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THE MACON DAHA TELEGRAPH AND MESSENGER: WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER S, 1873.
tylefiraph Ajgftssenfin
\ I.. NKslIAT I * '■ ' l""'
The President’s Message.
The
■ thath
my 1m
■Bydu
I \ r r'UL
bofjh**
ng tli
hxM
it; been an eventful
In tho iniiUt of grrn'
a financial crisis ha
brought low fortune*
tioirn—political part
ceased to exist, esp*
tural regions. and finally, tl
upon the high mm of ft
our fl*g hf for a time threaten** »1 th**
mo»t urious consequences, and a .' .
tat*l the public rniml from one end of
country to the other. But this happily
jiow is in tho course of snU^fK-toiy a/1 j u^t*
ment, honorable to both nations con-
onal prosjM.,;*
urred tli.it li.
A'xnUc pr< p
hip has aln o
in tho agri .• u
el 1ms ,
TIIK H\n>S ON 1K\A^
. ■' miiii--ionoraaj>j>oiiit.'l pursuant
• a ti»»* autliontyof C<>ngr»*->s to examine
• tli.* nature and extent of tho forays
' rv tiwpo.- • from that .-ountry upon the
i r li of Texas have mado a r**i*ort whi h
will !*♦* ^ ibmiUed for your consideration.
« l.AIMs AGAIN." T \ I NK/.I F.LA.
'I”...- V. n. /';«*lan Government ha- b.*en
inf : m ••i o f the -ense of Conu , r»*>s in re-
:ar 1 t • th** awards of the Joint Couimis-
ion mi i• r the Conr.-nti.m of tho 20th of
A;• r ,1. ; t-xj.r.* •• 1 in th.- :*« t of th*-
-.'•tiicf February lu-t. It i« apprrh*nd*.-d
that '’.it Government does not realize
the chsiacb r of it.^ obligation* under the
Convention. A ~ there is reason to be-
On the «th M (Vtolnt, 1^70, li am*; i*.
i e»*iv.-d the certificate of h**r r- j. l-r in
I the usual legal form, she sailed fo -.n the
port <.f New Vo: k" an 1 ha- U * - •
within the territoria 1 jurisdi Eon of the
United State*. On the 3tet day of Octo
ber last, while mailing under the flag of
the United State-, on the high seas, she
j was forcibly seized by the Spanish gun-
lx»t Tornado an l wa^ . irri ^l into the
port of Santiago de Cola, where many of
iiL-r passenger! and crew were inhumanly
and. far. it \ x ♦. a p lat- ’ , *
who were citizens of the
Lhout due pre
United States,
of law pyt to
death.
THE PRINCIPLE CONTRAVENED.
It is a well established principle, 11
KOttKION RELATIONS.
The relation* of tho Unit-a States,
however, with DOit of the Ollier powers,
continue to bo friendly and cordial. With
France, Germany, Roada, It aly an<l the
minor European power.—witJi I!null and
mo»t of the South American. Republics—
and with Japan, nothing has occurred
during the year to demand lqccal notice.
The correspondence between tho D.-part-
ment of State and Tarious diplomatic
rcproeentatiTC* in or from theao countries
la transmitted herewith.
Tin: Vienna Hxrosino*.
In executing the will of Congress, as
expr.s.od in its joint resolution of the
Hth of Fehntary last, and in accordance
with the provinious of the naolutions, a
number of "practical artisan,," of “scion,
tide men,” and of honorary commission,
era win authorized to attend tho
aition at Vicuna as < • .mmi-zioner-t
Unit.il Staton. It is bellowed that w.
have ohtainod tho objoct which Congress
had in riew when it pMscd the joint
resolution “in order to enable the ]i-cplo
of the United States to participate in the
advantages of the iiUcrnata>u..l exhihl*
tion of the products of agriculture and
manufacture*. at the fair which was to 1«
held at Vienna.” I take phManx* in add
ing tliat tho American exhibitors hare
revived a gratifying number of diploma-,
and medals.
During the Kipoiition, a conference
was held at Vienna for the purpose of
consultation on tho systems providing in
different coon trios for the protection of
inventions. I authorised a representa
tion from tho patent oflico to be pn . nt
at Vionna at tho time when this confer
ence was to toko place, in order to aid as
fn its ho might, in securing any paniblo
additional protection to American inven
tors in Europe. Tho report of this agent
will ho laid before Congress.
CHINA.
It la my pleasant duty to announce to
Congress that the Euijicror of China, on
attaining his majority, rcceiv.-d tho di
plomatic representatives of the Western
powers in person. An account of those
ceremonies and of the interesting discus
sions which preceded them, will bo found
in the documents transmitted herewith.
Tho accompanying papers show that
some advance, although slight, has been
made during tho past year towards the
suppression of the infamous Chinese Coolie
trade. I recommend C0n2re.fi to inquire
whether additional legislation bo not
needed on*those subjects.
THE BRYriMI INDEMNITY MONEY.
Tho ninnoy awarded to tho Unit 1
States by the tribunal of arbitration at
Genera was paid by Her Majesty's Gov
ernment a few days in advance of the
timn when it would have become pay
able according to tho terms of the treaty.
In compliance with tho provisions of tho
•etof Karoli s, 1871, it was aijoeoe paid
into tho Treasury and used to redeem
so far as it might, tho public debt of the
United States; and the amount so
doomed was invested in a fivo per cent,
registered Imnd of the United States for
$15,500,000, which is now held by the
Secretary of State subject to tho future
disposition of Congress.
I renow my recommendation - moil e at
tho opening of tho last session of Con-
C ss, that a commission bo created for
ptirposo of auditing and dotesrnintn
the amounts of the ccveral direct loss,
growing out of tho destruction of rot els
and their cargoes by the Alabama, th
Florida, or tho Shenandoah, after tearing
htelKu.rne, for which the sufferers hare
received ne .'.juivaleut or uumueruatinn
nnd of ascertaining the names iff the per-
sens entitled to rSOelro couijw’imation fi
the taxnc, making tho compntationsupon
tlio Uula imiiciitA.sl by tho tribunal of ar
bitration at Gonova. nnd that payment of
mxch 1 Oft AO* bo authorized to an extent not
tooxooed.tho of tribunal a
Gonova.
IK! 1 l"ll \ N I * \MFUI» HOI NDAUV
By an act approtod, 1th «1 tv of I\ hrn
ary bmt CoogrMt mode provision for
completinj; jointly with on officer or ■
mission, to l>e nauiotl by her Britanic
Haiovty. tho doterolntm of so much
of tho boundary line bi'tiroon thotorrl-
tory of tho United State* and tho posso*
•ions of Great Britain n* was loft iinconi-
jdeted by tho commissioners appointed
under tho not of Congress of August 11,
1S56. Under tho piovisionn of this act,
the northwest boundary of tho United
states has boon dotorminod and marked,
in accordance with the award of tho Em
peror of Germany. A probvol and
■, however, that it! hesitancy in rec-
, r : l! . ■ • ginningif theirNatmaallndependonee-
w ith its obligations toother ^Sod by Groat Britain and other
maritime powers, and stated by the Sen
ate in a resolution passed unanimou-ly
on the lGtb day of Jane. 1858, that
American vessels on the high sews, in
time of peace, bearing the American flag,
remain under the jurisdiction of the
country to which they belong, and there
fore any visitation,.molestation or deten
tion of such vessel, by force, or by tho
exhibition of force, on the part of a for.
cign power, is in derogation of the rover
eignty of tho United States.
In accordance with this principle, the
restoration of tho Virginias and tho re
mainder of the survivors of her passen
ger, and crew, and a due reparation to
tho flag, and the punishment of the au
thorities who had been guilty of the ille
gal acts of violence, were demanded.
SATISFACTION ACCORDED BY SPAIN.
The Spanish government has recog-
nixed the justice of the demand, and has
arranged for the immediate delivery of
the vessel and the surrender of the sur
vivors of tho passengers and crow, and
for a salute to the flag, and for proceed
ings looking to tho punishment of those
who may bo proved to have been guilty
of illegal acts of violence towards citi
zens of the United States, and also to
wards indemnifying those who may bo
shown to bo entitled to indemnity.
A copy of a protocol of a conference be
tween the Secretary of State and tho
Spanish Minister, in which tho terms of
this arrangement wore agreed to, is trans
mitted herewith.
Tho correspondence on this subject
with tho legation of tho United States in
Madrid was conducted in cypher and by
cable, and needs the verification of the
actual text of tho correspondence. It
has seemed to me to be dne the import
ance of the case not to submit this corre
spondence until the accurate text could
bo received by mail. It is expected
shortly, and will be submitted when re-
oeirod.
■ expediency of farther
:ori>..,iran ■ on tmt part i< believed to bo
worthy of your consideration.
T1P.KKY AND EGYPT.
The Ottoman government and that of
L.'ypt have lately shown a disposition to
relieve foreign consuls of the judicial
powers, which heretofore they have excr-
cised in tho Turkish dominions, by or
gaairing oth.-rAribunals. As Congress,
h > .'’ever, has by law provided for the dis
ci. ... V of judicial functions by the con
sills of the United States in that quarter,
under the treaty of 1830, I have not fplt
at liberty formally to accept the proposed
change without tho assent of Congress,
whose decision upon tho subject, at as
early a period as may be - convenient, is
earnestly requested.
A DOMINICAN PROTECTORATE.
I transmit herewith, for the considera
tion and determination of Congress, an
application of tho republic of Saint Do
mingo to this Government to exercise a
protectorate over that republic.
RECENT TREATIES.
Since the adjournment of Congress the
| following treaties with foreign powers
copy of tlie map upon which the lino i
thus marked are contain,■,! in the papers
uutnuitted herewith.
I also transmit a copy of the report of
the commissioner for marking tho bound
ary between the United States and th,
British possessions west of the Lake of
the Woods, of the operations of tho com
mission during tho past soaton. Surveys
I s,, been ,,, ulc to a point
w. 1 of the I. ike of the W,*•“!.'• le l'p 1 '.;
alioiit 3(» miles to l*e surveyed. tBB field
work of which can bo completed during
the next season.
THE MIXED COMMISSION.
The Mixed Commission organised un
der the provisions of the treaty of Wash
ington for settling and dots nnining the
claims of sititsca of cither power against
tho other si i-iug out of acts committed
against their pS . ,n. or property during
the period between April J5!h, 1861, and
April nth. 1868s made it-s final award on
the Hath day of September last. It was
awarded that the G vermueut of the Uni
ted States should pay to the Government
of hsr Britanie Majesty, within twelve
months from tho da to of tho nward, the
sum of $1,820,876 in goll. Tim Com
mission disallow,vl or .lisiuisjrd all oilier
claims of British subjects against tho
Unitol States. The amount of tho claims
presented bv the British ilovernment
bat disallowed or dismissed is understood
to bo iflout $‘.0,000,000. It also disal-
lowed tho claims of eitisensof tho Unit,si
States against Grant Britian which wwc
referred to it. I reooaunend tho early
passage of .in act appropriating tho
amount necessary (o pay this award
amriaattfce UnUeo 8M«a. , , . .
I have caused to be eemmunicatod to
the Government of tho Ring -f I Laly ihy
thanks of this Government (''■ tho euu-
l.ent M-rvivi-s r, a.ler.. 1 1-y Count , oiii ,-
tlie third cunmis-iouer ,‘tt t ais e.. , .'.:iir.s.
- ion. With dignitv. 1. arain : and impur-
tiality he diechnrged duties requinug
great’lalsjr mid constant patience, to the
natisfactaaOi I believe, of both govern
ments.
a srih ;,.,,t ni >t : u v -
I roeommend legislation t
o’, il ,>,%•. to « ■ • of iml
fhx'A 1-. ompowr:
1 , K> . I have been prorLrimed : A naturalization
■ 1 convention with Denmark—a convention
with Mexico for reviewing tho Claims
Commission—ro convention of friendship,
oommercoand extradition with tha Orange
Free State, and an naturalization con
vention with Ecuador.
APPOINTMENT OF TOSTMABTERS.
I renew tho recommendation made in
my measzage of December 18.1870, that
Congress authorize the Postmaster Gen
eral to issue all commissions to officials
appointed through his department.
LAWS OP EXPATRIATION.
1 invite tho earnest attention of Con
gress to the existing laws of the United
States respecting expatriation, and the
election or nationaiity by individuals.
Many citizens of the United States reside
permanently abroad with their families,
under the provisions of the act approved
February 10,1B55. The children of such
persons ore to be deemed and taken to be
citizens of tho United States, but 'the
rights of citizenship are not to descend
to persons whoso fathers never resided in
the United States.
It thus happens that, persona who have
never resided within the United States
have been enabled to put forward a pre
tension to tho protection of the United
States against the claim to military ser
vice of the Government under whose pro
tection they wore born and reared. In
sumo eases, even naturalized citizens of
tho United Statos have rcturnod to the
land of their birth with intent to remain
thezo, and their children, tho issue of a
marriage contracted then, after their re
turn, and who have never been in tho
United States, have laid claim to our
protection, when tho lapse of many years
had imposed upon them the duties of
military service to the only government
which had ever known them personally.
Until tlie year 1SG8 it was left embar
rassed by conflicting opinions of courts
and of jurists to determino bow far tho
doctrine of perpetual allegiance, derived
from our farmer colonial relations with
Great Britain, was applicable to Amer
ican eitisens. Congrats then wisely
swept these doubts away by onacting
Oiat ” Any declaration, instruction, opin
ion, order or decision of any officer of this
Government which denies, restricts, im
pairs or questions the right of expatria
tion is inconsistent with the fundamental
principles of this Government."
But Congress did not imlicato in tliat
slhliite.'nor lias it since done so, what
acts are to be deemed to work uxpatria-
For my own gnidonco in determining
sudh questions, I required, undor the
provisions of the Constitution, tho opin
ion. in writing, of tho principal officer in
each of the executive departments upon
certain questions relating to this subject.
Tho result satisfies mo that further leg
islation has bocomo necessary. I there
fore commend the subject to the careful
comudoration of Congress, and I transmit
herewith copies of tho rovcral opinions of
tho principal officers of the executive de
partments. togotner with other corre
spondence on tho point, for information
on the subject.
The United States, who lod tho way in
tho ovorthrow of the Federal doctrine of
peVJritnal allegiance, arc among tho last
to indiratc how their own citizens may
elect another nationally.
Tlie papers submitted herewith indi-
osto wliat is necessary to place us on a
par with other leading nations in liberal-
tty of legislation on this international
question. Wo have already, in our
treaties, assented to tho principles which
ould need to bo emlioiiied in laws in
tended to accomplish such results. We
have agreed that citizens of tho United
States may cease to bo citizens and may
voluntarily render allegianeo to other
Evtlic A spo-
and
mine
allclaiu
alic
powers. We have agreed that residence
in a foreign land, without intent to re
turn, shall of itself work expatriation.
We Wo agreed, in some instances, upon
the length of time necessary for such
continual residence to work a presump
tion of such intent.
1 invito Congress now to mark out and
define when and how expatriation can be
oooomplishcd—to regulate by law the
condition of American women marrying
foreigners—to fix tho status of children
bom in a foreign country of American
parents, residing more or less permanently
abroad, and to make rules for determin
ing such othor kindred points as may
seem best to Congress-
THE SPANISH REPUBLIC.
In compliance with the request of Con
gress, I nave submitted to the American
Mini-t«r at Madrid, with instructions to
present it to tha Spanish government,
the joint resolution approved on the 3d
of Mireh last, tendering to the people of
Spain, in tho name and on behalf of the
American people, tho congratulations of
Congress upon the efforts to consolidate
in Spain tho principles of universal lib-
rty in a Kopuhli.nr. form of government.
The extit. c, e of this pew republic was
inaugurated by striking the fetters from
tho tlares in 1'orto Rico. This beneficent
measure was followed by the release of
several thousand persons illegally held as
slaves in Cuba. Next, toe Captain Gen
eral of that oolony. was deprived of toe
power to set o.iido tlie orders of his supe
riors at 'Madrid, which had plained to
the office since 1835. Tho sequestered
estates of American -citizens, which had
boon the cause of Jong and fruitless cor
respondence, were ordered to bo restored
to their owners. All these liberal steps
were taken in the face of a violent oppo
sition, directed by the reactionary slave
holders of llavana, who are vainly striv.
iug to stay the march of ideas which have
doomed slavery in Christendom, Cuba
excepted.
SLAVERY IN CUBA.
Unhappily, however, this baneful in
fluence ha-- thus far succeeded in defeat
ing the efforts of all liberal iginded men
in Spain to abolish slavery in Cuba, and
ting the promised reform in that
,:ag
against their persons or jr peiryu r.n :
the insurrection. The roviit refer.".:. - *
under the Treaty ol Wa-hington ^
lined to claims of _ Br.t^h Mtirevre
r during the p<
treaty, b
are olhe:
underet.
British claiure -•
i.ing after t!i,'.
m*--:
April,
is it si
tter [U.
JSC.:., and it is known* Amt other ,i .
of » iike nature are advau --d
or subjects .if other powers.—”
ruble to have these claims also examinee
and disposed Of.
THEACHEKNjjW
OK ial information being received
from the Dutch Ckiv. rmneut f «
of v.,r between fltajiiug - 10 *V
lands usd too Julian of A.vv tnc " ; a-
oarsof to>- Uaited States win-were nixtt
tho seat of tho war were in-tr . t si too •
serve an impartial nwiralitK It i- be
hoved that tuey liare -base sis
THE MEXICAN COMMIS'IOX.
The joint e.mni.is.....ii, unb-r t': ■ n*
veotion with Mexico, of 1 e,,s, haling
again Ikvu legally prdengi-1, he- re
sumed its business, which it is hup ,1
n. ,i v be brought t. an early conclusion.
The distinguishol repr.--ent.iUvo ol !.■ r
llritanic Majesty at Washington, ha.
kindly ,-onscntwd, with th, appr. val of
)us Government, to assume the arduous
and responsible duties of umpire in ' h ■ -
o. mmissiou, and to lend tie- Weight of hi -
cliaraeter said name to such dortiaui- n- |
may not reecivs the acquiescence .,f Doth
th»* arbitrators appointed by the respect- J
ivc Governmenti- i
cy continues there. The pro-slavery
BuMMMeSrifixCiita is sgtadnal-
, h arraigning it <etf in more open hostility
! i di.■ of toe home government,
while .•-: !! maintains a political con-
Inaeqtf with the republic in the peuin-
•„b'. i although, usurpiug aud itafyliil
tabiatoority of the hoaae gewr—ifi
•n njr«: *ueh usurp.tion or dofi.ra.-i
t- r. is in tlie direction cf oppression, or of
t/m mimtcaanoo of abuses, it is still a
P ever in Madrid and is recognized by the
1 government.
Thus n:» clement more dangerous to
, -citinn -i ’colonial relations Isetween
Cul ::! ¥;a:.i than that which inspired
the in-urr< tioa at Vara—an element
oi jKi-.sl t.i grantiagaMy re’i^f from mis
rule and abuse—with no aspirations for
fre. don—> raraanding no sympathies in
nerous breasts—aiming to rivet still
str er e: the shackles of slavery and op-
P Jg!.. .. ’red many of the emblems
i: J . :■ a 1 :!i under ] rofc si.
■ b valtT to the mother c.s.r.’.ry, is ei-
*' . 'rj.. uret*-of the island and
-.. : whi -1. -ro at variance with
-of liberality,
bility of char-
le interest? of
and of pro-
those prin .p<
THE TROUBLE DUE TO SLAVERY.
In taking leave of this subject, for the
present, I wish to renew tho expression of
my conviction that tho existence of sla-
very in Cuba is a powerful cause of the
lamentable condition of the island. I do
not doubt that Congress shares onto me
the hope that it will soon be made tl dis
appear. and that peace and prosperity
may follow its abolition.
The embargoing of American estates
in Cuba—cruelty to American citizens
detected in no act of hostility to toe
Spanish government—the murdering of
prisoners captured with arms in their
hands, and finally, the capture on the
high seas of a vessel sailing under the
United States flag and bearing a United
States registry, lias culminated in an out
burst of indignation that has seemed for
a time to threaten war.
Fending negotiations between tho Uni
ted States and the government of Spain
on the subject of this capture. I have
authorized too Secretary of the navy to
put our navy on a war footing to toe ex
tent at least of toe entire annual appro
priation for that branch of tlie public ser
vice, trusting to our Congress and the
publie opinion of toe American people to
justify my action.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
Assuming from the action of the last
Congress in appointing a Committee on
Privileges and Elections to prepare and
report to this Congress a Constitutional
amendment to provide a better method
of electing the President and Vioo-Presi-
dent of tho United States, and also from
the necessity of such an amendment that
there will bo submitted to the State
legislatures for ratification such an im
provement in our Constitution. I suggest
two others for your consideration: First.
To outhorizo too Executive to approve of
so much of any measure passing the two
houses of Congress as his judgment may
dictate—without approving the whole—
toe disapproved portion or portions to be
subjected to tho same rules os now, to-
wit: To bo referred bock to tho house in
which the measure or measures origi
nated, and if passed by a two-thirds
vole of the two houses, then to become a
law without the approval of tho Presi
dent.
I would odd to this a provision tliat
there should be no legislation by Con
gress during the last twenty hours of it ,
sitting, except upon vetoes, in order to
give too Exocutive on opportunity to ex
amine and approve or disapprove bills un
derstandings.
Second—To provide by amendment
that when nn extra session of CebTress is
convened by executive proclamation leg
islation during the continuance of
such extra session shall bo confined to
such subjects as the executive may bring
before it from time to timo in writing.
Tho advantages to be gained by these
two amendments are obvious. One ses
sion in each year is provided for by toe
Constitution, in whieh there are no re
strictions as to tho snbjocts of legislation
by Congress. If more are required it is
always in the power of Congress, during
their term of office, to provide for ses
sions at any time.
The first of theso amendments would
protect too publie against tho many
abuses and waste of public moneys which
creep into appropriation bills and other
important measures passing during the
expiring hours of Congress, to which
otherwise duo consideration cannot" bo
given.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Tho receipts of the Government from
all sources for toe last fiscal year were
$333,738,201. and tbe-expenditures on all
accounts $200,315,215, thus showing an
excess of receipts over expenditures of
$ 13,392,930. But it is not probable that
this favorable exhibit will bo shown for
the present fiscal year.
ECONOMY NECESSARY.
Indeed it is very doubtful whether, ex
cept with great economy on the part of
Congress in making appropriations, and
the same economy in administering the
various departments .of government, the
revenues will not fall short of meeting
actual expenses, including interest on the
publie debt.
HOW T9 PRACTICE IT.
I commend to Congress such economy,
and point out two sources where it seems
to me it might commence, to-wit: The
appropriations for publie braidings in toe
many cities where work has not yet been
commence 1—in the appropriation for
river and harbor improvement, in those
localities where too improvements are of
but little benefit to too general com
merce, and for fortifications.
There is a still more fruitful source ol
expenditure, which I will point out later
in this message. I refer to the easy
method of manufacturing claims for losses
incurred in suppressing the late rebel'
lion.
I would not bo understood here as op
posing the erection of good, substantial,
and even ornamental buildings by the
Government wherever such braidings are
needed. In fact, I approve of the Gov
ernment owning its own buildings in all
I ; I ■ laud of ],r--- v-'-tigrit
cious metal in iatry from the vacation
products of our mines. h
The development of th ■ mines of pre
cious ci-tals during th- past year un i
the prospective develop::: -u; of them for
years to come, are gratifying in their re
sults. Coul.1 but one-half of the gold
extracted from the mines be ret lined at
home, onr advance towards specie pay
ments would be rapid.
To increase our exports, sa'Scient cur
rency is required to keep all the indus
tries of the • ■ .'intry employed. Without
this, national as well os individual bank-
I ruptey most ensue. Undue inflation, on
the other hand. Vhile it might give tem
porary relief, would only lead to inflation
of prices—toe impossibility of competing
in oqr own m irkets for the products of
home skill and labor, and repeated re
newals of present experiences,
ELASTICITY IN THE CIRCULATING ME
DIUM.
Elasticity in our circulating medium,
therefore, and juxt enough of it to trans
act the legitimate business of the country
and keep all industries employed is what
is moat to be desired. The exact medium
is specie—the recognized medium of ex
change the world over. That obtained,
we shall have a currency of an exact de
gree of elasticity. If there be too much
of it for toe legitimate purposes of trade
and oommerce, it will flow out of the
country: it too little, the reverse will re
sult. To hold what we have and to ap
preciate our currency to that standard is
the problem deserving of toe most se
rious consideration of Congress.
THE CURRENCY SATISFACTORY.
The experience of the present panic has
C ven that toe currency of the country
ed, as it is. upon the credit of the
country, is the best that has ever been
deviaed. Usually, in times of such trials,
the currency has become worthless or so
much depreciated in value as to inflate
toe values of all tho necessaries of life as
compared with the currency. Every one
holding it has been anxious to dispose of
it on any terms. Now, we witness tho
reverse—holders of currency hoard it as
they did gold in former experiences of a
like nature. It is patent to toe most
casual observer, that much more curren
cy or money is required to transact the le
gitimate trade of too country during tho
fall and winter months when the vast
crops are Wing removed than during tlie
balance of the year. With onr present
system tho amount in the country re
mains the same throughout tho entiro
year, resulting in an accumulation of all
surplus capital of the country in a few
centres.
When most employed in toe moving of
crops, tempted there by the offer of in
terest on coll loans, interest being - paid,
this surplus capiti must can: tics in
terest paid, with a p r- Being subject
to “call,” it cana t be loaned—only in
part at best—to I .• merchant or zuanu-
iu whole ■ ubj. - t .luring t.i
ill report at thi? -ession. 1
ng to recommend until then
r.'I-irt is made.
ENCOURAGEMENT OF CANALS
There is one work, however, of a ua-
ointed ly to
sethod of cornu
eipt* of the ofi
lode of fixing t!
..Id !
■ ratio, th.
extecdini
incrqasin
and cultivation.
THE MBNONITKv
The expressed desire of the
of a large colony of eitiz
of oo
..dually
x-up:
President, by toe
-dons on the actual re-
e in-thad of the present
o .-alary in advance upon
special returns, and especially, do I urge
favorable action by Congress in the im
portant recommendations of the Post- ' to emigrate to this country, as is im*
i.ousi c ..a ic. i-.v b--~~ ] master General for the establishment of t deritood. with the consent of their gov-
p-rtion of tue !-»« ’ml tae fnit - 1 State ]- tat F.. - 1’ ; .-toy .-rim; ■„!. if eortu n e. n in on: 1"
->orth ana D?e South are equally • Your attention i* also again called to a made to enable them to settle in a com*
1 Tv- m V- U k?i )lir ,1 consideration of the question of postal j pact colony, is of gr«B& interest, as going
t:^»n. The S-ate o* . ew lork n:^ a I telegraphs and the arguments adduced to show the light in which our institu-
conneotmg Lake Ene with tidewater on - n support in the hope that you
the li'nhwn nver. The State of will take such action in connection toere-
Iuj >nmilar wmkwacctingj ^ in _ TO!lr judgment will most con-
tet.it.
■r lasi, <:iq
tured on th
■ hisrli
bv tl
»* Spanish i
ian-of-w&r T
>rnudo,
r.rita-
ic.l tli" following eonclu
ion:
Si
ain.
n her part.
stipulates to
restore
forti
iwith
the vessel
referred to.:
nd the
arr i-
vors
of her pas.'*
ngerg and civ
w, and
on t
the
ie *J.
th uav of
December to
solute
lag o
the Unit.
.1 States. I
f, how-
to navigable water on thelUmois ^i^lntereito of toe roun-
nver—thus making water communication j .
inland b«tw«n the Efct and the d\ est - DEpARTMENT op JUSTICE—UTAH,
and t.ie soutn. I , m * . —— * * « .
These great arterial water courses arc Affairs in Utah require your early at-
the prop Tty of the States through which tent.on. The Supreme Court of the Um-
they pass Li pay toll to these States, todMState. in thecase oi^Clinton vs En-
Woul'J it not be wise statesmanship to [ glebrecht, decided that the United Stotts
pledge the States, that if they wUl open marshal of that Territory could not law-
toe canals for the passage of large ves- fully suninsn jurors for the District
gels, tlie general Government will look Courts, and three courts hold that the
.f. -71 - : v.i« I Termfcnnfil marshal cannot lawfully per-
after and keep in navi-able condition toe Territorial marshal cannot lawfully per.
great public highways with which they form that duty, because he is elected by
connect, with the overslaugh on the Hud- the Legislative Assembly and not np-
son—the Saint Clair flats and the Illi- pointed os provided for in tho act organ-
nois and Mississippi rivers? This would «ing tho Territory,
be a national work—one of great value to I All proceedings at law are practically
the produce of the West and South is abolished by these decisions, and there
givin" them cheap transportation for have been but few or no jury trials in the
their produce to the seaboard and market District Courts of that territory since toe
and the consumers in the East in giving last session of Congress. Property is
them cheaper food, particularly of those left without protection by toe courts, and
articles of food which do not find a for- crimes go unpunished,
ei-n market and toe prices of which. To prevent anarchy there, it is abso-
therefore, are not regulated by foreign lately necessary that Congress provide
demand. The advantages of such a the courts with some mode of obtaining
work are too obvious for argument. I jurors, and I recommend legislation to
submit the subject to you. therefore, that effect; and nlso, that tho probable
without further comment. courts of toe territory now assuming to
SURVEY OF THE AMAZON. “sw> writs of injunction and habeas cor-
UbSSofa?*, State, -,ith " ot PtateteSl ordiitanlj b, court,
of ua, offering a field where much might I °‘ description,
be accomplished to further this object. I REPEAL OP TIIE BANKRUPT LAW.
I suggest that a small appropriation he j h ave bocomo impressed with tho be-
made, accompanied with authority for lief thftfc the approval March 2,1SC7,
tho Secretary of tho Nary to fit out a entitled “an act to establish a uniform
naval vessel to ascend the Amazon river ETgfcom o( bankruptcy througUout the
to toe mouth of toe Maderia—thence to Unitixl States,” is proiluctive of more
explore that river and iti tributaries into er ;i jjjjm j-qo,] a t this time. Many eon-
Bolivia and to report to Congress, at its considerations might be urged for its to-
next session, or as soon as practicable, ta j ^jpeai.
too accessibility of the country by water— But lfthis is not considered advisable,
its resources, and the population reached. t t bj n k it will not be seriously questioned
Such an exploration will cost but little. thoie portions of said act providing
It can do no harm and miy result in es- for wliat is called involuntary bankruptcy,
tablishing a trade of valuo to both na- operate to increase the financial embar-
tions. I rassments of the country. Careful and
REVISION OF THE TARIFF. ETC. I prudent men very often become involved
In further connection with the Treasu- in debt in the transactions of their busi-
ry Department I would recommend a re- ness, and though they may possess ample
vision and codification of the tariff laws, property, if it could be made available for
and the opening of more mints for coin- that purpose, to meet their liabilities, yet
mg money, with authority to coin for on account of the extraordinary scarcity
uoh nations as may apply. of money they may be unable to meet all
WAR DEPARTMENT. I their pecuniary obligations as they be-
Ti.e at: Titian of ‘ " -ress is invited to 1 come duo; in consequence of which they
r — . w e recommendations contained in the I are liable to be prostrated in their busd-
facturer for a fixes' time. Henoe no u:a‘ ■ : report of the Sec. - - ; of War, herewith ness by proceedings in bankruptcy, at the
ter bow much cu:rency there might be j ...v’ lg. The : .parent <reat cost | instance of unrelenting creditors,
in the country, it wan I be absorbed— ■ . .f L u .. r ' ’' . , . my is fullyexplainoil People are now so easily alarmed as to
'"■ ‘' re;. : •' hope rill receive monetary matters that the mere filing of
* utiou. .... le invitin'? your I a petition of bankruptcy by nn unfriendly
attention to th. recommendations I creditor will necessarily embarrass and
by ■ , - Secrets v of War, there are oftimes accomplish the financial ruin of
two which 1 voald especially invite you a responsible business man. Those who
First—toe impurUnoo of otherwise might make lawful and just
tioiis are rogarvl. 1 by an in iustrious, m- ! ,rith
tclligont an*I wealthy people, desirons of ...
enjoying civil and religious liberty; aud
toe acquisition of so large an immigra
tion of citizens of a superior class, w.
prices keeping pace wit' the rolnr
ponies, stringenoy an
over l>e recurring wi. tue , ' V
Elasticity in our i - net. ryy
therefore, is toe object to be a:
first, and next to that, as far as po. __
a prevention of the use oi other people’s j preparing for war in of"peace by I arrangements to relieve themselves from
,, tt. .. .i in preventing the pronusoi reionn in tnat
u Pf - ‘ ; bdaad. The struggle for political su-» sections of the country, and hope the day
* 1 tri oomnmw -.j >n.- ■ - ii nftt. fflr blatant whun it will not Gnlr
1 •'* J
tV—i»f
tl th:
v.-rtod.
flupneo may so. n 1
Tin: V1RGINIUS.
Xhi ltanifi' Virginias was, on tl.
day <>. f September, 1S7«>. duly reg
the jH.rt of N. w York a.? a ]>art of the
couiuicr, ial mai iiie of tlie L uited States.
is not far distant when it will not only
possess them, but will erect in the capital
suitable residences for all persons who
now receive commutation for quarters, or
rent at Government expense, and for the
Cabinet, thus setting an example to the
States, which may induce them to erect
buildings for their Senators. But I would
have this work conducted at a time when
toe revenues of the country will abun
dantly justify iti
THE PANIC.
The revenues have materially fallen
off for the first five months of the pres
ent fiscal year from what they were ex
pected to produce, owing to the general
lianic now prevailing, which commenced
about the middle of September. The
full extent of this disaster (if it should
not prove a blessing in disguise) is yet
to bo demonstrated. In cither event it
is your duty to heed the lesson and to
provide by wise and well considered leg
islation, as far as it lies in toot power,
against its recurrence, and to take ad
vantage of all benefits that may have
accrued.
SPECIE PAYMENTS.
My own judgment is that, however
much individuals may have , ufierod, one
long step has been taken towards specie
11 ,-n ' ! payments. That we can never have per-
; mxnent proiperity until a specie has;? is
reached, and that a specie ba-H cannot
th'.th be reachi-i and maintained until our I-
u red ; ports, exclusive of gold, pay for our im-
' ports—interest due abroad and other spe
cie obligations, or so n. uly so a.- to leave | sic
money in stock and thcr > t ecula’ions.
HOtV TO PREVENT SPECULATION.
To prevent tho latter it seems to n -
that ono groat stop would be taken by
prohibiting the national banks from pay
ing interest on deposits, by requiring
them to hold their resources in their own
vaults, and by forcing them into resump
tion, though it would be only in legal
tender notes.
GOVERNMENT CLEARING HOUSES.
For tliis purpose I would suggest the
establishment of clearing houses for
your consideration. To secure tho former
many plans have been suggested, most if
not oil of which look to me more like in
flation, on tho ono hand, or compelling
tho government, on the other, to pay in
terest without corresponding benefits
upon the surplus funds of too country
during the seasons when otherwise nn-
cmployod.
INCREASED ISSUES TO THE NATIONAL
BANKS.
I submit for your consideration whether
this difficulty might bo overcome by au
thorizing tho Secretary of the Treasury
to issue, at any time, to national banks
of issue, any amount of their own notes
below a fixed percentage of their issue,
say 40 per cent., upon the banks’ deposi
ting with toe Treasurer of the United
States an amount of Government bonds
equal to tho amount of notes demanded
—the banks to forfeit to tho Government
say 4 per cent, of the interest accruing
on the bonds so pledged, during tho time
they remain with the Treasurer, as secu
rity for the increased circulation—the
bonds so pledged to lie redeemable by
too banks at their pleasure, cither in
whole or ic part, by returning their own
bills for cancellation to on amount equal
to the face of the bonds withdrawn.
I would further suggest for your con
sideration tho propriety of authorizing
toe national banks to diminish their
standing issue at pleasure, by returning
for cancellation their own bills and with
drawing so many United States bonds as
are pledged for the bills returned.
FREE BANKING.
In view of the great actual contraction
tliat has taken place in the currency, and
too comparative contraction continuously
going on, duo to thfc inereaso of popula
tion, increase of manufactures and all the
industries, I do not believo there is too
much of it now for too dullest period of
toe year. Indeed, if clearing houses
should be established, thus forcing re
demption, it is a question for yonr con
sideration whether banking should not bo
made free—retaining all tho safeguards
now required to secure bill-holders on any
modification of tho present laws regulat
ing national hanks.
As a further step towards preparing for
resumption of specie payments, I invito
your attention to a consideration of the
propriety of exacting from them toe re
tention. as a port of their reserve, either
the whole or a part of tho gold interest
accruing upon tha bonds pledged as secu
rity for their issue. I have not reflected
enough on the bearing this might have
in producing a scarcity of coin with which
to pay duties on imports to give it iny
positive recommendation, but your atten
tion is invited to the subject.
PROGRESS OF CONTRACTION.
During the last fouryears tho currency
has been contracted directly by too with
drawal of three per cent, certificates,
compound interest notes and seven-thirty
bonds outstanding on toe 4th of March.
1869, all of which took the place of legal
tenders in the bank reserves to the ex
tent of $C3,000.000. Daring the samo
period there has been a much larger com
parative contraction of toe currency.
The population of too country has largely
increased. More than 25,000 miles of
railroad have been built—requiring tho
active use of capital to operate them.
Millions of acres of land havo been
opened to cultivation, requiring capital
to move the products. Manufactures
have multiplied beyond all precedent in
toe same period of time, requiring cap
ital weekly for the payment of wages and
for toe purchase of material; and prob
ably the hugest of all comparative con
traction arises from tho organization of
free labor in the South. Now eveiy la
borer there receives his wages, and for
want of savings banks it is earn ad in the
pockets or hoarded until required for use.
These suggestions are thrown out for
your consideration without recommenda
tion that they shall be adopted literally,
but hoping toe best methol may be ar
rived at to secure such an elasticity of
the currency as will keep employed all
toe industries of the countiyand prevent
such an inflation as will put off indefi
nitely the resumption of specie payments
—an abject so devoutly to be wished for
by all, and by none more earnestly than
the class of people most directly inter
ested—those who earn their bread by toe
sweat of their brow. The decisions of
Congress on this subject will have the
hearty support of the Executive.
AMBRICAX SHIP-BUILDING.
In previous messages, I have called
attention to the decline in American ship
building, and recommended such legisla
tion as would secure to us our proportion
of the carrying trade. Stimulated by
high rates and abundanoe of freight, the
progress tor the last year in ship-batMing
has been very satufaetaiy. There has
been an inmrise of about three per cent,
in toe amount transported in American
vessels, over toe amount of last year.
■With tho reduced cost of material
which has taken place, it may reasonably
be hoped that th£f progress will be main
tained and even increased. However, as
pay about $~J)£OOflOO per i-nnum to
foreign Teasels for the transportation of
our surplus products to market—thus
increasing the balance of trade against
us to this amount—the snbjcct is one
worthy of jour serious consideration.
CHEAP TRANSPORTATION..
Cheap transportation is a subject that
has attracted tan dftWME -'ail -jsadnsste:
u. 1 :: v - -ar?. aud
has contributed to. if :t has not 1*.-
providing proper I.m .ment for our sea! difficulties produced by the present strin-
eoast d. : ■• es. Pi\ ; r armament i3 of I geney in money, are prevented by their
vastlv u.or.' importaaoo than fortifica- constant exposure to attack and disap-
tions. Tho lacier can be supplied very pointment by proceedings against them
speedily, for toinpoiaiy purposes, when j in bankruptcy.
needed. The former cannot. And beside, tho law is made uso of in
The second is tho necessity of reopen-1 many cases by obduralo creditors to
ing promotion in tho staff corps of too frighten or force debtors into a coinpli-
army. Particularly is this necessity felt I nnco with their wishes, and into acts of
in the medical, pay and ordnance depart- I injustice to other creditors and to tbem-
ments. At this time it is necessary to solves. I recommend that so much of
employ contract surgeons to supply the I said act as provides for involuntary bank-
necessaiy medical attendance required I ruptey, on account of tho suspension of
by toe army. With the present force of payment, be repealed,
tho pay department it is now difficult to CLAIMS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT,
make the payments to troops provided Your careful attention is invited to tho
for by law. Longdelays inpayments are I subject of claims against the Government
productive of desertions and other demor- aud tho unities afforded by existing
abzations. and the lawprohibits the pay- ^ for their prevention. Each of the
ment of troops by other than^regular departments of State, Treasury and War.
paymasters. -There are now sixteen va- | j mve demands for many millions of dol-
concuss in the ordnanco department, thus ^ upon their files and they are rapidly
leaving that branch of the service ^‘to- accumulating. Tothesomay bo added
ont sufficient officers to conduct tho W t, 1030 now pc ndin „ before Congross-the
ness of too different arsenals on a Court of Claims aSd the Southern Claim
scale, if ever required. I Commission—making in the aggregate,
NAVY DEPARTMENT. an immense sum.
During the past year our Navy lias Most of theso grew ont of the relxjlion,
been depleted by tho sale of some vessels I and are intended to indemnify'persona
no longer fit for naval service, and by the | on both sides for their losses during tho
condemnation of others not yet disposed war, and not a few of them are fabricated
of. This, however, has been more than and supported by false testimony. Pro-
compensated for by the repair of six of jects are on foot, it is believed, to indnee
tho old wooden ships, and tho building of Congress to provide for new classes of
eight new sloops of war, authorized by claims, and to re vivo old ones, through
too last Congress. The building of these the repeal or modification of toe statute
latter has occurred at a doubly fortunate I of limitations, by which they are now
time. They are about being completed barred.
at a time when they may possibly be I presumo theso schemes, if proposed,
much needed, and the work upon them will be received with little favor by Con-
Iias not only given direct employment to gress, and I recommend that persons
thousands of men, but lias, no doubt, I having claims against the United States,
been toe means of keeping open e3tnb- cognizable by any tribunnl or depa'rt-
lishments for other work at a time of ment thereof, bo required to present
great financial distress. them at an early day and that legislation
Since tho commencement of tho last I be directed as far as practicable to defeat
month, however, tho distressing occur- unfounded and unjust demands upon tho
rences which have taken place in the Government; and I would suggest as a
waters of the Caribbean sea, almost on means of preventing fraud that witnesses
our very sea board, while they illustrate I be called upon in person and testify
most forcibly toe necessity always exist- before thoso tribunals having said claims
ing, that a nation situated like ours before them for adjudication,
should maintain in a state of possible cf- Probably too largest saving to too na
fidency a navy adequate to its responsi- I tional Treasury can be secured by timely
bilities, bos, at tho same time, demanded legislation on these subjects, of any of
that all the effoctivo force wo really havo the economic measures that will be pro-
shall be put in immediate readiness for posed.
warlike service. _ I You will be advised of the operations
This has been and is being done of the department of Justice by the re-
promptly and effectively, and I am as* port of the Attorney General, and I in
sured that' all tho available ships and vite your attention to the amendments
every authorized man of the American of existing laws suggested by him, with
navy will be ready for whatever action is tho view of reducing the expenses of that
required for the safety of our citizens or department.
the maintenance of our honor. DEPARTMENT OF TUE INTERIOR.
This, of course, \riJl require the ex-1 .. . , , • T
penditure. in a short time, of tome of the L policy inaugurated towards the
appropriations which were aSculated to In . dj “ s ■* **“ beginning of the last ad-
extend through too fiscal year, hut Con- nunwtrat.on has been steadily pursued,
gress will, I doubt not, understand and j “? d ’.„ I ,. bc!ie I? - ^ beneficial results,
appreciate toe emergency, and will pro- continued with only such mod'
vide adequately, not only for the present * ficatl0 “ “ tlm8 and OI P?«cuco may
preparation, but further and for too demonstrate f necessaiy. With the en-
maintenanco of our naval forces. eroochment of civilization upon the In-
The Secretary of the Navy has, during diaa reservation.and hunting ground dis-
thopast year, been quietly putting some I'^o taken place between toe
of orn m6st effective Monitors incoSdition Induul3 «£. whd f du " n ? J** J®";
for service, and thus too exigency finds “ d P«>uably will continue to do so until
ns in a much better condition for work rr.ee appreciates that the other has
K..TOT1CE DBriHUESI. M S ?SShS ^S2*35»*fc
A complete exhibit is presented in the I knon . n ^ tha Indian territory, and to
accompanying report of the Postmaster teach thcm ^ art3 o5 c!vi Uzation and
General, of the operations of too Post- se tf support. When. found off their res-
office Department during tho year. The ervations and ondan"erin<? the peace and
ordinary postal revenues far the fiscal! safety of tho whites they havo l«ra pun-
Xf* 20 ?’ 18 ' 3 - amonnt- i3hedj ^ wiu continue to be for like of-
edtoSMJBW^ 51, and expenditures of I fences . The Indian territory south of
aU kinds $29,03,,913 G7. The increase Kansas and west of Arkansas i3 sufficient
of revenues over 1872, was $1.0SI£la ». in arca ^ a(rricu itural resources to sup-
increa3 ° °‘ expenditures s-> *-o,-1 p 0r t all the Indians east of the Bocky
<o3 36. ■ mountains. In time, no doubt, all of
Independent of the payments made them, except a few who may elect to
from special appropriations for mail mak( > their j, ome3 am0 ng white people,
steamship lines, the amonnt drawn from w ;jj collected
the general Tnmsury to meet toe defi- As a prop aratory sten for this oonsum-
mency was $o °Go,4 ,o. The constant and motion, I f.m now satisfied that a territo-
rhpid extension of our postal service, ria i form of g0Ternm cnt should be given
particular^ upon railways, and the im- them> which will secure the treaty rights
proved facilities for the collection, trans- of the ori?ala i settlers and protect their
mission, distribution and delivery of the homesteads from alienation for a period
mads, which are constantly being pro- of twentT yC ars.
Tided, account for the increased expcndi- i
tores of this popular branch of the public —. .. Tt " „
gerr j <;e l r Tho operations of toe Patent Oifico are
The total number of post-offices fa op- growing to such magnitude, ami the ac
cretion on toe 30th of Jane. 1873, wS cam ^, tjo ” of becoming so
32,21-1—a net increase of 1,381 over the ^ ^ {o /. m °J e T”
number reported the preceding year, becoming more obvioiis day by day- I
The number of Presidential offices ™ respectfuUy uivdo your attontion to toe
1.363—an increase of 1G3 during the year, reports of the Secretly of the Interior
The total length of railroad mail routes I “ d Commissioner °f PatenUon tins sub-
at the close of the year -vras G3,457 miles 4 • nvVTnr ,
—an increase of 5,546 miles fcrer the year I La^ D or FICE.
1872. _ Fifty-nine railway post-office lines The business of the General Land Office
were in operation on the 30th June, 1823, exhibits a material inereaso in all its
extending over 14.S66 miles of railroad branches during the last fiscal year,
rentes and performing an aggregate aer- During that time there were disposed
vice of 34.925 miles daily. of, out of the publie lands. 13,030,606
The number of letters exchanged with acres, being an amonnt greater by 1,165,-
foreign countries was 274,509,185—an in- 631 acres than was disposed of during
crease of 3,036.085 over the previous tho preceding year. Of the amount dis-
year, and the postage thereon amounted I posed of 1.626,206 acres were sold ~tor
to$2,021,31086. cash; 214,910 acres were located with
_ The total weight of correspondence ex- military land warrants ; 3,793,612 acres
changed in the mails with European were located with agricnl tural college
countries exceeded 912 tons—an increase I scrip; 6,083,536 acres were certified by
of 92 tons over the previous year. railroads ; 75,576 acres were granted to
The total cost of the United Sates wagon roods; 230,548 acres were ap-
ocean mail steamship service, including proved to states os swamp lands; 138,681
$723,000 paid from special appropriations acres were certified for for agricultural
to subsidized line3 of mail steamere, wa3 I colleges, common schools, ' universities
$1,047,271 33. and seminaries; 190,773 acres were ap-
New or additional postal conventions proved to States for internal improve-
have been concluded with Sweden, Nor- ments, and 14,222 acres were located with
way, Belgium. Germany, Canada, New Indian scrip.
Foundlan l and Japan, reducing postage The cash receipt; during the same
rates on correspondence exchanged with time were $3,203,515 50; being $190,-
these countries; and further efforts have 1 415 50 in excess of the receipts of
been made to conclude a satisfactory ; the previous year. During the year 30,-
.-i ’-v w. w I tss.132 acres’ of public land were sur
veyed: an increase over toe amonnt
postal convention with Franco, but with
out success.
X- M. GENERAL'S RECOMMENDATIONS.
I invite the favorable consideration of
Congress to the suggestions and rocom-
mendations of the Postma-ter General for
ua extension of the free delivery system
:u all cities having a population of not
les3 th-m ten thousand—for the prepay
ment of postage on newspapers and other
printed matter of the second class—for a
1 [ uniform pet-age and limit of weight on
A- Cougrc at its last se3- miscellaneous inittcr—for adjusting the
:t-d -i qrtviul committee to in- | compensation of all postmasters not ap-
surveyed the previous year of 103,193
acres, and added to the area previously
surveyed, aggregates 61G,554,893 acres
whieh liave been surveyed, leaving 1,-
213,4-! 1,505 acres of tho public lands still
unsurveyad.
Tlie increased and steadily increasing
facilities for reaching our unexplored
public domain, and for the transportation
of surplus products, enlarge? tile availa
ble field for desirable Jjom.-st.-ud loca
tions, thus stiuiuLiting settlement, and
superior Cits, would,
without doubt, bo of substantial benefit
to this country. I invito attention to the
suggestion of the Secretary of toe Inte
rior in this behalf.
PENSIONS.
There was paid during the fiscal year for
pensions, including the expense of dis
bursement, $2:’.185,239 62, being an
amount less by $784,050 98 than was ex
pended for the same purpose the preced
ing year. Although this statement of
expenditures would indicate a material
reduction in amount compared with the
preceding year, it is believed that the
changes in the pension laws, at the last
session of Congress, will absorb that
amount toe current year.
At the close of the last fiscal year there
were on toe pension rolls 99.804 invalid
military pensioners, and 112,OSS widows
and orphans, dependent relatives of de
ceased soldiers, making a total of that
class of 211,S92. 1S.2G6 survivors of the
war of 1S12 and 3053 widows of soldiers
of that war pensioned under tho act of
Congress of February 14,1871—making
a total of that class of 23,319. 1430 inva
lid navy pensioners and 1770. widows, or-
pliaiu and dependent relatives of de
ceased officers and sailors and marines of
tho navy—making a total of navy pen
sioners of 3200, and a grand total of pen
sioners of all classes of 23S.411—showing
a net increase during toe last fiscal year
of 6S12.
During the Lost year, the names of 16,405
pensioners were added to the rolls, and
10,223 names were dropped therefrom for
various causes. The system adopted for
the detection of frauds against the Gov
ernment in tho matter of pensions has
been productive of satisfactory results,
but legislation is needed to provide, if
possible, against the perpetration of such
frauds in future.
PUBLIC EDUCATION.
The evidently increasing interest in the
cause of education is a most enconraging
feature in the general progress and pros
perity of the country, and the Bureau of
Education is earnest in its efforts to give
proper direction to the new appliances
and the increased facilities which are be
ing offered to aid the educators of the
country in their great work. The ninth
census has been completed and tho re
port thereof published and distributed,
and the working force of the Bureau dis
banded.
CENSUS IN IS73.
Tho Secretary of the Interior renews
his recommendation for a census to be
taken in 1875, to which subject the at
tention of Congress is invited. The orig
inal suggestion in that behalf has met
with the general approval of the country,
and even if it he not deemed advisable at
present to provide for a regular quin
quennial census, a census taken in 1875,
tho report of which could bo completed
and published before the ono hundreth
anniversary of our national independence,
would be especially interesting and valu
able as showing the progress of the coun
try during the first century of our na
tional existence.
It is believed, hoyever, that a regular
census every fivo years would be of sub
stantial benefit to the country, inasmuch
as our growth hitherto has been so rapid
that tho results of the decennial census
are necessarily unreliable as a basis of es
timates for the latter years of a decennial
period.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Under the very efficient management
of the Governor and the Board of Public
Works of this district, the city of Wash
ington is rapidly assuming tho appear
ance of a capital of which tho nation may
well be proud. From being a most un
sightly place tliroo years ago—disagreea
ble to pass through in summer, in conse-
qncnco of too dust arising from unpaved
streets, and almost impassable in the
winter from tho mud—it is now one of
the mo3t sightly cities in the country,
and can boast of being the best paved.
The work has been done systematically.
The plans, grades, location of sewers,
water and gas mains being determined
upon before tho work was commenced—
thus securing permanency when com
pleted.
I question whether so mnch has ever
been accomplished before in any Ameri
can city for tho same expenditures. The
Government having large reservations in
the city and the nation at large having
an interest in their capital, I recommend
a liberal policy towards the District of
Columbia, and that the Government
should bear its just share of tho expense
of these improvements. Every citizen
visiting the capital feels a pride in its
growing beauty and that ho too is part
owner of tho investments here.
I would suggest to Congress the pro
priety of promoting the establishment in
this District of an institution of learning,
or university, of the highest doss, by the
donation of lands. There is no place bet
ter suited for such an institution than
tho national capital. There is no place
in which every citizen is so directly in
terested.
CIVIL SERVICE RF.FOUM.
In three successive messages to Con
gress I havo called attention to tho sub
ject of Civil Service reform. Action has
been taken so far as to authorize the ap
pointment of a board to devise rules gov
erning methods of making appointments
and promotions, bnt there never has
been any action making these rules, or
any rules, binding or even entitled to ob
servance, where persons desire the ap
pointment of a friend or tho removal of
an official who may bo disagreeable to
them. To have any rules effective they
must havo too acquiescence of Congress
as well as of the Executive. I com-
m ?nd, therefore, the subject to your at
tention and suggest that a special com
mittee of Congress might confer with the
Civil Service Board during tho present
session for too purpose of devising Buch
rules as can be maintained, and which
will secure the services of honest and ca
pable officials,- and which will also protect
them in a degree of independence whilo
in office. Proper rules will protect Con
gress as well a3 toe Executive from much
needless persecution, and will prove of
great value to the public at large.
ADMISSION OF COLORADO.
I would recommend for your favorable
consideration the passage of an enabling
act for the admittance of Colorado as a
State in toe Union. It possesses all the
elements of a prosperous State, agricul
tural and mineral, and I believe has popu
lation now to justify such admission.
In connection with this I would also
recommend the encouragement of a plan
for purposes of irrigation, from the east
ern slope of toe Bocky Mountains to the
Missouri river. As a rule I am opposed
to further donation of public lands for in
ternal improvements owned and con
trolled by private corporations; but in
this instance I would make an excep
tion. Between the Missouri river and
tho Bocky Mountains there is an
arid belt of public land from 300 to
500 miles in width, perfectly value
less for the occupation of man for want
of sufficient rain to secure the growth of
any products. An irrigating canal would
make productive a belt as wide as the
supply of water could be made to spread
over across this entire country, and would
secure a cordon of settlements connecting
tiio present population of the mountain
and mining regions with that of the older
States. All the land reclaimed would be
clear gain. If alternate sections are re
tained by tho Government, I would sug
gest that the retained sections be thrown
open to entry under the homestead laws,
or sold to actual settlers for a very low
pric
‘GENERAL AMNESTY.
I renew my previous recommendation
to Congress for a general amnesty. The
number engaged in the late rebellion, yet
laboring under disability, is very small,
but enough to keep up a constant irrita
tion. No possible (Linger can accrue to
toe Government by restoring them to
eligibility to hold office. I suggest for
your consideration the enactment of a
law to better secure the civil rights
which freedom should secure, but has riot
effectually secured, to the enfranchised
slave. U. S. Geaxt, Executive.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 1,1863.
„ver. before that date, Spain should prove
to toe satisfaction of the Government of
the United States that the Virginias was
titled to carry the flag of the United
■arrying it. at the time
itliout right, aud im
properly, the salute will lie spontaneously
dispensed with, as in such case not being
ihhv - ary or re;juiruble; bnt the United
States will expect, in such case, a dis
claimer of intent of indignity to its fla;
ill the act which was committed.
Furthermore, if, on or before the 25tli
of December, 18?3, it shall be made to
appear to the satisfaction of the United
States that the Virginias did not right
fully carry the American flag, was not en
titled to American papers, tlie United
States will institute inquiry and adopt
legal proceedings against tho vessel, if it
be' found tliat she lias violated any law of
the United States, and against any of the
persons who may appear to have been
guilty of illegal acts iu connection there
with ; it being understood that Spain
■will proceed according to the second
proposition made to General Sickles and
m it tee
will be
the Sen
0 to p
, whi,-:
i iuto tic Ho
• iiliv this course he
isli his claim to a seat in
[lapse upon swear-
communicated in his telelegram read to
Admiral Polo on the 27th inst., to invest
igate the conduct of those of her
authorities who liave infringed on Span
ish laws or treaty obligations, and will
arraign {them before competent courts,
and inflict punishment on tho36 who may
have offended. Other reciprocal reclama
tions to oo too subject of consideration
and arrangement between the two gov
ernments, aud in case of no agreement to
bo the subject of abitratioa if the consti
tutional assent of the Senate of the United
States bo given thereto.
It is further stipulated that tho time,
manner and place for the surrenderor
the Virginius and tho survivors of those
who were on board her at tho time of
capture, and also the time and manner
and pbico for the salute to the flag of the
United States, if there should bo occa
sion for such salute, shall bo subject to
arrangement between tho undersigned
within the next two days.
■ Hamilton Fish.
Josk Polo de Bakxabe.
DAY DISPATCHES.
Tho Villc da llnvro Catastrophe.
London, December 2, 5 a. m.—Capt.
Urquhart of the Tri-Mountain, reports
that when he met the Locheam her bow
sprit was gone and there was a largo hole
in hor bow above tho water line. The
boat continued searching around the
phvee where the steamer went down for
six hours.
The rescued people do not blame the
Lochearn for the collision. Her officers
and crew did their utmost to save life.
Only two of the survivors remained on.
toe Locheam. ono of whom had gone mad
and could not be removed. *
Tlie first boat from tho ViUe dn Havre
was sent to ascertain if tho Locheam
could render any assistance. Tho Ville
dn Havre was insured in London for 90,-
0001.
Foreign Items.
A special to toe Times says tho inac
tivity of the Spanish fleet at Cartagena is
owing to the doubts of tho artillery of
toe crow of the iron-clad Saragossa.
ff’he story of the duel between Gener
als Mnnteuffel and Van Goeben, isnow said
to be without foundation.
The Next Pope.
The newspaper Hour claims to have
reliable information that Cardinal Pieci.
Archbishop of Perugia, is tho favorite
for tho next Pope.
Congressional.
Washington, November 2.—In the ;
Senate, James K. Young was elected Ex
ecutive Clerk. In the House, Bn tier's
motion to seat Syphcr, Sheldon. Pinch-
back, and the Devil, is up. Beck argues
in opposition, and is allowed lialf an hour.
Theso proceedings will delay the message
indefinitely. The message text goes
South to-night by courtesy of tho tele
graph company.
The noon report holds open till four
o'clock for a brief of toe message.
In the Senate, Snmner again pressed
his civil rights bill. Ferry and Edmunds
opposed it and it went on tho table with
out division. This action postpones the
bill indefinitely and probably defeats it.
The text of the message is going
North now. The South holds open for a
synopsis.
Bede made a powerful speech against
the scats of the Louisiana delegates.
The message is being read.
Officer Killed.
New Yobk, December 2.—An officer
escorting prisoners to jail was killed with
a brick. The murderer escaped.
Failure of a Cotton House.
The suspension of J. H. Herrick A Co.,
cotton and produce merchants, wa s an
nounced late yesterday in the cotton ex
change. Herrick declines to mak e a
statement for publication.
New Cuban Administration.
A letter from Manzanilhi, Cuba, states
that Ccspcdes has ceased to be President
of the Cuban republic, on account of bad
health, and liis successor is Salvador
Cisneros.
Tweed.
The rumor that Wm. Tweed died sud
denly is untrue. He has been appointed
one of the hospital orderlies, and assumed
his duties to-day.
Washington, December 2.—No South
ern names appear among tho passengers
on the Villo dn Havre lost. Among the
rescued were ten women.
St. Lonis Social Evil Laws.
St. Lovis, December 2.—The Supremo
Court of the State decides that tho mu
nicipal regulations of the social evil are
constitutional.
MIGHT DISPATCHES.
THE VILLEDUHAVRE
Horrible Details of the Catastrophe.
How the Passengers Slot their Death.
Whole Families go Down with their
Staterooms.
. Synopsis Weather Statement.
War Dept.. Office Chief Sig. Offices,
Washington, December 2.
Probabilities: For tho Ohio valley and
thence southward to the Gulf, light to
fresh southwesterly to northwesterly
winds, cloudy weather and light rain,
followed by less «36ndinesJ on Wednes
day: for tie South Atlantic States, less
pressure, rising temperature, with in
creasing cloudiness and possibly light
rain for South Carolina and Georgia.
McCool Held for Jlunlcr.
St. Loins, December 2.—Mike McCool
has been held in $10,000 bail for murder
in the second degree.
MIDNIGHT. DISPATCHES.
Washinton, December 2. — Badical
Louisiana is here in full force. Colonel
Casey, Colonel Carter, Pinchback, ct
omnes.
Col. Lawrence is at Willard’s and Gen.
Sheridan at the Elliott. The Litter has
been quite sick.
Kellogg’s chief captain, Dr. Kline, is
also here, and Smith, who claims to rep
resent the Shreveport district.
There is also a heavy delegation of
Cubans here. Their appearance indi
cates a unification of ages, but the Louis
iana Badical delegation tops them in con
trast.
An Archbishop Tabooed.
Havana, December 2.—Tho ecclesias
tical authorities of Havana have issued
an edict ordering the priests to refuse
I'odro Llorente, Archbishop of Santiago
de Cuba, their assistance or countenance *
if he celebrates any religious ceremony,
and not to permit him to enter any
church under their charge, because
Llorente is in open rebellion against tho
Holy See and lias liecn excommunicated.
An order of the College of Cardinals re
places as Viear, priest Obera, who was
expelled by Llorente.
Ceased Firing.
Madrid, December 2.—The insurgents
ceased firing from Cartagena yesterday
afternoon.
Havana, December 2.—The publica
tion of the Proctocol, signed by Seeretaiy
Fish and the Spanish minister, caused
intense agitation and general indignation
here; but the jiopular feeling is calm
ing down, under the conviction that the
Spanish Government will defend Spanish
honor, and under confidence which is
placed in the sense, justice and prudenco
of the people of tho United States.
There have been no vioient demonstra
tions, and the peace of the city is undis
turbed. People and authorities are in
full accord, and reports of the resigna
tions of higher officers of the Island are
positively contradicted. The authorities
are determined to save tho country and
prevont foreign interference.
Tho Captain General’s Proclamation.
Captain General Jovellarlias issued the
following proclamation to the inhabitants
of Havana: It is my duty to prevont
public opinion from going astray. I con
sider it opportune to andress you, as a
friend, recommending the utmost calm
ness under the present cironmstainees.
The Virginius question has given Spain’s
enemies an opportunity to spread false
rumors nnd alarming news. Certainly
they would produce an effect on your ar
dent and unimpeachable patriotism,
while their only object was to promote
tho rebel cause. It is true that treaties
liave been made and that I liave
received communications in relation
to them, but if I havo managed
to inspire you with any confidence. •
give me proof of it by your reflective anil
tranquil behavior. Bo assured that I
will do anything possible in behalf of tlie
interests of the province and‘dignity of
of the nation, which, liko yourselves, I
hold in higher esteem than life.
(Signed.) Joveli.au.
The proclamation was extensively dis
tributed in theatres, cafc3, and other
public places and the excitement is sub
siding.
Tho Virginius remains at the arsenal,
afloat and in good condition.
. The Remaining Prisoners.
Santiago. November 26.—The U. S.
steamer J uniat x arrivod on toe 26th, and
her commander has visited the ono hun
dred and one Virginius prisoners now re
maining here. He has telegraphed to
Consul General Hall, assuring him that
no other executions except tho thirty-
seven had occurred, and that if tho Amer
ican Government demanded the surrender
of the prisoners, no difficulty would be
experienced in obtaining them.
Socretarjr Elected.
Paris, December 2.—Count Sognr, n
member of the Bight Centre, has been
elected Secretary to the Chamber.
Cnmmins’ New Cnnrcli.
New York, Deoemlier 2.—Certain par
ties under the lead of Bishop Cummins,
of Kentucky, have organized a new
church. Cummins is Chief Dignitary.
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
RALSTON'S HALL I
POSITIVELY LAST NIGHT!
Benefit of the Queen Star of the South,
ROSE WATKINS,
And the At-conjjriishcd Child Actress,
LITTJLE AMY X« 32 12 •
n will l)e presented the Grand Serio-Comir
Drama of
TIIE HIDDEN HAND ;
VIRGINIA AS IT WAS.
CapitolAw (with sonars.) ROSE WATKINS’
J sons”. ne * sboy ’ <witI> ] LITTLE AMY LEE.,
W iwtcr ) <h “ orisin,ll ' :Imr ' '• HARRY WATKINS.
In not third, *t)M Life on the Cotton Planta
tion,” witfi Songs. Music and Dance.
Secure your seats at Brown’s book store,
decs It
Tlie SttfTcrlns** of the Itcscucti. •
Protocol of the conference held at the De
partment of Slate, at Washington, cm
the 29th of November, 1873, between
Hamilton Fish, Secretary of Slate, and
Hear-Admiral Don Jose Polo de Her-
nabe, Envoy Extraordinary and 21 inis-
ter Plenipotentiary of Spain.
Tho undersigned* having met for the
purpose of entering into definitive agree
ment respecting the case of tho steamer
Virginius, which, while under tho flag of
tho United States, was, on the 31st day
New York, December 2.—Special dis
patches give the following, of interest
about the loss of tho ViUe du Havre:
Most of the passengers were too terrified
to try to save themselves. Many prayed,
and many laid down with the calmness of
utter despair. Some hearing the water
pouring into tho ship, never quitted their
staterooms. Whole families thus went
down together.
The four boats lowered by the Loch
earn found the passengers and crew float
ing on the waves—holding on to plank3,
buoys, spars and whatever could be seiz
ed as the wreck went down. Many had
thus prepared themselves from tho first.
Many of the women saved were float
ing in the water.
The Captain of the ViUe Du Havre i3
reported to have been quite exhausted by
his three days and night* of uninterrupt
ed duty. Tho officer who was in com
mand when the collision took place was
lost.
The sufferings of those who were res
cued was intense—the cold being very
severe. * ‘
Many persons were nearly insensible
and would have utterly perished in a few
minutes more.
The rescued were nearly all escaped as
a matter of haphazard—as want of time
permitted no organized effort or attempt
at choice.
The purser of the steamer says in a
few minutes the ship began to sink
amidst great disorder and frantic terror.’
Tho scene was awful beyond all descrip
tion. The air was rent with shrieks, but
some were heard saying calmly: "As we
must die let us die nobly.”
The water rushed into the hold with
incredible velocity. I undressed myzelf,
and with a companion jumped overboard
and swam toward the Lochearn, when
half- a mile distant. A3 X left, I heard the
ship cracking, and looking bock saw her
go down with one plunge forward. For
a moment shrieks were terrible. Then
all was silent! Alas, it was the silence
of death l
The Atlantic and Great 'Western
Canal.
■Washixoto!?, December 2.—Senate—
General Gordon introduced a bill aiding
the Atlantic and Great Western canal,
providing that the United^ States shall
guarantee tho payment of interest upon
the bonis of tlie Canal Company to the
extent of $S0,000 per mile.
The House.
Sheldon and Syphrr were seated. The
House adjourned without voting upon
Pinchback.
Williams wa3 nominated for Chief Jus
tice, and 13ri3tow for Attorney General.
It is understood that Pinchback’s cre
dentials as a member from Louisiana at
large will bo allowed to go to the Com-
Attention, Macon Volunteers!
Y OU aro hereby ordered to appear nt your
Armory THIS (Wednesday) EVENING at
71 o’clock, for tlie transaction of imjiortunt buai* 4
ness. IJy order
a. S. JONES, explain Corn’de.
G. C. Conxkr, (hS. d^lt
MASONIC NOTICE.
Mjgpah Lodge IXo. 47, F. & A. M.
day) NIGHT. It is earnestly desired tint each
and every member not providentially prevented
will attend, a» n matter iu which all should feel
an interest will be bronght to tbo attention of the
Lorbcc. Members of Macon Lod^e and sojourn
ing brethren are fraternally invited to attend.
Hour for opening 71 o’clock.
W. W. CARNES, W. M.
Tl. J. Peter, fleereisry. doe.? n
TO PRINTERS.
TXTANTKD, 150 pounds each of Lonj? Frimer
VV (or Small Pica^ and Bourgeois, 20 founts
Display Typo, 4 six-inch Sticks, a small lot of
Metal and Wood Job Type, lot of Loads and
Rules, etc^ to complete an office. Second-hand
material preferred. For ii pood short-time or
cask purchaser, address “PRINTER,”
Care Judge G. W. Wooten.
«Jee3 It Americas, Gn.
NOTICE.
T IIE officers of the Mzron Harmonic Society
are reaneeted t» meet nt th, office of Dr. <».
E. Sumdorrf. So. 80 Oll-rrj s’re-'t. TII1S EVE
NING .1 71 o'clock. Important busin'-vo
T. U. CONNER.
ilecXlt Scr'.v rm.l Tress.
WANTED.
A GOOD COOK at thu Geor-p-i Academy for
the Blind. Apply imm ,li»t-ly.
W. 2>. WILLIAMS.
deeXXt Prineinnl.
ESTRAYED.
QTRAYED from my stable* in Crtwfog]1 <»un-
U ty, on Saturday la*t. * OR.W HORsE,
about eirht years old, and a DARK DAY MARB
MCLB, twelve or thirteen years old. A liberal
reward will be paid for their rworery.
Ifcwlt*
s. SLOCUM.
Kno
ilia P.
NOTICE
TO
Contractors and Enilders.
til FRIDAY, the 5th itistant. at JO o’clock, tor tho
bu&jUnSof a SMALL POX HOSPITAL on the
Hospital Ground*. Tho luiildiu- to be put up
immediately. Plans and c;« > cilic&iions to be
i-n at the Commissioners’ office.
By order of the Board. dee* 3t
KOTIOE IN BANKRUPTCY.
rpms is ta cive notice that on the 22.1 day of
A November. A. D.WS.:> warrant in Bank-
ruptrv was hmi i^ntinst tha «jtate of Geoiw
CurrJn. of Dublin, county of L«ur.ns, and
State of Georjria, who has. l>een adjuil-rea :i
Har.kruptonhi* own petition, and thafc the pny-
ient of any debts, and delivery of any property
•lonsinjr to said Bankrupt, to him, or for Ins
s,-, mod the transfer of any pn>pertjr by .him, aro
forbidden by law; that n meeting of tn.; creditors
>S said bankrupt, to prove their debts, and
boose one or -more a^signeca of his estate.
be held at a Court of Bankruptcy, u> as
hohleuut Sandersville.Gs^st the ot!f I>eycrly
Ev;t , i,... . • . »- i* "• I' * "- »* * * •
sq., lie.ri.Nter, on the 15th day of December, A. 1).
;;.i f -it l o’clock, r. M.
A. W. West, Attorney. Savannah, G:i
Gr
U. S. Marsh
EbRGIA. DIDli CO I V. Y.
W. II. SMYTH.
the 12th day of D.
C.T. WARD, Ora