The ledger. [volume] (Gaffney City, S.C.) 1896-1907, December 09, 1897, Image 3
THE LEDGER: GAFFNEY, 8. C., DECEMBER 9, 18(57.
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M’FIV! IJV’C 1 Mrtocurm
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ii'jl 0 ililMAUlli
Prestdent Discusses Question:
New Agitating the People.
CUE RE HOY Rr.FOSM AND CU3AN3
|:«fflre>io« Katin to Hi. Xcc.lty of 1m-
maiilaie Vinnuolol llov.ioo — Interfar*
••ic« la ’‘tii.iitali ACnir. K.|;itrit.<l ». Io*
udiuiiui«ltta—rbo »ooi.t« Ur^.J U* Kotlfy
the HiiK’ailiui Irewly.
To the Senate and House of Represen
tatives:
It gives me p'ensure to extend greet
ing to the Fifty-fifth congress assem
bled in regular session at the seat of
government, with many of whom sen
ators and representatives I have been
associated in ti.e legislative ser
vice. Their meeting occurs under fe
licitous conditions, justifying sincere
congratulation and culling for onr grate
ful acknowledgement to a beneficent
providence, which has so signally blessed
and prospered us as a nation. Peace
ami good will with ail the nations of
the earth continue unbroken.
A matter of great satisfaction is the
growing feeling of fraternal regard ami
unification of all sections of our coun
try, the incompleteness of which has too
long delayed realization of the highest
blessing of the Union. The spirit of
patriotism is universal and is ever in
creasing in fervor. The public questions
which now most engross us wre lifted
far above either partisanship, prejudices
or former sectional differences. They
affect every part of our common country
alike ami permit of no division on anci
ent lines. C^Uostimu of foreign policy,
of revenue, ihe soundness of the cur
rency, the inviolability of national obli
gations, the improvement of the public
serv.ee, appeal to the individual con
science of every earnest citizen to what
ever party he belongs or in whatever
section of the country he may reside.
The Xttra session of tills congress
which closed during July, last, enacted
important legislation, and while its fud
effect has not yet been realized, what it
has already accomplished assures us of
its timeliness ana wisdom. To test its
permanent value further time will be
required and the people, satisfied with
its operation and results thus far. are
in no mind to withhold from it a fait
trial.
Tariff legislation having been settled
by the extra session of congress, thu
question next pressing for considera
tion is that of the currency.
The work of putting our finances upon
a sound bai-is, difficult us it may seem,
will apoear easier when wo recall the
financial operations of the government
since 11106. On June 16 of that year we
had outstanding demand liabilities in
the sum of $7:18.868.447 41. On Jam 1,
1879, these liabilities had been reduced
to ?443[889,49.5 88. Of our interest bear
ing obligations, |the figures are even
more striking. On July 1, 1866, the
principal of the interest hearing debt of
.the government was $2,892,831,208 On
July 1. 1893. this sum had been reduced
to $585,037,100. or uu aggregate red uc-
itiou of $1,747,294.108. The interest bear
ing debt of tne Uuited ou Dec. 1, 1897,
was $847,865,620. Tne governraeus
money now outstanding (Dec. 1) con
sists of $346,681,016 of United States
notes, $107.793,2$0 of treasury notes is
sued by authority of thn iaw of 1890,
$344,963,504 of silver certificate', and
$61,286,761 of standard silver dollars.
Xn Time to Hosltiftto.
With the great resources of the gov
ernment and with honorable example
of the past before u«, we ought not to
hesitate to enter upon n currency re
vision which wil. make our demand ob
ligations less onerous to the govern
ment and relieve our financial laws
from ambignity and doubt.
The brief review of what was accom
plished from the close of the war to
1898 makes unreasonable and ground
less any distrust, either of nnr financial
ability or soundness; while the situation
from 1898 to 1897 must admonish con
gress of the immediate necessity of so
legislating os to make the return of the
conditions then prevailing impossible.
Tlpje are many pities proposed us a
remedy tut the real evil. It is not that
our currency oi every kind is not good,
for every dollar of it is good—good be
cause the government's pledge is out to
keep it so, and that pledge will not be
broken. However, the guaranty a>X our
purpose to keep the pledge will bo best
shown by advancing toward its fulfill
ment.
The evil of the present system is
found in the great cost to the govoru-
meut of maintaining the parity of our
different forms of money, that is. keen
ing all of them at par with gold. Wo
gnreiy cannot be longer heedless pf the
burden this imposes upon the people,
ever under fairly prosperous conditions,
while the past four years have demon
strated that :t is not onlr and expen
sive charge npen the government, bu!
a dangerous menace to tap national
credit. A-/
It is manifest that we mul$ devise
some plan to protect the government
against bond issues for repeated re
demptions. We must either curtail
the opportunity for speculation,.', made
easy by the multiplied redemptions oi
our demand obligations, or increase the
geld reserve for their redemption. We
have $900,660,000 of currency which t1|o
government by solemn enactment has
undertaken to keep at par with gold.
Nobody is obliged to redeem in gold but
the government. The banks are not
required to redeem In gold. The gov
ernment is obliged to keep equal with
'gold all its outstanding currency and
coin outstanding, while its receipts are
not required to be paid in gold. They
are paid in every kind of money but
gold, and the only means by which the
govern ntout can with oertaluty get gold
is bv b n owing. It can get it in no
other way when it most needs It. The
government without any fixed gold
revenue : s pledged to maintain gold re-
demptioi , which it has steadily and
faithfullr done, aud which, under the
authomj now given, it will continue
to do.
The Idw which requiree the govern-
meut, utter Having reuesmed its Un.ted
States notes, to pay them out again-
curreuk fuuus, demands a cousti
pieui/ii ment of the gold reserve,
is sApeoiaily so in times of business
pe>]| 0 and when the revenues sne in-
auflfrlent to meet tin nkeeusrs :he
jruyjfruiueuk At such litaee Whs gov
ernment has no other way to sannly its I
Ufaiicit ji.u lii.niiiaiu redemption out -
through the increase of irs bonded debt, :
us during the admiiiisrration of my 1
pre^ft-ossor, wh^u $'C'3,?.!5,4 # '0 of SJ'
per cent bonds were issued and sold aim
the proceeds uwl to pay the expensei
of the governmviit in excess of the rev-
enn^s and snrtniu the gold reserve.
While it is true that the great- r part of
the proceeds of tiieho bonds were used
to supply deficient revenues, u consid
erable portion was required to maintain
tue gold reserve.
With our revenues equal to onr ox
ponses, there would be no deficit reqnir-
itig the irsuance of bonds But If tne
gold reserve falls below $100,000,300
how will it be replenished except by
selling more bonus? Is there any other
way practicable under existing law:
The serious question then is, shall ‘<vv
continue the policy that lias been pur
sued in the post; that is. that when the
government reserve reaches the point ot
danger, issue more bonds aud supply
the needed gold, or shall we provid-
other means to prevent those recuinug
drains upon the gold reserve? If h-i
further legislatiou is had and the policy
of selling bonds is to be continued, then
congress should give the secretary of the
treasury authority to sell bouds at long
or short periods, bearing a less rate of
interest than is now authorized by law,
-Am to United Stale* Xntos.
I earuestly recommend as soon as the
receipts of the government are quite
sufficient to pay uli the expenses of tne
g overnment that when any of the
r nitea States notes are presented for re
demption in gold and arc redeemed in
gold, such notes thail be kept and set
apart and only paid out in exchange for
gold. This is an obvious uuty.
If tiie holder of the United States pre
fers the gold and gets it from the gov
ernment he should not receive buck
from the government a United States j
note without paying gold in exchange |
for it. The reason for this is mane all i
the more apparent when the govern
ment issues an inteie't bearing debt tn !
provide gold for the redemption of I
United States notes—a iinuiutei est bear- l
ing debt. Surely it should not pay ;
them out again except ou demand and I
for gold. If they are put out in any
other way, they return again to be fol
lowed by another bond issue to redeem
them—another interest bearing debt to
redeem a noninterest bearing debt.
In my view it is of the utmost impor
tance that the govern meut should be
relieved from the burden of providing
ail the gold required for exchauges and
export. This responsibility is alone bo. tic
by th? jovsrnmcat without any cf tho
usual aud necessary banking powers tn
help itseif. Tne banks do not feel the
strain of tho gold redemption. The
whole strain rests upon the government
aud the size of the gold reserve in the
treasury has come to be with, or with
out reason, the signal of danger or of
security. This ought to be stopped if
we are to have an era of prosperity in
the country. With sufficient receipts
for the expenses of the government we
may feel no immediate embarrassment
from our preseat currency, but the dan
ger still exists, and will lie ever present,
meuaciug u* so long as the existing sys
tem coutititles. Aud besides, it is in
time of adequate revenues aud business
tranquility taat the goverumeut should
prepare for the worst. We cannot avoid
without serious consequences the wise
considerutiou aud prompt solution of
this question.
The secretary of the treasury has out
lined a plan in great detail for the pur
pose of retn-mtiR the threatened recur
rence of a depleted gold reserve and
save us from future embarassiuout on
that account. Te th's plan I iuvito
your careful consideration.
I coucur with the secretary of the
treasury in his recommendation that
national banks be allowed to issue notes
to the face value of tho bouds whicn
they have deposited for circulation, and
that the tax on circulating notes se
cured by depo*it of such bouds be re
duced one-half of 1 percent per annum.
I also join him in recoaimeudiug that
authority be given for the establishment
of national bauks with a minimum cap
ital of $25,000. This will enable the
smaller villages aud agricultural regions
of the country to be supplied with cur
rency to meet their needs.
. I recommend that the issue of na
tional bank notes be restricted to the
denomination of $10 aud upwards. If
the suggestions I have herein made shall
have the approval of congress, then I
Would recommend that national banks
be required to redeem their notes in
Rold.
NO CUBAN INTERFERENCE.
taut- r
e. " Tl
is
President SteKlnlny Pulluws In the Foot.
stsp* of His l-rsdseessor.
The most important problem with
which this govern meut is now called
upon to deal pertaining to its foreign
relations concerns its duty toward Spain
and to the Cuban Insurrection. Prob
lems and conditions more or less in com
mon with those now exutiug iiave con
fronted this government at various
times in the past. The story of Cuba
for many years has been one of umest;
growing discoataut; an effort toward a
larger enjoyment of liberty and self con
trol; ot organised resistance to the
mother country; of depression after dis
tress and warfare aud ot Ineffectual set
tlement to this by renewed revolt. For
no eudnring period since the enfran
chisement ot the continental pnesessions
of Spain in the western continent has
the condition of Cuba or the policy ot
Spain toward Cnba not canted concern
to the United State*.
The prospect from time to time that
the weakness of Spain’s hold on the
island and the political vicissitudes and
mburrassuiAute of the home govern-
eut might lead to the transfer of Onba
a continental power called forth be-
een 1828 aud 1660 various emphatic
larations of the )>olioy of the Uuited
Sffctes to permit no dlstnrbauce of On-
ba\connecrion with SDalu unless in
the direction of independence or aoqni-
by ns through purchase; nor lias
therA been any ebange of Itfl* declared
polity since npon the part of the govern
men
Trie present insnrreetion broke ont in
Wbvuary, 1895. It Is not my pnrposs
Jtt tits time to recall its remarkable In-
crease or to charactenie its teuaeions
res/stance against the enoruions forces
ag^nst it by Spain. The revolt
the effortss to sobdue it carried do-
traction to every quarter of the island,
developing wide proportions and defy
ing tiie efforts of Spain for Us soppres-
ston. The civilised code was regarded
J®** *0 by the Spaniards than by the
Onbans.
®*lsting conditions oaanot bat
■-1 this goverumeut anti th; American
snd
people with the grivo*t ewprshciision.
Tueie is no uosuo on mu part oi our
peop.o to profit bv the iiiistomiiios of
Spain. We have only tho d/sliv to see
the U'lVau i prosperju r-n' <• >:itfii:e< r ,
enjoying that moasura of .self control
which is tho iuaiieuabie right of uiuu,
protected i i their ngin to reap the ben
efit of tpe exhuUisties.* treasures of Uieir
country.
The cruel policy of concentration was
initiated Fell. 16. 181)6. The productive
districts cho trolled by the Spunum ar
mies were depopulated. Tiie agricult
ural inhabitants were horded in aud
about the garrison town^ tueir lands
laid waste aud their dwelling* de
stroyed. This policy of tho late cabinet
of Spain was justified au a necessary
measure of war and as a means of ous
ting off supplies from the insurgents.
It has utterly failed us a war measure.
It was not civilized warfare, it was
extermination.
Against tins abuse of the rights of
war, I have felt uoustrahasd ou re
peated occasions to enter tnn firm and
earnest protest of this government.
There was much of public condemna
tion of American citizens by alleged
arrests and tong imprisonment, await
lug trial or pending judicial proceed
ings. 1 feit it my first du/y to make
instant demands for tho release or
speedy trial of all American citizens
under arrest. Before the ohen-s'e of the
Spaish cabinet in October last 22 pris
oners, citizens of the Uuited States, nad
been given their freedom.
Mr. Wootlftird'a limlrMllous.
The instructions given to our new
minister to 8paiu before his departure
tor his post directed him to impress
upou that government the sincere wish
of the United States to lend its aid to
ward the ending of the war in Cuba by
reaching a peaceful and lusting result,
just ana honorable alike to bpam ana
to the Cuban people.
The reply to our note was received on
Oct. 23. It is in the directiusi of a bet
ter understanding. It appreciates tiie
friendly purposes of this government
It admits that our country 13 deeply
affected by the war in Cuba and that its
desires for peace are just. It declares
that the present tipumsh goverumeut is
bouud by every, consideration to a
change of policy that should satisfy tho
Uuited States aud pacify Cuba within
a reasonable time. To this end Spain
has decided to put into effect thn politi
cal reforms heretofore advocated by the
present premier without halting for
any consideration in the path which, in
its judgment, leads to peac& Tbe mil
itary operations, it Is said, will con-
liuue, but will be humane ami con
ducted with all regard for private
rights, being accompanied by political
actum leading to tue autonomy oi Cuoa,
while guarding Spanish sovereignty.
This, it is claimed, will result iu in vest
ing Cuba with a distinct personality;
the island to be governed by an execu
tive aud by a local council or chamber,
reserving to iSpaiu the control of the
foreign relations, the army and navy
aud the judicial administration. To ac
complish this the present goverumeut
proposes to modify existing legislation
by decree, leaving the Spanish cortes,
with the aid of Caban seuatorsaud dep
uties, to solve thu economic problem
aud properly distribute the existing
debt.
In the absence of a declaration of the
measures that the government proposes
to take in carrying out its proffer of
good offices it suggests that Spain be
leit free to conduct military operations
and grant political reforms, while the
United Stares for its part shall enforce
its neutral obligations Aid cut off the
assistance which it is asserted the insur
gents receive from thif country. The
supposition of an indefinite prolongation
of the war is denied. It is asserted that
the western provinces are already well
nigh reclaimed; that the planting of
tobacco therein baa keen resumed aud
that by force of arms and new and am
ple reforms very early and complete
pacification is hoped for.
Discussion of the question of interna
tional duties and responsibilities of the
Uuited States os Spain understands
them is presented with an apparent dis
position to charge us with failure in this
regard. This charge is without any
basis in fact It could not have been
made if Spain had been cognizant of
the constant efforts this goverumeut k-s
made at the cost of millions and by the
employment of the administrative ma
chinery of tbe nation at oomraand •
perform its full duty under the law of
nations. That it has successfully pre
vented the departure of a single mi.i-
tary expedition or armed vessel from
our shores in violation of our laws would
item to he a sufficient end.
Throughout all these horrors and dan
gers to our own peace, this goverumeut
has never iu any way abrogated its sov
ereign prerogative of reserving to itseif
the determination ot its policy aud
coarse according to its own high sense
of right and in cousouauce with the
dearest interests aud convictions of our
own people should the prolongation of
the strife so demaud.
Of the untried measures there remain
only recognition of the insurgents as
belligerents; recognition of the inde
pendence of Cuba; neutral interveuti i
to end the war by imposing a ratioi 1
compromise between the contestant«.
aud intervention in favor of one or tue
other party. I speak not of forcible an
nexation, for that cannot be thought of.
That by our code of morality would be
criminal aggression.
OitposaJ to Rasaxultloa.
I regard the recognition of the bel
ligerency of the Cuban Insurgents as
now unwise aud therefore inadmissible.
Should that step hereafter be deemed
wise as a measure of right aud duty the
executive wiU take it.
Intervention upon humanitarian
gronnds has been frequently suggested
and has not failed to receive my nn *t
anxious and earnest oonsidsratiou. Bat
Should such a step be now taken when
it is apparent that a hopeful change has
supervened in the policy of Spain to
ward Cuba? A new govurnmeut has
taken office in thp mother country. It
is pledged iu advance to the declaration
that all the effort in tbe world oann >t
suffice to maintain peace in Cuba by toe
bayouet; that vagus promises of reform
gfter subjugation afford no solution of
the Insular problem, that with a substi
tution of commanders must come a
change of the past system of warfare
for one in harmony with a new policy
which thail riot longer aim to drive the
Onbans to the “horrible alternative of
taking to the thicket or aueoumblnv in
misery.” that the reforms must be in
stituted in aooordauoe with the needs
and eiroimstauces of the time aud that
theae reforms, while designed to give
full autonomv to the colony and to cre
ate s v'rinii anMfv end *nlf
mi ini lustration, shall yo5 conserve and
affirm thesoveruianty of ripain by a jost
distribution of powers uini burdens upou
t. basis of liiuvuu. iiiteivshi tunUiUiuu oy
methods of he.ti.di oxpeuiency.
It is honestly due to Suuiu and to onr
friendly relations with Spain that uke
should bo given a reasonable chauco to
realize her ex:» c ofiit!<>tn and to pro”?
the asserted efficacy of the new order of
thiugs to which she stands jrrevooablv
committed, t-hw im* recalled the com
mander whose brutal orders iuflaiued
tiie American mind and shocked the
civilized world. She has modified tho
horrible order of concentration and an*
dertakou to care for tho hclplesi and
permit those who desire to resume the
cultivation of their fields to do so, and
assures them of tne protection of tho
Spanish government in their lawful oc
cupation*. She has just released tue
“Competitor” prisoners, heretofore sen
tenced to death, and who have been tbe
subject of repeated diplomatic corres
pondence dnrtnft both this and the pre
ceding administration.
Not a single American citizen is now
under arrest or in confinement in Onb«
of whom this govern mobs has any
knowledge. Tho near future will dim-
ouitrate whether the indispensable con
dition of a righteous peace, just aliko
to the Cubans and to 8uaiu as well as
equitable to all our in'crcsts eo inti
mutely involved iu the welfare of Cuba,
is likely to be attained. If not, the ex
igency of further ^ud other action by
the Uuited States will remain to t*>
taken. When that time comes that ac
tion will be determined in the uno of
indisputable right aud duty. If will be
faced without misgiving or hesitancy
iu the light of the obligation this gov
ernment owes to itself, «o the people
who have confided to it tue pro eerion
of their interests and honor aud to hu-
mauity.
Sure of the right, keeping free from
all offense ourseives, actuat' d only by
upright aud patriotic considerations,
moved neither by passion or selfishness,
the government will continue its watch
ful care over the rights and properry of
Americau citizens and will abate none
of its efforts to bring about by peaceful
agencies a peace which shall be honor
able aud enduring. If it shall here
after appear to be a duty imposed by
our obligations to ourselves, t civiliza
tion aud humanity to iuter ene with
force it shall be without far it on our
part, and only because the uc icssity for
such action will bo so clear is to com
mand the support and approval of tho
civilized world.
m*r. 'vill add to tho offinlen'-y of t&S
sanitary measures for the protection oi
tho people and at the same time proven!
unnecessary restriction of commerou. ]
coucur in ms lectnuiueiidutioii.
Iu fnrthur effort to prevent tbe inva<
eiou of the United States by yellow
fsvar, the importance ot the discovery
of the exact c.*a-m of the diseug.*, which,
r.p to the present* time, has ueeu unde
termined. is obvious, and to this eud l
systematic bacteriological investigation
should be made. I tiierefore recommend
that congress authorize tho appoint
ment of a commisiiou by tiie president,
to consist of four expert bacteriologists,
one to be selected from the medical offi
cers of the marine hospital service, one
to be appointed from civil life, ouo to ba 1
detailed from the medical offleess of the
army and one from the medical officers
of the navy. *
THE HAWAIIAN QUESTION.
RatlflotlInn of tli«* Annex* Inn Tre.ny
UrgMtt by Him rreslUeut.
By n special message dated June 16.
last, I laid bofote the senate a treaty
signed that day by the plenipotentiaries
of the United States and cl the republic
of Hawaii, having for its purpose the
incorporation of the Hawaiian islands
as an integral part of the United States
mid under its sovereignty. The senate
having removed the injunction of se
crecy, although the treaty is still pend
ing before that body, the subject may
be properly referred to in this message
because the necessary action of the con-
gre-s is required to determine by legis
lation many details of the eveutual
union, should tbe fact of annexation be
accomplished, as I belive it should be.
While consis eutly disavowing from a
very early pernd any aggressive pmicy
of absorption in regard to the Hawaiian
group, a long series of dec.araiious
through three-quarters of a ceutury has
e ocluimed the vital interest ol tn**
uited States in the iudepeudeut life of
tho islands aud their intimate commer
cial depeudeuoe upou tills country. At
the time it has been repeatedly
asserted that iu no event could the en
tity of Hawaii statehood cease by the
passage of the islands under tho domi
nation or influence or power tkau tho
Uuited States. Under these cirouui-
stances tbe logic of events required that
auuexatlou. therefore offered but de
clined. should iu the ripeness cf time
come about as the natural result of the
•treugtuemug ties that bind us to those
islands and ba realized by the free will
of the Hawaiian state.
That treaty was unanimously ratified
without amendment by the senate aud
president of the republic of Hawaii ou
Sept. 10. last, and only awaits the fa
vorable action of the American senate
to affect tbe complete absorption of the
islands into the uomaiu of the United
States. What tbe conditions of such a
uniou shall be, the political rebttou
thereof to the Uuited States, the char
acter of th ■ local administration, the
quality and logree of the elective fran
chise of th inhabitants, tne extension
of the federal laws to the territory or
the enactment of special laws to fit the
peculiar condition therefor, aud the
regulation, if need be, of the labor sys
tem therein, the treaty has wisely dele
gated to congress. If the treaty is con-
firmed, oa every cousidoratiuu of dignity
and honor requires, the wishes of con
gress will see to it that, avoiding ab
rupt assimilation of elements perhaps
hardly yet fit to share in the highest
franchises of citizenship aud having
due regard to the geographical condi
tions, the most just provisions for self
rule in loeal matters with the largest
political liberties and an integral part
of our nation will he Accorded to the
Hawaiian!. No loss is due to a people
who, after nearly five years of demou-
aerated capacity »o fulfill the obligations
of eelf governing'stateuood, come of
their free will to merge their destinies
iu our body politic.
• The cuestious which have arisen be
tween Japan and Hawaii by reasou of
the treatment of Japanese laborers emi
grating to the island* under the Ha
waiian-Japanese convention of 1888 are
iu a satisfactory stage of settlement by
negotiation.
YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC.
SPECIAL MONEY ENVOYS.
ItsMUltr »f AmaiMHng t>*w« t* Malta No-
tlaaal UMasrs VaramuaMk
Tbt reoent prevalence of yellow fever
in a n amber of cities and towns through
out the south has resulted iu much dis
turbance of commerce and demonstrated
•he ueceesity of snob amendments to
onr quarantine laws as will make the
regulations of the national quarantine
authorities paramount. Tbe secretary
of the treasury, iu the portiou of his re
port relating to the operation of the
mtuiue hospital service, calls attention
to the defects iu tbe present quarantine
lavra and recommends anuiidmeut*
thereto which will give the treasury de
partment the requisite authority to pre
vent the invasion of epidemic diseases
from foreign countries isnd in times of
emergency like that of the past anm-
President *4111 Hopteful of ^ecorluff mu
I nterutttiouul Agi eeitittut.
Under the provisions of the act o(
congress, approved March 3, 1897, tot
the promotion of an international agree
ment respecting bimetallism, I ap
pointed, ou April 14, 1897, Hon. Edward
O. Wolcott of Colorado, Hon. Adlui E.
Stevenson of IllinoD, aud Hon. Charles
J. Paine of Massachusetts, as special
envoys to represent the Uuited States.
They nave l>3eu diligent iu their efforts
to secure the concurrence and co-opera
tion of European countries in the inter
national settlement of tue question, bus
np to this time have not been able to
secure an agreement contemplated by 1
their mission.
The gratifying action of our great sis
ter republic of France iu joining this;
country in the attempt to bring about !
an agreement among the principal com- j
mercul nations of Europe whereby u
fixed and relative value betweeu gold
and silver shall he secured, furnishes
assurrii.ee that we are not alone among
the larger nations of the world in real
ising the international character of tue
problem and in the deiire of reaching
some wise and practical so.ution of it.
Our special envoys have not made their
final report, as further negotiations
betweeu tne representatives of this gov
ernment and the governments of other
countries are pending and in concern-
E lation. They believe that doubts wbioii
ave been recommended hi curtain
quarters respecting the question of
maintaining the stability ot the parity
between the metals eud kindred ques
tions may yet be solved by further ne
gotiations.
Tho Xavy.
Under the head of the navy, the pres
ident points to the necessity for speedy
legislation to procure the armor for the
three battleships now building which
wouid be otherwise useless. He speaks
in terms of praise of the quality of or.r
ships iyid thinks that the time has now
arrived when the increase to which the
country is committed should for a time
take the form of increased facilities
commensurate with the increase of our
naval vessels. He refers to the lack oi
docks, aud urges that three or four ot
the largest docks be provided on the At
lantic, at least one ou tho Paoifio coast
and a floating dock iu the golf. There
should also be ample provision for mu
nitions of war and an increase of officers
aud enlisted men. Additions ore also
necessary tc navy yards and, as there
are now on the docks five large battle-
•hips, it is recommeu- ed that an appro
priation be mad* but for oue mure bat
tleship ou the Pacific coast Several
torpedo boats are also necessary.
Mila of th« Kanana Vnelfle.
Speaking of the pending sale of the
Kansas Paoifio railroad, it is said that
if no better bid is received than the up
set price fixed by the court, tbe govern-
meut would receive only $2,560,006 ou
its claim of nearly $13,000,000. He be
lieves that the government has the au
thority to bid ou the road and has di
rected the secretary of the treasury to
make the deposit of $900,000 required to
qualify as a blddif aud to bid at the
sale a sum at least equal to -the priuoi-
pal of tho debt to tue goverumeut. He
auggeeta, however, that in a matter so
important as the goverumeut becoming
a possible owner of the railroad, con-
S tress sboulfi . enact some legislation to
efipe its views. It is clear to him.
however, that the government should
not permit the property to be sold at a
prioe less than one-half the principal of
its debt and less than one-fifth of its en
tire debt, principal aud interest.
Civil SarvlM.
The president devotes oonaiderablo
•pace to the civil service, the psacticul
Improvement of whioli, he lays, lias
long been a subject of earnest discus
sion, and which has of late years re
ceived increased legislative and execu
tive approval. During the past few
mouths the service has been placed npon
a still firmer basis of business metuods
and personal merit. While the right of
deserving veteran soldiers to reinstate
ment has been utserted, dismissals for
merely political reasons have been care
fully guarded against; the examinations
improved r.ud made practical. A <-
1 vanco has been mado by giving a hear
ing before dismissal upou all eases
wherein iucompeteuoy is charged or de
mand made for the removal of officials.
This last has been done without impair
ing the power of removal
Tits Indian Ti-oubls*.
The message deals at tome length
with the nusatlsfhotory condition of
affairs in tbe Indian Territory. The
largo white elemeut is said to be with
out protection aud without schools or
other rights of dltlzsns; loading Indians
have absorbed great tracts of lauds and
created flu arirtooracr. and tbe friends
of the Indians believe that the best in
terests of the five civilized tribes would
be found iu American citizenship. Ref
erence is made to tbe failure so far of
the Dawes commission to secure the
oouseut of the tribes to an extlugnisb-
ment of the tribal titles and a division
of ths lands. . It is sold that should the
tribes still fail to ratify the agreement
then some legislation should be had tty
congress.
Root penalty Arrangamaata.
Mr. Kasson of Iowa is said to bo now
oouduoting negotiations with several
governments for reciprocity arrange-
meuts under the tariff act, and it is be
lieved that by a carefol exerdse of the
powers conferred by the act, some
grievances of odr own and other conn-
tries in onr antnal trade relatione maty
be removed or alleviated and the veluma
oi onr commercial exchangee enlarged.
•f Htal
Reference la made to (he failure at
Mr. Merry to be rscetyodhfl mlnUlir to
Kicnrogoa on uccujiu I. <■ ./eiig.iiion
of that country io the uiei «<f thr
Greater Republic of CHittral America.
As there is no legal i-iit-io^itv'<t »> , ee-
eat to accredit him to tin 1 aiet, Mr.
Faker, the pic*etir iirntfter ut Ma
nagua, bus been directed to present hit
letters of recall. W. Godfrey Huntei
is s.tid to be likewise uccreoiteii to Hon
duras. a member of the Greater Re
public, and his case is awaiting &cti*.n,
til** In F.r.twtr tit-.. .4
Attention is called to the need oi
prompt legislation us to A:aska and os
to thu extension of civi. courts wituiil
that territory. There is need tor sur
veys aud for the establishment of an
other land office at some point iu the
Yukon valley, for which an appropria
tion is asked. Military force is also
necessary and the establishment of acme
aort of flexible government. If the
startling reports as to the probrble
shortage of rood for the miners be fuily
verified every effort should be mode at
any cost to carry them relief.
Tfi* >«a»l C/'onfertMtce.
Reference is made to the recent con
ferences at Washington on the subject
of the protection of seal life, rho result
of which place beyond controversy, it is
said, the duty of the governments con-
cerne i to adopt measures Without delay
for the preservation of the herds. Ne
gotiations to this end are now iu pro
gress.
Internntlwnal a rbiti Htion.
International arbitration is declared
by the president to represent the best
sentiment of the civilized world ntul
treaties embodying these humane prin
ciples on broad lines witnout iu nny
way imperiling our interests or honor
wild have his constant eucoaragemeut.
TIhi r*ri>* Ex iosUI.mi.
A liberal appropriation is bespoken in
order that the United States may made
a creditable exhibit ut the approaching
Fans exhibition, in which tiie people
have shown uu unprecedented interest.
Tlia >ie*r»sii»ii Can*l.
The Nicaraguan canal is spoken of as
of large importance to our country aud
the promise is made ot further reference
to the subject when the report ot r-no
commission now ut work is sent to con
gress.
Oar Merchant Marine.
The president earnestly urges the im
provement of our merchant marine, the
inferiority of which, he says, is humil
iating to the national pride. •
Kenp Down ApprnprlatVnus.
In conclusion, the president admon
ishes congress not to encourage increase
of the estimates for the maiuteuaiice of
the goverumeut. They wouid aiioit ot
decrease in many brunches, and it is a
commanding duty to keep the appropri
ations within the receipts of the gov
erumeut aud thus avoid a deficit.
Several Stray Items.
Arthur Wright, a colored Baptist
preacher, has built himself a good
dwelling house on his land cr.c ir.ila
from this city on the Smith’s Ford
road. • !
M. V. Richards, emigration agent
of the Southern, in charge of a party
of New England capitaWMs, served
Gaffney as he did Greenville. Gave
us the "goby,” But they did not
even stop their car and stay in it iu
Gaffney.
There will be held at tho city hall,
an entertainment given by the pupils
of Gaffney High School, on the even
ing of Dec. 21,1897, beginning at 8
p. m. The proceeds to go towards
buying chairs and other needful
things for the Kinder Garten room.
Mr. and Mrs. John Alexander are
rejoicing over the arrival of a son to
brighten their home. The little fel
low i& lively and chipper and John
fiays while Nathan has the coming
president he has the coming gover
nor. May he prove to be worthy of
the jest of his father.
The Ledoer is in receipt of a letter
from a valued friend at Grover, in
which he incloses another letter
which was written In February, 1845
—nearly fifty-three years ago. It is
written in pencil and on paper bear
ing the imprint of a Rome, Ga.,
Stationer, and is remarkably well
preserved. Its curiosity lies in its
antiquity.
Supervisors of Registration Hughes
and Scpaugh, J. E. Sepaugh. of Cher
okee, No. 1. aud T. C. Vassey, of
Cherokee, No. 2, Win. Dye, of
Blacksburg, T. M. Littlejohn an(l
Hon. C. W. Whisonant, Poly Burgucs
and Geo. Lemaster, of Wilkinsville,
in fact, the yeomanry of Cherokee,
was out in large force last Monday to
attend the public sale of eomo valua
ble property which had been adver
tised uy the Clerk and Proouiu Judge.
•Jur people looked in good shape and
happy, notwithstanding the so much
talked of hard times.
Fall and Winter Styles.
Send two cent htaiap for new edition of
Kssblon Honk. Beautifully illustrated In
colors. Contains a complete list of tbe latest
styles In loutlett' dress patterns.
Address, I’uickly Ash Hitteks Co.,
12-!)-4t St. Louis. Mo.
* The Cherokee Barber Shop.1
8. W. TAIvJVr, Prop.
Rasors Keen and Towel* Clean.
I respectfully solicit tho pntronujro of my
old customers, at my new stand, rear of
Clarkson A Smith's Confectionery.
Piedmont Savings
and •
investment Company,
GREENVILLE. 8. C.
This company has money to lend on Gaff-
» . # . .1
ney real estate. Our loan plan Is choafier
and more satisfactory tin n t1*u plans of any
building and loan association offered tn tho
Statu. For our loan circulars, which toll all
about our loan plan, gallon J. C. Jefferies.
Esq., our local attorney. 6-lt-tf