Georgia Historic Newspapers

    CONSTITUTIONALIST.
AUGUSTA. GA.
FRIDAY MORNING. DEC. 11,18G8
MESSAGE
OF THE
President of the United States*
TO THE
SECOND SESSION, FORTIETH CONGRESS.
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and
House of Representatives:
Upon tfhc reassembling of Congress it again
beeoinos my duty to call your attention to the
state of the Uoion and to its continued disor
ganized condition under the various laws which
have been passed upou the subject of recon
struction.
It may be safely assumed as an axiom in the
government of States that the greatest wrong 6
inflicted upon a people are caused by unjust
and arbitrary legislation, or by the unrelenting
decrees of despotic rulers, and that The timely
revocation of injurious and mea
sures is the greatest good that can l>» conferred
upon a nation. The legislator *or ruler who
has the wisdom and magnanimity to retrace
his steps when convinced of error, will, soouer
er later, be rewarded with the respect and
gratitude of an iDteliigeut and patriotic peo
ple.
Our own history, although embracing a
period less than a century affords abundant
proof that most if not ail of our domestic
troubles are directly traceable to violations of
the organic law anti excessive legislation. The
most striking illustrations of this fact are fur
nished by the enactments of the past three
years upou the question of reconstruction. Affer
a fair trial they have substantially failed and
proved detrimental in their results, and there
seems lo be no good reason why they should
longer remain upon the Statute book. States, to
which the Constitution guarantees a republi
can form of government, have been reduced to
military dependencies, in each oi' which the
people have been made subject to the arbitrary
will of the commanding general.
Although the Constitution requires that each
State shall be represented in Congress, Virginia,
Mississippi and Texas are yet excluded from
the two Houses, aud, contrary to the express
provisions in that instrument, were denied par
ticipation in the recent election lor President
and Vice-President, of the United States.
The attempt to place the while population
under the domination of persons of color,'
has impaired if not destroyed the kindly rela
tions that had previously existed between them,
and mutual distrust lias engendered a feeling of
animosity, which leading in some instances to
collision and bloodshed, has prevented that co
operation between the two races so essential to
the success of iudustrial enterprises of the
Southern States. Nor have the inhabitants of
those States alone suffered from the disturbed
conditions of affairs growing out of these Con
gressional enactments. The entire Union has
been agitated by grave apprehensions of
troubles which might again involve the peace
of the nation. Its interests have been' injuriously
affected by the derangement of business and
labor and tiie consequent want of prosperity
throughout that portion of the country.
Tiie Federal Constitution, the. Magna Charts
of American rights, under whoso wise and
salutary provisions we have successfully con
ducted all our domestic and foreign affairs,
sustained ourselves in peace and in war, and
become a great nation among the powers of
the earth, must assuredly bo now adequate to
the settlement of questions growing out of the
civil war waged alone,for its vindication. This
great fact is made most manifest by the con
dition of the country when Congress assem
bled in the mouth of December, 1865. Civil
strife had ceased ; the spirit of rebellion had
spent its entire force, m the Southern States ;
the people had wanned into National life, and,
throughout the whole country, a healthy red
action in public sentiment hud taken place by
the application of the simple, yet effective, pro
visions of tiie Constitution. The Executive
Department, with the voluntary aid of the
Slates, had brought the work of restoration as
near completion as was within tiie scope of its
authority ami the nation was encouraged by
the prospect of an early and satisfactory ad
justment of all its difficulties. Congress, how
ever, intervened, and refusing to perfect, the
work so nearly consummated, declined to ad
mit members from the unrepresented States,
adopted a series of measures which nr resled •
the progress of restoration, frustrated all that
had been so successfully accomplished, and,
after three years of ugi.ation and strife, lias lelt j
the. country farther from tiie alluinmc.iit of j
union aud fraternal feeling than at the incep
tion of the Congressional plan ot reconstruc
tion. It needs no argument to show that
legislation which lias produced such baneful
consequences should lie abrogated or else
made to conform to the genuine principles, of
republican government. Under 1 lie. influence
of party passion and sectional prejudice, other
acts have been passed, not warranted by the
Constitution.
Congress has already been made familiar
witli my views respecting the tenure of office
bill. Experience has proved that its repeal is
demanded by the best interest oi the country,
and that while it remains in force tiie President
cannot enjoin that rigid account ability of pub
lie officers so essential to an honest and effi
cient execution of tiie laws. Its revocation
would enable the Executive Department to ex
ercise the power ol appointment and removal,
in aeeorda .ee with tiie original design ot the
Federal Constitution.
Th ■ act ol March, lid, 1867, making appro
priations lor the support of the army for tiie
year ending'June 30,1868, and for other pur
poses, contains provisions which interfere with
the President’s constitutional functions as
Conmiiindcr-iii-Chicf of the Army, and deny
to States of the Union the right to protect
themselves by means of their own militia.
These provisions should he at once overruled,
for while the first might, iu times of great
emergency, seriously embarrass the Executive
in efforts to employ and direct the common
strength of Hie nation for its protection and
preservation, the other is contrary to tiie ex
press declaration of Hie Constitution, that “ a
well regulated militia being necessary to the
security of a free State, the right of the people
io keep and bear arms shall not be. infringed.”
It, is believed that the repeal of all such laws
would be accepted by tiie American people as
at least a partial return to the fundamental
principles of the Government, and an indica
tion that hereafter the Constitution is to be
made the nation’s safe aud unerring guide. They
can be productive of no permanent benefit to
the country, and should not be permitted to
stand as so many monuments of the deficient
wisdom whicli has characterized our repent
legislation.
The condition of our finances demands the
eariy and earnest consideration of Congress.
Compared with the.growth of our population,
the public expenditures have reached an
amount unprecedented in our history. Thepopu
latiou of the United Suites iu 1790 was nearly
4,000,000 of people. Increasing each decade
about 83 per cent., it reached in 1860, 31,000,-
000, an increase of seven hundred .per cent, on
the population in 1790. In 1809, it is estimated
that it will reach 38,000,000, or an increase of 808
per cent, iu 79 years. The annual expenditures
of the Federal Government in 1791 were
$4 300,000 ; in 1820, §18,200,000; in 18:>0, $41,-
000,000; in 1800, $63,000,000; in 1865, nearly
$1,300,000,000; and in 1869, it is estimated by
the Secretary of the Treasury, in his last
auuual report, that they will he 5372,000,000.
By comparing the public disbursements ot
1869, as estimated with those of 1791, it will be
seen that the increase of expenditure since the
beginning of the Government, has been 8,618
per centum, while the increase ot the popula
tion for the same period was only 868 per cen
tum. Again, the expenses of the Government,
in 1860, the year of peace immediately pre
ceding the war, were only 63,(KM),000, while in
1869, the year of peace, three years after tin
war, it is estimated that they will be $372,000,-
000, an increase of 489 per cent., while the in
crease ot population was only 21 per cent, for
the same period.
These statistics further show that in 1791 the
annual national expenses, compared with the
population, were little more than one dollar
per capita, and in 1860 but two dollars per
capita, while in 1869 they will reach the ex
travagant sou of tiiue dollars and seventy-eight
cents per capita.
It will be observed that all of these state
ments refer aud exhibit the disbursements of
peace periods. It may, therefore, be of inter
est to compare the expenditures ot the three
war periods, the war with Great Britain, the
Mexican war aud the war of the rebellion.
In 1814 the annual expenses incident to the
war ol 1812 readied their highest amount,
about $31,000,000, while oar population slight
ly exceeded 8,000,000, showing au expenditure
of only three dollars and eighty ccdls per
capita. In 1847 the expenditures growing out
of the war with Mexico reached $55,000,000, j
and the population about 21,000,000, giving i
only two dollars and sixty cents per capita tor
the war-expenses ot that year. Iu 1865 the ex
penditures called for h.v the rebellion readied
the vast, amount of $1,290,000,000 which, com
pared with a population ot 34,000,000, gives
ihiity-eight dollars and twenty cents per capita.
From the 4th ol March, 1759, to the 30th of
Juue, 1861, the entire expenditures of the Gov
ernment were $1,700,000,000. During that pe
riod we were engaged in wars with Great Brit
ain aud Mexico, and were involved in hostili
ties with powerful Indian tribes; Louisiana
was purchased lrom France at a cost ot $15,-
000,000; Florida was ceded to us by Spain for
$5,000,000; California was acquired from Mex
ico lor $15,000,000, and the Territory of New
Mexico was obtained from Texas*for the sum
of $10,000,000. Early in 1861 the war of the
rebellion commenced, and from the first of July
of that year to the 30th of June, 1865, the pub
lic expenditures reached the enormous aggre
gate of $3,300,000,000. Three years of .peace
have intervened, and during that time the dis
bursements of the Government have succes
sively been $530,000,000, $346,000,000and $393,-
000,0(K). Adding to these amounts $372,000,-
000, estimated as necessary (ot the fiscal year
ending the 30th of June, 1869, we obtain a total
expenditure of $1,600,000,000 during the lour
years immediately succeeding the war, or near
ly as much as was expended during the seven
ty-two years that preeededjthe rebellion, and
embraced the extraordinary expenditures al
ready named. These startling iacts clearly
illustrate the necessity of retrenchment in all
brauehes of the public service.
Abuses which were tolerated during the war
for the preservation of the nation will not be
endured by the people now, that profound
peace prevails. The receipts from internal
revenues and customs have, during the past
three years, gradually diminished, and the con
tinuance of useless and extravigant expendi
tures will involve us in national bankruptcy, or
make inevitable au increase of taxes already,
too onerous, and in many respects obnoxious
on account of their inquisitorial character.
$L00,000,000 annually are expended for the
military force, a large portion of whicli is
employed in the execution of laws both un
necessary and unconstitutional. $150,000,000
are required eacli year to pay the interest on
tiie public debt. An army of tax gatherers im
poverishes the nation, and public agents, placed
by Congress beyond the control of tiie Execu
tive, divert from their legitimate purposes large
sums of uiouey which they collect Troin the
people in tne name of the Government.
Judicious legislation aud prudent economy
can alone remedy defects and avert evils which,
if suffered to exist, cannot fail to diminish con
fidence in the people towards their political in
stitutions. Without proper care, the small bal
ance which it estimated will remain in the
Treasury at the close of the present fiscal year
will not be realized, aud additional millious be
added to a debt which is now enumerated by
billions.
ft is shown by the able and comprehensive
report of the Secretary of the Treasury, that the
receipts for tiie fiscal year ending June 30,1868,
were $405,638,083, and that the expenditures
lor the same period were $377,340,284, leaving
in the Treasury a surplus of $28,297,798. It is
estimated that the receipts during the present
fiscal year ending June 30, 1869, will lie $341,-
392,868, and the expenditures $336,153,470,
stiowing a small balance oi $5,240,598 in favor
of the Government.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1870, it is
estimated that the receipts will amount to
$327,000,000, and the expenditures to $503,-
000,000, leaving an estimated surplus of $24,-
000,000.
it becomes proper, in this connection, to
make a brief reference to our public iiidebt
ncss, which lias accumulated witli such alarm
ing rapidity and assumed such colossal propor
tions.
In 1789, when the Government commenced
operations under the Federal Constitution, it
was burdened with an indebtedness of $75,-
000,000, created during the war of the Revolu
tion. This amount had been reduced lo $45-,
000,000, when in 1812 war was declared against
Great Britain. The three years’ struggle that
followed largely increased the national obliga
tions, and in 1816 they had attained the sum
of $127,000,000. Wise and economical legisla
tion, however, enabled the Government to pay
the entire amount a period of tweuty
years, and the extinguishment of the national
debt filled the laud with re)oieing, and was one
of the great events of President Jackson’s ad
ministration. After its redemption, a large
fund remained iu the Treasury, which was de
posited, for safe keeping, with the several
States, on condition that it. should be returned
when required by the public wants.
In 1849, the year after the termination of an
expensive war with Mexico, we lound ourselves
involved iu a debt of $64,000,000, and this was
the amount owed by the Government in 1860,
just, prior to the outbreak oi the rebellion.
fn the Spring of 1861 our civil war com
menced. Kadi year oi its continuance made
an enormous addition tp Hie debt, and when,
in the Spring of 1865, the nation successfully
emerged from the conflict, the obligations ot
the Government had readied the immense snrn
of $3,873,992,909. The Secretary of the Trea
sury shows that on the first, day of November,
1807, this amount had been reduced to $2,491,-
504,450 ; but at the same time bis report exhib
its an increase during the past, year of $35,025,-
[O2, for the debt on the first day oi November
Just'is stated to have been $2,527,129,552. it is
estimated by the Secretary that the returns for
the past month will add to our liabilities the
limber sum of sll,ooo,ooo—making a total in
crease during thirteen months of $16,500,000.
in i:iy message to Congress, of December
4th, 1865, it was suggested that a policy should
lie devised which, without being oppressive to
the people, would at iftiee begin to effect a re
duction of tiie debt, and, if persisted in, dis
charge it liiliy within a definite number ol
years. The Secretary of the Treasury forcibly
recommend* legislation of this character, and
just.lv urges that, the longer it is deferred the
more difficult must ueeotne its accomplishment.
We should follow the wise precedents estab
lished in 1789 and 1816, and without further de
lay make provision for the payment of our
obligation* at as early a period as may tic prac
ticable. The fruits ol their labors should be
enjoyed by our citizens, rather than used to
build up and sustain moneyed monopolies in
our own and other lands.
Cm- foreign debt is already computed by
i the Secretary of the Treasury at $850,000,000.
i Citizens of foreign countries receive interest
1 upon a large portion of our securities, and
, American tax payers are made lo contribute
I large sums for their support. The idea that
such a debt is to become permanent, should be
at all times discarded as involving taxation too
I heavy to be borne, and payment once in every
j sixteen years at the present rate ot intarest. of
j an amount equal to the original sum. This
j vast debt, if permitted to become permanent
I and increasing, must, eventually tie gathered
into the bauds ot a few and enable them to ex
ert; a dangerous and controlling power iu the
affairs of the Government. The borrowers
; would become servants to the iend-rs ; the
| lenders the masters of the people. We now
pride ourselves upon having given freedom
to tour millious ot the colored race. It will
then be our shame that forty million of people,
by their own toleration of usurpation and prof
ligacy, have suffered themselves to become
enslaved aud merely exchanged slave, owners
c o! - new task-masters in the shape of bond
holders and tix gatherers. Besides permanent
debts pertain to monarchical governments, aud
tending to monopolies, perpetuities and class
legislation are totally irreconcilable with free
institutions. Introduced into the Republican
system they would gradually, but surely, sap
its foundations, and eventually subvert our
governmental fabric and erect upon its rains a
moneyed aristocracy.
It is our sacred duty to transmit unimpaired
to our posterity the blessings ol liberty wbn li
were bequeathed to us by the founders ot the
republic, and by our example teach those
who are to follow us carefully to avoid the
dangers which threaten a free and independent
people. Various plans have been proposed for
the payment of the public debt. However they
ljny have varied as to the time aud mode iu
which itmiy be redeemed, there seems to lie
a general concurrence as to the propriety and
justness of reduction in the present rate oi in
terest, The Secretary of the Treasury, in his
report, recommends live per cent. Congress, in
a hill passed prior to adjournment on the 27t.ii
of July last, agreed upon lour and lour and a
half per cent, while by many three percent,
lias been held to be an amply sufficient return
for the investment. The general impression as
to the exorbitaucy of the existing rate ol in
terest has led to an inquiry to the public mind
respecting the consideration which the gov
ernment has actually received for its bonds,
and the conclusion is becoming prevalent that
tiie amount which it obtained was, in real
money, three or four hundred per cent, leas than
the obligations which it issued in return. It can
not be denied that we are paying an extravagant
per centage tor use oi money borrowed, which
was paper currency, greatly depreciated below
the value of coin. This fact is made apparent
when we consider that bond holders receive
from the Secretary upou each dollar they own
in Government securities, six percent, in gold,
which is nearly or quite equal to nine per
eeut. in currency; that the bonds are then con
verted into capital l.or the National Banks,
upon which those institutions issue, their
circulation being six per cent, interest, and
chat they are exempt from taxation by the
Government and the States, and thereby en
hanced two per cent, iu the bauds of the
holders. We thus have an aggregate of seven
teen per ceut., which may he received upon
each dollar by Lbe owners of Government
securities. A system that produces such results
is justly regarded as favoring a few at the ex
pense of the many, and has led to the farther
inquiry, whether onr bond holders, in view of
the large profits which they have enjoyed,
would themselves be averse to a settlement of
onr indebtedness upon a pla'u which would
yield them a fair remuneration, and at the same
time be just to the tax payers of the nation.
Our national credit should be sacredly ob
served ; but, in making provision for onr credi
tors, we shall not forget what is due to themasses
of the people. It may be assumed that the
holders of onr securities have already received
upon their bonds a larger amount than their
original investment, measured by atgold stand
ard. Upon this statement, ot. fact? it would
seem but just and equitable that the six per
cent, interest now paid by the Government
should he applied to the reduction of the
principal in semi-annndl instalments, which,
in eixteeu years and eight months would liqui
date the eiitire national debt. Six per ceut.,
in gold, would, at present rates, be equal to
nine per cent, in currency, aud equivalent to
the payment ol the debt one and a hajf times in
a fraction less than seventeen years. This, in
connection with all the other advantages de
rived from their investment, would afford to
the public creditors a fair and liberal compen
sation for the use of their capital, and with this
they should "be satisfied. The lessons of the
past admonish the lender that it is not well to
be over anxious in exacting from the borrower
rigid compliance with the letter of the bond.
If provision be made lor the payment of the
indebtedness of the Government iu the manner
suggested, our nation will rapidly recover its
wonted prosperity. Its interests require that
some measure should be taken to release the
large amount of capital invested in the securi
ties of the Government. It is now merely un
productive, but in taxation annually consumes
$150,000,000, which would otherwise be used by
our enterprising people in adding to the wealth
of the nation.
Our commerce, which at one time successfully
rivaled that of the great maritime powers, has
rapidly diminished, aud oiy- industrial interests
are in a depressed and languishing condition.
The development of our inexhaustible re
sources is checked, and the fertile fields ol the
South arc becoming waste for want of means
to Lil! them. With the release of capital new
life would he infused into the paralyzed ener
gies of .our people, and activity and, vigor im
parted lo every branch of industry.
Our people need encouragement, jn their ef
forts to recover from the effects of the uebei
lion and of injudicious legislation. And it
should be the aim of the Government to stim
ulate them by the.prospect of an early release
irom the burdens which impede their prosper
ity. If we canuot take tin* burdens from their
shoulders, we should at feast manifest a wil
liuguess to help to bear them.
In referring lo the condition of the circulat
ing medium, I shall merely reiterate “sub
stantially” that portion ol my'last Annual
Message which relates to that subject. The
proportion which the currency of any country
should bear to tiie whole value of the annual
produce circulated by its means is a question
upon which political economists have not
agreed. Nor can it be controlled by legisla
tion, but must be.leit to the irrevocable laws
which everywhere regulate commerce and
trade. The circulating ineiiihm will ever irre
sistably flow to those points where it jg iu
greatest demand. Tiie law of demiful aud
supply is as unerring as that which regulates
the tides of the oc<au, and,-indeed, currepcy,
like the tides, has its ebbs and f10w.4 through
out, the commercial world.
At the beginning of tiie rebellion, the bank
note circulation of the country amounted to
not much more Utan $200,000,000. Now, the
circulation of Natioual Bank notes aud those
known as “ legal tenders ” is nearly $700,000,-
000. While it. is urged by some that this
amount should be increased, others contend
that aglecided reduction is absolutely essential
to the best interests of the country.
In view ol these diverse opinions, it tin* be
well to ascertain the real value oi our paper
issues, when’ compared with a metallic or con
vertible currency. For this perpopy jet us in
quire how much gold and silver Could be pur
chased by the $700,000,900 of papeVinotiey now
iu circulation. I’robatily not more than halt
tin; amount ot the latter; showing that, when
our paper currency is compared with gold'.and
silver, its commercial value is compressed into
$350,000,000. This striking tact makes it the
obvious duty of the Government as early as
uuiy be consistent with the principles of sound
political economy to take such measures as
will enable tiie holders of its notes and those of
the National Banks to convert them without loss
into specie or its equivalent. A reduction of
onr paper circulating medium need not neces
sarily follow. This, however would depend
upon the law of demand and supply, though it
s lould be’borne in mind, that by making legal
tender and bunk notes convertible into coin or
It,-, equivalent, their present specie value in
tlsi! hands of their holders would be enhanced
one hundred per cent.
Legislation '"or the accomplishment of a re
sult so desir;. tie is demanded by the highest
public-considerations. The Constitution con
templates that the circulating medium of the
country shall he uniform in quality and value.
At the time of the formation of that instru
ment the country had just emerged irom the
war of tiie Revolution, and was suffering from
the effeets of a redundant and worthless paper
currency. The sages of that period were anx
ious to protect their posterity from the evils
which they themselves had experienced : hence,
jn providing a circulating medium they con
ferred upon 'Congress the power to coin money
and regulate tiie value thereof; at the same
time prohibiting tlicHtatcs frouMinkiiig any
thing but gold and silver a lender in payment
of debts.
The anomalous condition of our currency
is iu striking contrast w'fih that which was orig
inally designed. Our circulation is now em
braces. First, notes of the National Banks,
which are made receivable for all dues to the
Government., excluding imports, and bj- all its
creditors, excepting in payment.of interest, upon
its bonds and tiie securities themselves. Second,
legal tender notes issued by the United Slates,
and which the law requires shall he received ns
well in payment of all debts between citizens
as of all Government dues, excepting imports;
and, third, gold and silver coin. Hy the oper
ation ot our present system of tin nice, how
ever, tiie metallic currency, when collected, is
reserved only for one class of Government
creditors, who, holding its bonds, semi-annu
ally receive their interest iu coin from the na
tional Treasury. Thera is no reason, which
will be accepted as,satisfactory hy the people,
why those who defend ns on the land aud pro
tect, us on the . en ; the pensioner upon the
gratitude of flic nation, bearing the soar
and wounds received while 'in its service;
the public servants in the various depart
ments ot the Government; the fanner who
supplies the soldiers ot the army and the
sailors of the navy ; the artizan who toils in
the nation’s workshop, or the. mechanic? ami
laborers who build its edifices and eons:’acts
its torts and vessels of war, should, in payment
of their just and hard, earned dues, receive de
preciated paper, while another class of their
countrymen, no more deserving arc paid in
coin of gold and silver. Equal and exact jus
tice requires that all the creditors of the Gov
ernment should be paid in a currency possess
ing' a uniform value. This can only b; ac
complished by Che restoration of Hie currency
to the standard established by the Constitution;
and by this means we .would remove ft discrimi
nation which may, if it. has not already done so,
create a prejudice that may become deep-rooted
and wide spread and imperial the nation it
credit. The feasibility of making onr currency
correspond with the constitutional standard '
may be seen by reference t > a few facts derived
from our commercial statistics. The aggre
gate product of precious metals in (in-
United States from 1849 to 1869, amounted to
$1,174,000,000, while for the same period the
net exports of specie were $741,000,000. This
shows an excess of product Over "net exports
of $433,000,000. There are in the Tivsury
$103,407,985 in coin ; in circulm ion in the St ties
on tiie Pacific coast, about $40,000,000, and a
few millions in the national and other batiks —
in all less than $160,000,000. Taking into con
sideration the specie in the country prior lo
.1849, aud that produced since 1867, and
we hive more than $300,000,0:30 not ac
counted for by exportation, or by the re
turns of tlie Treasury, and therefore, most
-probably, remaining in the country. These
are important facts, ami they show how
completely the inferior currency will supersede
the better forc-jng it from circulation among
the masses, an i causing it to be exported as a
mere article of trade to add to the money capi
tal of foreign lands. They show tiie necessity
of retiring our paper money, -that tne re
turn of gold and silver to the avenudS'of trade
may bo invited, and a demand created winch
will cause the retention at home of at least so
much of the productions of our rich and inex
haustible gold-bearing fields as may be f.ufli
eient for the purposes of circulation, It is use
less to expect a return to a sound currency so
long as the Government and bunks—by continu
ing Lo. issue irredeemable note?—til! the chan
nels of circulation with depreciated paper. Noi
Withstanding a coinage by our mints, since
1849, of $874,000,000, the people arc now
strangers to the currency which was designed
for their use and benefit, and specimen:? of the
precious metals bearing the national device/
aye seldom seen, except when'produced too
gratify the interest excited by their novelty.—
If depreciated paper is to be continued as lint.
permanent currency of the country uhi‘l Sff
our coin is to heeoiffe a mere article of traffic
and speculation, to the enhancement in price
of all that is indispensable to the comforts of
the people, it would be wise economy to abol
ish our mints—thus saving the nation the care
and expense incident to such establishments—
and let all our precious metals be exported in
bullion.
. The time has come, however, when the
Government and National Banks should be re
quired to take the most efficient, steps, and
make all necessary arrangements for tr resump
tion of specie payments. Let specie payments
once be earnestly inaugurated by the Govern
ment and banks, and the value of the paper
circulation would directly approximate a
specie standard. Specie payments having been
resumed by tho Government and hanks, all
notes or bills of paper issued tty either of a
less denomination than twenty dollars, should
by law, be excluded from circulation, so that
tho people may have Hie benefit and con
venience of a gold and silver currency, wbfch
iu uli their business transactions wilt be utff
form in value at home and abroad. Every man
of property or industry; every in.au who de
sires to preserve what he honestly possess,:/?,
or to obtain what he can honestly eornb, as a
direct interest in maintaining a safe circulating
medium, such a medium as shall he real and
substantial; not, liable to vibrate witli opinion ;
not subject to he blown up or blown down hy
the breath ot speculation, but to lie made,
stable and secure.
A disordered currouey is oue ol the greatest
political evils; it undermines the virtues neces
siry for tbc support ol t,!ie social system, and
encourages propensities destructive of its hap
piness; it wars against industry, frugality and
economy, and it fosters the evil spirits of ex
travagance and speculation. It has been assert:
Cd by one of onr profound and most gifted
statesmen, that “of all the contrivances for
cheatiug the laboring classes of mankind, none
lias been more effectual than that which deludes
them with paper money.” This is the most
effectual of inventions to fertilize the rich man’3
fields by the sweat of the poor man’s brow.
Ordinary tyranny, oppression, excessive taxa
tion—these bear lightly on the happiness of the
mass of the community compared with a
fraudulent currency and the robberies com
mitted by depreciated paper.
Our own history has recorded for our in
struction enough, and more than enough, of
the demoralizing tendency, the injustice, aufl
the intolerable oppression on the virtue and
well disposed oi a degraded paper currency,
authorized hy law or in any way countenanced
by Government. It is one of the most success
ful devices, in times of peace or war, of ex
pansions or revulsions, to accomplish the trans
fer of all the precious metals from the great
mass oi the people into the hands of the few,
where they are hoarded in secret places of de
posited under bolts and bars, while the people
are left to eDdure all the inconvenience, sacri
fice and demoralization resulting from the use
of depreciated aud worthless paper.
The Secretary of the Interior, in his report,
gives valuable information in reference to the
interests confided to the supervision of his de
partment, and reviews the operations of the
Land Office, Tension Office and Patent Office
aud the Indian Bureau. During the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1868, 6,655,700 acres of public
land were disposed of. The entire cash re
ceipts oi the General Land Office for the same
period were $1,632,745, being greater by $284,-
883 tbau the amount realized from the same,
sources during the previous year. The entries
under the Homestead Law scores ' 2,325,963
acres nearly one-quarter ot which was taken
tinder the act of June 21, 1860, which ap
plies only to the States of Alabama," Mississip
pi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Florida.
On Hie 30th ol June, 1868, 169,643 names
were borne ou the pension rolls, and during
the year ending on that day the total amount
paid for pensions, including the expenses of
disbursement, was $24,010,982, being $5,391,025
greater than that expended for like purposes
during tiie preceding year.
During the year ending the 30th of Septem
ber last the expenses of the Patent Office ex
ceeded the receipts by sl7l, and, including re
issues and designs, 14,153 patents were issued. ,
Treaties witli various Indian tribes have been
concluded aud will he submitted to the Senate
for its constitutional action, I cordially sanc
tion the stipulation, which provide for reserv
ing,lands for the various tribes, where they may
lie encouraged to abandon their nomadic
habits and engage in agricultural and indus
trial pursuits. This policy, inaugurated many
years since, has met with signal success when
ever it has been pursued in good faith and with
becoming liberality by the United States. The
necessity for extending it as far as practicable
in bur relations with ihe aboriginal population
is greater now than at any preceding period.
Whilst we furuish subsistence and instruction
to Use Indians, and guarantee the undisturbed
enjoyment of their treaty rights, we should
habitually insist, upon the observance of their
agreement to remain within their respective re
servations. This is the only mode by which col
lisions witli other tribes and with the whites
can be avoided and the safety of onr Ironti- r
settlements secured.
• The companies construeti-g the rail tv ij- Irom
Omatn.to So'i me‘iito have been most <-nergcti
cilly engaged in prosecuting the work, ami it.
is believed that Hie line will be completed tie
fore lbe expiration of the next fiscal year. The
six per cent, bonds issued to these companies
amounts to $44,337,009, and additionai work
had been performed to Hie. extent of $3,200,000.
The Secr.-tary of tiie Interior in August last,
invited my attention to the report ol Govern
ment Director ot ihe Union Pacific Railroad
Company, who had been specially instructed
to examine the location, construction and
eqniptn nt of their road. I submitted for the
opinion of the Attorney General, certain ques
tions i:i re card to the authority of the Execu
tive w'.ik-h arouse upon this report, anil those
wbiwi i:; ! from time to time been presented
hy eoniiris-doners appointed to inspect each
successive section ot tlm work. Alter care
fully considering tiie law of tne case, he
affirmed the right of the Executive lo order,
if m cessary, a thorough revision of the entire
road. Commissioners were thereupon ap
pointed to examine this and otiiut lilies, and
have recently submitted a statement of their
investigations, of which the report of the Secre
tary of the Interior furnishes specific informa
tion.
The report of the Secretary of War contains
it.formation of interest and importance re
specting the several Bureaus of the War De
partment and the operations ot the army.
The strength of our military fo’-ee on tins 30Hi
of September last wis 48,000 men, and it. is
confirmed that by the first of January next, this
number will lie decreased to 43,090. It is the
opinion of the Secretary of War that, within the
next year a considerable diminution ot the in
fintry force may he made without detriment to
the interests of the country; and in view of the
great expense attending the military peace es
taliiishmenl, and the absolute necessity ol re
treuehmenr, 'wherever it can be applied, it. is
hoped that Congress will sanction tile retrench
ment which his report recommends.
While in 1860 sixteen thousand three hun
dred men cost, the nation $16,47:3,000, tiie sum
of $05,682,000 is estimated as necessary for the
support of the army during the'fiscal year end
ing June 30, 1870. The estimates of the War
Department, for the last two fiscal years were:
for 1867, $33,814,461. and for 1868, $25,205,609.
The actual expenditures during lie same pe
riods were, respectively, $95,224,415 and $128,-
246,648. The estimate submitted in December
last for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1869,
was $77,124,707. The expenditures for the
first quarter, ending thc3oi.il of September last,
were 527,219,117, and the Secretary of the Trea
sury gives $66,000,009 as tint amount which
wili be required during the remaining three
quarters, if there should be no reduction of
me army, m iking its aggregate cost tor the
year considerable in cxees.-. ol $93,000,000.
Tiie difference between the estimates and ex
penditures for the three fiscal years which
have been named is thus shown to be $175,-
545,343 for this single branch of the public ser
vice.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy ex
hibits the operations ol that'department aud of
Hie navy during tiie year. A con iderable re
duction of the force lias been effected. There
are forty-two vessels, carrying lour hundred
and eleven guns.
Iu the six squadrons which are established
iu different pai rs oi the world, tluri-e of these
vessel Arc returning lo tin: United Mates and
Jour are used as store ships, In iving the actual
cruising lorc-c thMt.v-flve veaseis, carrying three
hundred and fifty-six guns.
The total number ol ves-els in the navy is
206, mounting 1,743 gun-; 81 vessels ol every
description are in use, armed with 696 guns.
The number of enlisted men iu the service has
been reduced to 8,500. An increase of n ivy
yard facilities is recommended as a measure
which will, in the event of war, be promotlvc
of economy and security.
A more thorough and systematic, survey of j
the North Pacific Ocean is advised, ill view of
our recent acquisitions, our expanding com
merce; and Ihe increasing intercourse between
the Pacific States and Asia.
The Naval Pension Fund—which consists of
a moiety of the avails of prizes captured dur
ing the war—amounts to sl-4.000,000.
Exception is taken to tiie act of 23d July
last, which reduces the interest on the fund
loaned to the Government by the Secretary,
as trustee, to three per cent, instead of six per
cent, which vvasjoriginally stipulated whoa the
investment was made.
An amendment of the pension laws is sug
ge led to remedy omissions and defects iu ex
isting enactments.
The expenditures of the department during
the last fiscal year were §20,130,394, and the
efttiiuat.es for the ensuing year amounts to $20,-
993,414.
The Postmaster General’s report furnishes a
full and clear exhibit of t he oper itions and con
dition of tiie postal service. The ordinary postal
reveuuc for the fiscal year ending June 30,1868.
was $16,292,600, and the total expenditures
■embracing all the service for which spe
cial appropriations have, been made by Con
gress, amounted to $22,730,599, showing au
excess of expenditures oi $6,437,991 ; ile
'ducting from the expenditures the sum
or $1,896,525, the amount, of appropriations
for ocean, steamship, and other special ser
vice, the excess of expenditures was $4,541,466,
by using an unexpended balance in the Trea
sury of $3,800,000; the actual sum, for which a
special appropriation is requested to meet tiie
deficiency is $741,466. The causes which pro
duced this large excess of expenditure over
revenue were the restoration of service in the
late insurgent States, and tiie putting into
operation of new service established by acts of
Congress, which amounted within the last two
years and a halt to about 48,700 miles, equal to
more than one-third of the wnole amount
of the service at the close of the war.
New postal conventions with Ore it Britain,
North Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands,
Switzerland and Italy, respectively, have been
carried into effect. Under their provisions im
portant improvements have resulted in re
duced rates of international postage and en
larged mail facilities with European countries.
The cost ot the United States trans-Atlantic
ocein mail service, since January 1, 1868, has
been largely lessened under tho operation of
these new conventions, a reduction of over
one-half having been effected under the new
arrangements for ocean mail steamship service
which went into effect on that date.
The attention of Congress is invited to tiie
practical suggestions and recommendations
made, in his repdtt by the Postmaster General.
No important question lias occurred during
the last year in our accustomed cordial and
friendly intercourses with Costa Rica,
Guateinaula, Honduras, Sin Salvador, Frauce,
Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, the
Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Nor
way, Rome, Greece, Turkey, Persia, Egypt,
Liberia. Morocco, Tripoli, Tunis, Muscat,
Siam, Borneo and Madagascar. Cordial rela
tions Have also been maintained with the Agen
tine and the Orit ntal Republics. The expressed
wish of Congress that our national good offices
might be tendered to those Republics, and
also to Brazili and Paraguay for brihging to
an. end the calamitous war which has so long
been raging in the valley of the La Plata, has
been assiduously complied with, and kindly
acknowledged by all the belligerents. That im
portant negotiation, however, has thus far been
without result. * Charles A. Washbnru, late
United States Minister to Paraguay, having re
signed, and being desirous to return to the
United States, the Roar Admiral commanding
the South Atlantic Squadron was early direct
ed to send a ship of war to Asuucion, the capi
tal of Paraguay, to receive Mr. Washburn and
family, and remove them from a situation which
was represented to bo endangered by faction and
foreign war. The Brazilian commander of the
allied invading forces refused permission to the
Wa«p to pass through Uie blockading forces,
and Lhat vessel returned to its accustomed an
chorage. Remonstrance having been made
against this refusal, it was promptly overruled,
and the Wasp, therefore, resumed her errand,
received Mr. Washburn and his family, and
conveyed them to a safe and convenient sea
port. In the meantime, an excited controversy
hid arisen between this President of Paraguay
and tile late United Stiles Minister, which, it is
understood, grew out of his proceedings in
giving-asylum, in the United States Legation,
to allege;! enemies of that Republic. The
question of the right to give asylum is one al
ways difficult, and often productive of great em
barrassment. In Slates well organized aud'
established, foreign powers refuse either, to
concede or exercise, that right, except as to
persons actually belonging to the diplomatic
service. On the o'.her hand, all such powers
insist upon exercising the right of asylum in
States where the law of nations is not fully
acknowledged, respected and obeyed.
The Presideut ol Paraguay is understood to
have-opposed to Mr. Washburn’s proceedings,
the injurious and very improbable charge of
personal complicity in insurrection aud trea
sou. The correspondence, however, has i.ot
yet reached the Uuiled States.
Mr. Washburn, in. connection with this con
troversy, represents that two United States
citizens, attached to the Legation, were arbi
trarily seized at his side when leaving the coi
tal of Paraguay, committed to prison and.there
subjected to torture for the purpose of procur
ing confessions of their own criminality, and
testimony !o support tne President's allega
tions against the United States Minister.
Mr. McMahon, lhe newly appointed Minister
to Paraguay, having reached the La Plata, has
been instructed to proceed without delay to
Asuncion, there to investigate the whole sub
ject. The Rear Admiral commanding the
United States South Atlantic squadron, has been
directed to attend the new Minister with a
proper uavaf force, to sustain such just demands
as the occasion may require, and to vindicate
the rights of the United States citizens referred
to, and of any others who may be exposed to
danger in the theatre of war.
With these exeepiions, friendly relations have
been maintained between tin- United Slates'
and Brazil, and Paraguay.
Our relations (luring the past year with
Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Chili have be
come especially friendly and cordial. Spain,
and the Republics or Peril, Bolivia and Ecuador
have expressed their willingness to the
mediation of the United Stale s for terminating
the war upon the South Pacific I.YtntH.
lets not finally-declared upon Lire qiiestiofLT?iH
the meantime, the conflict has practically ex
hausted ilse!!,s ineo no belligerent or hostile
movement has been made Ity either parly
during the last two years, and there are no
indications of a present purpose to resume
hostilities on either sub*. Great, Biitaiu and
Prance have cordially seconded our proposition
of mediation, and 1 do not tbrego the hope that
it may soon lie accepted bv all the belligerents,
and lead to a secure establishment ol peace, and
friendly relations between the Spanish . Ameri
can republics of the Pacific and Spain; a result
which would be attended with common bene Us
to the belligerents and lunch advantage to all
commercial nations.
I communicate for the consideration of Con
gress a correspondence which shows that the
Bolivian republic lias established the extremely
liberal principle of receiving into its citizenship
any citizen[of the United State*, or of any other
of the American republics, upon Uie aim pic con
dition ot voluntary icgislry.
The correspondence herewith submitted will
be lound painfully replete with accounts ol
the ruin aud wretchedness produced by recent
earthquakes ol unparalleled severity in the re
publics of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. The
diplomatic agents and naval officers of Lite
United States who were present, in those re
publics at the time of those disasters, furnish
ed all the relief in their power to the 9uflerers,
and were promptly rewarded with grateful aud
touching acknowledgements by the Congress
of Peru.
An appeal to the charity of our fellow citizens
has been answered by much liberality.
In this connection, i submit, an appeal which
lias been made by the. Swis.4 republic, whose
government and institutions are Kindred to our
own, in behalf ot its inhabitants who are. suffer
ing extreme destitution, produced by recent
devastating inundations.
Our relatiouswith Mexico during the year
h ive been marked by an increasing growth of
mutual confidence.
The Mexican Government lias not yet acted
upon the three treaties celebrated here last
Summer, for establishing tbe rights of natural
ized citizens upon a liberal and just basis, for
regulating consular powers, and for the ad
justment of mutual claims.
All commercial nations, as well as all friends
ot republican institutions, have occasion to re*
gret the frequent locil disturbances which oc
cur in some of the constituent States ot
Colombia. Nothing lias occurred, however, to
ntfect the harmony and cordial friendship which
have for several years existed between that
youthful and vigorous republic and our own
negotiations are pending with a view to the sur
vey and construction <>f a ship canal across the
Isthmus of Darien, under the auspices ot the
Uni cd States. I hope to he able to submit
the results of that negotiation to the Senate
during its present session.
The very liberal treaty which was entered
into last year by the United States and Nica
ragua has been ratified by the latter republic.
Costa Rica, with the earnestness of a sincere
ly friendly neighbor, solicits reciprocity of
trade, which I commend to the consideration
of Congress.
A convention, created by treat,v between the
United States and Venczeula in July, 1865, for
the mutual adjustment of claims, has been held,
and its decisions have been received at the De
partment of Stale.
The heretofore recognized government of
the United States of Venezuela lias been subor
dinate, and a provisional government having
been instituted under circumstances which
promise durability, il lias been formally recog
nized.
I have been reluctantly obliged to ask expla
nation and satisfaction for national injuries
committed by the President of Hivti.
Thu political unit social condition or' tlie re
publics of )layt.i .'iml St. Domingo :inrl tiie en
tire West Indies, except the Spanish Islands of
Cuba and Porto llico, Las been followed by il
profound popular conviction of Ibe rjgkffiih
Iness'of republican institutions and-an’ intense
desire to secure them, The attempt, however,
to establish republics there, encounter? many
obstacles, most of which may be supposed to
be from long indulged habits ol colonial supine
ness and, dependence upon European mon
archical powers. While the U. S. have on
all occasions professed a decided unwillingness
that any part of Ibis cnntinef, or of its adjacent
islands, shall be made a theatre fora new estab
lishment of monarchical power, too little has
l-een done bv us on the other hand to attach
the communities by which we are surround
ed to our own conn try, or to .lend even a
moral support to the efforts they are so
resolutely and so constantly making to secure
republican institutions for themselves. It is
a question of grave consideration whether
our recent and present example is not calcula
ted to cheek the growth ami expansion of free
principles and make these communities dis
trust, il not dread a government which, at will,
consigns to military domination. Hlntes that
are integral parts oHpnr Federal Union, and
while ready to resist any attempts by other,
nations to extend to this hemisphere the
monarchical- institutions of Europe, assumes
to establish over a Jaffa: portion of ils people
a rule more absolute, harsh and tyrannical
than any known to civilized [towers.
The acquisition of Alaska was made with
the view of extending national jurisdiction and
republican principles in the American hemis
phere. Believing that a further stop could be
taken in the same direction, 1 last year entered
into .a treaty with the King of Denmark for the
purchase of the islands of st. Thomas and St.
John, on the best terms then attainable, and
with the express consent of the people of these
islands. This treaty still remains under con
sideration in the Senate. Anew convention
has been entered into with Denmark, enlarging
the time fixed for final ratification of the orig
inal treaty.
Comprehensive national policy would seem
to sanction the acquisition and incorporation
into our Federal Union of the several adjacent
continental and insular communities as speedi
ly as it can be done peacefully, lawfully and
without any violation of national justice, faith
or honor. Foreign postte-sion or control of
those communities has hitherto hindered the
growtli and Impaired the influence of the
United States. Chrouic revolution aud anarchy
there would be iq mily injurious. Each one of
them, when firmly established as an indepen
dent Republic or incorporated into the United
States, would be anew source of strength and
power.
Conforming my administration to these prin
ciples, I have on no occasion leut support or
toleration to unlawful expeditions on foot
upon the plea of republican propagandist)!, or
of national extension or aggrandizement. The
necessity, however, of repressing such unlaw
ful movements clearly indicates the duty which
rests upon us of adapting our legislative action
to the new circumstances of a decline of Euro
pean monarchical power and influence and the
increase of American republican ideas, interests
and sympathies.
# It cannot be long before it will become ne
cessary for this Government to lend some
effective aid to the solution of tile political and
social problems which are continually kept be
fore tlje world by th» two republics ot tlic is
land of Bt. Domingo, and which are now dis
closing themselves more distinctly than here
tofore in the island of Cnba.
The subject is commended to your consid
eration with all the more earnestness because
I am satisfied lhat the tinio has arrived when
even so direct a proceeding as a proposition
for an annexation of the two republics ol' the
island of St. Domingo would not only receive
the couseut of the people interested, but would
also give satisfaction to all other foreign na
tions. I am aware that upou the question of
further extending our possessions, it is appre
hended by some that our political system can
not successfully be applied to an arc more ex
tended than onr continent. But the conclu
sion is rapidly gaining ground in the American
mind that, with the increased facilities for iu
t ere oin nut mention between all portions ot the
earth, the principles ot free government as em
braced in our Constitution, if faithfully main
tained aud carried out, would prove of suffi
cient strength and breadth to comprehend with
in their‘sphere and influence the civilized na
tions oi the world.
The attention of the Senate anil ol Congress
is again respectfully invited to the treaty lor
the establishment of commercial reciprocity
with the Hawaiian Kingdom, entered into last
year and already ratified by that Government.
Theattilude of the Uiiited States towards these
islands is nol very different from that in which
they stand toward the West Indies. It is known
and felt by the Hawaiian Government and peo
ple, that their Government and institutions are
feeble and precarious; that the United States,
being so near a neighbor would be unwilling to
see the islands pass under foreign control.
Their prosperity is continually disturbed by ex
pectations and alarms ot unfriendly political
proceedings, as well from Uie United States as
from other ‘foreign powers. A reciprocity
treaty, while it could not materially diminish
the revenues of the United States, would be a
guarantee of the good will and forbearance of
all nations, until the people of the islands shat I,
ol themselves, at no distant day, voluntarily
apply for admission into the Uuion.
The Emperor of Russia has acceded to the
treaty negotiated here in January last tor the
security of trade marks in the interest of man
utacturers and commerce. I have invited l)is
attention to the importance of establishing,
now while it seems easy and practicable, a lair
and eqrial regulation of the vast fisheries be
longing to the uew nations in the waters of the
North Pacific, ocean.
The two treaties between the United States
and Italy for the regulation of Consular powers
and the extradition ol criminals, negotiated
and ratified here during the last session of Con
gress, have been accepted and confirmed by the
Italian Government.
A Liberal consular convention which lias
been “negotiated with Belgium will be sub
unit*! to the Senate.
The very important treaties which were
negotiated bei ween the United States and North
Germany and Bavaria, for the regulation ol -t he
l ights of naturalized citizens, have been duly
ratified and exchanged and similar treaties have
been entered into, with the" kingdoms of Bel
gium and Wurttemberg and with the Grand
Dm hies of Baden and Iles.se.
• I hope soon 16 be able to submit equally
satisfactory conventions of the same character,
now in the course of negotiation with the re
spective Governments ol Spain, Italy and the
Ottoman Empire.
Examination of claims against the United
States by the Hudson’s Bay Company and the
Puget’s Sound Agricultural Company, on ac
count, of certain possessory rights in the Stale
ol Oregon and Territory oi Washington,
alleged by these companies in virtue of pro
visions of the treaty between the United States
and Great Britain, of June 15th, 1840, has been
deligently prosecuted under the direction of
thei joint international commission to which
they were submitted for adjudication by treaty
between the two governments of July Ist,
1803, and will, it is expected, be concluded aL
an early day.
No practic'd regulation concerning Colonial
trade ;md fisheries can be accomplished by
treaty between the United Slates and Great
Britain until Congress shall have, “expressed
their judgment concerning the principles in
volved. Three other questions, however, be
tween the United States and Great Britain re
main open for adjustment. These are the
mutual rights of naturalized citizens, the
boundary question, involving the title to the
Island of San Juan, on the Pacific Const, aud
mutual claims, arising since the year iBSB, oi
the citizens and subjects of the two countries,
lor injuries and depredations committed under
the authority of their respective Governments.
Negotiations upon these subjects are pending,
and l am not without hope of being aide to
lay before .the Senate, for their consideration
during the present session, protocols calculated
to bring to an end these jns-ly and long exist
ing controversies.
1 am not advised of tlieaVdi .nos the Chinese
Government upon the labor and auspicious
treaty which was recently celdbrated with its
plenipotentiaries at this capital.
Japan remains a theatre of civil war, mark
ed by religions incidents and political "severi
ties peculiar to lii.it long isolated empire. The
Executive liar hitherto maintained strict, neu
trality among the belligerents, and acknow
ledges with pleasure that it has been frankly
and folly •sustained in that course by the en
lightened coii.-urreitee an ■ eo operation of the
oilier treaty powers, li-mrly, Great Britain,
France, tlic Netherlands, Ninth Germany aud
Italy. ’
Spain having recently undergo! e a rcvolll
lion marked by extraoi dinary unanimity and
preservation ol order, the provisional govern
iiient, established at M idrid, has been recog
nized, and the friendly iuieristi when has so
long happily existed between the two eoiiii-
Ilies remains unchanged
1 renew the recommendation contained in
my communication to Uorign dated tin, 18th
July last, a copy of which accompanies this
Message, that the judgment of the people
should tn! taken on the propriety of so amend
ing the Federal Constitution that it shall pro
vide :
Ist. For an election of President and Vice-
President by a direct vote of the people, in
stead of through the agency ot electors, and
making them ineligible for re-election to a
second term.
2d. For a distinct designation of the person
Who shall discharge the dulies ol President, ill
the event ot a vacancy, in that oltlce, by llie
death, resignation, or removal of both the. Bresi
dent and Vice-President.
3d. For the election ot Senators of Hie Uni ed
States directly by the people <>i the several
States, instead of the Legislature'-; and
4th. For the limitation l« it petiod of years of
the terms ot' Federal judges.
Profoundly impressed with the propriety of
making these important modilieaiions in the
Constitution, t respectfully submit them for
the early and mature consideration of Con
gress. We should, is far as possible, removeall
pretext for violations of the organic law by
such imperfections its time aud ex
perience in ay developc, ever remembering that
ihe Constitution, which at any lime exists until
changed by an explicit and authentic act of the
whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.
In the performance ot a duty imposed upon
me by the Constitution. 1 have communicated
to Congress in'ormation of the state of the
Union,-and recommended for their considera
tion such measures as have seemed to roe
necessary and expedient. II carried into effect,
they will hasten the accomplishment of the
great and beuelicent purposes for which the
Constitution was ordained, and which it com
prehensively states wore to form a more per
fect Union, establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility provide for the common defence,
promote the general welfare and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our pos
terity.
In Congress are vested nil legislative powers
and upon them devolves the res poo si bi lily as
well for training nnwisennd excessive laws as
for neglecting to devise and adopt measures
absolutely demanded by the wants ol the coun
try.
bet us earnestly hope that before the expira
tion of our respective terms of office, now ra
pidly drawing to a close, an All-wise Provi
dence will so guide our counsels as to strength
en and preserve the Federal Union, inspire rev
erence lor the Constitution, restore prosperity
and happiness to our whole people, and pro
mote on earth peace,good will toward men.
(Signed) Andrew Johnson.
Washington, December U, 1808.
Damon and PvrniAS.—-The Cincinnati En
quirer of Llie 4th, says : “In the Autumn of
1867 ihc editor of the Commercial recommend
ed Ihe editor of the Gazette as a candidate for
Congress in the Second District of Hamilton
county. 13" took an inventoiy both of his per
sonal and political qualifications. Jle pro
nounced them perfect. In all the ditriet the
editor ot the Gazette was the man best titled for
the place in h.s estimation.
•* Fifteen months’ lime has since passed. The
editor of tjie Commercial is now bitterly op
posed to the editor of the Gazette. He charges
him with crimes and misdemeanors which ex
isted at the very instaut lie [imposed him for
Congress, and which must have been known
to him at that very period. What a spectacle
is here presented ! The Commercial recom
mending a man it knew to he unworthy, and
the Gazette accepting a nomination from the
hands ot those who It was confident were un
deserving of belief and regard !
“ This is the picture of each oilier which is
drawn by our contemporaries.”
Rushing Things.— tin Saturday it seemed
as [f me Railroads North and West of ns had
determined to test the strength and capacity of
the Georgia Railroad at this point; for up
wards of fitly cars, loaded with through freight,
came down, with a request to be "put through
instnnter. Gen. Anderson, true to his old re
pute, did his duty, aiffl kept up his portion of
the line. The cars went through on time.
[Atlanta lntelliyeneer .
B Y TELEGRAPH.
ASSOCIATED PRESS DISPATCHES.
W ashington.
Washington, December o—Noon.
The President slates the condition of the
Southern States worse than In 1805; tlic recon
struction nets have only prod need confusion
and recommends their repeal; also the tenure
of office act and all acts hampering the Presi
dent in the discharge of his constitutional duty
as Commander in Chief; alludes to the enormity
of the public debt and urges measures' looking
to its liquidation ; is silent on the Alabama
claims ; alludes lylhc Paraguayan complication,
but says official feports have not been received ;
suggests several constitutional amendments,
among them the election Os Senators by the
people.
Ttie message is published in New York and
the West this morning, in spite ol all precau
tions.
In the House a hill was introduced submitting
ttie Virginia constitution to the pdople of Vir
ginia on the 17th of January.
The Senate bill relieving Judge Moses, of
South Carolina, was passed.
S miner introduced a bill relative to Georgia.
Title on title read.
Butler and Washburn oppose ah election in
Virginia until alter the 4th of March.
Washington, December 9 P. M.
The Senate refused, after a few paragraphs, to
hear the President’s Message read,
Mr. Snmner’s Georgia bill is as follows :
Alter premising that the Legislature failed to
comply with the requirements ol the recon
struction acts, by omitting to exact the required
oath, and did things utterly unjustifiable, and
requiring intervention ot Congress, the bill
declares tho existing government provisional
only, and in all respects subject to the para
mount authority of Congress, to abolish,
modify, or control tbe same until the Legisla
ture complies with all the requirements of the
reconstruction acts and adopts the fourteenth
amendment, and subject to the fundamental
condition that no change be made infringing
on the right of suffrage of any class of citizens.
Tiie bill directs that the Governor elect shall
call the Assembly at Atlanta, on or before April
next, excluding, unless relieved by Congress,
all who cannot take the prescribed oath.
The Governor is also empowered to suspend
or remove from office State or municipal offi
cers, and appoint others instead.
Finally, the President is ordered to place at
IHo disposal ot the Governor sueli portion of
the army and navy as may be necessary to pre
serve life, property, peace and free expression
of political opinion
The House passed a bill relieving Judge
Moses.
Contrary to universal custom, the House la
b'pd the message instead of referring it to the
Committee of the Whole, and passed a Mil di
recting tlic Virginia election on the fourth
Thursday in May.
'The Reconstruction Committee reported a
hilt removing political disabilities ol some
twenty, mostly Virginians, including Ander
son, lormerly proprietor of I lie Tredegar Iron
Works.
Massaclmso t ts.
Plymouth, December 9.
Deacon Andrews, lound guilty of man
slaughter, avas sentenced to twenty years im
prisonment.
North Carolina.
Newbekn, November 9.
The schooner S. B. Nichols, bound from Nic
arauga to New York, went ashore live miles
west of Portsmouth, N. C., Friday night. No
lives lost.
Raleigh, December 9.
In tiie Legislature to-day the bribery investi
gation committee was sworn in.
The Senate was engaged in discussing rail
road appropriations.
Gen. i3. Vance lias been elected Grand Mast< r
of the Grand Lodge of Masons for the next
year.
The annual council of the Iriends oi tem
perance is in session. *
The District Court is still in session ; heavy
docket- yet on hand.
South Carolina.
Columbia, December 9.
The Legislature, to day, elected U. B. Carpen
ter (while) Circuit Judge, aud W. J. McKinley
(colored) Register of Mesne Conveyance, lor
Charleston county.
T^orei^n.
I IIV OAHLII. I
London, December 9.
Disraeli lias formally resigned (be seals of
office.
The Times eongKalulntes Gladstone on the
speedy formation of tbe Cabiuct
Bismarck assured tbe ambassadors of Eng
land, Russia and France ol confidence of main
tenance of good lee,ling among European
powers.
M a diiio, December 9.
Tbe Republican Insurgents are still under
arms at Cadiz, tiUc.mpi.mg to make terms with
the. Government under flag ol truce.
M ari no IS! o\vs.
Ne w Your, December 9.
Arrived—San Jacinto, NewYork.
Charleston, December 9.
Arrived—Steamer Manhattan, New York.
Savannah, December 9.
Cleared —Steamships Cleopatra and Thames,
New York.
Arrived —Tonnawanda, Philadelphia.
JVtarketw.
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
Ltvni;rooi„ Decembers Evening.
Colton dull; uplands, ; Orleans,
II (i/j 1 1% ; sales, 8,000 hales.
London, December 9— Nocn.
Consols, 92%. Bonds, 74%. Sugar on spot
dull; afloat easier at 955. 9<t@26s.
London, December 9—Afternoofi.
Consols, 92%. Bonds firm. Sugar quiet
and steady.
Liverpool, December 9—Noon.
Cotton firmer; sales, 10,000 bales. Beef,
105s. Western wheat, 9s. Oil.
Liverpool, December 9 Afternoon.
Cotton firmer; uplands, 10% ; Orleans, 11%;
sales, 12,000 bales.
Liverpool, December 9—Evening.
Cotton steady and unchanged.
Havke, December 9 Noon.
Cotton dull, spot and afloat; low middling,
afloat, 120%.
Havre, December 9 Afternoon.
Cotton, on spot,, unchanged; afloat, 120.
New York, December 9—Noon. !
Stock market steady and strong. Money,
6@7. Exchange, 9%. Gold, 105%. ’o2’s, 11;
North Carolines, 65% ; new,-63% ; Virginias,
ex coupon, 55; new, 57%; Teiiiiessces, ex cou
pon, 68%; new, 68%.
New York, December 0 -P. M.
Governments active and firmer ; ’o2’s, 11.
New York, Decembe r '.)—P. M-
Money is (inner aud more active at 0<2)7,
mostly 7. Sterling firmer at 9%@9%. Cold,
136.
New York, December !• -Noon.
Flour S@lo better. Wheat I@3 higher.—
Corn unchanged. Mess Pork, $25 50(Pv‘-0-
Steam Lard firm at 14%. Cotton firmer .at 24%
@24%. Turpentine quiet, at 15%@46%. Rosin
dull; strained common, $2 80; good strained,
$2 3S@2 45.
New York, December 9—P. M.
Cotton % better; sales, 4,200 bales at 24%@
25, mostly 25. Others unchanged silica noon.
Wilmington, December 9.
Spirits Turpentine, 42. Rosin dull, 81 60@
§1 65 for strained. Turpentine advanced 5c.,
$1 95@52 95. Tar unchanged. Cotton quiet
at 21 to 22%.
Mobile, December 0.
Cotton in good active demand ; sales, 2,000
bales; closed firm at 22%@28; receipts, 780
bales; exports, 71 bales.
New Qrlh ins, December 9.
Cotton % higher; middling, 23 ; sales, 5,600
bales; receipts, 6:889 bales; exports, 9,019 j
bales. Gold, 135%. Sterliiig-»Comniercial,
45%(<346% ; Bank, 47%. New York Sight, %
<g!% diseounl. Flour—high grades dull; su
perfine, 86 87%; double, 87 12%; treble,
$7 25@S. Corn —stock light; 78. Oats firm
at 62. Bran, 81 20. Hay-prime and choice
scarce at 823®25. Pork scarce at $27. Bacon
—shoulders, 13; clear rit>, 17%; clear, 19%.
Lard firm ; tierce, 16%; keg, 17%. Sugar ad
vanced; common, 8%@9%; prime, 12%;
clarified, 12%@12%- Molasses firmer; com
mon, 45(5)50; choice, 61@62. Whisky better .
at $1 07%. Coffee—fair Rio, 14% ; prime, 16%
@l7.
Charleston, December 9.
Cotton opened quiet, but became active, and
improved %@%; sales, 1,000 bales; mid
dling, 23%; receipts, T,368 bales.
Savannah, December 0.
Cotton active nnd advancing; juiddling,
22%@22% ; sales, 1,285 bales ; receipts, 1,405-
bales ; exports coastwise, 1,050 boles.
[Flora the Petersburg (Vn.) Index, Ist.
Hanna.
sketch op hives pollard's associate.
J. Marshall Hanna is now, perhaps, the best
known newspaper man in Virginia. Like his
late associate, his life has been a turbulent one;
from his earliest manhood to the day that Rives
Pollard fell dead at his leet, hla life lias been
constantly exposed to daugtT from the firm
ness and bitterness ot his remarkable writings.
He was born in Hartford county, Maryland,
about thirty-four years ago; at eighteen tie
went to Philadelphia, became a clerk on a
religious paper,- and filled his leisure hours by
contributing to the American Courier and other
literary journals. In 1850-7, he became regu
larly connected with the Baltimore Sun , ns re
porter. The “ plugs ” ruled that city then and
Mr. Hanna had a series of encounters with the
most notorious bullies ol that organization.
The first of these was with “ Roney Lee,” who
assaulted him with a “ bill}-,” because of a local
paragraph published concerning his misdeeds.
Shots were passed in the fracas and both were
arrested. Lee was sent to jail for three years,
but was soon pardoned ont. lu the next year,
while engaged in a personal difficulty, Mr.
Manna accidentally shot the Mayor ol Balti
more (Mr. Phailj; alter this, he narrowly
escaped hanging at the hands ol' a mol),
who charged that he had been bribed by
the reform party to put Uie “ plug ” Mayor
out of the way. So violent were the “roughs,”
Mr. Hanna had to be sent into the jail for
sale-keeping, hut was released as soon as the
storm, which tie had raised, bad subsided.
He resumed his place on the Sun, and we hear
no more ot him until ’62. When the Federal
forces occupied Baltimore, Mr. Hanna visited
their encampment in his professional capacity
as reporter, and was recognized as a secession
ist, assaulted and terribly beaten by the infu
riated soldiers. llin right jaw and three ribs
were broken. In 1862 Mr. H. came through
the enemy’s lines into Virginia, and was imme
diately employed by Mr. Daniel upon the Ex
aminer. His connection with that paper con
tinued during the whole war, and lie made it
the soldier’s delight by tho “Tycoon” and
other like sketches. When the Examiner was
revived by Pollard, llanna returned to it, and
|,is trouble commenced afresh, for he wrote an
article on tiie hop, at the Spottswood,
which so enraged Gen. Terry that lie suppress
ed the paper. Then came that little misunder
standing with Manager Ogden, of the theatre,
and a street fluht with pistols. Adding the last
terrible shooting affair, which has brought his
name prominently before the public again in
connection with Pollard’s, and we have a few
threads in a life, than Which lew- have been
more remarkable and conspicuous.
Personally, Marshall Hanna is Ihe best, known
man. in Richmond—tall and gaunt, looking,
with a luxuriant growth of long black curly
hair, he is known wherever lie goes—and il lie
is not now, time was when lie was everywhere
a favorite. Os his great natural talents there
can be no two opinions—be writes with woti
dcrtul ease and eebrlty, and his artieies, divest
ed ol their morbidness and acridity, are al
ways entertaining and interesting.
Railroad .Meeting in Jackson.
Jefferson, November 26, 1868.
At a meeting, held in Jefferson this day, to
take Into consideration the building of I lie
Northeastern Railroad frour Athens to Claylon,
on motion of W. C. Howard, Esq., Dr. J. D.
Long was called to the Chair nnd E. M. Thomp
son requested to act as Secretary
Col. Samuel P.. Thurmond addressed the
meeting, setting forth the importance of the
proposed road, and the advantages of tic route
via Jefferson, over any other. He shoved that,
it was shorter than any other route, aid being
ovei a ridge road, would lie easy ol construc
tion, and would also command a l»rge local
business.
J. G. McLester, Esq., offered thefollowitig
resolutions:
Whereas, Wc, a portion ol the people of
Jackson county,hail with great sail-faction the
movement recently inaugurated Dr the con
struction of a railroad B om Athen to Clayton,
known as tiie Northeastern Kijroad; and
whereas, wis regard Uie early c4uplelh-u of
this road as ol vital Importance ■" the inter
ests ot this portion of Uie Stale, aid a valuable
link in our railroad system
lie-solved, i'lial, from :.n intitule knowledge
of the two routes in c mtrinplaion. wo an- sat
isfied ilini. the one by way i J< Heiron, Lee
Randolph’s Court Ground, an. thence to Pop
lar Spiingt- (where cither r-.Dle must find th.
only available pass throng:- ihe spurs < f the
Cnrraln.-e Ridge), is two to tlree miles short
or Ilian the other, and cun be rim on a rltlge
from Athens to Poplar Sprint'-, a distance ot
thirty-three to thirty-five mils, without cross
ing any water course save Hi# Oconee m ar its
source, where the bridge wilild he small alfd
inexpensive. \
Resolved, That we recoinmtyd that the in
eessary steps tie taken to Kan- a preliminary
survey of the different, router land i hat. hooks
for subscription to tbe stocktai opened at an
early day. \
llrsolved, That we urgently I'Voniiiiend . Dint
the people of Jackson, and \iher counties
through which the road will pY., donate to
the company the right of way, an\ subscribe to
Uie stock to the extent ot their amity.
Resolved, That the thanks of fix people ot
Jackson county, and ot the friemit>\if this en
terprise, arc due and are hereby t.uttered to
Col. S. A. Atkinson, editor ol the
Runner for ihe able and lucid manner which
lie li:is set liirth tho importance ol lhv enter
prise and til e ad vantages of this route. \
Resolved, That (lie proceedings of thi meet
ing bo published Ur the Athens am. Augusta
papers.
vV. C. Howard, Esq., spoke briefly in vnpj
port of the resolutions, and referred tot lie
splendid water power ol the county, which
only needed railroad communication to invite
nmmifucltiring enterprise.
Tli resolutions were adopted.
Mr. Win. Freeman addressed the meeting in
behalf of the route via Harmony Grove.
On motion of Mr. McLester tiie meeting ad
journed. J. I). Long, Chairman.
E. M. Thompson, Secretary.
Improved Agriculture,
The Klhcrton Gazelle contains the following
card :
Ei.herton, G a., November 25, IMIS.
Mu. Editor: As there Is considerable inqui
ry by our planting community as to tbe efficacy
ol commercial fertilizers, I will give my expe
rience with them Hie present year. 1 first
broke my land with a large two-horse plow,
running about eight inches deep, followed by
a snbsoiier, breaking about two inches more of
the substratum ; tints breaking the land to the
depth of ten inches. I then laid off niv rows
about four feet apart With a wide shovel, fol
lowing in same furrow with a long shove),
opening to Hie depth of eight inches. In these
Inrrows I applied the fertilizers as follows :
To each acre, 100 lbs No. 1 Peruvian guano;
100 lb«. dissolved bones; 100 11m. land plaster,’
and 100 lbs. salt, well mixed —did my own mix
ing—at a cost, of $6 per 100 lbs. tor guano laid ,
down in the field ; 83 76 per 100 lor dissolved
hones; ¥2 25 per 109 lbs. for plaster and
82 per 100 His. tor salt, making a cost per
acre lor fertilizer of ¥B> 50. Then bedding up
and all subsequent cultivation, av.is done in tbe
usual way. The laud was an old field, having
been turned out for several years, because it
would produce nothing. I could not have pro
duced, under the most favorable circumstances
of season, &c., more than 200 lbs. seed cotton
per acre. I have gathered off of this six aero
lot 0,000 lbs. seed cotton, m iking four heavy
hales ; and had the season been favorable, 1 am
confident (hat l would have made six bales on
the lot. During our nine weeks drought, the
plant did not appear to suffer; but when the
rains set in, lull ball of the heavy crop of bolls
and forms then oil the stalk fell off—so there
was no middle crop. Only Hie very early and
very late forms remained on stalks to maturity.
Those who use fertilizers should lie careful to
get the genuine articles. These you will be
sure to get ol James T. Gardiner, of Augusta,
Ga. J. A. Trench a no.
Commenting upon this, the editor says :
It is a dead loss to cultivate land that yields
a hare support to the labor, aud yet thousands
ot acres <>i that quality are every year in culti
vation. Add to it, however, ten dollars worth
of any good fertilizer, and it ykflds three times '
what it did before, with no more expense or
tillage, fencing, and tools. It is sheer folly
now, to work iand without the auxiliary of
good manure. Cottou seed and stable manure
are as valuable as auy, as far as they go, and it
will never pay to neglect them. Hut when
these are all used, not one additional acre
should be planted without the application of
guano in some form. We commend the sub
ject to the consideration of all planters, of
whatever means, and hope to hear of large in
vestments for the wheat, corn, and cotton crops
of another year.
Railroad Meeting.— Onr Jefferson friends,
as the resolutions we publish this morning
will prove, are fully alive to the great necessity
of a line of railroad from Atlanta to Clayton,
and have been thoroughly examining tor (lie
shortest and best route, which, beyond a doubt
is by Jefferson. We hope this enterprise may
receive the support of the people ot Georgia.
We shall speak of this subject again more at
length.
New York has twelve clergymen who are
each paid over SIO,OOO a year, and a hundred
others who don’t get SI,OOO each,
> *