Newspaper Page Text
man
VOLUME ILV.J
M ILLEDGE VILLE, GEORGIA, DECEMBER 16, 1874.
THE
8ition & $ecarbtr,
IS PCHLltHKD WEEKLY
IN MILLEDGEVILLE. GA-,
BY
Boughtox, Barnes & Moore,
At $3 in Advance, or $3 at end of the year
Sheris'! Sale!, per levy of tea line!, or leu,
“ Mortgage fi fit sales, per *quare,
Citation* for Letter* of Aduiiniatiation,.
S. IV. BOUOBTON, Editor.
THE “FEDERAL UNION" and the “SOUTH
ERN RECORDER’’ were consolidated Ah(f«ft 1st*
1872, the Union being in its Forty-Third Volume and
the Recorder in it’s Fifty Third Volume.
ADVERTISING.
TaaistsaT.—One Dollar periquareof tenlinrs for frit inser
tion, and seventy-6ve cent! for inch luWqtiect eoDtlnonnoe.
Liberal diioonut on them ;.tei will be allowed on advertlee-
caentl running three mouths, or longer.
Tributes ol Reipeet, Re«.,lutiom by Socle tie!, Obituaries ex-
eeeding six line#, Nominstion. for office and Commnnleatiee!
for indlridnel benefit, charged a» transient advertising
LEGAL ADVERTISING.
.. 0*40
5 tO
,. 3 no
Gutrtnsuabip..• S 00
Application for Dismisston trom Adinmistration, S 00
•* *» •• “ Guard ianahip, 3 00
** “ L«-«\re to a»*ll Laud, 5
“ for *
Motic* tn Debtors %ud Crrd;t*>rs f . • •
8a!-« of Land. tc. f per square J r®
•* perishable property, 10 days, prr •quart-, 1 75
Betray Notice*. 30 days •••;. ? ™
Mereeloaum of Mortgage, p«r square, rai-a time 1 *0
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
Sale! of Land, Ac., by Ad.ninUtrstor., Executors or Guar-
4ian«. ara required by law to l**. held «n the first Tucvday In the
month, between th.- Hours of 10-»uthe forenoon and 3 m theaf-
tornoon, at the Court Uouae in the county in which the property
ia aitaatod. Notice of tbeae aaiee muat bo given in a public
garotte 30 days previous to the Jay of sale.
Notice* for tue vale of personal property muat be given
like manner 10 days previous to vale day
Notice to the debtor* and creditor* of i
Uahed 40 day*. „ ^ , n ,.
Notice that application will be madeto the Court or Grom ary
far leave to aell Land, fcc., mud b«- published for one month.
Citation* for letter* of Administration, Guardiananip, Jtc,
muat be publish ti 30 day*- for diamiaaion ti
monthly three rnoutha—for di*niis*iou froi
Rule* for foreclo*ure of Mortgage muat be published moatUy
fer four mouth*—for e*tabli«hing lost paper* for the full space o
three mouths—for compelling title* from Kxeeutoraor Admio
let rat ora, whero bond baa been g:veu by the deceased, the full
apace of three mouth*. .. . .. _
Publication* will always be continued according to theae,
the legal requirement*, unless otherwise ordered.
Book and Job Work, of all kinds
PROMPTLY AND NEATLY EXECUTED
AT THIS OFFICE.
* L c ^ asses of citizens arc |ti°n of this country to maintain strict
. , __, e ‘ted by expansion, would it: neutrality in the event of hostilities, and
e on to give it ? T\ ould not the to carefnlly prevent any infraction of law
JSsff* 1 S? ^ pr L eat i ustif y such 1 on the part of our citizens,
relief? Would it not be ust as honest!
V U MB ER 21.
; estate must be pub-
Administration
Guardianship 40
MESSAGE
OF 1HE
President of the United States#
Washington, December 7, 1874.
To tfie Senate and House of liepresenta-
tives :
Since the convening of Congress one
year ago, the nation has undergone a
PROSTRATION IN BUSINESS
and industries such as has not been wit
nessed with us for many years. Specula
tion as to the causes for this prostration
might be indulged in without profit, be
cause as many theories would be advanc
ed as there would be independent writers
who expressed their own views, without
borrowing, upon the subject. Without
induling in any theories as to the cause
of this prostration, therefore, I will call
your attention only to the fact and to
some plain questions, as to which it
would seem there should be no disagree*,
ment. During this prostration, two es
sential elements of prosperity have been
abundant—labor and capital. Both have
been largely unemployed. Where secu
rity has been undoubted, capital has
been attainable at very moderate rates.
Where labor has been wanted, it has been
found in abundance *at cheap rates, com
pared with what the necessities and com
forts of life could be purchased with the
wages demanded. Two great elements
of prosperity, therefore, have not been
denied us. A third might be added. Our
soil and climate are unequaled within the
limits of any contiguous territory under
one nationality, for their variety of pro
ducts to feed and clothe a people, and in
the amount of surplus to spare to feed
less favored people. Therefore, with
these facts in view, it seems to me that
wise statesmanship at this session of
Congress would dictate legislation, ig
noring the past and directing in proper
channels these great elements of prosper
ity to any people.
DEBT.
Debt abroad is the only element that
can, with always a sound currency, enter
into our affairs to cause auy continued
depression in the industries and prosper -
ty of our people. A great conflict for
national existence made necessary for
temporary purposes, the raising of large
sums of money from whatever source at
tainable. It made it necessary in the
wisdom of Congress, and I do not doubt
their wisdom in the premises regarding
the necessity of the times, to devise a sys
tem of national currency which it proved
to be impossible to keep on a par with
tiie recognized currency of the civilized
world. This begot a spirit of specula
tion involving an extravagance and luxu
ry not required for the happiness or pros
perity of a people and involving both di
rectly and indirectly in foreign indebted
ness. The currency being of fluctuating
value, and, therefore, unsafe to hold for
legitimate transactions, requiring money,
became the subject of speculation in it
self. These two causes, however, have
involved ns in a foreign indebtedness,
contracted in good faith by borrower
and lender, which should be paid in coin,
and according to the bond agreed upon
when the debt was contracted—gold or
its equivalent. The good faith of the
government cannot be violated towards
creditors without national disgrace. But
our commerce should bg encouraged,
American ship-builing increased, and for
eign markets sought for the products of
the soil and manufactories to the end
that we may be able to pay these debts.
Where a new market can be created for
the sale of our products, either of the soil,
the mine or the manufactory, a new
means in discovered of utilizing our idle
capital and labor to the advantage of the
whole people.
THE CURRENCY.
But, in my judgment, the first step to
wards accomplishing this object is to se
cure a currency of fixed, stable value. A
currency good wherever civilization reigns;
on which, if it becomes superabundant
with one people will find a market ^ith
■3me other—a currency which has as its
basis the labor necessary to produce it,
which will give to it its value. Gold and
sliver are now the recognized mediums
of exchange, the civilized world over, and
to this we should return with the least
practicable delay. In view of the pledges
of the American Congress when our pres
snt legal tender system was adopted and
debt contracted there should be no de
lay, certainly no unnecessary delay, in
fixing, by legislation, a method by which
we will return to specie payments. To
the accomplishment of this end I invite
your special attention. I believe firmly
that there can be no prosperous and per
manent revival of business and industries
until a policy is adopted with legislation
to carry it out, looking to a return to a
specie basis. It is easy to conceive that
the debtor and speculative classes may
think it of value to them to make the so-
called money abundant until they can
throw a portion of their burdens upon
others, but even these, I believe would be
disappointed in the result if a coarse
should be pursued which will keep in
doabt the value of the legal tender medi
um of exchange. A revival of produc
tive industry is needed by all classes—by
none more than the holders of property
of whatev er sort with debts to liquidate
fgpm realization upon its sale; but admit-
c -.
just as honest
and prudent to authorize each debtor to
issue his own legal tenders to the extent
of his liabilities than to do this ? Would
it not be safer, for fear of over issue by
unscrupulous creditors, to say that all
debt obligations are obliterated in the
T nited States, and now we commence
anew, each possessing all he has at the
time free from incumbrance? These pro
positions are too absurd to be entertain^
ed for a moment by thinking or honest
people, yet every delay in preparation for
final resumption partakes of this dishones
ty, and is only less in degree as the hope
is held out that a convenient season will
at last arrive for the good work of re
deeming our pledges to commence. It
will never come, in my opinion, except by
positive action by Congress, or by na
tional disasters, which will destroy, for a
time at least, the credit of individuals
and the State at large.
A sound currency might be reached by
total bankruptcy and discredit of the in-
tegnty of the Nation and of individuals.
I believe it is in the power of Congress
at this session to devise such legislation
as will renew confidence, revive all the in
dustries, start us on a career of prosper
ity, to last for many years and to save
the credit of the Nation and of the peo
ple. Steps towards the return to a spe
cie basis are the great requisites to
this devoutly to be sought for end.
There are others which I may touch .up
on hereafter. A Nation dealing in a cur
rency below that of the world in value,
labors under two great disadvantages.
First Having no use for the world’s ac
knowledged mediums—gold and silver—
these are driven out of the country be*,
cause there is no demand for their use.
Second. The medium of exchange in use
being of a fluctuating value (for after all it
is only worth just what it will purchase
of gold and silver—metals having an in
trinsic value—just in proportion to the
honest labor it takes to produce them), a
larger margin must be allowed for
profit by the manufacturer and pro
ducer.
It is months from the date of produc
tion to the date of realization. Interest
upon capital must be charged, and risk
of fluctuation in the value of that which
is to be received in payment added.
Hence high prices act as a production to
the foreign producer, who receives noth
ing in exchange for the products of the
skill and labor except a currency good at
a stable value the world over. It seems
to me that nothing is clearer than that
the greater part of the burden of the ex
isting prostration for the want of a sound
financial system falls iqion the working
man, who must, after all, produce the
wealth, and the salaried man who su
perintends and conducts business.—
The burden falls upon them in two ways
—by the deprivation of employment and
by the decreased purehasejiower of their
salaries.
It is the duty of Congress to devise the
method of correcting the evils which are
acknowledged to exist, and not mine. But
I will venture to suggest two or three
things which seem to me as absolutely
necessaiy to a return to specie payments
—the first great requisite in a return to
prosperity. The legal-tender clause to
the law authorizing the issue of currency
by the National Government should be
repealed, to take effect as to all contracts
entered into after a day fixed in the re
pealing act, not to apply, however, to
payments of salaries by the Government,
or for other expenditures now provided
by law to be paid in currency. In the
interval pending between legal and final
resumption provision should be made by
which the Secretary of the Treasury can
obtain 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 excess of expenses to in
sure an accumulation of gold in the
Treasury to sustain redemption. I com
mend this subject to your careful eonsid
eration, believing that a favorable solu
tion is attainable and that if reached by
this Congress, that the present and future
generations will ever gratefully remem
ber it as their deliverer from a thraldom
of evil and disgrace
With resumption, free banking may be
authorized with safety, giving full protec
tion to billholders which they have under
existing laws. Indeed, 1 would regard
free banking as essential. It would give
proper elasticity to the currency. As
more currency should be required for
the transaction of legitimate business,
new banks would be started, and in turn
banks would wind up their business when
it was found that there was a superabun
dance of currency.
The experience and judgment of the
people can best decide just how much
currency is required for the transaction of
the business of the country. It is unsafe
to leave the settlement of this question to
Congress, the Secretary, or tho Treasu
ry, or the Executive. Congress should
make the regulation under w’hich banks
may exist, but should not make banking a
monopoly by limiting the amount of re
deemable "paper currency that shall be
authorized. Such importance do I at
tach to this subject, and so earnestly do
I commend it to your attention, that I
give it prominence by introducing it at
the beginning of this message.
THE HEATHEN CHINEE.
In connection with this subject, I call
the attention of Congress to a generally
conceded fact, that the great proportion of
the Chinese immigrants who come to our
shores do not come voluntarily to make
their homes with us and their labor pro
ductive of general prosperity, but 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 shameful purposes, to the dis
grace of the communities where settled,
and to the great demoralization of the
youth of those localities. If this evil
practice can be legislated against, it will
be my pleasure as well as duty to enforce
any regulation to secure so desirable an
end.
JAPAN.
• ■ It is hoped that negotiations between
the government of Japan and the treaty
powers looking to tho further opening of
the Empire and to the removal of various
restriction* upon trade and travel, may
soon produce the results desired, which
cannot fail to enure to the benefit of all
the parties. Havingon previous occasion
submitted to the consideration of Con
gress tin propriety of the release of the
Japanese) government from the further
payment of indemnity under the conven
tion of October 22, 1864, and, as no ac
tion had been taken thereon, it became
my duty to regard the obligations of the
convention as in force, and as the other
powers interested had received their por
tions of the indeminty in full, the Minis
ter of the United States in Japan has in
behalf of this Government, received the
remainder of the amount due to the Uni
ted States under the convention of Sima
use ki. I submit the propriety of apply
ing the income of a part, if not the whole
of this fund, to the education in the Jaj
anese language of a number of young
men, to be under obligations to serve the
Government far a specified time, as inter
preters, at the legation and consulates in
Japan. A limited number of Japanese
youths might at the same time be educa
ted in our own vernacular, and mutual
benefits would result to both governments
The importance of haring onr own citi
zens competent and familiar with the
language of Japan to act as interpreters
and in other capacities connected with
the legation and the consulates in that
country, cannot readily be over estima
ted.
MIXED BRITISH CLAIMS.
The amount awarded to the govern
ment of Great Britain by the mixed com
mission, organized under the provisions
of the treaty of Washington, in settle
ment of the claims of British subjects,
arising from acts committed between
April 13th 1861, and April 9th, 1865, be
came payable under the terms of the trea
ty within the past year, and was paid up
on the 21st day of September, 1874. In
this connection, I renew my recommenda
tion made at the opening of the last ses
sion of Congress, that a speeial court be
created to hear and determine all claims
of aliens against the United States, aris-
i g from acts committed against their
persons or property during the insurrec
tion. It appears equitable that an oppor
tunity should be offered to citizens of
other States to present their claims as
well as to those British subjects whose
claims were not ndmissablo under the
late commission, to the early decision of
some competent tribunal. To this end I
recommend tho necessary legislation to
organize a court to dispose of all claims
of aliens of the nature referred to in an
equitable and satisfactory manner, and
to relieve Congress and the Departments
from the consideration of these ques
tions.
The legislation necessary to extend to
the colony of New Fonndland, certain
articles of the Treat y of Washington of the
8th day of May, 1871, having been had a
protocol to that effect was signed iu be
half of the United States and of
Great Britain on the 28th day of May
last, and was duly proclaimed on the
following day. A copy of the proclama
tion is submitted herewith.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
During the past year nothing has oc
curred to disturb the general friendly
and cordial relations of the United States
with other powers. The correspondence
submitted herewith between this govern
ment and its diplomatic representatives,as
also with the representatives of other coun
tries, 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. The
notice directed by the resolution of Con
gress of June 17, 1874, to be given to ter
minate the convention of July the 17th,
1858, between the United States and Bel
gium, has been given and the treaty will
accordingly terminate on July 1st, 1875.
This Convention secured to certain Bel
gian vessels entering the porta of the
United States exceptional privileges
which are not accorded to our own ves-
e*l^' / Other features of the Convention
have proved satisfactory, and have tend
ed to the cultivation of mutually benefit
cial commercial intercourse and friendly
relations between the two countries. I
hope that the negotiation which have been
invited will result in the celebration of
another treaty, which may tend to the
interests of both countries.
Our relations with China continue to
be friendly. During the past year the.
fear of hostilities between China and Jap
an, growing out of the landing of an ar
med force upon the Island of Formosa by
the latter, has occasioned uneasiness. It
is earnestly hoped, however, that the diffi
culties arising from this cause will be ad
justed, and that the advance of cililization
in these empires may not be retarded by
a state of war. In consequence of the
part taken by certain citizens of the Uni
ted States in this expedition, our repre
sentatives in those countries have been
instructed to impress upon the Govern
ments of China jmd Japan the firm inten
BOUNDARY LINES.
A copy of the report of the Commis
sioners appointed under the act of March
19, 1872, for surveying and marking the
boundary between the United States and
the British Possessions, from the Lake of
the Woods to the summit of tho Rocky
Mountains, is herewith transmitted, I
am happy to announce that the field
work of the commission has been com
pleted and the entire line from tho north
west corner of the Lake of the Woods to
the summit of the Rocky Mountains has
been run and marked upon the surface
of the earth. It is believed that the
amount remaining unexpended of the
appropriation made at the last session of
Congress will be sufficient to complete
the office work. I recommend that the
authority of Congress be given to the
use of tho unexpended balcnee of the ap
propriation in the completion of the work
of the Commission in making its report
and preparing the necessary maps
THE ALABAMA CLAIMS.
The Court known as the Court of Com
missioners of the Alabama Claims, created
by an act of Congress of the last session,
has organized and commenced its work,
and it is to be hoped that the claims ad
missible under the provisions of the act
may be speedily ascertained and paid.
others have been passed upon by the ar
bitrators. It has become apparent in
view of these figures, and of the fact that
the work devolving on the umpire is
particularly laborious, that the commis
sion would be unable to dispose of the
entire number of claims pending prior to
the 1st day of February, 1875, the date
fixed for its expiration. Negotiations are
pending looking to the securing of the
results of the decisions which have been
reached, and to a further extension of the
commiesion for a limited time, which it is
confidently hoped, will suffice to bring all
the business now before it to a final close.
SOUTH AMERICA.
The strife in the Argentine Republic is
to be deplored, both on account of the
parties thereto, and from the probable
effects on the interests of those engaged
in the trade to that quarter, of whom the
L nited States are among the principal
As yet, so far as I am aware, there has
been no violation of our neutrality 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
further payment has been received from
the Government of Venezuela on account
of awards in favor of citizens of the Uni
ted States. Hopes have been entertained
that if that Republic could escape both
foreign end civil war for a few years, its
great natural resources would enable it
to honor its obligations. Though it is
now understood to be at peace with oth-
EXTRADITION TREATIES.
Since my last annual message, the ex
change has been made of the ratification
of treaties of extradition with Belgium,
Ecuador, Peru, and Salvador; also of a
treaty of commerce and navigation with
Pern, and one of commerce and consu
lar privileges with Salvador, all of which
have been dully proclaimed, as has also
a declaration with Russia with reference
to trade marks.
condition for service, and with the ad m»de preven t this and tho like
vance m the science of torpedo warfare, I state of things, and the act of May 31st
the American navy, comparatively small 1870, with tne amendments, was passed
BRISTOWS REPORT.
The report of the Secretary of the
Treasury, which by law is made directly
to Congress, and forms no part of this
message, will show the receipts and ex
penditures of the government for the last
fiscal year. The amount received from
each source of revenue and the amount
paid out for each of the Departments of
Government. It will be observed from
this report that the amount of receipts
over expen litures has been but $234,-
488,230 for the fiscal year ending June
30,1874, and that for the current fiscal
year the estimated receipts over expendi
tures will not much exceed nine millions
of dollar.-. In view of the large nation
al debt existing and the obligation to add
one per cent, per annum to the sinking
fund—a sum amounting now to $3,400,-
000,000 per annum, I submit whether the
revenues should not bo increased or ex
penditures diminished to leach this a-
ount of surplus. Not to provide for
he sinking fund is a partial failure to
er countries, a serious insurrection is re- j ^. om l^J f ^ die contracts and ^obliga-
ported to be in progress in an important
region of that Republic. This may be
taken advantage of as another reason to
delay the payment of dues of our citi
zens.
SPAIN AND CUBA.
The deplorable strife in Cuba contin
ues, without any marked change in the
relative advantages of the contending
forces. The insurrection continues, but
Spain has gained no superiority. Six
ears of strife gave to the insurrection a
significance which cannot be denied. Its
duration and the tenacity of its adherents
togetlierwith the absence manifested pow
er of suppression on the part of Spain, can
not be controverted, and may make posi
tive steps on the part of other powers a
matter of self-necessity. I had confident
ly hoped at this time to bo able to an
nounce the arrangement of some of the
mportant questions between this Govern-
m ent and that of Spain, Lut the negotia
tiens have been protracted. The unhap
py intestine dissentions of Spain com
mand our profound sympathy, and must
be accepted as perhaps a cause of some
delay. An early settlement, in part, at
least, of the questions between the gov
ernment is hoped. In the meantime,
awaiting the results of immediately pend
g negotiations, I defer a further and
fuller communication on tho subject of the
relations of this country and Spain.
EXPATRIATION AND ALLEGIANCE.
I have'again to call the attention of
Congress to the unsatisfactory condition
of the existing laws with reference to ex
patriation and tho election of nationality.
Formerly, amid conflicting opinions and
decisions, it was difficult to exactly deter
mined how far the doctrine of perpetual
allegiance was applicable to citizens of
the United States Congress, by the act
of the 27th of July, 1868, assented the
abstract right of expatriation as a funda
mental principle of this government.
Notwithstanding such assertion, and the
necessity of frequent application of the
principle, no legislation has been had de
fining what acts or formalities shall work
expatriation, or when a citizen shall be
deemed to have renounced or to have
lost his citizenship. The importance of
such definition is obvious. The repre
sentatives of the United States in foreign
countries are continually called upon to
lend their aid, and the protection of the
United States to persons concerning
the good faith, or the reality of whose
citizenship there is at least great ques
tion. In some cases the provisions of tho
treaties furnish some guide ; in others, it
seems left to the person claiming the
benefits of citizenship, while living in a
foreign country, contributing in no man
ner to the performance of the duties of a
citizen of tho United States, and without
intention, at any time, to return and un
dertake those duties, to use the claims to
citizenship of the United States simply
a shield from the performance of the
obligations of a citizen elsewhere. The
status of children bom of American pa
rents, residing in a foreign country; of
American woman who have married aliens,
and of American citizens resitting abroad,
here such question is not regulated by
treaty, aro all sources of frequent difficul
ty and discussion. Legislation on these
and similar questions, and particularly
defining when, and under what circum
stances, expatriation can be accomplished,
or is it to be presumed, is especially need
ed.
NATURALIZATION.
tions of the government. At the last ses
sion of Congress a very considerable re
duction was made in rates of taxation,
and in the number of articles submitted
to taxation. The question may be asked
whether or not in some instances unwise
ly. In connection with this subject, I
■venture the opinion, that the means of
collecting the revenue, especially from
imports, have been so embarrassed by
legislation as to make it questionable
whether or not large amounts are not lost
by failure to collect to the direct loss of
the Treasury and to the prejudice of the
interests of honest importers and taxpay
ers.
The Secretary of the Treasury in his
report favors legislation looking to an
early return to specie payments, thus
supporting the views previously express
ed in this message. He also recommends
economy in appropriations, calls atten
tion to the loss of revenue from repeal
ing the tax on tea and coffee without ben
efit to the consumer. Recommends an
increase of ten cents a gallon on whisky,
and further, that no modification be made
in the banking and currency bill passed
at the last session of Congress unless
modification should become necessary by
reason of the adoption of measures for
returning to specie payments. Iu these
recommendations I cordially join.
as it is, will be found at any time power
ful for the purpose of a peaceful nation.
Much has also been accomplished daring
the year in the aid of science, and to in
crease the sum of general knowledge and
further the interests of commerce and
civilization. Extensive and much needed
soundings have been made for hydrogra
phic purposes, and to fix the proper
routes of ocean telegraphs. Further sur
veys of the great isthmus have been un
dertaken and completed, and two vessels
of the navy, are now employed, in con
junction with those of England, France,
Germany and Russia, in observations cOn
nected with the transit of Venus, so use-
fnl and interesting to the scientific world.
The estimates for this branch of the
public service do not differ materially
from those of last year, those for the
general support of the service being some
what less, and those for permanent im
provements at the various stations rather
larger than the corresponding estimate
made a year ago.
The regular maintenance and a steady
increase in the efficiency of this most im
portant arm in proportion to the growth
of our maritime intercourse 'and inter
ests is recommended to the attention of
Congress. The use of the navy in time
of peace might be further utilized by a.
direct authorization of the employment
of naval vessels in explorations and sur
veys of the supposed navigable waters of
other nationalities on this continent, spe
cially the tributaries of the two great ri
vers of South America, the Oronoca and
the Amazon. Nothing prevents, under
existing laws, such exploration, except that
expenditures must be made in such expe
ditions beyond those usually provided for
iu the appropriations. The field designa
ted is unquestionably one of interest and
one capable of large development of com
mercial interests advantageous to the peo
ple reached and to those who may estab
lish relations with them.
THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
THE TARIFF.
THE UNITED STATES AND TURRET.
It has been deemed advisable to exer
cise the discretion conferred on the Ex
ecutive at the last session by accepting
the conditions required by the Govern
ment of Turkey, for the privilege of
allowing citizens of the United States to
hold real estate in the former country
and by assenting to a certain change in
the jurisdiction of Courts in the latter.
A copy of the proclamation upon these
subjects is herewith communicated.
MEXICAN MATTERS.
There has been no material change in
our relations with the independent States
in this hemisphere, which were formerly
under the dominion of Spain. Marauding
on the frontiers between Mexico and Tex
as still frequently takes place, despite the
vigilance of the civil and military authori
ties in that quarter. The difficulties of
checking such tresspasses along the
course of a river of such length as the Rio
Grande and 60 often fordable is ob
vious.
It is hoped that the efforts of this gov
ernment will be seconded by those of
Mexico to the effectual suppression of
these acts of wrong.
From a report upon the condition of
the business before the American and
Mexican Joinf claims Commission made
by the agent on the part of the United
States, and* dated Oct. 28, 1874, it ap
pears that of the 1017 claims filed on
the part cf citizens of the United States,
483 n&d been finally decided and 75 were
in the hands of the umpire, leaving 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 274 remained to be disposed
of. Since the date of snch report, other
In this connection I earnestly call] the
attention of Congress to the difficulties
arising from fraudulent naturalization.
The U. States wisely, freely and liberally
offers its citizenship to all who may come
in good faith to reside within its limits
on their complying with certain prescrib
ed reasonable and simple formalities and
conditions. Among the highest duties
of the government is that to afford firm,
efficient and equal protection to all its
citizens, whether native born or naturali
zed. Caro should be taken that a right,
carrying with it such support from the
government, should not be fraudulently
obtained and should be bestowed only
upon full proofs of a compliance with the
law, and yet frequent instances are
brought to the attention of the govern
ment of illegal and fraudulent naturaliza
tion, and of the unauthorized use of certi
ficates thus improperly obtained. In some
cases the fraudulent character of the na
turalization has appeared upon the face
of the certificate itself. In others, exami
nation discloses that the holder had not
complied with the law, and in others cer
tificates have been obtained where the
persons holding them not only were not
entitled to be naturalized, but had not
even been within the United States at
the time of the pretended naturalization.
Instances of each of these classes of fraud
are discovered at onr legations where the
certificates of naturalization are presen
ted, either for the purpose of obtaining
passports cr in demanding the protec
tion of the legation. When the fraud is
apparent on the face of snch certificates
they are taken up by the representatives
of the government and forwarded to the
Department of State. But even then
tho record of the court in whch the
fraudulent naturalization occurred re
mains, and duplicate certificates are readi
ly obtained. Upon the presentation of
these for the issne of passports or in de
rrmnding protection of the government
the fraud sometimes escapes notice, and
such certifiates are not infrequently used
in transactions of business to the decep
tion and injury of innocent parties. With-
out placing any additional obstacles in
the way of the obtainment of citizenship
by ihe worthy and wellsintentioned for
eigner, who comes in good faith to cast
his lot with ours, I earnestly recommend
further legislation to punish fraudulent
naturalization, and to secure the ready
I would suggest to Congress the pro
priety of readjusting the tariff so as to
increase the revenue, and at the same
time decrease the number of articles up
on which duties are levied. Those arti
cles which enter into onr manufactures,
and are not produced at home, it seems
to me, should be entered free. Those ar
tides of manufacture which we produce a
constituent part of, but do not produce
the whole, that part which wo do not pro
duce, should enter free also. I will in
stance fine wool, dyes, &c. These arti
cles must be imported to form a part of
the manufacture of the higher grades of
woolen goods, chemicals, used as dyes,
compounded in medicines, and used in
various ways in manufactures come under
this class. The introduction of free du
ty on such wools as we do not produce,
would stimulate the manufacture of goods
requiring the use of those we do produce,
and therefore would be a benefit to home
productions. There are many articles en
tering into home manufactures which we
do not produce ourselves, the tariff upon
which increases the cost of producing the
manufactured article. All corrections in
this regard are in the direction of bring
ing labor and capital in harmony with
each other, and of supplying one of the
elements of prosperity so much need
ed.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Secretary of War,
herewith attached and forming a part of
this message, gives all the information
concerning the operations, wants and ne
cessities of tho army. It contains many
suggestions and recommendations which
I commend to your special attention.
There is no class of Government employ
es who are liarder worked than the army
officers and men, none who perform then-
tasks more cheerfully and efficiently, and
under circumstances of greater priva*
tions and hardships. Legislation is de
sirable to render more efficient this
branch of the public service. All the re
commendations of the Secretary of War
I regard as judicious, and I especially
commend to your attention the following:
The consolidation of Government arsen
als, the restoration of mileage to officers
traveling under orders, the exemption of
money received from the sale of subsis
tence stores from being covered into the
Treasury, the use of appropriations for
the purchase of subsistence stores with
out waiting for the beginning of the fis
cal year for which the appropriation is
made, for additional appropriations for
the collection of the torpedo material, for
increased appropriations for the manu
facture of aims, for relieving the various
States from indebtedness for arms charg
ed to them during the rebellion, for drop
ping officers from the rolls of the army
without trial, for the offence of drawing
pay more than once for the same period,
for the discouragement of the plan to
pay soldiers by checks, apd for the es^
tablishment of a professorship of rheto
ric and English literature at West Point.
The reasons for these recommendations
are obvious, and set forth sufficiently in
the report attached. I also recommend
that the status of the staff corps of the
army be fixed, where this has not already
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 necessi
ty for such legislation is specially felt
now in the pay department. The num
her of officers in that department is in
adequate to the performance of the du
ties required of them by law.
minima have been disposed of, reducing cancellation of the record of every natnr*
somewhat fbt number still pending, and | alization made in fraud.
THE NAVY.
The efficiency of the navy has been
largely increased daring the past year,
under the impulse of foreign complica
tions which threatened us at the com
mencement of the last session of Con
gress. Most of our efficient wooden ships
were put in condition for immediate ser
vice, and the repairs of our iron clad fleet
were pushed with the utmost vigor. The
result is that most of these now aro in
an effective state, and need only to be
manned and put in commission to go at
once into service. Some of the new sloops
authorized by Congress are already in
commission, and most of the remainder
are launched and wait only the comple
tion of their machinery to enable them to
take their places as part of onr effective
force. Two Iron topedo ships have been
completed during the last year, and four
of our large double-turreied iron clads
are now undergoing repair*. When theae
are finished, everything that is useful of
pur navy, as now authorised, will be in
Education of the people entitled to ex
ercise the right of franchise, I regard as
essential to the general prosperity every
where, and especially so iu republics
where birth, education or previous condi
tion does not enter into account in giving
suffrage. Next to the public school, the
post office is the great agent of education.
Over our vast territory the rapidity
with which new sections are being settled
thus increasing the carrying of mails in a
more rapi 1 ratio than the increase of re
ceipts is not alarming. The report of the
Postmaster General herewith attached
shows that there was an increase of rev
enue in his department in 1873 over the
previous year of $1,674,411, and an in
crease of cost of carrying the mails and
paying employees of $3,041,468 91. The
report of the Postmaster General gives
interesting statistics of his department,
and compares them with the correspon
ding statistics of a year ago, showing a
growth in every branch of the Depart
ment.
A Postal Convention has been conclu
ded with New South Wales, an exchange
of postal cards established with Switzer
land, and the negotiations pending for
several years past with France have
terminated in a convention with that
country, which went into effect last Au
gust An International Postal Congress
was convened in Berne, Switzerland, in
September last, at which the United
States were represented by an officer of
the Post Office Department of much ex
perience and qualification for the position.
A convention for the establishment of an
International Postal Union was agreed
upon and signed by the delegates of the
countries represented, subject to the ap
proval of the proper authorities of those
countries.
I respectfully direct your attention to
the report of the Postmaster General, andi
to his suggestions in regard to an equita
ble adjustment of the question of com
pensation to railroads for carrying the
mails.
THE LOUISIANA QUESTION.
Your attention will be drawn to the un
settled condition of offairs in some of the
Southern States. On the 14th of Sep
tember last, the Governor of Louisiana
called upon me, as provided by the con
stitution 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. Penn, claiming that he was elected
Lieutenant Governor in 1872, and caliing
upon the militia of the State to arm, as
semble and drive from power the usur
pers, as he designated the officers of the
State government. On the next day I
issued my proclamation, commanding
the insurgents to disperse within five
days from the date thereof, and subse
quently learned that on that day they
had taken forcible possession of the State
House. Steps were taken by me to sup
port the existing and recognized State
government; but before the expiration of
the five days, the insurrectionary move
ment was practically abandoned, and the
officers of the State government, with
some minor exceptions, resumed their
powers and duties. Considering that the
present State administration of Louis
iana has been the only government in
that State for nearly two years, that it
has been tacitly acknowledge and acquies
ced in as such by Congress, and more
than once expressly recognized by me, I
regarded it as my clear duty, when legal
ly called upon for that purpose, to pre
vent its overthrow by an armed mob, un
der pretence of fraud and irregularity in
the election of 1872. I have heretofore
called the attention of Congress to this
subject, stating that on account of the
frauds and forgeries committed at said
election, and because it appears that the
returns thereof were never lagally canvas
sed, it was impossible to tell thereby who
were chosen ; but from the best sources
of information at my command I have al
ways believed the present State officers
received a majority of the legal votes ac
tually cast at that election. I repeat what
I said in my special message of February
23, 1873, that in the event of no action
by Congress I mast continue to recog
nize the government heretofore recogni
zed by me.
an old oag.
I regret to say that with the prepara
tions for the late elections decided indica
tions appeared in some localities in the
Southern States of a determination, by
acts of violence and intimidation, to de
prive citizens of the freedom of the ballot,
because of their political opinions. Bands
of men, masked and armed, made their
appearance—white leagues and other so
cieties were formed—large quantities of
arms and ammunition were imported and
distributed to these organizations—milita
ry drills, with menacing demonstrations,
were held—and, with all these murders
enough were committed to spread terror
among those whose political action was
to be suppressed, if possible, by these
intolerant and criminal proceedings. In
some places, colored laborers were com
pelled to vote according to the wishes of
their employers, under threats of dis
charge if they acted otherwise, and there
are too many instances in which, when
these threat* were disregarded, they were
remorselessly executed by those who
made them. I understand that the Fif
teeath Amendment to the Constitution
to enforce its provisions, the intention of
both being to guarantee to all citizens
the right to vote and to protect them in
the free enjoyment of that right. En
joined by the Constitution “to take care
that the laws be faithfully executed,” and
convinced by undoubted evidence that
violations of said act had been committed,
and that a wide-spread anti flagrant dis
regard of it was contemplated, the prop
er officers were instructed to prosecute
the defenders, and troops were stationed
at convenient points to aid these officers
if necessary in the performance of their
official duties. Complaints were made of
this interference by Federal authority;
but if said amendment and act do not
provide for such interference under the
circumstances as above stated, they are
without meaning, force or effect, and tho
whole scheme of coloredjenfranchisement
worse than mockery and little better
than a crime. Possibly, Congress may
find it due to trnth and justice to ascer
tain by means of a committee whether
the alleged wrongs to colored citizens for
political purposes are real or the reports
thereof were manufactured for tho occa
sion. The whole number of troops in
the State of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia,
Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missis
sippi, Maryland, Virginia, at the time of
the election were 4,082. Tbi3 embraces
the garrisons of all the forts from tho Del
aware to the Gulf of Mexico.
THE ARKANSAS TROUBLES.
Another trouble has arisen in Arkansas.
Article 13 of the Constitution of that
State, which was adopted in 1868, and
upon the approval of which by Congress,
the State was restored to representation
as one of the States of the Union, pro
vides in effect that before amendments
proposed to this constitution shall be
come a part thereof, they shall be passed
by two successive assemblies and then
submitted to and ratified by a majority of
the electors of the State voting thereon.
On the 11th of May, 1874, the Governor
convened an extra session of the Gener
al Assembly of the State, which, on the
18th of the same month, passed an act
providing for a convention to frame a
new constitution. Pursuant to this act,
and at an election held on the 30th of
June, 1874, the convention was approved
and delegates were chosen thereto, who
assembled on the 14th of last July, and
formed a new constitution, the schedule
of which provided for the election of an
entire new set of State officers in a man
ner contrary to the then existing election
laws of the State. On the 13th of Oc
tober, 1874, this constitution, as therein
provided, was submitted to the people for
their approval or their rejection, and, ac
cording to the election returns, was ap
proved by s large majority of those qual
ified to vote thereon, and at the same
election persons were chosen to fill the
State, county and township offices. Tho
Governor elected in 1782 for the term of
four years turned over his office to the
Governor chosen under the new constitu
tion, whereupon the Lieutenant Govern',
or, also elected in 1872 for a term of four
years, claiming to act as Governor, and
alleging that said proceedings by which
the new constitution was made and a
new set of officers elected, were uncon
stitutional, illegal and void and called
upon me, as provided in section 41, arti
cle 4, of the constitution, to protect the
State against domestic violence. As Con
gress is now investigating the political
affairs of Arkansas I have declined to in
terfere. The whole subject of Executive
interference with the affairs of a State is
repugnant to public opinion, to the feel
ings of those who, from their official ca
pacity, must be used in such interposi-.
tion, and to him or those who must di
rect, unless, most clearly on the side of
law, such interference becomes a crime.
With the law to support it, it is condemn
ed without a hearing. I desire, there
fore, that all necessity for Executive di
rection in local affairs may become un
necessary and obsolete.
I invite the attention, not of Congress,
bat of the people of the United States
to the causes and effects of these unhap
py questions. Is there not a disposition
on one side to magnify wrongs and out
rages and on the other side to belittle
them or justify them? If public opinion
could be ‘directed to a correct survey of
what it is and to rebuking wrong and aid
ing the proper authorities in punishing
it, a better state of feeling would be in*
culcated, and the sooner we would have
that peace which would leave the States
free indeed to regulate their own domes
tic affairs.
I believe that on the part of our citi
zens of the Southern States—the better
part of them—there is a disposition to
3e law-abiding and to do no violence
either to individuals, or to the laws ex
isting. But, do they do right in igno
ring the existence of violence and blood
shed in resistance to constituted author
ity? I sympathize with their prostrate
condition, and would do all in my power
to relieve them—acknowledging that in
some instances they have had most try
ing governments to live under, and very
oppressive ones in the way of taxation
for nominal improvements, not giving
benefits equal to the hardships imposed.
But can they proclaim themselves entire
ly irresponsible for this condition? They
cannot. Violence has been rampant in
some localities, and has either been justi
fied or denied by those who could have
prevented it The theory is even raised
that there is to be no farther interference
on the part of the General Government
to protect citizens within a State where
the State authorities foil to give protec
tion. This is a great mistake. While I
remain Executive all the laws of Con
gress and the provisions of the Constitu
tion, including the recent amendments
added thereto, will be enforced with rigs
or, but I regret that they should have
added one jot or tittle to Executive du.
ties or powers. Let there be fairness in
the discussion of Southern questions,
the advocates of both or all political par
ties giving honest, truthful reports of
occurrences, condemning the wrong and
upholding the right, and soon all will be
well Under existing conditions the ne
gro votes the Republican ticket because
he knows his friends are of that party.
Many a good citizen votes the opposite,
not because he agrees with the great prin
ciples of state which separate parties,
bat because generally he is opposed to
negro rule This is a most delusive cry.
Treat the negro as a citizen, as a voter—
as he is and most remain—and soon par
ties will be divided, not on the color line,
but on principle. Then we shall have no
complaint of sectional interference.
LAXDAULXT WILLIAMS REPORT.
The report of the Attorney General
contains valuable recommendations rela
ting to the administration of justice in
the courts of the United States; to which
I invite your attention. I respectfully
suggest to Congress the propriety of in
creasing the Bomber of judicial districts
in the United States to eleven, the pretr.
ent number being nine, and the creation
of two additional Judgeships. The ter
ritory to Im traversed by the Circuit
Judges is so great and the business of
the courts so steadily increasing that it is
growing mora and more impossible for
diem to keep up with the business re-
Unoisf their attention. Whether thi*