Newspaper Page Text
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VOLUME XL'I.j
MILLEDGE VILLE, GEORGIA, D E C E M B E R 13, 1871.
NUMBER 20
g hi Jf eber a i S iti o n,
is PUBLISHED WEEKLY
IX MILLEDGEVILLE, GA .
BOUGHTON, BARNES & MOORE,
(Corner of Hancock and Wilkinson Streets,)
$2 in Advance, or $3 at end of the year.
S. N. HOUGHTON, Editor.
ADVERTISING.
Transient.—One Dollar perequare of tenlinee for
i'rst insertion, and seventy-five cents fjr each subse
quent continuance.
Tributes of respect, Kc-Solutions by Societies,Obit-
u.iries exceeding six lines, Nominations for office, Com-
muuications or Editorial notices for individual benefit,
ciiarged as transient advertising.
LEGAL ADVERTISING.
Sheriff's Sales, per levy of teu lines, or less,....ft! 50
Mortgage ti fa sales, per square, 5 00
Citations for Letters of Administration, 3 Ou
“ “ Guardianship, .... 3 00
Application for dismission from Administration, 3 00
“ “ “ “ Guardianship, 3 00
“ “ leave to sell Land, 5 00
“ for Homesteads, 1 75
Notice to Debtors and Creditors, 3 00
sales of Land, &c., per square, 5 00
“ perishable property, 10 days, per square,.. 150
Estray Notices, 30 days, 3 00
Foreclosure of Mortgage, per sq., each time,.... J 00
Applications for Homesteads, (two weeks,).... 1 75
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
Sale? of Land, &e., by Administrators, Executors
or Guardians, arc required bylaw to be held on the
first Tuesday inthe month, between the hours of It
in the forenoon and 3 in the afternoon, at the Court
Ho-j.-o in the County in which the property is situated.
Notice of these sales must be given in a public ga-
2rite 40 days previous to the day of sale.
Notices tor the sale of personal property must bo
i-iver. in lik. manner 10 days previous to sale day.
Notices to the debtors and creditors of an estate
must also be published 40 days.
Notice that application will be made to theConrt of
Ordinary for leave to sell Land, &o., must be publieli-
i for two months.
I recommend the legislation necessa
ry on the part of the United States to
bring into operation the articles of the
treat} relating to the fisheries and to
the other matters touching the relation
of the United States toward the Brit
ish North American Provinces to
become operative so soon as the pro
posed legislation shall be had on the
part of Great Britain and its posses
sions. It is much to be desired that
this legislation may become operative
before the fishermen of the United
States begin to make their arrange
ments for the coming season.
I have addressed a communication,
of which a copy is transmitted here
with to the Governors of New York,
Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, Illi
nois, and Wisconsin, urging upon the
Governors of these States respectively
the necessary action on their part to
carry into effect the object of the ar
ticle of the treaty which contemplates
the use of the canal on either side,
connected with the navigation of the
lakes and rivers forming the boundary
on terms of equality by the inhabi
tants of both countries. It is hoped
that the importance of the object and
the benefits to flow therefrom will se
cure the speedy approval and legisla
tive sanction of the States concerned.
NORTHERN BOUNDARY.
I renew the recommendation for an
appropriation for determining the true
position of tiie forty-ninth parallel of
Citations for letters of A3 minLtrat ion, Guardianship,
, must be published 30 days—for dismission from irhprp it inrm thp hrmmlarv hp-
\ 'ministration, monthly three months—fordismission '"“tulle W lie re It IO mil n 6D O U Mu flry DtJ
from Guardianship, 40 day
Roles for foreclosure of Mortgage must be publish
ed monthly for four months—for establishing lost pa
pers lor the full space of three months—for compell
ing titles from Executors or Administrators, where
bond has been given by the deceased, the full spaceof
three months.
Publications will always be continued according to
these, the legal requirements, unlessotherwise ordered.
Book and Job Work, of all kinds,
PROMPTLY AND NEATLY EXECUTED
AT T!I!S OFFICE.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE.
Washington, Dec. 4, 1S7I.
To the Senate and ITrasc of Representa
tives of the United States
CONGRATULATIONS.
In addressing my third message to
the law-making branch of the Govern
ment, it is gratifying to be able to
state that during the past year success
Inis generally attended the efforts to
execute all laws found upon the stat
ute books. The policy has been not to
enquire into the wisdom of the laws
already enacted ; but to learn their
spirit and intent, and to enforce them
accordingly.
DISASTERS OF THE YEAR.
The past year has, under a wise | Government
tween the U. S. and the British Nortl
American possessions between the Lake
of the Woods and the summit of the
Rocky Mountains. The early action of
Congress on this recommendation
would put it in the power of the War
Department to place a force in the
field during the next summer.
FRANCE AND GERMANY.
The resumption of diplomatic re
lations between France and Germany,
have enabled me to give instructions
for the withdrawal of the protection
extended to Germans in France by tbe
diplomatic and consular representatives
of the United States in that country.—
It isjust to add that the delicate duty
of this protection has been performed
by tiie Minister and Consul General at
Paris and tbe various Consuls in
France, under the supervision of the
latter, with great kindness as 'well as
with prudence and tact. Their course
has received the commendation of the
German Government, and has wound
ed no susceptibility of the French.
The Government of the Emperor of
Germany continues to manifest a
friendly feeling towards the United
Sates, and a desire to harmonize with
the moderate and just pobey which this
maintains in its relations
JAPAN.
With Japan we continue to maintain
intimate relations. The Cabinet of the
Mikado has, since the close of the last
session of Congress, selected citizens of
the United States to serve in affairs of
importance in several departments of
government. I have reason to think
this selection is due to an appreciation
of the disinterestedness of the policy
which tbe United States have pursued
towards Japan.
CHINA.
We desire to continue to maintain
this disinterested and just policy with
China as well as Japan. The corres
pondence transmitted herewith shows
that there is no disposition on the part
of this Government to swerve from its
established course.
the corean war.
Prompted by a desire to put an end
to tbe barbarous treatment of our ship
wrecked sailors on the Corean coast,
I instructed our minister at Pekin to
endeavor to conclude a convention with
Corea for securing the safety and hu
mane treatment of such mariners. Ad
miral Rogers was instructed to accom
pany him with a sufficient force to pro
tect him in case of need. A small sur
veying party was sent out on reaching
the coast, was treacherously attacked,
at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity
world, I earnestly recommend that an
appropriation be made to support at
least four American youths ia each of
these countries to serve as a part of
the official family of our ministers
there. Our Representatives would not
even then be placed upon an equality
with the representatives of Great Brit
ain and of some other [towers. As now
situated our representatives in Japan
and China have to depend for interpre
ters and translators upon natives of
those countries, who know our lan
guage imperfectly, or procure for the
occasion the service of employees of
foreign business houses, or the inter
preters of other foreign lines. I would
also recommend liberal measures for
the purpose of supporting the Ameri
can lines of steamers now plying be
tween ,San Francisco and Japan and
China, and the Austrian line—almost
! our only remaining lines of ocean
steamers—and of increasing their ser
vices.
THE NATIONAL FINANCES.
The national debt lias been reduced
to the extent of $86,057,126 SO during
the year, and by the negotiations of
national bonds at a lower rate of’inter
est, the interest on the public debt has
been so far diminished that now the
sum raised from the interest account is
nearly $17,000,000 less than on the
was given for explanation and apology °' March, 1S69. It
highly
for the insult—neither came and
force was then landed. After an
arduous march over a rugged and dif
ficult country, the forts from which
the outrages had been committed were
reduced by a gallant assault and were
destroyed. Having thus punished the
criminals and having vindicated the
honor of the flag, the exposition re
turned, finding it impracticable under
the circustauce8 to conclude thedesir-
desirable that this rapid diminution
should take place, both to strengthen
the credit of the country and to con
vince its citizens of thei: entire ability
to meet every dollar of liability with
out bankrupting them.
But in view of the accomplishment
of these desirable ends—of the rapid
development of the resources of the
country—its increasing ability to meet
arge demands, and the amount already
ed convention. I respectfully refer to P a ^» R' s n °t desirable that the present
the correspondence relating thereto resources of the country should con
herewith submitted, and leave the sub
ject for such action as Congress may
-see fit to take.
Providence, been one of general pros
perity to the nation. It has, however,
been attended with more than usual
chastisements and the loss of life and
property by storm and fire. These
disasters have served to call forth the
best elements of human nature in our
country, and to develop a friendship
for us on the part of foreign nations
which goes far towards alleviating the
distress occasioned by these calamities.
The benevolent who have so generous
ly shared their means with the victims
of these misfortunes, will reap their re
ward in the consciousness of having
performed a noble act, and in receiving
the grateful thanks of men, women
and children whose sufferings they
have relieved.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The relations of the United States
with foreign powers continue to be
friendly. The year has been an event
ful one in witnessing two great nations
speaking one language, and having one
lineage, settling by peaceful arbitra
tion, disputes of long standing, and li
able at any time to bring those nations
into bloody and costly conflict. An
example has thus been set, which in
its final issue, may be followed by oth
er civilized nations, and finally be the
means of returning to productive in
dustry millions of men now maintain
ed to settle the disputes of nations
by the bayonet and the broad side.
TnE JOINT TREATY.
I transmit herewith a copy of the
treaty alluded to, which has been con
cluded since the adjournment of Con
gress, with Her Britauic Majesty, and
a copy of the protocols of the confer
ences of the commissioners, by whom
it was negotiated. This treaty provides
methods for adjusting questions pend
ing between the two nations. Various
questions are to be adjusted by arbitra
tion.
I recommend Congress at an early day
to make the necessary provision for the
tribunal at Geneva, and for the sever
al commissions on the [tart of the
United States called for by the treaty.
His Majesty, the King of Italy, the
President of the Swiss Confederation,
and His Majesty, the Emperor of Bra
zil, have each consented on the joint
request of the two powers, to name
an arbitrator for tbe tribunal at Gen
eva. I have caused my thanks to be
suitably expressed for the readiness
with which the joint request has been
complied with, by the appointment of
ventlemen of eminence and learning to
these important positions.
His Majesty the Emperor of Germa
ny has been pleased to comply with
the joint request of the two govern
ments, and has consented to act as the
a rbitrator of the disputed water boun
dary between the United States and
Breat Britain. The contracting parties
’ n the treaty have undertaken to re-
£ ar d as between themselves certain
principles of public law for which the
Lhiited States have contended from the
commencement of their history. They
have also agreed to bring these princi-
T'les to the knowledge of the other
maritime powers, and to invite them
ta accede to them. Negotiations are
going on as to the form of the note by
V- hicii the invitation is to be extended
to the oilier nowers.
with Asiatic powers, as well as with
the South American Republics. I have
given assurances that the friendly
feelings of that government are fully
shared by the United States.
HUNGARY AND ITALY.
The ratifications of the Consular and
Naturalization Conventions with the
Austro-tiungarians have been ex
changed.
I have been officially informed of the
annexation of the States of the Church
to the kingdom of Italy, and the re
moval of the capital of that kingdom
to Rome. In conformity with the es
tablished policy of the United States,
I have recognized this change. The
ratification of the new treaty of com
merce between the United States and
Italy have been exchanged. The two
great powers have agreed in this treaty
that private property at sea shall be
exempt from capture in case of war
between the two powers. The United
States has spared no opportunity of
incorporating this rule into the obliga
tion of nations.
CLAIMS AGAINST SPAIN.
The forty-first Congress, at its third
session, made an appropriation for Hie
organization of a mixed commission for
adjudicating upon the claims ofeitizens
of the United States against Spain,
growing out of the insurrection in
Cuba. That commission has never been
oniai.ized. I transmit herewith the
MEXICO.
The Republic of Mexico has not yet
repealed the very objectionable laws
establishing what is known as the Free
Zone on the frontier of the United
States. It is hoped that this may yet
be done, and also that more strin-
get measures may be taken by that Re
public for restraining lawless persons
on its frontier. I hope that Mexico,
by its own action, will soon relieve this
Government of the difficulties experi
enced from these causes.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA.
Our relations with the various Re
publics of Central and South Ameri-
en continue, with one exception, to be
cordial and friendly. I recommend
some action by Congress regarding the
over due installments under the award
of the Venezuela Claims Commission
of I860. The internal dissentions of
this government present no justifica
tion tor the absence of an effort to
meet their solemn treaty obligations.
The ratification of an extradition trea
ty with Nicarauga has been exchanged.
It is a subject of congratulation that
the great empire oj Brazil has taken the
initiatory step towards the abolition
of slavery. Our relations with that
empire, always cordial,, will naturally
be made more so by this act. It is not
too much to hope that the government
of Brazil may hereafter find it for its
interests, as well as intrinsically right,
to advance toward emancipation more
rapidly than the present act contem-
tinue to be taxed in order to continue
this rapid payment. 1, therefore, rec
oinmend a modification of both the
tariff and internal tax la^-s. I recom
mend that all taxes from internal
sources be abolished except those col
lected from spirituous, vinous aud malt
liquors, tobacco in its various forms,
aud from stamps.
In re-adjusting the tariff’, I suggest
that n careful estimate be made of the
amount of surplus revenue collected
under the present laws, after providing
for the current expenses of the Govern
ment—the interest account and a sink
ing fund, and that this surplus be re
duced in such a manner as to afford
the greatest relief to the greatest num
ber. There are many articles not pro
duced at home but which enter largely
into general consumption, through ar
tides which are manufactured at home
—such as medicines compounded, etc.,
from which very little revenue is de
rived, but which enter into geneial use.
Ail such articles I recommend to be
placed on the “ free list.” Should a
a further reduction prove advisable 1
would then recommend that it bo made
upon those articles which can best
bear it, without disturbing home pro
duction or reducing the wages of
American labor.
I have not entered into figures be
cause to do so would be to repeat what
will be laid before you in the report of
the Secretary of the Treasury. The
present laws for coliectiug the revenue
pay the collectors of custom small sal
aries, but provide for moiety shares in
all seizures, which at the principal
ports of entry particularly, raise the
plates. The true prosperity and great- compensation ot these officials to a
ness of a nation is to be found in the large sum. It has always seemed to
elevation and education of' its labor
ers.
SPAIN AND WEST INDIA SLAVERY.
It is a subject for regret that the re
forms in that direction which were
voluntarily promised by the statesmen
of Spain, have not been carried out
in its West India colonies. The laws
and regulations for the apparent abo
lition of slavery in Cuba and Porto
Rico, leave most of the laborers in
bondage, with i o hope of release until
their lives become a burden to their
employers. I desire to direct your at
tention to the fact that citizens of the
correspondence relative to its forma- United States, or persons claiming to
tion and its jurisdiction. It is to be
hoped that this commission will afford
the claimants a complete remedy tor
their injuries.
SPAIN AND THE SOUTH AMERICAN RE
PUBLICS.
It has been made the agreeable duty
of the United States to preside over a
conference at Washington between the
plenipotentiaries of Spain aud the al
lied South American Republics, which
has resulted in an armistice, with rea
sonable assurance of a permanent
peace.
UNITED STATES AND RUSSIA.
The intimate friendly relations which
have so long existed between the Uni
ted States and Russia continue undis
turbed. Thfc visit of the third son of
the Emperor, is a proof that there is
no desire on the part of his government
to disturb the cordiality of those rela
tions. The hospitable reception which
has been given to the Grand Duke is
a proof that on our side we share the
wishes of that government. Tiie in
excusable course of the Russian Min
ister at Washington rendered it neces
sary to ask iiis recall, and to decline to
receive that functionary as u diplomat
ic representative. It was impossible,
with self respect or with a just regard
to the dignity of the country, to per
mit Mr. Catacazy to continue to hold
intercourse with this Government after
his personal abuse of Government offi
cials, aud during his persistent inter
ference by various means with the re
lations between the United States and
other powers. In accordance with my
wishes this Government has been re
lieved of future intercouse with Mr.
Catacazy, and the management of the
affairs of the imperial legation has
passed into the hands of a gentleman
entirely unobjectionable.
be citizens of the United States, are
large holders in foreign lands of this
species of property, forbidden by the
me as if this system must, at times,
work perniciously. It holds out an in
ducement to dishouest men, should
such get possession of these offices, to
be lax iu their scrutiny of goods enter
ed in order to enable them finally to
make large seizures. Your attention
is respectfully invited, to this subject.
SPECIE PAYMENTS.
Continued fluctuations in the value
of gold as compared with the national
currency has a most damaging effect
upon the increase and development of
the country—in keeping up prices of
all articles necessary iu every day life.
It fosters a spirit of gambling prejudi
cial alike to national morals and the
national finances. If the question cau
be met with how to give a fixed value
fundamental laws of their alleged coun- j- 0 01ir currency, that value constantly
try. I recommend to Congress to pro- aiu j uniformly appioachiiig par with
vide, by stringent legislation, a suita- specie—a very desirable object will be
ble remedy against the holding, own
ing or dealing in slaves, or being in
terested in slave property in foreign
lands, either as owners, hirers or mort
gagees by citizens of the United States.
THE CUBAN REVOLUTION.
It is to be regretted that the disturb
ed condition of the island of Cuba con
tinues to be a source of annoyance and
of anxiety. The existence of a pro-
gained.
THE ARMY.
For the operations of the army in
the [>ast year—the expense of main
taining it—the estimates for the ensu
ing year and for continuing seacoast
and other improvements conducted by
the War Department, 1 refer you to
the accompanying report of the Sec
retary of tne War. I call your atten-
tracted struggle in such close proximi- t [ on to the provisions of the act of Con-
ty tp our own territory, without appa- gre8S approved March 3d, 1S09, which
rent prospect of an early termination, discontinues promotions in the staff'
cannot be other than an object of con- corps oi the army, until provided tor
j cern to a people who, while abstaining b y [ avv . [ recommend that the number
' from interference in the affairs of oth- 0 f officers in each grade iu staff corps
er powers, naturally desire to see every b e []xed, and that whenever the nurn-
country in the undisturbed enjoyment i Jer j n any one grade falls below the
of peace, liberty and the blessings of nU mber so fixed, that the vacancy may
free institutions. Our naval command- be filled by promotion from the grade
ers in Cuban waters have been instruc- below. I also recommend that when
ted, in case it should become necessa- t j ie 0 |[[ ce of Chief of Corps becomes,
ry, to spare no effort to protect the vacant, the place may be tilled by se-
lives and property of bona fide citizens | ec tion from the corps in which the
and to maintain the diguity of the flag, vacancy exists.
It is hoped that all pending questions T he navy.
witli Spain, growing out of the affairs The r t of the Secretary of the
of Cuba, may be adjusted in the spirit jjavy shows an improvement iu the
of peace and conciliation which has num ber and efficiency of tbe naval force
hitherto guided the two powers in witbout materia ,
increase in the ex-
tbeir treatment of such questions. , pense of 8U pp 0rting it . This j 8 due to
the china and japan missions. Bie policy which has been adopted and
To give importance and to add to is being extended as last as our inate-
the efficiency of our diplomatic rela- ' rial will admit of using smaller vessels
tions with Japan and China, and to fur- and cruisers on the several stations.—
ther aid in retaining the good opinion By this means we have been enabled
of those people and to secure to tbe to occupy at once a larger extent of
United States itsshareoftbecomnierce eruising—to visit more frequently the
destined to flow between these nations posts where the presence of our flag is
and the balance of the commercial desirable, aud generally to discharge
more efficiently the appropriate duties
of the navy in time of peace, without
exceeding the number of men or the
expenditure authorized by law.
During the past year the navy has,
in addition to its regular service, sup
plied the men and officers for the ves
sels of the coast survey, and has com
pleted the surveys authorized by Con
gress of the Isthmuses of Darien and
Tehauntepec, and, under like authori
ty has sent out an expedition com
pletely furnished and equipped, to ex
plore the unknown ocean of the North.
The suggestions of the report as to the
necessity for increasing and improving
the material of the navy, and the plan
recommended for reducing the person
nel of the service to a peace standard,
by the gradual abolition of certain
grades of officers, the reduction of oth
ers, and the employment of some in
the service of the commercial marine,
are well considered and deserve tiie
thoughtful attention of Congress.
I also recommend that all promotions
in the navy above the rank of captain,
be by selection instead of by seniority
This course will secure in the higher
grades greater efficiency, and hold out
an incentive to young officers to im
prove themselves in the knowledge of
their profession. The present cost of
maintaining the navy—its cost com
pared with that of the past year, and
the estimates for the ensuing year, are
contained iu the accompanying report
of the Secretary of the Navy.
THE POST-OFFICE.
The enlarged receipts of the Post-
office Department, as shown by the
accompanying report of the Postmas
ter General, exhibit a gratifying in
crease in that branch of the public ser
vice. It is the index of the growth of
education and of the prosperity of the
people—two elements highlv condu
cive to the vigor and stability of re
publics with a vast territory like ours,
much of it sparsely populated but all
requiring the services of the mail. It
is not, at present, to be expected that
this Department can be made self-
sustaining—but a gradual approach to
this end, from year to year, is confi
dently relied on, and the day is not
far distant when the Post-office De
partment of the Government will
prove a much greater blessing to the
whole people than it is now.
The suggestions of the Postmaster
General for improvements in the
department presided over by him, are
earnestly recommended to our special
attention.
BUYING UP- TIIE WESTERN UNION.
Especially do I recommend favora
ble consideration of the plan for unit
ing the telegraphic system of the Uni
ted States with the postal system. It
is believed ttiat by such a course the
cost of telegraphing could be much
reduced and the service as well, if not
better rendered. It would secure the
further advantage of extending the tel
egraph through points of the country
where private enterprise will not con
struct it. Commerce, trade, aud above
all, the effort to bring a people widely
separated into a community of interest
are always benefitted by a rapid inter
communication. Education,the ground
work of republican institutions, is en
couraged by increasing the facilities to
gather speedy news from all parts of the
country. The desire to reap the ben
efit of such improvements will stimu
late education. I refer you to the re
port of the Postmaster General for full
details of the operations of last year,
and for comparative statements of re
sults with former years.
TnE K.U KLUX.
There has been a painful duty im
posed upon rhe Executive branch of
the government in the execution of
the act of Congress, approved April
20, 1S71, and commonly known as the
Ku-klux law,in a portion of the State
of South Carolina. The necessity of
the course pursued will be demonstra-
by the report of the committee to in
vestigate Southern outrages. Under
the provisions of the above act, I is
sued a proclamation calling the atten
tion of the people of the United States
to the same and declaring my reluc
tance to exercise any of the extraordi
nary powers thereby conferred upon
me, except in case oi imperative duty;
but making known my purpose to ex
ercise such powers whenever it should
become necessary to do so, for the
purpose of securing to all citizens of
the United States the peaceful enjoy
ment of their rights, guaranteed to
them by the constitution and the
laws.
After the passage of this law. infor
mation was received from time to
time that combinations of the charac
ter referred to in this law existed, and
were powerful iu many parts of the
Southern States, particularly in cer
tain counties in tiie State of South
Carolina. Careful investigation was
made, and it was ascertained that in
nine counties of that State such com
binations were active and powerful—
embracing a large portion of the citi
zens—to control the local authorities
and having among other things the ob
ject of depriving the emancipated
class of the substantial benefits offree-
dom and of preventing the free polit
ical action of those citizens who did
not sympathise with their own views.
Among their operations were frequent
scourgitig8 and occasional assassina
tions,generally perpetrated at night by
disguised persons, the victims in almost
all cases being citizens of different po
litical sentiments from their own, or
lreed persons who had shown a dispo
sition to claim equal rights with other
citizens. Thousands of inoffensive and
well-disposed citizens were the suffer
ers by this lawless violence.
Thereupon on the 12th of October,
1871, a proclamation was issued in
terms of the law, calling upon the
members of'those combinations to dis
perse within five days, and to deliver
to the marshal or military officers oi
the United States all arms, ammuni
tions, uniforms, disguises and other
means and implements used by them
for carrying out thier unlawful purpo
ses.
This warning not having been heed
ed, on the 17th of October, another
proclamation was issued suspending the
privileges of the writ of habeas corpus
in nine counties in that State. Direc
tion was given that within the coun
ties so designated persons supposed,
upon credible information, to be mem
bers of such unlawful combinations
should be arrested by the military
forces of the United States and deliv
ered to the Marshal to be dealt with
according to law. In two * of said
counties (York and Spartanburg) ma
ny arrests have been made. At the
last account the number of persons so
arrested was one hundred and sixty-
eight. Several hundred whose crim
inality was ascertained to be of an in
ferior degree were released for the
present. These have generally made
confessions of their guilt.
Great caution has been exercised in
making these arrests, and notwith
standing the large number, it is be
lieved that no innocent person is now
in custody. The prisoners will be
held for regular trial in the judicial
tribunals of the United States.
As soon as it appeared that the au
thorities of the United States were
about to take vigorous measures to en
force the law, many persons abscon
ded, and there is good ground for sup
posing that all of such persons have
violated the law. A full report of
what has been done under this law
will be submitted to Congress by the
Attorney General.
THE MORMONS.
In Utah there still remains a rem
nant of barbarism repugnant to civi
izution, to decency and to the laws of
the United States. Efficient officers,
however, have been found who are
willing to perform their duty in a
spirit of equity and with a due sense
of sustaining the majesty of the law.
Neither polygamy nur any other vio
lation of existing statutes will be per
mitted within the teriitory of the Uni
ted States. It is not with the religion
of self-styled saints that we are now
dealing, but with their practices.—
They will be protected in the wor
ship of God according to the dictates
of their conscience ; but they will not
be permitted to violate the laws un
der the cloak of religion. It may be
advisable for Congress to consider
what, in the execution of the laws
against polygamy, is to be the status
of plural wives and their offspring.—
The propriety of Congress passing an
enabling act authorizing the territori
al legislature of Utah to legitimate all
i children born prior to a time fixed in
j the act might be justified by its hu
manity to these innocent children.—
This is a suggestion only, and not a
recommendation.
THE INDIANS.
Tie policy pursued towards the In
dians has resulted favorably so far as
can be judged from the limited time
during which it has been in operation.
Through the exertions of the various
secretaries of Christian societies, to
whom has been entrusted the execu
tion of the policy of the Board of Com
missioners, authorized by the laws of
April 10th, 1S69, many tribes of In
dians have been induced to settle on
Reservation, to cultivate tbe soil, to
peflorm productive labor of various
kinds, and to partially accept civiliza
tion. They are being cared for in
such a way, it is hoped, as to induce
those still pursuing their old habits of
strife, to embrace the only opportuni
ty which is left them to avoid extermi
nation. .
I recommended liberal appropria
tions to carry out the Indian peace
policy, not only because it is humane,
Christian-like and economical, but be
cause it is right. I recommend to
your favorable consideration, also, the
policy of granting a territorial gov
ernment to the Indians in the Indian
Territory west of Arkansas and Mis
souri, and south of Kansas. In doing
so, every right guaranteed to the In-
ians by treaty should be secured.—
Such a course might, in time, be the
means of collecting most of the In
dians now between tbe Missouri and
tiie Pacific and south of the British
Possessions, into one territory, or one
State. The Secretary of the Interior
has treated upon this subject at length,
and 1 recommend to you his sugges
tions.
TIIE PUBLIC LANDS.
I renew rny recommendation that
the public lands be regarded as a heri
tage to our children to be disposed of
only as required for occupation, and to
actual settlers. Those already grant
ed have been, in great part, disposed
ol in such a way as to secure access to
the balance by the hardy settler who
may wish to avail himself of them ;
but caution should be exercised even
iu obtaining so desirable ail end. Edu
cational interests may well be served
by these grants of the proceeds of the
sale of-public lands to settlers. I do
not wish to be understood as recom
mending, in the least degree, the cur
tailment of what is being done by the
general government lor the encour
agement of education.
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR.
The report of the Secretary of the
Interior submitted with this, will give
you all the information collected and.
prepared for publication in regard to
the census taken during the year 1S7U
—the operation of the Bureaji of Ed
ucation for the year—the patent office
—the pension office—the land office
and Indian bureau. The report of the
Commissioner of Agriculture gives the
operations of his department for the
year.
As agriculture is the ground work
of our prosperity, too much impor
tance cannot be attached to the labors
of this department. It is in the hands
of an able head—with able assistance—
all zealously devoted to introducing to
the agricultural productions of this na
tion, all usefyj products adapted to
any of the vatious climates and soils
of our vast territory, and to giving all
useful information as to the method of
cultivation of flie plants, cereals and
other products adapted to particular
localities. Quietly, but surely, the
Agricultural Bureau is working a
great good, and if liberally supported
the more widely its influence will be
extended and the less dependent we
shall be upon the products of foreign
countries. The subject of the com
pensation of the heads of Bureaus and
officials holding positions of responsi
bility, requiring ability and character
to fill properly, is one to which your
attention is invited. But few of the
officials receive a compensation equal
to the responsible support of a family
while their duties are such as to in
volve millions of interest. In private
life services Beninnd compensation
equal to services rendered. A wise
economy would dictate the same rule
in the Government service.
TIIE CIVIL TEST.
I have not given the estimates for
the support of the Government for
the ensuing year, nor the comparative
statement between the expenditures
for the year just .past and the one just
preceding, because all these figures are
contained in the accompanying re
ports, or in those presented directly to
Congress. These estimates have my
approval.
REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES.
More tiian six years having elapsed
since the lust hostile gun was fired be
tween the parties then arrayed against
each other—one for the perpetuation
and the other for tiie destruction of
the Union, it may be well considered
whether it is not now time that the dis
ability imposed by the fourteenth
amendment should be released. That
amendment does not include the ballot,
but only imposes the inability to hold
offices upon certain classes. When the
purity of the baiiot is secure, majori
ties are sure to elect officers reflecting
the views of the majority. I don’t
see the advantage or propriety of ex
cluding men from office merely because
they were, before the rebellion, of
standing and character sufficient to be
elected to positions requiring them to
take an oath to support the Constitu
tion, and admitting to eligibility those
entertaining precisely the same views,
but of less standing iu their commu
nities. It may be said that the for
mer violated an oath, while the latter
did not. The latter did not have it
in his power to do so. If they had
taken that oath, it cannot be doubted
they would have broken it, as did tbe
former class. If there are any great
criminals distinguished above all oth
ers for the part they took imopposition
to the Government, they might, ia
the judgment of Congress, be exclu
ded trom such an amnesty. This sub
ject is submitted for your careful con
sideration.
THE SOUTH IN A BAD FIX.
The condition of the Southern States
is unhappily not such as all true pat
riotic citizens would like to see. Lo
cal ostracism for opinion’s sake—per
sonal violence, or threats towards per
sons entertaining political views op
posed to those entertained by the ma
jority of the old citiz.ens, prevents em
igration aud the flow of much needed
capital into the States lately in rebel
lion. It will be a happy condition of
the country when the old citizens of
these States will take an interest in
public affairs—promulgate ideas hon
estly entertuiuod—vote for men repre
senting these views, aud tolerate the
same freedom of expression and ballot
in those entertaining different political
convictions.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Under the provisions of the act of
Congress, approved February 21st,
1871, a territorial government was
organized in the District of Columbia.
Its results thus far have fully realized
the expectations of its advocates.—
Under the direction of the Territorial
officers, a system of improvements,
has been inaugurated by means of
which Washington is rapidiy becom
ing acitv worthy of tiie nation’s cap
ital. Tiie citizens of the District,
having voluntarily taxed themselves
to a large amount for the purpose of
contributing to the advancement of
the seat of government, I recommend
liberal appropriations on the part of
Congress, in order that tbe Govern
ment bear its just share of expenses
ot carrying out a judicious system of
improvements.
CHICAGO FIRE.
By the great fire in Chicago, the
most important of the Government
buildings in that city were consumed.
Those burned had already became in
adequate to the wants of tiie Govern
ment in that growing city, and look
ing to the near future were totally in-
adeq ;ate. i recommend, therefore,
that an appropriation he made imme
diately to purchase the remainder of
the square on which the burned build
ings stood, provided it can be pur
chased at a fair valuation, or provided
the Legislature of Illinois will pass a
law authorizing its condemnation for
Government purposes; and, also, an
appropriation of as much money as
can properly be expended, towards the
erection of new buildings during this
fiscal year.
PROTECTION OF IMMIGRANTS.
The number of immigrants ignor
ant of our laws, habits, etc., coming
to our country annually lias become so
groat and the impositions practised
upon them so numerous and flagrant
that I suggest Congressional action for
their protection. It seems to me a
fair subject of legislation by Congress.
I cannot now state as fully as 1 desire
the natic'e of the compjaiuts made by