number of immigrants arriving in the United States during the fiscal
year was 343,267, of whom 340,468 were permitted to land and 2,799 were
debarred on various grounds prescribed by law and returned to the
countries whence they came at the expense of the steamship companies by
which they were brought in. The increase in immigration over the
preceding year amounted to 84,731. It is reported that with some
exceptions the immigrants of the past year were of a hardy laboring
class, accustomed and able to earn a support for themselves, and it is
estimated that the money brought with them amounted to at least
$5,000,000, though it was probably much in excess of that sum, since
only those having less than $30 are required to disclose the exact
amount, and it is known that many brought considerable sums of money to
buy land and build homes. Including all the immigrants arriving who
were over 14 years of age, 28.63 per cent were illiterate, as against
20.37 per cent of those of that age arriving during the preceding
fiscal year. The number of immigrants over 14 years old, the countries
from which they came, and the percentage of illiterates among them were
as follows: Italy, 57,515, with 54.59 per cent; Ireland, 37,496, with 7
per cent; Russia, 35,188, with 41.14 per cent; Austria-Hungary and
provinces, 57,053, with 38.92 per cent; Germany, 25,334, with 2.96 per
cent; Sweden, 18,821, with 1.16 per cent; while from Portugal there
came 2,067, of whom 77.69 per cent were illiterate. There arrived from
Japan during the year only 1,110 immigrants, and it is the opinion of
the immigration authorities that the apprehension heretofore existing
to some extent of a large immigration from Japan to the United States
is without any substantial foundation.
From the Life-Saving Service it is reported that the number of
disasters to documented vessels within the limits of its operations
during the year was 437. These vessels had on board 4,608 persons, of
whom 4,595 were saved and 13 lost. The value of such vessels is
estimated at $8,880,140 and of their cargoes $3,846,380, making the
total value of property imperiled $12,726,520. Of this amount
$11,292,707 was saved and $1,432,750 was lost. Sixty-seven of the
vessels were totally wrecked. There were besides 243 casualties to
small undocumented craft, on board of which there were 594 persons, of
whom 587 were saved and 7 were lost. The value of the property involved
in these latter casualties is estimated at $119,265, of which $114,915
was saved and $4,350 was lost. The life-saving crews during the year
also rescued or assisted numerous other vessels and warned many from
danger by signals, both by day and night. The number of disasters
during the year exceeded that of any previous year in the history of
the service, but the saving of both life and property was greater than
ever before in proportion to the value of the property involved and to
the number of persons imperiled.
The operations of the Marine-Hospital Service, the Revenue-Cutter
Service, the Steamboat-Inspection Service, the Light-House Service, the
Bureau of Navigation, and other branches of public work attached to the
Treasury Department, together with various recommendations concerning
their support and improvement, are fully stated in the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of the Congress is
especially invited.
The report of the Secretary of War exhibits satisfactory conditions in
the several branches of the public service intrusted to his charge.
The limit of our military force as fixed by law is constantly and
readily maintained. The present discipline and morale of our Army are
excellent, and marked progress and efficiency are apparent throughout
its entire organization.
With the exception of delicate duties in the suppression of slight
Indian disturbances along our southwestern boundary, in which the
Mexican troops cooperated, and the compulsory but peaceful return, with
the consent of Great Britain, of a band of Cree Indians from Montana to
the British possessions, no active operations have been required of the
Army during the year past.
Changes in methods of administration, the abandonment of unnecessary
posts and consequent concentration of troops, and the exercise of care
and vigilance by the various officers charged with the responsibility
in the expenditure of the appropriations have resulted in reducing to a
minimum the cost of maintenance of our military establishment.
During the past year the work of constructing permanent infantry and
cavalry posts has been continued at the places heretofore designated.
The Secretary of War repeats his recommendation that appropriations for
barracks and quarters should more strictly conform to the needs of the
service as judged by the Department rather than respond to the wishes
and importunities of localities. It is imperative that much of the
money provided for such construction should now be allotted to the
erection of necessary quarters for the garrisons assigned to the coast
defenses, where many men will be needed to properly care for and
operate modern guns. It is essential, too, that early provision be made
to supply the necessary force of artillery to meet the demands of this
service.
The entire Army has now been equipped with the new magazine arms, and
wise policy demands that all available public and private resources
should be so employed as to provide within a reasonable time a
sufficient number to supply the State militia with these modern weapons
and provide an ample reserve for any emergency.
The organized militia numbers 112,879 men. The appropriations for its
support by the several States approximate $2,800,000 annually, and
$400,000 is contributed by the General Government. Investigation shows
these troops to be usually well drilled and inspired with much military
interest, but in many instances they are so deficient in proper arms
and equipment that a sudden call to active duty would find them
inadequately prepared for field service. I therefore recommend that
prompt measures be taken to remedy this condition and that every
encouragement be given to this deserving body of unpaid and voluntary
citizen soldiers, upon whose assistance we must largely rely in time of
trouble.
During the past year rapid progress has been made toward the completion
of the scheme adopted for the erection and armament of fortifications
along our seacoast, while equal progress has been made in providing the
material for submarine defense in connection with these works.
It is peculiarly gratifying at this time to note the great advance that
has been made in this important undertaking since the date of my annual
message to the Fifty-third Congress at the opening of its second
session, in December, 1893. At that time I informed the Congress of the
approaching completion of nine 12-inch, twenty 10-inch, and thirty-four
8-inch high-power steel guns and seventy-five 12-inch rifled mortars.
This total then seemed insignificant when compared with the great work
remaining to be done. Yet it was none the less a source of satisfaction
to every citizen when he reflected that it represented the first
installment of the new ordnance of American design and American
manufacture and demonstrated our ability to supply from our own
resources guns of unexcelled power and accuracy.
At that date, however, there were practically no carriages upon which
to mount these guns and only thirty-one emplacements for guns and
sixty-four for mortars. Nor were all these emplacements in condition to
receive their armament. Only one high-power gun was at that time in
position for the defense of the entire coast.
Since that time the number of guns actually completed has been
increased to a total of twenty-one 12-inch, fifty-six 10-inch,
sixty-one 8-inch high-power breech-loading steel guns, ten rapid-fire
guns, and eighty 12-inch rifled mortars. In addition there are in
process of construction one 16-inch-type gun, fifty 12-inch, fifty-six
10-inch, twenty-seven 8-inch high-power guns, and sixty-six 12-inch
rifled mortars; in all, four hundred and twenty-eight guns and mortars.
During the same year, immediately preceding the message referred to,
the first modern gun carriage had been completed and eleven more were
in process of construction. All but one were of the nondisappearing
type. These, however, were not such as to secure necessary cover for
the artillery gunners against the intense fire of modern machine
rapid-fire and high-power guns.
The inventive genius of ordnance and civilian experts has been taxed in
designing carriages that would obviate this fault, resulting, it is
believed, in the solution of this difficult problem. Since 1893 the
number of gun carriages constructed or building has been raised to a
total of 129, of which 90 are on the disappearing principle, and the
number of mortar carriages to 152, while the 95 emplacements which were
provided for prior to that time have been increased to 280 built and
building.
This improved situation is largely due to the recent generous response
of Congress to the recommendations of the War Department.
Thus we shall soon have complete about one-fifth of the comprehensive
system the first step in which was noted in my message to the Congress
of December 4, 1893.
When it is understood that a masonry emplacement not only furnishes a
platform for the heavy modern high-power gun, but also in every
particular serves the purpose and takes the place of the fort of former
days, the importance of the work accomplished is better comprehended.
In the hope that the work will be prosecuted with no less vigor in the
future, the Secretary of War has submitted an estimate by which, if
allowed, there will be provided and either built or building by the end
of the next fiscal year such additional guns, mortars, gun carriages,
and emplacements as will represent not far from one-third of the total
work to be done under the plan adopted for our coast defenses, thus
affording a prospect that the entire work will be substantially
completed within six years. In less time than that, however, we shall
have attained a marked degree of security.
The experience and results of the past year demonstrate that with a
continuation of present careful methods the cost of the remaining work
will be much less than the original estimate.
We should always keep in mind that of all forms of military preparation
coast defense alone is essentially pacific in its nature. While it
gives the sense of security due to a consciousness of strength, it is
neither the purpose nor the effect of such permanent fortifications to
involve us in foreign complications, but rather to guarantee us against
them. They are not temptation to war, but security against it. Thus
they are thoroughly in accord with all the traditions of our national
diplomacy.
The Attorney-General presents a detailed and interesting statement of
the important work done under his supervision during the last fiscal
year.
The ownership and management by the Government of penitentiaries for
the confinement of those convicted in United States courts of
violations of Federal laws, which for many years has been a subject of
Executive recommendation, have at last to a slight extent been realized
by the utilization of the abandoned military prison at Fort Leavenworth
as a United States penitentiary.
This is certainly a movement in the right direction, but it ought to be
at once supplemented by the rebuilding or extensive enlargement of this
improvised prison and the construction of at least one more, to be
located in the Southern States. The capacity of the Leavenworth
penitentiary is so limited that the expense of its maintenance,
calculated at a per capita rate upon the number of prisoners it can
accommodate, does not make as economical an exhibit as it would if it
were larger and better adapted to prison purposes; but I am thoroughly
convinced that economy, humanity, and a proper sense of responsibility
and duty toward those whom we punish for violations of Federal law
dictate that the Federal Government should have the entire control and
management of the penitentiaries where convicted violators are confined.
It appears that since the transfer of the Fort Leavenworth Military
Prison to its new uses the work previously done by prisoners confined
there, and for which expensive machinery has been provided, has been
discontinued. This work consisted of the manufacture of articles for
army use, now done elsewhere. On all grounds it is exceedingly
desirable that the convicts confined in this penitentiary be allowed to
resume work of this description.
It is most gratifying to note the satisfactory results that have
followed the inauguration of the new system provided for by the act of
May 28, 1896, under which certain Federal officials are compensated by
salaries instead of fees. The new plan was put in operation on the 1st
day of July, 1896, and already the great economy it enforces, its
prevention of abuses, and its tendency to a better enforcement of the
laws are strikingly apparent. Detailed evidence of the usefulness of
this long-delayed but now happily accomplished reform will be found
clearly set forth in the Attorney-General's report.
Our Post-Office Department is in good condition, and the exhibit made
of its operations during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, if
allowance is made for imperfections in the laws applicable to it, is
very satisfactory. The total receipts during the year were
$82,499,208.40. The total expenditures were $90,626,296.84, exclusive
of the $1,559,898.27 which was earned by the Pacific Railroad for
transportation and credited on their debt to the Government. There was
an increase of receipts over the previous year of $5,516,080.21, or 7.1
per cent, and an increase of expenditures of $3,836,124.02, or 4.42 per
cent. The deficit was $1,679,956.19 less than that of the preceding
year. The chief expenditures of the postal service are regulated by law
and are not in the control of the Postmaster-General. All that he can
accomplish by the most watchful administration and economy is to
enforce prompt and thorough collection and accounting for public moneys
and such minor savings in small expenditures and in letting those
contracts, for post-office supplies and star service, which are not
regulated by statute.
An effective cooperation between the Auditor's Office and the
Post-Office Department and the making and enforcement of orders by the
Department requiring immediate notification to their sureties of all
delinquencies on the part of postmasters, and compelling such
postmasters to make more frequent deposits of postal funds, have
resulted in a prompter auditing of their accounts and much less default
to the Government than heretofore.
The year's report shows large extensions of both star-route service and
railway mail service, with increased postal facilities. Much higher
accuracy in handling mails has also been reached, as appears by the
decrease of errors in the railway mail service and the reduction of
mail matter returned to the Dead-Letter Office.
The deficit for the last year, although much less than that of the last
and preceding years, emphasizes the necessity for legislation to
correct the growing abuse of second-class rates, to which the
deficiency is mainly attributable. The transmission at the rate of 1
cent a pound of serial libraries, advertising sheets," house organs"
(periodicals advertising some particular "house" or institution),
sample copies, and the like ought certainly to be discontinued. A
glance at the revenues received for the work done last year will show
more plainly than any other statement the gross abuse of the postal
service and the growing waste of its earnings.
The free matter carried in the mails for the Departments, offices,
etc., of the Government and for Congress, in pounds, amounted to
94,480,189.
If this is offset against buildings for post-offices and stations, the
rental of which would more than compensate for such free postal
service, we have this exhibit:
Weight of mail matter (other than above) transmitted through the mails
for the year ending June 30, 1896.
Class Weight Revenue
Pounds
1. Domestic and foreign letters and
postal cards, etc 65,337,343 $60,624,464
2. Newspapers and periodicals,
1 cent per pound 348,988,648 2,996,403
3. Books, seeds, etc.,
8 cents a pound 78,701,148 10,324,069
4. Parcels, etc., 16 cents a pound 19,950,187 3,129,321
Total 512,977,326 77,044,257
The remainder of our postal revenue, amounting to something more than
$5,000,000, was derived from box rents, registry fees, money-order
business, and other similar items.
The entire expenditures of the Department, including pay for
transportation credited to the Pacific railroads, were $92,186,195.11,
which may be considered as the cost of receiving, carrying, and
delivering the above mail matter. It thus appears that though the
second-class matter constituted more than two-thirds of the total that
was carried, the revenue derived from it was less than one-thirtieth of
the total expense.
The average revenue was--
From each pound of first-class matter ......... cents 93.0
From each pound of second class ............... mills 8.5
From each pound of third class ................ cents 13.1
From each pound of fourth class ............... do 15.6
Of the second class 52,348,297 was county-free matter.
The growth in weight of second-class matter has been from 299,000,000
pounds in 1894 to 312,000,000 in 1895 and to almost 349,000,000 in
1896, and it is quite evident this increasing drawback is far
outstripping any possible growth of postal revenues.
Our mail service should of course be such as to meet the wants and even
the conveniences of our people at a direct charge upon them so light as
perhaps to exclude the idea of our Post-Office Department being a
money-making concern; but in the face of a constantly recurring
deficiency in its revenues and in view of the fact that we supply the
best mail service in the world it seems to me it is quite time to
correct the abuses that swell enormously our annual deficit. If we
concede the public policy of carrying weekly newspapers free in the
county of publication, and even the policy of carrying at less than
one-tenth of their cost other bona fide newspapers and periodicals,
there can be no excuse for subjecting the service to the further
immense and increasing loss involved in carrying at the nominal rate of
1 cent a pound the serial libraries, sometimes including trashy and
even harmful literature, and other matter which under the loose
interpretation of a loose statute have been gradually given
second-class rates, thus absorbing all profitable returns derived from
first-class matter, which pays three or four times more than its cost,
and producing a large annual loss to be paid by general taxation. If
such second-class matter paid merely the cost of its handling, our
deficit would disappear and a surplus result which might be used to
give the people still better mail facilities or cheaper rates of letter
postage. I recommend that legislation be at once enacted to correct
these abuses and introduce better business ideas in the regulation of
our postal rates.
Experience and observation have demonstrated that certain improvements
in the organization of the Post-Office Department must be secured
before we can gain the full benefit of the immense sums expended in its
administration. This involves the following reforms, which I earnestly
recommend:
There should be a small addition to the existing inspector service, to
be employed in the supervision of the carrier force, which now numbers
13,000 men and performs its service practically without the
surveillance exercised over all other branches of the postal or public
service. Of course such a lack of supervision and freedom from
wholesome disciplinary restraints must inevitably lead to imperfect
service. There should also be appointed a few inspectors who could
assist the central office in necessary investigation concerning matters
of post-office leases, post-office sites, allowances for rent, fuel,
and lights, and in organizing and securing the best results from the
work of the 14,000 clerks now employed in first and second class
offices.
I am convinced that the small expense attending the inauguration of
these reforms would actually be a profitable investment.
I especially recommend such a recasting of the appropriations by
Congress for the Post-Office Department as will permit the
Postmaster-General to proceed with the work of consolidating
post-offices. This work has already been entered upon sufficiently to
fully demonstrate by experiment and experience that such consolidation
is productive of better service, larger revenues, and less
expenditures, to say nothing of the further advantage of gradually
withdrawing post-offices from the spoils system.
The Universal Postal Union, which now embraces all the civilized world
and whose delegates will represent 1,000,000,000 people, will hold its
fifth congress in the city of Washington in May, 1897. The United
States may be said to have taken the initiative which led to the first
meeting of this congress, at Berne in 1874, and the formation of the
Universal Postal Union, which brings the postal service of all
countries to every man's neighborhood and has wrought marvels in
cheapening postal rates and securing absolutely safe mail communication
throughout the world. Previous congresses have met in Berne, Paris,
Lisbon, and Vienna, and the respective countries in which they have
assembled have made generous provision for their accommodation and for
the reception and entertainment of the delegates.
In view of the importance of this assemblage and of its deliberations
and of the honors and hospitalities accorded to our representatives by
other countries on similar occasions, I earnestly hope that such an
appropriation will be made for the expenses necessarily attendant upon
the coming meeting in our capital city as will be worthy of our
national hospitality and indicative of our appreciation of the event.
The work of the Navy Department and its present condition are fully
exhibited in the report of the Secretary.
The construction of vessels for our new Navy has been energetically
prosecuted by the present Administration upon the general lines
previously adopted, the Department having seen no necessity for radical
changes in prior methods, under which the work was found to be
progressing in a manner highly satisfactory. It has been decided,
however, to provide in every shipbuilding contract that the builder
should pay all trial expenses, and it has also been determined to pay
no speed premiums in future contracts. The premiums recently earned and
some yet to be decided are features of the contracts made before this
conclusion was reached.
On March 4, 1893, there were in commission but two armored vessels--the
double-turreted monitors Miantonomoh and Monterey. Since that date, of
vessels theretofore authorized, there have been placed in their first
commission 3 first-class and 2 second-class battle ships, 2 armored
cruisers, 1 harbor-defense ram, and 5 double-turreted monitors,
including the Maine and the Puritan, just completed. Eight new
unarmored cruisers and 2 new gunboats have also been commissioned. The
Iowa, another battle ship, will be completed about March 1, and at
least 4 more gunboats will be ready for sea in the early spring.
It is gratifying to state that our ships and their outfits are believed
to be equal to the best that can be manufactured elsewhere, and that
such notable reductions have been made in their cost as to justify the
statement that quite a number of vessels are now being constructed at
rates as low as those that prevail in European shipyards.