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<i htv Du ill) rcs s. City Printar —Official Paper i. v nnv.sT t itTI inn l\hon. At •Ut'M'l'A, OA. WnnAT MfIKMK* Dm. 4. IRM The President's Message. publish. thi* nrorniug, to the exclusion of other interesting re-idhig and our usual liftserliany, the Presi deitthi Mfs-ujf. It is an important State paper, »nd. therefore, puldtsh if in full. \V« have no limo to comment upon it in iho prosent issue, lint leai v our rwHiiurs to i*ad it aud judge it lor themselves. Some important nn<l interesting dis patches will also lx* found in our paper this murmur, under the telegraphic head. We gave the President's Message in an extra yesterday evening, so that, in a few hours after it was read in Con gress. our readers had an opportunity of reading it f>*r themselves. This is a fast age and the Daily I’rlss is bound to keep up with it. Ireland. The ferment in Ireland continues and arrests of suspected parlies are Wing constantly made by the govern ment authorities. An outbreak at any moment is possible ; while the Govern ment is kepi busy watching the move ments at Liverpool. Glasgow, and oilier p ts, doubtless inf mded lo keep troops at home, aud so les-eii the force intend ed to keep Ireland quiet. 'I his i< an unl .ruinate state of affairs, ami will only 'end to make the Irish people more unhappy. It they cannot endure Briiish Government, let them come to the South. We want laborers hero, and to good, honest, industrious people, will give a warm and hearty welcome. We want farmers, inechau ics, and laborers in the South, and tor these elasses there is room and work. Therefore, let Fenianistn and fighting alone. The latter is a had business at be-t. and seldom pays any interest on the capital invested. Peace, a good home, and a competency, are worth any amount of wars, revolutions, and Fen ian movements. The former can be obtained here. The Irish people should come and get them, and let the latter alone. Ren r i Specially for tbo Daily I’rks*. Georgia Legislature. Mili.ehokviu.e, bee. 1, 1860. SENATE. The Senate met at 10 o’clock, A. M., and w » ■ petted wtritli prayer. The bill to modify the County Court Act was taken up and passed. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. Mr. Blount introduced a bill to allow the transfer of license, in Stewart county, to retail spirituous liquors. Mr. J. F. Johnson :,A bill to allow the citizens of Twiggs county to settle the question of the removal of the county site from Marion to Jefferson ville, in said county. Aiso, a bill tor the relief of James TV. Bryant, of Fulton county. Mr. McDaniel : A bill to amend the charter of the Savannah, Griffin, and North Alabama Railroad. It proposes to increase the number of Directors from seven to nine. Mr. Mims: A resolution to adjourn on Saturday, Btb inst. Mr. Moore: A bill to prohibit execu tors, guardians, and trustees, to reut or lease real estate, which they hold in trust, for a longer period than one year, without an order from the Court. Mr. C. 11. Smith: A bill to provide for the appointment, by the Governor, of a Judge of the Superior Court in case a majority ot voles is not i mil for ativ one candidate for the office. Also, a biii providing that toe > p~t intemient and officers of the Wc . erti ano Atlantic Railroad shall 1., p.. ... same salary as is paid by the railroad companies of the State lor similar -• i vice3. ■SENATE BILLS ON THEIR PASSAGE Bill to consolidate the bait. Jacksonville Railroad Coin; ~,\ ilt other companies cu. neiliog with it. Passed. Bilt to incorporate the Etowah Canal J and Water Works. Passed. Bill to allow the interior Courts ot the several counties t > pay a competent salary to County Court Judges in case the tees of such Judge are not adequate tor his support. Lost, by a vote of Id to 20. Ri.l . incorporate the Albany and I At:..ota It i toad Company. Postponed till Tuesday next Bill ii incorporate the Chestatec Blooming and Mining Company. Passed. i he House Bid to provide for the stay of cxi litmus, »a taken up, referred lo the Judiciary Committee, and ordered to be printed. Bill to amend section B, IHH oftlie Code. L '• I'll! to extend to orphan children the beio-nt ot dower. Lost. Bill for the relict ol Executors, Guar dians and Administrators from | ersonal liability, in case the nutim may nave become nisuiv:nl by r.-mmii ol th. . n cipation ol slave . Lost. Bill lo allow planters and tanners to ship on the State Road 600 bushels ol eurn, and 2,000 pounds o( bacon or pork, tree of charge. Lost. Riil to allow creditors of insolvent banks to present their claims to the j assignees of such banks within the j period of one year. Passed. Rill lo change the lime ot holding the monthly sessions of the County Court of Dougherty, Worth, Raker, and Miller counties. Parsed. Rill in remit the tax on liquors for the first quaitcr ol 1000. Passed. Bill to exempt from taxation thv cap" •tal stock employed -ill the manufacture of Cotton mid Wool, liiiit Bill to make provision' for the pay ment of bonds of the Statu shortly fulling due. Passed. Adjourned till Monday morning. . house. Afternoon Session, Nov. 30, The House resumed the consideration of the substitute of the Judiciary Coni' mitten, fur thu bill of the Senate, for the relief of the people ol Georgia, and to prevent the levy ami sale ot property under certain circumstances. Tht l substitute was adopted and passed. This bill provides that one third shall be paid on eaeh the first of Janunrv, lSiifs ’til), and '7O; and a failure to pay any installment only subjects the debtor to suit tor the one third thus refused or failed to be paid. Morning Skssios, Dec. 1. Mr. Morris moved to reconsider the amendment to the above bill, which amendment, offered by Mr. Stewart on yesterday, was as follows: Provided that nothing in this Act sha'l be con strued as to prohibit persous from carry ing property or produce from one county to another, for the purpose of sale; and provided farther, that citizens changing their domicile from one county to another in this State, shall not be pro hihited from carrying their property | with them, where the same is not done ! lo evade die pavui-'iit of just debts. The Spe ii- v g this motion ou 1 ot order, Mi. Met ved to reconsider the whom mil. . . t |mic in favor of his motion, tin- o j ■ : which, he said, was to reach t - aiu« n Iment mentioned above. Mr. .'-haw said he wished to enter his protest against the bill. Mr. Dorsey spoke in opposition to tlie mo tion, ns did also Mr. Stewart. Mr. Rus sel, of Muscogee, favored the reconsid eration of Mr. Stewart’s amendment, and he also wished to amend the bill farther by saying: The provisions of this Act shall not apply to debts due to administrators, guardians, and trustees- Mr. Ridley spoke in opposition to the reconsideration. Motion to reconsider lost. Mr. Adams moved a suspension ot the rules, when he introduced a resolu tion looking to tlie purchase, by the State, of the Library ot tbe lato A. A. Sinetts. of Savannah. Mr. Wicker introduced a bill to au thorize the incorporation of Homestead or Building Associations. (Should this bill pass, the incorporation of Building and Loau Associations will he dispensed with, and thus much valuable time will be saved.) The committee on the Boundary line between Georgia and Florida reported, recommending the line run by G. J. Orr to be tbe permanent line between the two States. Mr. Holliday: To allow The transfer of retail licenses in Stewart county. Mr. Hardin: For relief of J. M. Daniel. Mr. Rhodes: To change the line be tween Chattanooga and Walker. Mr. Kibbee: To change the line be tween Wilcox and Pulaski. BFECIAL ORIIEK. To extend State aid to tlie completion of the Savannah, Griffin, and North Alabama Railroad. Messrs. Stallings, Stewart, and Hinder spoke in favor of the bill, and no one in opposition. The yeas aud nays were called, and the bill was lost by three votes. THIRD READINGS. For relief of J. J. Anderson (a recon siderc and bill). Passed. To change tbe time of holding the Superior Court iu Richmond County. Passed. To regulate the mode of giving in lands for taxation. (They must be given :u by members ofthe district and county.) Pending the consideration of this bill, ii.o House adjourned. Pluto. Fo • the Great Exioition. —The Kaolin < - tnptmy are g ing to send peciitcno their ware lo the Paris position. With these specimens I »ili send handsomely printed iritig th ■ - "Kao it, >■ '■ I ."iv: , Sooth Caro' in.a. ... i -ft with John I Vigot A o ■! • Paradise-Pois -o.iuicrre, Par .. -i .slier, Thomas & ■Scbtiub, Augusta Georgia, United States.*’ The card is Irom the Job Office of Mr. E. H. Pugiiu, ami is a beautiful .specimen of the typographical art. Thk CibcUs.—! )jih Castello’s “Groat Show” will be here to day, en route to the interior of Georgia. A great attrac tion, on this occasion, will be the appearance of Mr. Charles Parker, the renowned clown who so delighted Dan's patrons last season ; but who was not with him when he "showed” here this season. Parker is a great favorite and will prove a good card lor Dan. Then there are the Runnels family, and the Trapejeistn, and the Roders, and the Lions, and all besides, which people will go to see, and ulways seem to be pleased with Khicp Wahm.—At I. Kahn A. Co’s you can buy all wool 10-1 Blankets, at $O.l/0; 11-4 all worn Blankets, jio.OO; Dark Brown Blankets, $ll.OO per pair. Call and buy at once, and protect your self front the cold weather. These goods are offered under New York cost, and all in need will do well. Look at advertisement. t Look out koii Coin SVkatpkr.— Messrs I. Kalin A Cos. advertise a lot of blankets lor sale at less than New York cost. As the cold weather is setting in, everybody ought to keep warm, and when a good blanket can be bought for to sls per pair, nobody can have an excuse tor not keeping warm. (Jo to Kahn's and get K good blanket. (By U«> U N anil Kur»|>«*u N> »» AanucUUuli.) PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, I'dUnr Ciliiens of the Senate ami House of Representatives: After a brief interval the Congress of the United States resumes its annual legislative labors. An all-wise and merciful Providence has abated the pes tilence which visited our shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions of our country. Peace, order, tranquil iev, and civil authority has lieen for mally declared to exist throughout the whole of the United States. In all of the States civil authority has superseded the coercion of arms, and the people, by their voluntary action, are maintaining their governments in foil activity and complete operation. The enforcement of the laws is no longer “obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings;" and the ani mosities engendered by the war are rap idly yielding to the benificent influences of our free institutions and to the kindly effects of unre'stricted social and com mercial intercourse. An entire restora tion of fraternal ieeling must be the earn est wish of every patriotic heart; and we will have accomplished our grandest national achievement when, forgetting the sad events of the past, and remem bering only their instructive lessons, we resume our onward career ns a free, prosperous, and united people. Iu my message oi the 4th of Decem ber, 18t>5, Congress was informed of ihe measures which had been institu ted by the Executive with a view to the gradual restoration of tlie States in which the insurrection occurred to their relations with the General Government. Provisional Governors had been ap pointed, Conventions called, Governors elected. Legislatures assembled, aud Senators and Representatives chosen to tlie Congress of the United States. Courts had been opened for the enforce ment of laws long in abeyance. The blockade had been removed, custom houses re-established, and the internal revenue laws put in force, in order that tiie people might contribute to tlie na tional income. Postal operations had been renewed, and efforts were being made lo restore them to their former condition of efficiency. The States themselves had been asked to take part in tlie high function of amending tlie Constitution, and of thus sanctioning tlie extinction ot African slavery as one of the legitimate results of our interne cine struggle. Having progressed thus far, the Ex ecutive Department found that it had accomplished nearly all that was within (he scope of its constitutional authority. Due tiling, however, yet remained t<> be (lone before the work of restoration could be completed, aud tiiat was the admission to Congress ol loyal Senators and Representatives from the States whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the General Govern ment. This question devolved upon the respective Houses, which, by tlie Con stitution, are made the ju^ r es of the elections, returns, and qualifications of their own members : amt its considera tion tit once engaged the attention of Congress. In the meantime, the Executive De partment— no other plan having been proposed by Congress—continued its efforts to perfect, as far as was practi cable, '.lie restoration of the proper rela tions between the citizens of tlie respec tive States, the States, and the Federal Government, extending, from time to time, as tlie public interest seemed to require, the judicial, revenue, and postal systems of the country. With ad vice aud consent of the Senate, the ne cessary officers were appointed, and ap proprlatious made by Congress for the payment of their salaries. Tlie propo sition to amend the Federal Constitu tion, so as to prevent the existence of slavery within the United States or any place .-abject to their jurisdiction, was refined by the requisite number of St >t s: and i,n the 18th day of December, 1865, it was officially declared to h ive become valid as a part of the Constitu tion of tbe United States. All of the States in which the insurrection had ex isted promptly amended their Constitu tions, so tts to make them conform to the great change thus affected in the organic law of the land ; declared null and void all ordinances and laws of se cession ; repudiated all pretended debts aud obligations created for the revolu tionary purposes of the insurrection; and proceeded, in good faith, to the e nactment of measures for the protec tion and amelioration of the con lit on of the colored race. Congress, how ever, yet hesitated to admit any of these States to representation ; and it was not until towards the close of tlie eighth month of the session that an exception was made in favor of Tennessee, by the :tdmission of her Senators and Repre sentatives. 1 deem it a subject of profound regret that Congress has thus far (ailed to ad tnit to seats loyal Senators and R"pro. sentatives from the other States, whose inhabitants, with those of Tennessee, had engaged in the rebellion. Ten States —more than one fourth of the whole number—remnin without repro. seutation ; the seats of fifty members in the House of Representatives and twenty members in the Senate are yet vacant • not by their own consent, not by a failure of election, but by tint refusal of Congress to accept their credentials. Their admission, it is believed, would have accomplished much towards the renewal and strengthening of our re lations aS otic people, and removed serious cause for discontent on the part of the inhabitants of those States. It would have accorded with the great principle enunciated in the Declaration ~f American Independence, that no peo ple ought linear the burden ol taxation and yet ho denied the right ol repre sentation. It woukl have been in con' ..ouuiice with the express provisions of the Constitution, that “each State shall have at least one Representative,” and "that no State, without its consent, sliall l>e deprived of iU equul suffrage in the Senate." These provisions were intended to secure to every State, and to tlie people of every State, the right o*" representation in each House of Con gress ; and so important was it deemed by iho framers of the Constitution thut tlie equality of the Stutea in the Senato should be preserved, that not even by an amendment of the Constitution can any State, without its consent, be denied a voice in that branch of the National Legislature. Is is true it lirs been assumed that the existence of the States was termi nated by the rebellious acts of their in habitants, and that the insurrection haring been suppressed, they were thenceforward to be considered merely as conquered territories. The Legisla tive, Executive, and Judicial Depart ments of the Government have, how ever, with great distinctness nnd uniform Consistency, refused to sanction an as sumption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system, and witii the professed objects of the war. out the recent legislation of Congress, the undeniable fact makes itself appa rent, that these ten political communi ties are nothing less than States ot this Union. At the very commencement of tlie rebellion, each House declared, with a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant, that the war was not “waged, upon our part, in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of con quest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those States, but to defend and main tain tlie supremacy ot the Constitution and all laws made iu pursuance there of, and to preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired ; and that as soon as these objects” were “accom plished, the war ought to cease.” In some instances, Senators were per mitted to continue their legislative functions, while iu other instances, Representatives were elected and ad mitted to seats after their States had formally declared their right to with draw from the Union, and were en deavoring to maintain tiiat right l>y force of arms. All of the States whose people were in insurrection, as States, were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of twenty millions of dollars annually laid upon the United States by the act approved sth August, 1801. Congress, by the act of March 4, 1802, and by the apportionment of representation thereunder, also recog nized their presence as States in the Union; and they have, for judicial pur poses, been divided into districts, as States alone can be divided. The same recognition appears in the recent legis lation in reference to Tennessee, which evidently rests upon tlie fact that the functions of tlie State were not de stroyed by the rebellion, but merely suspended; and that principle is of course applicable to those States which, like. Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in nion. The action of the Executive Depart ment of the Government upon this sub ject has been equally definite and uni form, and the purpose of the war was specifically stated in tbe Proclamation issued by iny predecessor on the 22d of September, 1862. It was then solemnly proclaimed and declared that “hereafter, as heretofore, the war will be prosecuted for tlie object of practically restoring the constitutional relation between the Uni ted States and each of the States ami the people thereof, in which States that rela tion is or may be suspended or disturb ed.” The recognition of tlie States by the Judicial Department of the Government has aiso been clear and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them as States, had iuthe Supreme, Circuit, and District Courts. In the admission of Senators and Rep resentatives from any and all of the States, there can be no just ground of apprehension that persons who are dis loyal will be clothed with the powers of legislation; for this could not happen when the Constitution and the laws are enforced by a vigilant and faithful Con gress. Each House is made the “judge of the elections, returns, and qualifica tions of its own members,” and may, “with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.” When a Senator or Representative present! his certificate of election, lie may at once be admitted or rejected; or, should there be any question as to his eligibility, his creden tials may bo referred for investigation to the appropriate committee. If admitted to a seat., it must be upon evidence sat isfactory to the House of which he thus becomes a member, that he possesses the requisite constitutional and legal qualifications. If refused admission as a member lor want of due allegiance to the Government, and returned to his constituents, they are admonished that none but persons loyal to the United States will be allowed a voice in the Legislative Councils of. the Nation, and the political power and moral influence of Congress are thus effectively exerted in the interests of loyalty to the Gov eminent and fidelity to the Union. Upon this question, so vitally affecting the restoration of the Union and the permanency of our present form of gov ernment, my convictions, heretofore ex pressed, have undergone no elinugc; but, oil the contrary, their correctness has been confirmed by reflection and fiine. If the admission of loyal mem bers to seats in the respective Houses of Congress wus wise and expedient a your ago, it is no less wise and expedient now. If this anomalous condition is right uow—if, in the exact conditio** ot these States at tiie present time, it is lawfal to exclude them from representa tion, I do not sue that the question will he changed by the etllnx of time. Ten years hence, if these States remain as tliey are, the right of representation will he no stronger—the right of exclu sion will be no weaker. The Constitution of the United States makes it the duty of the President to recommend to the consideration of Con gress "such measures as he shall judge necessary or expedient.” I know of no measure more imperatively demanded by every consideration of national inter est, sound policy, and equal justice, than the admission of loyal members from the now unrepresented States. This would consummate the work of restora tion, and exert a most salutary influence in the re-establishment of peace, har mony, and fraternal feeling. It would tend greatly to renew the confidence of the American people in the vigor and stability of their institutions. It would bind us more closely together as a na tion, and enable us to show to the w 'rid the inherent and recuperative power of a Government founded upon the will of the people, aud established upon the principles of liberty, justice, and intelli gence. Our increased strength and en hanced prosperity would iricfragably demonstrate the fallacy of the argu ments against free institutions drawn from our recent national disorders by the enemies of republican government. The admission of loyal members from the States now excluded from Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension) would turn capital, now awaiting an opportunity for investment, into the channels of trade and industry. It would alleviate the present troubled con. dition of those States, and, by inducing emigration, aid in the settlement of fertile regions now uncultivated, and lead to an increased production of those staples which have added so greatly to the wealth of the nation and the com merce of the world. New fields of en terprise would be opened to our progres sive people, and soon tlie devastations of war would be repaired, and all traces of our domestic differences effaced trout the minds of our countrymen. In our efforts to preserve “the unity of Government which constitutes us one people,” by restoring the States to the condition which they held prior to the rebellion, we should be cautious, lust, having rescued our nation from perils of threatened disintegration, we resort to consolidation, and in the end absolute despotism, as a remedy for the recurrence of similar troubles. The war having terminated, aud with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful con stitutionality, we should hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the Constitution, and to return to the ancient landmarks established by our fathers for the guidance ot succeeding generations. “Tlie Constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all.” “If in the opinion of tlie people, the distri but ion or modification of the constitu tional powers be, in any particular, wrong, lot it be corrected by an amend ment in the way in which tbe Constitu tion designates. But let there be no change by usurpation ;” for “it is the customary weapon by which free Gov ernments are destroyed.” Washington spoke these words to his countrymen, when, followed by their love and graii tude, he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life. “To keep in all things within the pale of our constitu tional powers, and cherish the Federal Union as the only rock of safety,” were prescribed by Jefferson as rules of action to endear to his “countrymen tlie true principles of their Constitution, and promote a union of sentiment and action equally auspicious to their hanplness and safety.” Jackson held that tlie action of the General Government should always be strictly confined to the sphere of its appropriate duties, and justly aud forcibly urged that our Gov ernment is not to be maintained uor our Union preserved “by invasions of the rights and powers of the several States. In thus attempting to make our General Government strong, we make it weak. Its true strength consists in leaving individuals and States as much as pos sible to themselves; in making itself felt, not in its power, but in its benefi cence ; not in its control, but in its pro tection ; not in binding the States more closely to the centre, but leaving each to move unobstructed in its proper con s'itutiomd orbit.” These are the teach ings of men whose deeds and services have made them illustrious, and who, long since withdrawn from the scenes of life, have left to their country the rich legacy of their example, their wisdom, and their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration from their lessons, let us emulate them in love of country and respect for the Constitution and the laws. t The report of the Secretary ot the Treasury affords much information re specting the revenue and commerce of die country. His views upon the cor rency, and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, in ternal as well as impost, are commended to the careful consideration of Congress. In my last annual Message I expressed my gencrnl views upon these subjects. I need now only call attention to the necessity of carrying into every depart ment of the Government a system of rigid accountability, thorough retrench ment, and wise economy. With no ex ceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppressive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such a modification of out revenue laws ns will be consistent with the public faith, aud the legitimate and nlpcessary wants of the. Government. The report presents a much more sat isfactory condition of our finances than j One year ago tlie most sanguine could i buve anticipated. During the fiscal year ending the 30tl» June, 1805, the last year of the war, the public dent was increased $1)41,902,537, and on the 3l*t of October, 1805, it amounted to $2,740,854,750. On the 31st day of October, 1806, it bad been reduced to $2,551,310,006, tlie diminution, during a period of fourteen mouths, commencing September 1, 1865 and ending October 31, 1866, having been $206,379,505. Iu the lost animal rejiort on the stale of the finances, it was estimated that during the three quarters of the fiscal year ending the 30th of June last, the debt would be increased $112,194,947. Daring that period, however, it was re duced $31,196,387, the receipts of the year having been $89,905,905 more,and the expenditures $200,529,235 less tl an the estimates. Nothing could more clearly indicate than these statements the extent and availability of the na tional resources, and the rapidity and safety with which, under our form of government, great military and naval establishments can be disbanded, and expenses reduced from a war to a peace footing. Daring the fiscal year ending tbe 30th of June, 1866, the receipts were $558,- 032,020, and the expenditures $520,750,- 940, leaving an available surplus of $37,281,680, It is estimated that the receipts for the fiscal year ending the 30th June, 1867, will be $475,061,386, and that the expenditures wilt reach tbe Sum of $316,428,078, leaving in the Treasury a surplus of $158,633,308. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1868, it is estimated that the receipts will amount to $350,247,641 —showing an excess of $85,752,359 in favor of the Government. These estimated receipts may he dimin ished by a reduction of excise and im port duties; but after all necessary reductions shall have been made, the revenue of the present and of following years will doubtless be sufficient to cover all legitimate charges upon the Treas ury, and leave a large auuuul surplus to be applied to the payment of the prin cipal of the debt. There seems now to bo no good reason why taxes may not be reduced as the country advances in population and wealth, and yet the debt he extinguished within the uext quarter of a century. The report of the Secretary of War furnishes valuable and important infor mation in reference to the operations of his Department during the past year. Few volunteers now remain in the ser vice, aud they are being discharged as rapidly as they eau be replaced by regu lar troops. The army has been promptly paid, carefully provided with medical treatment, well sheltered and subsisted, und is to be furnished with breech-load ing small arms. The military strength of tlie nation has been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers, ths dis position of unserviceable or perishable stores, and the retrenchment of expen diture. Sufficient war material to meet any emergency has been retained, and, irom the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call, large armies can be rapidly organized, equipped, aud concentrated. Fortifica tions on tlie coast aud frontier have received, or are being prepared for more powerful armaments ; lake surveys and harbor and river improvements are in course of energetic prosecution. Prep arations have been made for the pay ment of the additional bounties author ized during the recent session of Con gress, under such regulations as will protect the Government from fraud, and secure to the houorably discharged sol dier the weil-earned reward of his faith fulness and gallantry. More than six thousand maimed soldiers have received artificial limbs or other surgical apara tus ; and forty-one national cemeteries, containing the remains of 104,526 Union soldiers, have already been established. The total estimate of military appropri ations is $25,205,669. It is stated in the report of the Secre tary of the Navy, that the naval force at this time consists cf two hundred and seventy-eight vessels, armed with two thousand three hundred and fifty-one guns. Os these, one hundred and fif teen vessels, carrying one thousand and twenty-nine guns, are in commis sion, distributed chiefly among seven squadrons. The number of men iu tbe service is thirteen thousand six hun dred. Great activity and vigilance have been displayed by all the squad rons, and their movements have been judiciously and efficiently arranged in such manner as would best promole American commerce, and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen abroad. The vessels unemployed are und: riroing repairs, or are laid up until their services may be required. Most of the iron-clad fleet is at League Island, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, a place which, until decisive action should be taken by Congress, was selected by the Secretary of the Navy as the most eligible location for that class of vessels. It is important that a suita! le public station should be pro vided for the iron-clad fleet. It is in tended that these vessels shall be in proper condition for any emergency, and it is desirable that the bill accept ing League Island for naval purposes, which passed the House of Representa fives at its last session, should receive final action at an early period, in order that there may be a suitable public station tor this class of vessels, ns well i as a navy yard of area sufficient for the 1 wants of the service, on the Delaware i river. The Naval Pension fund amoutns to $11,750,000, having been in creased $2,750,000 during the year. The expenditures of the Department for the fiscal year ending 30th June last, were $ 13,324,526, and the esti mates for the coming year amount to $23,568,436. Attentiou is invited to the condition of our seamen, and the importance of legislative measures for their relief and improvement. The suggestions in behalf of this deserving class ot our fellow-citizens are earnestly recommended to the favorable attention of Congress. The report of the Postmaster Gen eral presents a most satisfactory condi tion of the postal service, aud submits recommendations which deserve the consideration of Congress. The reve nues of the Department for the year eliding June 30,1866, were $14,386,986, and the expenditures $15,352,079, show ing an excess of tlie latter of $965,093. In anticipation of this deficiency, how ever, a special appropriation was made by Congress in the Act approved July 28, 1866. Including the standing ap propriation of $700,000 for free mail matter, as a legitimate portion of the revenues yet remaining unexpended, the actual deficiency for the past year is only $265,093 —a sum within $51,141 of tbe amount estimated in the annual report of 1864. The decrease of reve nue compared with the previous year one and one fifth per cent., and the increase of expenditures, owing princi pally to the enlargement of the mail service in the South, was twelve per cent. Ou the 30th of June last there were in operation six thousand nine hundred and thirty mail routes, with an aggregate length of one hundred and eighty thousand nine hundred and twen ty one miles, an aggregate annual trans portation of seventy-one million eight hundred and thirty seven thousand nine hundred and fourteen miles, and an ag gregate annual cost, including all ex penditures, of $8,410,184. The length of railroad routes is thirty two thousand and ninety two miles, and the annual trans portation thirty million six hundred and nine thousand four hundred and sixty seven miles. The length of steamboat routes is fourteen thousand three hun dred and forty six miles, aud the annual transportation three million four hun dred and eleven thousand nine hundred and sixty two miles. The mail service is rapidly increasing throughout the whole country, and its steady extension in the Southern Suites indicates their constantly improving condition. The growing importance of tlie foreign ser vice also merits attention. The Post Office Department of Great Britain and our own have agreed upon a prelimi nary basis for anew Postal Convention, which it is believed will prove eminently beneficial to the commercial interests of the United States,inasmuch as it con templates a reduction of the international letter postage to one half the existing rates; a reduction of postage with all other countries to and from which cor respondence is transmitted in the British mail, or in closed mails through the United Kingdom; the establishment of uniform and reasonable charges for the sea and territorial transit of correspon dence in closed mails; and an allow ance to each Postoffice Department of the right to use all mail communications established under the authority of the other for the dispatch of correspondence, either in open or closed mails, on (he same terms as those applicable to the inhabitants of the counfry providing the means of transmission. The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits the condition of those branches of the public service which are committed to his supervision. During the last fiscal year, 4,629,312 acres of public land were disposed of, 1,892,516 acres of which were entered under the homestead act. The policy originally adopted relative to tbe public lands has undergone essential modifications. Immediate revenue, and not their rapid settlement, was the cardinal fea ture of our land system. Long expe rience and earnest discussion have re sulted in the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resour, ces, and the diffusion of an energetic population over our vast territory, are objects of far greater importance to the national growth and prosperity than the proceeds of the sale of the land to the highest bidder in open market. The preemption laws confer upon the pioneer who complies with the terms they impose the privilege of purchasing a limited portion of “ unoffered lands ” at the minimum price. The homestead enact ments relieve the settler from the pay ment of purchase money, and secure him a permanent home, upon the con dition of residence for a term of years. This liberal policy invites emigration from the old, and from tlie more crowd ed portions of the new, world. Its pro pitious results are undoubted, and will be more signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider develop ment. Congress lias made liberal grants or public land to corporations, in aid or the construction' of railroads and other infernal improvements. Should this policy hereafter prevail, more stringent provisions will ho required to secure a faithful application of the fund. The title to the lands should not pass, by patent or otherwise, but remain in the Government and subject to its control until some portion of the road lias been actually built. Portions of them might then, from time to time, be conveyed to tho corporation, but never in a greater ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than the completed parts bear to the ontiro length of the projected im provement. This restriction would not operate to the prejudice of any under taking conceived in good faith, and executed with reasonable energy, as it is the settled practice to withdraw from market the lunds falling within tho ope ration of such grants, and thus to ex clude the inception of a subsequent adverse right. A brqpeh of tho condi tions which Congress may deem proper to impose should work a forfeiture ot claim to the lands so withdrawn but ““conveyed, and of title to the land* conveyed which reiuaiu unsold. Operations on the several lines offf, e Pacific Railroad have been prosecute with unexampled vigor and success Should no unforeseen causes of dels occur, it is confidently anticipated that this grcal.tlioroughfare will be. completed before the expiration of the period des ignated by Congress. During the last fiscal year the amount paid to pensioners, including the ex peoses of disbursement, was thirte million four hundred and fifty nine th()u sand nine hundred and ninety six dob lars; and fifty thousand one hundred and seventy seven names were added to the pension rolls. The entire numberof pensioners, June 30, 1866, was oue hun dred and twenty six thousand seven hundred and twenty two. This fact furnishes melancholy and striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindicate the constitutional authority of tbe Federal Government, and to maintain inviolate tbe integrity cf tbe Union. They im pose upon us corresponding obligations. It is estimated that thirty three million dollars will be required to meet the exi gencies of this branch of the service during the next fiscal year. Treaties have been concluded with the Indians, who, enticed into armed oppo sition to our Government at the out break of the rebellion, have uncondi tionally submitted to our authority, and manifested an earnest desire for a re uewal of friendly relations. During the year ending September 30, 1866, eight thousand seven hundred and sixteen patents, for useful inventions and designs, were issued, aud at that date the balance in the Treasury to the credit of the Patent fund was two hun dred aud twenty eight thousand two hundred and ninety seven dollars. Asa subject upon which depends aa immense amount of the production and commerce of the couutry, I recommend to Congress such legislation as mav be necessary for the preservation of the levees of the Mississippi riVer. It is a a matter of national importance that early steps should be taken not only to add to the efficiency of these barriers against destructive inundations, but for the removal of all obstructions to the free and safe navigation of that great channel of trade and commerce. The District of Columbia, under ex* isting laws, is not entitled To that repre sentation in tbe National Councils which) from our earliest history, has been uniformly accorded to each Territory established from time to time within our limits. It maintains peculiar rela tions to Congress, to whom the Consti tution has granted the power of exer cising exclusive legislation over the seat of goverument. Our fellow-citizens re siding in the District, whose interests are thus confided to the special guard ianship of Congress, exceed in number the population of several of our Territo ries, and no just reason is perceived why a delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the House of Representatives. No mode stems so appropriate and effectual of enabling them to make known their peculiar condition and wants, and of securing she local legislation adapted to them, I therefore recommend the passage of a law authorizing the electors of the District of Columbia to choose a dele gate, to be allowed the same rights aud privileges as a delegate representing a Territory. The increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement in the District are highly gratifying, and I trust that the efforts of the municipal authorities to promote the prosperity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient and generous cooperation of Congress. The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture reviews the operations of his Department during the past year, and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to encourage’those States which, scourged by war, are now earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic industry. It is a subject of congratulation that no foreign combinations against our domestic peace and safety, or our legiti mate influence among the nations, have been formed or attempted. While sen timents of reconciliation, loyaltv, ami patriotism, have increased at home, a more just consideration of our national character and rights has been mani fested by foreign nations. The entire success of the Atlantic Telegraph between the coast of Ireland and the Province of Newfoundland, is. an achievement which has been justly celebrated in both hemispheres as the opening of an era in the progress of civilization. There is reason to expect that equal success will attend, and even greater results follow, the enterprise for connecting the two Continents through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of telegraph between Kamschatka and the Russian possessions in America. The resolution of Congress protesting against pardons by foreign Governments of persons convicted of infamous of fences on condition of emigration to our country, has been communicated to the States with which we maintain in' tercourse, and the practice, so justly the subject of complaint on our part, has not been renewed. The congratulations of Congress to the Emperor of Russia, upon his escape from attempted assassination, have been presented to that humane and enlight ened ruler, and received bv him with expressions of grateful appreciation. The Executive, warned of an attempt by Spanish American adventurers to induce the emigration of freedmen ot the United States to a foreign country, protested against the project ns one which, if consummated, would reduce them to a bondage even more oppressive than that from which they have just been relieved. Assurance has been received from the Government of tlie State iu which the plau was matured,