Newspaper Page Text
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mmi,m.
The Daily Herald.
GRANTS 0CT-GIVINC8.
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ATLANTA. »A i
'rnesdar Morning. X>ec. fi
THB PRrMOBOri
We give to the readers of the Hbuj> this
morning the full text of the Premdenfs mes-
■ege, telegraphed specially to ns.
We here not specs to comment upon it.
(Jen. Shermen, in commenting on the status
g (to Army, ia mortified to learn that there
For
Specie Payment
Banking.
and Free
duct* business. The harden falls opon them
in two ways, by the deprivation ot employ
ment, and by the decreased purchasing power
oi their salaries. It is the duty of Congress
to deviaa some mathod of correcting the evil* vfaabla to fxe'raAe the discretion conferred
wM* or. acknowledged to exist, and not tipon the Ekecutdee at the last session by ac-
miaa, bnt I will venfore to suggest two cr Meptiag the conditions required by the Gov-
i which seem to me as absolutely crnmeatof Turkey .Jlor the privilege of allow-
A Blast at the Feminine Pig-Tails.
Cuban Recognition Foreshadowed.
Increased Taxation and Diminished
Expenditure Demanded.
than there are soldier^.
more Postmasters in the United States j rp Hf , PkesIDENT STICKS TO HlS LOU
ISIANA and Arkansas Quirks.
The Full Text of the President’s
Message.
lantern. telegraph to the Atlanta Herald.]
Washington, J). C., Dec. 7, 1874.
To tbh Senate and House or Repbesesta-
THK U»UKY glEITlOH AOA1S.
Shall the usury laws be re-enacted ? Tins
ia evidently the queetion of great moment
with the people ot Georgia. The Herald
earnestly desires to see them re-enacted, be
cause, as Mr. James remarks, we believe their
fWtoration will greatly benefit the people.
■ Usury, in Mr general sense, means a com
pensation for money lent; bnt in commerce it
is imed in an odious sense to express an exor-!
fcttaDt or illegal compensation for the use of j
money in contra-distinction to the compensa
tion allowed by law which is sailed interest.
In almost every nation of modern times the
legislatures have regulated this subject
and prohibited under severe penalties all con
tracts by whioh any excess of interest over
the legal rate, is secured. These penalties
have varied in their severity and strictness
according to the temper of the people; some
merely forfeiting the interest, others forfeiting
not only interest bnt principal, and others go
ing still further and .making the sot itself a
misdemeanor punishable by fine and impris
onment. It is very 'cleer, however, that the
pgejadioe against nsnry is as old as the Bible,
and it is only in these modern days of false
progress and unbelief that.States have been
looad anxiona to improve upon the teachings
•■s experience of six thousand years by
"making money free."
Well, they have freed it and what has been
the result ? The rich have grown richer, and
the poor poorer; non-producera have been
multiplied, real estate depressed, prodigality
increased, and general[ruin followed nntil, in
almost every instance, the cry has come np,
organized end commenced its work, and it is
to be hoped that the claims admitted under
the provisions of the aot may be speedily as-
oertamed and paid. It has bien deemed ad-
GENERAL CONDITION Of THE COCNTRT.
Since the convenit g of Congress one yeer
ago, the nation has nndergone s prostration
in business and industries such as he a not
been witnessed with ns for m»Ly years;
speculation as to the causes tor this prostra
tion might be indulged in without profit, be
cause as many .theuries would be advanced
as there would be independent writers, those
w ho t xpressed ihtir owntviews with oat bor
rowing upon the subject, without indulging in
theories as to the cause of this prostration,
therefore I will call your attention to the fact
and to some plain questions as to which it
would seem there should be no disagreement
During this prostration, two essential elements
of prosperity nave been most abundant labor
and capital ; both bave;been largely unemploy
ed. where security has been nndonbted, cap
ital has been attainable at very moderate
rates. Where labor has been wanted it haa
been found in abundance at cheap rates, com
pared with that of necessaries and comforts
oi life and could be purchased with the wages
demanded. Two great elements of prosper-
ity therefore have not been denied ns, a third
might be added, onr soil and climate are un
equalled within the limits of any eootiguous
territory under one nationality, for its variety
of products to feed and clothe a people, and
in the amount of tbs surplus to stare, to ieed
less favored people's. Therefore with these
three things
neoeasary to a return to specie payment:
THE ITEST GREAT REQUISIE IN RETURN TO PROS
PERITY. -
The legal tender clause to the law author
ising the issue of currency by the federal gov
ernment ebonld be repealed to take effect, as
to all contracts, after a day fixed in repealing
the act, not to apply to the payments of sala
ries by the government or other exjianditares
now provided tor by law, to be paid in cur
rency, in the interval pending between the rt-
peal and final resumption provision shonld be
by whicn the Secretary of the Treasury
can obttin gold as it may become necessary
from time to time, from the date when specie
redemption commences. To this might and
should be added a revenue sufficiently in ex
cess of expenses to insnre an accumulation
of gold in the Treasury. I commend this
subjeet to your oarefnl consideration, believ
ing that a favorable ■ olntion attainable, and
that if Reached by this Congress that present
and future generations will ever gratrfnlly rt-
member it as their deliverer from a thrall
dom of evil and disgrace. With resumption,
free banking may be anthorized with safety,
giving full protection to bill-holderB which
they have under existing laws. Indeed, I
would regard free banking as essential. It
would give proper elasticity to the currency,
aa more currency should be required lor the
transaction of legitimate business. New
h«nka would be started, and in turn banks
would wind np their business when it was
lound that there was a superabundance ot
currency. The experience and judgment of
the people can best decide just how much cur
rency is required for the transaction of the
Dusiness of the country. It is unsafe to leave
the settlement of this question to Congress,
the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Execu
tive. Congress shonld make the regulation
under which banks may exist, but should not
make banking a monopoly by limiting the
amonnt of redeemable paper currency that
should be authorized. Such importance do
I attach to this subject, and so earnestly do 1
commend it to your attention, that I give it
prominence by introducing it in the beginning
of this message.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
During the past year nothing has occurred
to disturb the general friendly and cordial re
lations of the United States with other powers.
The oorrespoidence submitted herewith be
tween this government and its diplomatic
representatives, as also with the representa
tives of other countries, shows a satisfactory
condition of all questions between the United
States and the most of those countries, and
with few exceptions, to which reference is
hereafter made, the absence of any points of
difference to be adjusted.
ing citizens of the United States to bold real
estate in the former county, and by assenting
10 a certain change in the jnriadiatiou of the
oourts In the latter, a oopy of the proclama
tion npon the subject is herewith communi
cated.
There has been no material obange in our
relations with the Independent States of this
hemisphere whioh were formerly under the
dominion of Spain. Marauding on tbo fron
tiers, beiween Mexico and Texas, still fre
quently take place, despite the vigilance of
toe civil and military authorities in that quar
ter. The difficulty of checking such tres
passes along the coarse of s river of such
length as the Bio Grande and so often ford
able, is obvious. It is hoped that the efforts
of this government will be seconded by those
of Mexico to the effectual suppression of these
acts ot wrong.
From a report upon the oondition of the
business before the American and Mexican
Joint Claims Commission, made by the Agent
ou the part oflthe United 8tetss, and dated
October 28th, 1874, it appears that of the
1017 claims filed on the part of citizens of the
United States, 483 had been finally decided,
and 75 were in the bands of the umpire, leav
ing 462 to be disposed of; and of the 998 claims
filed against the United States, 726 had been
finally decided, one was before the umpire,
and 271 remained to be disposed of. Since
the date of the report other claims have been
disposed of, reducing somewhat the number
still pending, and others have been passed
upon by the arbitrators. It haa become ap
parent, in view of these figures andjof the fact
lhat the work involving on the umpire is par
ticularly laborious; that the Commission
would be unable to dispose of the entire num
her of claims pending prior to the first day
of Februrry, 1875, the date fixed for its expi
ration. Negotiations are pending looking to
the securing of the results of tbs decisions
which have been reached, and to a further
extension of the Commission for a limited
time, which it is confidently hoped will suf
fice to bring all the business now before it to
a final close.
REPORT or THE SEOEE1ART OF THE TREASURY
which, by law, is made directly to Cougress,
and ferrns no part of this message, will show
the receipts and expenditures of the govern
ment lor the last fiscal year. The amount re
ceived from each conrce of leveoue, and the
amount paid for each of the departments of
governnment. It will be observed from this
report that the amount ol receip'n over ex-
jienditnres has been bnt $2,844,882 30 for the
fisoal year ending June 30th, 1874; and that tember l*»t, at which the United States was
tor the onrrent fiscal year the estimated re- represented by an officer of the postoflice de
partment of much experience and qualifica
tions for the position. A convention for the
establishment of an International FosUtl
BOOTH AMERICA.
aa H is doing now m Georgia, l“Oive ns back facts in view it seems to me that wise stetos-
th. Uw for oovertv instead of canital has I mansbip at this session of Congress would
, ' , **? 5 I dictate legislation ignoring th“ past, directing
increased, and not one of the benefits which j - n p r0 j^ r channels, these great elements of
we expected has been realized." j prosperity to any people.
We have never heard a single argument in I debt.
favor cf free money, that was not fallacious
and superficial, or even rise beyond the digni
ty of the old illns! ration abont A's hiring B.
TREATIES.
them with oorreepondiug statistics of a year
•go, showing a growth m every branch of the
Department. A postal convention has been
concluded with new Sonth Wale*; an ex
change of postal cards eatiblished with
Switzerland, and tbs negotiations pending for
aevanl years past with France have teimi
sated in a Convention, whletqwent into effect
last August. An International Postal Congress
was convened in Berne, Switzerland, in Sep
tember last, at which the United States was
his horse. Now if A. lets his horse to B. for
a journey, forB’s pleasure or profit, no one
donbta the propriety of A’s asking and re
ceiving compensation for the hire of his horse.
Why then ihould not A be equally entitled
to compensation, if he lends money to B. for
the pleasure or profit of the latter. If the
oompenaation asked be a reasonable recom
pense only for the inconvenience which A. .a
put for his hazard of not receiving back the
thing lent, there is no difference in the princi
pie, whether the loan be of the horse or mon
ey. If it be exharhitant or illegal, the impro
priety and iiqnstioe equally apply in each case.
We believe we state the horse argument fairly,
and yet it ia a very absurd one when it comes
to be analyzed.
In the first place, a horse is property, while
money only represents property. In the fec-
ond place, the horse ia not barren like money,
beeanse if he ia not hired ont be can be at
Debt abroad is the only element that can,
wuhetwaya a sound cuireucy, enter into our
affairs to cause any continued depression
in the industries and prosperity of our peo
ple. A great conflict for national < xistenee
made it necessary ior temporary purposes.
The rasing of large sums of money from
whatever source attainable, is made necessary
in the wisdom of Congress, and I do not
doubt ttu ir wisdom in the premises, regard
ing the necessity of the times to devise a na
tional currency which it proved to be imposs
ible to keep on a par with the recognized cur
rency of the civilized world. This begot a
spirit ot speculation involving an extravagance
and lnxoty not ieqnired for the happiness or
prosperity of a people, and involving both,
directly and mdirec ly, foreign indebtedness,
the carrency being of a ffnetnating valne,
and therefore un ate to hold tor legitimate
transactions, requiring money to become a
subject of speculation in itself. Tnese two
causes, however, have involved as in a foreign
indebtedness contracted in good faith by bor
rower ar il lender, which soonld b-- paid in
coin and according to the bond agreed upon
when the debt was contracted, in gold or its
equivalent The good faith ot the govern
mi nt cannot be violated towards creditors
without a national disgrace. Par commerce
work for his owner atd thns increasing his I should la- encouraged; American ship build-
vaine. In the third place, the horse is not a p^cuTthe’’ soTa'nd
legal tender, bnt money is. The Government | manufacturers, to the end that »e may be
does not claim the right to make horses and able to pay these debts. Where a new mar-
say that a horse thirteen hands high shall be I ^et can be created for the sale ol onr pra-
■ . . . . , ducts, either of the soil, the mine, or the
valued at so much, and one sixteen han s j manufactory, a new means is discovered of
high at so much, but it does claim the exclu-, utihzin" our idle capital and labor to the ad-
aive right to make all the money in circula- 1 vantage of the whole people; bnt in my judg-
tion, and affix a'valne to it, and thereiore lb « ‘ irl ' tste P towards accomplishing ithis
’ otiect is to secure a currency ot fixed stable
■e right to regulate its | va j llf . a currency good wherever civilization
reigns; one which, it it becomes superabund
ant' with <lire people will find a market with
some other; a currency which has as Its basis
the labor necessary to produce it, which will
give to it its value. Gold and silver are now
the recogui/sd mediums of exchange the civ
ilized world over, and U) this we should re
turn with llie lea-t practicable delay, in view
of the pledges of the American Congress
should have the
prise. If B does labor for A, A cannot make
him take his horse in payment, but be can
make him take greenbacks. And lastly, A
cannot ruin 2 by hiring him iiis horse, be
cause B ean pat the horse to work end make
him earn his hire, but be can ruin him by
loaning him a hundred dollars at a usurious
interest—soch interest as the people of Geor- wh6B OBI present legal tender system was
gia ha vs been forced to pay for money since adopted and the d bt contracted. There
the repeal of the usury law. A single ban
dred dollars loaned at rates much less than
are daily charged for money in Atlanta will,
should be no delay, certainly no nnneoessary
delay, iu fixing by legislation, a method by
which we will letmn to specie. To the ac-
compliehment of this end l invite jour spe-
in lees than forty years, pay the United States | ciai attention. 1 believe firmly that there can
debt. Few people know this, and thereiore ; he no prosperous and permanent revival of
business and Industries until a policy is
they shonld be proteeted, just as minors are
protected.
We are in favor oi the restoration of the
nsnry laws, beeanse we believe that free money
increase! the cumber of coney lenders, and
therefore of the non-producers. Why do we
make laws against gamblers ? Why not let
adopted by legudation to carry it ont—look
ing to a return to a specie basis.
It 13 easy to conceive that debtor and specu
lative clu sen. may think it of valne to them to
make so-called money abundant till they can
throw a portion of their hardens npon others,
hot even these. I believe, would be disappoint
ed in the result if a course should be panned
which will keep in doubt the value of the le-
them pursue their avocations in peace ? As a j g a ; Lender notes aa a medium of exchange.
Clara, they are quiet and gtctlecianly and an- A revival of productive industry is needed by
obtrusive, and certainly more generous and j all classes, but by none more than the hold-
lenders. l-hanesor, i of I iro l'« rt y> of whatever sort, with debts
to liquidate from a realization on its sale.
is plain, because they add nothing to the pro
ductive power of the country, and every cent
that they increase their wealth is just so much
taken from the labor of the country, to be
spent in prodigal living.
We believe with Aristotle that money is
barren, end cannot have increase except by
being need to bnild np legitimate business en
But, admitting that th. se two classes of citi
zens are to be benefit'ed by expansion, would
it be honest to give it ? Would not the gener
al loss be too great to justify suoh relief ?
Would it not be just aa honest and prudent to
authorize each debtor to issue his own legal
tender to the extent of bis liabilities than to
do this ? Would it not be safer, for fear of
over-issues by unscrupulous creditors, to say
that all debt obligations are obliterated in the
ttrpvieee. Doeeanyone doubt that, should t Unit-d States, and now we commence anew
all the money which is now being loaned in ! possessing all he has at the time free
Atlanta at three per cent per month, to the
rain of those who borrow it, be forced to lie
idle or he loaned at six per cent, that facto
rial would spring up and afford employment
Wo thousand* who are now idle. Go then to a
eapitalist, and demonstrate that he could
make 30 per oent on his money by building a
cotton factory, and be would jump at the op
portunity. He weald not answer you as he
does now. “What do I want with a factory
that will pay 20 per cent. I can make
from encumbrance ? These propositions are
1 too absurd bo be entertained lor a mo
ment by thinking or honest people, yet every
delay in the preparation for final resumption
partakes of this disbOLesty, and ie only less
in degree as the hope ia held out that a con
venient season will at last arrive for the good
work of redeeming onr pledge* to commence.
It will never come, in my opinion, except
by positive action by Congress or by national
disasters, which will destroy, for a time at
least, the credit of individual and the State
at large.
A aonnd currency might be reached by total
an a.- I—_a_. „„ „ I bankruptcy and discredit of the integrity of
40 by loaning it on the .treat, »nd ^ nation and of individnak. 1 behave it is
•oold loan a million more if I Lad it.’ The m tbe power of Congret*H at thin Ken^ion to
matter is so plain that it is needless to descend • devise mch legislation as will renew confi-
to personal argument. But who are the men llenct *' rcv,vo al1 ,* he 'o<lo"tries, start ns on
1 a career ot prosperity to last for many years,
and to save tbe credit of the nation and ot the
wiao are oppoted to nsnry laws ? They are
bankers and money-lenders. You will not
find them among the farmers, or mechanics
or struggling business meo. Mr. James don't
hesitate to assert that, although as a banker
be should prefer to see free money, yet he
feel* certain that the people would be bene-
ttted by the re-enactment ol a usury law.
The more we reflect on this subject the more
enthaaiaatie we become in our advocacy of a
stringent law, and we hope to see onr able
repress*tative, Colonel Hoge. who we learn
agrees with aa in opinion, introduce a law
vrhiah will fix the ratio at 6 per cent., and
affix a forfeiture of principal and interest for
its violation.
LIGHTNING BPBAY.
Providence, Dec. 7.—Bev. Dr. David Ben
edict, widely known as the author of some
works on Baptist history, died at Pawtucket
yesterday evening, aged 96 yearn. He was
the oldest wan ot the corporation of
Brown Univanity.
• • Ajjant, December 7.—The court of appeal*
reversed the decision of the oourt below in jhe
particulars of the Tanimon suit.
people, bteps toward a return to specie ba
sic are the great requisites to this devontiy to
be soogbt for end. There are others whioh I
may touch on herealter. A nation dealing in
a currency below that of specie in valne la
bors nnder two great disadvantages
1. Having no nse for the world's acknowl-
c dged medium cf exchange, gold and silver.
These are driven out of the country because
there is no demand for their U36.
2d. The medinm of exchange in use being
of s fluctuating value, for alter ell, it is only
worth just what it will bring ot gold and nil
v.r metals, having an intrinsic value just in
proportion to the honest labor it takes to pro
duce them, a larger margin must be allowed for
profit by the mannfactnrer end producer. It
is montus from tbe date of production to tbe
data of realizaton. Interest upon capital
must be charged, and risk of fluctuation ia
value of that which ie to be received in pay
ment, hence high prioes, soring as a protec
tion to foreign prodnoers, who receives noth
ing in excbsnge for bis products rxoept a
currency good at a stable value tbe world
over. It veema to me that nothing i* clearer
than that tbe greater part of the burdea ot
the existing prostration for the want cf a
sound financial system, falls on the working
man who, after all, prodnoea tbe wealth, and
the salaried man, who superinuods and oon-
IXhe notice directod by the resolution ofl
Congress of June 17th, 1874, to be given^to
terminate the convention of July 17th, 1858,
between the United 8tates and Belgium, has
been given, and the treaty will accordingly
terminate on the 17th ol July, 1875. This
convention secured to certain Belgian vessels
entering ports of the United States exception
al privileges, which are not accorded to our
own vessels. Other leatnres of the convention
have proved satisfactory, and have tended to
the cultivation ot mutually beneficial commer
cial intercourse and friendly relations between
the two countries. I hope that the negotia
tions which have been invited will result in
the celebration of another treaty, which may
tend to the interests of both countries
Onr relations with China continue to be
[friendly. During the past year the fear of
hostilities between China and Japan, growing
ont of the landing of an armed lorce npon the
Island of Formosa by the latter, has occa-l
sionsd nneasineos. It is earnestly hoped,!
however, lhat the difficulties arising from tire
cause will be adjusted, and that the advance
of civilization in these countries may not be
retarded by a state of war. In consequence
of the part taken by certain citizens of the
United States in this expedition, our repre
sentatives in these countries have been in
structed to impress npon the Governments of
China and Japan the firm intention of this
country to maintain strict neutrality in the
event of hostilities, and to carefully prevent
any infraction of law on the part of our citi
zens. 1
In connection with this subject, I call the
attention of Congress to the generally con
ceded fact that the large proportion of Chi
nese immigrants who come to our shores, do
not come voluntarily to make their home
with us and their labor productive of general
prosperity, bet come under contracts with
head-men, who own them almost absolutely.
In a worse form does this apply to Chinese
women. Hardly a perceptible percentage of
them perform any honorable labor, but they
are brought for Bhameful purposes, to the
disgrace of the communities where they set
tle, and to the great demoralization of the
youth of those localities. If this evil practice
can be legislated against, it will be my pleas
ure as well as duty to enforce any regulation
to secure so desirable an end. It is to be
hoped that negotiations between the Govern
ment ot Japan and the treaty powers, looking
to the further opening oi the Empire and to
the removal of various restrictions npon trade
and travel, may soon produce the results de
sired, which cannot fail to inure to tha bene
fit of all the parties.
Having ou previous occasions submitted to
the consideration of Congress the propriety
of the release of the Japanese Government
from the further payment of the indemnity
nnder the convention of October 22nd, 1664,1
and as no action bad b<in taken thereon, it
became my duty ti regard the obligations oil
the convention as in force, and as tbs othar
powers interested had received their portionl
of the indemnity in fall, the Minister of the
United States in Japan, on behalf of this
Government, received the remainder oi the
amount due the United States nnder the con
vention. I submit tbe propriety of applying
the income of a part, if not of the whole, of
this fund to the education in the Japanese
language of a number of yonug men, to be
under obligations to serve the Government
tor a specified time, as interpreters at the le-
gaUons and consulates in Japan. A limited
number of Japanese youths might at the same
time be educated in our own vi-rnacnlar, and
mutual benefits would result to both Govern
ments. The importance of having our own
citizens competent and tumiliar with the lan
guage of Japan, to act as interpreters and iu
other capacities connected with the legations
and consulates in that country, cannot readily
be overestimated.
Tbe amount awarded to tbs government cf
Great Britain, by mixed commission, organ
ized nnder the provision of the treaty of
Washington, in set lament ol tbe claims of
British subjects, arisiog f orn ac's committed
between April 13, 1861, and April 9, 1866, be
come payable under the terms of the lieatv
within the past year, and was paid upon the
2lei day of Sept., 1874. In this connection 1
renew my recommendation made at the open
ing of the last session of Congress, that a spe
cial court be created to hear and determine
all claims of aliens against tbe United States,
arising from aots committed against their per
son and property during tho insurrection. It
appears equitable that opportunity shonld
be offered to citizens of other States, to pre
sent their claims, as well as to those British
subjects, whose claims were not admissible
under the late commission to the early deci
sion of Boma competent tribunal; to this end
I recommend the necessary legislation to or
ganize a conit to dispose of all cluirns of aliens
of the nature referred to, in an equitable and
satisfactory manner, and to relieve Congress
and the departments from the consideration
of the questions. Tbe legislation necessary
to extend to the colony of Newloundland cer-
tain articles of the treaty ot Washington of
tbe 8th day of May, 1871, having then had a
protocol to that effect, was signed in behalf
of the United State* and ot Great Britain, on
tbe 28th of May last, and was duly proclaim
ed on the following day. A copy of tho proc
lamation is aubmitted herewith. A copy of
the report of the commissioner appointed un
der the eot of March 19,1»72, for surveying
and marking tbe boundary between the Uni
ted States, and tbe Brilish possessions from
the Lake of tbe Woods to the summit of the
Boeky Mountains ia herewith transmitted
The strife in the Argentine Bepublic is to
be deplored, both on account of tbe parties
thereto, and the probable effects on the inter
ests of those engaged in lhat quarter, of
whom the United States are among the prin
ciple. As yet, eo fsr as I am advised, there
has been no violence of our neutrality rights,
rights which, as well as our duties in that re
spect, it shall be my endeavor to maintain and
observe.
It is with regret I announce that no far
ther payment haa been received from the gov
ernment of Yenezuelta ou account of awards
in lavor ot citizens of the United Sta'ea.
Hopes have been entertained that if that Re
public could escape both foreign and civil
war for a few years, its great natural resources
would enable it to honor its obligations.
Though it is now nnderstood to be at peace
with other conntnes, a serious insurrection is
reported to be in progress in an important re
gion of that Republic. This may be taken
advantage of as another reason to delay the
payment of the dues of our citizens,
cun a.
oeipts over expenditure* will not much exceed
nine millions of dollars. In view of the
large National Department existing, and the
obligation to add one per cent, per annum to
tbe smkiDg fund, a sum now amounting to
over $34,000,000 per,annnm,I submit whether
revenues should not be increased er expendi
tures dim naked, to reach this amonnt of
snrplns. Not to provide for the sinking fund
is a partial failure to comply with the cou-
IrsL-tB and obligaiions of tbe government. At
the last session ot Congress a very considera
ble reduction was made in the tales of taxa-
ion. and in the uninber of articles submitted
to taxation the question may be asked whether
or not, in some iostances, unadvisedly.
In connection with this subject, too, I ven
ture the.opinion that means of collecting the
revenue, especially from imports, Lave been
so embarrassed by legislation as to make it
questionable whether or not large amounts are
not lost by failures to collect, to the direct
loss of the Treasury, and to the prejudice of
of tbe interests of honest importers and tax
payers. The Secretary of the Treasury, ia his
report, favors legislation looking to an early
return to specie payments, thns supporting
views previously expressed in this message.
He also recommendB economy in appropria
tions, calls atlenticn to the loss of revenue
from repealing the tax on tea and coffee with
out benefit to the oonsnmer, recommendB an
increase cf ten cents a gallon on whisky, and
inrtber that no modification be made in the
banking and enrrency bill passed at the last
session of Congress, unless tbe modification
should become necessary by reason of the
adoption of measures for returning to Bpecie
payments.
In these recommendations I cordially join.
I would suggoBt to Congress the propriety of
re-adjnsting the tariff so as to increase the
revenue and at the same time decrease the
camber of articles {upon which . duties are
levied. Those articles which enter into our
manufactures ^and are not produced at home
it seems to me should be entered free, and
those articles of manufactures .which we pro
duce a constituent part of bnt do not produce
the whole, that part which we do not produce
shonld enter free. Also, I will instance fine
wool, dyes, etc. These articles must be im
ported to form a part of the manufacture ot
the higher grades of woolen goods. Chemicals
nsed as dyes, compounded in medicines, and
used in various ways in manufactures, come
under this class. The introduction, free of
duty, of such wools as we do not produce
would stimulate the manufacturer of goods
requiring the use of those we do produce and
therefore woald be a benefit to home produc
tions. There are many articles entering into
home manufactures which we do not produce
ourselves the tariff npon which increases the
cost of producing the manufactured article.
All corrections in this regard are in tbe direc
tion ot bringing lab r and captal in harmony
with each other, and of supplying the ele
ments of prosperity so much needed.
I
cm happy to announce that the field work ol
the commission has been completed, and tbe
entire line from the Northeast corner of the
Lake ef the Woods to the summit of tho Rocky
Mono tain* haa been ran and marked upon the
snrfcoe of tho earth. It ia believed that the
amonnt remaining unexpended of the appro
priation made at tbe last session of Congress,
will be sufficient to complete the office work;
1 recommend that tbe authority of Congress
be given to the tree of the unexpended balance
of the appropriation in the completion of tbe
work of the oommiasion in making its report,
and preparing tbo necessary maps.
The eoort known aa the Coart of OommU-
doners ot tbo Alabama Claim*, waa orented by
aa aot of Congress of tbe late morion, haa
The deplorable strife in Cuba continues
without any marked change in the relative
advantages ot the contending forcos. The in
surrection continues, but Spain has gained no
superiority. Six years of strife give to the
insurrection a significance which cannot be
denied. Its duration, and tbe tenacity of its
aduereots, together wi.b the absence of mani
fested power of suppression on the part ot
Spain, cannot be controverted, and may make
some positive steps, on the part of other Pow
ers, n matttr of self-necessity. I had confi
dently hoped, at this time, to be able to an
nounce the arrangement of some of the im
portant questions between this Government
and that ot Spain, but the negotiations have
been protracted. The unhappy intestine dis
sensions of Spain command onr profound sym
pathy. and must be accepted as, perhaps, a
cause of some delay. An early settlement, in
part, at least, of the questions between the
two Governments, is hoped tor. In the mean
time, awaiting the result of immediately pend
ing negotiations, I defer a further and fuller
communication on the snbject of the relations
of th’S country and Spain.
EXPATRIATION.
1 have again to call the attention of Con
gress to the nnsatis'actory conoition of the ex
isting laws with reference to expatriation and
election of nationality. Forme ly, amid con
flicting opinions and decisions, it was diffi
cult to exactly determine how far the doctrine
of perpetual allegiance was applicable to citi
izens of the United States. Congress, by the
act of the 25th of July, 1868, asserted the ab
stract right ot expataiation as a tnndameotal
principal of this government. Notwithstand
ing such assertion, and the necessity of fre
quent application of tbe principle, no legisla
tion has been had defining what acts or for
malities shall work expatriation, or when a
citizen shall be deemed to have renounced or
to have lost iiis citizenship. Tbe importance
oi such definition is obvious. The represen
tatives of the United Sfates in foreign conn-
tries are continually called in to lend
their aid and the protection of the
United States to persons, concerning the
good faith or the reality ot whose citizenship
there is at least great question. In some
cases the provisions of the treaties famish
som» guide; in others it seems left to the per
son claiming the benefit* of citizenship while
living in a foreign country, contributing in no
manner to the performance of the duties of
a citizen of the United States, and with the
intention at any time to return and under
take those duties to nse the claims of citizen-
hip of the United States, simply as a shield
from the performance of the obligations of a
citizen elsewhere. The sta'us of children
born of American parents residing in a for
e'gn country; of American woman who have
married aliens; of American citizens residing
abroad; where such question is not regula
ted by treaty, are all sources of frequent dif
ficulty, and the discussion by Congress on
these and similar questions, and particularly
defining when and nnder what circumstances
expatriation can be accomplished or is to be
presumed, is especially needed.
VRAt OOLENT NATURALIZATION.
In this connection I earnestly call the at
tention of Congress to the difficulties arising
from fraudulent naturalization. The United
.States wisely, freely and liberally offers its
citizenship to all who may .oorne in good
faith to reside within its limits, on their com
plying with certain .peculiar reasonable and
simple formalities and conditions, among the
highest duties ot the government is that to af
ford firm, efficient and equal protection to all
its citizens, whether native bora or natural
ized, care should be taken that a right carry
ing with it snoh support from tbe government
should not be fraudulently obtained, and
should be bestowed only npon fall proff of a
compliance with the law, and ;yet frequent
instances ere brought to tbe attention of the
government of illegal and fraudulent natural
ization and of the unauthorized nse of certifi
cates thus improperly obtained. In some
cases the frandnlent character of the natural
ization has appe led upon the face of tbe
certificate itaell, in others examination dis
closes that tbe holder had not complied with
the law, and in others certificates have been
obtained where the person* holding them not
only were not entitled to be natunlized, bnt
had not even been within tbe United States,
at tho time of the pretended naturalization.
Instances of each of these classes of trend are
discovered at our ligations; where the certi
ficates of naturalization are presented cither
for the purpose of obtaining passports or in
demanding the protection of the legation,
when the fraud is apparent on tbe face of
such certificates, they are taken up by tbe rep
resentatives of the government and Lrward-
to the Department ot State. Bnt even then
the record of tbe court iu which the fraudu
lent naturalization occurred remains, and du
plicator certificates are readily obtained
npon the presentation of these for tbe issue of
passports, or in demanding protection of the
government, the fraud sometimes escapes no
tice and such certificates are not nufrcqnently
n -ed in transactions of business to the decep-
tion>nd injury of innocent parties. Without
placing any additional obstacles in the way
oi the obtainment of citizenship by the
worthy and well intentioned foreigner, who
comes in good faith to cast his lot with outs
I earnestly recommend further legtotation to
punish fraudulent naturalization ami to seenre
tbe ready cancellation of the reoord ol every
naturalization made in fraud.
EXTRADITION.
Since my last annual message the exchange
has been made of the ratification of treaties
of extradiiion with Belgium, Ecuador, Fern
and Salvador; also, of a treaty of commerce
and realization wilfc Pern. »»d one of com
merce and oonsular privileges with Salvador,
all of whioh have been duly proclaimed, aa
baa also a deeiaration with Snieia with refar-
euce to trade marks.
REPORT OF THE SECRET ART OF WAR.
The report of the Secretary of War, here
with attached and forming a part of this mes
sage, gives all the information concerning the
operations, wants and necessities of the army,
and contains many suggestions and recom
mendations which I commend to your special
consideration. There is no class of govern
ment employees who are harder worked than
the army—officers and men ; none who per
form their tasks more cheerfully and efficient
ly, and nnder circumstances of greater priva
tions and hardships. Legi lotion is desirable
to render more efficient this branch of the
public service. All the recommendations of
the Secretary of War I regard as judicious,
and I especially commend to yon the follow
ing; the consolidation of government arsenals;
the restoration of mileage to officers traveling
on orders; the exemption of money received
from the sale of subsistence stores irom being
converted to the treasury; the nse of appro
priations lor the purchase cf subsistence stores
without waiting for the beginning of tbe fiscal
year for which the same is made; for addi
tional appropriations for the collection of tor
pedo material; for increased appropriation lor
the manufacture of arms; for relieving the
various States from indebtedness for arms
charged to them duritig the rebellion; for tbe
dismission of officers from the rolls ot the
army without # rial lor the offense of drawing
pay more than onoe for the same period; for
the discouragement of the plan to pay soldiers
by ouecks; and for the establishment of b
Professorship of Rhetoric and English litera
ture at West Point. The reasons for these re
commendations are obvions, and are set forth
sufficiently in the report attached. I abo
recommend that the status of the staff corps
of the army be fixed, where this has not al
ready been done, so that promotions may be
made, and vacancies filled as they occur in
each grade, when reduced below the number
to be fixed by law. The necessity for such
legislation is especially felt now in the pay
department. The number of officers in that
department is inadequate to the periormance
of the duties required of them by law.
tub navi]
The efficiency of the Navyhas been largely
increased during the last year under tbe im
pulse of ioreign complications whioh threat
ened us at the commencement of the last ses
sion of Congress. Most of onr wooden ships
were pat in condition for immediate service,
and the repairs of onr iron-clad fleet were
pushed with the utmost vigor. The result is
that mobt of these now are in an effeotive
state, and ne*d only to be manned end pat
in commission to go at once into service.
Some of ihe new ships authorized by Congress
are already in commission, and moat of the
remainder are launched, and wait only tbe
completion of their machinery, to enable them
to take their places aa part of onr effective
foroe. l wo iron torpedo ships have been
completed during the last year, and fonr of
onr large doubled turretted iron-olads are now
undergoing repairs. When these are finished
everything that is useful of onr navy, as now
anthorized, will be in oondition for snrvioe,
and with the advanoe in the science ot torpe
do warfare, tbe American navy comparatively
small as it is, will be found at any time pow
erful for the purposes ot a pea octal nation.
Union was agreed on, and signed by ten del
egates of the countries regresented, subject to
the approval of the proper authorities of those
countries.
I respectfully direct your attention to the
report of the Postmester-General, sud to bis
suggestions in regard to an equitable adjust
ment ot the queetiou ot compensation to rail
roads for carrying tbe mails.
LOUISIANA.
Your attention will be drevrn to the unset
tled condition of affairs in some of the
Southern States. On the 14th ef September
last, the Governor of Louisiana called on me
as provided by tbe constitution and laws of the
United States, to aid in suppressing domestic
violence in that State. This call was made
in view of a proclamation issued on that day
by D B. Fenn, claiming that he waa elected
Lieut. Governor in 1872, and calling upon
the militia of the State to arm and assemble,
and drive from power the usurpers, as he des
ignated the officer* of the State government.
On th* next day I issued my proclamation
commanding the insurgents to disperse in
five days from the date therefrom, and subse
quently learned that on that dty they had
taken possession of the State. Steps were
taken by me to support the existing and re
cognized State government, bat before the ex
piretion of the five days the insurrectionary
movement was praotically abandoned
and the officers of the State government, with
some minor exceptions, resumed their powers
and duties. Considering that the present
administration of Louisiana has been the
only government in that State tor nearly two
years; that it haa been tacitly acknowledged
and acqnieeoed in as snob by Congress, and
more than once expressly reoogniZ’d by me, I
regarded it aa my dear duty, -when legally
called on for that purpose, to prevent its
overthrow by »n armed mob nnder'pretence
of frand and irregularity in the election of
1872. I have heretofore called the attention
ot Congress to this snbject, stating on account
ot frauds and forgeries committed at said
election, and because it seems that the returns
thereof were never legally canvassed, it was
impossible to tell thereby who were chosen,
Bnt from the best sources of information at
my command, I have always believed the
present State officers received a majority of
tbo legal votes actnally cast at that election. 1
repeat what I slid in my special message of
February 23d, 1873, that in the event ot no
action by Congress,I must continue to recog
nize the government heretofore recognized by
me. 1 regiel to say that with the prepara
lions for the late election, decided indications
appeared in some localities in the Southern
States, of a determination, by acts of violence
and intimidation, to deprive citizens of the
freedom of the ballot because of their politi
cal opinions. Bands of men masked and
armed made their appearance; white leagues
and other societies weie formed ; quantities of
arms and ammunition were imported and dis
tributed to these organizations; military drills
with menacing demonstrations were held, and
with all of these murders enough were com
mitted to spread terror among those whose
action was to be suppressed, it possible, by
these criminal proceedings.
In some places colored citizens have been
compelled to vote accordmg to the wishes of
employers, under threats of discharge if they
acted otherwise, and there are too many in
stances in which, where these threats were
disregarded, they were remorselessly executed
bv those who made them. I understand the
15 th Amendment to the Constitution was
made to prevent this and like state of things,
and the act of May 30th, 1870, with amend
ments, was passed to enforce its provisions,
the object of both being to guarantee to all
citizens the right to vote,and protection in the
free enjoyment of that right. Enjoined by
tbe Constitution to ** take care that the laws
be faithfully executed,'' and being convinced
fiod or deuiod by those who could have pro
vented it. The theory is ivtn raised that
there ia to be no farther interlereoce on the
part of the general government to protect citi
zens within a State where State authorities
fail to give protection. This is a greet mis
take. While I remain executive all tbe lawstf
Congress and the provision* of the Constitu
tion including the recent amendments add'd
thereto, will be enforced with rig.,r, t-nt with
regret, that they ehould have have added one
jot of title to executive do lit* or powers; let
there be fairness in tbe disenseion of Southern
question*, the advocates of both or all politi
cal parties giving honest truthful report* of
occurrences, condtmniLg tbe wrong
and upholding the right and
soon all will be well. Under
existing conditions th* negro votes tbe Re
publican ticket, because he knows hia fru-nda
are of that party. Many a good citizen votes
the opposite not because fie agrees with the
great principles of State which separate par
ties, bnt because generally he is opposed to
negro rale. This is a most delusive cry.
Trust the negro as a citizen and a voter, as he
is, and must remain, and soon parties will be
divided, not on color-line, bat on principle.
Then we shall have no complaint ot sectional
interference. Tbe report of the Attorney-
General contains valuable recommendations,
relating to tbe admiaistration of justice iu
courts of the United States, to which 1 invite
vour attention.
MORE JUDICIAL DISTRICTS.
I respectfully suggest to Congress the pro
priety ot increasing the number of judicial
districts in the United Stal s to 11, the pres
ent number being nine, and tbe creation of
two additional jndgeehips. The territory to
be traversed by the circuit judges is so great,
and tbe business of tbe courts so steadily in
creasing that it i* growing more and more im
possible for them to keep np with tbe busi
ness requiring their attention. Whether this
would involve the necessity of adding two
more Justices of the bnpreme Court to the
present nnmber, 1 submit to the judgment ol
[Congress.
REPORT or THE SECRETART OF TBE INTERIOR.
The attention of Congress is invited to the
Report of the Becretary of the Interior, and
to the legislation asked for by him. The do
mestic interests of the people are more inti
mately connected with this department than
with snv of the other departments of the Gov
ernment. Its duties have been added to from
time to time, till they became so onerous, that,
wtihout tbe most perfect system and order, it
will be impossible tor any Secretary of the In
terior to keep trace of all official transactions
having 'iis sanction ard done in his name,
and for which he is personally responsible.
THE INDIANS.
The policy adopted for tbe management of
[Indian affairs, known as Peace Policy, has
been added to with the most beneficial re
sults. It is confidently hoped a lew year*
more will r here our frontier from all danger
ot Indian depredations. I commend tbe re
commendation ot the Secretary for tbe exten
sion of the homestead laws to Indians, and
for some sort of territorial government tor the
Indian Territory. A great majority of In
dians occupying this territory are believed yet
to be incapable of maintaining their rights
against more cultivated white men. Any ter
ritorial form of government given them, there
fore, should pro ect them in their homes and
property, for a period ot at least twenty jeers,
and before its final adoption should be rati
fied by a majority of those sfiVcted. The re
port ot Secretary of the Interior, herewith at
tached, gives much interesting statistics which
I alt tain from giving an abstract, bnt refer
you to the report itself.
PENSIONS.
The act of Congress providing for the oath
which pensioners "fcust subscribe to before
drawing pensitns, cuts off from this bounty
a few or the survivors of the war of 1812, re
siding in the Son'hern Staffs. I recommend
the restoration of this bounty to all such.
The number of per.-ons whose names wonld
thus be restored to the list of pensioners is
not Lige; they are old persons, who could
have taken no part in the rebellion, and the \
services for which they were awarded pen-;
aions was in defence of the whole country, j
AGRICULTURE.
The report of tbe Commissioner of Agri-
the net dobt{ol lb* Distiiot of Colombia and
securities on band and available, is tbe bo*d»
ed debt issued prior to July 1st. 1874. $8,883,-
94943. Than sixty-five band*, act of Coe-
June 20, 1874, is $2,088,168.73; c«i-
tificates of the Board ot Andit, 4,770,558.45.
total $15,742,667,61, leas special improve
ments; assessments cfaargsble to private prop
erty in exceas of any demand against each
assessments, $1,614,054 37. less Cbeeapeeke
and Ohio canal bods, $75,000, and Waging-
ton and Arlington railrovd bonds, fifty-
nine thousand dollars In tb* hand* of
the Commissioners of the sinking fnnd, $17,*
406,054 37. Leaving an actnai debt, kite said
assets, of $13,994,613 24. In addition to this
there are claims preterred against tbe gov
ernment of the District amounting in th* fit
timated aggregate reported by the boom,
amendment, to $3,147,757 48, of whioh tb* n
greater par' will probably be rejected. This
sum can, with no more propriety, be includ
ed in the debt account of tbe District Gov-
ernmsnt, than can the thousands of claim*
against the General Government be includ
ed as a portion of the national debt. But the
aggregate sums thug stated includes some
thing more than the funded debt charge
able exclusively to the Diatrict of Co
lumbia. The act of Congress of Jane
20th. It 74, conffmniates an apportionment
between the United State* Government and
the District of Columbia, in respect to the
payment of the principal and interest of tbe
3-65 bondr. Therefore, xn computing with
precision the bonded debt of the District,
the aggregate sums above stated as respect*
the 3-65 bonds now is-ued, tbe outstanding
certificates of the Board of Audit, and the
unadjudged claims pending before that Board
should be reduced to tbe extent of tbe amonnt
to be apportioned to tbe United States Gov
ernment in the manner indicated in the mot
ot Coogress of Jane 20, 1874. I especially
invite your attention to tue recommendation
cf the Commissioners cf the Sinking Fund,
relative to tbe ambiguity of the
act ot Jnne 20tb, 1874, the interest
on the District of Columbia bonds and
the consolidation of tho indebtedness of the
District, fee! much indebted to the gentiimen
who consented to leave their priva'e affair*
and come from a distance to attend to the
business of sfils District, and tor the able
and satisfactory manner in whioh it has been
conducted. I cm sure their services will be
equally appreciated by the entire country.
It will be seen from accompanying full re
port of the Board of Health that the sanitary
ondition c f tho District is very satisfactory.
In my opinion, tbe District of Columbia
should be regarded as the grounds of the
national cipital in which tbe entire people
are interested. I do not allude to this to
urge generous appropriations to the Dia
trict. but to draw the attention of Con
gress in framing a law tor the Government
of the list to the magnificent scale on which
rbe city was planned by the founders of th6
government, the manner in which for orna
mental purpose* the reservations, street* and
avennes were laid ont, and tbe proportion
of the property actnally possessed by all the
general government I think the proportion
ef all the expenses of tbe government, and the
improvements to be borne by tbe general
government, the cities of Washington and
Georgetown, and the *ouutry, should be
carefully and equitably defined in accordance
by section 3, act approved June 23, 1874. I
appointed a beard to make a survey of the
month of the Mississippi river, with a view
to determine the best method of obtaining and
maintaining a d ptb of water sufficient for the
purposes ot commerce, Ac. And in accord
ance with an act to provide for the appoint
ment of acommisston of engineers to inves
tigate and report a permanent plan for the
reclamation of the alluvial basin ot the Mis
sissippi river, snbject to innndation. I ap
pointed a commission of engineers, neither
bosrd has yet completed its labors; when
their report-; aro received they will be for
warded t# Congress without delay.
U. 8. Grant.
Executive Mansion. Dec. 7th, 1874.
MARRIED.
JONES —STEPHENS, —At ,Vb« Mrtdeuc* ef th*
bride, un me Sth last., Mr. J. R. Juaee and Mr*.
Adeline Stephens, both ot Campbell county, Qa. *
COCHRAN—WORD.—O* the Md nit, *t the reel
by undoubted evidence that violations of said j much interest to tbe general public, and refers
act have been committed, and that wide- j to the approaching centennial and the part
spread disregard of it was contemplated, the j bis department is ready to take in it I feel
proper officers were instructed to prosecute | that tne nation at large is interrsted in having
tho offenders, and troops were stationed at j this exposition a success, and commeDd to
convenient points, to aid the tfficers, if nec- Congress such action as will secure a greater
essary, in the execution of their official duties. [ general interest in it. Already many toreign
Complaints are made of this interference by , nations have signified their intention to be
culture herewith^ contains suggestions of | ienM oftb ebrids'. fath.r, in arantrill*, O*.. MU.
Word and Mr. W. B. Cochran, alt of Troop*
New Advertisements.
SCIENCE.
Much has also been accomplished, daring
the year, in aid of science, and to increase the
science of general knowledge, and farther the
interests of commerce and civilization. Ex
tensive and much-needed soundings have been
made for hydrographic purposes; and to fix the
proper routes of ocean telegraphs, further sur
veys of the Great Isthmus have been under
taken and completed ; and two vessels of the
navy are employed now, in oonjnnotion with
those of England, France, Germany, end Rus
sia, in observations oonteoted with the transit
of Venus, so useful and interesting to the scien
tific world. The estimates for this branoh of
the pnblic service do not differ materially
from those of last year ; those for tbe general
support of tne service being somewhat lees,
and those for permanent improvements at the
various stations rather larger than tbe corres
ponding estimates made a year ago. The
regular maintenance and a steady increase in
the efficiency of thts most important arm, in
proportion to the growth of our maritime in
tercourse and interests, is recommended to
tho attention ol Congress. Tbe nse of the
navy, in time of peace, might be farther ntil-
iz.'d by a direct r.ntborizaffou of the employ
ment of naval vessels in explorations and sur
veys of tho supposed navigable waters of othar
nationalities on this continent, especially the
tributaries of the two great rivers of South
America—the Oronooo and Amazon. Nothing
prevents, nnder existing law*, *uch explora
tions, exoept that expenditure* must be made
in snob expeditions beyond those usually pro
vided for in the appropriations. The field
designated is unquestionably one of interest,
and one oapable ot large development* of com
mercial interest advantageous to tbe people
reached, and to those who may establish rela
tion* with them.
THE FOSTOrriOE AS AN EDUCATOR.
The education of the people entitled to ex
ercise the right of franchise ia essential to
general prosperity everywhere, and especially
eo in Republics where birth, ednostion, or
previous condition does not enter Into ao-
count in giving suffrage. Next to the publio
schools, the postoffioe Is the greet agent of
education over our vast territory. The rapid
ity with which new sections are bsing settled,
tbns increasing the earrying of mails in a more
rapid ratio than tbe increase of reoeipts is not
alarming. The report of the Poelmtatet-
General, herewith attaohed, chows there was
an increase of revenue in his department in
1873 over the previous year ef $1,764 411. and
an increase of ooat cf carrying the mail and
poj ing employee* of $3,041,468.91. Tbe ra-
port of the Postmaster Ownsral gives interest
ing statistics of his department, and compared
Federal authority, bnt if said amendment and
act do not provide for such interference nnder
tbe circumstances as above, then they are
without meaning, force or effect, and the
whole scheme of colored enfranchisement is
worae than a mockery, and little better than a
crime. Possibly Congress may find it due to
trnth and justice to ascertain, by means of a
committee, whether the alleged wrongs to
colored citizens, for political purposes, are
real, or the reports are manufactured for the
occasion.
The whole number of troops in the fitatos
of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida,
South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Indiana
and Virginia, at the time of the election were
400S2; this embraces the garrisons of all ports
from the Delaware to the Gnlf of Mexico.
ARKANSAS.
Another trouble ansee in Arkansas. Arliole
13 of the Constitution of the 8tate, which was
adopted in 1868. and npon tbe approval of
whioh by Congress, the State was restored to
representation as one of the States of the
Union, provides in rffect that before any
amendments proposed to this constitution
shall become a part thereof, they shall bs
passed by two successive assemblies, and then
submitted to and ratified by a majority ot
electors of tbe State, On the lllh of May,
1874. the Governor oonvened an extra session
ot the General Assembly of tbe State,
which, on the 18th of the same month,
passed an act providing for a con
vention to frame a new Constitution.
Pursuant to this aot, and at an election on the
30th Jane, 1874, the convention was approved
and delegates chosen thereto, who assembled
on the 14th of last July and formed a new
Constitution, which provided for the election
of an entire new set of State officers in a
manner contrary to the then existing election
laws of the State., On the 13th ot October,
1874, this Constitution, as therein provided,
was submitted to the people for their approv
al or rejection, and according to the election
returns was approvod by a large m*jority of
those qualified to vote thereon, and at the
same election persons were chosen to fill all
the State, county and township offices. The
Governor elected in 1872 for a term of fonr
years turned over his office to the Governor
chosen trader the new Constitution, where-
upon tbe Lieutenant-Governor, also elected
in 1872 for a term of fonr years, claiming to
aot as Uovernor, and alleging that said pro
ceeding by which the new Constitution was
made aud a new set of officers elected wits
unconstitutional, illegal and void, and called
npon me as provided in sec. 4, art. 4 of the
Constitution to protect the State against do
mestic violence. As Congress is now invest! ■
gating political affairs there I have declined
to interfere, knowing the whole subject cl
Executive interference with tt^e affairs of a
State is repugnant to Republican opinion, to
the feelings of those who claim official ca
pacity, and must be used in each interposi
tion and to him or those who must direct.
Unless moat clearly cn the side of the law
such iuteference becomes a crime; with law
to support it, its condtnined without hearing.
I desire all necessity tor Executive direction
in looal affairs to become nnnecessary and
obsolete.
TO THE PEOPLE.
I invite the attention, not only of Congress,
but of the people of the United State* to the
oanses and (fleets of these unhappy questions.
Is there not a disposition on one side to mag
nify wrong aud outrage*, and on tbe other
side to belittle them or justify them ? It
publio opinion oould be directed to e correct
survey ot what it is, a. d to rebukiug wrong
and aidirg the proper authorities in punish
ing it, a nettor state of feeling would l>e in
culcated, end the sooner we would have that
pesos whioh would leave tbe States free in
deed to regulate their own domestio affairs.
[ believe on the part of our citiz* us of the
Southern States, or the better part of them,
there ia a disposition to be law-abiding, and
to do no violence to individuals or to the laws
existing ; but do they do right in ignoring the
axisteno* of violence and bloodshed in real*-
tanoe to authority ? 1 sympathiso with their
prostrate oondition, and would do alt iu my
power to relieve them. Acknowledging that
in some caeee they have had most try ing gov
ernment* to live nnder, and very oppressive
ones in tbe way of taxation for
nominal miprovtmanta not giving banaflta
equal to hardships imposed, but oeu they pro
claim themselves irresponsible ior this oondi*
lion*, they cannot. Violence ha* been ram pan
in *ome localities, and ha* either been juiti
THE CAHABA COAL
T'RONT Suit up rocmi like other ooal, because the
ASHES ABE HEAVY.
It'< the clceet. cle&neat coal tor fichly furnUhed
i, rooms, parlors, olficei. etc., ever
It ia first- clees in every particular.
Sciplc & Sons
represented, end it may be expected that
every civilized nation will bo represented.
CIVIL SEE VICE REFORM.
The rules adopted to Improve the civil ser
vice of the Government have been adhered to I
a i closely as Las been practicable with the ! houses, rooms, p&rlors, offices, etc.. «v«r u«©u in this
opposition with which it meets. The effect, ; city.
I belitve, has been beneficial on the whole, ;
and has tended to the elevation of the service: j
but it is impracticable to maintain them with- »re Sole amenta for this market and surroundliuta.
lout the direct and positive support of Con- i comer Broad and lluutcr streets, aud 5® Decatur
grass. Generally the support which this re- j “ r £L 0 ,.0« everrd.ybj Cf load at to. degot.
jorm receives w Irom those who give it their ! a0 v28 an
support ooly to find fault when the rulea are
apparently departed frem. Kemovsls from iklll'IM MAITfiE 1
office without preferring charges against tne T t 5 Ul fcKA llUUSft*
parties removed, are frequently cited as de
partures from the rules adopted; and the re
tention of those against whom charges are
made by irresponsible parties, and without
good ground, is also often condemned as
violations of them. I nder these circum
stances, therefore, I announce that if Congress
adjourns without positive legislation on the
sut j ect of civil service reform, I will regard
such action as a disapprove of the system,
and will abandon it, except so fsr *8 to require i
examinations lor cerUm appointees, to det r- \
mine their titneps. Competitive tx imination* j
will be abandoned. The gentlemen who have
given their services without compensation, as
members of the board to devise service rules
and regulations for the government ot the civil
service of tho country, have shown much zeal
aud earnestness iu their wort: and to them
and to myself it will be a source ot sorrow
and of mortification if it is thrown away. But
suppose that it is impossible to carry this Hya
tt m to a successful issue without general ap
proval and assistance, and positive law to
support ir, I have stated that three elements
ot prosperity to the nation—capital, labor
skilled and unskilled, and products of the
soil -still remain os. To direct the employ
ment ot these is a proplem deserving the
most beiious attention of Congress. If em
ployment ctin be given to all the labor off-ring
itself, prosperity uecessirily follows. I have
expressed the opinion, and repeat it, that the
first requisite to the accomplishment of this
end, is the substitution of a sound currency
in pi ice ol one of a fluctuating value. This
secured, there are many interests th;\t might
be fostered to the great profit of both labor
and capital. How lo induce capital to em
ploy labor is the question.
The subject of
I’PEAF TRANSPORTATION
has occupied the ittentioa of Congress. Much
new light ou this question will without doubt
bo given by the committee appointed by the
l*6t Congress to investigate and report. A
revival ot ship bnilding and particularly of
iron steamship building is of vast importance
to our national prospeiity. The United States
ie now paying over one hundred millions per
anuutn tor freights &Ld passage on foreign
ships to bo carried abroad and expended in
the employment and support of other poople,
beyond a fair percentage of what should go
to foreign vessels estimated on ^the tonnage
aud travel of each respectively. It is to be
regretted that this disparity iu tLe carrying
trade exists and to comet it I would be will
ing to see a great departure from the usual
course ot tbe Gover ament in supporting what
might usually be termed a private enterprise.
1 would not 6QggcBt aa a remedy direct sub
sidy to American steamship lines, but would
suggest ample compensation for carry
ing the mails between the Allan ic
Sea board cities and tbe continent
an American owned and American built
steamers, and would extend this liberality to
vessels canyiug the mails to South American
States, and Central America and Mexico, and
would pnrene the same policy from ourPkcific
sea-ports to foreign sea-ports on the Pacific.
It might bo demanded tbat vessels built for
this service should come ip to a standard,
fixed by legialatien, in tonnage, speed and all
other qualities, looking to the possibility of
the Government requiring them at some time
tor war purposes. The right also, ot taking
possession of them iu such emergency, should
be guarded. I offer these suggestions, believ
ing them worthy of consideration, in all se
riousness, affecting all sections, and all inter
ests, alike. If anything better can be done to
direct the coontry into a course of general
prosperity, no one will be mors ready than I
to record the plan.
Forwarded herewith will be found the report
of the CommiMioners appointed under an
aot of Congrecu, approved Jane 20th. 1874. to
wind up the affsire of the Diatrict Govern
ment. It will be seen from tbe report that
Mrs. F. W. LANDER,
Formerly
MISS JEAN M. DAVENPORT,
Supported by Frank Lawton'l
Great Star Company
Tuesday, December bill,
ShaktpAAre's greet pltj of
ANTHONY AND CLEOPATRA.
KnwmG »*»•■ »t Pbillip. * Cr.w'4. R»«rT«l
Tick.t. It 21; DraM Uircl., *1 ou; GallMT, to c»nU;
Box**, to 00 0*3 **
ADMINISTRATORS SALE.
> order of tbe Honorable Court of
lewton couety Geo.-grU. I will eeU
beiore ihe Cmrt houae da *r, in Ails ate. within the
legal bcure of ea e. ou tbe
FIRST TC*SDAT IS JASGART KKXT.
three city lets io the dtp cf Atlanta, two ef eaid lots
ksviug a trout ol fl ty-ntoe and three-foucths i59.lt)
test each on Stepb ns street, and rnuuing back one
hundred and eeTenleeu <117> feet; tbe othar, ijin* om
ihe corner of Peters and btephens streets, froattag
on Peters street fifty eight end s half (Slki feel, and
running back along Ste hens street one hundred and
fifty jlAd) lest; b »ing part cf laad lot Ho. 94 ot tha
14:b District of ori tn»‘ly Henry, tot Folton c—*—
Bold aa the prop \rty of RUjah Rosser, decease
benefit of hairs aud crodtvor*. Terma ca h
for
A'lasts, Dec. T, 1»74.
Y. M. L. A.
OKLND
EXPO ?ITI0N
AT
DeGIVKIS.
Ilee* 11 to Dec. 17.
DOMESTIC FEJilGRJi.
Upwards of 1000 articles of rale*,
consisting of b*rr» Is o» tour, or flee,
furniture, cotton, tobacco,s c,.etc,,
donated by our meichaets, will be
distributed.
CHBOMO TABLE.
5.000 beautiful pictures, rar glor in
value Irom one to fifty doL’ars, will
be distributed.
GRAB BAGS.
Contain furniture, fisur, cotton,
tobacco, jewelry, etc. About esveu
hundred fifty gifts.
Pri*!» Tree.
Fancy Tab’s. No. L
Fancy Tsble. No. 1.
Fancy Table, Ho. 9.
Pr a ♦ Table.
Flora'. Table.
Rebecca's Will.
Refreshment,
t-'s oon.
Rook Tablv
This monster undertaking for tbs benefit ef the
Litoralr w ; U surp... in uu«m*c*ane ujlMl* ot to.
kind ever befor. iuoercut. Every holder o( a ticket
in any of the schemes will receive one of the art!else
nazued. There ere no blanks. Tbs drawing will take
place during the Exposition, under regulations made
by the ooaninittse.
Ad nil as on 34 cease. decsdlw
NOTICE.
M l*« Raskins Hoc, In Rsnunato. i
DAY Dw*i»ber Into proximo, St It o'oioaa r.a
tRookboldor. an* lbair lamina. »U1 to. pm* Ira.
OT.r Ik. Comptnj • «l»» pimnlte ot to Mr
stock emtemm. ra dm
d«K 3 td