Crawfordsville Review, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 8 December 1866 — Page 2

THB ..WBHKLY Iffl'HIW

V- Oki

CRAWFORDSVILLE, IND

Saturday, December 8,1866.

Send iu Vour Subscript ions.

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hat Can be Done 1

If every Democrat who now takes the Keview will each get one new subscriber, ii will give us a circulation of over fifteen hundred.

Handbills and Circulars "f evtry descriplion executed with ppuiipiness at tho Reneir ... office. Our facilities rue such that we arc now enabled to tiil 1 :trcj orders on sl«ort notice.

The Message.

We publish this week the President's mes

sage, ircluoh undoubtedly will In- read with

jjioM interest. Tho Vresident fidheres to his

policy of reconstruction. and shows no dispo

sition of backing down, iioiM-itlmniiding the

threats of the traitor ruinpues

v:-'

engendered lv tl"

One thi l"

impeach

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

.Fellow Citfcrn* tin Sum/' null Km-

oj lifjiri fi iihiiit f.:

After a brief interval tho Congress of the I nited .States resumes its aunual legislative labors. An all wise and merciful Providence has abated the pestilence which visited our shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions of our country. Peace, order and tranquility, aud civil authority have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of the^ United States. In all of the States civil authority has superseded the coercion of arms, and the people, by their •voluntary action, are maiutaimun their

Governments in full activity mid complete operation. 'Clie enVomuicnt of the laws is 110 longer -'obstructed iu any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary .,,urse

judicial proceediiiirs." aud the »»/j,i

1 1

free ami to the kiudlv effects of unrestricted social and commercial intercourse. Au cutire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the carne.-t wish of every patriotic heart, and we will have accomplished our grandest national uchicvmeut, when lorgettins the sad events of the past, aud rouieuiberiii" only their instructive lessons, we regime our onward course as a free, prosperous, and united people.

RESTORATION

In my message of the 4 of Decci

Representatives hosen to the

opeu'dV,, ,t ilSwoeni',:

in abevanee

8 it '"n»l

?DnVi

rapidly y/cfj. '"••''itutions of those States, but to defend

iiwr to the fc'neiJcient influences of our ".'-'l ',h' sum-—-y or tlie uon-

authority.

yet remained to be

done before the work of restoration co be completed, and that was the admission to Congress of loyal Senators aud Rcpresentatives from the States whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the Geueral Government. This question devolved upon the respective Houses which, by the Constitution, are made the judges of the elections, returns and qualifications of their own members, and its consideration at once en"a"ed the -nUent,on of Congress. In the meantime the executive department—no other plan haying been

0 0

sed by Congre.'^eon

tie^hlP !i

Perfect, as far as prac

ticable, the restoratiou of the proper relations between the citizens of the cspective States the States and Federal Government extending fro,,, time to timc as the public interest seemed to require' the judicial, revenueand postal systeus of

W a a

Of the Senate, the necessary officers were appointed and appropriations made by Congress for the payment of their sala-

'tion to amend the Fed

eral Constitution so as to prevent the exjstence of slavery within the United btttes, or any place subject to their jurisdiotion, was ratified by the requisite number of States, and on the 18th dav Of December, 18G5, was officially de clared to have become valid as

All„ nX7

ft®

W351i-!^Y

proceeded in jrood faith to the enactment of measures for the protection and amelioration of the condition of the colored race.

Congress, however, yet hesitated to admit any of these States to representation. and it was near the close of the. eighth mouth of the sessiou that at) exception was made in favor of Tennessee, by the admission of her Senators and Hepreseutatives.

I deem it a subject of profound regret that Congress h.-ts thus far failed to admit to seats the loyal Senators and Kepresentati \es from the other States, whose inhabitants, with those .if Tennessee, had engaged in rebellion tun States, more than one-fourth of the whole number, remain without representation. The seats of fifty members of the House and twenty of the Senate are yet vacant, not by their own consent, not by a failure of election, but by the refusal of Congress to accept their credentials.

Their admission, it is believed, would have accomplished much toward the renewal and strengthening of our relations as one people, and removed serious causes for discontent on tho part, of the people of those States. It would have accorded with the great piinciple enunciated in the 1 declaration of American Independence, that no people ought to bear tho burden of taxation aud yet be denied representation. It would have been in consonance with the express provisions of the Constitution, that each State shall have at least one Representative, and that no State shall, without its consent, be deprived of eijual suffrage in the Senate.

These provisions were iuteuded to secure to every State, and to the people of e\er\ State, the right of representation in Congress, and so important was it deemed by the framurs of the Constitution that the equality of States shall be preserved iu the Senate, that not even by au amendment of tho Coustution can any State, without its consent, be denied a voice in that branch of the National Legislature.

It has been assumed that the existence of the States was terminated by the rebellion.- acts of their inhabitants, and that the insurrection having been suppressed, they were thenceforward to be considered merely as conquered territories. The Legislative, Executive, and .Judicial Departments of the Government have, however, with great distinctness and uniform consistency, refused to sanction au assumption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system, and with the professed objects of the war. Throughout the recyit legislation of Congress. the undeuidwl fact makes itself apparent, that these ten political comtnuinties are nothing less than States of this nion.

At the very commencement of the rebellion, each House declared, with a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant, that the war was not waged oil our part in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of eouquest or subjugation, nor for the purpose of overthrowiu" or interferin with the rights or established

stitution, aud till laws made in pursuance thereof aud to preserve the I niou, with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired and as soon as these objects were "accomplished, the war ought to cease.' In some instances, Senators were permitted to continue their legislative functions, while in other instances Representatives were elected and admitted to seats after the States had formally declared their right to withdraw from the I niou. aud were endeavoring to maintain that right by force of arms. All of the States whose

1 rt IIJ- "i 1 r, jo, Congress irns inlbrtuad of the peo/ilc wore in insurrection as States measures vhifdi hwn i._ I oi.uts measures which luid been instituted by the Executive. with a view to the gradual restoratiou of the States iu which the insurrectiou occurred, to their relations with the General Government. Provisional Governors had been appointed, conventions called, Governors elected Legislatures assembled, and Senators and

were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of twenty millions of dollars annually, laid upon the United States by the act approved August 5. 1801. Congress by the act of March 4, 1802, and by the apportionment of representation thereunder, also recognized their presence as States in the Uuion.and they

of the Uuitod tongress have, forjudicial purposes, been divided

I 1 n™

Ttm n1n „i 1 1

moved', custom houses ree' t,biw^

the internal revenue i,„

sfrulT'T

S S 0

ti°" 'l promptly amended their foetually exerted in the interest of loyalty constitutions so as to make tliein conform to the Uoverninent and fidolity to tho to the u'reat cliau^e thus affected in the I I'uion. organic law of the land declare,! null Upon this .{iu-stion. so vitally affeetiiKand void all ordinances and laws of se-

cession repudiated all pretended debts and obligations created for the revolutionary purposes of the insurrection, ami

heiue,

they are. the no weaker.

"ion, and they

d. -The same recojrnition anoears in

Vided. lie same recognition appears ill

is a i,! 1

1 os

s'-'

order that the people might contribute to he national income postal operations had been renewed. KfTorts were bein" made to restore then, to their former condition of efficiency. The themselves have been nsked to take part the high function of amending the Constitution, and of thus .sanctioning the extinction of African slavery as one of

^"^ecine

struggle Having progressed thus far, the Executive next found that it had accomphshed nearly all that was within the

Ten-

evidently rests upon the

jitit in force in fact that the functions of the State were not destroyed by the rebellion but merely suspended, and that principle is of course applicable to those States which like Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in the Union. The Executive Department of the Government upon this subject has been equally definite and uniform, aud the purpose of the war was specifically stated in the proclamation issued by my predecessor an the 22d day of September, 1802. It was then solemnly proclaimed aud declared that, "hereafter as heretofore, the war will be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the constitutional relation between the United States and each of the

States and the people thereof in which States that relation is, or may be, suspended or disturbed." The recognition of the States by the judicial department of the Government has also been clear and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them as States, had in the Supreme, Circuit and District Courts.

In the admission of Senators aud Hepreseutatives from all the States there can be no grounds of apprehension that persons who are disloyal will be clothed with the powers of legislation, for this could not happen when the Constitution and laws are enforced by a vigilant and faithful Congress. Each House is the judge of its own members, and may, "with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member." When a Senator or Representative presents his certificate of election, he may at once be admitted or rejected or, should there be any question as to his eligibility, his credentials may be referred for investigation to the appropriate committee. If admitted to a seat, it must be on evidence satisfactory that he possesses the requisite loyal and constitutional qualifications. If "refused admission, and sent to his constituents for want of due allegiuncc, they are ad-

UHinished that none but persons loyal to

a part of the United States will be allowed

feuces 10 wlncli U,o moral Maccc ,1' C.,,gra,

sound policy and ci|ual justice, than the admission of loyal members from the now unrepresented States. This would consumate the work of restoration, and exert a most salutary influence in the reestablishment of peace, harmony and fraternal feeling. It would tend jreat ly to renew the confidence of the American plus of' SI58.633,308." For the fiscal people in the vigor aud stability of their year ending .June 30, 1S08, it is estimain.ititutions. It would bind us more ted that the receipts will amount to 843(5 closely together as a nation, and enable 000,000. and that the expenditure be Sli'ill 17 ill ^l,

us.to show the world the inherent and recuperative power of a (loverumcut founded upon the will of the people, aud established upon the principles of liberty, justice and intelligence. Our increased strength and enhanced prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate the fallicy of the arguments against free institutions drawn from our recent national disorders bv the enemies of republican government. The admission of loyal members from the States now excluded from Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension, would turn capital, now awaiting an opportunity for investment, into the chaunels of trade and industry. It would alleviate the prej-em troubled condition oi those .States, and, by imluvim: eungration, aid in the .settlement of fertile regions now uncultivated, and lead to an increased production of those staples which have added so greatly to the wealth of the nation and the commerce of thj world. New fields of enterprise would be opened to our progressive people, and soon the devastations of war would be repaired, and all traces of our domestic ditlereuces efiaced from the minds of our countrymen. BfS mm

AM EN'D.M K.N'TS TO l/ONSTlTt TU.S'.

In our efforts to preserve -the unity ofj uhteers, the disposition

Government which constitutes us one people," by restoring the States to the condition which they held prior to the rebellion, we should be cautious, lest, having rescued our nation froni^perils of threatened disintegration, we resort consolidation de:

HKI'OUT OK TIIK TllKAS-

BKl/KKTAKV OK fltV.

The report of the Secretary of the Pieasury affords much information respecting the revenue and commerce of the country. His views upon the currency, aud with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, internal as well as impost, are commended to tho careful consideration of Congress. In my last aniiuil message I expressed my general views upon these subjects. I need now only call attention to the necessity of carrying into every department of the Government a system of rigid accountability, through retrenchment and wise economy. With no exceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppresive burdens of taxation may be lessened by such a modification of our revenue laws as will be consistent with the public faith, and the legitimate and necessary wants of the Government.

The report presents a much more satis-

ST™!i

,lu„

Ki'nitT

1'^ IB W—(.' HAF FORDSVILLly, INDIANA, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, IS(i(i.

ng tho 30th of Juno, 18G5, tho last year of the war, the public debt was increased S041,902,ril7. and on the iilst of October

..." 1305, it amounted to $2,740,84f).7f)l.

the restoration of the I titon. and tho On the 31st dav of October, 18G6. it had permanency ol our torn, of Oovernmcnt, been rcduced to S2,551,310,000, the di- annual report of IStM. The decrease of m.\ convictions, heretofore expressed, luinution, during a period of fourteen revenue compared with the previous"vear i.ne u.idergone no change, but on the mouths commencing September 1, ISim, was one-fil'th percent., and the increase on r.irj. their correctness have been eon- and cndiiisr October 31. 18(56, havinir of expenditures, owing principally to tinned by reflection and tune. been 820li.H7H.5Ga. In tho last nniiu.il tho enlargement of the mail service in u.. numiKsioti of loyal members to report ou the state of the finance, it was the South, was twelve nor cent. On the eats in mi-r^ss was wise and expedient estimated that during tho three quarters 30th of June last there were iu operaa year a^o it is no less wise and expedi-^ of the fiscal yoar ending the 30th of June tion six thousand nine hundred and tliircu now it in the exaet condition of last, the debt would be increased §112.- ty mail routes, with an aggregate length icse v. tales at the present time, it is law- 101,0 t7. During that period however, it of one hundred and eighty thousand nine exc ink: them from representation, was reduced 831,11)0.387, the receipts of, huudred and twenty-one miles, an a""re1 do not sec that the tjiiestion will be the year having been §S0.!)05,'.1115 more, gate annual transportation of seventy one eliangeil f.y the efflux of time. Ten and the expenditures 8200,520.^5 less I million eight hundred and thirty seven jc.ira iciiie, if these Mate.-, remain as than the estimates. Nothing cotild in re thousand nine huudred aud fourteen light of exclusion will be clearly indicate than these statements the miles, and au aggregate annual cost, inexlent aud availability' of the national eluding all expenditures, of SS,-l 1 ()', 1S4. ind the rapidity and lb ty with The length of railroad routes is thirty-

The Constitution of the United States resource makes it the duty of the 1 resident to which, under our form of government, two thousand and ninety-two miles and lecoiniuen to the consideration of on- great military and naval establishments the annual transportation thirty million gress "such measures as he shall judge can be disbanded, and expenses reduced six hundred and nine thousand four hunneeessary or expedient. I know of no from a war to a peace footing. drcd and sixty seven miles. The fen-th measure more imparatively demanded by During the fiscal year ending the 30th -very consideration of national interest, of .June, 1800, the receipts were S55S, 032.020, and the expenditures 8520,750,!'10, leaving au available surplus of 837.2S1.(S0. It is estimated that the receipts for the fiscal year ending the 30th of.June 16(57, will be 8470,001,380, and that the expenditures will reach the sum of 831G,-

I 42.s,07S, leaving iu the Treasury a stir-

HKI'OUT in- •'•"i*. SKCIIKT.UIV nK WAR.

The report of the Secretary of War

furnishes valuable and important inform-

atiou in reference to the operations ofi

TIIK

TIIK SKI. IIH

SAW

It is stated in the reports'of" the Secret.ny ol the Navy that the naval force at this ume consists of two hundred and seventy-eight vessels, armed with 2,ii51 guns. Of these, one hundred and fifteen vessels, carrying one thousand and twentynine guns are in commission, distributed chiefly amongseven squadrons. Thenuinher of men iu the service is 13,GOO. G'eat activity and vigilance have been displayed by all the squadrons, and their movements have been judiciously and efficiently arranged iu such manner as would best promote American commerce, and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen abroad. Tho vessels unemployed are undergoing repairs, or are laid up until their services may be required. Most of the iron clad fleet is at League Island, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, a place which, until decisive action should be taken by Congress, was sf leeted by the Secretary of the Navy as the most eligible location for that class of vessels. It is important that a suitable public station should be provided for the iron chid fleet. It is intended that these vessels shall be iu proper condition for any emergency, and it is desirable that the bill accepting League Island for naval puiposes which passed the ifouse of Hepreseutatives at its last session, should receive final action at an early period, iu order that there may be a suitable public station for this class of vessels, as well its a navy yard of area sufficient for the wants of^ the service, on the Delaware ii\er. 1 he naval pension fund amounts I 1 000, having been increased I 82,750,00(1 during the year. The expenditure of the department for the fiscal year ending .iOtli .June last, were M24. 2ii. and the estimates for the coming year amount to 82:i,r(JS,-i:{(I. Attention is invited to tlu condition of our seamen and the importance of legislative measures lor their relief and improvement. Ihe suggestions in behalf of this deserving class of our fellow citizens are earnestly recommeuded to the favorable attention of Congress.

REPORT OF TIIK pdSTM AtfTKR-tiKN KK A \..

lie report of the Postumster Hencrnl presents a most satisfactory condition of the postal service and submits recommendations which deserves the consideration of Congress. The revenues of the Department for the year ending .June 30, 18UG, were 814,33«,98(5, and the expendi' tures §15,352,(170, showing the latter of 8005,094. In

pronriaHo.^w^T' "TbyC

for free mail matter, as a legitimate portiou of the revenues yet remaining unexpended, the actual deficiency lor the past year is only §2ti5,093— sum within 5?« 1,1-11 of the iimount estimated in the

will

_S3 )O,247,041—showing an excess of t85,7.)2.3i)fl in favor of the Government. These estimated receipts may be diminished by a reduction of cxeisc and import duties but after all necessary reductions shall have been made the revenue of the present and of following years will doubtless be sufficient to cover all legitimate charges upon the Treasury, and leave a large annual surplus to be*applied to the payment of the principal of the debt. here seems now to be no good reason why taxes may not be reduced as the country advances in population and wealth, aud yet the debt be extinguished within the next quarter of a century.

his Department during the past year .V providing the means of trans-l-c\, volunteers now remain iu the service, I

and they arc being discharged as rapidly I 'K 1 skcuktakV of tiif. inas they can be replaced by regular troop- TKUiolt.

The army has been promptly paid, carefully provided with medical treatment well sheltered and subsisted and is to be furnished with breech loading small ami* The military strength of the nation has been unimpaired by the discharge of vn|of unserviceable

or perishable stores, ami the retrenchment of expenditure. Sufficient war material to meet any euieruencv has been retained, anil, from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call, larjje armies can be rapidly concentrated. and frontier ha\e received, or are beini: prepared for more powerful uriuanients: lake surveys atul harbor and river improvements are iu corse of ener-etie prosecution. Preparations have been inade-f'or the payment and the diffusion of of the additional bounties authorized durio'i "1 Congress tinder such regulations as .' eminent from fraud, anil secure to the honorably discharged .soldier the well earned reward of his faithfulness and' gallant! j. More than six thousand maimed soldiers have received artificial limbs or other surgical apparatus and forty-one national cemeteries, contain" the remains of 104,f2fj Union soldiers, have already been established. The total estimate of military appropriations is S2" 205.U( p.

a-suri to uoiiai call, large armies can

D«solidation, and iu the end absolute organized, equipped, and espotisin. as a remedy for the recurrence Fortifications 0

of similar trouble. The war having terminated, and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful constitutionality, we should hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the Constitution, and to return to the ancient landmarks establislimL by our fatliiM-- nc guidance of succeeding generations. "The Constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all." '•If. in flic opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be, iu any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way in which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation 'for it is the customary weapon by which free Governments are destroyed." Washington spoke these words to his countrymen, when, followed by their love and gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life. "To keep in all tliiugs within the pale of our constitutional powers, and cherish the Fedeial Union as the only rock of safety," were prescribed by .Jeflerson as rules of action to endear to his "countrymen the true principles of their Constitution, and promote a union of sentiment and action equally auspicious to their happiuess and safety." Jackson licid teat the action of the General Government should always be strictly confined to the sphere of its appropriate duties, and justly aud forcibly urged that our Government is not to be maintained nor our 1 iiion preserved "by invasions of the rights and powers of the several States. In thus attempting to make our General Government strong, we make it weak. Its true strength consists iu leaving individuals and States as much as possible to themselves in making itself felt, not in its power, but in its bciiefixcncc not in its control, but iu its protection not iu binding the States more closely to the center, but leaving each to move unobstructed iu its proper constitutional orbit." These arc the teachings of men whose deeds and services have made them illustrious, and whii, long since withdrawn from the scenes of life, have left to their country the rich legacy of their example, their wisdom, and their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration from their lessons, let us emulate them in love of country and rcspec. for the Constitution and the laws

the coast a

of steamboat "routes is fourteen thousand Sr ol"

annual transportation three million four huudred and eleven thousaud nine hundred and sixty two miles, The mail service is rapidly increasing throughout the whole country aud its steady extension in the Southern States indicates their constantly improving conditiou. The growing importance of the foreign service also merits attention. The i'ost Office Department of Great Uritain anu our own have agreed upon a preliminary basis lor anew postal conveutioo, which it is believed will prove cmiueutly beneficial to the commercial interests of the United States, inasmuch as it contemplates a reduction of the international letter postage to one-half the existing rates a reduction of postage with ail other couutries to and from which correspondence is transmitted in the liritish mail, or in closed mails throughout the United Kingdom, the establishment of uuiform and reasonable charges for the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails and allowance to each postoffice department of the right to use all mail communications established unuei iiic „r

h,r

IVir the

dispatch of correspouden either

I"-'" closed mails on the same terns

applicable to the inhabitants of

1 1 S I 0 1

The upoit Of the Secretary of the i)

Lnteiioi e\h«l:i (he conditio!] of those

hr.iiK-he- ul the public service which are i-o in in 110' 1 to liU supc vision. During the last --fiscal year, four million six hundred ami twenty-uino thou-' sa'id three huudred and' twelve acres of public land were disposed of, one million eight hundred and ninctv-two thousand five huudred aud sixteen "acres of which were entered under that home, stead act. The policy originally adopted relative to the puldie lands has undergone essential modifications. Immediate revenue, and not their rapid settlement, was the cardiual feature of our system. Long experience and earnest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resources and the diffusion of an energetic population over our vast territory, arts objects of far greater importance to the national irrowth and prosperity than t.hu ol the sale ot tlio html to the highest bidder ill open market. The pre-emption laws confer upon ihe pioneer who complies with the term- they impose the privilege of purchasing a limited portion of '•unofiercd lands at the minimum price. The homestead enactments relieve the settler from thj payment of purchase money, and secure him a permanent home upon the condition of residence for a term of years. This liberal policy invites emigration from the old, and from the-more crowded portions of the new world. Its propitious results are undoubted, and will lie more signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider development.

Ii It ANTS (IK I,ANIJ TO AID TIIK. I INST it IV-

TION OK KAILHOAIIS.

Congress has made liberal grants of public land to corporations, in aid of the construction of railroads and other internal improvinents. Should this policy hereafter prevail, more stringent provisions will be required to sccurc a faithful application of the fund. The title to the lands should not pass, by patent or otherwise, but remain in the Government and subject to its control until some portion of the road has been actually built. Portions ot them might then, from time to time, be conveyed to the corporation, but never in a greater ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than the completed parts bear to the entire length of the projected improvement. This rostrictiuent would not, operate to the prejudice ot any undertaking conceived in good faith and executed with reasonable energy, as it is the settled practice to withdraw from the market the lands falling within the operation of such grants, and thus to exclude the inception of a subsequent adverse right. A breach of the conditions which Congress may dee-.n proper to impose should work a forfeiture ol claim to the lands so withdrawn but unconvcyeil, and of title to the lands conveyed which remain unsold.

Operations on the several lines of the Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted with unexampled vigor and success. •Should no tinforseon causes of delay occur, it. is confidently anticipated that this great thoroughfare will be completed before the expiration of the period designated by Congress.

AMOtTNT l'AII) TO I'KNSIONKItS.

During the last fiscal year the amount paid to pensioners, including the expenses ol disubrseinent, was thirteen million four hundred aud fifty.nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-six dollars and fifty thousand one hundred aud seventyseven names, were added to the pension rolls. The entire number of pensioners •Tune .SO, 1S(»0, was one huudred aud twenty six thousand seven hundred and twenty two. This fact furnishes melancholy and striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindicate the constitutional authority of the Federal Govnrement, and

to maintain inviolate the integrity of the

excess of Union. They impose upon us correspond-

,i.- anticipation ing obligations. It, is estimated that

S a

propriation was made Congress in the nuired to act approved July 28, 1865. Including branch of the Mandinjr appropriation of $700,000 fiscal year.-

y- dollars will be

meet the exigencies of this the Hervice during the next

INDIAN THKATIKS...

Treaties have been concluded with the Indians who, enticed into armed opposition to our Government at the outbreak of the rebellion, have unconditionally .submitted to our authority, and manifested an earnest desire for a renewal of friendly relations.

PAT NTS.

'hiring the year ending September 30, 1800, eight thousand seven hundred and sixteen patents for useful inventions and designs wero issued, and at that date the balance in the treasury to the credit of' the patent fund was two huudred and twenty-eight thousand two hundred and ninety-seven dollars.

l'KKSKUVATMN OK l.KVKKS ON, ,,'Tlli: .MISSISSIPPI. I

As a subject upon which depends an immense amount of the production ami commerce of the country, 1 recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary for the preservation of the

V,,,,. I. I- I I I 'I'-'tter oi national importance that ear and the )C t:lUc I10t 01llv tl)

.lJd

the efficiency of the barriers against destructive inundations, but for the removal of all obstructions to the free and safe navigation of that great clinnuel of trade and commerce.

IMSTtUCT OF COLUMBIA AFFAIRS..

The District of Columbia, under existing laws, is not entitled to that representation in the national councils which, from our earliest history, has been uniformly accorded to each Territory established from time to time within our limits It maintains peculiar relations to ('ongre.-s to whom the Constitution has granted the power of exercising exclusive legislation over the seat of government. Our fellow citizens residing in the Discrict, whose interests are thus confided to the special guardianship of Congress, exceed iu number the population of several of our Territories, aud no just reason is perceived why a delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the House of Representatives. No mode seems so appropriate aud effectual of enabling them to make known their peculiar condition and wants, and of securing the local legislation mlaptcd to them. I therefore recommend tin passage of a law authorizing the electors 'of the District of Columbia to choose a delegate, to be allowed the same rights and privileges as a delegate representing a Jerritory. The increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement

-. c'' hiirh, gn.'tifyin- and!

trust that the cllorts of the municipal authorities to promote the prosperity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient and generous co-operation of Congress.

HI'OUT CU.N1 ISSIIIN Kit AI I! U' I .TI! K..

The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture reviews the operations of his Department during the past year, and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to encourage those .States wlni-li scourged by war, arc earnestly engaged in the re'organi/.ation of domestic industry.

KUltKKIN AKKA IKS.

It is a subject of congratulation that no foreign combinations against our domestic peace and safety, or our legitimate influence among the nations, have been formed or attempted. While sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, and patriotism

Konio. iimri' just con

sideration of our national charact.r and rights has been manifested by forei"n nations.

The entire success of the Atlantic telegraph between the coast of Ireland and the province of Newfoundland, is an achievement which has been justly celebrated iu both hemispheres as the opening of au era in the progress of civilization.

Tliere is reason to expecL that

equal success will attend, and even greater results follow, the enterprise for connecting the two Continents through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of telegraph between Kainschatka and the Ku possessions in America. 1 he resolution of Congress's"'protesting against pardons by foreign Governments ot persons convicted of infamous offenses, on condition of emigration to our country, has been communicated to the States with which we maintain intercourse, and the practice, so justly the subject of complaint ou our part, litis not been renewed.

The congratulations of Congress to the Emperor of Russia, upon his escape from attempted assassination, have been presented to that humane and enlightened ruler, aud received by him with expressions of grateful appreciation. 1 he J'.xecutivc, warned of au attempt by .Spanish American adventurers to induce the emigration of frcedmen of the United .States to a foreign country, protested against- the project as one "which, if consumated, would reduce tliein to a bondage even more oppressive than that, from which they have just been relieved. Assurance has been received from the Government of the State in which the plan was matured, that the proceeding will meet neither its encouragement nor approval. It is a question worthy of your consideration, whether our laws upon this subject are adequate to the pre\ention or punishment of the crime thus meditated.

MEXICAN Al'FAIIlM. .'

In the month of April last, us Conjrrens is mvarc, a friemllv agreement was made between the Kinperor of France and the President, for the withdrawal from .Mexico of the French expeditionary forces. The withdraw

al was to he etlected in three detachment#, the first of which, it was understood, was to leave Mexico in November, the second in .March, nnd the third in November, 1-S'iT. Immediately on the completion of the evacuation, the French (Government was to assume the same attitude in regard to non-interven-tion, as is held hy the United States. Repeated ns»nrances have been given bv tho

hmperor since that agreement, that France would complete tho promised evacuation within the period named, or even sooner.

It was reasonably expected that the proceeding thus contemplated would produce a crisis of great political interest in the Itepublie ot .Mexico. The newly appointed .Minister of the United States, Mr. Campbell was therefore seal forward on November '.Itli lo hi assume his functions. It was nlno thought expedient that lie should he attended in the vicinity of Mcxioo ly the [,i eiuc nun I. General jer.linnie (Irpuri men ot the United States ariav, wit.li the view of 1 Ii each in ii* pr tjicr

domestic tui'l lTpuMiean turni of'goveiu111 111. »Such was (lie condition of nflairs in regard tu Mcxico, when, on th-.- Uftl of November, oHici.il i!ifor jiariun was revived from Paris Mint the r.in|Hror liad sonu» time before df-ei-ded mil to wiihdraw deiachmciits of his forces in tho month of November, according to his •'igrLt'iiient but thi* dei:iion was made for the purpose of withdrawing thowholcof these iorces in ihu ensuing spring. OI" this latter deterniinat ion, however, the l.'nited Stutes has received no notice or intimation, and so soon as this information was received bv thisCnvernmeat, euro was taken so make known its dissent to the Knipcror of Trance.

I can not forego the hope thai franco will roeotiMder the subject, and adopt some resolution in regard to the evacuation of Me xieo

Inch will conform to the existing I'lijraj^eiiiimiI. -ml ini'ct In- ox|ii-t-1:itions of tliU Iov-oi-nmenl. Tin .loc'iunculs liis sutijccl will be l:i ill liuture on^ros^. Willi licoviuniat ion ot Mexico by the Kicncli. no s.ihjiot for serious ilill'ereuce between Franco a n| I hi' L'niie.l States would remain.

It is a uiaiter uf rejrret that no eonsiileriililc ailvanee has been iiuulo tuwanl au Jul jusi ineni of thi' difference between the United States

and (iroal Uritain. arising oui of the depredations on our national commerce, and other trespasses committed during the civil war bv Mritish subjects, in violation of internaliotliil law aud treaty ubligati'Mis.

The delay, however, may be believed to have resulted iu no small decree from the domestic situation of limit liriuiu. An entire change Of Ministry occurred in thai country iltiriiiR the last session of I'arliuieni. The niteutiun

of the new Ministry was called to the subject at an early dav-nnd there is some reason to believe thai it will be considered iu a becoming and friendly spirit.

flie importance of au early disposilion of the (juesiion cannot be exaggerated. Whatever might lie the wishes of the two (invorn-

ments, ii is manifest that that guod will and friendship between the two countries eun not be established until a reciprocity iu thi' practice of irooit taith and neutrality shall be reMuteil beiueen ihe respective nations.

MllltAl.tTV LAWS.

On the i.tho! .1 line last, in violation of our in ut ality l.iws. a military expedition and enterprise against the British North American colonies was project.-.! and attempted to bccariieil on within the lerriini-v jurisiliction of the United .States, in obrdienee to the obligation imposed upon the K.xecutlve by the I'ouslilwtioi,. Iu sec thai the laws are fait btully.exccuted. all citizens were warned, by proelauiiiiion. against taking part in a uiding such utilawiul proceedings, and the proper civil, military and naval officers were directed s.. take all necessary measures for the culorceno.

nt ol the laws. The expedition

failed, hut it has not been without its painful consenuenees. .vmuvuf our citizens, it was alleged, were engaged iu the expedition, were capt nrcil. and have been brought to trial, as lor a capital otfcn.se, in the province of Canada. Judgment and S'-utenoe of death have

licen pronounced a^niiisi ouie, while oilieis linvo In-en acquitted. I'ullv l.olio.vinj: in the iimxini il' $:*n em men I. ih.it severiiv of civil punishment to ini? rui.|od persons ho lia ve engaged in re' tdntionaiy attempts which have disastrously Tailed, i* unsound and nnuis'. such representation.- have lieen made loihe Mritish tinvcriiniciit. in helm lt'nf the convicted p?i'si)i.s, as, lioiiij sustained hv an enlight

ened and humane judgment, will, it is Imped, induce iu their oases an exercise of cleuiency and a judicious nniiiestv io all who were en

gaged in the movement, rounsel has lieen employed iy the (I..vein mem zens of the Tniied States on trial t' Iill'i'iises in t'anada and the p'.oseciiti.ia which conns 'nf the I'liiicl S

who took pail in ihe e\pi reeled.

eiu-

.•apital

discontinuance of instituted in llie ties against tlioe lit ion. lias liecn di-

I have regarded the e\pe.lition as not onl.v political in its nature, I.tit also iu a "reni measure lureign to the nited States in iis causes, cli.vraeter and objects. ''Che atlempc. was uiidersti... 1 to be made in sympathy with au insurgent party in' Ireland, and. hy striking at a liriltsli Province on this continent, mis designed In aid in obtaining redress for political grievances which, it was assumed, the people of Ireland had Millered at the hands ol the liritish (lovernment during a periud ot several centuries. Tile persons "engaged iu it were eh icily natives of thai coiintiy, .-oiuo ot whuiu had, while others had not, bee.imo citizens of tile I'nited Stm,^ under our general laws of natiira li/at ion. Complaints of illisgoverumciit in Ireland cnntiniially engage the attention ..1" the liritish nation, and so great an agitation is now vailing in Ireland thai the liritish luenthave deemed it necessary to suspend the writ, of ltab«i* cor/nix in that country. These ci i'cumstanccs must necessarily niodiiv thoupinion which we might otherwise have ente tailied iu regard to au c.\pedit inn e.\-

|.re-

prcssly prohibited by our neutrality laws, So ii.ng a- I hose laws remain upon oar statue books, they should be faithfully executed, and I.iii I "lev operate harshly, unjustly or. oppresj, sivcly. Congress alone can applv the remedv by Ihcir iiiodilicat ion or repeal

... /"V), "llllcul it 11(1 co:MI u«mul in I crests nf tin* I lilted States are not unlikely to be all'ected iu m»uht th-jjiue Iiv events winch 'm* trans]»ii*i11in the eastern rontons of the time seems to have come when eminent ought to have a proper diphmiatiu representation intireeee

ipe. ami mil' (Jnv-

aiiiiiT or si:i.r i:\ca iu io\

Tho Government Im.s claimed for all peioni not convicted, or accused, or HuHpectvl crime, an absolute political rijrht of self expatriation, am! a choice of new national allegiance. .M um of the lainipcan Stales have dissented from this principfe, and have claimed a rij^hl In hold Mich of their subjects as have immigrated to and been naturalized iu Ihe I'nited Stat,...", and afterwards relumed on transient visiis in their naiive countries, lo I lie performance of miliiarv scrvicc iu like manner as resident subjeci.s. t'oinplaints arising from the claim iu ibis ri'speel made HY foreign Stales, have IktcIoIoii! been maiters ol colli rovei'sy bvi ween the I 'niled Suites mill .Kline of the Knropean powers, and ihe irritaiioti c..usi'.|iic!it upon ihe failure to set lie this i|iU'6iion increased during the war in which l'russia, lialv, and Ausiria were re-

ccnlly engaged. While Iireal Uritain has 1 never acknowledged the righl nf expatriation, she. has not practically insisted upon n. I'Vaiu'C has been equally forbearing and Prussia has proposed a compromise, which all hough evincing increased liberality, has not been accepted by the United Stile-. 1'eaee is now prevailing everywhere iu Kurope, and IIn? present seems lo be a favorable' time tor an assertion by 1'ougress of Ihe prineiple. so long maintained by ihe executive department, thai naturalization by one Slate fully exempts the native horn subject ot -inv other State from the peiToi malice of milil ti service under any foreign Government, sofef long a he doe* not voluntarily renounce iih^I nghlsjuid bunehls. ..." ....

l'(!NVI.I'-IO\

III the pel lorinance ol a duly imposed upon me by Ihe I (institution. I have thus snbmil-'. led lo the cpri yeiitat I ves ol Ihe States and of the people such information of our domes!ic, and foreign a Hairs as the public iiiteresi-j

seem to reijuire. Uur Government is now nn--^ dcrgoing its most iryingordcal, and my nest prayer is, lint I lie perit may he succc-i-fiilly aud finally passed, without impairing its original strength and symmetry. The interests of the nation are best to be promoted by tho revival of fraternal relations, the complete obliteration of our past diIferences, an 1 llie I'cinaiigtiralion of ail the" pursuits ol peace. Ilirccting our ell'orls to the early accomplishment of these great ends, let n's endeavor to preserve harmony between the co

obtaining such information us might be im- co'opcratc with i.iie oilier in securing ihe portant lo determine the course to be pursued maintenance of the Const it ul ion. the prescrby I he United States iu re'cHtublishing aud valion ot the Union, and the perpeiuilv of maintaining necessary and proper inlereot.rse institutions. with .Mexico. Deeply interested in the cause ... ANDltKW .1011NSIIV. of liberty and humanity, it seemed an obvi ous duly ou our part lo exercise whatever inHneiiee we posseted lor ihe restoration ant! permanent esiablishmcul iu lhal eoujilrv of

ol' Ihe Government, phere may cordially yS

Washington, December IRiu

Tlie whole nuiiiLer o|' Hiitish mi tlutv in Canada is M.flilii

itilai'!5