other purposes," to the point where the unsurveyed range line
between ranges twelve (12) and thirteen (13) west will intersect said
boundary line; thence southerly along said unsurveyed range line to the
point for the northeast corner of township twenty-nine (29) north, range
thirteen (13) west; thence westerly along the unsurveyed township line
to the point for the northwest corner of said township; thence southerly
along the unsurveyed range line to the point for the southwest corner
of section eighteen (18), said township; thence westerly along the
unsurveyed section line to the point for the northwest corner of section
nineteen (19), township twenty-nine (29) north, range fourteen (14)
west; thence southerly along the unsurveyed range line to the point for
the southwest corner of said township twenty-nine (29) north, range
fourteen (14) west; thence westerly along the unsurveyed seventh (7th)
standard parallel north to the point for the southeast corner of
township twenty-nine (29) north, range seventeen (17) west; thence
northerly along the unsurveyed range line to the point for the northeast
corner of said township; thence westerly along the unsurveyed township
line to the point for the northwest corner of section three (3), said
township; thence northerly along the unsurveyed section line to the
point for the northeast corner of section four (4), township thirty (30)
north, range seventeen (17) west; thence westerly along the unsurveyed
township line to the point for the northwest corner of section three
(3), township thirty (30) north, range nineteen (19) west; thence
southerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed section line, subject to
the proper offset on the seventh (7th) standard parallel north, to the
southeast corner of section twenty-one (21), township twenty-eight (28)
north, range nineteen (19) west; thence easterly along the unsurveyed
section line to the point for the southeast corner of section
twenty-four (24), said township; thence southerly along the unsurveyed
and surveyed range line to the southeast corner of township twenty-seven
(27) north, range nineteen (19) west; thence easterly along the surveyed
and unsurveyed township line to the point for the northwest corner of
section three (3), township twenty-six (26) north, range eighteen (18)
west; thence southerly along the unsurveyed section line to the point
for the southwest corner of section thirty-four (34), said township;
thence westerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed township line to its
intersection with the east shore of Flathead Lake; thence southerly
along the shore of said lake to the north boundary of the Flathead
Indian Reservation; thence easterly along the north boundary to the
northeast corner of said reservation and southerly along the east
boundary thereof to the point where said boundary line will be
intersected by the unsurveyed fourth (4th) standard parallel north;
thence easterly along said unsurveyed parallel to the point for the
southeast corner of township seventeen (17) north, range seven (7) west;
thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line to the point for the
northeast corner of said township; thence westerly along the unsurveyed
township line to the point for the northwest corner of said township;
thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line to the point for the
northeast corner of township eighteen (18) north, range eight (8) west;
thence westerly along the unsurveyed township line to the point for the
southeast corner of township nineteen (19) north, range nine (9) west;
thence northerly along the unsurveyed and surveyed range line between
ranges eight (8) and nine (9) west, subject to the proper offsets on the
fifth (5th), sixth (6th), and seventh (7th) standard parallels north,
to the point of intersection with the south boundary of the Blackfeet
Indian Reservation, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

The rights and privileges reserved to the Indians of the Blackfeet
Indian Reservation by Article I of the agreement set forth in and
accepted, ratified, and confirmed by the act of Congress approved June
10, 1896, hereinbefore referred to, respecting that portion of their
reservation relinquished to the United States by said Article I shall be
in no way infringed or modified by reason of the fact that a part of the
area so relinquished is embraced within the limits of the boundaries
herein described and set apart as a forest reservation, nor shall the
right of occupation, location, and purchase of said relinquished lands
under the provisions of the mineral-land laws accorded by said act of
Congress be abridged.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Wyoming within the limits
hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Wyoming and within the boundaries particularly
described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southeast corner of township forty-eight (48) north,
range eighty-four (84) west, sixth (6th) principal meridian, Wyoming;
thence northerly along the range line to the northeast corner of said
township; thence westerly along the twelfth (12th) standard parallel
north to the southeast corner of township forty-nine (49) north, range
eighty-four (84) west; thence northerly along the range line to the
northeast corner of section thirteen (13), township fifty (50) north,
range eighty-four (84) west; thence westerly along the section line to
the northeast corner of section seventeen (17), said township; thence
northerly along the section line to the southeast corner of section
twenty-nine (29), township fifty-one (51) north, range eighty-four (84)
west; thence easterly along the section line to the southeast corner of
section twenty-six (26), said township; thence northerly along the
section line to the northeast corner of section two (2), township
fifty-two (52) north, range eighty-four (84) west; thence westerly along
the thirteenth (13th) standard parallel north to the southeast corner of
section thirty-five (35), township fifty-three (53) north, range
eighty-four (84) west; thence northerly along the section line to the
northeast corner of section fourteen (14), said township; thence
westerly along the section line to the northeast corner of section
fourteen (14), township fifty-three (53) north, range eighty-five (85)
west; thence northerly along the section line to the northeast corner of
section two (2), said township; thence westerly along the township line
to the northeast corner of section two (2), township fifty-three (53)
north, range eighty-six (86) west; thence northerly along the section
line to the northeast corner of section two (2), township fifty-four
(54) north, range eighty-six (86) west; thence westerly along the
township line to the southeast corner of township fifty-five (55) north,
range eighty-seven (87) west; thence northerly along the range line to
the northeast corner of said township; thence westerly along the
township line to the northwest corner of said township; thence southerly
along the range line to the southwest corner of said township; thence
westerly along the township line to the northwest corner of township
fifty-four (54) north, range eighty-eight (88) west; thence northerly
along the range line between ranges eighty-eight (88) and eighty-nine
(89) west to the northwest corner of township fifty-six (56) north,
range eighty-eight (88) west; thence westerly along the fourteenth
(14th) standard parallel north to the southwest corner of township
fifty-seven (57) north, range eighty-eight (88) west; thence northerly
along the range line between ranges eighty-eight (88) and eighty-nine
(89) west to the point of intersection with the boundary line between
the States of Wyoming and Montana; thence westerly along said State
boundary line to the point for the unsurveyed range line between ranges
ninety-two (92) and ninety-three (93) west; thence southerly along said
unsurveyed range line to the fourteenth (14th) standard parallel north;
thence easterly along said standard parallel to the northeast corner of
township fifty-six (56) north, range ninety-three (93) west; thence
southerly along the range line between ranges ninety-two (92) and
ninety-three (93) west to the northwest corner of township fifty-four
(54) north, range ninety-two (92) west; thence easterly along the
township line to the northeast corner of said township; thence southerly
along the range line to the southeast corner of said township; thence
easterly along the township line to the northeast corner of township
fifty-three (53) north, range ninety-one (91) west; thence southerly
along the range line to the southeast corner of said township; thence
easterly along the thirteenth (13th) standard parallel north to the
northwest corner of township fifty-two (52) north, range eighty-eight
(88) west; thence southerly along the range line between ranges
eighty-eight (88) and eighty-nine (89) west to the southwest corner of
township fifty-one (51) north, range eighty-eight (88) west; thence
easterly along the township line to the southeast corner of said
township; thence southerly along the range line between ranges
eighty-seven (87) and eighty-eight (88) west to the southwest corner of
township forty-nine (49) north, range eighty-seven (87) west; thence
easterly along the twelfth (12th) standard parallel north to the
northwest corner of township forty-eight (48) north, range eighty-seven
(87) west; thence southerly along the range line to the southwest corner
of said township; thence easterly along the township line between
townships forty-seven (47) and forty-eight (48) north to the southeast
corner of township forty-eight (48) north, range eighty-four (84) west,
the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided by section 24 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1891, entitled "An act to repeal timber-culture laws, and for
other purposes"--

  That the President of the United States may from time to time set
  apart and reserve in any State or Territory having public land bearing
  forests, in any part of the public lands wholly or in part covered with
  timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not, as public
  reservations; and the President shall by public proclamation declare
  the establishment of such reservations and the limits thereof.


And whereas the public lands in the State of Montana within the limits
hereinafter described are in part covered with timber, and it appears
that the public good would be promoted by setting apart and reserving
said lands as a public reservation:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States,
by virtue of the power in me vested by section 24 of the aforesaid act
of Congress, do hereby make known and proclaim that there is hereby
reserved from entry or settlement and set apart as a public reservation
all those certain tracts, pieces, or parcels of land lying and being
situate in the State of Montana and within the boundaries particularly
described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the southwest corner of township thirty-three (33) north,
range twenty-five (25) west, principal meridian, Montana; thence
easterly along the surveyed and unsurveyed eighth (8th) standard
parallel north to the northeast corner of township thirty-two (32)
north, range twenty-two (22) west; thence southerly along the range line
between ranges twenty-one (21) and twenty-two (22) west to the southeast
corner of section thirteen (13) of said township thirty-two (32) north,
range twenty-two (22) west; thence easterly along the unsurveyed section
line to the point for the southeast corner of section thirteen (13),
township thirty-two (32) north, range eighteen (18) west; thence
southerly along the unsurveyed range line between ranges seventeen (17)
and eighteen (18) west to the northwest corner of township thirty-one
(31) north, range seventeen (17) west; thence easterly along the
township line between townships thirty-one (31) and thirty-two (32)
north to the northwest corner of section two (2), township thirty-one
(31) north, range seventeen (17) west; thence along the section lines
southerly to the southwest corner of section twenty-three (23) and
easterly to the northeast corner of section twenty-five (25), said
township; thence southerly along the range line between ranges sixteen
(16) and seventeen (17) west to the southeast corner of said township
thirty-one (31) north, range seventeen (17) west; thence easterly along
the unsurveyed township line between townships thirty (30) and
thirty-one (31) north to the point for the southeast corner of township
thirty-one (31) north, range sixteen (16) west; thence southerly along
the unsurveyed range line between ranges fifteen (15) and sixteen (16)
west to the point for the southwest corner of township thirty (30)
north, range fifteen (15) west; thence easterly along the unsurveyed
township line between townships twenty-nine (29) and thirty (30) north
to the point for the southeast corner of said township thirty (30)
north; thence northerly along the unsurveyed range line between ranges
fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) west to the point for the southeast
corner of section thirteen (13), said township thirty (30) north, range
fifteen (15) west; thence along the unsurveyed section lines easterly to
the point for the southeast corner of section sixteen (16) and northerly
to the point for the northeast corner of section four (4), township
thirty (30) north, range fourteen (14) west; thence easterly along the
unsurveyed township line between townships thirty (30) and thirty-one
(31) north to the point for the southeast corner of township thirty-one
(31) north, range fourteen (14) west; thence northerly along the
unsurveyed range line between ranges thirteen (13) and fourteen (14)
west to the point where it will intersect the west boundary of the
Blackfeet Indian Reservation as said boundary is defined and described
in the act of Congress approved June 10, 1896, entitled "An act making
appropriations for current and contingent expenses of the Indian
Department and fulfilling treaty stipulations with various Indian tribes
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, and for other purposes;"
thence northwesterly along the boundary of said Indian reservation to
its point of intersection with the international boundary line between
the State of Montana and the British possessions; thence westerly along
said international boundary line to the point for the unsurveyed range
line between ranges twenty-five (25) and twenty-six (26) west; thence
southerly along the unsurveyed range line between ranges twenty-five
(25) and twenty-six (26) west to the ninth (9th) standard parallel
north; thence easterly along said parallel to the northeast corner of
township thirty-six (36) north, range twenty-six (26) west; thence
southerly along the range line between ranges twenty-five (25) and
twenty-six (26) west to the southwest corner of township thirty-three
(33) north, range twenty-five (25) west, the place of beginning.

Excepting from the force and effect of this proclamation all lands which
may have been prior to the date hereof embraced in any legal entry or
covered by any lawful filing duly of record in the proper United States
land office, or upon which any valid settlement has been made pursuant
to law and the statutory period within which to make entry or filing of
record has not expired, and all mining claims duly located and held
according to the laws of the United States and rules and regulations not
in conflict therewith.

_Provided_, That this exception shall not continue to apply to any
particular tract of land unless the entryman, settler, or claimant
continues to comply with the law under which the entry, filing,
settlement, or location was made.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all persons not to enter or make
settlement upon the tract of land reserved by this proclamation.

The rights and privileges reserved to the Indians of the Blackfeet
Indian Reservation by Article I of the agreement set forth in and
accepted, ratified, and confirmed by the act of Congress approved June
10, 1896, hereinbefore referred to, respecting that portion of their
reservation relinquished to the United States by said Article I shall be
in no way infringed or modified by reason of the fact that a part of the
area so relinquished is embraced within the limits of the boundaries
herein described and set apart as a forest reservation, nor shall the
right of occupation, location, and purchase of said relinquished lands
under the provisions of the mineral-land laws accorded by said act of
Congress be abridged.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of February, A.D. 1897,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas public interests require that the Senate should be convened at
12 o'clock on the 4th day of March next to receive such communications
as may be made by the Executive:

Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim and declare that an extraordinary occasion
requires the Senate of the United States to convene at the Capitol, in
the city of Washington, on the 4th day of March next, at 12 o'clock
noon, of which all persons who shall at that time be entitled to act as
members of that body are hereby required to take notice.

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington,
the 24th day of February, A.D. 1897, and of the Independence of the
United States the one hundred and twenty-first.

[SEAL.]

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:
  RICHARD OLNEY,
    _Secretary of State_.



EXECUTIVE ORDERS.


AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 23, 1896_.

Amend clause 2 (_b_) of Rule III by adding at the end thereof the
following:

  And all officers and employees in the penitentiary service who are by
  law subject to classification.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 2, 1897_.

Amend Rule VIII by striking out section 12 and substituting therefor the
following:

  Whenever there are no names of eligibles upon a register for any grade
  in which a vacancy exists, and the public interest requires that it
  must be filled before eligibles can be provided by the Commission, such
  vacancy may, subject to the approval of the Commission, be filled by
  appointment without examination and certification for such part of
  three months as will enable the Commission to provide eligibles. Such
  temporary appointment shall expire by limitation as soon as an eligible
  shall be provided, and no person shall serve longer than three months
  in any one year under such temporary appointment or appointments unless
  by special authority of the Commission previously obtained. Said year
  limitation shall commence from the date of such first appointment:
  _Provided_, That whenever an emergency shall arise requiring that
  a vacancy shall be filled before a certification can be issued and an
  appointment made thereto in the manner provided in these rules, such
  vacancy may be filled without regard to the provisions of these rules
  for such part of thirty days as may be required for the issuance of a
  certificate and the execution of the necessary details of an appointment
  thereto in accordance with said provisions. Such appointment shall in
  no case continue longer than thirty days.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 2, 1897_.

Amend Rule V, section 4, prescribing age limitations for the classified
service, by striking out the table after the tenth line and substituting
therefor the following:


                                                    Minimum.  Maximum.
  Departmental Service:
    Page, messenger boy, apprentice, or student.       14       20
    Printer's assistant and messenger.                 18     No limit.
    Positions in the railway mail service.             18       35
    Internes and hospital stewards in the
      marine-hospital service and acting second
      assistant engineer in the revenue-cutter
      service.                                         21       30
    Cadet in the revenue-cutter service and aid in
      the Coast and the Geodetic Survey.               18       25
    Surfmen in the life-saving service.                18       45
    Superintendent, physician, supervisor,
      day-school inspector, and disciplinarian in
      the Indian service; inspector and assistant
      inspector of hulls, an inspector and an
      assistant inspector of boilers, in the
      steamboat-inspection service.                    25       55
    All other positions.                               20     No limit.


  (The age limitation shall not apply in the case
  of the wife of the superintendent of an Indian
  school who applies for examination for the
  position of teacher or matron.)


  Custom-house service:
    All positions                                      20     No limit.

  Post-office service:
    Letter carrier                                     21       40
    All other positions                                18     No limit.

  Government printing service:
    All positions (male)                               21     No limit.
    All positions (female)                             18     No limit.

  Internal-revenue service:
    All positions                                      21     No limit.


Approved:

GROVER CLEVELAND.



CIVIL SERVICE.--CLASSIFICATION OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, _Washington, D.C. January 12, 1897_.

In accordance with the third clause of section 6 of the act entitled "An
act to regulate and improve the civil service of the United States,"
approved January 16, 1883--

_It is ordered_, That the officers and employees in or under this
office included within the provisions of the civil-service law and rules
be, and they are hereby, arranged in the following classes:

_Class A_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of less than
$720, or a compensation at the rate of less than $720 per annum.

_Class B_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $720 or more,
or a compensation at the rate of $720 or more, but less than $840 per
annum.

_Class C_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $840 or more,
or a compensation at the rate of $840 or more, but less than $900 per
annum.

_Class D_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $900 or more,
or a compensation at the rate of $900 or more, but less than $1,000 per
annum.

_Class E_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,000 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,000 or more, but less than
$1,200 per annum.

_Class 1_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,200 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,200 or more, but less than
$1,400 per annum.

_Class 2_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,400 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,400 or more, but less than
$1,600 per annum.

_Class 3_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,600 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,600 or more, but less than
$1,800 per annum.

_Class 4_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $1,800 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $1,800 or more, but less than
$2,000 per annum.

_Class 5_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $2,000 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $2,000 or more, but less than
$2,500 per annum.

_Class 6_.--All persons receiving an annual salary of $2,500 or
more, or a compensation at the rate of $2,500 or more per annum.

_It is provided_, That this classification shall not include
persons appointed to an office by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate nor persons employed as mere laborers or workmen; but all
positions whose occupants are designated as laborers or workmen, and who
were prior to May 6, 1896, and are now regularly assigned to work of the
same grade as that performed by classified employees, shall be included
within this classification. Hereafter no person who is appointed as a
laborer or workman, without examination under the civil-service rules,
shall be assigned to work of the same grade as that performed by
classified employees.

_It is also ordered_, That no person shall be admitted into any
place not excepted from examination by the civil-service rules in any of
the classes above designated until he shall have passed an appropriate
examination prepared by the United States Civil Service Commission and
his eligibility has been certified to this office by said Commission.

By direction of the President:

HENRY T. THURBER,
  _Private Secretary_.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, January 12, 1897_.

Hon. JUDSON HARMON,
  _Attorney-General of the United States_.

DEAR SIR: The bill which has been for some time pending before the
Congress providing for the adjustment and extension of the indebtedness
of the Pacific railroads to the Government of the United States has been
defeated in the House of Representatives.

In the case of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Kansas Pacific
Railroad, a default in the payment of their indebtedness having occurred
and suits having been commenced for the foreclosure of the lien upon
said roads which is paramount to the lien and security of the United
States, you are hereby directed, pursuant to the provisions of an act of
Congress passed March 3, 1887, after taking such precautions and
perfecting such arrangements as are possible to assure as far as
practicable the payment of their indebtedness to the Government as a
result of the suits now pending or others to be instituted, to take such
proceedings in the courts as shall be needful to protect and defend the
rights and interests of the United States in respect of such
indebtedness, and to take steps to foreclose the mortgages or liens of
the United States upon the property of these railroad companies.

In the case of the other aided Pacific railroads, as to which no
foreclosure suits are pending, a different situation is presented, which
requires further consideration before deciding the course to be taken by
the Government.

Yours, truly,

GROVER CLEVELAND.



AMENDMENT OF CIVIL-SERVICE RULES.

Rule VI of the civil-service rules is hereby amended by adding to the
exceptions from examination in the departmental service a new clause, to
read as follows:

  (_d_) Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution, in charge of
  United States National Museum.


Approved, January 27, 1897.

GROVER CLEVELAND.





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