r 1." 11 L
ri 'fi
ll JJ-
1,
jA. IX.
1 w.j li w.j 3 W.( 1 m.i 3ut.j 6in.j 1 y--'
i u,1 .iiir -i?-.! t.ci t Kn, II) liOi
OPPICB:
On Vi St., One Block North of Main,
Corner of Fifth. Street. ,
ion
2 75: 4im 47.il 8.1 lh
A ixh in no, 12 .nil W)0! iM " -I4 u"
5 0
15 0iii ino 'l ff 2f)nf! 40 01' W0. ' W
8 (V)
f uil ir, ikiI in mi' v.S (Hi1 4 Oti 00
rfAU AdYcrtl-Jiig bills due iartrty.
Hr-TnuiKient advert! icinriiU rmi"t be I'11
fur in advance.
OFFICIAL PAPFR OF CASS
COL.YTV.
JNO. A. MACMURPHY, Editor.
PERSEVERANCE CONQUERS."
(TERMS: $2.00 a Year.
S5-
Twm), in Advrret:
th.c ty, f i month .7.7.
Onacopy, throe months...
.2.r0
. l.oo
. .00
VOLUME XII. y
PLATTSMOUTH, NEBRASKA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1876.
j NUMBER
38.
Extra .ie of tin Hkkai.d for nle by J- V"
Younp, l'osiortlee news ilciMit, iui'1 O. I'.Joliu
gou.couier of Mali) and Fifth titiccU.
aft
THEHERALD.
rtrjiLi.siiEw cvery hiuksday
PLATTSMOUTH, NEBRASKA
WEBBASKA
PfAt.lt.
1 ir...
2sqrs..
i;r .
col..'
ol..
1 col . . .
S
5
39
3
as
rxo
eta
i
a
i
)
3l
4i
&
4
.5
hi
3ft
5
3
X19
3
3-
! 4
'A
f -
4
0
National Banki
W PLATTSMOUTH, NEDEASRA,
SCCCRHSOB TO
TOOTLE, XX A X li A A CLABK,
JOUV riT.BAL..
K. . IloVET
A. W. HrUl'anLIX.
O'KOl'KKK
..rrpnidcnt.
Yic l'roidrnt.
i'aHhier.
. AsxiktMt Csuihier.
Tlita BasIc Is now opon for bmtness t their
ucw iimui.coincrnaui ana aixin l reels, ana
BANKING BUSINESS.
Stock, Bond, 60M, Cava ram eai ami Laoal
Seauritia
BOUGHT AND SOLD.
JDetposlts Received and Interest Allcnc-
9d on Tim Certificate.
Ailbla In Any prt of tke I'uited Sf.ites and
in aa 1110 iTinMi i owuv and Cities
of Kurtipi.
1CEXTS VOSt TIIU
CELKBUATED
Inman Line and Allan Line
PMn wishing to brlu out their frendg from
csrope can
1T.RCHASK TirEKTS THOU VH
Thrnk to PUtttmonth.
THE OLD STA OF
WM. STADELMANN,
2Xorly opp. Saunders House, Main 3t.
At the Aid Ktaud I still hold forth, asd for tho
OulcaaiHl yuar I offer pood at 7 prices 1776,
1 utesui. It yvtt do not believe lt.couic and ce.
A Lar2:cStockof Clothing,
MEN'S AND IJOYS
HATK, CAPS, CLOTKH,
CAXM, TBl'XKS, VAT.IMKM,
etc., etc., etc, etc.
All fittxix mi a Ureni HtdutHon in Vice.
Fleming & Race,
DEALEXS IN'
DRY GOODS,
GROCERIES,
u ATM,
CAPS,
HOOTS.
A ROES.
AND NOTIONS.
Anil F"armers'Hupille Generally.
Our G'ooils are all New.
and vre sell them CHEAT.
THY US ONCE, AND SEE!
(40 jl) WEEPTXa WATER. NEJi.
Excelsior Barber Shop.
aV
J. O. BOONS,
J'JWi Street, opposite Suvnders Hons.
HAIR-CUTTING,
Sitavin? Hail Shnmpoof i:
ESPECIAL ATTENTION CIVEN TO
Vuttltrg CliSldrcu'snud Idlo.'
13a I r.
CALL AVD SEE liOOXE, GENTS
And get a boonc in a
WILLIAM HEROLD
Keeps one of the
Largest Stocks
OF
GROCERIES,
IN TOWN
tflyl
ritOPKIKTOIt OF
PALACE BILLIARD HALL.
(Main St.. under First N'at. Bank.)
MY 11 A K IS SVn'LIEI WITH TUK
BEST WINES, LIQUORS,
BEER, ETC., ETC.
4oyt
H. A. WATERMAN & SON,
Wholesale and Ketail Dealers in
Pine Lumber,
SHINGLES,
Sash,
Doors,
Blinds,
ETC.. ETC.. ETC.
Maw streat. Corner of Fifth,
PLATTSMOUTH, - - - - NE1J.
Still Better Rates for Lumber.
Farmers' Eating House,
a KE1T BY -
GEORGE SIIAFER.
ALSO KEEPS
Groceries & Confectioneries.
IVIEALS AT ALL HOURS.
OX MAIM STI5EET.
Nearly Opposite Court House,
PLATTSMOUTH, NEB.
Mil
Good fresh milk
DELIVERED DAILY!
AT
K VCIt l'DODY'S HOME IN PLA TTSHO UT11
IFIHET WAST IT.nY
J. F. IIEA1.11EISTGR,
fEXI IV YOITB OKDERifAJd) I WILL TBT AJfD
OIVK YOU
XJE MILK
fH I nud sene j-ou rcgularlv,
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
o C FAXCY CARDN. 11 styles with name
w uvrb uuu. J . x. iiuau?u.iiH9aU vjii
Co.. N. Y. 37t4
AGENTS WAITED FOH THE STORY OF
f HARLEY ROSS
'Written by his father. A complete account of
this most mysterious abduction and exciting
search. With lae-slinile letters mud illustra
tions. Outsells all ether books. One agent
took 50 orders in one day. Terms liberal. Ad-
drcsii. Johx K. fOTTiut Co., Publishers, Phil
adelphia.
TRIFLING
WITII A COLD 18 ALWAYS DANGEBOUS.
WELLs' CARS tf Sc TABLETS,
a sure remedy for COUQHS. and all diseases
or me intiu. l , i.uawj, ujwi aak m u-
PL'T UP ONLY IN BI.VE BOXES.
SOLD BY ALL DKLGOISTS.
C. N. CKITTKNTON. 7 SithAenue, N. V.
ATTENTION ALL
ire at Baaltrvt Male' r Jewelry.
On receipt of 50 cents we will send by mall,
postpaid, all of the following pieces of Jewely,
viz : 1 pair Gold plated EnKTared Sleeve But
ton, one set Cold Front Shirt Studs, 1 Collar
Stud, 1 WnddiiiK King. 1 Koll Plate Watch
Chain and I Gent's Koae ConU Scarf Pin. We
offer this great bargalu merely to draw atten
tion to our business, as we bare all kinds of
watches and Jewelry at low prices. 8end for
caiaiojnie.
C'oLiiS 4 CO.. 738 rtnulny, IT. T. CUy.
rC-READV FOR AGENTS THE
CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION
DESCRIBED AND ILLUSTRATED.
A crapbfc p n picture of IU history, grand
buildings, wonderful exhibits, curiosities, great
dayK, etc Profusely illustrated, thoroughly
popular aud very cheap. telling Immensely,
s.(xo atrenU wanted. Send for full particulars.
Tnbi ill be the chance of 100 years to coin
mi.iiev tart. Get th only reliable history.
IIubrako Rbm, Pabs So. W LaAalle Su,
Chicago. III.
P s IT'TTn V no deceived by premature
UnUllUIl honks, assuming to be "official"
and telling what will kapaeu in August and
September.
stimulates the secretiT organs, thus purifying
the blo-U and striking at the root of the dis
ease. It is the medieTnai extract of the plant
of that name found in Brazil, and is one of the
most wonderful tonics and invigorators known
and is used in their regular practice by the
p.nysiciaus of that and other countries. "
. It will make the Uver active, assist Digestion
purify the Blood, restore Vigor to the debilita
ted, and is a certain remedy for all diseases of a
Scrofulus nature, and those arising front pover
ty or want of blood. TUT IT.
For sale b Druggists.
Wholesale by C. Bf. ClllTTKTfTOif .
7 Sixth Avenue. New Yark.
Piattsmouth Grain Co.
G(ERI)ER & LAZENBY,
Dealers in Grain of all kinds. CATTLE and
HGGS; Also
IT AUD AXD SOFT nOAL A.LWAYS OA'
3(51 f HAND.
FRESH MEAT
Come Here Roast Beet
Walk In Mutton Chops.
SING OUT
PORK STEAKS,
C1.VB. FTSH. rOTTL.SAUSAGK.Ayn ALL
OTHKll MEATS A" SEASON AT
YOUNG'S Butcher Shop,
PLATTSMOUTH, NEB
LOWER MAIN" ST., - - ' SOUTH 81 DK.
30tii3
Te the M'orklnc ClasHs. We are now
prepared to furnish all ela.ves with constant
c-in ploy men t at home, the whole of the time, or
for their spare moments. Business new, light,
and profitable. Persons of either sex easily
cam f nun 50 cents to i per evening, and a pro
portional smn bv devoting their whole time to
the business. Boys nud girls earn nearly as
miM'li as men. That all wlui see this notice may
send their address, and lest the business we
make this unpHrallelled offer: To such as are
not well :aii.sficd we will send one dollar to pay
for the trouble of writing. Full particulars,
gamplcs wortli eeventl dollars to commence
work on, aud a copy of Home and Fireside, one
of the largest and best Illustrated publications,
all Kent free by mail. Reader, if you want per
manent and profitable work, address
(iEdUtiK Stinhon & Co.. Portland, Me.
HO FOR THE
IBIcicIs Mills I
IN PLATTSMOUTH.
WIIOLEMALK Liqi'OR
AD 8TOB&
OF
CTS. TT h ! h i NT
t V-M i ' ;UIIt;"S old staad still kept epea by
the above.
CIGAJiS, TOBACCOS, AO. WHOLE
SALE A RETAIL.
WBl KKItF
Good Goods, Buy Largely
And invite trade to call and examine, ltf
ros TOCR
ITS'
Better yen call oa dot
Ben Hempel.
HE'S TUK MAN.
KEEPS AN EATING HOUSE.
ON LOWER MAIN STREET,
PLATTSMOUTH. - - - - NEB.
Meals at all Hours.
40-yl B. HEMPEL, Prop.
SAGE BROTHERS,
Dealers In
ETC., ETC., ETC.
One Door East of the Post-Otnee, nattssoooUt,
Nebraska.
Practical Workers iu
SHEET IRON, ZINC, TIN, BRA-ZIERY,d-cd-c
Large, assortment of Hard ana Soft
COAL STOVES,
Wood and Coal Stoves for -
HEATING OR COOKING,
Always on Hand.
Every variety of Tin. Sheet Iron, and ZIne
Work, kept in Stock.
MAKING AND REPAIRING,
Done on Short Notice.
r&-ErEIlTTHIXQ WAItRA NTED ! !4Et
PRICK IOW DOWX.
wt, SAGE BROS.
OFriCIAI, DIKECTOBT.
CONGRESSIONAL.
SK3TATOR9 P. W. Hitchcock, Omaha ; A. S.
Paddock, licatnee.
HKPKESRKTATiric-L. CroMnse, Ft. Calhoun.
STATE.
. Ooverxo Silas Garber, Lincoln.
MiCKKTAHr-Bruno Tzscltuck. Liucoln.
Tkicasukkk J. G. McBride, Lincoln.
AitriTfit J. B. Weston. Lincoln.
Attokxkt Uknibal ti. H. Roberts, Lin
coln.
Suit. Public Isstkvctiok J. M. MeKen
lie, Lincuin.
LEGISLATIVE.
Skxatwr. th District Sam. M. Chapman,
Piattsmouth.
Kkpkkkicvtativkm. 2!ith DISTRICT Jno. W,
Barnes, Piattsmouth ; Jno. House, Greenwood.
JirmciAL.
Pirpurwu Jitim:es Geo. B. Iike. Omaha :
Daaiel Gantt. Brownville ; Samuel Maxwell,
Fremont. !r
COUNTY.
Ci.rrk C. I. Moore, Piattsmouth.
Tkkasurrr .I.C. Cummins, Piattsmouth.
KiiKHivr M. B. Cutler. Pluttsinouth.
Comxihsiomkkm K. . lovey. Piattsmouth ;
W. B. Arnold, Greenwood; B. S. Kamsey,
Leuluvllle.
Cobovkb B. F. Reed, Rock Bluffs.
CITT.
Mator K R. LlvinKSton-
Trkasurk Win. Wluterstet.
Clerk W. F. Bennett.
Cocmcilmrv, 1st Ward J. rpperorg. W.
Coum'ciljibx, Jd Wabb P. L. Wise, J. V.
Weckbach.
CODHSU.MIH, Id Ward Wm. L. WelU, B.
Donnelly.
Codkcilmkx, th Ward F. R. Guthman, J.
He Oner.
PROFESSIONAL CARDS
U. B. WIXDHAM,
ATTORNEY and Counselor at Iiw. Real
estate bought and sold. Taxes paid ; aud spe
cial attention given to collections. Office over
Dr. Chapman's Drug Store, Piattsmouth. 37yt
AX X CIIAPMAX,
ATTORNEY AT fcAW and Solicitor in Chan
eery. Office ia Fitzgerald's Block, Piattsmouth.
Nebraska.
WHEELER at BEXXETT,
REAL ESTATE and Tax Paying Ajccnta, No
taries Public, Fire and Life Insurance Agents,
Piattsmouth. Nebraska.
W. B.JKXKIXIi.
ATTORNEY AT LAW, U. 8. Claim Agent and
Public Auctioneer. Business promptly attend
ed to, Grecuwood. Neb.
R R LIVIXUHTOX,
PHYSICIAN & SURGEON, tenders his pro
fessional services to the citizens of Cass county.
Residence southeast corner Sixth and Oak sts. ;
Office on Main street, two doors weet of Sixth,
Piattsmouth. Nebraska.
GEO. H MIT II.
ATTORNEY AT LAW and Real Estate Bro
ker. Special attention Riven to Collections
and all matters affecting the title to real estate.
Office on 2d floor, over 1'ost Office, Piattsmouth,
AebrasKa. wji.
CHAM. n.THOM IHOX, If. 1.
HOMEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN. Thirtv years
nracrtfee has made the Dr. familiar Witli nearly
all diseases, and their cure. Office : Cor. sth &
Main Sit., over Johnsou s Dn:g aitore. 25 tf
JOHX W IIAISKS
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, ano collector of
debts, collections made from one dollar to one
thousand dollars. MortKaijes. Deeds, and oth
er instruments drawn, and all county business
usual! v transacted before a Justice of the Peace.
Best of reference riven if required.
Office on Main street, west oi t onn nouse.
40-yI JOHN W. HAINES.
DR. J. X. WATEBMAX,
Physio Medical Practitioner.
LnuinvOU, Cot Co., Nth.
t3T Always at the office on Saturdays.
40 y I
CLAPP ii. GRCCSL.iTE,
ELMWOOO, - - NEBRASKA,
Dealers in
Dry Goods & Grocersics,
and all articles generally kept in a country
store. Farmers, call and examine before going
away from home to buy. 7tf.
PLATTSMOUTH MILLS.
rLATTSMonrii, neb.
C. HEISEL, - Proprietor.
Flour, Corn Meal, & Feed
Always on hand and for sale at lowest cash
prices. The highest prices paid for Wheat anil
Corn. Particular attention given custom work.
'GRAND CENTRAL'
HOTEL,
Lareest nntl finest Hotel be
tween Chicago and San
Franeico.
GEO. THRALL, - - Prop.
OMAHA. XEIJ.
. CHARLES WARREN,
TOXSOBIAL ARTIST.
Will give you a dean shave, or trim your hair iu
the
Latest Style !
ORGIVEYOUA
FIRST-CLASS SHAMPOO.
XIXT IKXR TO PI.ATTR VALLEY HOl'PK,
3om3 Piattsmouth, Neb.
I keep constantly on haud
Best's Milwaukee Beer.
which can be had at no other
PLACE IN THE CITY.
Also the best of
WINES, LIQUORS, AND CIQARS.
tsmz Ed. BaseabaBBi.
. C. LMUETZE,
CUSTOM BOOT & SHOE MAKER
I make fine sewed
French Calf Boots.
Fine French Calf Pegged Boot $8.00.
Repairing done neatly, and with dipatch.
33n3
LENHOFF & EIT GULERT,
Morning Dew Saloon !
One door east of the Saunders TIou. We
keep the best of
Beer, Wines, Liquors & Cigars.
S3m9 Constantly on Hand.
AnnnCan't be made by every stent every
UUUmontn ,n the business we furnish, but
V JJu11" willing to work can easily earn a
Tozen dollars a day risrht in tbeii own localities.
Have do room to explain here. Business pleas
ant and honorable. Women, boys and girls do
as well as men. We will furnish you a complete
outfit free. The business pays better than any
thing else. We will bear expense of starting
you. Particulars free. Write ami see. Fann
ers and mechanics, their sons and daughters,
and all classes In need of paying work at home,
should write to us and learn all aliout the work
at once. Now is the time. iHm't delav. Ad
dress Tsui Co., Augusta. Maine.
FOUNDRY
AND
Machine Shops!
rLATTSMOUTU, MKB.,
Repairer of Steam Engine, Boiler,
Saw and Grist Mills,
CAN ANl STEAX FITTIXUX,
Wrought Iron Ple. Force and Lift Pipes.Steam
Gates. Safety-Valve Governors.and all
kinds of Brass Engine Fittings,
repaired on short notice.
FARM 'M ACHlN'iKl
Repaired on Short Notice, 43yl
THE TirE-SETTEK'S S0XG.
The type-setter stands before his ease.
The hunps burn tow and the night is deep ;
Aud over the staggering chimney stuck
Darkreas and shadows creep,
Aud the city is lost in sleep.
The type-setier stands there, gmmt and gray.
itn aim o:a eyes ana weary Drum ;
And be sings a cadence solemn and low ;
To the beat of the bitter rain
On rattling skylight and paue.
Tremble the rafters, roof, and floors.
As he fingers the types (in his desolate way)
And ne nears tne music laintiy uorne
From the Orpheus over the way
As rend'ring some e-ld time lay.
The old man sing, and tremble the floors
With the bellowing engines down below.
And the crash of the whistlit.g axle-bars
And the thunders that from them grow.
Echoing to and fro.
As he fingers the types (In his desolate way)
He sets them up with a cap side-bead ;
And a marge of black encircles his work
The name of a man just dead ;
A soul iu the battle sped.
Lower and lower the lamp-lights burn.
And irrow the shadows dusky aud ifrar :
And the ctonu is hushed and. the music's
swell
. At the Orpheus over the way.
And finished the old man's lay.
And the type-setter wipes his dim old eyes ;
The types no more with his fingers move.
And he smiles that, whilavaeiting the name
The angels In tender hssre (. below.
Were setting it up above.
Letter JBojs:.
(Ail communications for this department must
be plainly written on one side or the puper.
contain no personal or improper allusions and
be accompanied With the writer's real nam
though it i.ead not necssarily be signed to the
article written. Correspondents can do as they
like about that, but must inform us privately
of their real names.
We open our "box" this week with
two letters, and hare some more too
late for this issue. We are rery glad
to have some one respond to our offer,
and when it gets fairly going, we ex
pect this will be the most interesting
part of the paper. !
One thing more we must add to our
instructions for all writers. The real
name of the writer must be given to
the editor of the "Letter Box." It
need not necessarilj be signed to the
article, but the editor should have it
to avoid errors and correct, mistakes,
and as a surety for good faith, don't
you see ?
Union, Dec. 4th, 1876.
In your last issue, Nov. 30th, 187C,
you kindly asked the young folks of
Cass County to write pieces for your
"Letter Box," "that the Herald may be
made an interesting paper." The read
ers can't expect the paper to be inter
esting if they don't help the editor
mak it so. Now that you have given
the young a privilege to speak, I hope
they may do so, and take an interest in
it; they have plenty of time these long
winter evening, besides, it would be
improving their minds.
Corn gathering is nearly finished;
weather chilly. School not commenc
ed yet, and I fear we won't have any
on account of the house being cold. I
tLink the school board should have
looked after this, so the children
might be improving their minds and
building the foundation of their fature
lives. How I hopo the children may
think of this, for education lives where
everything else dies.
Education is proof against Grass
hoppers, and that is what we want.
Kespectfully,
Bktssy.
Rock Blcffs, Dec. 4th, 1876.
Dear Herald: I don't know that
I can say very much, but thought I'd
try to write a short letter for "The
Herald Letter Box." Though it is
three weeks till Christmas, we are ma
king preparations for a tree. Won't
the Herald come down and get a
present from Santa? School is out
this week, and we shall then have a
jolly time on the ice. Yes, aud while
6peakiug of ice, we have a goodice
bridge over the "Old Muddy" here.
Xo more this time, bat shall write
again soon. Charlie Graves.
THE MESSAGE.
BEYIEW OF THE PAST EIGHT THUS
OF THE COUNTRY.
Nnmerons and Timely Recommenda
tions Sade.
To the Senate and House of Represen
tatives: In submitting my eighth and last
annual message to Congress, it seems
proper that I should refer to, and in
some degree recapitulate, the events
and official acts of
THE PAST EIGHT YEARS.
It was my fortune or misfortune to be
called to the office of Chief Executive
without any previous political train
ing. From the age of 17 1 had never
even witnessed the excitement attend
ing a Presidential campaign but twice
antecedent to my own candidacy, and
at but one of them was I eligible as a
voter. Under such circumstances it is
but reasonable to suppose that
EHROB8 OF JUDGMENT
must have occurred, even had they not,
differences of opinion between the Ex
ecutive, bound by an oath to the. strict
performance of his duties, and writers
and debators must have arisen.
It is not necessarily evidence of
blunder on the part of the Executive,
because there are these differences of
views. Mistakes have been made, as
all can see and I admit; but it seems
to me oftener in the selection made of
assistants appointed to aid in carry
ing out the various duties of admin
istering the Government in nearly
every case selected without a person
al acquaintance with the appointee,
but upon recommendations of the rep
resentatives chosen directly by the peo
ple. It is impossible where se many
trusts are to be allotted that the right
parties should be chosen in every in
stance. History shows that no admin
istration from the time of Washington
to the present has been free from these
mistakes, but I leave comparisons to
history, claiming only that I have act
ed in every instance from a conscien
tious desire to
DO WHAT WAS RIGHT,
and constitutional within the law, and
for the very best interests of the whole
people. Failures have been errors of
judgment, net of intent.
MY CIVIL CAREER
commenced, too, at a most critical and
difficult time. Less than four years
before the country had emerged from
a conflict such as no other nation had
ever survived. Nearly one half of the
States had revolted against the Gov
ernment, and of those remaining faith
ful to the Union a large percentage of
the population sympathized with the
rebellion made an enemy in the rear
almost a3 dangerous as the more hon
orable enemy in the front. The latter
committed errors in judgment, but
they maintained them openly and cour
ageously ; the former received the pro
tection of the Government they would
see destroyed, and reaped all the pecu
niary advantage to be gained out of j
the then existing state of affairs, many
of them by obtaining contracts and by
swindling the Government in the de
livery of their goods.
Immediately on the cessation of hos
tilities the
THEN NOBLE PRESIDENT,
who had carried the country so far
through iU perils, fell a martyr to his
patriotism at the bands of an assassin.
The intervening time to my first in
auguration, was filled with wrangling
between Congress and the new Execu
tive as to the best mode of reconstruc
tion, or,
TO SPEAK PLAINLY,
as to whether the control of the gov
ernment should be thrown into the
hands of those who had so recently
and persistently tried to destroy it, or
whether the victors snould continue
to have an eqnal voice with them in
this control.
Reconstruction, as finally agreed up
on, means this and only this, except
that the late slave was enfranchised,
giving an increase, as was supposed, to
the Union-loving and Union -supporting
votes. If free in the full sense of
the word they would not disappoint
this expectation; hence, at the begin
ning of my first administration the
work of reconstruction, much embar
rassed by the long delay.virtually com
menced. It was the work of the Leg
islative branch of the government.
My province was wholly in approving
their acts, which I did most heartily,
ureine the Legislatures of the States
that had not yet done so to ratify the
fifteenth amendment to the constitu
tion. The country was laboring under
AN ENORMOUS DEBT,
contracted in the suppression of a re
bellion, and taxation was so oppressive
as to discourage production.
ANOTHER DANGER
also threatened us. A foreign war.
This last difficulty had to be adjusted,
and was adjusted without a war, and
in a manner highly honorable to all
parties concerned. Taxes have been
reduced within the last seven years
nearly three hundred millions of dol
lars, and the national debt has been
reduced in the same time over four
hundred and thirty-five millions of
dollars by re-funding the six per cent
bonded debt for bonds bearing live and
four and one-half per cent, interest re
spectively. The annual interest has
been reduced from over 8130,000,000 in
1869 to but little over $100,000,000 m
187C. The balance of trade has been
changed from over 3130,000,000 against
the United States in 18oy to more
than 0120,000.000 in our favor in 1876.
It is confidently believed that the bal
ance of trade in favor of the United
States will increase, not diminish, and
that the pledge of Congress to resume
specie paymeuts in 18 19 will be easily
accomplished, even in the absence of
the much desired further legislation
on tho subject.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
A policy has been adopted towards
the Indian tribes inhabiting a large
portion of the territory of the United
States, which has been humane and
has substantially ended Indian hostil
ities in the whole land, except in a por
tion of Nebraska and Dakota. Wyo
ming and Montana Territories, the
Black Hills region and approaches
thereto Hostilities there have grown
out of the avarice of the white man,
who has violated our treaty stipula
tions in his search for gold. The ques
tion might be asked why the govern
ment has not enforced obedience to
the terms of the treaty prohibiting
the occupation of the Black Hills re
gion by whites. The au3wer is simple.
The first emigrants to the Black Hills
were removed by the troops, but ru
mors and fresh discoveries of gold
teok into that region increased num
bers. Gold has actually been found in
paying quantities, and an effort to re
move the miners woaid only result in
the desertion of the bulk of tho troops
that might be sent there to remove
them. All difficulty in this matter
has, however, been removed, subject
to the approval of Congress.by a treaty
ceding the Black Hills and approaches
to settlement by citizens. 1 he subject
of Indian policy and treatment is so
fully set forth by the Secretary or the
Interior and the Commissioner of In
dian affairs, and my views so fully ex
pressed therein that I refer to these re
ports and recommendations as my own
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The relations of the United States
with foieign powers continue on a
friendly footing. Questions have aris
en from time to time in the foreign
relations of the Government, but the
United States have been happily free
during the past year from the compli
cations and embarrassments which
have surrounded some of the foreign
powers. The diplomatic correspond
ence submitted herewith contains in
formation as to certain of the matters
which have occupied the Government.
The'cordiality which attends our rela
tions with the iowers of the earth has
lieen plainly shown by the general par
ticipation of foreign nations in
THE EXHIBITION.
which has just closed, and by exertions
undo by the distant powers to show
tlu-ir interest in and friendly feeling to
ward the United States in commemo
ration of the centennial of the nation.
The government and the people of
the United States have not only appre
ciated this exhibition of kindly feeling
but it may be justly and fairly expec
ted that no small benefits will result,
both to ourselves and other nations.
from a better acquaintance and a bet
ter appreciation of our material advan
tages and material wants.
Congress at its last session saw fit to
reduce the amount usually appropria
ted for foreign intercourse by with
holding appropriations for representa
tives of the United States in certain
foreign countries and for certain con
sular offices, and by reducing the
amounts usually appropriated for cer
tain other diplomatic posts, and thus
necessitating a change in grade of rep
resentative. For these reasons, imme
diately upon . the . passage of the bill
making appropriations for diplomatic
and consular service for the present
year, instructions were issued to the
representatives of the United States at
Bolivia, Ecuador, and Columbia, and
to the
CONSULAR OFFICERS
for whom no appropriation had been
made, to close their respective legations
and consulates and cease from the per
formances of their duties and in like
manner steps were immediately taken
to substitute Charges d' Affaires for
Ministers resident in Portugal, Den
mark, Greece, Switzerland and Para
guay.
While thoroughly impressed with the
wisdom of sound economy in the lor
eign service, as in other branches of
the Government, I cannot escape the
conclusion that in some instances the
withholding of appropriations will
prove
AN EXPENSIVE ECONOMY,
and hat the small retrenchment secur
ed by change of grade in certain diplo
matic posts is not an adequate consid
eration for the loss of influence and
importance which will attend our for
eign representation under this reduc
tion. I am of opinion that a re-examination
of the subject will cause a
change in some instances in the con
clusions reached on these subjects at
the last session of Congress.
The Court ol Commissioners of
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS
whose functions were continued by an
act of last session of Congress until
the first day of January, 1877, has car
ried on its labors with diligence and
general satisfaction. By a report from
the Clerk of the court, transmitted
herewith bearing date Njy. 14, 187G, it
appears that during the time now al
lowed by law the court will have dis
posed of all the claims presented for
adjudication. This report also contains
a statement of the general result of
the labors of the court to date thereof.
It is a cause of satisfaction that the
method adopted for satisfaction of the
classes of claims submitted to the court
which are of long standing and justly
entitled to early consideration, should
have proved successful and acceptable.
It is with satisfaction that I am ena
bled to state that the work of the Joint
com mission for determining
THE BOUNDARY LINE
between the United States and the
British possessions from the north-west
angle of the Lake of the Woods to the
Rocky Mountains,commenced in T2,has
been completed. The final agreements
of the Commissioners, with the maps,
having been duly signed, and the work
of the Commission is complete. The
fixing of tho boundary upon the Pacific
coast by the protocol of March 10, 1873,
pursuant to the award of the Emperor
of Germany, by Article XXXIV, of the
Treaty of Washington, with the termi
nation of the work of this Commis
sion adjusts and fixes the entire boun
dary between the United States and
the British posessions, except as to the
portion of territory ceded by Russia to
the United States under treaty of 1807.
Work entrusted to Commissioners and
the officers of the army attached to the
Commission, has been well and satis
factorily performed. The original of
the final agreement of the Commission
ers, signed upon the 29th of May, 1876,
with the original list of astronomical
stations observed, the original official
monuments, marking international
boundary lines, and maps, records and
general reports relating to the commis
sion have been deposited in the Depart
ment of State. The official report of
the commissioners on the part of the
United States, with the report of the
chief astronomer of the United States,
will be submitted to Congress within a
short time.
EXTRADITION.
I reserve for a separate communica
tion to Congress a statement of the
condition of the questions wkich U.tely
arose with Great Britain respecting
the surrender of fugitive criminals un
der the treaty of 1842.
TnK OTTOMAN GOVERNMENT.
gave notice under date of January 15,
1874, of its desire to terminate tho
treaty of 1862, concerning commerce
and navigation pursuant to the provis
ions of the twenty-second article there
of. Under this notice the treaty ter
minated upon the Sth day of June, 1876 ;
that Government has invite4 negotia
tions towards the conclusion of a new
treaty; by the act of Congress of March
23, 1874, the President was authorized
when he should receive satisfactory in
formation that the Ottoman Govern
ment, or that of Egypt, had organized
new tribunals likely to secure to citi
zens of the United States the same im
partial Justice enjoyed under the exer
cise of judicial functions by diplomat
ic and consular officers of the United
States to suspend operation of the act
of June 22, 1860, and to accept for citi
zens of the United States' jurisdiction
of new tribunals, satisfactory informa
tion having been received of organiza
tionof such new tribunals in Egypt,
I caused a proclamation to be issued on
the 27th of March last, suspending the
operation of the act of June 22d, 1800,
in Egypt according to the act. A copy
of the proclamation accompanies this
message. The United States has Uni
ted with the other powers in there-organization
of these courts. It is hop
ed that the
JUKISDICTIONAL QUESTIONS
which have arisen may readily be ad
justed, and that this evidence of judi
cial fairness may be hindered by no ob
stacles. The necessary legislation to c.irry in
to effect the condition respecting
COMMERCIAL RFCIPROCITV.
concluded with the : Hawiian - Islands
in 1875. having been had, the proclama
tion to carry into effect the convention
as provided by the act approved Aug.
15, 1876, Was duly issued upon the first
Tuesdav of September last. A conv
thereof accompanies this message-
MEXICO.
The commotions which have been
prevalent in Mexico for some time past,
and which unhappily, seem to be not
yet wholly quieted, have led to com
plaints of citizens of the United States
of injuries by persons in authority.
It is hoped, however, that these will
ultimately be adjusted to the satisfac
tion of both Governments. The front
ier of the United States in that quar
ter has not been exempt from acts of
violence by citizens of one Republic or
those of the other. The frequency of
these I supposed to be increased and
their adjustment made more difficult
by the considrable change in the course
of the lower part of the lower part of
the Rio Grande River, which river is a
part of the boundary between the two
countries. These changes have placed
on either ide of that riter portions of
land which, by existing conventions,
belong to the jurisdiction of the Gov
ernment on the opposite side of the
river.
The subject of adjustment of this
cause of difficulty is under considera
tion between the two Republics.
The Government of the
UNITED STATES OF COLUMBIA
has paid the award in the case of tho
steamer Montije, seized by the authori
ties of that Government some years
since and the amount has been trans
ferred to the claimants. It is with sat
isfaction that I am able to announce
that joint commission for the adjust
ment of claims
BETWEEN THE UNITED 8TATSS AND
MEXICO !
under the Convention of 1808, the du
ration of which has been several times
extended has brought its labors to a
close. From the report of the agent of
the United Slates, which accompanies
the papers transmitted herewith, it
will be seen that within the time lim
ited by the commission, 1,017 claims on
the part of citizens of tho United States
against Mexico, were referred to the
commission. Of these claims 831 were
dismissed or disallowed, and in 186 cas
es awards were made in favor of the
claimants against the Mexican Repub
lic, amounting in the aggregate to 34,
125,622,20. Within the same period 993 claims
on the part of citizens of the Mexican
republic r.gr.inst the United States were
referred to the commission. Of these
claims 831 wero dismissed and disal
lowed, and in 167 cases awards were
made in favor of claimants against the
UniteM States, amounting in the aggre
gate to 31,150,498,41.
By the terms of the convention the
amount of these awards is to be deduc
ted from the amount awarded in favor
of our citizens against Mexico, and the
balance only to be paid by Mexico to
the United States, leaving the United
States to make provisions for their
proportion of the awards in favor of
its own citizens.
I invite your attention to the legis
lation which will be necessary to pro
vide for their payment.
In this connection I am pleased to
be able to express the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
due to Sir Edward Thornton, the um
pire of tho commission, who has given
to the consideration of the large num
ber of claims submitted to him much
time, unwearied patience, and that fair
ness and intelligence which are well
known to belong to the accomplished
representative of Great Britain, and
which are likewise recognized by the
representative in this country of the
Republic of Mexico. Monthly pay
ments of a very small part of the
amount due by the Government of
Venezuela to citizens of the United
States on account of claims, of the latter
against that Government, continne to
be made with reasonable punctuality.
That government has proposed to
liange the system which it has hither
to pursued in this respect by issuing
bonds for part of the amount of the
several claims. " The proposition, how
ever, could not, it is supposed, proper
ly be accepted, at least without the con
sent of the holders of certificates of in
debtedness of Venezuela. -These are
so uufch depressed that it would be
difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain
their disposition on the subject.
In former message I have called the
attention of Congress to the necessity
of legislation with regard to
FRAUDULENT NATURALIZATION,
and to the subject of expatriation, and
the election of nationality, the n lim
ber of persons cf foreign birth seeking
a home in the United States, the ease
and facility with which the honest em
grant may, after the lapse of a reason
ble time, "become possessed of all the
privileges of citizenship of the United
States, and the frequent occasions
which induce such adopted citizens to
return to the country of their birth
render the subject of naturalization
and the safeguards which experience
has proved necessary for the protec
tion of the honest naturalized citizens
of paramount importance Tho very
simplicity in the requirements of the
law on this question afford opportuni
ty for fraud, and the want of uniform
ity in tho proceedings and records of
the various courts, and in tho forms of
the certificates of naturalization issu
ed, afford a constant source of difficul
ty. 1 suggest no additional require
ments to the acquisition of citizenship
beyond those now existing. But I in
vite the honest attention of Congress
to the necessity and wisdom of some
provisions regarding
UNIFORMITY IN THE RECORDS
and certificates, and providing against
the frauds which frequently take
place, and for tho vacating of a record
of naturalization obtained in fraud.
These provisions are needed in aid and
for the protection of tho honest citizen
of foreign birth, and for the want of
which be is made to suffer not unfre
quentlv. The United States has insisted upon
the right of expatriation and has ob
tained, after a long struggle, an ad
mission of the principle contended for
by acquiescence therein on the part of
many foreign iowcrs, and by conclu
sion of treaties on that subject.
It is, however, by justice to the Gov
frnment to which such na'uralized
citizens have formerly owfxl allegiance,
as well as to the United Slates, that
certain fixed and definite rules should
be adopted governing such cases and
providing how
EXPATRIATION MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED
While emigrants in large numbers be-"
como cllizens of the United S ales,. it
is also true that persons both native
born and naturalized. ouce citizens of
the United States, either by forma(
acts or as the effect of a series of facts
and circumstances, abandon their citi-,
zenship, and cease to be entitled to the
protection of the United States, but
continue on convenient occasions to as
sert a claim to protection in the ab
sence of provisions on these questions.'
And, in connection. I again invito
your attention to tho necessity of legis
lation concerning tho
MARRIAGES OF AMERICAN CITIZENS'
CONTRACTED ABROAD
and concerning the status of American
women who may marry foreigners,;
and f children born of American pa
rents in a foreign country.
The delicato and complicated ques
tions continually occurring with ref
erence to naturalization, expatriation'
and the status of such persons as 1
have above referred to induce me to
earnestly direct your attention again
to these subjects.
In like manner I repeat my recom
mendation that sonio means be provid
ed for the hearing and determination
of the just and subiistiog
CLAIMS OF ALIENS
upon the Government of tho United
State within a reasonable limitation,
and of such as may hereafter arise.
While by existing provisions of law
the Court of Claims may be, in certain
cases, resorted to by an alien claimant."
the absence of any general provisions'
governing all such cases, andlhe want
of a tribunal skilled in the disposition,
of such cases upon recognized, fixed and
settled principles either provides r;p. -
remedy in many deserving cases, or
compels a consideration of such claims
by Congress or the Executive Depart
ments of the Government.
It is believed that other governments
are in advance of the United States
upon this question and that the prac-
tice now adopted is entirely unsatisfac
tory.
COLORADO.
congress, Dy aci, appruveu on
of March, 1875, authorized the inhabi
tants of the Territory of Colorado to
form a State government, with tho
name of State of Colorado, and therein'
provided for the admission of said
Stato when formed into the union up-"
on an equal footing with the original (
States. A Constitution having been .
adopted and ratified by the people of .
.that State, and the acting Governor
having certified to me the facts as pro
vided by said act, together with a copy 4
of such constitution and ordinances as
provided for in said act, and the pro-.
visions of said act of Congress having
been duly complied with, I is--sued
a proclamation upon the first of
August, 1876, a copy of which is here
to annexed.
The report of the Secretary of War,
shows that the array has been actively
employed during the year in subduing,"
at the request of the
INDIAN BUREAU,
pertain wild hands of the Sioux Indian
-m - A . 1 aV I . w " .
Nation, and in preserving peace at tho
South during election. A Commission
was constituted under the act of July,
24, 1876, to consider and report oa tho
whole subject of reform and reorgani-.
zation of the whole army, met in Aug.
last, and has collected a large mass of
statistics and opinions bearing upon
the subject. These are now under con-
ing.
I am advised though, by the Presi
dent of the Commission that it will bo
impracticable to comply with tho
clause of the act requiring the report
to be presented through me to Con
gress on the 1st day of this session, as '
there has not yet been time for that
mature deliberation which the impor
tance of the subject demands. There
fore I ask that the time of making the
report be extended to the 29 th day of -January,
1877.
In accordance with tho resolution of
August 16, 1876,
THE ARMY REGULATIONS
prepared under act March 1, 1875,
have not been promulgated, but are '
held until after the report of above
mentioned commission shall have been
received and acted upon. By act Au
gust 15, 1876, the cavalry force of the
army was increaaad by 2,500 men, with
proviso that they should be discharged
on the expiration of the hostilities.
under this authority the cavalry regi-'
men ts have been strengthened, and a'
portion of them are
KOW IN THE FIELD
pursuing the remnants of the Indian
with whom they have been engaged
during the summer.
The estimates of the War Depart-'
ment are made up on the basis of tho
number of men authorized by law,
and their requirements, as shown by
years of experience and also with tho"
purpose on thepart of the Bureau ofii-'
cers to provide for all contingencies that
may arise during tho time for which"
the estimates are made, exclusive of
engineer estimates, presented in ac-"
cordance with the acts of Congress'
calling for surveys and estimates for
improvements at various localities.
The estimates now presented aro'
about 6,000,000 in excess of the ap-'
propriations for the years 1874, 1875,'
and 1875-6. This increase is asked in
order to provide for the increased cav-
airy force, should their Services be nec
essary to prosecute economical work
upon important public buildings, to'
provide for armaments of fortifications :
and manufacture of small arms, and to'
replenish the working stock ia the sup-"
ply departments. -
The appropriatsons for these last '
named have for tho' past few years
been so limited that tho accumulations
in store will be entirely exhausted dur
iDg the present year, and it will IO
necesary to at once begin to replenish'
them.
I invite your special attention to
THE FOLLOWINO RECOMMENDATIONS
of the Secretary of war:
First That the claims under act of
July 4tb, 1804, for supplies taff.cn by
the army during the war be removed
from offices of Quartermaster and Com-'
missary Generals and transferred t "
the Southern Claims Commission.
These claims are of precisely a simi
lar nature to those now before the
Southern Claims Commission and War'
Departments; but they have not tho
clerical force for their examination nor'
proper machinery for investigating tho
loyalty of the claimants.
Second That Congress sanctions'
the scheme of an annuity fund for tho'
benofit of the families of tho deceased
officers, and that it also provide for'
the' permaucr.t Crnnizations of Y'?
Coat u'td on Ath Paj".
