The North Platte semi-weekly tribune. (North Platte, Neb.) 1895-1922, December 08, 1896, Image 2
JLRA'L BARE, Editor and Pkopbiktok , SUBSCRIPTION BATES. One Year, cash in advance, $1.25. Six Months, cash in adTance 75 Cent?. Eateredaithe2rorthPlatte(Nebraska)postofflcea8 second-class matter. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1896. The American eagle is not laying golden eggs exclusively. The silver-coinage during November was $914,000. The corn crop of Kansas this year is 82,000,000 bushels above the average yield oi the state. The wheat crop is a little below the average, but there has been an in crease in the value of live stock. This would indicate that there is nothing wrong with Kansas but her politics. Senator Elkins has prepared a bill which will be introduced early in the session the purpose of which is to.build up the American merch ant marine. The bill is in response to the following clause of llie re publican platform: "We tavor tne restoration of discriminating duties, for the upholding of our merchant marine and tor the protection of our shipping in foreign carrying trade." In case of another free coinage campaign the republicans will carry the war into Georgia. That state in 1892 gave the democrats and popu list combined 172,325 votes and the republicans 48,306. At the recent election the vote was Bryan 94,332, McKinley 60,190. The republican gain was 11,885 and the fusion loss 77,993. The Bryn vote in Georgia is 36,054 less than the vote for Cleveland alone in 1892, to say noth ing of the 42,639 for Weaver. Free silver has been a democratic blight in the Empire State of the south. o The leading democrats are finally coming to their senses. Bourke Cockran remarked the other day that he did propose ever again to play the part of a tariff reformer; and now Chairman Bynum. of the sound money democratic organiza tion, isays, "I would not raise any revenue from tea, coffee and sugar, buf from articles that compete with American labor." That is to say, he is no longer a free trader, nor even an advocate of a tariff for rev enue only, but an out-and-out pro tectionist. These are encouraging signs. "THBEE TABIFF OE0UPS. Under protective tariffs the United States never has suffered deficiency of revenue, but always has had a comfortable surplus wherewith to meet emergencies. The tariff revenues of the last ten years may be divided into three groups. In 1877, the fiscal year ending June 30, tariff duties gave a revenue of S220.275.862; in 1888 they produced 5218,318,536; in 1889 they produced S222, 451,814; in 1890 they produced S228.807.756. Con cerning this group, it may be said that a large surplus called a crime by the democrats was produced. In 1890 the McKinley tariff was passed, It was entitled "An act to reduce revenue, etc" It did reduce revenue, but it also increased the measure of . protection to agricultural products, and to some of the feebler industries. The second group comprises the rev enues of the three years in which the McKinley tariff was wholly or part ially in operation. In 1891 the tariff revenues were 219,592,436; in 1892 they were $177,336,944; in 1893 they were $203, 142. 989. This McKinley group represents a period of mod erate treasury surplus, accompani ed by a remarkable activity in all branches of industry. To the third group belongs the the Wilson-Gorman tariff-for-rev-enue returns. In 1894 which falls partly within the democratic tariff the reyevenue from duties was 5131,808,758; in 1895 it was $151, 7,558; in 1896 it was $161,000,000. During these years there have been continued deficits, frequent foreign loans to replenish our empty treas ury, stagnation of all industries, commercial panic, and individual suffering. Inter Ocean. The ebony-hued porter who pre sides in the Pullman car Zaca of the "Eleven come Seven" train of the Gulf and Colorado Midland roads, between Denver and Cripple Creek, is a native of Zululand, South Africa. An English trav eler leaving Cripple Creek Thurs day addressed him in the Zulu lan guage. The surprised porter re plied in the same tongue and an acquaintance which was begun in South Africa several years ago was renewed. The negro porter speaks seven languages and in the course of a varied experience has visited almost every country of the globe. News, Denver. Hon. Galusha A. Grow was elect ed congressman-at-large from Pennsylvania by the largest vote any man ever received for such an office. His nfaiority was 297,446. It is so large that it gires no oppor- luniry io uxow. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Points of Cleveland's Commu nscation to Congress. SO CHANGE IS OUBAfl F0LI0T. Turkish Troubles and the Venezuela Ques tionHe Reviews Itecommendation for Currency Iteforai "Would Break the "Endless Chain" by Retiring Green hacks. Washington, Dec. 7. The following is the president's annual message as read to congress today: To the Congress of the United States : As representatives of the people in the legislative branch of their government, you have assembled at a time when the Btrength and excellence of our free insti tutions and tho fitness of our citizens to enjoy popular rule have been again made manifest. A political contest, involving momentous consequences, fraught with feverish apprehension, and creating ag gressiveness so intense as to approachbittcr ness and passion, has been waged through out our land, and determined by the de cree of free and independent suffrage without disturbance of our tranquillity or the least sign of weakness in our national structure. When we consider these inci dents and contemplate the peaceful obedi ence and manly submission which have succeeded a heated clash of political opin ions, we discover abundant evidence of a determination on tho part of our country men to abide bv every verdict of the popu lar will,and to "be controlled atall times by an abiding faith in the agencies estab lished for the direction of tho affairs of their government. Thus our people ex hibit a patriotic disposition, which entitles them to demand of those who undertake to make and execute their laws such faith ful and unselfish service in their behalf as can only be prompted by a serious appre ciation of the trust and confidence which the acceptance of public duty invites. In obedience to a constitutional require ment I hereby submit to the congress cer tain information concerning national af fairs, with the suggestion of such legisla tion as in my judgment is necessary and expedient. To secure brevity and avoid tiresome narration I shall omit many details concerning matters within federal control, which by no means unim portant, arc more profitably discussed in departmental reports. I shall also further curtail this communication by omitting a minute recital of many minor incidents connected with our foreign relations which have heretofore found a place in executive messages, but are now contained in a re port of -the secretary of state, which is herewith submitted. The Turkish Troubles. At the outset of a reference to tho more important matters affecting our relations with foreign powers, it would afford mo satisfaction if I could assure the congress that the disturbed condition in Asiatic Turkev had during the past year assumed a less hideous and bloody aspect, and that either as a consequence of the awakening of the Turkish government to the demand of humane civilization, or as tho result of. decisive action on the part of the great na tions having the right by treaty to inter fere for the protection of those exposed to the rage of mad bigotry and cruel fanati cism, the shocking features of the situa tion had been mitigated. Instead, however, of welcoming a soft ened disposition or protective intervention, we have been afflicted by continued and not unfrequent reports of the wanton de struction of homes and tho bloody butch ery of men, women and children, made martyrs to their profession of Christian faith. "While none of our citizens in Turkey have thus far been killed or wounded, though often in tho midst of dreadful scenes of danger, their safety in the future is by no means assured. Our government attibmc and our minister at Constanti nople have left nothing undone to protect our missionaries in Ottoman -territory, who constitute nearly all the individuals residing there who have a right to claim our protection on the score of American citizenship. Our efforts in this direction will not be relaxed; but the deep feeling and sym pathv that have lieen aroused among our people ought not to so far blind their rea son and judgment as to lead them to de mand impossible things. The outbreaks of blind fury which lead to murder and pillage in Turkey occur suddenly and without notice, and an attempt on our part to force such a hostile presence there as might be effective for prevention or protection, would not only be resisted by the Ottoman government, but would be regarded as an interruption of their plans by the great nations who assert their ex clusive right to intervene in their own time and method for the security of life and property in Turkey, Several naval vessels are -stationed in the Mediterranean us a measure of cow tion and to furnish all possible relief and refuge in case of emergency. We iuive made claims against the Turkish government for the hi .1 .1 x : pillage aim uusuruutum ui xiussjuunr' property at Harpool and Marash. during uprisings at those places. Thus far tho validity of these demands has not been admitted, though our minister, prior to such outrages and Jn anticipation of dan ger, demanded protection for the persons and property of our missionary citizens in the localities mentioned, and notwith standing that strong evidence exists of actual complicity of Turkish soldiers in the work of destruction and robbery. The facts as they now appear do not per mit us to douln; the justice of these claims, and nothing will bo omitted to bring about their prompt settlement, A number of Armenian refugees having arrived at our ports,an order Jias lately been obtained from the Turkish government permitting the wives and children of such refugees" to join them here. It is hoped that hereafter no obstacles will be inter posed to prevent tho escape of all those who seek to avoid the perils which threaten them in tho Turkish dominions. I do not believe that the present somber prospect in Turkey will be permitted to offend the sight of Christendom. It so mars tfaa humanennd enlightened civiliza tion that. beJongs to the close of the nine teenth century rhitfdt .seems hardly possi ble that the earnest aonwi.d.9 -good people throughout the christian worjd fqr jits cor rective treatment will remain jinan swered. The War in Cuba. The insurrection in Cuba still continues with all its perplexities. It is difficult to perceive that any progress has thus far been made towards tho pacification of the island, or that tho situation of affairs as depicted in my last annual message has in tho least improved. If Spain still holds Havana and tho seaports and all tho con siderable towns, tho insurgents still roam at will over at least two-thirds of the coun try. If the determination of Spain to put down tho insurrection seems but to strengthen with the lapse of time, and is evinced by her unhesitating devotion of largely increased military and naval forces to the task, there is much reason to believe .that the insurgents have gained in point of numbers and character and resources, and are none flic Jess inflexible in their resolve not to succumb without practically securing tho great object for which they took up arms. If Spain has not yet re-established hor authority, neither have the insurgents yet made gooa their title to be regarded as on independ ent state. Indeed, as the contest hw gone on. tho pretense that civil government exists on ths island, except so far as Spam is able to maintain it, has been practic ally abandoned. Spain does keep on foot such a government, more or less imper fectly, in the large towns and their im mediate suburbs. But, that exception being made, tho entire country is cither given over to anarchy or is subject to the military occupation of one or tho other party. It is reported, indeed, on reliable authority, that at the demand of tho com-juander-in chief of tho insurgent army, the putative Cuban government has now gjlven njall 4. tempt to exercise its func tions, leaving the government confessedly what there is the best reason for suppos ing it always to have Ihtea jn fact) a gov ernment merely on paper. "$yerc the Spanish armies able to meet their an tagonists in tho open or in pitched battle, prompt and decisive results might bo looked, for, and the immense superiority of tho Spanish forces in numbers, disci- J'llino and equipment could "haruly ail to tell greatly to their advantage, but they are called upon to face a foe that shuns general engagements; that can choose and does chooso its own ground; that, from the nature of tho country, is visible or invisible at pleasure, and that fights only from ambuscade and when all the advantages of position and numbers are on its side. In a .country where all that is indispensable to life in the way of food, clothing and shelter is so easily ob tained especially by those born and bred on the soil, it is obvious that there is hard ly a limit to tho time during which hos tilities of this sort may bo prolonged. Meanwhile, in ajl cases of protracted civil strife the passions of the combatants grow more and more inflamed and excesses on both sides become morefrequentand more de?he are also participated in by bands of marauders, who, now in the name of one party and now in tho name of the other, as may best suit the occasion, harry the countrv at will and plunder its wretched inhabitants for their own advan tage. Such r condition of things would inevitably entail immense destruction of property, even if it were tho policy of both parties to prevent it as far as practicable. Bnt while such seemed to be the original policy of tho Spanish government, it has now apparently abandoned it and is act ing upon the same theory as the insurg ents, namely, that tho exigencies of the contest require the wholesale annihilation of property, that it may not prove of use or advantage to the enemy. It is to the same end that in pursuance of general orders, Spanish garrisons are now being withdrawn from plantations and the rural population required to con centrate itself in tho towns. The sure result would seem to be that tho industrial value of the island is fast diminishing, and that unless there is a speedy and radical change in existing conditions, it will soon disappear altogether. That value consists very largclv, of course, in its capacity to produce sugar a capacity already much reduced by tho interruptions to tillage, which""have taken place during the last two vcars. It is reliably asserted that should these interruptions continue dur ing the current year, and practically, ex tend, as is now threatened, to the entire sugar producing territory of the island, so much time and so much money will bo re quired to restore the land to its normal productiveness that it is extremely doubt ful if capital can be induced to even make the attempt. The spectacle of tho utter ruin of an adjoining country, by nature one of the most fertile and charming on the globe, would engage the serious atten tion of the government and the people of tho United States in any circumstances. In point of fact, they have a concern with it which is by no means of n wholly senti mental "or philanthropical character. It lies so near to ns as to bo hardly separated from our territory. Our actual pecuniary interest in it is only second to that of the people and govern ment of Spain. It is reasonably estimated that at least from $30,000,000 to 50,000,000 of American capital arc invested in planta tions and in railroad, mining anf pthcr business enterprises on the island.. Tho volume of trade between the United States and Cuba, which in 18S9 amounted to about $04,000,000,' rose in 1893 to about $103,000,000, and in 1894, the year before the present insurrection broke out, amounted to nearly $9(5,000,000. Besides this large pecuniary stake in the fortunes of Cuba, the United States finds itself in extricably involved in the present contest in other ways both vexatious and costly. Many Cubans reside in this country and indirectly promote the insurrection through the press, by public meetings, by the purchase and shipment of arms, by the raising of funds, and by other means, which the spirit of our institutions and the tenor of our laws do not permit tobemado thesubjcct.of criminal prosecutions. Some of them, though Cubans at heart and in all their feelings and interests, have taken out papers as naturalized citizens of the United States, a proceeding resorted to with a view to possible protection by this government and not xumaturally regarded with much indignation by the coun try of their origin. The insurgents are undoubtedly encouraged and supported the widespread sympathy the people of fhis country al ways and instinctively feel fov every strug gle for better and freer government and which, in the case of the more adventur ous and restless elements of our popula tion, leads in only too many instancos to active and personal participation in the contest. Tho result is that this government is constantly called upon to protect Ameri can citizens, to claim damages for injuries to persons and property now estimated at many millions of doftars and to ask ex planations and apologios or .the acts of firmtiich nOininls wVinsiY 5TPJ1.1 foi' fKfi rcnrCS- sion of rebellion sometimes blinds them to j the immunities: belonging to tne .unon end ing citizens of a friendly power. It fol lows from the same caused that the United States Is compelled to actively police a long line of sea coast against unlawful ex peditions, the escape of which the utmost vigilance will not always suffice to pre vent. These inevitable entanglements of the United States with the rebellion in Cuba, the large American property inter ests affected, and considerations of philan thropy and humanity in general, have led to a vehement demand in various quarters for wjnie sort of positive intervention on the part of the United States.. It was at lirst proposed that belligerent rights should beadcordedihe insurgents a proposition no longer .weighed because untimely ;wd in practical operation" clear ly perilous and injurious to our own inter ests. It lias sinco been and jsnow some times contended that thp independence Of the insurgents should be recognized, But imperfect and restricted aa the Spanish government of the island may bo, no other exists there unless tho will of tho military officer 4n temporary command of a particular district can ba dignified as a species of government. ' It is now also sug gested that th United States shoujd buy the island A suggestion possibjy worthy of consideration if there were ai)F cyidcn.ee of a desire or willingness on the part fit Spain to entertain such ft proposai. It js urged, finally, that, all other methojs fail ing, the existing internecine strife in Cuba should bo terminated by our intervention even at tho cost of war Iietwccn the United States and Spain a war which its advo cates confidently prophesy could bo nejthnr large in its proportions nor doubtful in its issue The correctness of this forecast need be neither affirmed nor donied. The United States has nevertheless a character to maintain as a nation, which plainly dic tates that right and not might should be the rule of its conduct. 1 Fnrthcr, though the United States is not a Action to which peace is a necessity, it is. in trut!, flip nigsciiacmc 01- powers w desires nothing so mucu as with allth .1 f fl rwl longings for territory, preclude all dreams of conquest and prevent any easting of covetous eyes upon neighboring regions, however- attractive. That our conduct towards Spain and her dominions has con stituted no exception to this natiqna". dis position, is maflo manifest 17 the course of our government, not only Pius ir tlur" ing tho present insurrection, but during the ten vcars that followed the rising at Tura in 18(8. Xo other great power, it may safely be said, undop circumstances of similar iwrplcxity, would have mani fested the same restraint and the same pa tient endurance. It may also be said that this persistent attitude of the United States towards Spain in connection with Cuba, unquestionably evinces no slight respect mil regard for Spain on tho part of tho American people. They, in truth, do not forget hur connection with tho dis coverv of the wpsterji'-iivTisphere, nor do jfchoy underestimate the1 great'auwiftes of the Spayijsh people, nor fail to fully rceog nize their splemljcj patriotisip. and their chivalrous devotion to tW Rational honor. They view with bonder' and wjmjration the cheerful resolution itlj which, jvast bodies of men arc sent ucross thousands of miles of ocean and an enormous (lebfc ac cumulated that the costly possession of tho gem of tho Antilles may still hold its place in tho Spanish crown. And ypt neither the government nor tho people in the United States have shut thoir eyes to the course of events in Cuba or have failed to realize the extent of conceded griev ances which have led to tho present revolt from the authority of Spam grievances recognized bv tho queen regent and by tho cortes, voiced by tho mostpatriotic and en--lightened of Spanish statesmen without fpgard to party, and demonstrated bv re forms proposed by the executive and ap proved by the egi$Jativo branch of tho Sawnlsh KOTomroeDt. 'Ifc'is in-ihe assumed temper aud disposition of the Spanish gov ernment to remedy these grievances, forti fied by indications of influential public opinion in Spain.that this government has hoped to discover the most promising and effective means of composing the present strife, with honor and advantage to Spain and with the achievement of all reasonable objects of the insurrection. Home Kulo Suggested. It would seem that if Spain should offer to Cuba genuine autonomy, a measure of home rule which, while preserving the sovereignty of Spain, would satisfy all rational requirements of her Spanish sub jects, there should bo no just reason why the pacification of the island might not bo effected on that basis. Such a result would appear to be in tho true interest of all concerned. It would at once stop the conflict which is now consuming the re sources of the island and making it worth less for whichever party may ultimately prevail. It would keep intact the posses sions of Spain without touching her honor, which will be consulted rather than im pugned by tho adequate redress of ad mitted, grievances. It would put the prosperity of the island and the fortunes of its inhabitants within their own control without severing tho natural and ancient ties which bind them to the mother country, and would yet cn ablo them to test their capacity for self fovernmcnt undor tho most favorable con itions. It has been objected on the ono side that Spain should not promise au tonomy until her insurgent subjects lay down their arms; on tho other side, that promised autonomy, however lib eral, is unsufficicnt, because without assurance of the promise being fulfilled but the reasonableness of a requirement by Spain of unconditional surrender on the part of tho insurgent Cubans before their autonomy is conceded, is not alto gether apparent. It ignores important features of the situation tho stability two years' duration has given to the insurrec tion; the feasibility of its indefinite pro longation in the nature of things and, as shown by past experience, the utter and imminent ruin of tho island unless tho present strife is speedily composed; above all, the rank abuses which all parties in Spain, all branches of her government, and all her leading public men concede to exist and profess a desire to remove. Fac ing such circumstances, to withhold the Sroffer of needed reforms until the parties omanding thoni put themselves at their mercy by throwing down their arms has the appearance of neglecting tho gravest of perils and inviting suspicion as to tho sincerity of any professed willingness to grant reforms. Tho objection on behalf of the insurgents that promised reforms cannot be relied upon must, of cowvs -;, be considered, though we have no right to assume and no reasqij for assuming that invthing Spain .undertakes to do for the relief of Cuba will not be done according to both the spirij; ajid tbo letter of tho un dertaking. Nevertheless realizing that suspicions and precautions on the part of thp weaker of tho two combatants are always iiatiiraj and not always unjustifiable being sin cerely desirous in the interest of both as well as on its own account that tho Cuban problem should be solved with the least possible delay it was intimated by this government to the government of Spain some months ago that, if a satisfactory measuro of home rule were tendered the Cuban insurgents, and would be accepted by them upon a guarantee of its execu tion, the United States would endeavor to find a way not objectionable to Spain of furnishing such guaranty. While no definite responso to this intimation has yet been received from tho Spanish government, it is believed to be not altogether unwelcome, while as al ready suggested, po reason is perceived why it should not be approved by the in surgents. Neither party can fail to sec the importance of early action and both nmst realize that po prolong the present state of things for even ahqrt period, will add enormously to tho' time and jlabor and expenditure necessary p) bring' aliqut 'the industrial recuperation of the island. lib is therefore fervently hoped oijill grounds that earnest offorts for healing fjlP breach between Spain and the insurgent Cubans upon the linen above indicated, may be at once inaugurated and pushed to an immediate and successful issuo. The friendly offices of the United States, cither in the manner above outlined, or in any Other way consistent with our constitu tion and Jlws, will always bo at the dis posal of either part'. Whatever circumstances may irsQ. qin policy and our interest would constrain us to object to the acquisition of the island or an interference with its control by any other power. It should bo added that it can not be reasonably assumed that the hitherto ex- E octant attitude of the United States will c indeflnitelv maintained. While wo are anxious to accord all due respect to tho sovereignty of Spain, we cannot view the pendingconflict in all its features and properly apprehend our inevitably cioso relations to it and its possible results, without'considcrlng that by the course 0 events we may be drawn into such an 71ft usiiai' 'ajid unprecedented condition, tij wili'fix'a limit tq our patient waiting f0,jf Spajn to end the contest, either olouV auij in hoi" 0W.n way, or wth- our friendly operation. When the inability of Spain tq deal suc cessfully with the insurgent' lias becqnip manifest, and it is demonstrated thli Ufir sovereignty is extinct in Cuki for all pur poses of its rightful existence, and when a hopeless struggle for its re-establishment has degenerated into a strifo which meant ,nothing more than tho useless icr!fico of luimon life and the utter destruction of .The Very Btrbjcct matter of the conflict, a situation Will be presented in which our obligation's" to tho weroigriry of Spain viuTip su'pcrsedcit lv lugbeir -obligations, whjch wii ciij) hjrdy hesitate to recognize and discharge,' Deferring the ohoico of yaysfnd meth ods until the time for action arrives, we should make them depend upon the precise conditions then existing; and they should iibii be determined upon without giving parcful Heed to oyory consideration in--yolving our honor add: interest, or the in fritiqnai duty we owe to Spain. Until we face thp contingencies suggested, or the gitnation js by other inpid.entsjinperatively changed, ws should continue in f he line of conduct heretofore pursued, thus in ail cir cumstances exhibiting our obedience to tho requirements of public law and our re gard for the duty enjoined upon us by tho position we occupy jn the family of nations, a contemplation Of' emergencies that may arise should lead UH to avoid tlieir crea tion cither through a careless disregard of present duty or even an undue stimulation and ill-timed expression of feeling. But I have deemed it not amiss to remind tho congress that a time may arrive when a correct policv and caro for our interests as well as a regard for tho interests of other nations and their cltlzojiH joined by con siderations of humanity and a desire to see a rich and" fertile country, intimately ro iitcd to us, saved from Complete devasta tion il constrain our government to Eu'cH action as, wilj Subserve' the interests thus Involved and at thq'sqlbg time prom ise to Culvi and Its inhabitants art oppor; tunity to enjoy the blessings of peace. Venezuela Iloumlary Question. The Vcnczut.-la lioundary question has ceased tq be a matter of OlifenpC between 0rcat Britain and the United States, their respective gqvernmcrits having agreed upon the substantial provisions of a treaty between Great Britain and Vgnejuela, submitting the whole controversy to arbi tration, The provisions of the treaty are so eminently jut Jjnd fair, that the assent of Venezuela thereto naay cQnfjdontly be anticipated. " Negotiations for a treaty of general ar bitration for all differences between Great Britain and tho United States are far ad vanced, and promiso to reach a successful consummation at an early date. 1 The scheme of examining applicants for certain consular positions, to test their competency and fitoess, adopted under an 'executive order issued'on ie 20th of Sep- isciiijncss 01 tins iwn'i-'i"'"- - 5on with this plan of 'examination, pro- i-; .,T,rV,icfiw ff flnrvinr incum- bentenavp been quite extenstyob; made with excellent results. Treasury liup.irfmeiit, The secretary of the treasury reports that during the fiscal year ended June JO, 1S9G, the receipts of the government from all sources amounted to lQ9,4io,40.ib. During the same period its expondmurcs were $434,678,i.48 the excess of ex? penditures over receipts thus amounting to $25,203,245.70. Tho onlinary expendi tures during the year were $4,01i,&2.2L less than during tho preceding fiscal year. Qf tho rcceints mentioned, there srns de- rived from customs the sum of' $lS6,G2l, 751.67, and from internal revenue $H6,iG, 615.66. The receipts from customs show an increase of $7,853,184.22 over those from the same source for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1S95, and the receipts from in ternal revenue an increase of 3,584,537.91. The value of our imported dutiable mer chandise during the last fiscal year -was $369,757,470, and the value of free goods imported, $409,967,470, being an increase of $6,523,675 in the value of dutiable goods and 41,231,034 in the value of free goods over the preceding year. Our exports of merchandise, foreign and domestic, amounted in valnc to $SS2,608,938, being an increase over the preceding year of $75, 068,773. Tho average advalorem duty paid on dutiable goods imported during tho year was 39.94 per cent, and on free and dutiable goods taken together, 20.55 per cent. The cost of collecting our internal re venue was 2.78 per cent, as against 2.81 per cent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895. The total amount of gold exported dur ing the last fiscal year wjis 112,409,9-17 and of silver $60,541,670, being an increase of $45,941,466 of gold and $13,246,3S4 of silver over the exportations of tho preceding fiscal year. The imports of gold were $33, 525,065 and of silver $28,777,186, being $2, 859,695 less of gold and $8,566,007 more of silver than during the preceding year. The total stock of metallic money in the United States at the olose of tho last fiscal year ended, on the oOth day of June, 1896, was $1,228,320,035, of which $599,597,964 was in gold and $328,728,071 in silver. On tho 1st day of November, 1896, the total stock of money of all kinds in tho country was $2,2S5,410,590, and the amount in circulation, not including that in tho treasury holdings, was 1,627,055,641, being $22.63 per capita upon an estimated popu lution of 71,902,000. The production of tho precious metals in tho United States dnr Ing the calendar year 1895 is oatimated to have been 2,251,760 fine ounces of gold of thoValuo of $46,610,000, and 55,727,000 fine ounces of silver of tho commercial value of $36,445,000 and the coinage value of $72, 051,000. The estimated production of theso metals throughout tho world during the same period was 9,688,S2l lino ounces of gold, amounting to $200,285,700 in value, and 169,1S9,249 fine ounces of silver, of tho commercial value of $110,654,000, and of tho coinage value of $218,738,100 according to our ratio. The coinage of these metals in tho vari ous countries of the world during the same calendar year amounted to $232,701,438 in gold and 121,996,219 in silver. The total coinage at the mints of the United States mints during tho fiscal year ended June 30, lS96,amountedto$71,18S,458. 05, of which $58,878,490 was in gold coin and $12,309,97S.52 in standard silver dollars, subsidiary -oins, and minor coins. Tho number of national lxinks organized from the time the law authorizing their creation .was passed, up to October 31, 1896, was o,0ol, and of this number 3,679 were at the date last mentioned in active operation, iujving authorized eapitaj. stock of $650, 0J4,895 held by 288,582 shareholders, and Circulating notes, amounting to $21,412,620. The tota outstanding circulating notes of all national bapks on the 3 1st day of Octo ber, 1896, amounted to $234,553,807, includ ing unredeemed, but fully secured notes of banks insolvent and in process of liquida tion. The increase in national bank cir culation during the year ending on that day was $21,099,429. On October (5, 185)6, when the condition of national tanks was last reported, the total resources of the 8.679 active institutions was $3,263,($85,'1 13. 83, which included $1,8513,2(58.839.31 in 1 n.; and discounts and $"Ktt,16.7;w.85 in money of all kinds on hand. Of their liabilities $1,55)0,891,058.03 was due to individual de positors and $2051,944,019 consisted of out standing circulating notes. There were organized during tho year preceding the date last mentioned 28 na tional banks, located in 15 states, of which 12' were organized in the eastern states, with if capital qf .1,180,000; six in the west ern states, .with a capital of $875,000, and l0 in the' quthern states, with 11 '.capital of $1,15)0,000. Uurihg the year, however, 30 banks voluntarily absiudoncd their fran chises under the national law; and in the case of 2 qthers, ft was. fqund necessary to appoint receivers'. Therefore, as compared with the year prycedpig, there was a de crease of '50 in the number- qi active tanks. The number of existing tanks organized under state laws is 5,708. Progress In Coast Defenses. The progress in coast defense is alluded tq as the one form of military preparation essentially pacific ii) jts nature. Sum maries oithereportV ot tjiy .ttqrncy gen eral and thp postniastpr general Viro in cluded. Tho postoflh'P deficit due to "car rying at thp nominal rato qf one cent a pound the serial libraries, .sometimes in cluding trashy and oven harmful litera ture and other matter, which under the loose interpretation of a loose statute, has been gradually given second class rates," is pointed out as an ubust that should be corrccreu. jwi auequaicnxprupriatioii mr the entertainment 01 tho international pos tal union in Washington is recommended. On affairs of the navy and interior depart ments, there is nothing in the message not - j.. .,.1 ..LiC J ...12. -F .!.. COJlluUJl.1 41J H't nvtij;c ui uiu stviuuii- leS. Of the pension commissioner's report the nre'siuent says'; uln nlv opinion, baser upon such' statements as' these apd much other information' and qbiervatJqn, the abuses "which have beefi allowed tp crec into quf pensioii system hiw'c done in calculable harm In demoralizing our peo ple and undermining good citizenship." Tho president urges tho importance of on adjustment of Pacific railroad obliga tions. Of the case of tho Union Pacific hp Soints out that proceedings to foreclose a rat mortgage upon added parts of tho mnin line to which tho government lien, is Subordinate, and tho defaults occurring pp January 1, 185)7, must? emphasize tho mandate of the a'-t of 1887 to foreclose. rrneforeAinlpss congress, shall otherwise direct;, oT fthalj haye ' previously deter mined upon a different .solutioff of tho problem, there will hardly appear to exist any reason for dol.ying beyond the date of the default above mentioned such ex bcutf.yo action as will promise to subserve ihe public interest and &?ye the govern ment fronithc loss threatened by further inaction. Th.Q work done by the agricultural de partment especially commended, but the discontinuance qf tin,- gratuitous dis tribution of seeds is urged. The progress of civil service for the year is 'reviewed a3 the cause for congratulation. The amend ment of the jnterstate commerce act is jreconmcnded. "TiiriffSuKSestionst. .Itecurring again, to the statistics of the treasury department, tho president offers sonic suggestions regarding the present a,v and its operation. Ho says: This stat ute took effect on the 28th day of August, J85J4, Whatover may bo Jts shortcomings urt u complete measure of tariff reform, it .must be conceded that it has opened "the way to a freer and greater exchange of commodities between us and other coun tries, and thus furnished a wider market for our products and manufactures. Tho pnjr entire fiscal year during which this laVs? has lifton in force-ended on the 30th day of June, 185MJ. ' In tha,yJP '-"!r imports increased over those of the previous year more than $6,500,000, while tho value of the domestic products we exported and Mrnich fwinu markets abroad was nearly 7o,000,t)00 more'than during fan preceding year. ' ......, ... , Those who insist that the cost to our people of articles coming tq them from abroad for their needf uj use should only be increased through tariff charges to an extent necessary to meet the" expenses o f "9 government, as well as those who claim that tariff charges niay be laid upon such articles ocyonu tne necessities, w guy prnmcnt revenue, and with the additional pifrPQSG of SO increasing their price in our jnarkets as te give American nianiifac turers and producers jMJttei' and pioro profitable opportunities, must agree that flP n milt iiHnmrllv fustifi od as sources of revenue to enable tho govern' onentr to niece the necessary expenses of its inaintcnance. Considered as to itssuili- bicncy'in this aspect, the present law can by no means fall Under gust condemna tion,; During the only -cohiplete fiscal vearofits oneratidn it has" yielded nearly $8,000,000 more revenue thari was received Jherp was, nevertheless', a ifcficp; between our receipts ana expenditures 01 a nuio more than $25,000,000." TJjjs, however, was not unexpected. The situation was such in December, seven, months before the close of the fiscal year, that the secretary of tho treasury "foretold a deficiency of 17,000,000. Tho great and increasing opprohension and timidity in business jcirclcs and the depre- 1 slon in an activities intervening !mce"That time, resulting from causes perfectly well ! understood and entirely disconnected with ' our tariff law or its operation, seriously ' checked the imports we would have othcr j wise received and readily account for tho ! difference between this estimate of tho secretary and the actual deficiency, as well as for a continued deficit. Indeed, it must be confessed that wo could hardly have had a more unfavorable period than the last two years for the collection of tariff revenue. We cannot reasonably bopo that our recuperation from this busi ness depression will be sudden, but it has already set in, with a promiso of accclera- J tion and continuance. I believe our pres ent tariff law, if allowed a fair oppor tunity, willj in the near future, yield a revenue which, with reasonable econom ical expenditures, will overcome all de- I ficiencies. In the lncantimo no deficit that I has occurred or may occur need excite or j disturb us. I To meet any such deficit we "have in tho treasury, in addition to a gold reserve, ; $100,000,000, a surplus of more than $12S, . 000,000 applicable to the payment of tho ex i penscs of the government, and which ' inustj unless expended for that purpose, 1 remain a useless hoard, or, if not extrava j gantry wasted, must in any event be per- verted from the purpose of its exaction i from our people. The payment therefore, ! of any deficiency in the revenue from this J fund is nothing more than its proper and legitimate use. The ffovernmcnt thus annlvin s a surolus fortunately in its treasury to the payment of expenses not met in its current revenues, is not at all likened to a man living beyond Ins income and thus incurring debt or en croaching on his principal. It is not one of the functions of our government to ac cumulate and make additions to a fund not needed for immediate expenditure. With individuals it is the chief object of struggle and effort. The application of an accummulated fund by the gov ernment to tho payment of its running expenses is a duty. LAn individual living beyond his income and embarrassing himself with debt or drawing upon his accumulated fund of principal is either unfortunate or improv ident. Tho distinction is between a gov ornment charged with tho duty of expend ing for tho benefit of tho people and for iroper purposes all the money it receives rom any source and the individual who is expected to manifest a natural desire to avoid debt or to accumulate as much as possible and to livo within tho income de rived from such accumulations to tho end that they may bo increased, or at least re main unimpaired, for tho future use and enjoyment of himself and the object of his love and affection who may survive him. It is immeasurably better to appropriate our surplus to the payment of justifiable expenses than to allow it to becomo an invitation to reckless appropriations and extravagant expenditures. I suppose it will not be denied that under the present law our people obtain the necessaries of a comfortable existence at a cheaper rate than formerly. This is a matter of su preme importance sinco it is tho palpable duty of every just government to pinko the burden of taxation as light as possible. The people should not be required to relin quish this privilege of cheap living except tthder the stress of their governments nec essarily made plainly manifest. Currency ICefonu Ursetl. This reference to tho condition' and pros pects of our revenues naturally suggests :n allusion to the weakness and vices of our financial methods. They have been frequently pressed upon tho attention of congress in previous executive communi cations, and the inevitable danger of their continued toleration pointed out. With out now repeating these details, I cannot refrain from again earnestly presenting the necessity of the prompt reform of a system opposed to every rulo of sound finance and shown by experience to be fraught with tho gravest peril and per plexity. The terrible civil war, which : shook tho foundations of our government more than thirty years ago, brought in it? train the destruction of property, the wasting of our country's substance and the estrangement of brethren. These are 1 pdw past and 'forgotten. Even the dis tressing loss of life the conflict entailed is bjit a sacred memory which fosters patri otic Sentiment aud keeps alive a tender re gard for those who nobly died. And yet Flierc remains with us today, in full "strength and activity, as an incident of that trpniepdous struggle, a feature of its financial necessities, not only urisuited to our present circumstances, but manifestly a disturbing menace to business security ivpd an ever present agent of monetary distress. Because we may be en joying a tempora- ry relief from its depressing influence tliis should not lull us into a false security jior lead us to forget the suddonness of past visitation, I am more convinced than ever that wo can havp no assured financial peace and safety until the gov ernment currency obligations upon which -I goiu may ho uemanueit irom tne treasury are withdrawn from circulation and can-. celled. This might bo done, as has been . heretofore recommended, but their ex change for long term bonds bearing a low' . i r . -1 1 Tare 01 micresc or uy ineir ruueuxxuioa with the proceeds of such tands. "' Even if only tho United States notes' known as greentacks were thus retired, !t is possible that the treasury notes issued n payment of silver purchases under tho act of July "14, 18510", now paid jij gold when 'demanded, would nqt create much disturb ance fis they might from time to time whon received in tho treasury bv redenrn- tion in gold qf otherwjso, be ' gradual lyN and prudently replaced by silver com. This plan of issuing bonds for the pur- Eoso of redemption certainly appears to e tho most effectivo und direct path to the needed reform. In default of this, however, it would be a step in the right direction if currency obllgations redeemable in gold, whenever eo redeemed, should be cancelled, instead of being re-issued. This operation would be a-slow remedy, but it would improve present conditions. National tanks 'should redcom their own notes. They should le allowed to issue circulation to the par value of bonds de posited as security for its redemption, and i the tax on their circulation be reduced to ' 14 1 per cent. ,:In 'considering projects for the retire ment of United notes and treasury notes issued under the law of 1890, lam of the ppinjqn, that we have placed too much stress "upon tho danger of pqntiiicting the currency anil nave caicuiatcu too little upon the gold that would be added to our cir culation if invited to us by hotter and safer Jinanciijl methods. It iS not so much c pontractinn of our currency that should W avoided as such unequal distribution. Thi might be obviated and any fear of harir jul contraction at tho pamo time remove by allowing the organization ot smalUF tanks and in less populous pommunitF8 than are now permitted and authorizes banks to establish branches in small co?1" munities under proper restriction. . Tho entire case may Ihj presented bv l'10. statement that tho day of sensible."1111 sound financial method will not djwn upon us until our government atantons the banking business and the accunc1 1' tion of funds, and confines its mone'ir' jipnrations to the receipt of the-money 5on" trfbtited'by thc'pcQpTc- for its support, i1"1 to the expenditure of such'inoncy for ,ho peoples benefit. Our business inter's't;3 und all cmnd riMon'! Innrr fn fom feverish agitation and the inauguratir1 :bo erovcriimoiifc of n rpfonnwl fin.-A1'1! policy, which "will -encbuniire : ehtotfT'0- finil lli:tVn f-nrtnin fhn mm-nnlo JaDOr and Industry. As to the Trusts. Another topic in which our p&opVA'"Fnt" fully take a deep interest may h.ero briefly considered." I refer to' tlf ,xls' enco Of crusts ?ind nthrr hiiiroairirr1'-1011 pf capital, the'object ot whieliT,' xj K6CCU" the mononolv of some particular hm"ch Of trade, industry or CommcrJ:'' a"" 50 Htiflb wnolesnmn competition, ' cn theso are defended, it is usually on f?ie ProuiuJ that though they Incmiso proff s thff",s roduco prices and thus may iwnont tup Tmhlff It. Timet: lu TntnniT7CTCu, hOW- RVflr. thnt n rpflnnHnn nf niceS to the people is not" one of the objects of thin nrfr-iTiiwirlnni. nnr Is fhfU lenucncy necessarily in that direction." Jt occurs n a. particular case, it is onW.'fca" ?' accords with the purpose onmtcres1' ,i ihose'maiiagirtg the scheme. , c Such occasional results fallf Jf,810 of compensating "for '"the; par.a,',' , FviIl charge! to the account of trtf nu nion WJolies: 'Their tendency I3 "llsh outi individual independence andt(? Indqr oc prevent the free usebf huir"11 faculties and the full development of inan ch'11? gall andthe small trader jsj1 linger of tt3sl67Jmnent from the proud position of being Lis own master, watchful of all that touches his country's prosperity, in Which he has an individual lot, and inter ested in all that affects tho advantages of business of which he is a factor, to be rele gated to the level of a mere appurtenance to a great machine, with little free will, with no duty but that of passive obedience and with little hope or opportunity of ris ing in the scale of responsible and health ful citizenship. To tho instinctive belief that such is the inevitable trend of trusts and monopolies is due the widespread and deep-seated popular aversion in which they arenMd and the not unreasonable insis tence that, whatever maybe their inci dental economic advantages, their general effect upon personal character, prospects and usefulness cannot be otherwise than injurious. , Though congress has attempted to deal with this matter by legislation, the laws passed for that purpose thus far have proved ineffective, not because of any lack of disposition or attempt to enforce them, but simply because tho laws themselves, as interpreted bv the courts, do not reach the difficulty. If the insufficiencies of ex isting laws can be remedied by further legislation it should be done. It should be recognized, however, that .all legisla tion on this subject may fall short of its purpose because of inherent obstacles, and also because of tho complex character of our governmental system, which, while making tho federal authority supremo within its sphere, has carefully limited that sphere by bounds which cannot bo. transgressed. The decision of our highest court on this precise question renders it quite doubtful whether the evils of trusts and monopolies can be adequately treated through federal action, unless they seek directly and purposely to include in their object transportation or intercourse ba tween states, or between tho United States and foreign countries. It does not follow, however, that this i3 the limit of tho remedy that may be ap- filied. Even though it may bo found that edcral authority is not broad enough to fullv reach the case, there can bo no doubt of the power of the several states to act ef fectively in the premises, and there should be no reason to doubt their willingness to judiciously exercise such power. In concluding this communication, its last words shall be an appeal to tho con gress for the most rigid economy in tho expenditure of the money it holds in trust for tho people. Tho way to perplexing extravagance is easy, but a return to fru gality is difficult. When, however, it is considered that theso who bear tho bur dons of taxation have no guaranty of honest care save in the fidelity of their publio servants tho duty of all possible retrench ment is plainly manifest. When our differ ences are forgotten and our contests of Colitical opinion jire no longer reniem cred, nothing in tho retrospect of our public servico will be as fortunate and comforting as tho recollection of official duty well performed and the memory of a constant devotion to the interests 01 our conflding fellow countrymen. Grover Cleveland. . Executive Mansion, Dec. 7, 185X5." ; Church Opened to Goinpers. ' Cin'Cixxati, Dec. 7. Rev. Herbert S. Bigelow, pastor of the Vine Street Con gregational church, has announced lug intention of inviting Samuel Qompors, president of tho American Federation of Labor, to dpliver nn address fa hifj church ono evening during tho convene tion of the federation. It is the general belief among local labor officials that President Gompers will accept the invi tation. Tho pastor of this church has , done a great deal for labor and he is deeply interested in social and economic questions. GEO. NAU MAN'S SIXTH STREET "Meats at wholesale and re in ail tail. Msh and Game season. Sausage at . times. Cash paid for Hides. WITCH HAZEL OIL FDR b Piles op Hemorrhoids. Fissures & Fistulas. Burns & Scalds. Wounds & Bruises. Cuts & Sores. Boils & Tumors. Eczema & Eruptions. Salt Rheum & Tetters. Chapped Hands. Fever Blisters. Sore "Lips .& Nostr ,s. Corns 6V Bunions. Stings' & Bites of Insects. Three Sizes, 25c, 50c. and $1.09. Bold by drosKlsts, or swat poat-Raia pn reeolpt of price UCarilUEtS'aED.CO., ill A IIS WUanSusewVorkT A Cure for Piles. "Ve can assure, all who stiller with In fernal Pilea that in Jleraorrhoidino wo have a positive cure. The treatment ia unlike any thing heretofore used and ita application so perfeet that every ves tige of the disease ia eradicated. Hem orrhoidine is a harmless compound, can be used for an eye ointment,-yet posea es such healing power that when ap plied to the diseased parts, it at once re lieves and a cure is the sure result of its continued use. All who suffer with piles suffer from Constipation aleo and Iiem orrhoidine cures bochi Price $1 50. For gain by PruetrHs. "Will be sent from tho factory on receipt of price. Send f5 "The Foster Ma.n'f'g Co. Council Bluffy, Iowa, for testimonials and inlormatiog.'' SOLD BT A. F. STREIT55. Bnra, Bronpt, Fosuiva Cure for Impotence, Lojs of Manhood, Seminal Emissions, Spermatorrhea, fJervousnssi, Qelf Distrust, Lass qf Memory; da. ?ff make you a STROftQ, Vlger-r ous Man Price $1.00, a Boxes, ?5 00. Special Directions Mallts with each Box, fidtjrs: BiUi-'c S;sv lidscat Cs., a oio luqasAv. DT. LOUIS, MO. mm mmm Sold by North Pla to Pharmacy, J. B. Bush, Mauager. MECCA COMPOUND So Rrcat ar i:s Hoa!'nc Powers and Pain P.c::ovu2 l'rpjli as to $ecm impo:Ue trvm a Kur-Pcwo-o:.s I'rcioral- n'that'Cn be MM with all f rcd' tj. Fr lUuttS alra it is often -triTthitwih till Gab; 'i'vr s h: been '$lfPlI lor iKialiiit; ail kiaI'4i mkc ite Ticii it exceeds all expects iKies. Prompt use is mo't effective ami it .'Would ii in every kome ui'l wnctheft I'ecr fKTctl by he Postcv JTol, Cot'.; c.l EXuti low-. I .;.l by th FQll SALE BY, A. F. STREITZ. IASIET, IB!