with islands, it is in reality one of the most difficult questions in physical as tronomy. The great height to which the water vises in some of our estuaries and tidal vivois is not duo directly to the action of the sun and moon, hut to tho tidal wave of the ocean, which, rising at the mouths of the rivers, causes the water to rush up tlic channel with very great violence where, as in tho Severn. England, it is suddenly narrowed. Report of the Secretary of War. The Secretary of War’s report shows the army on July first to have been re duced to’ 30,000. The expenditures for the year were about $40,000,000 includ ing nearly $4,000,000 for river and har bor improvements. The estimate for military purposes for the fiscal year end ing June 30th, 1872, is $32,415,472. The Treasury has realized thus far the present fiscal year, $21,766,403 trom the sale of arms and other sources. An estimate of $3,000,000 is made lor settlement of claims yet due the States for calling troops into service. The Secretary says it is with gVcat embarrassment that the ap propriations made at the last session can tie so economized as to answer the press ing requirements of the service. He re commends that extra lieutenants author ized to serve as regimental quartermas ters be discontinued as vacancies occur in those grades, effecting the ultimate re duction of eighty lieutenants, and that the grade of quartermaster sergeant be abolished, also those of artificer and wag oner, which will save 12,165 men to the j service, at a yearly cost of $412,750. flic proceeds of sales of clothing since June 3u. 1870, to date are $1,875,720. the cost of transportation per year is about 81,500,000. Half the Southern diroads still owe the department $4, >1.850. Tim Secretary alludes to ttie existence ot an armed rebellion of a regu lar organization and ot great strength in parts ot Southern States, and the necessi ty ot using the armed force of the nation to put it down, and to bring the leaders to speedy justice, lie closes with a re newed recommendation tor fire-proof adding.' tor the War Department, and '■xpresses a hope that a reform will lie ef tceted in all departments of the govern ment by tlie lovei s of Civil Service Com mission. fReport of Revenue Commissioner. I'hi- report of the (Commissioner of In T,,n;u! Revenue shows that the receipts •m all sources for 1^71 exclusive of the direct lax upon banks ami deposits ot na i.illM I n b w «!1 1 l ill l 1 "’ll t'-mal banks were $144,011,1 It i- estimated that the receipts tor the uiTewt year under the preseiit law will i e $125,000,000. I he number of distillers registered is including, 7,144 fruit distil 11• rie>, j»r‘-,'.'2.1,000, which is owing to the etfec- tivenos ot the new law requiring stamp- i imr before removal from the place of manufacture. II" believes a uniform rate t taxation would effectually stop all frauds in the j tobacco trade, and recommends taxing tobacco peddlers. He also recommends a special tax of $500 on all persons sell- mg raw or leaf tobacco to other than manufacturers or regular dealers in quantities less than twenty-live pounds, lie also recommends the abolition ot 1 tobacco bonded warehouses. He com mends the present style of stamps used, believing them not easily counterfeited. 11c total amount received front com promised revenue cases during the year $bts,41*7; total value of seizures ‘51.240. He recommends the abolition t -tamps on canned meats, fruits, etc., ami requests Congressional authorization be stamping large amounts of forfeited j tobacco held by government in order that it may be sold. Owing to a Congressional omission t" authorize the remission ol taxes on ship builders, he has ordered such taxes to be collected He recommends some of the j laws, relative to the collection of taxes, Imposition of flues, etc. The report eon- j eluded oy stating that two hundred and j tiiirty accounts ot ex-eolloctors of revenue j uiv still open, one hundren and fifteen of' which have been placed in the hands of] attorneys for suits against bondsmen of! the delinquents. Report of the Secretary of the Navy. Tin1 N ivy estimate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1372, amount to about OOtiJiito over $1,200,000 less than for I he current year, and over $500,000 less than the appropriation made by Congress. The Secretary recommends that the grade nl commodore he dispensed with, and alter this grade has lapsed by the death, retirement or promotion of the present in imlient-. promotions lie made to grade ei Hear Admiral as vacancies occur from 'he list of captains, and that a further de 1 I’eic! I"' made in officers by increasing tin cadetship term from four to six years'! Execution of Communists. >ssel. l'erre and others, who joined the revolt of communists against the I liiurs government, were last week shot to death at Paris. Much sympathy is felt lor Rossei, who is a young man of educa tion and genius, and protests that lie lined the revolt for the purpose of re straining it from excess. The following is an account of the execution— At C A. M., the prisoners Rossei, Ferre and several bourgeois were taken from their cells and brought to the Camp of Satory. Thence they were escorted by a large force to the place fixed upon for the execution in the outskirts of the Camp. On arriving there, a hollow square was formed by the troops, at one side of which the prisoners were placed. The behavior of the three men was most courageous. When the soldiers approached to blind fold them, Ferre refused to allow the bandage to be. placed over his eyes, de claring that lie would look his execu tioners in the face. When the prepara tions were completed, at 7 o’clock, the company detailed for the duty advanced, and, levelling their muskets, at the word of command fired. Rossei fell at the first discharge, he being instantly killed. The others were not so lortunate; the bullets did not take immediate effect, and as they were writhing on the ground, some soldiers of the shooting party, in obedi ence to instructions, advanced with pistols, and gave the coup do grace to put them out of their agony. The bodies were placed in plain coffins and immediately removed. The execution took place in the presence of 3,000 troops of the line. A profound sensation was produced throughout the city by the details of the execution. The death of young Rossei is lamented even hv those who feel it was demanded by justice and the best interests of the country. Horrible Affair. Litti.k Rock, Dee. 2. Sunday last, on Mulberry Creek, Frtnklin county, two young men named Joseph Forbish and \Vm. Chenswith, aged 10 and 18 years respectively, outraged and afterwards murdered a daughter of Richard Hill, age 14 years. After committing the deed they threw the body into the creek, where it was found, the neck being broken and boilv horribly mutilated. Furbish and henswiih were arrested and confessed their gniit. In the confession they stated that they expected the search by the Hills for their child would cause the family to leave their house, which they propose il to plunder. While being taken to jail they attempted to escape and both were killed by the guard. It is related that four murderers in Russia were recently placed, by way of experiment, In four beds in which cholera patients had lain. They did not know the character of the beds, and did not take the disease. They were then compelled to sleep in new and clean beds, which they were led to believe had been occu pied by persons who had died of cholera, when three of them died within four hours. REPUBLICAN JOURNAL. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1871. PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY MORNING WILLIAM H. SIMPSON. EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. Subscription Terms. In advance. $2.00 a year; within the year, $2.50; at the expiration of the year, $3.00. Advertising Terms. For one square, (one inch of length in column,) $1.25 for three weeks, and 25 cents for each subsequent insertion. Attrac tion of a square charged as a full one. Administrators. Executors and Guardians desiring their advertisements published iu the Journal will please so state to the Court. SUBSCRIBERS desiring to have the address of papers changed, must state the Post Office to which the paper has been sent as well as to which It is to go. 49* S. M. Pettengill Co., 6 State St., Boston and 37 Park Row, New Y#rk, are our authorized Agents for procuring subscriptions and forwarding advertisements. 49“ S. R. Niles, No. 1 Scollay’s Building, Court St., Boston, is authorized to receive advertisements for this paper. 49“T. C. Evans, 106 Washington Street, is an authorized agent for tnis paper. 49*Gko. P. Rowell Co., 40 Park Row, New York, will receive advertisements for this paper, at the lowest rates. Their orders will receive prompt attention. 49* Horace Dodd, 121 Washington St., Boston, is an authorized Agent lor the Journal. Subscribers are requested to take notice of the date on the colored slips attached to the paper. It is the only form of receipt now used. For instance, 15 May 71. means that the subscription is pa!9to that date. When a new payment is made, the date will be immediately changed to correspond, and thus a receipt iu full is sent with every paper. Subscribers in arrears are requested to forward the suras due. 49* In sending money, state THE POST OFFICE to which the paper is sent.-^Tfr Political Schemes. The press is full oi rumors concerning the future action of the Democratic party of the nation. Some of these have gleams of sense in them, while others arc but the very dregs of folly. One individual in the far west, claiming to be a Democrat, but hitherto unknown to fame, puts forth his opinion that the Democratic party is dead, and will know no future revival. Another scheme, also having its origin in the west, is “passivism”—or that of lying down in the furrow and allowing the Grant chariot to be driven back and forth over the prostrate party at the will of the presiding Jelm. tther plans contemplate the nomination by the Democracy of some prominent republican in opposition to Grant; and the candidates named in this connection range from Gratz Brown and Chief Justice Chase to Horace Greeley and Charles Sumner No one who looks at the situation in telligently, ami speaks in the spirit of candor, can avoid the acknowledgement that the immediate future of the Demo cratic party is not promising. The radi cal party has intrenched itsidl in power bv every device that force, fraud and cun ning can suggest. It has enlarged the civil list until its army of salaried and trained adherents, who are paid out of the people’s pockets to defeat the people’s will, cover the whole land. It has brought to its support, by enormous tariff duties, the immense manufacturing interest of the country. By the extraordinary and before unheard of advantages to capitalists and bankers, it has the favor and support of the moneyed power of the country, and dips at will into its purse for the sinews oi political warfare. The army, enlarged beyond all precedent for times of peace, and too numerous for honest purposes, is at the beck and call of those who scheme for perpetual power. A law, extraor dinary and unconstitutional, suspends at i the will of the head of the party the great 1 writ of personal freedom, and makes his word the supreme law in any region of the country. Another law, outrageous and insulting to every citizen, surrounds j the polls with bayonets on election day, and compels the nominally free men of the land to exercise the dearest right be queathed by their lathers, while they are compelled to how before the insignia of trvanny. Presses, subsidized from the public treasury, sing praises to all this, as Nero fiddled while Rome burned. While the monarchical countries of Europe are stirred by the ideas and hopes of self government, the hitherto prototype of freedom and exemplar of democracy on this side the ocean, is swayed to the pur- j poses of centralization and sinks to the arms of imperialism. This is no flattering outlook. I\ut what will it be if the great Democratic party of the country, that cherished the republic in its growth and is now the only hope of its restoration, shall disband, or do that which is equivalent to disbanding J Can it? watch-fires be relighted, and its stand ard raised anew Can its organization be reformed Can the true men who have stood shoulder to shoulder on so many well fought fields be brought again to their posts If these miracles cannot be performed, wliat then Why imperi alism bestrides our country unopposed, and the fires of freedom go out forever. To acknowledge that the Democratic party has no future, is to confess that self-gov ernment Is a failure. We do not say that we would not con sent to an honorable concert ot action with men of the republican party who ac knowledge the necessity of defeating Grant as a means ol saving the country but it should be upon the simple platform of that one purpose. There may be an alliance, but not a surrender. We would not consent to the lowering of the Demo cratic standard one inch, or get upon our knees lor the confession of sins that we never committed. We have a party of more than two and a half million voters in the country, who are not disheartened because the right does not always pre vail. They believe that, despite of radi cal cunning and craft, despite all the hard facts ot the present, better days will dawn —that there will yet arise some man of will and purpose and courage—some Jackson, relying on the great heart of the people, and facing their enemies with un daunted soul and unyielding purpose, till those who now oppress and mock at our calamities are scattered to the winds. The varying currents of party success can be determined and predicted by no one. They puzzle and disappoint the most ex perienced. We may be nearer than we suspect to a revulsion of public opinion that will astonish us. But in any event, let us hold fast to the faith. We call attention of our friends who last summer persisted in forcing upon the Democratic State Convention of Maine a declaration that the late amendments to the Constitution are too sacred to be touched, to the message of President Grant. It will be seen that he has no hesitancy in recommending the repeal of a portion of the fourteenth amendment. But by the adoption of the new departure folly, the Democrats ot Maine are barred from being as liberal to the South as the head of the administration party! Is there, after all, anything to be made by eating radical dirt Th# President’s Message. There are some matters in the message ol' the President which, so far as they go, will meet the general approbation ol the country. In this class may be included the recommendation for the reduction of tariff and internal revenue exactions, and the suggestion that it is not expedient to pay the public debt at present by revenue collections. The suggestions for civil servico reform are well, so far as they are sincere, but have a flavor of dry humor to to those who call to mind how rapidly new offices have been created by the ad ministration, and that they are almost in variably filled with single reference to party efficiency. An honest rel'oim ot the civil service, which shall give to all posi tions men capable and efficient, without regard to other considerations, is one of the greatest needs of the time—but can it be expected from this administration The suggestion that the disability im posed by the fourteenth amendment t# the Constitution upon the citizens ot the South be removed, and that the educated and intelligent men ot those States who par ticipated in the rebellion be allowed to hold official positions, but recites the true policy of the Democratic party, and one which it has repeatedly declared. Such concession would have come with much better grace and been infinitely more politic five years ago. If that measure be compassed, and the weak and unstates manlike Ku Klux bayonet law be repeal ed, there will be small ground ot com plaint against Southern men in any grade of society. The President regrets, ns he. hris before regretted in messages, the disturbed con dition of Cuba and the consequent an noyance to this country. It will occur to many that something more of firmness in the executive, and a decided message or two to the Spanish authorities concerning these annoyances,” as his excellency mildly puts the outrages on the ships and citizens of the United States, would have a salutary effect. The real responsibility for the annoyances is at Washington. This country has been bullied in Cuba quite long enough, and presents to the world the extraordinary spectacle of a government punishing with the rigors of martial law very slight irregularities in its own citizens, and bowing with humility to the outrages and insults at our very doors of effete and decaying Spain. It is a relief to read that the measure of prosperity which the country enjoys, us seen through the executive microscope, has been realized “under a wise Provi dence." There was a fear that the grati tude thereby inspired would not rise be yond the altitude of the White House. “The policy has not been to inquire into the wisdom of the laws already enacted," says the President. This course is un doubtedly judicious, as his excellency is thereby spaied much fruitless search. The shipbuilders and navigators of the east will look in vain for any encourag ing word for their decaying interests. Voted down in Congress, and given tie go by in the message, the party consigns this once large and lucrative busine ss to the tomb. The foreign pofiey of the message is chiefly remarkable for the hearty good will with which ex-minister ('alacazv gets a parting kick. San Domingo, the yellow diamond of the Caribbean sea, which like Solomon's dusky love, had “ravished one of the eyes'’ ot our modern embodiment of wisdom, has no mention in the docu ment. Sumner’s denunciation of the il licit love has done the business. ihe editor of the Prog. Age lias allud ed to a letter addressed by the editor ol this paper to President Johnson, five or ■six years ago, in reply to certain charges made by radical politicians of this vicini ty. As such allusion is very unsatisfac tory and unmeaning to the public, who will generally fail to understand it, we shall be glad to have the Age publish the document—not garbled extracts, but the entire letter. Then the public will un derstand what the Age means, if any meaning there be to its remarks. That paper also takes occasion to state that we were “bought to support Gen. Jameson” in lrtiil. If we ask the authori ty for such statement we shall doubtless be told that such is rumor or common re port. Xow common report, if it exists, is unreliable evidence, and such logic is of a very dangerous kind for our neigh bor or almost any one else to use. Sup pose common report alleges that lie lias been bought to do a tiling—it may be more or less disreputable than to support a can didate tor office—is he as willing to ac cept it in his own case as in ours Our neighbor will see that this sort of asser tion and argument is a two edged sword, whereof the sharper side may be toward himsell. It is much the better way not to employ sucli weapons. If there be any documentary proof of the story we notice, or any credible witness who speaks of bis own knowledge, we shall be glad to have the evidence produced, and will make no complaint. Boston had an alarm on Friday. The men employed at the Chestnut Hill Res ervoir to keep obstructions Corn the mouths of the main water pipes went on a Thanksgiving bender, and the ice clog ged the entrance so that on Friday none of that useful fluid could be had until af ternoon. Thero was the biggest kind of an excitement. Newspaper offices had to haul water to Supply their boilers, hotels melted the ice from their refrigerators, and topers took their whiskey straight. There was great rejoicing when it began to flow again. The Portland Press tells its political friends that it isn’t safe to assume that all the charges against the administration should be disregarded—that some of them have good foundation—and adds— It is not to be anticipated that the present session of Congress will pass without at least the repeal of the more obnoxious tariff duties, the passage of a civil service act that means something, and of some measure that is well calculated to revive hope in the breast of the shipbuilder and shipowner. That sounds well, but we have lost faith in prophesies and promises of that kind. The syren has sung too often. —Mr. Emery’s new paper will be called the Jiangor Daily Commercial: It will be a large and handsome sheet, with full telegraph despatches, and will be devot ed specially to the interests ol central and eastern Maine, and to tho large and grow ing importance of Bangor as a commere'a city. The political, general and local de partments will be conducted by Mr. Em ery, aided by an able corps of assistants. A first class newspaper may be looked for, and one which will at once take a high position in public favor. Of course the Commercial will be democratic. —The Lewiston pulpit vies with the press of the locality in administering puffs. Thus the Rev. Dr. Balkam said in his discourse ou Thanksgiving day— J.awyers are generally conservative—always looking at the past—though I cannot fail to mark exceptions when I see my honored friend Judge May before me a life long reformer. The pen of the most accomplished local could hardly have put it more neatly. —The persons named as the probable successor of Mr. Noyes as Superintendent of the Maine Central, are numerous. They consist of L. L. Lincoln, Geo. M. Patten, J. Prescott, A. W. Wildes, Fran cis Chase, and Mr. Noyes himself—an ex cellent list from which to make a selec tion. —In a pleasant village of Knox County the barber of the locality presented the only lawyer with a Thanksgiving turkey —probably in acknowledgement of the keenness of the legal razor wielded by the recipient. —Dan. Sickles has married a Spanish woman, and is bringing her to this coun try. Now it any gentleman has a taste for getting shot in the back, lot him shake a handkerchief at her of a Sunday morn ing. —The new French government is guard ing the island of Corsica as carefully as though it expected the shade ol the elder Napoleon 1 j voyage thence for the dis turbance of France. —Daily newspaper paragraphing is get tNig to he fearfully abbreviated. Here’s a specimen, recording a colored demise— Clay Spencer, colored, pint of Memphis whis key. riie Oxford Register crowns its edi torial columns with the figure of a bear, as an indication that there is something bruin up there, wo suppose. Mr. Jacobs of Skowhegan isn’t a good shot. lie aimed at a dog on the sidewalk and put a charge of slugs in Judge Hell’s leg. —There’s a tearful state of things in Dtah. [Six feet of snow on the ground, fuel scarce, and the saints to he restricted to a wife apiece. —Belfast lias shoe factory on ttie brain. [Portland Adv. Rut it isn’t our sole reliance. We are [legging away at other enterprises. A dog fell into the river at Augusta, and was pulled out. The Journal of that city works it up in a half-column local Terrible Hurricane. Haihan, N. S Dee. 1. A special to the Boston Traveler says a hurricane vis ited the northern side of the Island of Cape Breton, on Saturday night, the 27th, doing immense damage to houses, barns, trees and shipping. The gale commenc ed at y o'clock and lasted until 5 the next morning. The tide was four feet higher than ever known before. Public whart. Port Hood, was swept away, and in the villages several houses were blown down. A number of vessels anchored at Port Mulgrave dragged ashore and passed out ol the strait to sea. The Burmudian brig Jabcz, from Charlottetown, was lost on Fox Island, and only one man was sav ed. Ten schooners were wrecked in the Strait of Cause. It is teared that there will be considerable loss of life as well as property, as the result of the gale. The Mace and Coburn Prize Fight. M"NTi;omi:ky Station, Miss., Nov. 80. The prize light between Mace and Coburn took place here to-day. About 500 per sons were present. Tlie affair resulted in a drawn battle, and all bets are off. Neither man seemed anxious to light. At the close of the eleventh round the referee ordered them to their corners, nn.l advanc ing to tin' centre of the ring said 1 This crowd came hereto see a tight. You have had every chance offered, but seem afraid of each other. I therefore declare the tight a draw and all bets off.” After tin; referee’s decision, Mace cross ed over to Coburn’s corner and patted Joe on the back, saying. “Coburn is the best man 1 ever met in the ring.” Mace has a severe contusion just above the lip and acknowledges that Coburn struck him there ten limes. Coburn has a short cut above the left eye and scratch on the nose under the right eye. Other wise they show no punishment. In the second round Mace injured two lingers ot his left hand when he hit Coburn’s head. lie gives this as the reason for hugging his corner and acting on the de fensive. Mr. Hunt gives the time of the tight as three hours and thirty-eight minutes. The spectators seem well satisfied with the referee’s decision. Chloroiorm is taxed by the tariff law $1.00 per pound in gold. It costs in Eu rope 7a 1-2 cents per pound. The whole sale price in New York, in currency, is $1.00 per pound. The revenue derived from this article by the II. S. Government in the year 1170, was .1139.50. It is man ufactured easily in New York, and those who use if are forced to pay four times the price they could get it for if the tax was abolished. The government gets no revenue from it, for it costs more to col lect the i? 159.50 than the government re ceives. A great many other articles are taxed in the same way, with similar re sults. Utah. Sait Bake, Nov. 29. The carriers from Cottonwood, which arrived this af ternoon, reports six feet of snow on a level, and drifts from twenty to one hun dred feet in depth. The principal mining claims, however, manage to continue to work. Trains on the Utah Central Railroad to-day are three hours behind time from Ogden on account of the snow. The motion to quash the indictment against Brigham Young and others for murder is still under hearing before the District Court. The result is anticipated with much interest. Communication with the mines uncer tain and dangerous. Further accounts of loss of life by snow slides have been re ceived. Salt Bake City, Dec. 1. Thanksgiv ing was observed generally. Business was suspended. There were services in fhe churches aud a ball at night attended by both Mormons and Gentiles. Bates, the new United States Attorney, arrived yesterday and was presented to the Court this morning. Ho spoke at some length as fo his intended official course. In conclusion he said “I have only now to state that by God’s blessing I will perform the delicate and sacred functions of my office with calmness, fair ness, equity and candor, with such equal and exact justice towards all people of the Territory, irrespective of caste, color, sex or sects.” The motion to quash the indictment against Brigham Young and others for murder is still pending. We were sitting with Horace one after noon in that little sanctum of his adjoin ing the counting-room of the Tribune, when a colored gentleman was announc ed, “Let him come in,” roared the phil osopher, and an aged darkey clad in broadcloth, gold-rimmed spectacles, and a cane headed with the same precious metal, stalked in. “Mister Greeley, I believe!'” he inquired. “Tes, I’m Mister Greeley; what do you want?” was the gruff response. “Well, salt,” said old Ebony Specs, seating himself as he depos ited his hat and cane on the floor, “Well, sail, I’ve been thinkin’ that our race don’t pay enuft attention to scientific pursuits, sah.” We saw the cloud gather on the intellectual countenance of the great journalistic Bohemian, and in a voice of thunder he exclaimed, “Scientific pur suits you d—d old tool; you want a hoe-handle and patch ot New Jersey— that is the scientific pursuit you want. Get out!” [Washington Capital. Letter From Boston. Correapondence of the Journal. Boston, Dec. 4, 1871. THANKSGIVING, the dear, old-fashioned, delightful day, handed down from “yo ancient time” by universal custom, has come and gone. A little more windy, frosty and freezingly cold than the Thanksgivings of these later days are want to be, and more like unto those of the years agone, where sleigh rides, and skating parties were closely allied with turkey and plum pudding, and both wero synonymous of this merriest of festal days. The day preceding came in with a snowy, cloudy, windy morning, and departed in a clear and freezing even ing. As the mercury fell the prices of poultry rose, so that those who came late to buy found heavier demands upon their purses. But the additional four cents per pound seemed in no wise to discourage or dishearten the throngs of purchasers. The reigning thought appeared to be “Thanksgiving day comes only once tn a year”’ and with a recklessness worthy a better cause they launched forth the crisp notes and jingling coppers, that effected quick transfers of all the dainty delicacies and traditional belongings of a regular New England Thanksgiving dinner, from mar ket to kitchens. Many, with souls un doubtedly softened by the suggested flavors and appetizing aroma of cranberry tarts and celery, mince-pics and roasted goose, remembered that ”1110886(1 is he who eonsidereth the poor,” and realized their highest enjoyment of the day in providing an ample and delicious dinner for their less fortunate neighbors; so itis to be believed that very few. if any, with in the limits of this largo hearted city wero obliged to resort to the shift of the man who said “we thought wo would have a plain dinner to-day as always to eat roast turkey and plum pudding makes one sick." During many years it has iieen the cus tom in Boston for the Chief of Police to issuo a fowl proclamation several days preceding Thanksgiving, which always resulted in the accumulation, at the differ ent police stations, of a generous supply of poultry and other provisions, or the money with which to buy them. These have been dealt out by tho trusty guar dians of the peace with strict impartiality to the applying poor. But this year tho supplies and funds thus contributed were considerably smaller than heretofore, owing to the discovery, that in a majority of cases, the articles were not received by the really deserving and appreciative poor, they being in most instances, as the police officers themselves assert, too pround to submit themselves to the degrading ami humiliating investigations that always lues to accompany the gift. This is the pov erty that “walketb not in rags," but ever surrounds itself with decency and self-re spect—much more to be respected and oftener to be helped than the crouching, subservient, shame-faced poverty that i^> so frequently to be seen. It is pleasant to know that some new way is to bo devised by which worthy eases may lie properly attended to. The closing of schools, banks, newspaper offices, government de partments, and a general suspension of all kinds of business, together with a liberal amount of church-going, parties, balls, and theatrical amusements constituted the observances of the day. The inmates of the Slate Prison were regaled with their annual dinner of poultry and other good things, the different firms employing con vict labor furnishing a liberal supply of fruits. F.XECCT1V F. CI.F.M ENC'Y. Thanksgiving is annually marked in Massachusetts by the liberation of two State prisoners, if two are to be found de serving the Executive clemency. The two liberated last Thursday were David Aldrich, a lad of eighteen, and a man named James O’Brien. The latter has been in prison five, the former four years. This case of young Aldrich was a peculiar one, and has always elicited much sympa thy from those conversant with the facts, lie was employed by a man in Methuen, Mass., to work for him at a stipulated price; but upon settling, the man refused to pay the boy as much as agreed upon by two dollars a month. This roused yosng David, then only fourteen years old, to the highest pitch of anger and resent ment, and finding himself unable to ob tain justice he determined not to wait but to take vengeance into his own hands, and accordingly set tiro to the man’s barn, thinking with the unreasoning spirit of anger and boyhood that the man would appear and put it out before it had burned much, and that he would only lose a little and be a good deal frightened. But alas for his calculations, the tiro spread, con suming not only the barn but the house and other attached buildings, and the boy was immediately arrested, tried, convicted and sent to Stato Prison. His unhappy condition, youth and uniformly good con duct soon made Warden Haynes his firm friend, and it is mainly through his ex ertions that that this young Jack Cade is, after four years ot confinement, again at liberty, it is to be hoped “a wiser if a Badder boy." A CHANGE OF OFFICIALS at the State Prison is another of the much talked about events of the week. Warden Haynes, whose name has boeome almost world renowned, for his kind and humane policy toward convicts, and for his many improvements in prison discipline, is call ed upon by Governor Claflin, suddenly and without warning to resign. Like an honest man he demands to know the reason why, but is briefly told there is none, save that he has occupied the posi tion some fourteen years, and His Excel lency thinks the time has come to appoint another man. Ah was not that the “un kindest cut of all," to think that a man had served his State too long and too faithfully, and thereby served out his worth? Warden Haynes has, of course, promptly sent in his resignation, and ou Thanksgiving day took leave of the pris oners, Gen. Chamberlain, his successor, being duly installed upon the same day. The investigation, held at Mr. Haynes’ demand, has revealed nothing, except that he has raised the price of convict labor, and compelled contractors to pay $1.08 instead of sixty-five cents a day for their work. In short, it seems to be a clear case that the good hearted warden has had too much sympathy for Ginx’s baby, and was a stumbling block in the path of those who choose the “ways that are dark,” and therefore like many an other good man before him, he has been obliged to walk the plank. CIVIL SEKVICE It Eton 11 finds a bold and able advocate in Gen. Carl Schurz, whom Bostonians generally had an opportunity of seeing and hearing, for the first time at Music Hall, on Tues day evening of last week. There was a I deal of curiosity to hear this “man who dares,” and notwithstanding the numer ous attractions in the way of amusements and other lectures, Music Hall was tilled to its utmost capacity. The distinguish ed Senator is a plain, substantial looking man, of medium height, and light, sandy complexion, with a grave, scholarly as pect, utterly at variance with his military and political career. Ilis speech is quick, earnest, but quite distinct, with a slight German accent. In commencing his lec ture, he quoted the words of Abraham Lincoln, when gazing upon a crowd ol office seekers; “Look at this spectacle. We have conquered the rebellion, but there you see something which, in the course of time, may become far more dangerous to this country than the rebel lion itself.” The General then went on in his eloquent, earnest, and impressive manner, to expose the corruptions exist ing, and the temptations surrounding the present spoil system. Most men, he thought, went into oflice with a mortgage upon their conscience, or in other words, pledged to take care of the interest of some friend who had helped them. And taking care ot the interest of a friend meant giving them an office, or a gov ernment contract. American people could stain! the loss of money, but they cannot stand the fearful demoralization growing out from this political traffic. Every of fice holder knows that with a change of administration lie will certainly have to go, and therefore he makes hay whilst the sun shines, providing for the rainy day that is to come. All parties cried out for reform, but their reform simply meant change of plunderers. After very cleverly showing how the masses are robbed and taxed to support inefficient and dishonest men at the public expense, lie concluded with an earnest appeal to all patriotic citizens to put down the brakes, and stop this fiend of corruption stalking so boldv and unrebuked through all governmenta' departments. The hearty rounds of applause that frequently greeted the Senator showed how power fully the sympathies of bis auditors were touched, especially when tins vulnerable Ulysses was impaled upon the shatts of the speaker’s wit and sarcasm. Then, in deed, did all the outraged lovers of .Sum ner give vent to their satisfaction and it became very evident that Bostonians no longer thought silence commendable” but were decidedly in favor of a man with more “gifts of speech.” “WOE I NTO YOl r.AWYKR," Not simply because “j'C bind burdens upon men’s shoulders grievous to be borne,” but because the “silver tongued” Phillips, has taken you for a mark at which to hurl the glowing epithets that slip so easily from his eloquent lips. He wHl henceforth “use you for his mirth, yea for his laughter” and for other people’s, too. lie asserts that you are not “just lawyers” neither “wise judges.” He attacks you In your tenderest point, and says that the wit of the bar is wit that among gentlemen would lie considered infamous, and halt of it is nothing but gross abuse of witnesses.” He alleges that a portion of you are “aristocratic, selfish am', exclusive—that the Judges favor you mil forget the poor advocates; that clients take their cue therefrom, and the unfortunate limbs of the law have hard practice. He pursues you relentless ly through all the courts of justice, halls of legislation, jail systems and insane asylum abuses; and. in short, adminis ters about as seven1 and wholesome a drubbing as lias lately been the misfor tune of c.nv class ot men to take at is hands. VISIT OF THE (IRANI) DUKE. Thu visit of Alexis to Boston is fixed for this week Thursday. The programme to be fo'lowed during his stay is not as yet completed, but will include a grand ball at the Boston Theatre, a visit to the school-ship, navy-yard, the mills at Lowell, and other state and city departments, a banquet at the Revere House, where he is to stop, a concert at Music Hall Saturday afternoon by the school children, and a grand orchestral concert by Theodore Thomas’ celebrated band at the same place Sunday evening. Perch:. The N. Y. Sun publishes in full a cor rect copy ol the Umuia’s and (faucial S,•hunch's advertisement, which has been sown broadcast over England. The name of Schenck appears as one of the Direct ors, as well as one of the Trustees. Among the Americans connected with him are (fen. Henry II. Baxter, ex Presi dent of the N. Y. Central Railway; Tre nor William Park, Esq., President of the National Bank, North Bennington, Vermont; Hon. Wm. N. Stewart, U. S. Senator, Nevada; and Warren Hussey, Esq., President ot the National Bank, Utah, as resident manager. John Weeks, Esq., formerly postmaster of Bangor, who was on his way to visit his son at Quincy, 111., was set upon in a horse car in New York by halt a dozen roughs, knocked down, gagged, and rob bed of $7,000 in government bonds, 000 in City of Bangor bonds, and a note for some $1,000—in all about $14,000. Tho matter was placed in the hands of tiie New York police but nothing has yet been recovered. Mr. Weeks had some $300 in bills with him which the rascals did not get, and thus was able to proceed on his way. A Chichago girl wrote to her lover in Spriug liekl, Mass., just after the tire, saying: “Our wedding day Was set for last week, uud If you will stand up with a woman dressed in a cot ton shirt, and her father’s overcoat, come on.” The brave youth telegraphed in reply “Get ready, I will be with you." Little girl (inquiringly)—■Mamma, who are you making all these nice little clothes for? Mamma (feelingly)—I am making then for a poor (little babe, who hasn’t Fa rag. Little girl (sympathetically)—Mamma, was it-burned out in Chicago? Three carrier pigeons recently flew from schooner George W. Chase from points off Hatteras 500 miles, off Key West 1000 miles, and another point 1600 distant to Whippang, N J., each making the speed of 200 miles per hour. A somewat juvenile dandy said to a fair part ner at a ball: ‘‘Don’t you think. Miss, that my mustaches are becoming?’’ To which she re plied “Well, sir, they may be coming, but they have not yet arrived.” Horace Greeley confesses with melancholy emphasis, that ‘‘there is a general feeling that the Grant family is like a great forest—al together too large.” The Providence Herald says it is certainly a very Dents forest. A young woman in Philadelphia, who has been divorced twice, and is somewhat noted for her beauty of the brunette type, recently mar ried the third husband, a flaxen-headed strip ling of seventeen. \ll fears of the cholera from Russia seems to have subsided. Alexis only brought the Hoop enkoff with him. [N. Y. Post. A negro girl in Selma, Alabama, skips rope with a pailful of water on her head without spilling a drop. It Is a poor libel suit that can’t bring a man something. A Texas man who claimed #12, 000 got sixty eents. “Kate writes to say that many of the young men who ride in street cars and omnibuses are perfect savages.” She probably means that they belong to the Paw knee tribe. A New Alhaay bride “skedaddled” from the church when the groom was about to lead her to the altar, and vanished down the street. No cards. “How wonderful,” exclaims some unknown philosopher, “are the laws governing human existence I Were it not for tight lacing all civil- I ized countries would he overrun with women.” To the Senate and House of Jiipresrutnt la addressing my third annual message to tin law-making branch of the government, it i* gratifying to be able to state that during lIn past year success has generally attended tie efforts to execute all laws found upon the Mat ute books. The policy lias been not to cnijuin into the wisdom of the 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 prosperi ty to the nation. Tt has, howc ver, been alien 1 ed with more than usual hastisement in ihe loss of life and properly by storm and tire. These disasters have .-crv< d to call f th the best elements of human nature in our coun try and to develope a friendship t »r us on the part of foreign nations, which goes far towards alleviating the distresses occasioned by fie- i« ments. The benevolent w ho have so geiierous lv shared their means with the vi finis of the misfortunes will have their reward in lie- >n sciousuess of having performed a noble- act, and in receiving tie* grateful thanks of men, women and children whose sufferings they have relieved. Ol'R FOREIGN RFF.A’I ION'S—THE I RI-'AfY »F WASHINGTON The relations of the United State- with fort u powers continue to be friendly. The year in been an eventful one in witnessing two gp-at nations, speaking one language and has iug lineage, settling by peaceful arbitration disputes of long standing, liable at any time to bring those nations into bloody and hostile ronib.-r. An example has thus been set, which, if -i cessful in its final issue, maybe follow*-,! bv other civilized nations and be the means finally of returning lo productive industry million- .if men now maintained to settle the dispute nations by the bavonet and the broad-sword. I transmit herewith a copy of the treaty allud ed to, which lias been concluded din e the ad journment of Uongress with Her Britanm* Majesty ami a copy of the proto, ols of the -in ferences of tho commissioners !*v whom if wa negotiated. The Treaty provides methods for adjusting the questions pending between tin two nations. The various questions arc to b* adjusted by arbitration. I r* --unmend <'.in gress at an early day to make the m. provisions for the Tribunal at Geneva, ac the several -ovnmissions on the part c r»s. 1 ed States called for by the Trmtv lie M-.n ty the King of Italy, the President of the Swi Confederation, anu His Majesty tie- Ihnp.-n. Brazil, have consented, on the joint request --f the two powers, to name an arbitrator for bn Tribunal at Geneva. I have caused my thank* to be suitably expressed for the readine.-s \s ith which the joint request ha- been complied with by the appointment of gentlemen of eminence and learning to these important position-. Hi* Majesty the Kmporor of Germany ha- been pleased to comply with the request of the joint i commission of the two governments and has consented to act. as the arbitrator of the di-put ed water boundary between the United '■hafe und Great Britain. The contracting parties in the treaty !n\ undertaken to regard as between them-. certain principles of public i i\v f-n which tie v have contended from the commencement of their history They have also agreed t.» brim: these principles to the knowledge of the "th. r maratime powers, and to invite them to -i le to them. Negotiations an* going on a-to th form of the note by which the invitation i~ be extended to the other powers. TIIE FISHERIES. I recommend the legislation necessary on the part of Hu* United States to bring inf. operation the articles of the Treaty relating to the l' -h cries, and toother matters touching tic- r.-l tions of the United States toward tin* Briti-h North American po--.---ions, t.» hoi-om** op.. tive as soon as the proper legislation -lmuM he had on the part of Great Britain and i:* ;..k-cs I sions. It is much to bo dr-iivd tint, thi-l.*gis lation may become co-operative before tin* fi-ri ermen of the United Slates begin 10 m.-tk i!:, q t arrangements for the coming .--a•.•:*,. THE CANALS AND NOIU'HKUX lint \1>AKY. l have addressed a communicatnm, ah,. ;i copy in transmitted herewith. t<> tin nors of New York. Ponnsylv:m;-t. diuna. Michigan. Illinois and .ii-in. irgii upon tlx? governments of those States -1..*, tively, the necessary action on their part to carry into ell cot the objects of tin- nrti< Io of treaty which contemplates the use f the airi' on either side, connected with the --a\ the lake- and rivers forming the hound i terms <»f equity, by Die inhabitant- countries. It is hoped that the imporj.mc,- the object and the benefits to tl.»w t!,. r- ii will soeure the speedy approval and i. i sanction of the States concerned. I ivin w -i recommendation tor an appropriation f..r dct.-r niining the true position of the forty-ninth ,r allel of latitude, where it forms the boundary between the United States and th Bri sh North Am rican possessions, between th. I of the Woods and tie* summit of the R-> kv Mountains. The early action of ('.mgre-- .»n this recommendation would put it in th«- power of the War Department to place a i'.r-r in tli field during next summer. RELATIONS WITH FKVNc'I’ A\l> liKUMA.N V, The resumption of diplomatic r. ,ri<>n- b tween France and (b rinanv ha\- en -i a to give directions for .c withdraw i ’i.. protection extending to (b rmans in Fnno v the diplomatic and >n--o!r re|-i u>i\.-. ,,'j the United States in that eounirv. I: jo-: add that the d> lie .r. luty of this prot t been performed by tic Mini-ter md th i (General at Baris, and tic van-ms -mi-mI- in I France under the Supervision of the l itter. with great kindness a- w*dl as with pricier, and tact. This eour-e has iv-vhcl tic emu. merdatioti of the (leruiar governin' nt and ha 1 wounded no susceptibility ot the French. The government of the Umpire of rmanv j continues to manitcst a friendly icciine lowai-l the United >lal and a de-ire harmoniz with the moderate and just poli-w wlreh tin government maintains in ir- r- l itwith Asiatic powers, as well as with 11!i American Republic-. I have given as-nrai: that the frit ndlv feelings of that gov. mm 1 t fully shared by the United State-. CONVENTIONS WITH At- fit' 1! Ni.VKY ITAl.V. The ratifications of the 'oiisttl u an u Pur zation conventions with th A t-tr 1 11 .nan Empire have been exchanged. I r ficially informed of the annex uion ..f tic States of the Uhureii to the King-loin t U v and the removal of the apitai of that K ngd mi to Rome. In eontormity with tie■■ -m.im policy of the l nited t. That commission has since been orirani i. I t r n mit herewith the correspond* to its formation and its jurisdiction li is t.* in- hoped that this commission will afford the tim tuts t complete remedy for all their in in t i- It lias been made the agreeable duty ti, United States to preside over a nf* r at Washington between the l'Urni|*«•?. 1111ai Spain and the allied South American Kej ulc which has resulted in an armist with reasonable assurance of a permanent p- t KUSH IA—TUB <1KA.VI> 1*1 K1 The intimate friendly relations wh hi v* so long existed between the I Russia, continue undisturbed. the third son ot the Fmpciot i«» a p >,if iha; there is no desire on the part of his gov* i nne-rd ti» diminish the cordiality of those relation-. The hospitable reception which lias been gi\*-n to the ({rand Duke is a proof that on our si.i• we share the wishes of that government. THE RUSSIAN” MLN'ISTEK. The inexeusalile course of the Ru->;:ui Min ister at Washington rendered it m >s--.iry to ask his recall, an«l to decline to longer iv, eivc that functionary as a diplomatic repia senfah v, It. was impossible with self respect, or with a just regard to the dignity of the numtiy. t permit Mr. Cataeazy to continue to hold inter course with this government, after hi- personal abuse of government officials, and during bis persistent Interference through arious means with the relations between the Unite I >iat. and other powers. In accordance with ni\ wishes this (Jovernnieut ha- been relieved further intercourse with Mr. (’ataeazv. and ill management of the affairs ot the Imperial lega tion has passed into the hands of a gentleman entirely unobjectionable. JAPAN AND CHINA. With Japan we continue tojnuintaiu intimate relations. The Cabinet of the Mikado lias »iti the close of the last session of Congress, ^t-lt ed citizens of the United Stall's to serve in tices of importance in several departments that government. L have reason to think that this selection is due to an appreciation 'dth. disinterestedness of the policy whirh 11 d* l i ed Slates have pursued towards Japan. It is our desire to continue to maintain thi> disinterested, just police with China as well a> Japan. The correspondence transmitted here with, shows that there is no disposition on the part of this government to swerve from its es tablished course. TIIE AFFAIR IN COREA. Prompted by a desire to put an end to the barbarous treatment of our shipwrecked sea men on the (Jorean coast, I instructed our Min ister at Pekin to endeavor to conclude a comen tion with Corea for securing the safety and hu mane treatment of such mariners. Admiral Rodgers was instructed to accomyany him with a sufficient forco to protect him in case of need. A small surveying patty was sent out, and on reaching the coast was treacherously attacked at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity was given for an explanation, and apology for the insult; neither came. A force was then land ed, and after an arduous march over a rugged and difficult country, the forts from which the outrage had been committed, were reduced bv a gallant assault, and were destroyed. H iv ing thus punished the criminals, and having vindicated the honor of the Hag, the expedition returned, finding it impracticable under the circumstances to conclude the desired conven tion. I respectfully refer to the correspondence relatiug thereto, herewith submitted, and leave the subject for such action as (\mgress may see fit to take. MEXICO. The Republic of Mexico lias not yet repealed i In- very objectionable laws establishing what i- known as the “Free Zona,” on the frontier I tin- 1 nip d States, it is hoped that this may yet he done, and also that more stringotp measures may be taken by that Republic for i ■"training lawless persons on its frontiers. hope ihat M. \ico by its own action will soon relieve this government of the diJllctiltie* ex perienced from these causes. s,»' tU AMERICAN REPUBLICS. <>ur relation* with the various republics Central and Smith Am*--rn-.i continue with on* exception to he cordial and friendly. I rccom T,iend some action by Cm.giv.s -Warding the <>ver-due instalments under tie- award of tie Venezuela laims Commission of isc,»;. The in ternal dissensions of that countrs present no justification for the. absence of an effort nn t their solemn treaty obligations. The ratifieation of an extradition treaty ,\,H| Nicaragua has been exchanged. It -object for eongratulation that the great Umpire of Brazil has taken the initiatory step towards the abolition of slavery. >nr relations with tie Umpire, always cordial, will naturally i be made more -o t>y this act. it is not too mtirii j to hope that tie (iovcrinnent of Brazil may Iiereatter tind it for their interest, as well as in trinsieully right to advance towards entire emancipation more rapidly than the present a. t contemplates. The true prosperity and ^reatnesSjOf u nation is to be foiwid m the elevation and education u! i its laborers. WF.s'l INDUS SLAVERY. It is t subject of regret that the reform in this direction which were voluntarily promised j by the -talesmen of Spain has not been carried out in its West India colonies. The laws and regulations tor the apparent abolition of slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of the labor rs in bondage, with no hope of release until their lives become a burden to their employers I desire your attention to the fact that citiZen* <>f the Fnited “states, or persons claiming to P< j citizens of the United States, are large holder-. 1 in foreign lands, of this species of property forbidden by the fundamental law of their a. lege 1 country. 1 recommend to Congress t provide by stringent legislation, a suitab remedy against the holding, owning or dealing u slaves, or being interested in slave properl n foreign lands, either as owners, hirers ot mortgagees, by citizens d the United State* “UK J»IS1 RHA\. KS IN C'L’Iil, it is P. be regr -tfed that the disturbed eon 1 tion of \iic Island of ui>a continues to be source annoyance and of anxiety. Hie exis tence d a protracted struggle in such close proximity our own territory, without any app irr-ut pu spect of an early termination, can not be other than an object of concern to a peo pic who, while abstaining from interference in the affairs of other powers, naturally desiro to see very country in the undisturbed enjoyment of peace, liberty, and the blessings of free iuste tutieiis. our naval commander* in Cuban wa ters hav. been instructed, in case it should be come necessary, to «p uv no etfort to protect the lives and property of bona fide American eiti /ens. and to maintain the dignity of the flag. It is hoped that all pending questions with Spain growing out of affairs in Uuba may be A'l/iHted in the spirit of peace and conciliation wiiich In- hitherto guided the two powers in the treatment of such questions. I.i;«iA I ION'S VI CHINA VXD JAl'AN—PAMIKU MKAM I,INKS. I giv.- Importance and to add t-< the ertieiauey *>f our diplomatic, relations with Japan un t liin i, and to furthei aid n retaining the good opinion of Ui.s*' i oples, .in I to secure to »he lrnited Slates its •dim* of ..mmereo des tine.1 to tlovv heivvcn Hi.- nation* and tie balance of the commercial world, I earnestly l recommend that an apropriation be made b* support at !euui represen j tativ* s would not even then he placed upon an j e.juality with l.h-' representativ* s of Ure;*t But i ain and of some oilier powers. A*' now situate*! i our representatives in Japan and t -iip|)orting thAmerican lines i of steamers now plying between *Wn Francis md Japan vn*l Ti iei. m l the \>istraliau lines —almost our onlv remaining lines of ocean steamers md of increasing their services. rilK \ATI«»Nvr I»KBT. The National debt has been reduced to Mi ni. n: *f 7 liib.-o during Me year, and by tie- negotiation ol national bonds at a low. •-.ate f mt. rest, th interest on the public debt ia- o far diminished that now the sum l*> j rai'c! for the interest account >s nearly 617 i ooii.ooo than on the lliwt -*f March, 1S«»U. I w a highly d«-iia that this rapid diminution I should take ph. both t<* strengthen the credit j of i he country and to convince its citizens .*i i tli* ir n 11- abiiil” t-» nieei **v-rv dollar o( i'. I liability without bankrupting them; nut in view j of the accomplishment of these desirable ends. I >>f the rapid development of the resources *t in- eoni'.try. it> increasing ability to meet Large demands, and tin* amount already pai i it is not d*'sirab!.* that tli.* pres.-nt resources the country should <"ntinue to be taxed in oi I .ler to ••ontinti this ra;*i I payment. KV Ml I< C. l VKirr vNl> I AXvUoN'. I therefore i a modiUrntum both the lariil ait11 internal t.av law-. 1 reborn iiirii.l that all taves from Hr* intrrnitl service t« aholishod.cvcppt those collected from spirituous inoiH and malt liquors, In their various fom-, ami from stamp*. In readjusting Up* tarill. 1 suggest that a caiv till stimuli- he in ulf "i tin1 mount of surplus I revenih -'ll. l. d mi-!, r tii-' |*r«--**nt laws, uttn providing for tin cum ut evpens.n ot the m111c ml that m lt:N!S. T'c present law ho c.diei ling the revcuue i pay ilie-tors "f !istems .-mall sahiries.hu1 provide tor ime. fv >.h 11 in all seizures, whieh at the principal ports of enter practically nils, tlm i etM.rn vil on of this- otlhials to a large >um. It has always seemed to me as it th's system tntid at tiim*s work pernit ioti.slf. 1' i holds out an inducement to dishonest men -hoiild such g< t pos-cs^ion of t'n*sc oMl'es, i he lav in tiieir serutin> 0 good* entered, to enable them finally to make large vizur, Your attention is respeetfully invited to this I subject. I CRAIM tl> r.Kl'l liN Inspp. lM l'VYMI'MS riu- i mtimmd tin. uatioiis m th* alu gold as compared with tin* nation.,! urretlr} ?1 s a most damaging efle i on the :m-reuse an t i development if the •.uinfrt in k plug up th pries of all arti- s n -»r\ m cv.-rv day lit If foyers a spni gambling prehnIieiul tiliki lo u i:'-n* t's and the national lin an e,. 11 rite m ni ill be met as to IloW to gel a lilted •milue to nr euneiiev, thut value constantly and unihomlv approaching par with specie, a v, i v desirable object will be gained. 111r, vRsn l*'or tin* operations of the army in the pa y. ar. tin- expense of maintaining the e„tim*t* j tor the ensuing veal and for continuing j coast and other improvements conducted undei the supervision of the War department. I iclei you to the a mipanyitig report of the Seereturv of War. I •■all vour adontion »o th« provisions of the act of <'ongres.s approved March ad, IStjn, whieh discontinues promotions in the start corps of the Anns until pr-v led for bv law 1 recommend that the number ot otlleer* in each grade ,i tin* stall corps be lived, and th*' whenever the number in any one grade falls I b. low the number so lived, that the vacancy I may he tilled promotion from the grade be low. I ima recommend that wIimi the .oh e ,i child of a corps he* ones vacant, the place mav he tilled by selection from the corps in which the aeaii- v evists. 1 MK NAVY. The report of the Secretary tlie Navy show an improvement In the numb.a and efficiency f tie naval force, without material increase in 1 the expense of supporting it. This is hie i I the policy which has been adopted, and is I I ing extend as far a** our material will adruii j using smaller vessels as cruisers on the several I stations. By this means w* are cii.tMcd to cupy at "i e a larger oxt< nt of 'ruining groun 1 I i<» i-it more li- .juenllv the ports where the presence ot mu llag is de*irabl«. and generally to di-charge more efficiently tin* appropriate duties of the nav\ in time of peace, without e\ ceding the number of men or the expenditures authorized by law. During the past year the navy has, in addition to its regular service, supplied the men and ot tieefs for the vessels of the coast survey, which completed the surveys authorized by Googres* on tin Minimus of Darien and Tehuantepe* i and under like authority’ has sent out an ex pedition, completely furnished and e*pnppod t explore the unknown ocean of the north. Th suggestion of the report as to tin* necessity 1 increasing and improving the material of tie navy, and the plan recommended for reducing the personal*? of the sen ice to a peace standard, by the gradual abolition of certain grades ot officers, the reduction of others, and the em ployment ot some in the commercial marine, are'well considered, and deserve the thoughtful attention of (’ongres- 1 also recommend that all promotion in the nay above the rank of captain he by seleeiion, instead of by' seniority. Tin's course' will ore in the higher grades greater efficiency :u> i hold an incentive to young officers to improy. themselves in the knowledge r.f their profession. The present cost of main taming the navy, its cost compared with that of the proceeding year, and the estimates for the ensuing year are contained In the accompany ing report of the Secretary of the Navy POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. The enlarged receipts of the Post Office De psrtment, as shown bv the accompanying re port of the Post Master General, exhibit a grat ifving increase in that branch of the public ser vice. It is an index of the growth of education and of the prosperity of the people, tyvo ele j ments highly conducive to the vigor and stahll