Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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lewis m. gkist, proprietor, j Jtabeprnbent Jfamili) Jtetospper: Jfor fjje promotion of fbc political, Social, ^pricnltural anb Commercial .Interests of tjje Sontji. TERMS?$2.50 A YEAR, IN ADVANCE. VOL. 27. YOEKYILLE, S. C., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 188L 3STO. 5Q. $he Jdotg lellcr. THE REWARD OF MERIT. * Annie had arrived at the mature age of (do not start, reader,) twenty-seven, and was yet in the state of single blessedness. Somehow or other she had not even fallen in love as yet. "Had she no offers?" What a simple question! Did you ever know half a million dollars to go begging? Offers? Yes, scores of them ! it may be accounted as one of her oddities, perhaps, but whenever the subject happened to be touched upon by her fattier, Annie would say she wanted some one who could love her for herself, and she must have assurance of this, and how could she in her present position ? Thus matters stood, when Annie was led to form and execute what will appear a very strange resolution ; but she was a resolute girl. We must now go back six years. ~ " # XT Uae dark, raiuy morning id nuvemuer, as our old friend was looking composedly at the cheerful fire in the grate of his countingroom, really indulging, in 'orae serious reflections of the past and future, the far future, too, a gentleman presented himself, and inquired for Mr. Bremen. The old man uttered not a word, but merely bowed. There was that in his looks which suid "I am be." The stranger might have seen some thirty years or so of age. He was dressed in black, a mourning weed was on hi3 hat, and there was something in his appearance which seemed to indicate that the friend whose loss he deplored had recently departed. The letter of introduction which he presented to Mr. B. was quickly yet carefully perused, and as it was somewhat unique, we shall take the liberty of submitting it to the inspection ot the reader: , 11 mo., 18?. Friend Paul This will introduce to thee, friend Charles Copeland. He has come to thy city in pursuit of business. I have known him from a youth up. Thou mayest depend upon him for aught that he can do, and shalt not lean on him as on a broken reed. If thou canst do anything for him, thou mayest peradventure benefit thyself, and cause to rejoice, thy former and present friend, Micha Loomis." "It is not every one who can get old Micah Loomis' endorsement on his character," said Paul Bremen to himself, as he folded up the letter of a well known associate of formerdays. "Old Micah is good for a quarter of a million, or anything else?it will do?I want him? getting old?business increasing?must have some more help?now as well as any time." The old gentleman looked at all this, as be stood gazing in perfect silence on the man before him. At length he opened his lips. "Mr. Copeland, you know all about books ?" "I have some few years ex|>erieuce." "Any objection to a place here ??pretty close hard work?thousand a year." "None in the world." "When can you begin ?" "Now." A real smile shone upon the old man's Aipo Tf linororod thpro lilrp the rftVH of the setting sun among clouds of evening, lighting up those seeming hard, dark features. A stool was pushed to the new comer, books were opened, matters explained, directions given, the pen was dipped in the ink, and in short, before an hour had passed away, you would have thought that the old man and the young man had known each other for years. In reference to 'our new friend it will be sufficient to remark, that he bad been liberally educated, as the phrase goes, and though he bad entered early into business, he had not neglected the cultivation of his mind and heart. He had found time to cherish a general acquaintance with the most noteworthy authors of the day, both literary and religious, and with many of past times. After a few years of success in the pursuits to which he had devoted himself, misfortunes came thick and fast upon him. Ha found himself j left with scarcely any property, and alone in the world, save his two lovely sisters. As year after year passed away, he grew steadily in the confidence of his employer, who felt, though he said it not, that in him he possessed a treasure. Very little, indeed, was said by either of them not connected with the routine of business, and there bad been no intercourse whatever between them, save in the countingroom. Thus six years went by, towards the close of which period old Mr. Bremen was found- looking with much frequency and earnestness at the young man before hira. Something was evidently brewing in that old head. What could it be? And then, too, at home he looked so curiously. The Irish servant was puzzled. "Sure," said James, "something's a coming." Annie, too, was somewhat perplexed, for those looks dwelt much on her. "What is it, father?" she 3aid to him one morning at the breakfast table, as be sat gazing steadfastly in her face ; "what is it ? Do tell me." "I wish you'd have hira," burst forth like an avalanche. "Known him for six yearstrue as a ledger?a gentleman?real sensible man?don't talk much?regular as a clock? prime for business?worth his weight in gold." "Have who, father? what are you talking about ?" "My head clerk, Copeland?you don't know him?I do?haven't seen anybody else worth an old quill." Annie was puzzled. She laughed, however, and said: "Marry my father's clerk ! what would people say ?" "Humbug, child, all humbug?worth forty of your whiskered, lounging, lazy gentry ; say what they please what do I care ? what do you care ? what's money after all ? got enough of it?want a sensible man?want somebody to take care of it; all humbug." "What's all humbug, father?" "Why, people's notions on these matters. Copeland is poor?so was I once?may be again ; world's full of changes?seen a great many of them in my day?can't stay here loner?eot to leave vou. Annie?wish vou'd like him." "Father, are you serious ?" "Serious, child !" Aud he looked so. Anuie was a chip of the old block ; a strong minded, resolute girl. A new idea seemed to strike her. "Father, if you are really serious in this matter, I'll see this Copeland ; I'll get acquainted with him. If he likes me and I like him, I'll have him. Bet he shall love me for myself alone ; I must know it. Will you leave the matter to me 1" "Go ahead, my child, and do as you like. Good morning." "Stop a moment, father. I shall alter ray name a little ; I shall appear to be a poor girl, a companion of our friend, Mrs. Richards, in H street, she shall know the whole affair ; you shall call me by my middle name, Peyton ; I shall be a relative of yours; you shall suggest the busiuess to Mr. Copeland, as you call him, and arrange for the first interview. The rest will take care for itself." "I see, I see and one of those rare smiles illuminated his whole face. It actually got between his lips, parted them asunder, glanced upon a set of teeth but little the worse for wear, and was resting there when be left the hou8e for his counting-room. The twilight of that smile was not yet gone when he reached the well known spot, and bowed and looked "good morning" to those in his ; employ, for old Paul was, after his fashion, a polite man. On the morning of that day, i what looks were directed to our friend Charles! so many, so peculiar, so full of something, J that the head clerk could not but notice them, : and that, too, with some alarm. What was coming ? At last the volcano burst forth : "Copeland, my good fellow, why don't you get a wife ?" Had a thunderbolt fallen at his feet, he could not have been more astounded. Did Mr. Bremen say that, and in the countingroom, too ? The very ledger seemed to blush at the introduction of such a subject. He for the first time made a blot on the fair pages before him. "I say?why don't you get a wife ??know just the thing for you?prime article?poor enough, to be sure?what of that?a fortune in a wife, you know?a sort of relation of mine? don't v.ant to meddle with other people's affairs, know your own business best? can't help thinking you'll he happier?must see her." Now the fac is, that Charles had for some time past thou ;ht so himself; but how the old man shoul have completely divined his feelings, was q lite a puzzle to him. In the course of the day a note was put into Mr. Bremen's hands by James, his Irish servant, the contents of which produced another grim sort of a smile. Wheu the moment for his return home arrived, Mr. B. handed a sealed document of rather imposing form to Charles, saying? "Copeland, you'll oblige me by leaving that at No. 67 H? street. Place it only in the hands of the person to whom it is directed ; don't want-to trust it to any one else." The clerk saw on the outside, "Mrs. Richards, 67 H street." The door bell was ruug. The servant ushered Copeland into a small, neat parlor, where sat a lady apparently twenty five or thirty years of age, plainly dressed, engaged in knitting a stocking. Our friend bowed, and inquired for Mrs. Richards. "She is not in, but is expected presently ; will you be seated ?" There was an ease and quietness, and an air of self-command about this person that seemed peculiar to Copeland. He felt at ease at once, (you always do with such people,) made some common place remark, which was immediately responded to; then another; and soon the conversation grew so interesting that Mrs. Richards was nearly forgotten. Her absence was strangely protracted, but at length she made her appearance. The document was presented; a glance at the outside. "Mr. Copeland." Charles bowed. "Miss Peyton." The young lady bowed ; and thus they were introduced. There was no particular reason for remaining any longer, and our friend took his departure. That night Annie said to Mr. B., I do like his appearance, father."" "Forward?march 1" said old Paul, and he looked at his daughter with vast satisfaction. "The ould man's as swate to night as a new potato," said James to the cook. The next day Charles Copeland came near writing several times, "To Miss Peyton, Dr.," as he was making out some bills of merchandise sold. "Deliver the paper last evening ?" Copeland bowed. "Mrs. Richards is an old friend?humble in circumstances-?the young lady, Peyton, worth her weight in gold any day?have her myselt if I could." * * * * * * "How much you remind me of Mr. Bremen," said Charles one evening to Anuie ; "I think you said you were a relation of his?" "I am related to him through my mother," was the grave reply. Mrs. Richards turned away to conceal a smile. Somewhat later than usual, on that day, Anuie reached her father's house. There was no mistaking the expression of her countenance. Happiness was plainly written there. "I see, I see," said the old man ; "the accouut is closed?books balanced?have it all through now in short order. You are a sensible girl?no foolish puss?just what I want?bless you, child, bles3 you." The next day Paul came, for almost the hrst time in his life, rather late to his counting room. Casks and boxes seemed to be staring with wonder. "Copeland, you are a 6ile fellow?heard from Mrs. Richards?proposals to my relative, Peyton?all right?done up well. Come to my house this evening?never been there yet, eh??eight o'clock, precisely?want to see you?got something to say." Yes, Mr. Charles Copeland, even kinder than you think for. At eight o'clock precisely, the door-bell of Mr. Bremen's mansion rang. Mr. Charles Copeland was ushered in by friend James. Old Paul took him kindly by the hand, and turning round abruptly, introduced him to " ??? Mleo A nniA PattfAn PpQmfln " WJ uaugu ICIj iUICO X1U1JIU X X^J IVU ^IOUIWUj I aud immedially withdrew. "Charles, you forgive rue this ?" He was ! too much astonished to make any reply. "If! you knew all my motives and feelings, I am I sure you would." That the motives and feelings were soon ex- i plained to his entire satisfaction no one will j doubt. "Copeland, my dear fellow," shouted old | Paul, as he entered the room, "no use in a j long engagement!" "O, father !" "No use, I say ; marry now?get ready afterwards ; next Monday evening; who cares ? Wan't it over; feel settled. Shan't part with Anuie, though; must bring your wife here; house rather lonesome; be still; no words ;: must have it so ; partner in business ; Bremen & Copeland; got the papers all drawn up to; day; can't alter it. Be quiet, will you ? Won't stay in the room !" I have now finished my story, reader. I have given you the facts. I cannot say, however, that I approve of the deception pracj ticed upon our friend Charles. As, however, j our Lord commended the "unjust steward be! cause he acted wisely," so I suppose the good I sense shown by the young lady, in choosing a | husband for the sake of wh^t he might have possessed, merits our approbation. It is not ! every one who has the courage to step out of j the circle which surrounds the wealthy, and j seek for those qualities .of mind and" heart j which the heart can neither give nor take away. Stories as to Mrs. Liucoln being in want are all false. Afte#r her husband's death Congress gave her 875,000. About ! 860,000 of this was invested in 6 per cents, j Then the government pnys her an annuity of ! 83,000. She sold some property to her son Robert, the present Secretary of War, from which she received a considerable amount While iu Europe her annual income was 88,000. She is in mental distress and has been at times since the assasination of her husband, but there is no danger of her suffering for want of money. Jlftau'S of the fjtetifltt. THE PRESIDENT'S" MESSAGE. The message of President Arthur to the first session of the Forty-seventh Congress was read in both houses on Tuesday of last week. As a departure from the custom which has obtained of late years, the message was not printed in advance, but was read in Congress from manuscript. It is the most elaborate document that has reoently emanated from the Executive Department; and while it discusses at great length, all the various questions bearing upon the home and foreign policy of the Government, it is pronounced by the press representing all shades of political opinion a practical and eminently conservative paper. The message opens with the following allusion to the extraordinary event that called him to the head of the government: An appalling calamity has befallen the American people since their chosen representatives last met in the halls where you are now assembled. We might else recall with unalloyed content, the rare prosperity with which, throughout the year, the Nation has been blessed. Its harvests have been plenteous; its varied industries have thriven ; the health of its people have been preserved; it has maintained with Foreign Governments the undisturbed relations of amity and peace. For these manifestations of His favor we owe to Him who holds our destiny in His hands, the tribute of our grateful devotions. To that mysterious exercise of His will, which has taken from us the loved and illustrious citizen who was but lately the bead of the Nation, we bow in sorrow and submission. The memory of his exalted character, of his noble achievements and of his patriotic life, will be treasured forever as a sacred possession of the whole people. The announcement of his death drew from Foreign Governments and peoples tributes of sympathy and sorrow which history will record as signal tokens of the kinship of Nations and the federation of mankind. The feeling of good will between our own Government and that of Great Britain was never more marked than at present. In recognition of this pleasing fact, I directed, nn the occasion of the late Centennial celebra tion at York town, that a salute be given to the British flag. Touching foreign relations with this Government, to which much space is devoted, the message recites that American subjects about Alsace and Lorraine have been guarded, although the best feeling has been strengthened between Germany and the United States. Relations with France are cordial ; differences with Spain are being firmly adjusted, and recent detentions to American shipping at the port of Mantilla have been examined, with a view to their satisfactory settlement; American Israelites in Russia will have influences from Washington thrown about tbem in the anti-Jewish agitation in Russia ; several important conferences have recently been held with Italy; American missionaries in Turkey will be looked after and protected ; the Swiss Government has again solicited the good offices of our diplomatic and consular agents for the protection of its citizens in countries where it is not itself represented. This request has, within proper limits, been granted. Our agents in Switzerland have been instructed to protest against the conduct of the authorities in certain communes in permitting the emigration to this country of criminals and other objectional persons. Several such persons, through the co-operation of the Commissioners of Emigration at New York, have been sent back by the steamer which brought them ; a continuation of which course, the President thinks, may prove a more effectual remedy than diplomatic remonstrance. Treaties of commerce and navigation, and for the regulation of Consular privileges, have been concluded with Roumania and Servia since their admission into the family of European States. Treaties of an important nature have been lately negotiated with China ; but in relation to both China and Japan some further changes are desirable in our present system of Consular jurisdiction. He hopes, at some future time to lay before Congress a scheme for the improvement of our Consular jurisdiction in the entire East. Relations of unimpaired amity have been maintained throughout the year with the respective Governments of Austro Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, Hayti, Paraguay, Uruguay, Portugal and Sweden and Norway. This may also be said of Greece and Ecuador, although our relations with those States have for some years been severed by the withdrawal of appropriations for diplomatic representatives at Athens and Quito. It seems expedient to restore those missions, even on a reduced scale, and I decidely recommend such a course with respect to Ecuador, which is likely, within the near future, to play an important part among the operations of the Southern Pacific. In regard to the Panama Canal, President Arthur insists that despite the position of Colnnihift in rptnird to our maintaining alone the neutrality of the work, the prior guarantee of the United States is indiepensable, and that the intervention of any Foreign Power to assist in the guarantee will be considered superfluous and unfriendly. He, therefore, recommends the abrogation of so much of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty as does not comport with this obligation of the United States. Alluding to the hostile relations between Chili, Bolivia and Peru, the President intimates that the growing sentiment is that our Government must finally assume protectorate over the whole continent of South America. Of our relations with Mexico, the President says : As is natural with contiguousi States having like institutions and like aims i of advancement and development, the friend- i ship of the United States and Mexico has i been constantly maintained. This Government has lost no occasion of encouraging the Mexican Government to a beneficial realization of the mutual advantages which will j result from more intimate commercial inter- | course and from the opening of the rich iute- i rior of Mexico to railway enterprise. I deem it important that means be provided to restrain the lawlessness, unfortunately so common on the frontier, and to suppress the forays of the reservation Indians on either side of the Rio Grande. The neighboring StateB of Central America have preserved internal peace and their outward relations towards us have been those of intimate friendship. There are encouraging sigus of their growing disposition to subordinate their local interests to those which are common to them by reason of their geographical relations. The boundary dispute between Guatemala and Mexico has afforded this Government an opportunity to exercise its good offices for preventing a rupture between those States, and for procuring a peaceabl, solution of the question. I cherish strong hope that in view of our relations of amity with both countries our friendly counsels may prevail. A special envoy of Guatemala has brought to me the condolence of his Government and people on the death of President Garfield. The Costa Rican Government lately framed an engagement j with Colombia for settling, by arbitration, the | boundary question between those countries, | providing that the post of arbitrator should be offered successively to the King of the Belgians, the King of Spain, and the President of the Argentine Confederation. The King of the Belgians has declined to act, but I am as yet unadvised of the action of the j King of Spain. As we have certain interests i in the disputed territory, which are protected | by our treaty engagements with one of the ! parties, it is important that the arbitration should not, without our consent, effect our rights, and this Government has, accordingly, thought proper to make its views known to the parties to the agreement, as well as to intimate them to the Belgian and Spanish Governments. On the subject of the finances of the Government, he says the report of the Secretary 1 " J-._M _ L.'.LI.. or me .treasury preseiiia iu ueiau ? ingulf satisfactory exhibit of the state of the finances and the condition of the various branches of the public service administered by that Department.. The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ending June 30,1881, were 8360,782,292.57; and the ordinary expenditures for the same period were 8100,069,404.98. The requirements of the sinking fund for the year amounted to 890,786,064.02, which sum included a balance of 849.817,128.78 not provided for duriDg the previous fiscal year. The sura of 874,480,201.05 was applied to this fund, which left a deficit of 816,305,873.47. The increase of the revenues for 1881 over those of the previous year was 829,352,901.10. It is estimated that the receipts during the present year will reach 8400,000,000, and the expenditures 8270,000,000, leaving a surplus of 8130,000,000 applicable to the sinking fund and the redemption of the public debt. I approve the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury, that provision be made for the early retirement of silver certificates, and that the act requiring their issue be repealed. They were issued in pursuance of the policy of the Government to maintain silver at or near the gold standard, and were accordingly made receivable for all customs taxes and public dues. About 866.000,000 of them are now outstanding. They form ab unnecessary addition to the paper currency, a sufficient amount of which may be readily supplied by the National banks. In accordance with the act of February 28, 1878, the Treasury Department has monthly caused at least two hundred millions in value of silver bullion to be coined into standard silver dollars. One hundred and two millions of these dollars have been already coined, while only ahout thirty lour minions are in circulation, jp or tne reaBons which he specifies, I concur in the Secretary's recommendation that the provision for the coinage of a fixed amount each month be repealed, and that hereafter only so much be coined as shall be necessary to supply the demand. The Secretary advises tnat the issue of gold certificates should not for the present be resumed, and suggests that the National banks may properly be forbidden by law to retire their currency except upon reasonable notice of their intention so to do. Such legislation would seem to be justified by the recent action of certain banks on the occasion referred to in the Secretary's report. Of the fifteen millions of fractional currency still outstanding, only about eighty thousand has been redeemed the past year. The suggestion that this amount may properly be dropped from future statements of the public debt seems worthy of approval. The customs revenues for the last fiscal year, and the sources from which they were derived are reviewed at length, as also the refunding measures of a previous Congress; and touching the question of refunding the bonds of the Government, he says the reduction of the annual interest on the public debt through the transactions introduced by the Funding Act is as follows: By reduction of interest to 31 per cent., 810,473,952.25 ; by redemption of bonds, 86,352,340?total, 816,826,292.25. The 31 per cent, bonds being payable at the pleasure of the Government, are available for the investment of surplus revenue without the payment of premiums. TT?-?1 r\nn f Uaoa Kaw/Io aam Ka o f a mnoK uu1cco IIJWO huuuq tau ut iuuuvu Ub n i11ui/u lower rate of interest than they now bear, the President agrees with the Secretary of the Treasury that no legislation respecting them is desirable. His next topic is the business of the country and measures of relief from taxation, on which he says: It is a matter of congratulation that the business of the country has been so prosperous during the past year as to yield by taxation a large surplus of income to the Government. If the revenue laws remain unchanged this surplus must year by year increase on account of the reduction of the public debt and its burden of interest, and because of the rapid increase of our population. In 1860, just prior to the institution of our internal revenue system, our population but slightly exceeded thirty millions;! by the census of 1880, it is now found to exceed fifty millions. It is estimated that even if the annual receipts and expenditures should continue as at present, the entire debt should be paid in ten years. In view, however, of the heavy load of taxation which our people have already borne, we may well consider it is not the part of wisdom to reduce the revenues, even if we delay a little in the payment of the debt. It seems to me that the time has arrived when the people may justly demand some relief from their present onerous burden, and that by due economy in the various branches of the public service this may readily be afforded. I, therefore, concur with the Secretary in recommending the abolition of all internal revenue taxes, except those upon tobacco in its various forms, aud upon distilled spirits and fermented liquors, and except also the speciul tax upon manu tacturers and dealers in such articles, ine retention of the latter tax is desirable as affording the officers of the Government a propersupervisiou of these articles, for the prevention of fraud. I agree with the Secretary of the Treasury, that the law imposing a stamp tax upon matches, proprietary articles, playing cards, checks and drafts, may, with propriety, be repealed, and the law also by which banks and bankers are assessed upon their capital deposits. There seems to be a general sentiment in favor of this course. In the present condition of our revenues the tax upon deposits is especially unjust. It was never imposed in this couutry until it was demanded by the necessities of war, and was never exacted, I believe, in any other country, even in its greatest exigencies. Banks are required to secure their circulation by pledging with the Treasurer of. the United Slates, bonds of the General Government. The interest upon these bonds, which at the time the tax was imposed, was six per cent., is now in most instances three and one-hulf per cent. Besides, the entire circulation was originally limited by law, and no increase was allowable. When the existing banks had practically a monopoly of the busiuess, there was force in the suggestion that for the franchise to the favored grantees, the Government might very properly exact a tax on circulation, but for years the system has been free and the the amount of circulation regulated by the public demand. The retention of this tax has been suggested as a means of reimbursing the Government for the expense of printing and furnishing the circulating notes. If the ! tax should be repealed it would certainly seem proper to require the National banks to paj the amount of such expense to the Comptrollei of the Currency. It is, perhaps, doubtful whether the immediate reduction of the ratt of taxation upon liquors and tobacco is advisable, especially in view of the drain upon r.he Treasury which must attend the payment oi arrears of pensions. A comparison, however, of the amount of taxes collected renders the varying rates of taxation, which at different times prevailed, suggests the intimation that some reduction may soon be made without material diminution of the revenue. The tariff laws also need revision, but that all due regard may be paid to the conflicting interests of our citizens, important changes should be made with caution. If a careful revision caunot be made at this session, a Commission, such as was lately npproved by the Seuate, and is now recommended hy the Secretary ot t.hfl Treasurv. would doubtless lighten the | labors of Congress whenever this subject shall be brought to consideration. The report of the Secretary of War is reviewed at length and various suggestions therein contained recommended. The actual expenditures of that department, for the fiscal year ending June 30,1881, were $42,122,201.39 ; the appropriations for the year 1882 were $44,889,725.42; the estimates for 1883 are $44,541,276.91. Referring to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, which exhibits the condition of that branch of the service, he says: "I cannot too strongly urge upon you my conviction that every consideration of National safety, economy and honor, imperatively demand a thorough rehabitation of our navy, with a full appreciation, that compliance with the suggestion of the head of that department and his advisers must involve a large expenditure of the public moneys. I earnestly recommend such appropriations as will accomplish an end which seems to me so desirable. Nothing can be more inconsistent with true public economy than withholding the means necessary to accomplish the objects entrusted by the Constitution to the National Legislature. One of those objects, and one of which is of paramount importance, is declared by our fundamental law to be the provision for the "common defense." Surely nothing is more essential to the defense of the United States and of all our people than the efficiency of our navy. We have for many years maintained with foreign Governments the relations of honorable peace, and that such relations may be permanent, is desired by every patriotic citizen of the Republic. But if we heed the teachings of history, we shall not forget that in the life of every nation emergencies may arise, when a resort to arras can alone save it from dishonor. No danger from abroad now threatens this people, nor have we any cause to doubt thtf friendly professions of other Governments; but avoiding, as well as foreseeing, dangers that may threaten us in the future, we must be prepared to enforce any policy which we may think wise to adopt. We must be ready to defend our harbors against aggression ; to protect, by the distribution of our ships of war over the highways of commerce, the varied interests of our foreign trade, and the persons and property of our citizens abroad; to maintain everywhere the honor of our flag, and the distinguished position which we may rightfully claim among the nations of the world. Of the report of the Postmaster General, he says that document is a gratifying exhibit V* rv r r\ ii7 U on^ nffininnnt? r\f fKa nnflfol CiflF. j ui uit giuiivit nuu tujLttuuj vt puouui uvi vice. The receipts from postage and other ordinary sources, during the past fiscal year, were $36,489,816.58. The receipts from the money order business were 8295,581.39, making a total of 830,785,397.97. The expenditures for the fiscal year were 839,251,736.46. The deficit supplied out of the general treasury was 82,481,129.35, or 6 3-10 per cent, of ithe amount expended. The receipts were $3,469,919.63 in excess of those of the previous year, and 84,575,397.97 in excess of the estimate made two years ago, before the present period of business prosperity had fairly begun. The whole number of letters mailed in this country, in the last fiscal year exceeded one thousand millions. The registry system is reported to be in excellent condition, having been remodeled during the past four years with good results. The amount of registration fees collected during the last fiscal year was 8712,882.20, an increase over the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1877, of $345,443.40. The entire number of letters and packages registered during the year was 8,338,918, of which only 2,061 were lost or destroyed in transit. The operations of the money order system are multiplying yearly under the impulse of immigration, of the rapid development of the newer States and Territories | and the consequent demand for additional : means of intercommunication and exchauge. During the past year 138 additional money order offices have been established, making a [ total of 5,499 in operation at the date of this report. During the year the domestic money orders aggregated in value $105,075,769.39. A modification of the system is suggested, reducing the fees for money orders, not exceeding $5, from ten cents to five cents, and making the maximum limit 8100 in place of $50. Legislation for the disposition of unclaimed money orders in the possession of the Post Office Department is recommended in view of the fact that their total value now exceeds 81,nnn nnn Tl?o nt ton f irm of DnncrrpsR is acrHin vvv^vvv. * ??v ? ,?"7 ? "O invited to the subject of establishing a system of saving depositories in connection with the post office department. The statistics of mail transportation show that during the past year railroad routes have been increased in length 6,249 miles and in cost $1,114,382, while steamboat routes have been decreased in length 2,182 miles and in cost $134,054. The so-called Star Routes have been decreased in length 3,949 miles and in cost $364,144. Nearly all of the more expeusive routes have been superseded by railroad service. The cost of the star service must, therefore, rapidly decrease in the Western States and Territories. The Postmaster-General, however, calls attention to the constantly increasing cost of the railway mail service as a serious difficulty in the way of making tbe Department self sustaining. As has been already stated, great reductions have recently been made in the expense of the Star Route Service. The investigations of the Department of Justice and the Post Office Department have resulted in tbe presentation of indictments against persons formerly connected with that service, accusing them of offenses against the United States. I have enjoined upon the officials who are charged with the conduct of the cases on the part of the Government and upon the eminent counsel, who, before ray ac| cession to the Presidency, were called to their assistance, the duty of prosecuting, with the utmost vigor of the law, all persons who may be found chargeable with frauds upon the postal service. On the Court system and its future, he says : The Acting Attorney General calls attention to the necessity of modifying the present system of the Courts of the United States, a necessity due to the large increase of business, especially in the Supreme Court. Litigation in our Federal tribunals became greatly expanded after the close of the late war. So long as that expansion might be attributed to the abnormal condition in which the community found itself immediately af i ter the return of peace, prudence required > that no change be made in the constitution ot our judicial tribunals. But it has now be1 come apparent that an immense increase of i litigation has directly resulted from the wonderful growth and development of the i country. There is no ground for the belief ? that the business of the United States Courts will ever be less in volume than at present. i Indeed, that it is likely to be much greater , is generally recognized by the bench and bar. In view of the fact that Congress has already given much consideration to this subject, I make uo suggestion as to detail, but express the hope that your deliberations may result in such legislation as will give early relief to our overburdened Courts. The acting Attorney General also calls attention to the disturbance of the public tranquility during the [ past year in the Territory or Arizona, a I hand of armed desperadoes, known as "Cow j Boys," probably numbering from 50 to 100 men, have been engaged for months in committing acts of lawlessness and brutality which the local authorities have been unable to repress. The depredations of these "Cow Boys" have also extended into Mexico, which the marauders reach from the Arizona frontier. With every disposition to meet the exigencies of the case, I am embarrassed by a lack of authority to deal with them effectually. The punishment of crimes committed within Arizona should ordinarily, of course, be left to the Territorial authorities. But it is worthy of consideration whether the acts which necessarily tend to embroil the United States with neighboring Governments should not be declared crimes against the United States. Some of the incursions alluded to may perhaps be within the scope of the lawful Revised Statutes, section 5,286 (forbidding "military expeditions or enterprises" against friendly States), but in view of the speedy assembling of your body, I have preferred to await such legislation as in your wisdom the occasion may seem to demand. It may, perhaps, be thought proper that the setting on foot within our own territory of brigandage and armed marauding expeditions against friendly nations and their citizens shall be punished as an offense against the United States. I will add that in the event of a request from the Territorial government for protection by the United States against "domestic violence," this Government would be powerless to render assistance. The act of 1795, chapter 36, passed at a time when Territorial governments received little attention from Congress, enforced this duty of the United States ODly as to the State governments. But the act of 1807, chapter 39, applied also to Territories. This law seems to have remained in force until the revision of ' ... I .t At- - tne statutes, wnen tne provision ior me Territories was dropped. I am not advised whether this alteration was intentional or accidental, but as it seems to me that the Territories should be afforded the protection which is accorded to the State0, by the Constitution, I suggest legislation to that eod. It seems to me, too, that whatever views may prevail as to the policy of recent legislation by which the army has ceased to be a part of the posse comitatus, an exception might well be made for permitting the military to assist the civil Territorial authorities in enforcing the laws of the United States. This use of the army would not seem to be within the alleged evil against which that legislation was aimed. From the sparseness of population and other circumstances, it is often quite impracticable to summon a civil posse in places where the officers of justice require assistance, and where a military force is within easy reach. The Department of the Interior next claims his attention, in connection with which the Indian problem is discussed at length. Among other recommendations, be advises liberal appropriations for the maintenance of Indian schools. On the subject of polygamy and the marriage relation in the Territory of Utah, he says : For many years the Executive in his anuual message to Congress, has urged the necessity of stringent legislation for the suppression of polyaray in the Territories, and especially in the Territory of Utah. The existing statute for the punishment of this odious crime, so revolting to the moral and religious sense of Christendom, has been persistently and contemptuously violated ever since its enactment. Indeed, in spite of commendable efforts on the part of the authorities who represent the United States in that Territory, the law has in very rare instances been enforced, and for a cause, to which reference will be presently made, is practically a dead letter The fnet flint nrlliprpntn nf thfl Mor raon Church, which rests upon polygamy as its corner-stone, have recently been peopling in large numbers Idaho, Arizono and other of our Western Territories, is well calculated to excite the liveliest interest and apprehension. It imposes upon Congress and the Executive the duty of arraying against this barbarous system all the power which, under the Constitution and the law, they can wield for its destruction. Reference has been already made to the obstacles which the United States officers have encountered in their efforts to punish violations of law. Prominent among these obstacles is the difficulty of procuring legal evidence to warrant a conviction, even in the case of the most notorious offenders. Your attention is called to a recent opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States, explaining its judgment of reversal in the case of Miles, who had been convicted of bigamy in Utah. The Court refers to the fact that the secrecy attending the celebration of marriages in that Territory makes the proof of polygamy very difficult, and the propriety is suggested of modifying the law of evidence, which now makes a wife incompetent to testify against her husband. This suggestion is approved. I recommend, also, the passage of an act providing that in the Territories of the United States, the fact that a woman has been married to a person charged with bigamy shall not disqualify her as a witness.upon his trial for that offense. I further recommend legislation by which any person solemnizing a marriage in any of the Territories shall be required, under stringent penalties for neglect or refusal, to file a certificate of such marriage in the Supreme Court of the Territory. Doubtless Congress may devise practicable measures for obviating the difficulties which have hitherto attended the efforts to suppress this iniquity. I assure you of my determined purpose to co-operate with you iD any lawful and discreet measures which may be proposed to that end. On the subject of education, the President says: Although our system of Government does not contemplate that the Nation should provide or support a system for the education of our people, no measure calculated j to promote that general intelligence and ! virtue uDon which the perpetuity of our insti tutions so greatly depends, have ever been regarded with indifference by Congress or the Executive. A large portion of the public domain has been from time to time devoted to the promotion of education. There is now a special reason why by setting apart the proceeds of its sales of public lands, or by some other course, the Government should aid the work of education. Many who now exercise the right of suffrage are unable to read the ballot which they cast. Upon many who had just emerged from the condition of J slavery were suddenly devolved the responsibilities of citizenship in that portion of the country most impoverished by war. I have been pleased to learn from the report of the Commisioner of Education that there has lately been a considerable increase of interest and effort for their instruction, but all that can be done by local legislation and private generosity should be supplemented by such aid as can be constitutionally afforded by the National Government. I would suggest that if any fund be dedicated to this purpose it may be wisely distributed in the different States, according to the ratio of illiteracy, as by this means those localities which are most in need of such assistance will reap its special benefits. Of the Agricultural Commissioner he says: | The report of the Commissioner of Agricul ture exhibits the results of the experiments in which that Department has been engaged during the past year, and makes important suggestions in reference to the agricultural development of the country. The steady increase of our population, and the consequent addition to the number of hose engaging in the pursuit of husbandry are giving to this department a growing dignity and importance. The Commissioner's suggestions touching its capacity for greater usefulness deserve attention, as it more and more commends itself to the interests which it was created to promote. The report of the Commissioner of Pensions is discussed at length and the propriety suggested of making some special provision for the prevention of fraud in this department. There are now pending for settlement 265,575 original pension claims, 227,040 of which were filed previous to July 1, 1880, and for the probable number of admissions of these claims, the first payment on each of which Is 81,350, the sum of $250,000,000 will be required for the item of the first payments alone. He advises appropriations for such internal improvements as the wisdom of Congress may deem to be of public importance, and urges the necessity of improving the navigation of the Mississippi River. Considerable space is devoted to discusj^ng and advocating civil service reform ; to the subject of competitive examination for office ; and to District of Columbia affairs; to the decline of the merchant marine of the United States; and the message closes as follows : The importance of timely legislation with respect to the ascertainment and declaration of the vote for Presidential electors was sharply called to the attention of the people more than four years ago. It is to be hoped that some well defined measure may be devised before another National election, which will render unnecessary a resort to any expedient of a temporary character for the determination of questions upon contested returns? questions which concern the very existence of the Government and the liberties of the people?were suggested by the prolonged illness of the late President and his consequent incapacity to perform the functions of his office. It is provided by the second article of the Constitution, in the fifth clause of its first section, that in case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation or inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office, the same shall devolve upon the Vice-President What is the intendment of the Constitution in its specification of inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office as one of the contingencies which called the Vice-President to exercise Presidential functions ? Is the inability limited in its nature to long continued intellectual incapacity or has it a broader import ? What must be its extent and duration? How must its existence be established? ' Has the President, whose inability is the subject of inquiry, any voice in determining _t -At i. _ IL. wueiner or not 11 exists, or is toe aeeisiuu ui thiit momentous and delicate question confided to the Vice-President, or is it contemplated by the Constitution that Congress should provide by law precisely what should constitute inability, and how and by what tribunal or authority it should be ascertained ? If the inability proves to be temporary in its nature and during its continuance the Vice-President lawfully exercises the functions of the Executive, by what tenure does he hold his office ? Does he continue as President for the remainder of the four years' terra ? Or would the elected President, if his inability should cense in the interval, be empowered to resume his office, and if, having such lawful authority, he should exercise it, would the VicePresident be thereupon empowered to resume his powers and duties as such ? I cannot doubt that these important questions will receive your early and thoughtful consideration. Deeply impressed with the gravity of the responsibilities which have so unexpectedly devolved upon me, it will be my constant purpose to co-operate with you in such meas ures as will promote the glory of the country and the prosperity of its people. Chester A. Arthur. Washington, December 6,1881. Vnntiirop "SOMETHING ELSE !? Mr. Editor: Every man has his peculiars ty, not to say idiosyncrasy. What is true of a single individual, is also true of many individuals congregated together, who are subjected, to a greater or less extent, to the same influences. The writer has heard that it has been said of your town, that it is the most quiet town in South Carolina. As quietness suggests rest, men like myself, ever "on-the-wing," turn towards Yorkville as naturally as mortals sigh for the rest that is buried in the fabled waters of Lethe. To complain, then of one idiosyncrasy (pardon the use of the word) of the merchants in Yorkville, or of their clerks, may be an ungrateful, if not presumptuous, act on my part. Withal, it is a small matter, if I have found it a source of annoyance. And yet, in no single instance have I entered any merchant's place of business in Yorkville?perchance to purchase a cigar?and been permitted to retire without the inquiry, "Something else?" or similar words to ?,ne same effect! Prompted as these persistent inquiries doubtless are?through politeness? can no discretion be exercised as to the person addressed ? Alas ! the discretion may be exercised. I may have been weighed in the balances and found wanting?what ? "Some* 1-- ? v.i 1 L? iL? T iniDg eiS<3 I Iet auuujrou uy tuc iu<juirjr, j. have stopped to observe, and the politeness seemed to be most impartially dealt out? without regard to age, sex, color, race or condition, past, present or to come. Enough ! you have wearied of my grumbling. A Sufferer. English Speaking Men.?At the present time this race numbers rising 100,000,000. Outside of the Chinese, they are the largest body of men speaking a common language. They rule in all the continents. Two continents?that of North America and the island continent of Australia?are absolutely dominated by them. They are in possesion of the southern part of ths continent of Africa. They own groups of islands and strategic positions in all parts of the globe. Two hundred millions are subject to them in India.