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lif 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