Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 December 1879 — President’s Message in Brief. [ARTICLE]

President’s Message in Brief.

Foreign Relations. —The message states that the relations of the United States to all foreign nations are of the most cordial and friendly character. Polygamy. — The violation of the statute on polygamy by the inhabitants of CJtah forms the subject of a brief but sharp chapter. The President thinks that the time has arrived tvhen some decisive action ought to be taken upon this important matter. He recommends i hat citizens of the Territory who are guilty of polygamy be deprived of the right of suffrage and debarred from jury duly, and that a test-oath be required to ascertain whether, in fact, they are polygamists. Financial. —The message congratulates Congress and the country upon the accomplishment of the resumption of specie payments. As an additional step in resumption, it is recommeuded that the legal-tender notes bo retired, and that the coinage of silver dollars shall cease. This latter recommendation is made through fear that under existing conditions there is danger that the country will be drained of its gold, and that silver will . wholly replace gold unless the coinage is suspended. It is further recommended that legislation fixing the ratio between gold and silver bo deferred until after the Monetary Congress shall arrive at some definite conclusion. Sinking Fund.— Inasmuch as it has been the policy of the Government, since the adoption of tho cons itution, to pay all debts as soon after they are incurred as possible, the President iccommends a sinking fund be provided for the payment of all obligations within a limited time, and, if the resources of the Government are not sufficient for this, that then a tax on tea and coffee should be levied, as that will be the only means convenient, and the only one less felt by the people. Indian Bureau. —The President discourages the renewed agitation of the question of the transfer of the Indian Bureau to the War Depar ment, on the ground that such a discussion rends to obstruct the officers of the Indian Bureau in the execution of their duties, and produces no good. Nicaragua Canal. —The President earnestly favors the inter-oceanic canal project, and expre ses the hope that legislation to facilitate the work may be enacted without delay.

Supervisor* and Marshal*. —There is quite a lengthy passage on. the subject of Supervisors and United States Marshals which is sa stalwart as the meet radical could wish. The President recommends the passage of appropriat ons sufficient to pay Supervisors and Marshals for their service daring the portion of the fiscal year for which no appropriation was made, and also recommends similar appropriations for the future. Washington Monument.— The message urges Congress to make an appropriation sufficient to oomplete the long-neglected Washington monument Foreign Commerce.— The message directs the attention of Congress to the condition c-f our foreign commerce, and asks that all possible legislation to extend our commerce be enacted, especially in respect to the carrying trade. Civil Service.— The President asks Congret s to devise some means for putting an improved civil service upon a permanent basis which shall be beyond the reach of the politicians. He suggests the appointment of a commission which snail have the power to make all appointments under the General Government, the touu e of office to be good behavior.