of my associates.

I received many letters of congratulation on this event, one of
which, from Mr. Cox, I insert:

"United States Legation, }
"Constantinople, January 23, 1886.}
"Dear Mr. Senator:--I am reminded by my wife of a courtesy I have
neglected. It is that of congratulation upon your accession to
the post lately held by my friend (from Muskingum county) Thomas
A. Hendricks. You have associations with that valley also, and
they are connected with the best friend I ever had in Congress,
General Samuel R. Curtis, with whom I used to associate in my callow
congressional days.

"Besides, I never forget the kindness with which my father used to
regard C. R. Sherman, your father, for making him clerk of the
supreme court of Muskingum, in early days.

"Here I am, aloof from all old Muskingum memories, or rather,
scenes. As I look out of my balcony, on this spring day in midwinter,
I see the Golden Horn brimming full of ships and other evidences
of interchange; and far beyond it, 'clear as a fountain in July,
when we see each grain of gravel,' Mt. Olympus lifts a double crown
of snow.

"But I only meant to testify to you, from these remote nations,
the pardonable pride of an Ohioan, and a veteran Congressman--in
your elevation.

"When you write to the general, remember me to him kindly.

"Mrs. Cox desired to be kindly regarded to your wife and yourself.
She joins me in felicitations.

"With esteem, etc.,
"S. S. Cox.
"Hon. John Sherman."

President Cleveland's first annual message was delivered to the
Senate on the 8th of December. He stated that:

"The fact that our revenues are in excess of the actual needs of
an economical administration of the government justifies a reduction
in the amount exacted from the people in its support.

* * * * *

"The proposition with which we have to deal is the reduction of
the revenue received from the government, and indirectly paid by
the people from customs duties. The question of free trade is not
involved, nor is there now any occasion for the general discussion
of the wisdom or expediency of a protective system.

"Justice and fairness dictate that, in any modification of our
present laws relating to revenue, the industries and interests
which have been encouraged by such laws, and in which our citizens
have large investments, should not be ruthlessly injured or destroyed.
We should also deal with the subject in such manner as to protect