The Weekly Sumter republican. (Americus, Ga.) 18??-1889, December 09, 1870, Image 2
sttt WttUggtyntUan.
HANCOCK. GRAHAM A REILLY
. W. HANCOCK,..
AMERICUS. GEORGIA
Friday Morning, December 9, 1870.
FOR CONGRESS—2d Distbict,
HON. NELSON TIFT,
OF DOUGHERTY.
The Downfall of the Republican
Party.
They drank wine, and praised the gods
of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron,
of wood, and of stone. * * *
In the same hour camo forth fingers of
a man’s hand, and wrote over against the
candlestick, upon the plaster of the wall
of the king’s palace, and the king saw
the part of tlxe hand that wrote. * *
\nd this is the writing that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, TJPHARSIN.
The above was the forewarning of King
Belshazzar; but the words that are on
the wall of Radicalism requires no Daniel
to interpret them. Beyond all donbt the
kingdom has been numbered and finish
ed, the principles of the party and char-
actcrs of its leaders have been weighed
in the balance and fonnd wanting; and,
worse than all to the fond lovers of Radi
calism, is the upharsin of that unfortu
nate Pagan King: “It is divided.'
Yes, the Radical party is divided and
the hour of its dissolution is fast drawing
nigh. The premonitory symptoms of
death oro abundantly visible, and we
trust no femedy shall be fonnd of suffi
oicut efficacy to repel the approach of
of the great equalizer. “They have
drank wine, and praised the gods of gold,
and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood
and of stone,” nntil 4 tho people have been
wcllSnigh robbed of all their rights and
privileges. But the gronnd swell has, at
last, made its appearance and tried and
vphaniu has been proclaimed.
The places that have known it will soon
know it no more—it is passing away, for
it is dividedMany of its best and ablest
men are leaving it, while others are pre
paring for the leap when the final crash
comes. And, as evidence of its critical
condition, we givo an extract from the
New York Evening Post, which has been
one of its staunchest and ablest defend-
The Republican party was tho party of
equal rights, of honest and economical
government, and of reform. While it
carried oat, in all the departments of
government, the ideas upon which it was
founded, it retained the confidence and
favor of tho people. But if it is to be
made tho party of monopoly, of privilege
and favoritism ; if its predominance is to
bo used to strengthen and perpetuate old
abuses, to defend and shield monopolies,
the people will avert their faces and let
it fall, in spite of its glorious record.
There is no doubt but that this disaf
fection has and is taking a wide range,
aud one that is calculated to accomplish
the end of Radical rule and usurpation.
The revenue and civil service reform
destined to strike down Radicalism and
build up Democracy. From every quar
ter comes the cry of reform, and every
day the cry becomes louder and more
firm. But the work is not yet accom
plished, although commenced. Speak
ing upon this subject a Washington a
respondent of the Baltimore Sun says:
A good many Senators and members
have been here during the last few days
engaging quarters for the session. An
opportunity has thus been given for an
expression of views on the revenue and
civil service reform movement, which
prove to be quite unanimous against any
attempt to form a new or third party, al
though quite general on the part of Dem
ocrats and Western Republicans in favor
of organizing tho next House on tne
basis of revenue reform. One Western
Republican member declares that the
people of his section are united in favor
of reducing the tariff to a revenue stand
ard without affording any incidental pro
tection, and he believes that an attempt
will be made in that direction at the
coming session without waiting for the
next Gongress, A Pennsylvania Repub
lican member, whose opinion has been
asked, says that the administration must
resist such a movement with all of its
lluence; that tho law convening the
Forty-second Congress on tho 4th of
March must bo repealed, or else that
State will bo hopelessly lost to the Re
publican party. The coal and iron and
manufacturing interests of that State, he
declares, will go to otter decay if the
tariff is further reduced. The revenue
Republicans say that they will show
their strength in tho present Hoose by
uniting with the Democratic vote to pre
vent tho repeal of tho law convening
Cougress on March 4th. While there
will be no absolute political coalition, it
is pretty evident, judging from the gene-
nil talk of the liberal Republicans, that
members of the two parties will be fonnd
voting together in tho coming session, as
they voted in the last, in favor of lower
rates of duties. Soon after the Senate
meets Mr. Schurz will make a speech
the revenne reform movement.
But' the work must progress—it has
not yet proceeded far enongh. At pres
ent it has gone only far enough to create
a division and thoughts of forming
new party. We do not believe there
should be any new party now. In the
language of the New York World,
separate party now, made up of those
w ho bavo either renounced or quarreled
with Radicalism, could be of no service
to the country, and wonld be fatal to its
own creators. Most certainly is it so, if
fonnded on a single doctrine, especially
if it be one of social economy. None
view the great question of revenne re
form with greater respect than do the
Strict Democracy, for it is a part of their
political creed; bnt looking back at his
tory, we find the invariable fate of one-
idea parties. A triumphant party wonld
never have been crystalized, or rather
rolled like a mass of tattered rags, round
the one-idea of antislavery, (moral, not
economical,) bat for (be folly and fan
aticism elsewhere, and we do not believe
there is any such magic in Revenue
Reform alone as to make it an exception
to tl»t. rule.
But if the Bepnblican Revenue Re
formers think their one article of faith
necessary to salvation, it surely is not so
exclusive a dogma as to compel them to
reject companionship with other great
measure*—protection of the constitution
al right of the States against centraliza
tion and abuses of military power, gener
al amnesty, curtailment of expenditures,
reduction of all taxation, direct as well
as indirect, restraint of Execntivo exor
bitance, rehabilitation of commerce by
a policy of peace and liberality, and puri
fication of the whole public service, civil
Ifidmililaiy. These arc some of the re-
formy proposed to be carried into effect
by the Democracy when they come to
power in 1873, and they sorely offer no
impediment to the sympathy and co-bp-
eration of men who have abandoned Rad
icalism because of its corruptions,
es and flagrant outrages upon the Conti-
Let them instead of forming a new,
one idea party, come and join us that we
may the more effectually enter the con
test for victory. We have room for them
all and oar motto is t
-• While the lamp hold* oat to burn
The vilest tinner mtjr return. *
What is to be tbe Result.
A Washington correspondent of the
New York Herald, of a recent date, thus
speaks of the politics of this State:
‘•The Senator says everything now
looks very hopeful for a Republican vic
tory, Of course he disclaims, in his usu
al modest way, any services of his own
that wonld be likely to contribute to the
party. The organization is very good,
and the members of it pretty generally
united. Senator Cameron think* that if
the lnll negro vote can be brought out the
Republicans will have a fair majority.—
There are some fears, however, that the
negroes in the country districts may be
kept away from the polls through intimi
dation. To prevent this the Senator is
of the opinion that a strong force of
troops should be distributed through the
State. This would give courage to the
negio voters, while at the same time it
would, prevent any disorder or outbreak.
“Governor Bollock, of Georgia, is also
here, and had an interview with the
President, as also did Senator Cameron.
It is understood that both gentlemen <
-tressed their views, of the situation _
to the President, and urged the
protect all the legal
voters.
“As already indicated in these dis
patches, the President, through the Sec
retary of War, has ordered that addition
al troops be sent to Georgia, to remain
until after the election. Should the Re
publicans carry the Legislature, Govern
or Bullock will be a candidate for the
United States Senate, and the chances
are that he will be elected. The success
of the Republican party in Georgia will
naturally strengthen tbe position of At
torney General Akerman—who is from
that State—in the Cabinet. That gentle
man, therefore, is very solicitous for the
success of the party.”
It will be remembered that Senator
Cameron was in the State a few weeks
since, amt from the above, it will be
seen thRt the Radicals are exceed
ingly desirous of carrying this State. It
will also be seen that this resalt is par
ticularly and personally desirable to Bol
lock and Akerman ; the former wishes to
secure the United States Senatorship,
while the latter is solicitous to “strength
en his position” os Attorney General
This is a fair specimen of Southern Rad
icalism. Their aims and ambitions sel
dom rise above self. The Government is
ignored, the rights of the people forgot
ten and the general condition of afiairt
cast aside and made subservient to jer-
sonol aggrandisement And this
only the case with the Radical office-
seekers and office-holders in this State,
bnt it is so in every Southern State.
When such is the case why is it the
people will persist in sustaining such mis
erable creatures in office f Are officers
elected to discharge duties and serve the
people, or are they elected to advance
their individual interests ?
Bnt let us retnrntotbe coming contest
From the dispatch, above given it will
be seen that the whole power and influ
ence of the Washington Government
going to be directed to this State in order
to secure it to the Radical pnrty. Then
in the face of this, what is oar duly?
Should we court divisions, or tolerate
dissentions? Shonld Democrats run mad
after office ? Should the Democratic
party permit more than one ticket to be
run under the name of Democracy ? We
think not, and as wo have before stated,
the contest is not going to be an easy
and cau only be gained by bard work and
concert of action. If we have divisions
and splits we may expect defeat. There
fore, we appeal to all to unite in opposi
tion to Radicalism. The State
danger, the rights of the people i
danger, the credit and* solvency of the
State is in danger, and we appeal to the
people, by all they hold dear, to rally to
the rescue. Put down dissensions, lay
aside personal feelings and preferences
and rally to the determined support of
the party. If this is done, and the peo
ple will pat their shoulder to the wheel,
tbe result of the election will show that
the Republicans will not have a “fair
majority.”
An Acquisition.
In onr last issue we published “ a card
to the public ” from Dr. Samuel Bard,
Editor of the True Georgian, iu which
he declares “ that the mission of the Re
publican party has ended ” and “ that the
futnre welfare of the country will be best
secured by the complete triumph of the
declared principles of the Democratic
party, ” and gives his “ unqualified sym
pathy with aud adhesion to the National
Democratic Party. ” We are glad tc
*ee thu*, first, because we are always glad
to sec men turn from error and embrace
right, and, second, because we regard
him its a valuable acquisition. There are
many, no doubt, who will attempt to say
great many lxard things abont him and
his recent change, bnt we shall not be of
that number, for we recognize in him,
and have always done so, one |among the
best editors of the State. We verily be
lieve, had it not been for him and his pa
per, tho Radical party wonld not be
where it is to-day, in this State. As a
paragraphist there are few superior tcJ
Bard, and many have felt the weight and
pnngeucy of his'sqnibs. So farms we
concerned we welcome the Doctor in-
mr ranks and extend him the right
hand of fellowship—the Atlanta Sun to
the contrary, notwithstanding. By the
way, we do wish, for the relief of the Sun,
that Bard wonld notice it for jost one
time, if no more.
>• Radicalism the Same Everywhere.
.. Gov. Lindsay’smajarityas indicated by
tbe returns of the election published in
the presence of a majority of the General
Assembly an Saturday last, was ascertain
ed to be fourteen hundred and twenty-
nine. Bnt, to this majority ihonld be
•erljl added, Gov. Lindsay’s majori-
in Washington arid Baker counties,
which would swell his majority in the
whole State to between 20,000 and 25,-
000. We are credibly informed that tbe
returns from Washington county were
sent by mistake to the direction of Lieu
tenant Governor Applegate, and came in
to the hands of the widow, wbodelivered
the package into the hands of a leading
Republican, and that is the last that has
been heard of it The Baker county re
turns have never been received at the
Capitol, for reasons that we cannot ex
plain.
In addition to this. Gov. Lindsay shonld
be properly credited with 900 votes, this
being tbe number of illegal votes taken
by Mr. Stanton to the polls in Jefferson,
of persons who were not legally compe
tent to vote being residents of that coun
ty or citizens of the State. The conte it
progressing in the Hocse of Representa
tives in regard to the members from Tal
ladega connty is already developing large
Radical frauds in that county. We are
conscientiously satisfied that the Demo
cratic and Conservative majority in the
E lls thoroughly purged wonld not be
»than ten thousand.—Mont Adr. 30/A.
We may profit by the above extract, if
e will. The dissolution of the Radical
party is fast approaching and, now, it is
a death strnggle with them. In every
election their best efforts will be put
forth, and tho past jnstifios us in the as
sertion that carrying points by fraud and
corruption is not, in the least, objection
able—indeed, we believe it is regarded
preferable.
Then, when we have such testimony be
fore ns we most guard against them in
the approaching election. We must see
to it that they perpetrate no frauds upon
us, and to do this we must prepare for it.
It cannot be prevented unless necessary
steps are taken, in ibis connty, unless the
people make a better show to-day than
they have before. There must be <
mittees appointed to watch the polls and
take the name of all voting illegally
that they may be prosecuted ; then, the
returns, as sent up, must be remembered
so that any change in them can be de
tected. We have got to watch every
point and we had just as well prepare to
do it, and let a step be taken in that di
rection by the meeting to-day.
h2KThe Supreme Court of Pennsyl
vania is called upon to decide, if a man,
who gains a wife by false representing
himself to be rich, shall be divorced, the
wife claiming that a marriage contract
through such false pretences, is null and
void. Of course the divorce cannot bo
granted, because, as in the case of false
pretences to obtain money, it wai
lady’s doty to ascertain, before parting
with herself, that the representations
were correctly founded. Tho case is i
remarkable illustration of how far discon
tented married people will go, in these
tree love days, to procure their libera
tion from the marriage thrall. As well
might a husband sue for a divorce on the
ground of having been deceived by a wig,
or padded dresses, or by a row of false
teeth.
Bear this Fact in Mind.—The Atlan
ta Constitution calls attention to the fol
lowing Section of the Code of Georgia,
not repealed by the Mongrel so-called
Legislature.
“If. by 10 o’clock a. m., on tho day of
the election, there is no proper officer
present to hold the election, or there is
one and he refuses, three freeholders may
superintend the election, and shall lie of
the same effect ns if token by u qualified
officer.” Sec. 1314, Chap’ 2, Title 14, Pt.
1, Code of Georgia, page 253.
A Card.
We hereby notify onr friends and the
public that we are not bound by the pre
tended nomination, but axe still indepen
dent candidates as before.
We Jars and ever have been willing to
abide by the wish of the people, bnt we
will not be controlled by any Such trick.
•We call upon onr friends to sustain ns
by their votes on the day & election, and
we will show them that a few tricksters
do not control the country.,
> Stebuxo Glover.
Joed R. G. Horne.
Pfas-ta.
D5L. On Wednesday night last, the Ar
mory of Mr. Tbos. M. Eden was entered
by some nnknowu pel-son or persons, who
carried away about twenty new pistols,
several fine guns and abont thirty dollars
in cash —the whole amounting to abont
$400.00. Mr. Eden is *n hard-working,
honest man, and the loss to him, at this
time will be particularly heavy.
Our good citizens will see in this robbe
ry the necessity of a change in the admin
istrative affairs of the city. The fact that
a house on the Public Square was entered
and good* to the amount of $400.00
taken off—and no clue of the perpetrator
be found—speaks poorly for the vigilance
of our police. It is uow time that the po
lice shonld be strengthened, and it should
be composed of sober men. It is impos
sible for two meu to patrol the city a
night, as it shonld bo doao; and those in
authority impose a duty op the police
which they cannot perform, besides im
pose upon the tax-payers in leaving their
property so poorly protected. It is Let
ter to have no police than to liave an in
efficient one.
LIST OF LETTERS.
Remaining iu the Americas Post Of
fice, held for Postage, if not called for in
fifteen days will l»e sent to tho Dead let
ter office.
A. Allen, Richland, Go. ; William
Adams, Montezuma, Ga. ; Miss Mary W.
Ay cock, Rome, Gu. ; Robert Bird, Aracri-
(»a. ; J. W. Burke, Macon, Ga. ;
W. H. Barlow, Newton, Gu.; John F.
Butler, Byronville. Ga. ; Mrs. W. Ii. J.
Boswell, Greensboro, Ga. ; Film an
Brunson, Macon, Ga.; J. J. Barn ell,
Albany, Ga. ; Mr. Cunboge, Americas,
Ga.; F. F. Chan, Union Spring*, Ala.;—
Mrs. M. F. Coin, Americas, Ga. ; Miss.
Sallie Dixon, Americas, Gi
Feagin, Wilburns Mill, Ga. ; Capt W.
F. Ford, Columbus, Ga. ; S. F. Green,
Culepina Ala.; Ashley Hamilton, Moriou-
na, Flo.; Mrs. M. A. Hardwick, Ameri
cas, Ga.; S. S. Haynes, Floyd Springs,
Ga.; Macliet Johnson, Americas, Go.;
Jasper Johnson, Dover Ga.; W. F.
Jinkins, Eatonton, Ga. ; J. L. KeUey,
Sandersville, Ga. ; Mrs. M.E. Lansford;
Americas, Ga.; Ellis Moore, Americas,
Ga. ; Luke Mills, Elmira Ala.; Mi**
Mollie MeMillian, Cuthbert, Ga. ; J. P.
THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS.
DELIVERED MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1870.
CONGRATULATORY.
To the Senate anH House of Representa-
•es:
Washington, December 5.—A year of
peace and general prosperity to - this na
tion has passed since the last assembling
of Congress. Yfehave, through a kind
Providence, been blessed with abundant
crops, and have been spared from com
plications^ and war with foreign nations.
In onr midst comparative harmony has
been restored. It is to be regretted,
however, that a free exercise of the elec
tive franchise has, by violence and inti
midation, been denied to citizens—In
exceptional eases—in several of the States
lately in rebellion, and the verdict of the
people has thereby been reversed. The
States of Virginia, Mississippi and Texas
have been restored to representation in
onr national councils. Georgia, the only
State now without representation, may
confidently be expected to take her place
there also at the beginning of the new
year, and then let ns hope will be com
pleted the work of reconstruction. With
an acquiescence ou the part of the whole
people in the national obligation, to pay
the public debt created as the price of
our Union—the pensions to onr disabled
soldiers and sailors and to their widows
and orphans, and in the changes to the
constitution which have been made n
essary by a great rebellion, there is
reason why we should not advance
material prosperity and happiness as
other nation ever did after so protracted
and devastating a war.
THE UIUTED STATES AND PRUSSO-FRENCH
WAB.
Soon after the existing war broke out
in Europe, the protection of the--United
States Minister in Paris was invoked
favor of North Germans domiciled
French territory. Instructions were
sned to grant the protection. This has
been followed by an extension of Amer
ican protection to citizens of Saxony,
Hesse, Saxo Coburg Gotha, Columbia,
Portugal. Uruguay, the Dominican Re
public, Equador, Chili, Paraguay and
Venezuela in Pans. The ckargo was au
onerous one, requiring constant aud
vero labor, as well as the exercise _
patience, prudence aud good judgment.
It has been performed to the entire satis
faction of this government* aid as I am
officially informed, equally so to the sat
isfaction of the government of North
Germany. As soon as I learned that a
Republic had been proclaimed at Paris,
and that the people of Franco had ac
quiesced in the change, the minister of
the United States was directed by tele
graph to recognize it, and to tender my
congratulations and those of the people
of the United States, as the re-establish
ment in FAnce of a system of govern
ment disconnected with the dynastic tra
ditions of Europe appeared to be a porp-
er subject for tho felicitations of Ameri
cans. Should the present strnggle re
sult in attaching the hearts of the French
to our simple forms of republican govern
ment, it will be a subject of still further
satisfaction to onr people. While we
make no effort to impose our institutions
upon the inhabitants of other countries,
and while we adhere to our traditional
neutrality iu civil contests elsewhere,
cannot be indifferent to the spread of
American political ideas iu a great and
highly civilized country like France.
We were aske.l by tho new government
to use our good offices jointly with
those of European powers iu the interest
of peace. The answer was made that
the established policy and the true inter
est of the United States forbade them to
interfere in European questions jointly
with European powers. I ascertained
informally aud unofficially that the gov
ernment of North Germany was not then
disjxised to listen to such representations
from any power, and though earnestly
wishing to see the blessings of peace re
stored to the belligerents, with all of
whom tho United States are on terms of
friendship, I declined on the part of this
government to take a step which could
only result in injury to our true interests
without advancing the object for which
onr intervention was invoked. Should
the time come when tho action of the
United States cau hasten the return of
peace by a single hour, that action will
be heartily taken. I deemed it prudent
in view of the number of persons of Ger
man and French birth living in the Uni
ted States, to Issue soon after au official
notice of a state of war which had be
received from both belligerents, a pro
clamation defining the duties of the Uni
ted States os a neutral, and the obliga
tions of persons residing within their
territory to observe their laws and the
laws of nations. This proclamation
followed by others, as circumstances
seemed to call for them. The people
thus acquainted in advance of their duties
and obligations, have assisted iu prevent
ing violations of the neutrality of the
United States.
McCall, Montezuma Ga. ,• 8, B. Myers,
Milledgeville, Ga.; H. S. Fulleu, Bhdus-
ty, Ga.; Abram Purdy, Americas, Ga. ;
B. F. Peacock, Buena Vistn, Ga.; R. Par
ham, Eatonton, Ga.; Miss. Sessuf Smith
Sandersville, Go.; Mrs. Ann MT Wood.
Cuthbert, Ga.; C. W. Wheatiy, Ameri
cas, Ga.; -G. T. Wilbnrn, Americas,
D. BARWALD P. M.
The “Good Templar’s Advocate”
is rapidly increasing in circulation, and
merchants would do well to use its col*
nans tp majse koown their business.
derstood that tho condition
of the insurrection iu Cuba has material
ly changed since the close of tho last
session of Congress. In an early stage
of tho contest the authorities of Spain
jurated a system of arbitrary ar
rests, of close confinement, and of mili
tary trial and execution of persons sus
pected f complicity with tho insurgents,
and of the summary embargo of their
properties, and the sequestration of their
revenues by executive warrant. Such
proceedings, so far its they affected the
persona or property of citizens of the
United States, were in violation of the
caty of 1705 between tho United States
aud Spain, and representations of inju-
resnlting to several persons claiming
to be citizens of tho United States by
reason of such violations were made to
tho Spanish Government. From April,
18419, to June last the Spanish Minister
at Washington has been clothed wilh a
limited power to aid in redressing each
wrongs, but that power was fonnd to be
withdrawn iu view, as it wiis said, of the
favorable situation in which the Island
of Cuba thou “was,” which, however,
did not lead to a revocation of the sus
pension of the extraordinary and arbitra
ry functions exercised by tho executive
power in Cuba, and we were obliged to
make our complaints at Madrid. Iu the
negotiations thus opened, and still pen
ding there, the United St.»tesonly claim
ed that, for the future, rights secured to
their citizens by treaty should be respect
ed iu Cuba, and that, as to tho past
joint tribunal shonld bo established
the United States with fnll jurisdiction
over all such claims. Before such an im
partial tribunal each claimant would be
required to prove bis cose, and on the
other hand, Spain wonld bo at liberty to
traverse every material fact, and thus
complete equity would be done. A case
whi«?h, at one time, threatened seriously
to affect the relations between tho United
States and Spa n. has already been dis-
gold, which has since been paid by"the
Imperial, Government These recent
examples show that the mode which the
United States have proposed t
adjusting the pending claims, is just and
feasible^ and thatitxnay be agreed to by
either cation without dishonor. It is to
be hoped that this moderate demand
maybe acceded to by Spain wiihont far
ther delay. Shonld the pending nego
tiations, unfortunately and unexpectedly,
be without result, it will then-become
my duty to communicate that fact to
Congress and invite its action on the sub
ject. The long deferred peace confer
ence between Spain and the allied South
American Republics, has been inaugura
ted in Washington under the auspices of
the United States, pursuant to the re
commendation contained in the resolu
tion of the House of Representatives of
the 17th of December, 1866. The Exe
cutive Deportment of the Government
offered its friendly offices for the promo
tion of peace and harmony between
Spain and the allied Republics, but hesi
tations and obstacles occurred to the ac
ceptance of the offer. Ultimately, how
ever, a conference was arranged, and was
opened in this city on the 26th of Octo
ber last, at which I authorized the Secre
tary of State to preside. It was attend
ed b.v the ministers of Spain, Pern, Chili
and Ecuador; but in consequence of the
absence of a representative from Bolivia,
the conference was adjourned until the
attendance of a plenipotentiary from
that Republic could be.secured, or other
measures could be adopted towards com
passing its objects. The allied and other
republics of Spanish origin on this conti
nent may see in this fact a new proof of
our sincere interest in their welfare, and
of onr desire to see them blessed with
good Governments, capable of maintain
ing order, and of preserving their respec
tive territorial integrity, and of our sin
cere wish to extend onr own commercial
and moral relations with them. The
time is not probably far distant when, in
the natural course of events, the Euro
pean political connection with the conti
nent will cease, and onr policy should
be shaped in view of this probability so
as to ally the commercial interests of the
Spanish American States more closely to
our own, aud thus give the United States
all the pre-eminence and all the advan
tage which Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, and
Mr. Clay contemplated, when they pro
posed to join in the Congress of l ann-
SAN DOMINGO TREATY.
During the last session of Congress _
treaty for the annexation of the Republic
of San Domiugo to the United States
failed to receive the requisite two thirds
vote of tho Senate. I was thoroughly
■convinced then that the best interests of
this country, commercially and material
ly, demanded its ratification. Time has
ouly confirmed me in this view. I n
firmly believe that the moment it
known, that the United States have <
tirely abandoned the project of accepting,
as a part of its territory, the Island of
San Domingo, a free fort will be nego
tiated for European nations in the Bay
of Satnuna. A largo commercial city
posed of in tliis way : I he claim of the
owners of the “Colonel Lloyd Aspinwoll,
for tho illegal seizure and detention of
that vessel, was referred to arbitration
by mutual consent, and has resulted in
an award to tho United States for tho
owners of tbe sum of nineteen thousand
seven hundred and two dollars and fifty
cents in gold. Another, and long-peu-
ding claim of like nature—that of the
whale ship “Canada”—has been disposed
of by friendly arbitrament during the
present year. It was referred, 1>Y the
joint consent of Brazil and the United
8tates, to the decision of Sir Edward
Thornton, Her Britannic Majesty's Min
ister at Washington, who kindly under
took the laborious task of examination
of the voluminous mass of oorrespon-
will spring up to which we will be tri
butary without receiving corresponding
benefits, and then will be seen the folly
of our rejecting so great a prize. The
Government of San Domingo has volum
tarily sought this annexation. It is t
weak power numbering probably less
than one hundred and twenty thousand
souls, and yet possessing one of tho rich
est territories under tho sun, capable of
supporting a population of ten millions
of people in luxury. The people of San
Domingo are not capable of maintaining
themselves in their present condition,
and must look for outside support.
They yearn for the protection of our free
institutions and laws : our progress and
civilization. Shall we refuse them ‘
The acquisition of San Domingo is de
sirable, because of its geographical po
sition. It commands the entrance to
the Caribbean Sea, and is tho Isthmus
transit of commerce. It possesses the
richest soil, l»est aud most capacious
harbors, most salubrious climate, aud
the most valuable products of the forest,
mines and soil, of any of the West India
Islands. Its possession by the United
States will, iu a few years, build up a
coastwise commerce of immense magni
tude, which will go far towards restoring
to ns our lost merchnut marine. It will
give to us those articles which we <
same so largely and do not prod:
thus equalizing onr exports and imports.
In case of a foreign war, it will give ns
com maud of all the Islands referred to
and thus prevent nn euemy from ever
again possessing himself of a rendezvous
upon our very coast.
At present, our coast trade between the
States bordering on the Atlautio and
those bordering on tho Gulf of Mexico,
is cut in two by the Bahamas and the
Antilles. Twice, we must, as it were,
pass through foreign countries to get by
sea from Georgia to the west coast of
Florida. San Domingo, with a staple
government under which her immense
resources can be developed, will give
remunerative wages to tens of thousands
of laborers not now upon the island.
This labor will take advantage of every
available means of transportation to
abandon tho adjacent islands, and seek
the blessings of freedom and its sequence
each inhabitant receiving the reward of
his own labor. Porto Rico and* Cuba
will have to abolish slavery as a measure
of self-preservation to retain their labor
er.. San Domiugo will become & large
consumer of the products of Northern
farms and manufactories. The cheap
rate at which her citizens can be furnish
ed with food, tools and machinery, will
make it necessary that contiguous islands
should have the same advantages, in or
der to compete in the production of su
gar, coffee, tobacco, tropical fruits, etc.
This will open to ns a still wider market
for our products. Tho production of
our own supply of these articles will cut
off more than one hundred millions of
our imports, besides largely increasing
our exports. With such u picture, it
is easy to see how our large debt abroad
is ultimately to bo extinguished. With
a balance ot trade, agaiust us, including
interest on bonds held by fereigners,
and money spent by onr citizens trav
elling in foreign lands equal to the entire
yield of the precious medals in this coun
try it i3 not so easy to see how this result
is to be otherwise accomplished.
Tho acquisition of San Domingo is on
adherunco to tho Monroe doctrine. Ii
a measure of national protection ; it is
asserting our just claim to a controlling
influence in the great commercial traffic
soon to flow from west to east, by way of
the Isthmus of Darien ; it is to build up
our merchant mariue ; it is to furnish
new markets for tho products of our
farms', shops and manufactories; it
moke slavery insupportable in Cuba
aud Porto Rico at once, and nlti-
matelyso in Brazil ; it is to settle tho
nnhappy condition of Cuba, and end
extermiuatiug conflict; it is to provide
honest means of paying onr honest debts
without over-taxing the people; it is to
furnish our citizens with the ne. essories
of every day life at cheaper rates than
ever before ; and it is, in fine, a rapid
stride towards that greatness, industry
and enterprise of the citizens of the Uni
ted States entitled this country to assume
among the nations.
In view of the importance of the ques
tion, I earnestly urge upon Congress
early action, expressive of its views as
to the best means of acquiring San Dorn-
3 of the
acquisition of Texas.
So coovineed ami of the advantages to ment
flrtfi. UkA ..nni.ilinn G.M TY/im•« fTL.
flow from the acquisition of Son Domin
go and of the; great disadvantages—I
mighCalmost say calamities—to flow from
non-acquisition, that I believe the snb-
jecthas only to bo investigated to be ap
proved. * :
' THE MEXICAN TJURA ZONA.
It is to be regretted that onr represen
tations in regard to the injurious effects,
especially upon the revenne of the Uni
ted States, of the Mexican Government
in exempting from impost duties a large
tract of its territory on our borders, have
not been fruitless, bat that it is even pro
posed in that ooantry to extend the lim
its within which the privilege adverted to
has hitherto been enjoyed. ' Tne expe
diency, of taking into your serious consid
eration proper measures for countervail
ing the policy referred to will, it is pre
sumed, engage your earliest attention.
EXTRADITION TREATIES WITH CENTRAL
It is the obvious interest, especially of
neighboring nations, to provide against
impanity to those who may have commit
ted high crimes within their borders, and
who may have sought refuge abroad. For
this purpose extradition treaties have
been concluded with several of the Cen
tral American Republics and others are
in progress.
CLAIMS AGAINST VENEZUELA.
The sense of Congress is desired as
early as may be convenient upon the pro
ceedings of the commission on n1*im*
against Venezuela, as communicated in
my messages of March 16, 1869, March
1,1870, and March 31, 187a It has not
been deemed advisable to distribnte any
of the money which has been received
from that Government until Congress
shall have acted upon the subject.
iugo. My suggestion is that, by joint-
resolution of tho two Houses of Cougress,
tho executive be authorized to appoint
a commission to negotiate a treaty with
the authorities of San Domingo, for the
acquisition of Jthat island, and that an
appropriation 1)0 made to defray tho ex
penses of bucU commission, Tho ques-
LCBpuu- tioti may then be determined either by
d?nce and. testimony submitted by' the ] the action of tho Senate npon the treaty,
Itwo governments, • and awarded to the I or the joint action of the two Houses of
United Staten the sum of $100,740 09 in | Congrps upon a resolution of annexation
Tlie massacres of French and Rnssian
residents at Tien-Tsin nnder circum
stances of great barbarity, were supposed
by some to have been premeditated and
to indicate a purpose among tbe popnla-
tion to exterminate foreigners in the Chi
nese Empire. The evidence fails to es
tablish such a supposition, but shows a
complicity between the local authorities
and the mob. The Government at Pekin,
however, seems disposed to observe its
treaty obligations, so far os it was able to
do so.
Uufortnnately the news of the war be
tween the German States and France
reached China soon after the massacre.
It would appear that the popular mind
became possessed with idea that this con
test, extending to Chinese waters, wonld
neutralize tho Christian influence and
power, and that the time was coming when
the superstitions masses might expel all
foreigners and restore mandarin influence.
Anticipating trouble from this cause, I
invited France and the North Germany
to make an authorized suspension of hos
tilities in tho east, where they were tem
porarily suspended by each of the com
manders, and to act together for the fu
ture protection, in China, of the lives
and properties of Americans and Euro
peans.
TREATIES WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
Since the adjournment of Congress the
ratification of the treaty with Great Brit
ain, fer abolishing the mixed courts for
the suppression of the slave trade, have
been exchanged. It is believed that the
slave trade is now confined to the eastern
coast of Africa, whence the slaves are tak-
ea to Arabiun markets.
Tho ratification of tho Naturalization
Convention between Great Britain and
the United States have also been exchang
ed during the recess, and thus a long
standing dispute between the two Gov
ernments has been settled in accordance
with the principles always contended for
Ly the United States.
BOUNDARIES.
In April last, while engaged in locating
a military reservation near Pembina, a
corps of engineers discovered that the
commonly recognized boundary line be
tween tho United States and the British
possessions at that place is about 4,700
feet south of the true position of the 49th
parallel, and that the line, when run on
what is now supposed to be the true po
sition of that parallel, would leave the
fort of the Hndson Bay Company at Pem
bina within the territory of the United
States. This information being com mu
nicated to the British Government, I wai
requested to consent, and did consent,
that the British occupation of the fort of
the Hudson Bay Company should con
tinue for the present. I deem it impor
tant, however, that this part of the bound
ary line should be definitely fixed by a
joint commission of the two governments,
and I submit herewith estimates of the
expense of such a commission on the part
of tho Umted States and recommend that
an appropriation be made for that pur
pose. The land boundary has already
been fixed and marked, from the summit
of the Rocky Mountains to the Georgian
Bay. It should now be, iu like manner,
marked from the Lake of the Woods to
the summit of the Rocky Mountains.
ALABAMA CLAIMS.
I regret to say that no conclusion has
been reached for the adjustment of the
claims against Great Britain, growing out
of the course adopted by that Govern
ment during the rebellion. The cabinet
of Loudon, so far as its views have been
expressed, does not appear to be willing
to concede that lier Majesty’s Government
was guilty of any negligence, t
permitted any net during tho war by
which tne United States has just cause of
complaint. Our firm and unalterable
convictions are directly the reverse.
therefore, recommend to Congress to
thorize the appointment of a commission
to take proof of the amounts and the
ownership of these several claim*, on no
tice to the representatives of Her Majes
ty at Washington, and that authority be
given for tbe settlement of these chums
by the United States—so that the Govern
ment shall have the ownership of the pri
vate claimoias well as the responsible con
trol of all the demands against Great
Britain. It cannot be necessary to add
that whenever Her Majesty’s Govern
ment shall entertain a desire for a full
and friendly adjustment of the claims the
United States will enter upon their co
sidcratiou with an earnest desire for
conclusion consistent with tho honor and
digoitv of both nations.
THE FISHERIES—UNFRIENDLY CANADA.
The course pursued by the Canadian
authorities towards the fishermen of the
United States, during the postseason, has
not been marked by a friendly feeling.—
By the first article of the Convention of
1818, between Great Britain and the Uni
ted States, it was agreed that the. inhabi
tants of the United States shonld have
forever, in common with British subjects,
the right of taking fish in certain waters
therein defined. In the waters not in
cluded in the limits named in the conven
tion, within three miles of parts of the
British coast, it has been the custom for
many years to give to intrading fish-
ermenj of the United States a reasonable
warning of their violation of the tech
nical rights of Great Britain.
The Imperial Government is under
stood to have delegated the whole ora
•bare of its jurisdiction or control of
these in-shoro fiwhing grounds to the co
lonial authority, known as the Dominion
of Canada, and thisjsemi-independent, bat
irresponsible agent, has exercised its del
egated powers m an unfriendly way. Ves
sels have been seized without notice or
warning, in violation of the custom pre
viously prevailing, and have been taken
into the colonial ports—their voyage
broken up and the veateb condemned.—
There is reason to believe that this un
friendly and vexatious treatment was de
signed to bear harshly upon the hardy
fishermen of the United States with a
view to political effect upon this Govera-
withher conduct with respect toteT
gggfesaSSf
tire Tolmne of its waters. On the or™";
. T - - that she possessed both banks of
three mnrlne miles of any of the Lawrence where it discoboli'*... 1 ',-.
bnvs.- creeks or harbom nt n.n.l. into the sea, die denies to t),., r '
Stolen the right of navigation US'}
about one-half of the Inters oiLe*
Ontario, Erie, Hnron, and Superior ..1
which the nver flows, are th« prope £ ‘
■The statutes of the Dominion of Cana
da assume a still broader and more un
tenable- jurisdiction over the vessels bf
^heUnitej^tatea. They authorize offi-
-‘•'g vessels hovering
coasts, bays, creeks or harbors of Canada,
into port—to search the cargo—to exam
ine the master on oath, touching the car
go and voyage, and to inflict upon him a
heavy pecuniary penalty, if true answers
are not given; and if such vessel is found
preparing to fish within three marine
miles of any such coasts, bays, creeks, or
harbors, without a license, or after the
expiration of the period named in the
last license granted to it, they provide
that the vessel, with her tackle, etc., etc.
shallbe forfeited.
It is not known that any condemnation!
have been made nnder this statute.—
Shonld the authorities of Canada attempt
to enforce it, it will be my duty to take
such steps as may be necessary to pro
tect the rights of the citizens of tho Uni
ted States.
It has been claimed by HerMsjesty’t
officers that the fishing vessels of the Uni
ted States have no right to enterthe open
ports of the British possessions in North
America, except for the purposes of shel
ter and repairing damages, of purchasing
wood and obtaining water; that they
have no right to enter the British c
tom-houses or to trade there, except
the purchase of wood and water, and that
they most depart within twenty-four
hours after notice to leave.
It is not known that any seizure of a
fishing vessel, carrying ths flag of the
United States, has been made under tliis
claim. So far as the claim is founded on
alleged construction of the convention of
1818, it cannot be acquiesced in by the
United States. It Is hoped that it will
not be insisted on by Her Majesty’s Gov
ernment During the conferences which
preceded the negotiation of the conven
tion of 1818, the British commissioners
proposed to expressly exclude the fisher
men of the United States from the privi
lege of carrying on trade with any of His
Britannic Majesty*8 subjects residing with
in the limits assigned to their use, and,
also, that it should not bo lawful for the
vessels of the United States, engaged
said fishery, to have on board any goods,
wares or merchandise whatever, except
such as may be necessary for the prosecu
tion of their voyage to and from said fish
ing grounds; and any vessel of the Uni
ted States which shall contravene this
regulation may be seized, condemned
and confiscated, with her cargo.
This proposition, which is identical
with the construction now put upon the
language of the convention, was emphat
ically repudiated by the American com
missioners, and thereupon was abandoned
by the British plenipotentiaries, and
tide first, ns it stands in the convention,
was substituted.
If, however, it be said that this claim
is founded on provisional or colonial stat
utes, and not upon the convention, this
Government cannot bnt regard them
unfriendly and in contravention of the
spirit, if not of the letter, of the treaty
for the faithful execution of which the
Imperial Government is alone responsi
ble.
Anticipating that an attempt may pos
sibly be made by the Canadian authori
ties in the coming season to repeat their
unneighborly acts towards onr fishermen,
I recommend you to confer npon the Ex
ecutive the power to suspend by procla
mation the operation of the laws anthor-
uung the transit of wares ond merchan-
^ k° n< L across the territory of the
United States to.Canada; and, further,
should such a n extreme measure become
necessary, to suspend the operation of
•ny laws whereby the vessels of the Do
minion of Canada are permitted to enter
the waters of the United StAtes.
NAVIGATION OF THE ST. LAWRENCE.
A like unfriendly disposition has been
manifested on the part of Canada in tho
maintenance of a clam of right to exclude
the citizens of the United States from the
navigation of the 8t. Lawrence. This
river constitutes a natural outlet to the
ocean for eight States, with an aggrigato
population of abont 17,600,000 inhabit
ants, with an aggregate tonnage of 961,-
367 tons npon the water which discharges
into it The foreign commerce of onr
ports on the sea waters is open to the
British competition, and the major part
of it is done in British bottoms. If the
American seaman be excluded from this
natural nvenne to the ocean, the monopoly
of the direct commerce of the lake ports
the Atlantio wonld be in foreign hands—
trans-Atlantic voyages
lake ports, which
their vessels
having access to
would be denied to American voyages.
To state such a proposition is to refnte
its justice.
During the administration of Mr. John
Quincy Adams, Mr. Clay unanswerably
demonstrated the natural right of the
citizens of the United States to the navi
gation of this river—claiming that the
act of tbe Congress of Vienna, in open
ing the Rhine and other rivers to all na
tions, showed the judgment of European
jurists and statesmen that the inhabit
ants of a country throngh which a navi
gable river passes have a natural right
to enjoy the navigation of that river to
end into the Rea, even though passing
through the territories of another power.
This right does not exclude tho co equal
right of the sovereign possessing the ter
ritory throngh which the river deboneb-
es into the sea to make such regulations
relative to the police of the navigation as
may be reasonably necessary, bnt those
regulations should bo framed in a liberal
spirit of comity, and shonld not impose
needless burdens japon the commerce
which has the right of transit.
It has been fonnd, in practice, more
advantageous to arrange those regula
tions by mutnal agreement. The United
States are ready to make any reasonable
arrangement as to the police of the St.
Lawrence which may be suggested by
Great Britain.
If tbe claim made by Mr. Clay was
just when the population of States bord
ering on the shores of tho lakes was only
8,400,000, it derives greater force and
equity from the increased population,
wealth, production and tonnage of the
Canadian frontier. Since Mr. Clay ad
vanced his argument in behalf of om
right, the principle for which he con
tended has been frequently and by
various nations recognized by law
or by treaty, aud bas been extended
to several other great rivers. By the
treaty concluded at Mayenco, in 1831,
the Rhino was declared freed, from the
point where it was first navigable into
the sea. By the convention between
Spain and Portugal, concluded in 1835,
tiie navigation of the Douro, throughout
its whole extent, was made free for the
subjects of both crowns. Iu 1853 the
Argentine confederation, by treaty, threw
open the free navigation of the Parana
and Unignay to tho merchant vessels of
all nations. In 1856 the Crimean war
for the free navigation WSPSHIS9IP
In 1856 Bolivia, by treaty declared that
it regarded the river Amazon and LaPla-
|ta, iu accordance with fixed principles of
national law, as highways or channels
opened by nature lor the commerce of
all nations. In 1859 the Paraguay was
made free by treaty, and.in December,
Emperor of Brazil, by Imperi
al decree, declared the Amazon to be
open to the frontier, of Brazil to thq mer
chant ships of all nations. v
The greatest living British authority,
on this subject while asserting the ab
stract right of ths British olain4 says:
It seems to. .be difficult to deny that!
Great Britain may gronnd her refusal
i strict law, but it is equally difficult to
■ j, first, that in so doing-sho exercises
harshly as an extreme, and hard, law;
secondly, that her conduct with respect
to the navigation of the^St, Lawrcnco . is
in glaring, discreditably inconsistency
flows,
of the United States.
- The whole nation is interested in
cwjng cheap tra; aporUtion from tu
agricultural States of the West to it!
Atlantic seaboard. To the citizenj nl
thow States it secures a greater , “ tll .'
for their labor—to the inhabitants of o,
seaboard it affords a cheaper food—1 0
the nation an increase in the annn.i
surplus of wealth.
It is hoped that the Government of
Great Britain will see the justice of aba a .
doning the narrow and inconsistent claim
to which her Canadian provinces have
urged her adherence.
PROTECTION OF COMMERCE.
Onr depressed commerce is a subject
to which I called your special attention
at the last session, and snggested that we
will, in the future, have to look more to
the countries South of us and to Chin*
and Japan for its revival. Our repre-
■entatives fo all these Governments have
exerted their influence to encourage trad*
between the United States and the coun
tries to which they are accredited, bat
the fact exists that the carrying i,
done almost entirely in foreign bottoms
and while this state of affairs exists, v?
cannot control our due shore of the com
mere© of the world. That between ti*
Pacific States and China and Japauu
abont all the, carrying trade now co D .
ducted in American vessels. I would
recommend a liberal policy towards that
line of American steamers—one that will
insure its success and ever increased use.
fulness.
The cost of building iron vessels—the
only ones that can compete with foreign
ships in the carrying trade—is so much
greater in the United States than in f or .
eign countries that, without some assist
ance from the government, they cannot
be successfully built hero. There will
be several propositions laid before Con
gress in the course of the present session,
looking to a remedy for this evil, even if
it shonld be at some cost to the national
Treasury. I hope such encouragement
will bo given as will secure American
shipping on the high seas and American
ship-bnilding at home.
A NEW DEPARTMENT OF STATE BCILDISC..
The condition of the arckieves at the
Department of State calls for tbe early
action of Congress. The building now
rented by the department is a frail struc
ture, at an inconvenient distance from
the Executive Mansion and from the
other departments. It is ill-adapted to
the purpose for which it is nstfl—has
not capacity enough to accommodate the
archieves and is not fire proof!. Its re
mote situation, its slender construction
and the absence of a supply of water in
the neighborhood leave little hope of
safety, for either the building or its con
tents, in case of the accident of afire.
Its destruction would involve the loss of
the rolls containing the original acts mi l
resolutions of Congress—of the history
and records of the Revolution and of the
Confederation—of the whole series of
diplomatic and consular archieves, since
the adoption of tbe Constitution, and of
the many other valuable records and pa
pers left with that department, when it
the principal depository of the gor-
ernmental archieves. I recommend an
ppropriation for the construction of a
building for the Department of State.
TRANSFERS OF BUSINESS.
I recommend to yonr consideration the
propriety of transferring to the Depart
ment of the Interior, to which they seem
appropriately to belong, all powers
and duties in relation to the territories
with which the Department of State u
now charged by law or usage, and from
the Interior Department to’the War De
partment the Pension Borean, so far ns
it regulates the payment _ of soldiers'
pension. I would further* recommend
that the payment of naval pensions be
transferred to one of the Bureans of the
Navy Department.
CIVIL LIST.
The estimates for the expenses of the
Government for the next fiscal year are
$18,244,346 01 less than for the current
;bnt exceed the appropriations for the
presant year, for tho same items, $8,972.-
137,56. In this estimate is included $22,-
338,278,37 for public work, heretofore
began under Congressional provision,
and of which only so much is asked ts
Congress may choose to give. ; The ap
propriation for the sam e works for the
present fiscal year was $11,984,518,09.
SPECIE PAYMENT.
The average value of gold, as compar
ed with national currency for the whole
of the year 1869, was abont 1,31, and
for eleven months of 1870 the same rela
tive value has been about 1,15. Tt«
approach to a specie basis is very gratify
ing, but the fact cannot be deDicd tint
the instability of the value of our cur
rency is prejudicial' to our prosperity
and tends to keep np prices to the det
riment of trade. The evils of a depre
ciated and fluctuating currency are so
great that now, when the premium ou
gold has fallen so much, it would se^m
that the time has arrived when, by wise
and prudent legislation, Congress should
look to a policy which would pl*^
cnrreacy at par with gold at
day. * -
REDUCTION OF TAXES.
' The tax collected from the people las
been redriced more than eighty million 8
of dollars, per annum. By steadiness in
our present course there is no reason
why, in a few short yeans, the nation*!
tax gatherer may not disappear from the
door of the citizen almost entirely. Witt
the revenue stamp dispensed by postal
ters in eVery comunity, a. tax upon
liquors of all sorts and tobacco in all i°
forms, and by a wise adjustment of tbe
tariff which will pat a duty only npon
those articles which we could dispense
with, known as luxuries, aud on those
which we use more of than wo produce,
enough may be raised, after »
few yeare of peace and consequent reduc-
distant
tiou of indebtedness to fulfliU all onr
obligations. A further redaction of ex
penses, in addition to a reduction «
interest account, may be relied on to
make this practicable.'
DOWN ON THE REVENUE REFOBVEKS.
“Revenue Reform,” if it menas this,
has my hearty support. If it implies *
collection of the revenne for th<j
support of the Government—the
payment of tbe principal and interest of
the public debt, pensions, etc., by dir**
ing the people, then I am agai?f
enne Reform,” and confidently Re
lieve the people are with me. If it means
failure to provide the necessaiy mean*
to defray all the expenses of the Govern
ment, and thereby repudiation of tw
public debt and pens ons I am still more
opposed to snch “Revenue Reform ,
’’ Revenne Reform” has not been defin^*
y any of its advocates, to my kno^‘-
dge, bnt seems to be accepted as some
thing which is to supply: every ma ?-,
wants without any cost or effort on hi*
park A true “ Revenue Reformer”
not be made in a day, but must be the
work ot the national Legislature and of
time. As soon as the revenue can w
dispensed with, roll dntyv should be re
moved from coffee, tea, and other articles
of universal use hot prod need by oar-
^selves. - : -.
vThe necessities of the country compel
no to collect revenue from onr imports."