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I- . : lewis m. grist, proprietor. J gu Jnbrpenbenl Jamil]) ftmspaper: gattbe promotion of ttje political, Social, ^gricnltnral inK (Commercial Interests of % Sontti. |terms--$2.50 a year, in advance, f* VOL. 28. YORZVILLE. S. C., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1882. NO. 50. Jlkffairs of the pation. PRE 8 IPENT'S MESS ACE. ! The President's message to the second session of the Forty-seventh Congress, which assembled on the 4th instant, is an elaborate document, and has generally received favorable criticism as being an able State paper. After reviewing foreign affairs, in which he represents our intercourse with other Powers to be of the most friendly character, he discusses the subject of the finances of the country, and I gives a statement of the receipts and expendi[ tures of the treasuiy for the fiscal year ending f June 30, 1882. The ordinary revenues from all I sources were 8403,525,250.28; and the ordinary expenditures for the same i>eriod were 8257,-; f 981,439.57, leaving a surplus revenue of $145,- j k 543,810.71, which, with an amount drawn from | the cash balance in the treasury of 820,737,-' I 094,84, made the sum of 8166,281,505.55. This! I amount was applied to the redemption of the * mtKiin riohf From this subject he proceeded j ! - * to that of the REDUCTION OF TAXES, . and says: In fulfillment of what I deem my constitutional duty, but with little hope that j I can make valuable contributions to this vexed j question, I shall proceed to intimate briefly my > own views in relation to it. Upon the showing of our financial condition at the close of the hist fiscal year, I felt justified in recom| mending to Congress the abolition of all iuj ternal revenue taxes except those upon tobacco [ in its various forms and upon distilled spirits I and fermented liquors, and except also the speI cial tax upon the manufacturers and dealers in such articles. I venture now to suggest that, unless it shall be ascertained that the probable expenditures of the Government for the comW* ing year have been underestimated, all inter nal taxes, save those which relate to distilled f spirits, can be prudently abrogated. Such a course, if accompanied by a simplification of the machinery of collection which would then be easy of accomplishment, might reasonably , be expected to result in diminishing the cost of such collection by at least two million and I a half dollars, and in the retirement from ofj fice of from fifteen hundred to two thousand ' persons. The system of excise duties lias nevj er commended itself to the favor of the Ameri ican, and has never been resorted to except in . supplying deficiencies in the treasury when, by ( reason of special exigencies, the duties on imports have proved inadequate for the needs of . - the Government. The sentiment of the country doubtless demands that the present excise tax shall be abolished as soon as such a course can be safely pursued. It seems to me, how ever, that for various reasons, so sweeping a measure as the total abolition of internal taxes Would, for the present, be an unwise step. Two of these reasons are deserving of special h mention. First, it is by no means clear that even if the existing system of duties on imL ports is continued without modification these v duties alone will yield sufficient revenue for all ) the needs of the Government. It is estimated 1 that one hundred millions of dollars will be required for pensions during the coming year, and it may well l>e doubted whether the annual maximum demand for that object has yet been reached. Uncertainty upon this question would alone justify, in my judgment, me re-1 [| - tention,for the present, of that portion of the i ~f system of internal revenue which is least objectionable to the people. Second, a total abof lition of excise taxes would almost inevitably prove a serious, if not insurmountable, obstai " cle to a thorough revision of the tariff, and to [any considerable reduction in import duties. The present tariff system is, in many respects, unjust. It makes unequal distributions both of its burdens and its benefits. This fact was practically recognized by a majority of each House of Congress in the passage of the Act creating THE TARIFF COMMISSION. The report of that commission will be placed before you at the l>eginning of this session, and will, I trust, afford you such infor? mation as to the condition and prospects of the various commercial, agricultural, manufacturing, mining and other interests of the country, and contain such suggestions for salutary revision as will practically aid your action upon this important subject. The revenue from customs for the fiscal year ? ending June 30, 1879, amounted to 8137,000,000. It has in the three succeeding years jj reached, first, 8186,000,000, then $198,000,000, * add finally as has already been stated, $220,000,000. The income from this source for * * * * OAiL r the fiscal year which win enci on.june ouwi, 1883, will doubtless be considerably in excess ? of the sum last mentioned, if the tax on doi raestic spirits is to be retained. It is plain, I therefore, that large reductions from the customs revenue is entirely feasible. While recI ommeuding this reduction I am far from advising the abandonment of the policy of discriminating in the adjustment of details so as to k afford aid and protection to domestic labor. But the present system should be so revised as to equalize the public burden among all classes and occupations, and bring it injo closer harmony with the present needs of industry. Without entering into minute detail, which under present circumstances is quite unnecessary, I recommend an enlargement of the free | list so as to include within it the numerous i articles which yield inconsiderable revenue, a j simplification of the complex and inconsistent i schedule of duties upon certain manufactures, ! particularly those of cotton, iron and steel, 1 and a substantial reduction of the duties up- j on those articles and upon sugar, molasses, ; silk, wool and woolen goods. If a general re- j vision of the tariff should be found to be imk practihle at this session, I express the hope i L that at least some of the more conspicuous in- j equalities of the present law may be correc-1 ted before your final adjournment. One of j them is specially referred to by the secretary, j In view of a recent decision of the Supreme j Court the necessity of amending the law by which the Dutch standard of color is adopted j as the saccharine strength of sugars is too oh-; ; vious to require comment. THE WAR DEPARTMENT. The President calls attention to the need of providing for the adequate defense of our harbors, and of larger appropriations for the militia. Concerning thecomp.dsory retiiement of officers at the age of 04, there is an embarrassment due to the Act of 1878 which limits the number of retirements to 400, and there is no j \ power to retire for disability or upon applica- j - -? ^ - I > iln.M OlA TU.n I I 11011 unless liie uuuiuei in icsa timu iw. j.w<= i J laws should be reconciled. RIVERS AND HARBORS. The reason which prompted the President; to veto the last River and Harbor bill prompt j hi in to express the hope that no similar meas-! ure will be deemed necessary during the prt-s-! ent session of Congress. Indeed such a meas- j ure would now be open to a serious objection I in addition to that which was lately urged ' upon your attention. I am informed by the secretary of war that the greater portion of the sum appropriated for the various items specified in that act remains unexpended. On the new works 'which it authorized, expenses have been incurred upon two only, for which j the total appropriation was $210,OlH). The present available balance, from ditferent appropriations, after making proper deductions, kis $17,734,044. It is apparent by this exhibit that so far j as concerns most of the items to which the ; Act of August 2, 1882, relates, there can be \ no need of furthur appropriations until after ! the close of the present session. If, however, j any action should seem to be necessary in re- j speet to particular objects, it will be entirely ' feasible to provide for those objects by appropriate legislation. It is possible, for example, I that a delay until the assembling of next Con- j gress to make additional provisions for the i Mississippi River improvements might be at- j * tended with serious consequences. If such should appear to be the case, a just bill relating to this would command my approval. , This leads me to offer a suggestion which I trust will commend itself to the wisdom of Congress. Is it not advisable that grants of considerable sums of money for divers and j i indepenent schemes of internai improvement j should be made the subjects of separate and distinct legislative enactment ? It will scarcely be gainsaid even by those who favor the most liberal expenditures for sucli purposes as are sought to be accomplished by what is commonly called the River and Harbor bill, that the practice of grouping in such a bill appropriations for a great diversity of objects widely separated either in their nature or in the locality with which they are concern-1 ed, or in both, is one which is much to be ; deprecated unless it is unremediable. It inevitably tends to secure the success of the bill as a whole, though many of the items if separately considered should not fail of rejection. By the adoption of the course I have recommended, every member of Coifgress, whenever the opportunity should arise for giving his influence and vote for meritorious propriations, would be enabled so to do without being called upon to sanction others un-j deserving his approval. So would the Executive be afforded thereby full opportunity to exercise his constitutional prerogative of opposing whatever appropriation seemed to him objectionable, without imperilling the success of others which commended themselves to his iudtrment. It mav be urged in opposition to these suggestions,' that the number of works ; of internal improvement which are justly en-j titled to governmental aid is so great as to J render impracticable separate appropriation j bills therefor, even for such comparatively | limited number as make disposition of large i sums of money. This objection may be well j founded, and whether it be or not. the ad-1 vantages which would be likely to ensue from the adoption of the course I have recommended will perhaps be more effectually attained by another, which I respectfully submit to Congress as an alternative proposition. It is provided by the Constitutions of fourteen of our States that the Executive may disapprove any item or items of a bill appropriating money, whereupon the part of the bill approved . shall fail to become law unless repassed ac- : cording to the provisions prescribed for the , passage of bills over the veto of the President, j The States wherein such provision as the foregoing is part of the fundamental law are Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida. Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebras- 1 ka, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, 1 Texas and West Virginia. I commend to ] your careful consideration the question wheth- 1 er an amendment of the Federal Constitution ( in the particular indicated would not offer 1 the best remedy for what is often a grave em- 1 barrassment both to members of Congress and ' to the Executive, and is sometimes a serious 1 public mischief. 1 ] THE NAVY. ( As a tribute to the heroism of those who j; lnct *hpir livoa nti flip .ftnnfiitp PYnPflition. the I ! President gives their names. The available J naval force consists of 37 cruisers, and 14 sin-1 j gle-turretted monitors built during the war. , The President says : The cruising vessels should he gradually re- j placed by iron and steel ships, the monitors by modern armed, vessels and the armanent high , power rifle guns. The building of two crui- ] sers (in addition to those authorized last ses- , sion) and of one dispatch boat is recommended. , The secretary advises that the lighthouse ser- ; vice and coast survey and the cruising revenue ( vessels be transferred to the navy department. , Mr. Chandler also depicts the intimate con- j nection and interdependence of the navy and ] the commercial marine, and invites theatten- , tion to the continued decadence of the latter ] and the corresponding transfer of our growing . commerce to foreign bottoms. The President j says : This subject is one of the utmost im- ( portance to the National welfare. Methods } of reviving American shipbuilding and of re- ^ storing the United States llag in the ocean , carrying trade should receive the immediate , attention of Congress. We have mechanical j skill and abundant material for the manufac- j ture of modern iron steamships in fair compe- j tition with our commercial rivals. Ourdisad- . vantage in building ships is the greater cost of ! 1..1? 1 +..VAe ..?,i jfluul. rtliu 111 aiming i>iiciu, uj?iitri ui.vto <uui i greater interest on capital, while the ocean highways are already monopolized by our formidable competitors. These obstacles should, in some way, be overcome, and for our rapid communication with foreign lands we should \ not continue to depend wholly upon vessels ( built in the yards of other countries and sail- , ing under foreign flags. Without United > States steamers on the principal ocean lines or ( in any foreign ports our facilities for extend- , ing our commerce are greatly restricted, while j the nations which build and sail the ships and ( carry the mails and passengers obtain thereby . conspicuous advantages in increasing their : trade. THE POSTOFFICE. j The President shows that the receipts of the | postotfice department for the fiscal year have | exceeded the expenditures. From the post- i master-general's recommendation that the tel- i egraph system be put under the control of the ' postotfice the President dissents. The Presi- 1 dent is thoroughly in favor of the reduction 1 of letter postage to two cents, as domestic letters are the only class of mail mattter which > has not had a substantial reduction of rates in the last thirty years. In every case of re- ' duction hitherto, a temporary loss of revenue ' has been followed by a large increase of busi- | ness. The deficiency in the first year, at the i f.wrt would not evnped three million ' dollars. This can be met by increasing the : charge for carrying merchandise. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The President says : The report of the department of justice brings anew to your notice the necessity of enlarging the present sys-1 tem of Federal jurisprudence so as effectually I to answer the requirements of the ever increas- j ing litigation with which it is called upon to j deal. The attorney general renews the sug- i gestions of his predecessor that in the interests ; of justice better provisions than the existing j laws afford should be made in certain judicial j districts for fixing the fees of witnesses and . jurors. In my message of December I referred | to pending criminal proceedings growing out; of alleged frauds in what is known as the STAR ROUTE SERVICE of the postotlice department, and advised you that I had enjoined upon the attorney-general and associate counsel to whom the interests of the Government are intrusted the duty of prosecuting with the utmost vigor of the law all persons who might be found chargeable with those offenses. A trial of one of these cases has since occurred. It occupied for many weeks the attention of the Supreme Court of this District, and was conducted with Zealand ability. It resulted in a disagreement of the jury, but the cause has been again placed on the calendar and will shortly be retried. If any guilty persons shall finally j escai* punishment for the offenses it will not be for lack of diligent and earnest efforts on I the part of the prosecution. j BANKRUPT I.AW. I trust that some agreement may he reached i which will speedily enable Congress, with the j concurrence of the Executive, to afford the ! ?./\m rvmrniii 1 pnmmiinitv tlifi llMM'tlts of II 11SI- I tional bankrupt law. INTKKIOK DEPARTMKNT. The President renews his recommendation for extending to the Indians the protection of : the law, allotting land in severalty to such as deserve it, and making suitable provisions for j the education of youth. ILLITERACY. The census returns disclose an alarming \ state of illiteracy in certain portions of the country where the provisions for schools is grossly inadequate. It is a momentous question for the decision of Congress whether immediate and substantial aid should not be ex-1 tended by the General government for supplementing the efforts of private benelieiaries I of State and Territorial legislation in behalf j of education. INTER-STATE COMMERCE. I The regulation of the inter-State commerce | has already been the subject of your delibera- j tions. One of the incidents of the marvelous j extension of the railway system of the country j has been the adoption of such measures by the i corporations which own or control the roads as I has tended to impair the advantages of health-1 fnl competition and to make hurtful discriminations in the adjustment of freight rates. These inequalities have been corrected in several States by appropriate legislation, the effect of which is necessarily restricted to the limits of their own territory. So far as such mischiefs affect commerce between the States or between any one of the States and a foreign country they are subjects of National concern, and Congress alone can afford relief. POLYGAMY. The results which have thus far attended the enforcement of the recent statutes for the suppression of polygamy in the Territories are reported by the secretary of the interior. It is not probable that any additional legislation in this regard will be deemed desirable until the effect of existing laws shall be more closely observed and studied. I congratulate you that the commissioners under whose supervision those laws have been put in operation ?? ?? ?inonnpo?Bfl tn hollpve t.llflt the evil Jit which they aimed will be suppressed without resort to such judical measures as in some quarters have been thought indispensable for success. THE TERRITORIES. The close relation of the General Government to the Territories preparing to l>e great States may well engage your special attention. It is there that the Indian disturbances mainly occur and that polygamy has found room for its growth. I cannot doubt that a careful survey of territorial legislation would be of the highest utility. Life and property would be more secure ; the liability of outbreaks between the Indians and the whites would be lessened, and the public domain would be more securely guarded and better progress made in the instruction of the young. ALASKA is still without any form of civil government. If means were provided for the education of its people and for the protection of their lives and property, the immense resources of the region would invite permanent settlement and open new fields for industry and enterprises. AGRICULTURE. The report of the commissioner of agriculture presents an account of the labors of that department during the past year and includes information of much interest to the general miblic. The condition of the forests of the country and the wasteful manner in which their destruction is taking place, give cause for serious apprehension. Their action in protecting the earth's surface, in regulating and sustaining the flow of springs and streams is now well understood, and their importance in relation to the growth and prosperity of the country cannot be safely disregarded. They are fast disappearing before destructive fires and the legitimate requirements of our increasing population, and their total extinction cannot be long delayed unless better methods than now prevail shall be adopted for their protection and cultivation. THE CIVIL SERVICE. The communication which I made to Congress at its first session in December last, contains a somewhat full statement of my sentiments in relation to the principles and rules which ought to govern appointments to the public service. Referring to the various plans which had theretofore been the subject of dismission in the National Legislature, (plans which in the main were modeled upon the system which obtains in Great Britain, but which lacked certain of the prominent features ' whereby the system was distinguished,) I felt Pound to intimate my doubts whether they or my of them would afford adequate remedy for the evils which they aimed to correct. I declared, nevertheless, that if the proposed measures should prove acceptable to Congress they would receive the unhesitating support of the Executive. Since these suggestions were submitted for vour consideration, there has been no legislation upon the subject to which they relate, but there has, meanwhile, been an increase in the public interest on the subject, mil the people of the country, apparently without distinction of party, have, in various ways inil upon frequent occasions, given expression to their earnest wish for prompt and definite action. In my judgment such action should 110 longer be postponed. I may add that my own sense of its pressing importance has been quickened by observation of a practical phase of the matter to which attention has more than once been called by my predecessors. The civil list nowcomprises about one hundred thousand persons, the larger part of whom must, under the terms of the Constitution, be selected by the President, either directly or through his own appointees. In the early years of the administration of the Government the personal direct: ^f appointments to the civil service may not liave been an irksome task for the Executive, but now the burden lias increased fully a hundred-fold. It lias become greater than lie ought to bear, and it necessarily diverts his- time and attention from the proper discharge of other duties no less delicate and responsible, and which, in the very nature of things, cannot be delegated to other hands. In the judgment of not a fetv who have given study and reflection to this matter the Nation has outgrown the provisions which the Constitution has established fulfilling the minor offices in the public service ; but whatever may lie thought of the wisdom or expediency or changing me fundamental law in this regard, it is certain that much re- i lief maybe afforded, not only to the President' and to the heads of the departments, but to the senators and representatives in Congress, by discreet legislation. They would be pro- i tected in a great measure by the bill now pending before the Senate, or by any other which should embody its important features, from the pressure of personal importunity and from the labor of examining conflicting claims and pretensions of candidates. 1 trust that before the close of the present session some decisive action may betaken for the correction j of the evils which inhere in the present methods of appointments. I assure you of my hear-, ty co-operation in any measures which are like-! ly toconduce to that end. As to the most ap-1 propriate terms and tenure of the oflicial life | of t he subordinate employees of the Covern-! ment it seems to be generally agreed that j whatever their extent or character the one' should be defined and the other stable, and that neither should be regulated by zeal in the sorviro of nartv or fidelity to the fortunes of , an individual. It matters little to the people : at large what competent person is at the head of this department or that bureau, if they feel assured that the removal of one and accession of another will not involve the retirement of honest and faithful subordinates, whose duties are purely administrative and have no legitimate connection with the triumph of any political principle or the success of any political party or faction. It is to the latter class of officers that the Senate bill, to which I have already referred, exclusively applies. While ne'ither that bill nor any other prominent i scheme for improving the civil service concerns the higher grade of officials who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, I feel bound to correct a prevalent misapprehension as to the frequency with which the present Executive has displaced the incumbent of an office and appointed another in his stead. The President then gives statistics to show that his removals from office have been less than those of other Presidents. POLITICAL ASSESSMENTS. 1 declare my approval of such legislation as may be found necessary for supplementing the existing provisions of law in relation to political assessments. In July last I authorized a public announcement that the employees of the Government should regard themselves as at liberty to exercise their pleasure in making or refusing to make political contributions, and their action in that regard would in no manner affect their official status. In this announcement 1 acted upon the view which I had always maintained and still maintain, that a public ofiicer should be as absolutely free as any other citizen to give or withhold a contribution for the aid of the political party of his choice. It has, however, been urged, and doubtless not without foundation, that in fact by the solicitations of official supervisors and by other modes such contributions have at times been obtained from persons whose motive for giving has been the fear of what might befall them if they refused. It goes without saying that such contributions are not voluntary and, in my judgment, their collection should be prohibited by law. A bill which will effectually suppress them will receive my cordial approval. THE DISTRICT OK COLUMBIA. The President directs the attention of Congress to the necessity for giving special attention to the affairs of the District of Columbia, the inhabitants of which are deprived of the right of suffrage. TJIE ELECTORAL COUNT. Among the questions which have been the , topic of recent debate in the halls of Congress j none are of greater gravity than those relating to the ascertainment of the vote for rresiaential electors and the intendment of the Constitution in its provisions for devolving executive functions upon the Vice-President when the President suffers from inability to discharge the powers and duties of his office. I trust that no embarrassment may result from a failure to determine these questions before another National election. THE CONCLUSION. The closing year, the President says,* has been replete with blessings for which we owe to the Giver of all Good our reverent acknowledgments. For the .^interrupted harmony of our foreign relations, for the decay of sectional animosities, for the exhuberance of our harvest and the triumphs of our mining and manufacturing industries, for the prevalence of health, the spread of intelligence and the conservatism of the public credit, for the growth of the country in all the elements of national greatness, for these, and countless other blessings, we should rejoice and be glad. I trust that under the inspiration of this great prosperity our counsels may be harmonious, and that the dictates of prudence, patriotism, justice and economy may lead to the adoption of measures in which the Congress and the Executive may heartily unite. POSTMXSTER-UENERAL'S REPORT For the first t'me in thirty-one years the postal service of the United States is not a burthen upon the treasury. Hon. Timothy 0. Howe, the Postmaster-General, in his report says for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882, the total disbursements for postal service by the department were ?40,482,021.23. The ordinary receipts were 841,515,642.80. The receipts from money orders were ?360,767.35. Total ?41,876,410.15. Excess of receipts over expenditures, $1,394,388.92. Certain debits and credits, however, modify this result somewhat, and place the excess of earnings at but ?330,050.89. In 1881 the deficiency was ?2,466,338.49 In 1860 the deficiency was more than ?10,000,000. Some part of this great improvement is due to the wonderful growth oiiH i.rncrvQrifv nf tlio /inn;itrv Villf il liirrrpr part is due to the improved methods in the administration of the service. The estimates for the year 1884 promise financial results much more satisfactory than during even the last fiscal year. The revenue is estimated at $50,570,456.27 and the expenditures at 846,741,111.25. The salaries of postmasters do not come out of the treasury; the postmaste s collect the revenues and deduct from the moneys in their own hands their fixed legal Compensation. They account to the treasury for the excess only. If not a dollar is appropriated in the annual bill, postmasters will have their salaries all the same. It seems hardly practicable, therefore, to effect much in tin interest of economy by appropriating $8,000,000 to pay postmasters, while we place $40,000,000 in their hands out of which they ma> help themselves. The number of postntticee in operation June 30, 1881, was 44,512; the number in 1882 was 40,231. The number filled under api>ointment by the President was 1,951, and by the Postmaster General, 44,280. The total employes of the service in 1881 was 61,479 and 1882, 65,777. The free delivery system was in operation in 112 cities employing 3,115 carriers. The increase in postage on local mattfer was 16.50 per cent., while the increase in the cost of service was 4.93 pei cent. The Postmaster Geueral makes some suggestions to secure economy in the administration, the details of which were presented by the first assistant. On the subject of clerk hire the report commends modifications of existing modes. The Postmaster General expresses the conviction that the partnership now existing between the government and the postmasters in the use of letter boxes, should be dissolved, vv nenever me government owns tlie boxes or hires them with the building the whole of the rental paid by patrons, and not two-thirds of it, belongs to the revenues of the department as much as the postage does Where, on the contrary, the postmaster supplies the boxes and the government does not, the latter should 110 more share in the proceeds from their rent than in the rent of any other property belonging to the officer. Mr. Howe says: uIn all cases, therefore, in adjusting the pay of postmasters, I think box rents should be wholly eliminated from the calculation, and I am strongly inclined to the opinion that the whole system of regulating the compensation of postmasters should be radically changed. Referring to the Star service, the Postmaster General says: "The department is clothed with the widest discretion in regard to the amount of sendee to be performed on star routes. To provide all needed postal facilities and at the same time to guard against unnecessary expenditure, is a most difficult duty, and one that calls for the exercise of unusual care and patient inquiry. The results afford gratifying evidence that during the last fiscal year that delicate duty has been very satisfactorily discharged." The expansion of the railroad system has lw>en crreater durincr the uast vear than ever before in any one year. The aggregate cost is largely increased eacli year, and the growth of this expenditure has provoked much discussion. The Post master General thinks that additional safeguards should be thrown around the large annual disbursementsfor railroad services, and that any change in the laws governing the rate of pay should be made upon ascertained facts, rather than upon opinion, and the matter is recommended to the especial notice of Congress. The recommendation is made to allow two years' pay to the widow and minor children of ]>ostal clerks killed on duty, and that clerks disabled be continued on leave and pay during the i?eriod of disability, not exceeding one year. Touching the item of $000,000 to be expended in expediting mails on railways the Postmaster-GeiTeral says he has as yet been unable to make any arrangements for fast service out of the existing appropriation upon terms which seem reasonable. Certain service which be found in operation is still maintained at the rate of compensation originally agreed upon, j The service includes among other routes the fast mail between Xew York and Charleston, S. C. The report expresses satisfaction with the practice of notifying persons addressed, of letters, &c., detained in the post office for want of prepayment of postage. Since July last 59-, 711 letters and packages were sent forward by this means, which heretofore would have gone to the dead-letter office. moof lonOV'jl vonQWC fllA ronnm j J. IIC IWOlUKWWI-VVi.VHU ...w .vv^^. mendation for a modified scale of fees for mon, ey orders to lessen the cost thereof, and to ! give authority for issuing postal notes for j sums under ?5 at a fee of three cents. He also recommends that the postage on second class matter (for publishers and news agents) ought to be abolished. On this subject he says : "it does not seem just, and if not just it cannot be wise, to charge for carrying some newspapers and to carry others free, or to charge for carrying a newspaper to some subscribers, and to carry the same newspapers to others without charge." j He recommends that the rate of postage on fourth-class matter (merchandise and other matter so prepared for mailing as to be easily withdrawn from the wrapper) should be increased. On this subject the Postmaster-General says: "To charge 3 cents per half ounce for carrying a message from one postoflicc to another, and yet to carry merchandise from one side of the continent to the other for one cent an ounce is not approved by good sense, if it is by good morals. The Postmaster-General further says: Some anxiety has been manifisted to reduce first class postage (letters and other written mat | ter sealed) to two cent per half ounce. If i ; should be thought such a reduction in rate: 1 would cause too great a shrinkage in the reve j nues, I would respectfully suggest that cor I respondence may be cheapened almost asinucl by another measure, much less costly to tin treasury. If Congress will authorize the sah of stamped envelopes at the same price ai which adhesive stamps are sold, it would less en the price of correspondence. He states that after January next stamper envelopes in quantities will be furnished a! 2 1-5 cents each. lie invites the attention, ol Congress to the postal collection system ii vogue in Germany and other countries when IhuAimk KAollYl.lofftVD SllliUI Ullltt (llti UUUCULCU UIIUI^II puommovrio In conclusion Postmaster-General Ilovve say; the time has fully come when the telegraphic and postal service of the country should be embraced under one management. He thinks such a union would improve both services, and that it would at least give us as telegraphic post-masters men who have learned to do one thing in place of those who ha.vc never learaed to do anything Mr. Howe concludes that the only protection the public can have against the multiplied exactions of the telegraphic companies in efforts to monopolize is for the government to assume exclusive control over the transmission of domestic messages by electricity. In all the markets of the country one great telegraphic company wags its tongue incessantly. For all commodities it is the arbiter of prices, which go up or down according to it, and it is an agency, much too dreadful to entrust to private hands. The recommendation is also repeated to create postal savings banks or a system of deposits for small sums. llJistdlattcaus f&radituj. ^0\'.TH0>IPS0N'SIXAL'0URAL. The following is the address of Governor Thompson, delivered on the occasion of his inauguration : Senators and Bepresentatives : In obedience to the voice of the people of the State, as expressed in the recent election, I appear before you to assume the duties of Governor of South Carolina. The same voice which has called me to this ottico has called you to positions of trust, which impose upon you duties and responsibilities not less important than those which belong to the Chief Executive of the State. The welfare and prosperity of South Caroli| na, now and in the future, will depend in a large measure, upon the manner in which we meet the requirements of our several positions. We come to the control of the affairs of the State at a fortunate time and under favorable circumstances. The results of the recent elections in several of the States of this Union are full of prom.ise, as indicating a resolve on the part of the people, to secure a more rigid adherence to those great principles upon which Republican institutions must rest, and a desire for a restoration of those practices which marked the administration of government in the early days of this Republic. I refer to the results of these . lections, not as the triumph of a political party, but as the evidences of a popular revolt against abuses of the power of government. How far the changes in public opinion thus expressed shall be permanent, will depend upon ihe manner in which those who have been called to positions of trust shall make use of the power committed to them. Strict economy in the conduct of government ; reduction of taxation of every kind to the lowest point consistent with the efficient administration of government ; a judicious tariff; wise, equal and just laws impartially administered ; the prevention of oppressive monopolies; home rule, which, under the Constitution of the United States, shall preserve the State Governments in their proper spheres while it maintains the General Government in its proper sphere; popular education as the only safeguard cf free institutions ; the sacred nrosopvfitirm nf flip inililir> nrpflifr Vprlprnl niul y?v i? , State ; a civil service reform which shall regard public offices as public trusts to be exercised for the benefit of the people, and not for party purposes, and which shall make merit the test for appointment to and retention in office?these are some, at least, of the demands which the people make of their chosen public servants. Let us see to it that South Carolina contributes her share to the pure administration of public affairs by keeping her State Government true to the principles which formed the political creed of the founders ol the Republic. To those States of this Union which but lately have suffered the ravages of war, and have borne the trials of reconstruction, thest elections give reason to hope that the time will soon come when political parties, no longer divided by geographical lines, shall consider the great questions of public policy which concern the welfare and progress of the whole country. With the removal of sectional questions from public affairs, we may look with confidence foi that more perfect Union which shall "establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." The condition of affairs within our own State is full of encouragement and hope. During the year now drawing to a close the people have been spared the ravages of pestilence ; rich harvests have blessed the husbandman, and all of our industrial pursuits have felt the quickening influences of order, of quiet and of good government. In all jwrtions of the State are to be seen on every hand abundant evidences of the thrift and prosperity, which are greater now than at any previous time since the close of the late civil war. Improved methods of culture have already produced results which give assurance of the rapid and steady development of our chief industrial interest. Recent experience has shown that the productiveness of our cotton lands can he greatly increased, and that our genial climate and fertile soil are especially adapted to the raising of the diversified crops which reward die iauor or me SKineu nusuanuiuun. While the development of the other resources of the State has not kept pace with the improvements In agriculture, it is gratifying to know that attention is heing directed to our great facilities for manufactures, and to the vast stores of wealth which abound in our forests, in our streams and in our mineral deposj its. Skilled labor is necessary to secure the full development of our material resources. All means should be used which will attract j thrifty and intelligent immigrants to our borders. Our educational advancement is closely allied to our material progress. If we regard only material prosperity, nothing is more certain than that it is best promoted by the diffusion of knowledge. Popular education is not more necessary to the maintenance of free government than it is to tlie full development of those resources from which spring wealth and prosperity. The foundation of our public school system is now securely laid, but much remains to be 1 done to complete the work. Through the wise liberality of the last General Assembly pro| vision was made for the extension of the | course of study in the South Carolina College, and for the reoj>ening of the State Military Academy. The restoration to their former usefulness of these State institutions of learnI ing will stimulate the growth of our public | school system and lead to the establishment of j good secondary schools, which must form the [ connecting link between higher and elementa| ry education. The course of study in most of the public schools is now too restricted to offer opportunities for preparation to the youngmen : who desire to avail themselves or the Deneiits i of the liberal training afforded in the State institutions and in the excellent colleges in operation in different parts of the State. The want of good secondary schools is a pressing one, but it can be supplied without material alteration in our public school system by the establishment in every county of one or more graded or high schools. The additional 1 funds necessary to maintain such schools can be supplied by small local tax levies, or by i voluntary contributions, as may be preferred t by different communities. The present Stat< 9 school tax is as high its it should be. I havt - given much thought to this subject, and I car - suggest no plan to improve our educational I system which promises larger or more speed) 3 results than the foundation of good secondary 3 schools throughout the State. t| I call attention to this jnatter now, not to - recommend general legislation, but in ordei i that a subject of such vital importance as the II establishment of good graded schools may ret1 ceive proper consideration from the represenf; tatives of the people and from the people themi I selves. i | Excellent graded schools already in existence . {in this State attest the practicability of the } plau which 1 suggest. It is certain that for some years the resources of this State will not 5 be e<jual to the demands which will be made 5 for educational facilities. In this connection , I would bring to your attention the efforts - which for several years past have been made I by friends of popular education to secure from ; Congress appropriations from the public treas ury in aid of the public schools of the Southern i States. s Popular education is one of those matters > of domestic policy which can best be controll! ed bv the State Governments, but the right ' of the General Government to contribute"to i the aid of State school systems has the sane' tion of a usage older than the Federal Con stitution and which has been followed through 1 a long and unbroken line of precedents in the i history of this country. Grants of land amounting in value to many millions of dollars have been made from time 1 to time in aid of education in newly settled ' States and Territories. If experience has shown that it is the policy and duty of the > General Government to aid in diffusing the means of education in the newly settled portions of the. Union, it cannot be less a matter of duty or of sound public policy for the General Government to assist in preventing illiteracy in those States which, by the extension of the elective franchise, have been compelled to bear burdens beyond their capacity. Federal aid, if granted liberally and promptly, would enable the Southern States to provide the means of education for the large numbers , of their population who are growing up in ignorance, and who, in a few years, will enjoy all the rights and upon whom will devolve all the duties of American citizens. Appropriations from the Federal treasury should be made on the basis of illiteracy, and the expenditure of such appropriations should be carefully guarded, but aid granted should be used in maintaining the public school systems already in operation. I would earnestly recommend that such action be taken at the present session of the , General Assembly as will bring to theattention of Congress the need for prompt and liberal appropriations in aid of education in this State. The relations of education to other public interests, at all times fundamental, are especially important in our present condition. By no other means than by promoting the general diffusion of knowledge can we avert the evils with which illiterate suffrage threatens free institutions. The annual message of Govemor Hagood gives you full information of our public affairs. I do not deem it necessary at this time to make specific recommendations on subjects of 1 1 I..1..A! U..A f *..;i general legislation, out 1 sihumu iau m mj duty if I did not state my views in regard to a matter of vital importance to our welfare in the present and to our prosperity in the future. I refer to the management of the tiuance8 of the State, and especially to the necessity for making proper provision for the payment of the interest on the State deht. As you are aware, the debt of the State is $0,571,000, bearing interest at 0 per cent. The interest is promptly met as it becomes due and is paid in Columbia, Charleston and New York. Before the war the financial standing of South Carolina was the just pride of the State. Under the admirable management of our public finances for the past six years, the credit of the State has been restored, and her securities now sell above par. It is a matter of sound policy as well as public duty to maintain the credit of the State. This can be in no way better done tbab by providing for the prompt apd regular -payment of the interest on the State debt as it becomes due. Proper provision for the payment of the interest so as to relieve it from all uncertainty will facilitate greatly the refunding on favorable terms of the State debt, when the debt matures, as it soon will do. I feel assured that my views on this subject will meet with your hearty concurrence. There is perhaps no subject of general legislation demanding your attention which more concerns the prosperity of our people than the regulation of railroads so as to prevent unjust discrimination. The railroads are the highways of trade and travel, and both directly and indirectly they bring to the State much of the capital which is essential to the full develop ment of our resources. All legislation wind) would impair their usefulness or obstruct their development should be avoided, while at the same time care should be takeu to prevent discriminations which are unjust to our people, or which tend to hinder progress by diverting trade from our commercial centres. This subject is one of great importance to the interests of the State. I am sure it will receive, as it deserves, your careful consideration. The protection of the rights of the people on the one hand, and of the railroads on the other, will require the exercise of wise statesmanship and of a broad, liberal and just policy. The improved condition of our public affairs furnishes the strongest proof that the pledges of reform made during the memorable political campaign of 1876 have been fulfilled, and that the promises then given have been kept. These results have been accomplished through the restoration of the State government to the hands of that class of citizens who by experience, knowledge and training were fitted for the responsibilities of self-government. The maintenance of good government and the preservation of the liberties of our people depend upon the continuance in power of the political party which wrested the control of public affairs from those who through a long |>eriod of misrule had brought our State to the verge of ruin and of anarchy. But while we congratulate ourselves upon the evidences of progress and prosperity which stand in marked contrast to the condition of the State during the era of reconstruction, it is nevertheless true that some of the laws now upon our Statute l>ooks have caused irnich dissatis faction among certain classes of our citizens. That the dissatisfaction does not extend to a majority of our people is 110 re&on why the obnoxious, legislation should not be modified if such modification can be made without injury to the general welfare of the State. We have pledged to all the people the just and impartial administration of equal laws, and we should respect the wishes of all classes so far { as it can be done without injury to the State at large. The people of the State rely upon your patriotism to give a cairn, a careful and a respectful consideration to all proper complaints which may be brought before you, and upon your wisdom to provide remedies for any grievances which may exist. I enter upon the discharge of the duties ef Governor of South Carolina with no feeling of exultation, but with a profound sense of the heavy responsibilities which I assume. The nomination for this office came to me as a call to duty. In this spirit I accepted it, and in this spirit 1 shall execute the high trust committed to me. In making appointments to public offices, and in the discharge of the other duties which by law will devolve upon me, 1 snan stana squareiy upon me piauumi adopted by the Convention which nominated me, believing that by so doing I can best contribute to the good of the public service-. Although I have been elected as the representative of a political party, in the performance of my duty I shall be the Governor of the whole people of the State. I have no friends to reward, no enemies to punish, no partisan schemes to advance, no private er^- i to accomplish. ratlo Relying confidently upon your co^ntlv ; and invoking, as I humbly ag^d;nce ,ssha,j , the guidance of an majntain the honI or aSproml0 th7 c?roli ! THE ALL-HEALING SPRINGS. From tho Charlotte Journal. J Extensive improvements are to be made at ,; the All-Healing Springs in Gaston county, r j Plans have been received for laying off tho j large grounds in avenues which divide them ? into 110 lots. These lots are to be sold. The design is to make a summer village of the [ property. A number of the lots have already been sold to parties whose intention is to 1M 1 f lioeoAn Tha Inf a 01u1u liisieiui i"e.11ut:m;ca iuciwu. iwv .vw, are 00x80 feet as a rule. Among those sold ! are six to Chester, S. C., people. The foliow! ing Charlotte people have purchased lots: \V. W. Grier, R. M. Miller, A. G. Brenizer, J. W. ! Wadsworth, J. H. Carson, J. McLaughlin, J. W. Miller, R. Barringer; also a double lot i to S. R. Perry, of Durham, and lots to Rev. 1 Dr. Bobbitt, of Rockingham, and G. L. Anthony, of Greensboro. Other citizens of Char-" lotte are thinking of buying lots and Dr. F. M. Garrett, the manager, thinks fiifty will i be sold here by the beginning of the next season. The avenues are all 30 feet wide. The female school which it is proposed to 1 have in the hotel buildiug during the winter months will be opened in January and its prospects are quite flattering. | One of the largest lots has been set aside to collect the specimens of the fauna flora and minerals of the State. During the next season, Dr. Garrett states that it is his intention to open a school of philosophy, for which able men throughout the country will bo engaged to lecture. Ten different springs will be opened during the coming season, and any kind of bath desired will be furnished. Dr. Garrett is thoroughly in earnest in his desire to make the All Healing Springs the most attractive resort in the State. The name of "Wooten's Station," on the Air-Line has been changed to "All-Healing Station," and this will next season be the disembarking point for the Springs, which are only two and a half miles distant. The following are the conditions of the sale of the lots: These lots are offered for sale to those who wish to visit a Health Resort, upon the conditions that the party purchasing agrees to erect upon the premises a cottage such as he or she may choose, provided it is neatly built ; that all occupants of said cottage or other buildings that may be erected upon said premises shall board at the hotels of the All Healing Springs ' ' 11 -l !!-...?? alioll uompany \ mui no 11141101 01 any muu ouuu wv sold upon the said premises, nor shall any business be carried on that would lead to disorder or in any manner prove a nuisance to the place. No conditions are intended to be attached that would prevent the free and full use of the said premises as a home, but only for the purpose of avoiding the possibility of the introduction ot anything that might be opposed to the cleanliness, good order and management of the said premises. Permission will be given to the purchaser to build stables and carriage house at a suitable place upou the property of the All-Healing Springs Company, to be used during the occupancy of said cottage. The All-Healing Springs Company agrees to open avenues in said village, and to keep them in good order, to keep open sufficient hotels, and to keep the village in good order and protect and care for the said premises, when not occupied by owner or others by his direction. They agree to board all adult occupants at a reduction of Five Dollars per month from regular rates, and a reduction of two and one-half dollars for children and servants. Or parties who purchase these lots may board themselves and take boarders if they desire, upon paying five dollars per month for the use of the waters for every adult occupant of the lot and half price for children and servants. Special rates made to those who wish to occupy them the year round. Price of lots, ten dollars. " ? Tiie Next Speakership.?A late Washington letter says : The sentiment among members of the IIouso of Representatives who have so far arrived on the question of the next Speakership is that the chances of Mr. Randall are very slim. It is learned that the Democratic members elect are very averse to committing themselves, which is a bad omen for the ex-Speaker. A number of members who have heretofore been regarded as his staunch friends are among those who say they have not determined as to their course. It is believed that enough Southern and Western members will vote ?. against Randall to defeat his nomination. The Republican plan of action in connection with the measure to reduce internal revenue taxation has been, it is understood, informally agreed upon, and it is thought a senatorial caucus will be held early next week to adopt it as a party measure. The reven ue tax reduction which passed the House lasi; session reduces internal taxation twenty-three million dollars. This bill is first on the Senate calendar. The plan is to have the bill recommitted to the Finance Committee, and in its place reuort a bill which will reduce internal taxa tion eighty millions. Whisky, tobacco, beer, special licenses and cigars are to h&ve the tax reduced fifty per cent. The stamp, bank deposits, matches and bank savings, and proprietary stamps of all kinds are to be done away with completely. Judge Kelly, chairman of the House committee of ways "and means, is about the only Republican in the House of any special prominence who it is thought will oppose the above plan. Judge Kelley has given notice that he will on the first day of the session introduce a bill wiping out internal revenue taxation of every kind, and "will be satisfied with nothing less, looking upon partial reductions of any character or extent, as less than what the people demand. He threatens, it is said, to refuse to accept the decisions of a caucus unless an entire abolition is agreed upon. Should .lie bolt the caucus, it is said he will be able to get enough following from the Democrats and Green backers to defeat the passage of partial reductions. | For fifty years before 18G0 we carried 011 ! the government with only tariff taxation, j We want to get back to the old times. We oppose a prohibitory tariff like that we now I have, because it does not produce the largest Kononon if ic trifhnnf. I nUJUUUl Ul ic\cnuc, auu *v ??.vMV*.w J any warrant in the constitution. A moderate j tariff that will produce sufficient revenue for j the successful administration of the people's affairs is the need of the da}. Under such a | tariff the Union prospered as never liefore nor 1 since. We increased more in wealth, population, business, and commercial importance du? : ring the period of a moderate tariff than we ; can ever hope to do with a highly protective . or prohibitory one. Let us, then, first abolish the internal revej nue system, and reduce the import duties so as to secure us an ample income for the needs I of the government. | The whole amount allowed the late Pres! ident Garfield s physicians, 827,500, is less than Dr. Bliss expected for his. own services. Bliss gets 80,500, Agnew and Hamilton 85,000 I each, Reyburn 84,000, Boyuton $4,000, and Mrs. Dr. Edson ?3,000. The grand total will be only 838,800.95. Evidently the Garfield Board of Auditors is inspired by the spirit of j reform, but it is reform of the kind that will not be gratifying to Garfield Republicvns. 1 ? The Mormons have been thirty years building a granite temple in Salt Lake Ctti and it will take at least ten more tnnplethe work, in case it is ever carriediL There tion, which is now considered levied upon is difficulty in gathering thq*, and the Gent the believes for this nvrning the structure j tiles already count ./hen Utah is admitted to iuto a State Ho'' the Union. g:* women suffragists are not much en ?aged by their experience in Nebraska, xlie new States are quite apt to take up with all manner of political heresies and schemes. But the Nebraskians do not favor women voting. The Legislature by more than threefifths voted for women suffrage, but the people sat down on it by more than twenty thousand majority.