 Section 4 of State of the Union Addresses, 1869-1876. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Shasta Oakland, California. Section 4, Ulysses S. Grant, December 4, 1871. To the Senate and House of Representatives, in addressing my third annual message to the law-making branch of the government, it is gratifying to be able to state that during the past year, success has generally attended the effort to execute all laws found upon the statute books. The policy has not been to inquire into the wisdom of laws already enacted, but to learn their spirit and intent, and to enforce them accordingly. The past year has, under a wise providence, been one of general prosperity to the nation. It has, however, been attended with more than usual testisements in the loss of life and property by storm and fire. These disasters have served to call forth the best elements of human nature in our country, and to develop a friendship for us on the part of foreign nations, which goes far forward, alleviating the distresses occasioned by these calamities. The benevolent, who have so generously shared their means with the victims of these misfortunes, will reap their reward in the consciousness of having performed a noble act, and in receiving the grateful thanks of men, women, and children whose suffering they have relieved. The relations of the United States with foreign powers continue to be friendly. The year has been an eventful one in witnessing two great nations speaking one language, and having one lineage, settling by peaceful arbitration, disputes of long-standing, and liable at any time to bring those nations into bloody and costly conflict. An example has thus been said, which, if successful in its final issue, may be followed by other civilized nations, and finally be the means of returning to productive industry millions of men now maintained to settle the disputes of nations by the bayonet and the broadside. I transmit herewith a copy of the treaty alluded to, which has been concluded since the adjournment of Congress with Herb Botanic Majesty, and a copy of the protocols of the conferences of the commissioners by whom it was negotiated. This treaty provides methods for adjusting the questions pending between the two nations. Various questions are to be adjusted by arbitration. I recommend Congress at an early day to make the necessary provision for the Tribunal at Geneva and for the several commissioners on the part of the United States called for by the treaty. His Majesty, the King of Italy, the President of the Swiss Confederation, and His Majesty, the Emperor of Brazil, have each consented on the joint request of the two powers to name an Arbiter for the Tribunal at Geneva. I have caused my thanks to be suitably expressed for the readiness with which the joint request has been complied with by the appointment of gentlemen of eminence and learning to these important positions. His Majesty, the Emperor of Germany, has been pleased to comply with the joint request of the two governments and has consented to act as the arbiter of the disputed water boundary between the United States and Great Britain. The contracting parties in the treaty have undertaken to regard as between themselves certain principles of public law for which the United States have contended from the commencement of their history. They have also agreed to bring those principles to the knowledge of the other maritime powers and to invite them to exceed to them. Negotiations are going on as to the form of the note by which the invitation is to be extended to the other powers. I recommend the legislation necessary on the part of the United States to bring into operation the articles of the treaty relating to the fisheries and to the other matters touching the relations of the United States toward the British North American possessions to become operative so soon as the proper legislation shall be had on the part of Great Britain and its possessions. It is much to be desired that this legislation may become operative before the fishermen of the United States begin to make their arrangements for the coming season. I have addressed a communication of which a copy is transmitted herewith to the governors of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin urging upon the governments of those states respectively the necessary action on their part to carry into effect the object of the article of the treaty which contemplates the use of the canals on either side connected with the navigation of the lakes and rivers forming the boundary on terms of equality by the inhabitants of both countries. It is hoped that the importance of the object and the benefits to flow therefrom will secure the speedy approval and legislative sanction of the states concerned. I renew the recommendation for an appropriation for determining the true position of the 49th parallel of latitude where it forms the boundary between the United States and the British North American positions between the Lake of the Woods and the summit of the Rocky Mountains. The early action of Congress on this recommendation would put it in the power of the War Department to place a force in the field during the next summer. The resumption of diplomatic relations between France and Germany has enabled me to give directions for the withdrawal of the protection extended to Germans in France by the diplomatic and consular representatives of the United States in that country. It is just to add that the delicate duty of this protection has been performed by the minister and the consul general at Paris and the various consuls in France under the supervision of the latter with great kindness as well as with prudence and tact. Their course has received the commendation of the German government and has wounded no susceptibility of the French. The government of the Emperor of Germany continues to manifest a friendly feeling toward the United States and a desire to harmonize with the moderate and just policy which this government maintains in its relations with Asiatic powers as well as with the South American Republics. I have given assurances that the friendly feelings of that government are fully shared by the United States. The ratifications of the consular and naturalization conventions with the Austro-Hungarian Empire have been exchanged. I have been officially informed of the annexation of the states of the Church of the Kingdom of Italy and the removal of the capital of that kingdom to Rome. In conformity with the established policy of the United States, I have recognized this change. The ratifications of the new treaty of commerce between the United States and Italy have been exchanged. The two powers have agreed in this treaty that private property at sea shall be exempt from capture in case of war between the two powers. The United States have spared no opportunity of incorporating this rule into the obligation of nations. The 41st Congress at its third session made an appropriation for the organization of a mixed commission for adjudicating upon the claims of citizens of the United States against Spain growing out of the insurrection in Cuba. That commission has since been organized. I transmit herewith the correspondence relating to its formation and its jurisdiction. It is to be hoped that this commission will afford the claimants a complete remedy for their injuries. It has been made the agreeable duty of the United States to preside over a conference at Washington between the plenipotentiaries of Spain and the Allied South American Republic which has resulted in an armistice with the reasonable assurance of a permanent peace. The intimate friendly relations which have so long existed between the United States and Russia continue undisturbed. The visit of the third sum of the emperor is a proof that there is no desire on the part of his government to diminish the cordiality of those relations. The hospitable reception which has been given to the Grand Duke is a proof that on our side we share the wishes of that government. The inexcusable course of the Russian minister at Washington rendered it necessary to ask his recall and to decline to no longer receive that functionary as a diplomatic representative. It was impossible with self-respect or with a just regard to the dignity of the country to permit Mr. Catechese to continue to hold intercourse with this government after his personal abuse of government officials and during his persistent interferences through various means with the relations between the United States and other powers. In accordance with my wishes, this government has been relieved of further intercourse with Mr. Catechese and the management of the affairs of the imperial negation has passed into the hands of a gentleman entirely unobjectionable. With Japan, we continue to maintain intimate relations. The Cabinet of the Makado has since the close of the last session of Congress selected citizens of the United States who serve in offices of importance in several departments of government. I have reason to think that this selection is due to an appreciation of the disinterestness of the policy which the United States have pursued toward Japan. It is our desire to continue to maintain this disinterested and just policy with China as well as Japan. The correspondence transmitted herewith shows that there is no disposition on the part of this government to swerve from its established course. Prompted by a desire to put an end to the barbarous treatment of our shipwrecked sailors on the Korean coast, I instructed our minister at Peking to endeavor to conclude a convention with Korea for securing the safety and humane treatment of such mariners. Admiral Rogers was instructed to accompany him with a sufficient force to protect him in case of need. A small surveying party sent out on reaching the coast was treacherously attacked at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity was given for explanation and apology for the insult. Neither came. A force was then landed after an arduous march over a rugged and difficult country. The forts from which the outreaches had been committed were reduced by a gallant assault and were destroyed. Having thus punished the criminals and having vindicated the honor of the flag, the expedition returned, find it impracticable under the circumstances to conclude the desired convention. I respectfully refer to the correspondence relating thereto, herewith submitted, and leave the subject for such action as Congress may see fit to take. The Republic of Mexico has not yet repealed the very objectionable laws establishing what is known as the Free Zone on the frontier of the United States. It is hoped that this may yet be done and also that more stringent measures may be taken by that Republic for restraining lawless persons on its frontiers. I hope that Mexico, by its own action, will soon relieve this government of the difficulties experienced from these causes. Our relations with the various Republics of Central and South America continue, with one exception, to be cordial and friendly. I recommend some action by Congress regarding the overdue installments under the award of the Vence Whalen Claims Commission of 1866. The internal dissensions of this government present no justification for the absence of effort to meet their solemn treaty obligations. The ratification of an extradition treaty with Nicaragua has been exchanged. It is a subject of congratulations that the great empire of Brazil has taken the initiatory step toward the abolition of slavery. Our relations with that empire always cordial will naturally be made more so by this act. It is not too much to hope that the government of Brazil may, hereafter, find it for its interest as well as intrinsically right to advance toward entire emancipation more rapidly than the present act contemplates. The true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to be found in the elevation and education of its laborers. It is the subject for regret that the reforms in this direction which were voluntarily promised by the statesmen of Spain have not been carried out in its West India colonies. The laws and regulations for the apparent abolition of slavery in Cuba and Puerto Rico leave most of the laborers in bondage with no hope of release until their lives become a burden to their employers. I desire to direct your attention to the fact that citizens of the United States or persons claiming to be citizens of the United States are large holders in foreign lands of this species of property forbidden by the fundamental law of their alleged country. I recommend to Congress to provide by stringent legislation a suitable remedy against the holding, owning, or dealing in slaves or being interested in slave property in foreign lands either as owners, hirers, or mortgagers by citizens of the United States. It is to be regretted that the disturbed condition of the island of Cuba continues to be a source of annoyance and of anxiety. The existence of a protracted struggle in such close proximity to our own territory without apparent prospect of an early termination cannot be other than an object of concern to a people who, while abstaining from interference in the affairs of other powers, naturally desire to see every country in the undisturbed enjoyment of peace, liberty, and the blessings of free institutions. Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have been instructed in case it should become necessary to spare no effort to protect the lives and property of bona fide American citizens and to maintain the dignity of the flag. It is hoped that all pending questions with Spain growing out of the affairs in Cuba may be adjusted in the spirit of peace and conciliation which has hitherto guided our allies in their treatment of such questions. To give importance to and add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with Japan and China, and to further aid in retaining the good opinion of those peoples, and to secure to the United States its share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations in the balance of the commercial world, I earnestly recommend that an appropriation be made to support at least four American youths in each of those countries to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers there. Our representatives would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representatives of Great Britain and some other powers. As now situated, our representatives in Japan and China have to depend for interpreters and translators upon natives of those countries who know our language imperfectly or who are cured for the occasion the services of employees in foreign business houses or the interpreters to other foreign ministers. I would also recommend liberal measures for the purpose of supporting the American lines of steamers now plying between San Francisco and Japan and China and the Australian line almost are only remaining lines of ocean steamers and of increasing their services. The national debt has been reduced to the extent of 86,057 126 80 during the year and by the negotiation of national bonds at a lower rate of interest the interest on public debt has been so far diminished that now the sum to be raised for the interest account is nearly $17 million less than on March 1st 1869 it was highly desirable that this rapid diminution should take place both to strengthen the credit of the country and to convince its citizens of their entire ability to meet every dollar of liability without bankrupting them but in view of the accomplishment of these desirable ends of the rapid development of the resources of the country its increasing ability to meet large demands and the amount already paid it is not desirable that the present resources of the country should continue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid payment I therefore recommend a modification of both the tariff and internal tax law I recommend that all taxes from internal sources be abolished accept those collected from spiritualist and malt liquors tobacco in this various forms and from stamps in readjusting the tariff I suggest that a careful estimate be made of the amount of surplus revenue collected under the present laws after providing for the current expenses of the government the interest count and the sinking fund and that this surplus be reduced in such a manner as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest number there are many articles not produced at home but which enter largely into general consumption through articles which are manufactured at home such as medicines compounded etc etc from which very little revenue is derived but which enter into general use all such articles I recommend to be placed on the free list should a further reduction prove advisable I would then recommend that it be made upon those articles which can best bear it without disturbing home production or reducing the wages of American labor I have not entered into figures because to do so would be to repeat what will be laid before you in the report of the secretary of the treasury the present laws for collecting revenue paid collectors of customs small salaries would provide for moieties shares in all seizures which at principal ports of entry particularly raise the compensation of those officials to a large sum it always seemed to me as if this system must at times work perniciously it holds out an inducement to dishonest men should such get possession of those offices to be lax in their scrutiny of goods entered to enable them finally to make large seizures your attention is respectfully invited to this subject continued fluctuations in the value of gold as compared with the national currency has a most damaging effect upon the increase and development of the country in keeping up prices of all articles necessary in everyday life it fosters a spirit of gambling prejudicial alike to national morals and the national finances if the question can be met as to how to get a fixed value to our currency that value constantly and uniformly approaching par with species a very desirable object will be gained for the operations of the army in the past year the expense of maintaining it the estimate for the ensuing year and for the continuing sea coast and other improvements conducted under the supervision of the war department I refer you to the accompanying report of the secretary of war I call your attention to the provisions of the act of congress approved March 3rd 1869 which discontinues promotions in the staff corps of the army until provided for by law I recommend that the number of officers in each grade in the staff corps be fixed and that whenever the number in any one grade falls below the number so fixed that the vacancy may be filled by promotion from the grade below I also recommend that when the office of the chief of the corps becomes vacant the place may be filled by selection from the corps in which the vacancy exists the report of the secretary of the navy shows an improvement in the number and efficiency of the naval force without material increase in the expense of supporting it this is due to the policy which has been adopted and is being extended as fast as our material will admit of using smaller vessels as cruisers on several stations by this means we have been enabled to occupy at once a larger extent of cruising grounds to visit more frequently the ports where the presence of our flag is desirable and generally to discharge more efficiently the appropriate duties of the navy in time of peace without exceeding the number of men or the expenditure authorized by law during the past year the navy has in addition to its regular service supplied the men and officers for the vessels of the corps survey and has completed the surveys authorized by congress of the dismisses of derrion and tehuina peck and under like authority has sent out an expedition completely furnished and equipped to explore the unknown ocean of the north the suggestion of the report as to the necessity for increasing and approving the material of the navy and for the plan recommended for reducing the personnel of the surface to a peace standard by the gradual abolition of certain grades of officers and the employment of some in the service of the commercial marine are well considered and deserve the thoughtful attention of congress I also recommend that all promotions in the navy above the rank of captain be by selection instead of by seniority this course will secure in the higher grades greater efficiency and hold out an incentive to young officers to improve themselves in the knowledge of their profession but present cost of maintaining the navy its cost compared with that of the preceding year and the estimates for the ensuing year are contained in the accompanying report of the postmaster general the enlarged receipts of the post office department as shown by the accompanying report of the postmaster general exhibit a gratifying increase in that branch of the public service it is the index of the growth of education and of the prosperity of the people two elements highly conducive to the vigor and stability of republics with a vast territory like ours much of it sparsely populated but all requiring the services of the mail it is not at present to be expected that this department can be made self-sustaining but a gradual approach to this end from year to year is confidently relied on the day is not far distant when the post office department of the government will prove a much greater blessing to the whole people than it is now the suggestions of the postmaster general for improvements in the department presided over by him are earnestly recommended to you special attention especially do I recommend favorable consideration of the plan or uniting the telegraphic system of the United States with the postal system it is believed that by such a course the cost of telegraphing could be much reduced and the service as well if not better rendered it would secure the further advantage of extending the telegraph through portions of the country where private enterprise will not construct it commerce, trade and above all the efforts to bring a people widely separated into a community of interest are always benefited by a rapid intercommunication education the groundwork of republican institutions is encouraged by increasing the facilities to gather speedy news from all parts of the country the desire to reap the benefit of such improvements will stimulate education I refer you to the report of the postmaster general for full details of the operations of last year and for comparative statements of results with former years there has been imposed upon the executive branch of the government the execution of the act of congress approved April 20th, 1871 and commonly known as the Ku Klux law in a portion of the state of south Carolina the necessity of the course pursued will be demonstrated by the report of the committee to investigate southern outrages under the provisions of the above act I issue a proclamation calling the attention of the people of the United States to the same and declaring my reluctance to exercise any of the extraordinary powers thereby conferred upon me except in case of imperative necessity but making known my purpose to exercise such powers whenever it should become necessary to do so for the purpose of securing to all citizens of the United States the peaceful enjoyment of the rights guaranteed to them by the constitution and the laws after the passage of this law information was received from time to time that combinations of the character referred to in this law existed and were powerful in many parts of the southern states particularly in certain counties of the state of south Carolina careful investigation was made and it was ascertains in many counties of that state such combinations were active and powerful embracing a sufficient portion of the citizens to control the local authority and having among other things the object of depriving the emancipated class of the substantial benefits of freedom and of preventing the free political action of those citizens who did not sympathize with their own views among their operations were frequent scourgings and occasional assassinations generally perpetrated at night by disguised persons the victims in almost all cases being citizens of different political sentiments from their own or freed persons who had shown a disposition to claim equal rights with other citizens thousands of inoffensive and well disposed citizens were the sufferers of this lawless violence thereupon on the 12th of October 1871 a proclamation was issued in terms of the law calling upon the members of those combinations to disperse within five days and to deliver to the Marshall or military officers of the United States all arms ammunition uniforms, disguises and other means and implements used by them for carrying out their unlawful purposes this warning not having been heeded on the 17th of October another proclamation was issued suspending the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus in nine counties in that state direction was given that within the county so designated persons supposed upon creditable information to be members of such unlawful combinations should be arrested by the military forces of the United States and delivered to the Marshall to be dealt with according to law in two of said counties York and Spartanburg many arrests have been made at the last account the number of persons thus arrested was 168 several hundred whose criminality was ascertained to be of an inferior degree were released for the present these have generally made conventions of their guilt great caution has been exercised in making these arrests and notwithstanding the large number it is believed that no innocent person is now in custody the prisoners will be held for regular trial for judicial tribunals of the United States as soon as it appeared that the authorities of the United States were about to take vigorous measures to enforce the law many persons and there is good ground for supposing that all such persons have violated the law a full report of what has been done will be submitted to Congress by the Attorney General in Utah there still remains a remnant of barbarism repugnant to civilization to decency and to the laws of the United States territorial officers however have been found who are willing to perform their duty in a spirit of equity and with a due sense of the necessity of sustaining the majesty of the law neither polygamy nor any other violation of existing statutes will be permitted within the territory of the United States it is not with the religion of the self-styled saints that we are now dealing but with their practices they will be protected in the worship of God according to the dictates of their consciousness but they will not be permitted to violate the laws under the cloak of religion it may be advisable for Congress to consider what in the exclusion of the laws against polygamy is to be the status of plural wives the propriety of Congress passing an endabling act authorizing the territorial legislature of Utah to legitimize all children born prior to a time fixed in the act might be justified by its humanity to these innocent children this is a suggestion only and not a recommendation the policy pursued toward the Indians has resulted favorably so far as can be judged from the limited time during which it has been in operation through the exertions of the various societies of Christians to whom has been entrusted the execution of the policy and the board of commissioners authorized by the law of April 10, 1869 many tribes of Indians have been induced to settle upon reservations to cultivate the soil to perform productive labor of various kinds and to partially accept civilization they are being cared for in such a way it is hope as to induce those still pursuing their old habits of life to embrace the only opportunity which is left to them to avoid extermination I recommend liberal appropriations to carry out the Indian peace policy not only because it is humane, Christian-like and economical because it is right I recommend to your favorable consideration also the policy of granting a territorial government to the Indians in the Indian territory west of Arkansas and Missouri and south of Kansas in doing so every right guaranteed to the Indian by treaty should be secured such a course might in time be the means of collecting most of the Indians now between the Missouri and the Pacific and south of the British possessions into one territory or one state the secretary of the interior has treated upon this subject at length and I commend to you his suggestions I renew by recommendation that the public lands be regarded as a heritage to our children to be disposed of only as required for occupation and to actual settlers those already granted have been in great part disposed of in such a way as to secure access to the balance by the hearty settler who may wish to avail himself of them but caution should be exercised even in attaining desirable an object educational interest may well be served by the grant of the proceeds of the sale of public lands to settlers I do not wish to be understood as recommending in the least degree a curtailment of what is being done by the general government for the encouragement of education the report of the secretary of the interior submitted with this will give you all the information collected and prepared for publication in regard to the census taken during the year 1870 the operations of the Bureau of Education for the year the patent office the pension office the land office and the Indian Bureau the report of the commissioner of agriculture gives the operation of his department for the year as agriculture is the groundwork of our prosperity too much importance cannot be attached to the labors of this department it is in the hands of an able head with able assistance all zealously devoted to introducing into the agricultural productions of the nation all useful products adapted to any of the various climates and soils of our vast territory and to giving all useful information as to the method of cultivation the plants cereals and other products adapted to particular localities quietly but surely the agricultural bureau is working a great national good and if liberally supported the more widely its influence will be extended and the less dependent we shall be upon the products of foreign countries the subject of conversation to the heads of bureaus and officials holding positions of responsibility ability and character to fill properly is one to which your attention is invited but few of the officials receive a compensation equal to the respectable support of a family while their duties are such as to involve millions of interest in private life services demand compensation equal to the services rendered wise economy would dictate the same rule and the government service I have not given the estimates for the support of government for the ensuing year nor the comparative statement between the expenditures for the year just past and the one just preceding because all these figures are contained in the accompanying reports or in those presented directed to Congress these estimates have my approval more than six years have elapsed since the last hostile gun was fired between the armies then arrayed against each other one for the perpetration the other for the destruction of the union it may well be considered whether it is not of time that the disabilities imposed by the 14th amendment should be removed that amendment does not exclude the ballot but only imposes the disability to hold offices upon certain classes when the purity of the ballot is secure majorities are sure to elect officers reflecting the views of the majority not see the advantage or propriety of excluding men from office merely because they were before the rebellion of standing and character sufficient to be elected to positions requiring them to take oaths to support the constitution and admitting to eligibility those entertaining precisely the same views but less standing in their communities it may be said that the former violated an oath while the letter did not the letter did not have it in their power to do so if they had taken the so it cannot be doubted they would have broken it as in the former class if there are any great criminals distinguished above all others for the part they took in position to the government they might in the judgment of congress be excluded from such an amnesty this subject is submitted for your careful consideration the condition of the southern states is unhappily not such as all true patriot citizens would like to see social ostracism for opinions' sake personal violence or threat toward persons entertaining political views opposed to those entertained by the majority of the old citizens prevents immigration and the flow of much needed capital into the states lately in rebellion it will be a happy condition of the country when the old citizens of these states will take an interest in public affairs promulgate ideas honestly entertained vote for men representing their views and tolerate the same freedom of expression and ballot in those entertaining different political convictions under the provisions of the act of congress in 1971 a territorial government was organized in the District of Columbia its results have thus far fully realized the expectation of its advocates under the direction of the territorial officers a system of improvements has been inaugurated by means of which Washington is rapidly becoming a city of the nation's capital the citizens of the district having voluntarily taxed themselves to a large amount for the purpose of contributing to the adornment of the seat of government I recommend liberal appropriations on the part of congress in order that the government may bear its just share of the expense of carrying out a judicious system of improvements by the great fire in Chicago the most important of the government buildings in that city were consumed those burned had already become inadequate to the wants of the government in that growing city and looking to the near future were totally inadequate I recommend therefore that an appropriation be made immediately to purchase the remainder of the square on which the burned buildings stood provided it can be purchased at a fair valuation or provided that the legislature of Illinois will pass a law authorizing its condemnation for government purposes and also an appropriation of as much money as can properly be expended toward the erection of new buildings during this fiscal year the number of immigrants ignorant of our laws habits etc coming into our country annually has become so great and the impositions practiced upon them so numerous and flagrant that I suggest congressional action for their protection it seems to me a fair subject of legislation by congress I cannot now state as fully as I desire the nature of the complaints made by immigrants of the treatment they receive but will endeavor to do so during the session of congress particularly if the subject should receive your attention it has been of the administration to enforce honesty and efficiency in all public offices every public servant who has violated the trust placed in him has been proceeded against with all the rigor of the law if bad men have secured places it has been the fault of the system established by law and custom or the fault of those who recommend for government positions persons not sufficiently well known to them personally or who give letters endorsing the characters of office seekers without a proper sense of a grave responsibility which such a course devolves upon them a civil service reform which can correct this abuse as much desired in mercantile pursuits the businessman who gives a letter of recommendation to a friend to enable him to obtain credit from a stranger is regarded as morally responsible for the integrity of his friend and his ability to meet his obligations of reformatory law which would enforce this principle against all endorsers of persons for public place would ensure great caution in making recommendations a salutary lesson has been taught the careless and the dishonest public servant in the great number of prosecutions and convictions of the last two years it is gratifying to notice the favorable change which is taking place throughout the country in bringing to punishment those who have proven reclaimed to the trusts confided to them and in elevating to public office none but those who possess the confidence of the honest and the virtuous who it will always be found comprise the majority of the community in which they live in my message to congress so I urgently recommended a reform in the civil service of the country in conformity with that recommendation congress in the ninth section of enact making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the government and for other purposes approved March 3rd 1871 gave the necessary authority to the executive to inaugurate a civil service reform and placed upon him the responsibility of doing so under the authority of said act I convened a board of gentlemen eminently qualified for the work to devise rules and regulations to effect the needed reform their labors are not yet complete but it is believed that they will succeed in devising a plan that can be adopted to the great relief of the executive the heads of departments the members of congress and which will redound to the true interest of the public service at all events a experiment shall have a fair trial I have thus hastily summed up the operations of the government during the last year and made such suggestions as occur to me to be proper for your consideration I submit them with a confidence that your combined action will be wise statement like and in the best interest of the whole country U.S. grant end of section 4 section 5 of State of the Union addresses 1869 to 1876 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Ulysses S. Grant December the 2nd 1872 to the Senate and House of Representatives in transmitting to you this my fourth annual message it is with thankfulness to the giver of all good that as a nation we have been blessed for the past year with peace at home peace abroad and the general prosperity watch saved to but few peoples with the exception devastating fire which swept from the earth with a breath as it were millions of accumulated wealth in the city of Boston there has been no overshadowing calamity within the year to record it is gratifying to note how like their fellow citizens of the city of Chicago under similar circumstances a year earlier the citizens of Boston are rallying under their misfortunes and the prospect that their energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles and show the same prosperity soon that they would had no disaster befalling them otherwise we have been free from pestilence, war and calamities which often overtake nations and as far as human judgment can penetrate the future no cause seems to exist to threaten our present peace when Congress adjourned in June last a question had been raised by Great Britain and was then pending which for a time seriously imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration of the grave differences between this government and that of her britannic majesty which by the treaty of Washington had been referred to the tribunal of arbitration which had met at Geneva in Switzerland the arbitrators however disposed of the question which had jeoparded the whole of the treaty and threatened to involve the two nations in most unhappy relations towards each other in a manner entirely satisfactory to this government and in accordance with the views and the policy which it had maintained the tribunal which had convened at Geneva in December concluded its laborious session on the 14th day of September last on which day having availed itself of the discretionary power given to it by the treaty to award a sum in gross it made its decision whereby it awarded the sum of 15,500,000 in gold as the indemnity to be paid by Great Britain to the United States for the satisfaction of all the claims referred to its consideration this decision happily disposes of a long standing difference between the two governments and in connection with another award made by the German emperor and there's a reference to him by the same treaty leaves these two governments without a shadow upon the friendly relations which it is my sincere hope may forever remain equally and clouded the report of the agent of the United States appointed to attend the Geneva Tribunal accompanied by the protocols of the proceedings of the arbitrators the arguments of the council of both governments the award of the tribunal and the opinions given by the several arbitrators is transmitted herewith I have caused to be communicated to the heads of the three friendly powers who complied with the joint request made to them under the treaty the thanks of this government for the appointment of arbitrators made by them respectively also my thanks to the eminent personages named by them and my appreciation of the dignity, patience, impartiality and great ability with which they discharged their arduous and high functions Her Majesty's government has communicated to me the appreciation by Her Majesty of the ability and indefatigable industry displayed by Mr. Adams the arbitrator named on the part of this government during the protracted inquiries and discussions of the tribunal I cordially unite with Her Majesty in this appreciation it is due to the agent of the United States before the tribunal to record my high appreciation of the marked ability and varied patience and the prudence and discretion with which he has conducted the very responsible and delicate duties committed to him I learned and eminent counsel who attended the tribunal on the part of this government to express my sense of the talents and wisdom which they brought to bear in the attainment of the result so happily reached it will be the province of Congress to provide for the distribution among those who may be entitled to it of their respective shares of the money to be paid although the sum awarded is not payable until a year of the award it is deemed advisable that no time be lost in making a proper examination of the several cases in which indemnification may be due I consequently recommend the creation of a board of commissioners for the purpose by the 34th article of the Treaty of Washington the respective claims of the United States and of Great Britain in their construction of the treaty since of June 1846 defining the boundary line between their respective territories were submitted to the arbitration and award of His Majesty the Emperor of Germany to decide which of those claims is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the Treaty of 1846 His Majesty the Emperor of Germany having been pleased to undertake the arbitration has the earnest thanks of this government and of the people of the United States for the labor, pains and care which he has devoted to the consideration of this long-pending difference I have caused an expression of my thanks to be communicated to His Majesty Mr. Bankroft, the representative of this government at Berlin conducted the case and prepared the statement on the part of the United States that his past services justified the public in expecting at his hands as a member of the cabinet at the date of the treaty which has given rise to the discussion between the two governments as the minister to Great Britain when the construction now pronounced and founded was first advanced and as the agent and representative of the government to present the case and to receive the award he has been associated with the question in all of its phases and in every stage has manifested a patriotic zeal and earnestness in maintenance of the claim of the United States he is entitled to much credit for the success which has attended the submission after a patient investigation of the case and of the statements of each party His Majesty the Emperor on the 21st day of October last signed his award in writing decreeing that the claim of the government of the United States that the boundary line between the territories of her British Majesty and the United States should be drawn through the Harrow Channel is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty concluded on the 15th of June 1846 between the governments of her British Majesty and of the United States copies of the case presented on behalf of each government and of the statement in reply of each and the translation of the award are transmitted herewith this award confirms in the United States in their claim to the important archipelago of islands lying between the continent and Vancouver's island which for more than 26 years ever since the ratification of the treaty Great Britain has contested and leaves us the first time in the history of the United States as a nation without a question of disputed boundary between our territory and the possessions of Great Britain on this continent it is my grateful duty to acknowledge the prompt spontaneous action of her Majesty's government in giving effect to the award in anticipation of any request from this government and before the reception in the United States of the award signed by the Emperor Her Majesty had given instructions for the removal of her troops which had been stationed there and for the cessation of all exercise or claim of jurisdiction so as to leave the United States in the exclusive possession of the lately disputed territory I am gratified to be able to announce that the orders for the removal of the troops have been executed and that the military joint occupation of San Juan has ceased the islands are now in the exclusive possession of the United States it now becomes necessary to complete the survey and determination of that portion of the boundary line through the Harrow Channel upon which the commission which determined the remaining part of the line were unable to agree I recommend the appointment of a commission to act jointly with one which may be named by Her Majesty for that purpose Experience of the difficulties attending the determination of our admitted line of boundary after the occupation of the territory and its settlement by those owing allegiance to the respective governments points to the importance of establishing by natural objects or other monuments the actual line between the territory acquired by purchase from Russia joining possessions of Her British Majesty the region is now so sparsely occupied that no conflicting interests of individuals or of jurisdiction are likely to interfere to the delay or embarrassment of the actual location of the line if deferred until population shall enter and occupy the territory some trivial contest of neighbors may again array the two governments in antagonism therefore recommend the appointment of a commission to act jointly with one that may be appointed on the part of Great Britain to determine the line between our territory of Alaska and the contaminous possessions of Great Britain in my last annual message I recommended the legislation necessary on the part of the United States to bring into operation the articles of the Treaty of Washington of May the 8th, 1871 relating to the fisheries and to other matters touching the relations of the United States towards the British North American possessions to become operative so soon as the proper legislation should be had on the part of Great Britain and its possessions that legislation on the part of Great Britain and its possessions had not then been had and during the session of Congress a question was raised which for the time raised adopt whether any action by Congress in the direction indicated would become important this question has since been disposed of and I have received notice that the Imperial Parliament and the legislators of the provincial governments have passed laws to carry the provisions of the Treaty on the matters referred to into operation I therefore recommend your early adoption of the legislation in the same direction necessary on the part of this government the Joint Commission for determining the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions between the Lake of the Woods and the Rocky Mountains has organized and entered upon its work it is desirable that the force be increased in order that the completion of the survey and determination of the line may be as sooner attained to this end I recommend that the sufficient appropriation be made with France our earliest ally Russia the constant and steady friend of the United States Germany with whose government and people we have so many causes of friendship and so many common sympathies and the other powers of Europe our relations are maintained on the most friendly terms since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the ratifications of a treaty with the Austro-Hungarian Empire relating to naturalization also of a treaty with the German Empire respecting consuls and trademarks also of a treaty with Sweden and Norway relating to naturalization all of which treaties have been duly proclaimed Congress at its last session having made an appropriation to defray the expense of commissioners on the part of the United States to the International Statistical Congress at St. Petersburg the persons appointed in that character proceeded to their destination and attended the sessions of the Congress their report shall induce season be laid before you this Congress meets at intervals of about three years and has held its sessions in several countries of Europe I submit to your consideration the propriety of extending an invitation to the Congress to hold its next meeting in the United States the centennial celebration to be held in 1876 would afford an appropriate occasion for such meeting preparations are making for the international exposition to be held during the next year in Vienna on a scale of economic magnitude the tendency of these expositions is in the direction of advanced civilization and of the elevation of industry and of labor and of the increase of human happiness as well as of greater intercourse and goodwill between nations as this exposition is to be the first which will have been held in Eastern Europe it is believed that American inventors and manufacturers will feel themselves of the opportunity for the presentation of their productions if encouraged by proper aid and protection at the last session of Congress authority was given for the appointment of one or more agents to represent this government at the exposition the authority just given has been exercised but in the absence of any appropriation there is danger that the important benefits which the occasion offers will in a large degree be lost to citizens of the United States I commend the subject strongly to your consideration and recommend than an adequate appropriation be made for the purpose to further aid American exhibitors at the Vienna exposition I would recommend in addition to an appropriation of money that the secretary of the Navy be authorized to transport between our Atlantic cities and Priests or the most convenient port to Vienna and back their articles for exhibition since your last session the President of the Mexican Republic distinguished by his high character and by his services to his country has died his temporary successor has now been elected with great unanimity by the people who are part in his patriotism and wisdom which it is believed will be confirmed by the results of his administration it is particularly desirable that nothing should be left undone by the government of either Republic to strengthen their relations as neighbors and friends it is much to be regretted that many lawless acts continue to disturb the quiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and that of Mexico and that complains of wrongs to American citizens in various parts of the country are made the revolutionary condition in which the neighboring Republic has so long been involved has in some degree contributed to this disturbance it is to be hoped that with a more settled rule of order through the Republic which may be expected from the present government the acts of which just complaint will cease the proceedings of the commission under the convention with Mexico of the 4th of July 1868 on the subject of claims have unfortunately been checked by an obstacle for the removal of which measures have been taken by the two governments which it is believed will prove successful the commissioners appointed pursuant to the joint resolution of Congress of the 7th of May last to inquire into depredations on the Texan frontier have diligently made investigations in that quarter their report upon the subject will be communicated to you their researchers were necessarily incomplete partly on account of the limited appropriation made by Congress Mexico on the part of that government has appointed a similar commission to investigate these outrages not announced officially but the press of that country states that the fullest investigation is desired and that the cooperation of all parties concerned is invited to secure that end I therefore recommend that the special appropriation be made at the earliest day practical to enable the commissioners on the part of the United States to return to their labors without delay it is with regret have again to announce a continuance of the disturbed condition of the island of Cuba no advance towards the pacification of the discontented part of the population has been made while the insurrection has gained no advantages and exhibits no more of the elements of power or of the prospects of ultimate success than were exhibited a year ago Spain on the other hand has not succeeded in its repression and the parties stand apparently in the same relative attitude which they have occupied for a long time past this contest has lasted now for more than four years where it's seen at a distance from our neighborhood we might be indifferent to its result although humanity could not be unmoved by many of its incidents wherever they might occur it is however our door I cannot doubt that the continued maintenance of slavery in Cuba is among the strongest inducements to the continuance of this strife a terrible wrong is the natural cause of a terrible evil the abolition of slavery and the introduction of other reforms in the administration of government in Cuba could not fail to advance the restoration of peace and order it is greatly to be hoped that the present liberal government of Spain will voluntarily adopt this view the law of emancipation which was passed more than two years since has remained unexecuted in the absence of regulations for its enforcement it was but a feeble step towards emancipation but it was the recognition of right and was hailed as such and exhibited Spain in harmony with sentiments of humanity and of justice and in sympathy with the other powers of the Christian and civilized world within the past few weeks the regulations for carrying out the law of emancipation have been announced giving evidence of the sincerity of intention of the present government to carry into effect the law of 1870 I have not failed to urge the consideration of the system, the policy and the justice of a more effective system for the abolition of the great evil which oppresses a race and continues a bloody and destructive contest close to our border as well as the expediency and the justice of conceding reforms of which the propriety is not questioned deeply impressed with the conviction that the continuance of slavery and the causes of the continuance of the unhappy condition in Cuba I regret to believe that citizens of the United States or those claiming to be such are large holders in Cuba of what is there claimed as property but which is forbidden and denounced by the laws of the United States they are thus in defiance of the spirit of our own laws contributing to the continuance of this distressing and sickening contest in my last annual message I referred to this subject and I again recommend such legislation as may be proper to denounce and if not prevent at least to discourage American citizens from holding or dealing in slaves it is gratifying to announce that the ratifications of the convention concluded under the auspices of this government between Spain on the one part and the allied republics of the Pacific on the other providing for an armistice have been exchanged a copy of the instrument is herewith submitted it is hoped that this may be followed by a permanent peace between the same parties the differences which at one time threaten the maintenance of peace between Brazil and the Argentine Republic it is hoped are in the way of satisfactory adjustment with these states as with the republics of Central and South America we continue to maintain the most friendly relations it is with regret however I announce that the government of Venezuela has made no further payments on account of the awards under the convention of the 25th of April 1866 that republic is understood to be now almost if not quite tranquilized it is hoped therefore that it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its debt to the United States which having originated in injuries to our citizens by Venezuelan authorities and having been acknowledged pursuant to a treaty in the most solemn form known among nations would seem to deserve a preference for debts of a different origin and contracted in a different manner this subject is again recommended to the attention of congress for such action as may be deemed proper our treaty relations with Japan remain unchanged an imposing embassy from that interesting and progressive nation visited this country during the years it is passing but being unprovided with powers for the signing of a convention in this country no conclusion in that direction was reached it is hoped however that the interchange of opinions which took place during their stay in this country has led to a mutual appreciation of the interests which may be promoted when the revision of the existing treaty shall be undertaken in this connection I renew my recommendation of one year ago that to give importance to and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with Japan and China and to further aid in retaining the good opinion of those peoples and to secure to the United States its share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and the balance of the commercial world an appropriation be made to support at least four American youth in each of those countries to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers there our representatives would not even then be placed upon inequality with the representatives of Great Britain and of some other powers as now situated our representatives in Japan and China have to depend for interpreters and translators upon natives of those countries who know our language imperfectly and secure for the occasion the services of employees in foreign business houses or the interpreters to other foreign ministers I renew the recommendation made on a previous occasion of the transfer to the department of the interior to which they seem more appropriately to belong of all the powers and duties in relation to the territories with which the department of state is now charged by law or by custom Congress from the beginning of the government has wisely made provision for the relief of distressed seamen in foreign countries no similar provision however has hitherto been made for the relief of citizens in distress abroad others and seamen it is understood to be customary with other governments to authorize consuls to extend such relief to their citizens or subjects in certain cases a similar authority and an appropriation to carry it into effect are recommended in the case of citizens of the United States destitute or sick under such circumstances it is well known that such citizens resort to foreign countries in great numbers though most of them are able to bear the expenses incident to locomotion who, through accident or otherwise become penniless and have no friends at home able to sucker them persons in this situation must either perish cost themselves upon the charity of foreigners or be relieved at the private charge of our own officers who usually even with the most benevolent dispositions have nothing to spare for such purposes should the authority appropriation asked for be granted care will be taken so to carry the beneficence of congress into effect that it shall not be unnecessarily on unworstly bestowed treasury the monies received and covered into the treasury during the fiscal year and the June 30, 1872 where from customs 216 million $2,286 and 77 cents from sales of public lands 2,575,714 dollars and 19 cents from internal revenue 130,642,177 dollars and 72 cents from tax on national bank circulation etc 6,523,396 and 39 cents from pacific railway companies 749,861 and 87 cents from customs fines etc 1,136,442 and 34 cents from fees consular, patent, lands etc 2,284,095 dollars and 92 cents from miscellaneous 412,254 dollars and 71 cents end of section 5