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GEORGIA WEEKLY OPINION
that under Much a rule the President can
not perform the great duty assigned to him
Of seeing the law* faithfully executed, and
that it illsable* him most especially from
enforcing that rigid accountability which
is iiceeasary to the due execution of the
revenue laws.
The <''institution Invests tfie President
vp.ii uiiihorlty to decide whether a removal
cimuld be made in any given case; the act
of Congress declares, in substance, that he
■hall only accuse such as he sunjioses to lie
unworthy of their trust. The Constitution
makes him sole judge in the premises; but
the statute takes away his jurisdiction,
transfers it to the Senate, and leaves him
nothing but the odiqu* and sometimes im
practicable duty of becoming a j>erscutor.
Tin* prosecution is to lie conducted before
a tribunal whose members are not, like
him. responsible to the whole people, but
to separate constituent bodies, and who
may hear l»U accusation with great disfa
vor. The Senate Is absolutely wirhout any
known standard of decision applicable to
*uen a case. Its judgment cannot be an-
ticipated. for it Is not governed by anv
ru e. The law does not define what shall
l>.- deemed good cause for removal. It is
impossible even lo conjecture what may
or may n t lie so considered by the Senate.
The nature of the subject forbids clear
irroo!*. If the charge be Incapacity,
what evidence will supjiort It? FI
delitv to the constitution may lie un
deisfood or iiikiinde: stood in a thousand
different wav*, and by violent party men,
In violent party times, mi faith fulness to
the Constitution may even come to be con
sidered meritorious. If the ollleer be ac-
cu-eil of dishonesty, how shall it lie made
out? " ill it lie interred from acts uncon
nected with public duty, from private his-
torv. or from general reputation? Or must
the President await the commission of an
actual misdemeanor in ofllee? Shall he,
in the meantime, risk the character and
Intercft of the Nation hi the hands of men
to whom lie cannot, give Ids confidence?—
Must he forbear his complaint until the
mischief is done and cannot tie prevented?
If ids zeal in the public service should Im
pel 1dm to anticipate the overt act, must
lie move at the |H»ril of being tried himself
for the offence of slandering his subordi
nate ? I» the present circumstances of the
country, some one must lie field responsi
ble for official delinquency of every kind.
It k extremely difficult to say where that
responsibility should tie thrown, if it tie
not left where it lias been placed by the
Constitution. Rut all just men will admit
that the President ought to be entirely re
lieved from such responsibility, If he can
not meet it by reason of restrictions placed
by law u pon*his action.
The unrestricted power of removal from
office is a very great one to be trusted even
to a Magistrate chosen by the general suf
frage of the whole people, ami accountable
directly to them for ills acts. It is un
doubtedly liable to abuse, and at some pe
riod:! of our history perhaps has been
abused. If It lie thought desirable and
constitutional that it should be so limited
as to make the President merely a common
Informer against other public agents, he
should at least be permitted to act in that
capacity before some open tribunal, inde
pendent of party politics, ready to inves
tigate tlie merits of every case, furnished
with the means of taking evidence, and
bound to decide according to established
rules. Tills would guarantee the safety of
the accuser when lie acts in good faith, and
at the same time secure the rights of the
other party. I speak of course witli all
proper respect for the present Senate, but
It docs not seem to me that any legislative
body can be so constituted as to Insure Its
fitness for there functions.
It Is not the theory of tills Government
that public offices arc the property of tin
who hold them. They are given merely
a trust for the public benefit, sometimes
for a fixed |H*riod. sometimes during good
behavior, but generally they are liable to
be terminated at tiie pleasure of the ap
pointing power, which represents the col
lective majesty and speaks the will of the
people. The forced retention in ofllee of a
single dishonest person may work great
injury to the public interests. The danger
to the public sendee conies not from the
power to remove, but from the power to
api»oint. Therefore it was that the framers
of the Constitution left the power of re
moval unrestricted, while they gave the
Senate a right to reject all appointments,
which, in its opinion, were not fit to be
made. A little reflection on this subject
will probably satisfy all who have the good
of the country at heart that our best course
Is to take the Constitution for our guide,
walk in the path marked out by the found
ers of the Republic, and obey the rules
made sacred by the observance of our great
predecessors.
The present condition of our finances
and circulating medium is one to which
your early consideration is Invited.
The proportion which the currency of
any country should bear to the whole
value of the annual produce circulated by
Its means Is a question upon which politi
cal economoists have not agreed. Nor can
it be controlled by legislation, but must
be left to the Irrevocable laws which every
where regulate commerce and trade. The
circulating medium will ever Irresistibly
flow to those points where It is in greatest
demand. The law of demand and supply
Is as unerring os that which regulates the
tides of the ocean; and indeed currency,
like tho tides, bos Its ebbs and flows
throughout the commercial world.
At the beginning of the rebellion the
bank note circulation of the country
amounted to not much more than two hun
dred millions of dollars; now the circula
tion of the National Bank notes and those
known as “legal tenders” is nearly seven
hundred millions. While it Is urged by
some that this amount should be Increased,
others contend that a decided reduction is
absolutely essential to tho best Interests of
tho country. In viow of these diverse
opinions. It may lie well to ascertain the
real value of our paper issues, when com
pared with a metal ic or convertible curren
cy. For this purpose, let us inquire how
much gold anu silver could bo purchased by
the seven hundred millions of paper money
now in circulation ? Probably not more
than half the umouut of the latter—show
ing that when our paper currency Is com
pared with gold and silver, its commercial
value is compressed in three hundred and
fifty iniltons. This striking fact makes it
the obvious duty of tho Government, ns
early ns may bo consistent with tho princi
ples of sound iiolitical economy, to take
such measures ns will enable the holder of
its notes and those of the National Ranks
to convert them, without loss, into specie
or Us equivalent. A reduction of our pa
lter circulating medium need not necessa
rily follow. This, however, would depend
upon the lawol'deinand ami supply, though
it should Is* iHirue in mind thatby making
io"\d tender mid hank note# convertible
Into coin or i»s equivalent, their present
specie value In the hands of their holders
would lie enhanced one hundred per cent.
Legislation for the accomplishment of a
result so desirable 1< demanded by the
highest public considerations. The Con
stitution contemplates that the circulating
medium of the country shall be uniform
In quality and value. At the time of the
of extravagance and speculation.” It has
been averted by one of our profound and
most gifted statesmen, that *of all the con
trivances for cheating the laboring classes
VIM , , of mankind, none has been more effectual
anxious to protect their prosterltv from than that which deludes them with paper
the evils which they themselves had expe- money. Tills is the most effectual of In-
rlenced. Hence, in providing a circulating
formation of that Instrument, tin; country
hud Just emerged from the "ur of tho
Revolution, and was suffering from the ef
fects of a redundant and worthless paper
currency. The sages of that period were
medium, they conferred upon Congress
tho power to coin money and regulate the
value thereof, at the same time prohibit
ing the State* from making anything but
gold and silver a tender in payment of
^Theanomalous condition of ourcurreney
Is lu striking contrast with that which was
originally designed. Our circulation now*
embraces, first, notes of the National Ranks,
which are made receivable for all dues to
the Government, excluding Impost*, and
by all its creditors, excepting in payment
or Interest upon Its bonds and the securi
ties themselves; second,legal tender notes
Issued by the United States, ami which the
law requires shall be received us well in
payment of all debts between citizens as of
all Government dues, excepting Imposts;
nnd, third, gold and silver coin. Ry the
operation of our present system of finance,
however, the metalie currency, when col
lected, Is reserved only for one class of
Government creditors, who, holding its
bonds, seinl-aniiually receive their Interest
in coin from the National Treasury. They
are thus made to occupy an invidious po
sition, which may l»e used to strengthen
the arguments of those who would bring
into disrepute the obligations of the na
tion. In the payment of all Its debts, tho
plighted faith ot the Government should be
inviolably maintained. But while it acts
with fidelity toward the bondholder who
loaned his money that the integrity of the
Union might bo preserved, It should at the
same time observe good faith witli the
great mosses of the people, who, having
rescued the Union from the perils of re
bellion. now bear the burden* of taxation,
that the Government may be able to fulfill
its engagements. There is no reason which
will lie accepted as satisfactory by the iieo-
ple, why those who defend us on the land
ami protect us on the sea; the pensioner
upon the gratitude of the nation, bearing
the scars and won ml* received while in its
service*, the public servants in the various
Departments of the Government; the
tanner who supplies the soldiers of the
army ami the sailors of the navy; tho ar
tisan wiio toils iu the nation's workshops,
or the mechanics and laborers who build
its edifices and construct Its forts and ves
sels of war—should, in payment of their
Just and hard-earned dues, receive depre
ciated paper, while another class of their
countrymen, no more deserving, are paid
In coin of gold and silver. Equal and ex
act justice requires that all the creditors of
the Government should be paid in a cur
rency jiossessing a uniform value. Tills
can only be accomplished by the restora
tion of the currency to the standard estab
lished by the Constitution; and by this
means we would remove a discrimination
which may, If it has not already done so,
create a prejudice that may become deep-
rooted and wide-spread, and imperil tue
national credit.
The feasibility of making our currency
correspond with the constitutional standard
may bo -ecu by reference to a few facts de
rived from our commercial statistics.
The production of precious metals in the
United States from 1840 to 1857. Inclusive,
amounted to $570.000.000; from 1858 to I860,
inclusive, $137,500,000*. nnd from 1801 to
1807, Inclusive, to $457.500.000—making
the grand aggregate of products since
1819, $1,174,000,000. The amount of
specie coined from 1840 to 1857, In
clusive. was $139,000,000; from 1858 to
1800, inclusive, was $125,000,000; and from
1801 to 1807. Inclusive, $310,000,000. making
the total coinage since 1840, $874,000,000.
L'kai.i 1UJ(I tA i ni'1 ii .1 t'n tlio lint: nv.
ntloni to fertilize tin* rich man's
fields by the sweat of tin* ivoor
man's brow. Ordinary tvraiiny. op
pression. excessive taxation—thee*' hear
lightly on the happiness of the mass of the
community compared with a fraudulent
currency, and tlie robberies committed by
depreciated paper. Our ow n history has
recorded for our instruction enough, and
more than enough of the demoralizing ten-
deney, the injustice, and the Intolerable
oppression on the virtuous and well dis
posed of a degraded paper currency, uu-
‘ ’ ‘ * law or in any way count e-
overnment.” If Is one of tin*
most suceessflil devices, in times of peact
or war, expansion* or revulsions, to acconi'
pllsh the 'i-iiiisfer of all the precious metals
from the treat mass of tlie people Into the
hands of iho few. where tlu*y‘i
in secret places or deposited
Krom 1840 to 1857, inclusive, tho net
ports of specie amounted to $271,000,000;
from 1858 to 1800, inclusive, to $148,000,000;
ami from 1801 to 1807, inclusive, to $322,-
000,000—making the agregate of net ex
ports since 1840, $741,000,000. These figures
show* an excess of product over net exports
of $433,000,000. There are in tlie Treasury
$111,000,000 in coin, something more than
$40,000,000 in circulation on tlie Pacific
Coast, and a few millions in tho National
and otiier Ranks—in all about $160,000,000.
This, however, taking into account the
specie in the country prior to 1849, leaves
more than three hundred millions of dol
lars which have not been accounted for by
exportation, and therefore may yet remnin
in the country.
These are Important facts, and show how
completely the inferior currency will su
percede the better, forcing it from circu
lation among tlie masses, and causing it to
be exported as a mere article of trade, to
add to tho money capital of foreign lands.
They show the necessity of retiring our
paper money, that the return of gold and
silver to the avenues of trade may bo In
vited, and a demand created which will
cause the retention at home of at least so
much of tho productions of our rich and
Inexhaustible gold-bearing fields as may bo
sufficient for purposes of circulation. It
is unreasonable to expect a return to a
sound currency so long as tho Government,
by continuing to Issue Irredeemable notes,
fills tho channels of circulation with de
preciated paper. Notwithstanding a coin
age by our mints, since 1840, of eight hun
dred and seventy-four millions or dollars,
tho people are now strangers to the cur
rency which was designed for their use
and benefit, and specimens of the precious
inetais bearing the national device are sel
dom seen, except when produced to grat
ify the interest excited by their novelty,—
Ir depreciated paper is to be continued as
tbo permanent currency of tho country,
and all our coin Is to become a mere article
of traffic and speculation, to the enhance
ment in price ot all that is Indispensable
to the comfort of the people, it would be
wise economy to abolish our mints, thus
saving the nation the care and expense In
cident to such establishments, and let all
our precious metals be exported In bullion.
The time has come, however, when the
Government and National Banks should be
required to take tlie most efficient steps
and make all necessary arrangements for a
resumption oi specie payments at the ear
liest practicable period. Spccio payments
having been once resumed by tho Govern
ment and banks, all notes or bills of paper
issued by cither of a less denomination
than twenty dollars should by law be ex
cluded from circulation, so thnt the pcoplo
may have the benefit and convenience of a
gold and silver currency which In all their
business transactions will bo uniform In
value at homo and abroad.
Every man of property or Industry,
every man who desires to preserve what
ho honestly possesses, or to obtain what ho
can honestly earn, lias a direct interest In
maintaining a safe circulating medium—
such a medium as shall be real and sub
stantial. not liable to vibrate witli opinions,
not subject to bo blown up or blown down
by thebreftth of speculation, but to be uiado
stable and secure. A disordered currency
Is one of tlie greatest political evils. It
undermines the virtues necessary for tlie
support of tlie social system, ami encour
ages propensities destructive of its hap
piness; it ware against Industry, frugality,
and economy, anu it foster* the evil spirits
hoarded
... . . . deposited in strong
boxes under bolt* and bar*, wlillo tlie peo
ple arc 1« it to endure all the inconvenience,
sacrifice, and demoralization resulting from
the u*e of a depreciated uij^jyortldess pa
per money.
The condition of our finances and the
operation* of our revenue system
fnrtli and fully explained in .tlie able
and instructive report of tlie Secretary of
tlie Treasury. On the 30th of dune, I860,
the public debt amounted to $2,783,425,870;
on tit** 30th of .June last it was $2,692,199,-
215, allowing a reduction during the fiscal
year of $91.22(5,064. During tho fiscal
year ending June 30, 1807, tlie receipts
were $490,934,010, and the expenditures
$346,720,120, leaving an available surplus
of $143,004,880. It is estimated that the
receipt* for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1868 will be $417,101,928, and the expendi
ture* will reach tlie sum of $303,260,226,
leaving iu the Treasury a surplus of $23,-
892,702. For tlie fiscal year ending June
30.1809, it is estimated that tlie receipts
wili amount to $381,000,000. and that the
expenditure* will be $372,000,000. showing
an excess of $9,000,000 iu favor of the Gov
ernment.
Tho attention of Congress Is earnestly
invited to the necessity of a thorough re
vision of our revenue system. Our Inter
nal revenue taws and impost system should
be so adjusted a* to bear most heavily on
articles ot luxury, leaving the necessaries
of life as free from taxation as may be con
sistent with the real wants of tlie Govern
ment. economically administered. Taxa
tion would not tlieu full unduly on the
man of moderate means; and white none
would l»e entirely exempt from assessment,
all, in pro|H>rtiun to their pecuniary abili
ties. i! oiiid contribute toward the support
of the State. A modification of tlie inter*
nal revenue system, by a large reduction
ill the number of article* now subject to
tax. would be followed by results equally
advantageous to tlie citizen and the Gov
ernment it would render the execution
of the law less expensive and more certain,
remove obstruction* to industry, lessen tlie
temptations to evade tlie law, diminish the
violation* and frauds perpetrated upon its
f irovi-iou*. make its operations less inquls-
torial. and greatly reduce in numbers the
army of tax-gatherers created by the sys
tem, who ‘‘take from tlie mouth of honest
labor tlie bread it has earned.” Retrench
ment, reform, and economy should be car
ried into every blanch of tlie public ser
vice, that tlie expenditures of tlie Govern
ment may l>o reduced nnd the people re
lieved from oppressive taxation; a sound
currency should be restored, and the public
faith in regard to the national debt sacred
ly observed. Tlie accomplishment of these
important results, together with the restor
ation of the Union of tlie States upon tlie
principles of the Constitution, would in
spire confidence at home and abroad in tlie
stability of our institutions, and bring to
the nation prosperity, peace, and good
will.
Tlie report of the Secretary of War ad
interim exhibits the operations of tlie army
and of the several Bureaus of the War De
partment. The aggregate strength of our
military force, on tho 30th of September
last, was 56,315. Tlie total estimate for
military appropriations is $77,124,707, iu
eluding a deficiency in last year's appro
priation of $13,600,000. Tho payments at
tho Treasury on account of the service of
the War Department from January 1 to
October 29.1807—a period of ten months—
amounted to $ 109.807,000. The expenses of
the military establishments us well as
the number# of the army, are now three
times ns great us they have ever been in
time of peace; while tho discretionary
pow-er is vested In tho Executive to add
millions to this expenditure by an increase
of the army to the maximum strength al
lowed by the law.
The menacing attitude of some of the
warlike bands of Indians Inhabiting
tho district of country between the
Arkansas and Platte rivers, and por
tions of Dekota Territory, required the
presence of a large military force in that
region. Instigated by real or Imaginary
grievances, the Indians occasionally com
mitted acts of barbarous violence upon
emigrants and our frontlor settlements;
but a general Indian war has been provi
dentially averted. Tho Commissioners
under tne act of 20th July, 1867, were in
vested with (Ull power to adjust existing
difficulties, negotiate treaties with the dis
affected bands, and select for them reserva
tions remote from tho traveled routes be
tween the Mississippi and tlie Pacific.
They entered without delay upon the exe
cution of their trust, but have not yet made
any official repart of their proceedings* 11
Is of vital importance that our distant
Terri tors should be exempt from Indian
outbreaks, and that the construction of tho
Pacific Railroad, an object of national Im
portance, should not be interrupted by hos
tile tribes. These objects, as well as the ma
terial Interests and themoraland Intellect
ual improvement of the Indians, can be
most effectually secured by concentrating
them upon portions of the country set
apart for their exclusive use, and located,
at points remote from our highways and
encroaching white settlements.
Since the commencement of the second
session of tho Thirty-Ninth Congress, five
hundred and ten miles of road have been
constructed on the main line and branches
of tho Pacific Railway. The line from
Omaha Is rapidly approaching tho eastern
base of the Rocky Mountains, whilst tho
terminus of the last section of constructed
road In California, accepted by tho Gov
ernment on tho 24th day of October last,
was but eleven miles distant from the sum
mit of tho Sierra Nevada. The remarka
ble energy evinced by the companies offers
the strongest assurance that the comple
tion of the road from Sacramento to Oma
ha will not bo long deferred.
During the last fiscal year seven million
forty-one thousand one hundred and four-
teen acres of public land were disposed of,
and the cash receipts from soles and fees
exceeded by one-half million dollars the
sum realized frointhote sources during the
preceding year. The amount paid to pen
sioners, including expenses of dlsbure-
raents, was $18310.955, and thirty-six
thousand four hundred and eighty-two
names were added to the rolls. The en
tire mini tier of pensioners on the 30th of
June last was one hundred and fifty-live
thousand four hundred and seventy-four.
Eleven thousand six hundred ana fifty-
five patents and designs were issued during
tlie year ending September 30,1807, and at
that date the balance In the Treasury to
the credit of the Patent fund was $286,907.
The report of tho Secretary of the Navy
states that we have seven squadrons ac
tively and judiciously employed under ef
ficient and able commanders, in protecting
the persons and property of American
/^ilgens, maintaining the dignity nnd
power of the’Government, and promoting
tlie commerce and business interests of
our countrymen In every pari of the world.
Qf tlie two hundred and thirty-eight ves
sels composing the present navy of tlie
United States, fifty-six, carrying five hun
dred and seven guns, are in squadron ser
vice. During tho year the number of ves
sels In commission lias been reduced twelve,
and there arc thirteen less on squadron
duty than there were at the date of tlie
lust report. A large number of vessels
were commenced and in course of construc
tion when tlie war terminated, and
although Congress had made the necessa
ry appropriations for their completion, the
1 apartment has either suspended work
upon them or limited the slow completion
off tin* *teani vessels, so as to meet the con
tract- for machinery made with private
c.'taMi'hmeiits. The total expenditure* of
tic* Navy Department for tlie fiscal year
ending dune 30.1S<>7. were $31,034,011. No
appropriation* have been made or required
since tlie close of the war for the construc
tion nnd repair of vessels, lor steam ma
chinery. ordnance, provision# and clothing,
fuel, hemp, etc., tlie balances under these
several heads having been more than suf
ficient lor current expenditure*. It should
also be -tated to the credit of the Depart
ment that, besides asking no appropria
tion* for tlie above object* for tlie last two
year*, the Secretary of tlie Navy, on the
30th of September hist, In accordance with
the act of May 1.1820, requested tlie Sec
retary of tlie Treasury to carry to tiicsur-
S lus fund the sum of sixty-five millions of
ollar*. being tlie amount received from tlie
sales of vessels and other war property, and
the remnant* of former appropriations.
The report of tlie Postmaster General
show* the business of the Postoffice De
partment and tlie condition of the postal
service in a very favorable light, and tlie
attention of Congress is called to Its prac
tical recommendations. Tlie receipts of
the Department for tlie year ending June
30,1867. Including all special appropria
tions for sea and land service and for free
mall matter, were $19,078,693. The expen
ditures for all purposes were $19,235,483,
leaving an unexpehded balance in favor
of the Department of $743,210, which can
bo applied toward the expenses of tlie De
partment for the current year. The in
crease of postal revenue, independent of
specific appropriations, for tlie year 1867,
over that of 1806, was $850,040. Tlie in
crease of revenue from the sale of stamps
and stamped envelopes was $783,401. The
Increase of expenditures for,lS67 over
those of the previous year was owing
chiefly to the extension of tlie land and
ocean mall service. During the past year
new postal conventions have been ratified
and exchanged with tlie United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland. Belgium, tlie
Netherlands#, Switzerland, tlie Nortli Ger
man Union, Italy, and tlie Colonial Govern
ment and llong-Kong, reducing very large
ly the rates of ocean and land postages to
and from and within those countries.
The report of the Acting Commissioner
of Agriculture concisely presents tho con
dition, wants, and progress of an interest
eminently worthy the fostering care of
Congress, and exhibits a large measure of
useful results achieved during the year to
which it refers.
The rc-establi'hincut of peace at home,
and the resumption of extended trade,
travel, and commerce abroad, have served
to increase flic number and variety of ques
tions in the department for foreign affairs.
None of these questions, however, have se
riously disturbed our relation* witli other
States.
The/Republic of Mexico, having been re
lieved from foreign intervention, is earn
estly engaged In efforts to re-establish her
constitutional government. A good un
derstanding continue* to exist between
our government nnd the Republics of
Ilnytl and Snn Domingo, uml our cordial
relation* with tlie Central nnd South
American States remain unchanged. The
tender, made Ji\,(;on fortuity witli a resolu
tion of Cong&liMjf the good office* of the
Government, with a view to an amicable
adjustment of peace between Brazil nnd
her allies, on one side, nnd Paraguay on tlie
otfcqa, and between Chili nnd ho allies, on
tw and tjde, and Spain on the other, though
kindly Mel ived. 1ms' in neither case been
AlUy accepted by 1 , the belligerent*. The
war In .t^o Valley of the Parana is still vig
orously maintained. On the other hand,
actual hostilities between the Pacific States
and Spain have been more than a year sus
pended. I shall, on any proper occasion
that may occur, renew tlie conciliatory re
commendation# which have been already
mado. Brazil, witli enlightened sagacity
and comprehensive statesmanship, has
opened tlie great channels of the Amazon
and Iu tributaries to universal commerce.
One thing more seems nccdftil to assure a
rapid and cheering progress In South
America. I refer to those peaceful habits
without which States and Nations cannot,
in tills age, well expect material prosperity
or social advancement.
The Exposition of Universal Industry at
Paris has passed, and seems to havo frilly
realized tho high expectations of the
French Government. If due allowance be
made for tlie recent political derangement
of industry here, tho part which the United
Stares has borne In this exhibition of In
vention and art may bo regarded with very
high satisfaction. During tho Exposition
a conference was held or delegates from
several nations, tho United States being
one. In which the inconveniences of com
merce and social intercourse resulting from
the diverse standards of money value were
very frilly discussed, and plans were devel
oped for establishing, by universal consent,
a common principle for the coinage of gold.
These conferences arc expected to be re
newed, with tho attendance of many for
eign States not hitherto represented. A
report of these interesting proceedings will
lie submitted to Congress, which will no
doubt Justly appreciate the great object,
mid bo ready to adopt any measure which
may tend to facilitate its ultimata accom
plishment.
Oil the 25th of February, 1862, Congress
declared by law that Treasury notes with
out Interest, authorized by that act, should
be legal tender in payment of all debts,
public nnd private, within tho United
States. An annual remittance of $30,000,
less stipulated expenses, accrues to claim
ants under the Convention made with
Spain in 1831. These remittances, since
tho passage of that act, have boon paid In
such notes. The claimants insist that the
Government ought to require paymont in
coin. Tlie subject may be deemod worty
of your attention*
No arrangement hit as yet been reached
for the settlement of our claims for British
depredations upon* tlie commerce of the
United States. I have felt it my duty to
detune the proposition of arbitration mado
by Her Majesty’s Government because It
has hitherto been accompanied by reser
vation* and limitations Incompatible with
the right*, interest, and honor of our coun-
\\y- «not to be apprehended that Great
Britain will persist in her refusal to satisfy
these just ami reasonable claims, which In
volve the sacred principle of non-interven
tion—a principle henceforth not more im
portant to the United States than to all
ot J>cr commercial nationg.
The West India Islands were settled and
colonized by European States simulta
neously with the settlemement and colo
nization of the American continent. Most
ot the colonies planted here became Inde
pendent nations in the close of the lost and
the beginning of the present century. Our
country embraces commuuitles which,
°, ne J™ 10 * woro colonies of Orwt Britain, Franco
Ul^n* Holland, Hwe9.cn, and Ruula. The people In the
West Indies, with tho exception of those of tne Island
of Ilajtl, 1-i/e neither attained nor aaplred to Inde
pendent, nor have they become prepared for self-de
fense. Although possessing considerable commercial
value, tin jr havo been held by the aevt-ral European
States which cdoniz-d or at somo time conquered
them, chiefly for purposes of military and naval strate
gy In canvlng out European policy and designs in re
gard to this continent. In our Revolutionary War.
P«rts und harbors In tho West India Islands were used
by our enemy to the groat injury and embarrassment of
the United States, we had tho same experience in oar
second Wsr with Oreat Britain. Tbo somo European
policy for a long tlino excluded us even from trade with
the nest Indies, while wo wero at peace with all l
lions. In our recent civil war tho rebels, and their
ratlcal blockade-breaking allies, found facilities lu 1
same ports for the work, which they too successfully
compushed, of Injuring sod devastating the commerco
which wc are engaged In rebuilding. We labored espe
cially under this disadvantage—that European steam,
vessels, eroployd by our enemies, found friendly sbeltei
protection, and supplies In West Indian ports, while oui
own naval operations were necessarily carried on fron
oar own distant shores. There was then a universal feel
ing of the want «f an advanced naval outpost l-ctween
the Atlantic coast and Europe, Tbo duty o. obtaining
such an outpost peacefully and lawfully, while ’joltbi
doing nor menaciog Injury to other States, earnestly el
gaged the attention of tlio Executive Department i>ef»i
the close of tho war.and It has not been lost sight of sine
that time. A not entirely dissimilar naval want revealed
Itself during tho same period on the Pacific coast. Tho
requirel foothold there was fortunately secured by our
late treaty with tho Emperor ofRussla, and It now seems
Imperative that the more obvious necessities of the At
lantic coast should not b« less carefully provided for.
A good and convenient port and liarbor, capable of easy
defence, will tupplv that want. With the possession of
with
bo absorbed
early statesmen that the West Indl._
viato to, and may be exacted ultimately
by the Continental States, Including our i
with thorn also thut It Is wise to leave tl , .
such absorption to tills process of natural gravitation.
Tho Islands of St. Thomas and SL John**, which con
stitute s part of tho groupe called the Virgin Islands,
seemed to offer us advantages immedlatelv desirable,
while their acquisition could be secured iu harmony
with tho principals to which I have alluded. A treaty
has, therefore, been concluded with the King of Den
mark for the cession of those islands, and will be sub
mitted to the Senate for ooaldcratlon.
It will hardly be necessary to call tho attention of Con-
gross to tho subject of providing for tho payment to Kus-
i«la of the sum stipulated In the treaty for the cession of
Alaska. Possesalon having been formally delivered to
our commissioner, the territory remains for the present
in care of a military force, awaiting such civil organiza
tion as shall be directed by Congress.
The annexation of many amafiOerman States to Prus
sia, and tho reorganization of that country under a new
and liberal constitution, have induced me tore-new the
effort to obtain ajustand prompt aettlement of the long-
vexed question concerning the claims of foreign States
for military service from their subjects naturalized in
the United BUtes.
In connection with this subject, the attention of Con*
md embarrassing
mentofthlaOov-
gress is respectfully called to a singular ami embarrassing
conflict of laws. Tho Execntlve Department of this Gov-
held, as It now holds,
. with the Constitution
1 States, absolves the recipient from
his native allegiance. The courts of Oreat Britain hold
that allegiance to the British Crown Is Indefeasible, and
is not absolved by our laws of naturalization. British
judges cite courts and law authorities orthe United State:
In support of that theory against the position held by tire
United States. This conflict perplexes the public mim
concerning the rights of naturalized citizens, ond impair:
the national authority abroad. 1 called attention to thl
subject In my last annual message, and now again respect
fully appeal to Congress to declare the wl ,f -
mlstaknbly upon this Impm-:..; •
Tho abuse of our laws by »!•-
of the Afrlccn slave trade ii - n •*.»■. .
American citizens has nltogvilo r •« •.
latlngclrcnmstancea.no apprehensions *.fu, :<•••■
this part of the world nre c»it< rt
propose to Her Majesty's Uovernment a suspension <-r
discontinuance ol the stipulations for maintaining a naval
force for the suppression of that trade.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Wasuwotox, December 0. 1SC7*
Specie Pay me isf—.Hr* Jlorrill , «* mill
31 r. Morrill, of Vermont, has Introduced,
in tho Senate, tho following bill, which
was ordered to be printed nnd laid over for
further consideration:
Re it enacted. Ac., That after tlie 14th
day of July, 1809, the Secretary of the
Treasury he, and ho Is heieby, authorized
and directed to pay in coin all United
State* note# not bearing interest and com
monly called **leg«l tender” notes, which
may no presented for such payment at the
Treasury office in Washington, D. ('., or at
such other place* as may bo designated, of
which public notice shall be given by the
Secretary of the Treasury.
Skc. 2. And be it further enacted, That
hereafter nnd until January 1st, 1
whenever there shall bo Iu the Treasury
of tho United States, after paying tlie in
terest and tho coupons falling duo on tho
1st of January and July of each year, and
deducting gold certificates of deposit, any
oxcess or coin over nnd above tho sum of
seventy-five millions of dollnrs, the Secre
tary of the Treasury shall be authorized
and is hereby required within thirty days
from the 1st of January and July as afore
said, to sell tho same in such manner os in
his judgment will best promote the public
interest, and may receive in pay therefor
United States notes, notes or National
Banks of the United States, Compound In
terest notes, or U. S. three per cent. Cer
tificates.
Sec. 3. Be It frirther enacted, That all
Natlonol Banks having less than 20 per
centum in specie on hand of their respec
tive capital, shall hereafter, and until July
1st, I860, be required to keep and to hold
In coin all interest received on United
States bonds which may be deposited by
them, according to law, with the Treasurer
of tho United States: Provided, That this
shall not be so construed as to add any
thing to tho amonnt of the reserve now
required to be held by said banks.
Sec. 4. And be it frirther enacted, That
on and after the 4th day of July, 1SC9, all
National Banks shall be respectively re
quired, and hereby are required to redeem
and pay In coin on demand all their bills
Issued as currency of the denomination of
five dollars and under, when presented at
tho counters o! said banks, and all bills of
a higher denominations so issued and so
presented, may and shall bo paid either in
coin or lu United States legal tcuder notes.
Sec. 5. And be it Author enacted. That
any National Bank which shall fall to
comply with tho provisions of this act, so
far as tho same may bo applicable, shall be
deemed to havo forfeited It* charter, and
the Comptroller of tho Currency upon re
ceiving satisfactory evidence of tlio same,
shall proceed to dose and wind up the
same as in other coses of forfeiture provi
ded by law, and In Ucu ot any such bank
may authorize new National Banks witli
an equal amount of capital to bo located in
such States as may nave less than their
proportion of tho wnole amount now au
thorized by law; provided thatthls shall
not authorize any increase of the present
aggregate amount circulation of tne Na
tional Banks.
Appointment* fcf the North Georgia
_ Conference for 180$*
Augusta District—W. II. Potter, P. E.
Augusta—St. John's Church, A. Wright.
Augusta—St. James Church, G. H. PatlUo
Asbury—C. W. Key.
City Mission—E. W. Calhoun.
Richmond—John A. Reynold*.
Appling—R. A. Conner.
Thompson—L. Rush.
Warrenton—W. H. Evans.
Sparta—A. J. Jarrell.
Hancock—J. Lewis and W. T. Caldwell.
Milledgeville-W. C. Malloy.
Baldwin—J. V. M. Morris.
Eatontou—George Kramer.
Putnam—J. W. Knight and R. B. John
son.
Athens District.—W. U. Branham, P. E.
Athens—n. II. Parks.
Watkinsvllle—R. J. Hansel! and 1*. J.
Ellis.
Factory Mission—To bo supplied.
Madison—E. W. Spear.
Morgan—W. It. Foote and A. L. Pierce,
sun.
Greensboro'—J. M, Dickey.
Greene—C. A. Mitchell.
Lexington—D. J. Myrlck, and one to be
supplied.
Washington—G. W. Yarbrough.
Broad River—John W. Heldt.
Little River—M. Calloway.
Montlccllo—W. W. Oslin.
Monroe—M. F. Malsby,
Elbcrton District—J. A. Grogan, P. K.
Klbcrton—A. G. Worley.
Elbert—E. G. Murrain
Jefl'erson—J. H. Mashbnrn, and one to be
supplied.
Madison Springs—W. T. Norman.
Homer—C. H. Ellis.
Hartwell—L. P. Sccsc.
CJarkesville—F. G. Hughes.
Clayton Mission—G. K. Quillian.
Gainesville—J. It. Parker.
Cleveland—A. W. William*.
Lincolnton—B. Sanders.
Dahloncga DIst.—W. A. Simmons, P. E.
Dahlonega and Auraria—G. Hughe*.
Lumpkin—W. F. Quillian.
Cumming—J. D. Anthony.
Canton—J. R. Gaines.
Ellilay—To be supplied by J. Newell.
Sprlngplace—To bo supplied by R. A.
Glddon.
Blairsville—M. G. Hambry.
Jasper—To be supplied.
Rome District—zk.G. Haycood. P. K.
Rome—A. 31. Thigpen.
Cave Springs—Tho«. A. Seal*.
Cedar Town—To bo supplied.
Cartcrsvllle—C. A. Evans.
Stilesboro’ Mission—To be supplied.
Bartow 3llsslon—R. II. Jones.
Kingston—W. C. Dunlap.
Calhoun—B. J. Johnson.
LaFayeete—J. L. Lupo.
Dalton—J. T. Norris.
Tunnel Hill—To be supplied by T. M.
Pledger.
Tilton—To be supplied.
Ringgold—W. D. Heath.
Summerville—W. T. Hamilton.
Oostanaula—To be supplied by W. !>’
Powell.
Floyd Mission—To be supplied by A. J.
Stewart.
LaGrauge District.—A. J. Graves, V. K.
LaGrangc—R. W. Blgham.
LaGrange and West Point Colored Mis
sion—To be supplied.
West Point and Long Cane—E. M. Ry-
burn.
Troupe and Colored charge—T. S. I..
Harwell.
Whltcsvlllc and Colored Charge—"'..!.
Cottov.
l.’ouela a lid < uloreri < ,i.»rge ~ l.\ F,
Jones.
Newimn—E. 1*. Birch.
Palmetto and Grantviiie—.1. T. Lowe.
Franklin nnd Colored Charge—J.Mc
Ghee.
llowdou—To be supplied.
Carrollton—C. TririscU. and one to G
upplied.
llaralsu
nralson Mission—To be supplied.
Campbell—J. J. Davis.
Sand tow ii Mission—'To bo supplied,
Atlanta District—Thomas F. Pierce, p. K.
Wesley Ciinpel—F. A. Kimball.
Trinity Church—W. M. Crumley; I. N.
Craven. Sup.
City -Mission—C. J. Oliver, W. P. PatlUo.
Atlanta Ciivult—W. J. Wardlaw.
Fulton—J. J. Bellnh.
Decatur—W. A. Dodge.
DoKalh Colored Charge—To he supplied.
Stone Mountain—Albert Gray.
Covington—P. A. Heard.
Oxford—Jos. J. Singleton; J. T. Curtis,
sup.
Conyers—W. A. Florence.
Alpharetta—Jas. Chamber*.
Roswell—To bo supplied.
Marietta—W. F. Cook; A. Mean*, sup.
Ac worth—W. 8. Scott.
Acworth Mission—To he supplied.
Powder Springs—To he supplied.
Dallas—To bo supplied; A. J. Dearours,
sup.
Lawrencevillc—A. M. Lowry, and one to
be supplied.
Griffin District—John C. Simmon*, P. K.
Griffin—H. J. Adams.
Zebulon—W. P. Rivers; Ii. A. r*caL*,
Sup.
Pike and Colored Mission—31. Bellnh.
Tbomaston and Colored Charge— Dan.’ei
Kelsey.
Barnesvllle—W. F. Smith.
Fayetteville—R. A. Stripling.
McDonnough—J. M. Bright.
Jonesboro’—J. W. Turner.
Culloden—J. W. Reynolds.
Clinton—W. E. Arnold.
Jackson—To be supplied.
Indian Spring Mission—To be supplied*
Forsyth—W. 1*. Pledgor.
Forsyth Circuit—F. B. Davis.
Griffin Female College—W. A. Rogers.
Sunday School Agent—W. A. Rogers.
Transferred to the South Georgia Con
ference : .T. Jones, J. U. Clarke, ,T. W, Hin
ton, J. W. Talley, I. S. Honk in*. W. P.
Harrison, J. T. Payne. J. B. McGhee, and
G. T. Embry.
Transferred to tlie Montgomery Confer
ence: W.C. Rowland.
AUGUSTA DISTRICT—COLORED.
Richmond—To be supplied.
Columbia—To be supplied.
Warren—Joshua Andrew.
Jefferson— 1 To bo supplied.
Burke—To be supplied.
JIILLKIHi KV 1LI.K DISTRICT—COLORED.
Hancock—Lucius Holsey, K. Handy.
Washington—To be supplied.
Baldwin—July De Saussurc.
Putman—To bo supplied.
Macon District—To bo supplied.
Jones—George Simmons.
Jasper—B. Showers, W. Moreland.
Monroe—J. Green.
Culloden—S. Kendall.
Barnesvllle District—To be supplied*
Barnsvlllc—To bo supplied.
ThomaitoH—To be supplied.
Pike and Flat Skoals-% Bush, 0&0 to bf
supplied.