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ROOK ISLAND AEGUS,
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Washington, D. C, Dec 4.
T tto fnal ami Uomh of Iitprtuntn
liars :
In addressing my third nxnual mes.ge
to the law-making branch of the g Tern
mett it a gratifying to be able to Mate
that riming the past year succe-s hes gen
erally attended the effort to execute all
law fonnd upon the a ttute looks. The
policy h i lieo r.vt to irquire intothe
wisdom of lawa already exacted, but to
learn t b ir spcc:al intent and to entoice
tbem accoidingly.
KTBNTS OV MR YEAH.
The past ver '!9 under a wise Provi
der.ee, been one of general prosperity to
the nat.on. It ha, however, beensrtttxd
ed with more thai u-uil cLa-t.scmect in
loia of life a:d ropcity, by stoitn and
fire These disters have set red to call
forth the beat elements of humn i ature
in cur country, and to dcvl p a friend-
hip for us on the pait of fi rpign nations,
which coca tar toward alleviating the dis
tress occasii md ly the diamine'. The
benevolent, who have so g nerously sharei
their means with the rictinis of tLese nis
fortunes, will reap thilr reward in the
consciousness of Laving performed a noble
act and in receiv ng the grateful thinks
of the rn n, womt-n ard childrm wlo.e
tsfTmngs they have relieved.
THKATY WITn CHEAT 11KITA1N.
The relations of. the United States with
foreign powers continue to be friendly.
The year has been an eventful one in wit
nessing two gnat nation speaking one
lai guc;e and having one l'ntage settling
by jeceiui atoiLration, 1113 ciisputes oi
long statdirg, which were liable at any
time to bring those nat ons into bloody
and hostile conflict. An simple has thus
been ait wh eh, if successful in its final
issue, msy be followed by other civilized
nations, tn i to the final lueana of return
ing to productive industry mdlion of men
maintained tos.ttle tie disputes cf cations
by the bajomt anl broadsword.
I transmit herewith a Ci py of the treaty
alluded to, which hns been concluded tirca
the adjournment of Congress with her
Britanic JIaiosly, and a copy of the proto
cols of the coLferetcei e f the Commis
sioners by whom it was negotiated. Th's
treaty provides methods for adjusting the
questions pending between tin two na
tions. Various questions are to be aJju'.i 1
by arbitration.
TF1E GENEVA COUNCIL.
I recommend Corgress at an early diy
to make the necessary proviiiir.s fjr the
tribunal at Geneva, and for the ssveral
Commission's on the part of the United
States called for by the treaty. His ma
jesty the King cf Italy, the President of
the Swiss Confederation, and his majesty
the Emperor of Brazil, hive each consent
ed, on ll e joint request ot the two pawcrs
to came an nritra'or tor tie trnunal at
Geneva. I Lave caused my thanks to bi
suitably expressed for the ret d cess with
which the joint request has b?en complied
with by tin appointment of gentlemen
of emicer.ee and learning to these impart
act positions. His majesty the emperor of
Geruary hss been plea-ed to comply with
the joint wish of the two governments,
and tat cor.sertcJ to aciiniha arbitrator
of the disputed water boundary between
the United States ar.d Great Britain. The
contractu g parties in the treaty have un
dertaken to regard as between themselves
certain principles of public Uw for which
the United States have contended from
the commencement of their history. They
cave also agreed to bring these principles
to the kcowledgo of the other maritime
powers, and to invite thero. to accede to
them. Nogotia'ins arc goinj en as to
the form of no:e by which ttis invitation
ia to be cxtcndel to the powers.
FISHERIES, CANALS AND L0UNDAR1ES.
I recommend the b-gislstion necessary
a tbefpart of the Unite 1 States to bring
Into operation the artic'.eiof the treaty re
lating to the Cutleries, and to tl.e other
matters touching the relations cf the Uni
ted Stttes towards the B.i-uh North
American provinces, to become operative
ss toon as the proper legislation bha'.l be
bad on the prn of Great Britain and its
possessions. It is much to be desired that
tbia legislation may become co operative
before the fi shernun of the United Staes
begin to make their arrangements for the
coming season.
I have addressed a comir.unication, cf
which a cojy is transmitted herewith, to
the Oovemors of Jiew York, Ptnnsylva
i, Ohio, Indiana, llicb'gar, Illinois and
Wisconsin, urging upon ttc g ivernments
cf those States respectively the ncrejsiry
action on their pnrt to cirry into cffict the
object ot the articles of tbe treaty which
contemplates the me cf the canals on either
side connecting with the navigation of the
lakes and rivers forming the boundary, in
terms f equity by the inhabitants of both
countries. It is hoped tlat the import
ance cf the object and tee benetiis to How
therefrom will secure the speedy approval
and legislative tanctioncf the States con
cerned. I renew the recommendation tor
an appropriation for determining the true
ponuon of the forty ninth parallel f t lat
nude, where it forms the bounda-y be
tween the United States and the British
North American possessions between the
" Lake of the Woods" and the summit of
the Rocky Mountains. The early action
of Congreis on the recommendation
named would pet it in the power of the
"War Department to place a force in the
ntld during the next summer.
FOLICY TOWARDS FRAKC8 AND GHBUANY.
The resumption of diplomatic relations
between t ranee and Germany baa enabled
me to give directions for the withdrawal
of the protection extended to Germans in
France by the diplomatic and consular
renreaentatives of the United States in
that country. It is jatt to add that the
delicate duty of this protection has been
performed by the minister and the consul
at Paris, and the various consuls in France
mndcr the supervision of the latter, with
great kindness as well as with prudence
and tact. Their coarse has received the
commendation of the German government
and bas wounded no susceptibility of the
French.
The government of the Emperor of Ger
many coctinues to manifest a friendly
feeling toward the United S'ates, and a
dea;re to harmonize with the moderate
and just policy which this government
m iini ana in us reiauon mm Asiatic p w
tra, is well as whh the South American
republics. I have fciren assurance that
the friendly feeling of that governnnt
are fully ttiarel by the United fckates.
The ratification of the consular ar.d natur
al!!. tion connections with the Austrian
II a i gvy empire have been exchanged.
CUAKOKS I ITALY.
I lave been officially informed of the
anmxttion tf the State of the Chutch to
the kingdom of Italy, and the rem jyhI of
the ctpito! of that kingdom t Rome. In
c nf rmity with the eatablished policy ot
ilia Uuited S ates, I have n-o gnued this
charge. The ratification oi the new
treaty of Commerce be-tween the United
States and Italy has bee a eich&igei. The
two powers have agreed in their tietty that
lroperty at sei ahall be exempt from
c.-ptnre in case of war between the twj
p.iwe.s.
CLAIMS AGA1S8T tPAlS.
Tl e United States have spared no op
pcriutii y of ircorpnatirg tuis mle into
the otligatiocs ot tatious. The For:y
first Congress, at its third setsion, mid-j
an appropriation lor the orgaoiZit'on of
a mixed c mmissi.n, for aljudiciting upon
tbe claims of the citizeus of the United
Slates sgeinst Spain, growing out of the
insuireciioo la Cubi, and tlt ommis
sicn Las since been crgacized. I ;racsuiit
tlc corretp?n J.ence r I tin;j to iis f. rma
tion and iis jurisdiction It 13 tctbe hoped
that this commission will afford helaun
anls a complete remedy tor their injuries
It has bten made the agreeable duty of
the Lu ted Stats to preside over a con
fereuce at Washington between the plen
ipotentiaries e.f Spain and the allied
South Amtrican Republics, which has re
suited in an armistice with the reasonable
asiuiaace of a permanent peace.
CONDUCT OP MINISTER CATACAXY.
Tha intimate and friendly relations
which have so Ions existed between the
United States and Russia continues undis
turbed. The visit of third son of the Empe
ror is a proof tint there is no desire on the
rsrt of his government to diminish the
cordiality of those relations. The hos
pitable reception which has been given
to the Gran t Duke is a proof that on our
Eide we share the withes of that govern
ment. The inexcusable course cf the
Rustian Minister at Washington rendered
it necessary to ask his recall, anl to de
cline to logger rceeive ths.t functionary
as a diplomatic representative. Xt was
imiiossible with self-respect or with au
gust regard to the dignity of the country
to permit fir. Catacezy to con
tirce to hold interviews with
tbis sovern-ncnt after his abuse
of trovernment vffi :ial., and during
his persistent interference through various
means with the relations between the
United Stales and other powers. In ac
cvrdance with my wis-hes our govern
meet has been relieved of further inter
course with Mr. Catacizy, and the manage
ment of the affairs of the imperial nation
his pissed into the hands ot a geatleman
ntirtly ur.ooj'ictionable.
URHKI.ATIOM WITH JAPAH.
With Japan we continue to ma ntain ia
timate relations. The cabinet of the Mi
kado has, since the close of the la;t ses
sion cf Congreis, selected citizens of the
United States to serve in offices of import
ance ia the several di pert ment s of govern
ment. I have reason to think thit the te
lectioa ii due to an appreciation of the
disinterestedness of the policy whuhthe
United Stites have pursued toward Japan.
It is cur desire to continue to maintain
this dinaterested and just policy with
China as well as Japan. The correspon
dence transmitted herewith shows that
there is no disposition on the part of this
government toaweivj from its es ab'.iahcd
cours
BARBAR1T1KS IS CORE A.
Frompted by a desire to put an end to
the barbarous treatment ot our ship
wrecked sailors on the Corcan coat, I in
s.rucied our minister at I'eKin to euaeavor
to conclude a convention with Corea for
securing the safety ar.d humane treatment
of such manners. Art.niral Kogcra was
natructed to accompany bira with a suffi
cient force to protect bim in cae of teed
A small surveying party sent, cut on
reaching the coast, and tf treacherously
attacked at a disadvantage. Ample op
portunity was given for pxpianation and
aoolocv for the insult. Neither came. A
force was then landed, vad alter an ar
duous march oter a rugged and d.flieult
country, the forts from which the out
rages had been committed were gallantly
assaulted and were destroyed. Having
thus punished the criminals, and hevinj
vindicated the honor ot the ling, tee ex
peditian returned, tiLdmgit impracticable
under the crcurotticccs to conciuae me
desired Convection. I respectfully refer
to the corresponds C8 relating thereto
reiuta submitted, and leave the eurect
for such action as Congrjs3 may sec tit to
tiko.
MEXICAN TROUBLES.
The lepublic of Mexico his not vet
reDealed the very objectionable laws e
tabiisbing what is known asiue iree zone
on the frontier ot the united States.
is bored that this may yet be done, and
also that more stringent measures may be
taken by that government to mtisin tne
lawless persons on its frontier. I hope
Mexico, by its action, will soon telieve
this government of tuo dithcuity expe
rienced from th'.si causes.
CENTRAL AKD SOUTH AMERICAN AFFAIRS.
Oar relations with the various republics
of Central and South America continue
with one exception, to bj cordial and
friendly. I recommend eome action by
Conzress tesardins the overdue instai
menu under the award of the Venezuela
claims commission of 1SG6. The internal
dissensions of this government presents
no iustification of the absence or irurt to
meet their solemn treaty obligations. The
ratification of an extradition treaty witn
rucaraugua has been exchanged.
ABOLITION 0V SLATERT IN BRAXIL.
It is a subject for congratulation that
the great empire of Brazil has taken the
initiatory steps towards the abolition of
slavery. Our relations with that empire
were always cordial, and will naturally be
maae more aj cy this act It is not too
much to hope that the government of
uraau may hereatter nnd it lor its inter
est, as well as intrinsically right, to ad
vance toward the entire emancipation
mora rapidly than the present act con
templates. The true prosperity an 1 great
ne-s of a natioa is to be found in the ele-
Tdtion and education of its lab rers.
It is a subject for regret that the reforms
in tins ditection. which were volunta
ry promised l y the statesmen of Spain
u.'ive noi oeen carried out in its West In
dian colonies. Thn laws and regulation
for tha apparett abolition of tUvery in
Cub. and Porto Rico leave most ot the
laborers in bondage, with no hipeef re
lease until tkeir lives become a burden to
their employers. I det-ire to direct your
attention to the fa::t that citizens of the
Lnited S'a'ea are largely holders, in for
eipn lands, of this species of property for
bidden by th3 fundamental law cf their
tlleged country.
LAW AGAINST SLAVE-HOLDING.
I recommend to Congress to piovide by
string nt legislation a suitable remedy
against the holding, owning or deal ng ia
ale-ves or ben g interested in slave proper
ty in iortizn Unas as eittier owners,
hirers or mortgagers by persons of the
LLited htatei.
distuhbancks in cuua.
It is to be regretted that the disturbed
condition of the Island of Cuba continue
to be a source of annoyance and anxiety
as tha existence of a pro.racted struggle
n such close proximity to our own tern
tory, without apparent prospect of antarly
termination, ctnnot be other tLsn an oi
ect c-f concern to a pe.ple who, while
a'. staining from iLterfirecce in the affairs
f o'.lur piwers, naturally desire to si
tveiy country in the ucdUtutbed enjr
raii t "f peace, liber'y tnl the b'essirgs of
free institutions.
Ojr natal comraanders in Cuban waters
have bjen instrueted, iu case it should Is
come necessary, to spare no effort to pro
tect the lives and property ot bona fide
American citizens, ana io maintain tue
dignity of the fi.ig. It is hoped that all
tei dinz questions with Spain growing cut
of the affairs in Cuba may be adjusted in
the spirit of pece and conciliation which
has hitherto guided the two powers in
their treatment of such questions.
REPRESENTATION IN CHINA AND JAPAN.
To give importance and to ai l to the
efficiency cf tur diplomatic relations with
Japan and China, tojt'urther retaining
the good opnnton oi these peop;e, ana to
secuie to the Utited States its share of ihe
commerce destined to flow between tboEe
nations and the balance of the commercial
wotld, I earnestly recommend that an
appropriation be made to support at leait
four American youths in eacu oi tnose
countries, to serve as a part of tho official
families cf cur mini te:s there. Our rep-
reientatives would net even then be placed
upon an equality with the representatives
of Greit Britain and sme etaer powers.
As now situated, our repreteutatives
in Japan and China have to gc
pend for interpreters and translators
uoon natives of those countries, who
know our language imperfectly, or pro
cure for the occasion the services of em
ployes of foreign busineta houses, or the
interpreters to other icrciga ministers.
I would also recommend liberal meas
ures for the purpose of supporting the
American lines of ste.sn.ers now plying
between San Franciico and Japan atd
China, and the Australian line, almost onr
cn'y remaining lines of ccean steamers,
and cf increasing their service. j
TrlK NATIONAL DEBT
has been reduced to the extent ot f 88,
057,126 80 during the year, and by the
negotiation of national bonds at a lower
rate, the interest on the puMic de t hns
been so far diminished that the sum to be
raised for interest account is nearly seven
teen million dollars lets than on the 1st
of March, 1869. Unas highly desirable
thit this rapid diminution should take
place, both to ttrcngtncn the credit ci
he cjantry and to convince its citizens of
their entire ability to mett every dollar of
their liability without bankrupting them.
But in view ot theaccompluhmcniot lucse
desirab'e ends, and of the rapid develop
ment of reources of the country, its lncrets-
ing ability to meet large demands and tlie
amount already paid, it is not desirable
that the present resources of the country
should continue to be taxed in crder to
continue this rapid payment. There
fore, I recommend a modification et tlie
tariff, anl that the internal revenue taxes
be abolished except these on wines, spir
ituous and malt liquors and tobacco in
its various forms. In
nKADJUSTIStr'THR TARIFF,
I suggest that a careful estimate be made
of the amount of surplus revenue collected
tinder the present laws, after presiding
for the current expenses of the govern
ment the interest account and a sinking
fund, and that this surplus be reduced in
such manner ss to afford the qreitest re
lief to the creatist number. Thera are
many articles not produced at home, tucli
as medicines compounded, ana teurces
from which very little revenue is derived
but which enter into general usr. All
such srt.cles I recommend to be placed on
the free list. Should a further reduction
prove advisable, I would then recommend
that it be made on those articles which
can bear it without disturbing home pro
duction or reducing the wages of Amen
can laborers. I have not eutcrcd into any
figure because to do so would be to re
peat all that is laid before you in the re
port cf the Secretary of tha Trcasuiy,
The present laws for collecting revenue,
pay collector s of customs small salaries,
but provide lor shares in all seizures
which at the principal ports
of entry particularly raise the
compensation cf those officials
to a larger sum. It has always seemed to
me as if this system must at times work
perniciously. It holds out an inducement
to dishonest men, should such ect posses
sion of those offices, to be lacking in their
scrutiny of goods entered to enable them
finally to make large seizures. Your at
tention is respectfully invited to this sub
ject.
The continual fluctuations in the
YALUa CF OOLD
compared with the national currency, has
a moat etamaging euect span the increase
ana development or the couctrv in keep
ing up the prices of all articles necessary
in every day life. It fosters a spirit of
grumbling prejudicial alike to national
morals an l national finances. If the ones
tion can be met as to how to get a fixed
value to our currency with that value con
stantly ana uniformly approaching nat
with specie, a Yery desirable object will
be gained, for the operations of the army
and in tha improvement in tha number
and efficiency of tha nayal forces, without
material increase in the expenie of tup-
porting it.
NAVAL IMPROVEMENTS.
This is due to the pclicv which has
been adopted and ia being extended as
fait our material will admit ot using small
er vessels as cruisers on the several sta-
tions.By these means we lave been enabled
to excupy at once a larger extent of cruis-
ng ground, to cause more of the officers
in eech grade cf staff corps to be fixed, to
that whenever the number in any one
grade falh below the tumber so fixed,
that the vacancy may be fillet by promo
tion from the gradj below. I also recom
mend that wiien tha office of chitf of
corps becomes vacant, the place may be
hi led by sett ct ion trom the corps m which
tne vacancy exists.
The report of the Secretary, cf the
turveys authorized by Congress of the
Ishtmuses of Drien and Tehauntepec,
shows that the same authority has sent out
an expedition completely furnished and
equippsd to explore thj uuknown ccean of
the north. The suggestions of the report
show the necetbity ot improving and in
reestn the mutemi ot the navy
Frequently the pottswhere the
pretence of our llsg is desir
ble, generally d;scharge more efficiently
the appropriate duties tf the Navy in
time ot peace, without e.xceediog the
number of men m the expenditure author
izcd by law.
During the past yeir the ravy has, in
addition to its regular service, supplied
ihe men and officers for ths v s:eU of the
cocst survey, end hasc impeded the officers
to ini' r3ve themselves in the knowledge
of their profes-noa. The pr. sent cost of
maintaining lha tavy compared w.th that
of the prtcedn g year, and the estimates
tor the etsuing year, ere contained in tac
accompanying report cf the Secretary of
the navy. Tlsey are reduced to a peace
standing Ly the abolition of certain grades
cf effieers. The reduction of others and
the employment tf some in the service of
the Conimerciil marine are we 1 consider
ed and deserve the thoughtful attention of
Congress. I also recommend that all pro
motions in the navy above fie rank of
Captain, &c, by selection instead of by
seniority. This course will securs in the
higher grades gre.Uer efficiency a: d hold
out an incentive to the voung.
TnB POSTAL SERVICB.
The receipts cf the Pott Offi.e Depart
ment, es shown by the accoropjnyirx re
port of the Postmaster Central, exhibit a
gratifying increase m that branch ot the
pnblic service. It is the index of the
growth of education and cf the prosperity
of the people, two elements highly condu
cive to the vigor and stability of the Re
public. With a vast territory like ours,
much cf it sparsely populated, but all re
quiring the services tf the mail, it is not
at present to be txpected that tne atpirt
ment can be made self sustaining, iiut a
tzradual erproach to this end lrcm year
to year is cinfidettiy relied od, and the
day is not far distant when the Post Office
Department of the government will prove
a much greater blessing to the wnoie peo
ple than it ia now.
KU-KLUI OUTRAGES
There his been imposed upon the execu
tive branch of the government, the execu
ion of the set of Congress approved April
0. 13 7 Land coramoMjknown as " I he nu
Klux Law." In a portion cf the Mate cf
South Carolina the necessity ot the course
punucd will be demonstrated by the re
ports of the committce,to investigate sruth
ern outrages. Unler the provitions fi
the above act I issued a proe mma'ion cv.n
ing the attettioa cf the Unite 1 States to
the saaie, and declaring my reluctance to
exercise anv of the extraordinary powcrs
thereby conferred cpon me, except in ctse
of imperative nViceskity. But making
known my pnrp se to exercise such pow-
frs wherever it kUouid oecimo cects'SBr
to do so for ths purpose cf secrini to all
citizonsof tho United States the peaceiui
enjoyment ef the rights guaranteed by the
Centtitunon end ttc laws.
After the passage of this law ir forma
tion was received from time to time that
combinations cf a claraeter referred to in
this law existed, and wtrj powerful in
many arts of the Southern State", partic
ularly in certain e unties in the State o
South Carolinx Careful investigation wa
made and it was ascertained that in nine
counties cf that State auch combination
were active and powerful, embracing a suf
ficient portion of the citizens to control
the locil authority, and having, anions
other things, the object of depriving the
emancipated class ot the substantial bene
fits of freedom ard tha privilege cf pout
ical action. Among their operations were
frequent tcourinss of the country and ec
casional assassinations, generally perpctra
ted at night Ly disfp.v.shed persons, toe
victims in almost alt t.ves rtirg citizen
of diff rint lulitioalsentiniitits Iro n tkei
own,rr tree persons who hal ahown a
uitp.isitioa to claim equal nsuts. mou
sands of inoffensive and well disposed cit
tzens were the sutTcrera by this lawles,
violence.
Thcreutwn, on the 13th of October,
1871, a proclamation was issued in tctms
ot the law, calling upon the members ot
the combination, to disperse within hve
days, sni to deliver to the marshal or I
military officers of the United States all
rrcs, ammunitions, uniforms, disguise?,
and other means and implements used by
them fer carrying out their unlawful pur
poses. This warning not having been
heeded, on the 17th of October another
proclamation was issued suspe iding the
privilege of the writ of haboas corpus in
nine counties of that State. Direction
was given that within the counties so des
ignated, persons supposed upon ersdita
bis interrelation to be members of such
unlawful combinations should be arrested
by the military forces of the United
States and delivered to the martul, to
be dealt with according to she
law. In two of the counties, Yoi k and
Spartinsburg, many arrests have bu
made, at last accounts the number cf per
sons thus arrested was one hundred and
sixty-eight Several hundred whose
criminality was ascertained to be of an in
ferior degree, were released fer the pres
ent. These have generally made confes
sions of their guilt. Great caution has
been exercised in making tear ar
rests. Notwithstanding the large number,
it is believed that no innocent person is
now in custody. The prisosers will be
held for regular trial injudicial tiibunals
of the United States. As soon as it ap
peared that the authorities of the United
States were about to take vigorous meas
ures to enforce the law, many persons ab
scond! and there is good ground for tup-
pi ainsr tuai all of sui h persons nave vio-
awa tue law. A full report or wliat lias
een done under this lw will be submitted
to Congress by the Attorney General
KKFOnCKMKNT OF LAW IN UTAH.
In Utah there st 11 remains a romnsnt
of btrbaritm repugnant to civilization.
decency and to ihe lawa af the Uuited
State. Territorial officers, however, have
been founds who are willing to perform
their duty in a spirit of equity, and with
due sense ot sustaining the maj sty ol
the law. Neither pjlygamy nor nuy other
violation cf existiug statutes will be per
mitted within the territory of the United
States. It is not with tie religion of the
self styled Saints we are row dealing, but
their practices. They will be protected
in the worship cf God according to the
dictates ot their consciences, but they will
not be permitted to violate tha laws un
der the cloak of religion.
it may be ad visible for Congress to con
sider whut, in the execution of laws
ajaint polygamy, is t be the status of
plural wives and their off prirg. The
propriety of Congress passing an enabling
act authorizing the teriitorial legislature
of Utah to legitimatize all l-oru to the
time fixed in the act might be justified l y
its humanity to thee innocent children.
This is a su icestioa only, not a recom-
mendation.
THS INDIAN POLICY.
The policy pursued to-wards the In
dians La resulted favorably so far as can
be judged frim the limited time during
which ir has been in operation, though to
the action in the TArinus societies of Chris
tians bas been entrusted the execution cf
the d'leies of the Board ef Commissioner
anthrrizsd by the Lews of April 18th,
1S69. Many tribes ot Indians have teen
nduced to settle upon resirvations, to
cultivate the soil and perform productive
labor of v-irious kinds, and to partia'ly
ccept civilization. They are being euied
r in such a way. it is hoped, as to in
duce those still piurs'iing their old habits
f life to embrace the only opportunity
which is left the Indians in the territory
west of Arkansas en 1 Miss- url, and south
of Kanrai. In doing so, every right it
guaranteed to the Indians bj the treaty
to avoid extermination.
I recommend a liberal appropriation to
carry out the Indian pace policy, rot only
because it is humane, christian like and
economical, but btcau3e it is right. I re
commend to your favorable consideration
also the policy of granting a territorial
government to the Indians. An imperial
government to the Indians should be se
cured, as such a course might in time be
the means cf collecting most of tne In
dians now between the Missouri river and
the Pacific, an 1 south of the British pos
sessions, into o.ie territory or one State.
The Secre'ary cf the Interior bus treated
upon this subject at length, and I recom
mend to you his suggestions.
I renew my recommendation ttat
TOE FfRLlC LANDS
be regardel as a heriUge to our chiHreu,
to be disposed cf only as required for oc
cupation and to actual settlers. Those al
ready granted Lave beeu in a great part
ditpoicd ot in such a way ai to sreure ac
ce:stothe balance by the hardy settler
who may wish to avail himself of them ;
but caution thould be exercised CTen in
attainire so desirable an object. The
educational interest may well be served
by the grunt cf proceeds of the sale of
public lands to settlers. 1 do not wisu to
be understxd as recomniendirg in the
least decree a cuitiilment of wliat is be-
irg done by the grniral goveremtnt for
the encouragement of education.
CENSUS, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, ETC
The report of the Secretary of Interior,
submitted with this, will give ycu in
formation collected and prepare for pub
lication in regard to the census takn
during the year 1870, the operations of
the bureau cf cducatioa fvr the year, thj
patent office, the pension office, the land
office, and the Indian bureau.
The report of the Commissioner ef Ag
ritulture give? the operations of his de
partment for the je.ir. As agriculture ij
the ground wcrk of our prospt rity, too
much importance cannot be attached
to the libors of this department. It
is in the hands of an able heal, with uble
essisttnts, all zealously devoted to intro
ducing into the agricultural piroduction of
the nation all useful products adapted to
anv of the various climates and soils of
cur vast territory, snd to giving all useful
information as to th method of cultiva
ting the plants, cereals and other produces
adapted to particular localities." Quietly
but surely the agricultural bureau is
working a great national good, and if it
is lioerally supported the more widely its
influence will bo extended and the less
dependent we shrill be upon the products
t f foreign countries.
PAY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS.
The subject of compensation to the
hea is ot bureaus atel officials holding po
titirr!3 of responsibility, of requiring
a'o'li'y ard character to till properly, it
i ne to which your attention is invited.
But few of t li a officials receive compensa
tion equal to the support of a family, while
their duties are such as to involve
millions in private life, demand a compen
sation eq ial to the services rendered. A
wise economy would dictate the same rule
in the government service.
GOVERNMENT ESTIMATE?.
I have not given the estimates for the
support of the government for the ensuing
vear, nor a comparative statement between
the expenditures for the year just passed
ana tne one just preceding, because all
these figures are contained in the accom
panying reports, or in those presented di
rettly to Congress. These estimates have
my approval.
POLITICAL DISABILITIES.
More than six year having elapsed
since the last hostile gun was fired be
tween the armies then arrayed against
esch other, one for the perpetuation the
other for the destruction of the Union, it
a a ... "
may wen do considered whether it is not
now time that the disabilities imposed by
the Fourteenth Amendment should be re
moved. That amendment does not ex
clude the ballot, but only requires the dis
ability to hold office of a certain class.
When majorities are sure to elect officers
reflecting the views of the majority, I do
not see the advantage or propriety of ex
cluding men from office merely because
they were, before the rebellion, of stand
ing and character sufficient to be elected to
positions requiring them to laKoanoain
10 support tha constitution, ana admit
ting the eligibility of those enter
taining precuely the same views
but of less stiu'iing in their
communities It may Lc said that the for
rter violated an oath, while the la'ter did
not. The latter did not have it iu their
power to do so. If they had U ken this
oath it cannot te doubted that they would
have broken it as did thefonner class. It
tbereare a' y gfeatcriminais distinguished
above all othira for the pait they took in
exposition to the government, they might
in the judgment of Coi gress be excluded
forn such an ammsty This subject is
submitted for your cireful consideration.
i ne condition ot the fcoutnern states is
unhappily not such as all tiue tatriottc
citizens would like to see, ts s cial
ostracism for opinion's sake and personal
violence or tbieits towards persons enter
taining political views oppi sol to those
entertained by thj in-jirityof tho citi
zens, prevents ioimigiation andthefliw
of much needed capiul ioto the States
lately m rebellion. It will bs a happy
condition of the cemntry when the old
citizens of these States will take an in
terest in public tffiir, and promulgate
ideas honestly entertained, vote for
men representing their views, and permit
the sole freedom of expression and ballot
in these eiteitainirg diff irent political
cocntctseni.
DISTRICT CF COLUMBIA.
Under the pn visiors of the act of Cn
griss approved Febtuiry 21st, 1871, a ter
ritorial government was organized in the
District of Columbia. Its results have
thus far fully rcibzed the expectations eif
its sd vrcati s. Under the direction of the
territorial efficers a system of improve
ments has been inaugurated, by means cf
which Washington is rapidly leci roing a
city worthy the nation's capitol. The cit
izens cf the District have voltirtsrily
taxed themselves to a large amount for
the purpose of contributing to the ad
vancement of the seat of government. I
recommend liberal spprepnations on the
part of Congress, in order that tho gov
ernment may bc-Er its share ef expense of
csrrjirgout the various tysttnistf im
provements.
GOVERhMENT BUH.PIM-B IN CHlCAeJO.
By the cieat firo in Chicago the mosi.
important government build. ngs in that
city were destroyed. Those burned had
already become inadequate to the wants
of the government in that city, snd ss re
garded the tear future were totally in
adequate. I recommend therelore tuat an
appropriation be made immediately to
purchase the remainder of the Square on
which the the burted buildings stood,
provided it can be purchased at a fair
valuation, snd providid the legislature of
Illinois will &"s a law authoiizing
its condemnatien for government pur
poses; end also an appiopriation of as
much money t s can properly be experded
towards the erection pi new buildings.
IMPOSITIONS VTON EMIGRANTS.
During this fiscal year the tumbct cf
emigrants igncrant f our laws and hab
its coming into our countiy annually has
become so great, and impositions piacticcd
upon them sre so tumercus and flugract,
that I suggest congressional actiou for
their protection. I cannot now state as
fully as I desire the complaints made by
emigrants cf the treatment tbey icceive,
but will endeavor to do so during the sua
sion of Conereis, paitieularly if thosuD
jeet should riceive ycur attention.
TUB CIVIL SEIIV1CB.
It has been the aim of the administra
tioa to enforce honesty and efficiency in
public efficers. Every public servant who
has violated the trust place 1 in him has
been proceeded against with all the Yigor
of the law. If bad men Lave secured
pisses, it has been the fault of the system
established by law, the custom for making
appointments, or the fault of these who
recommend for Government position, per
sons not sclliciently well Known to mem
per?eually,or who give letters endorsing
ths character of cilice seekers without a
proper scne of the grave rcspomibiiity
which such a cr urse devolves on them.
A civ. I service reform which can cor
rect this abuse is much desired. Pi mer
car.tile pursuits the bus'n' ss men who
give a letter ot recommendation to a friend
to enable him to obtain credit from a
6tranger, is regarded as moral
ly responsible for the integrity
of his frien J, snd his ability to meet his
obligations. A reformation which woold
enforce this principle against all endors
ers of persons for public place, wiuld en
sure great caution in making recommen
dations. A salutary le?son has been tanght
the careless and the dishonest servant in
the crcut number ot prosecutions and
convictions in the last two years. It is
gratifying to notice tho favorable change
which is taking placo throughout tho
country in bringing to punishment those
wbo have proved recreant to the trusts
conuded to them, and in elevating to pub
lic office rone tut those who rofess the
confidence of the hi nest and virtuous.
who, it will alwsys be found, comprise
the majority ert ihe community in which
they live.
In my message to Congress one year ago,
I urgently recommended a reform in the
civil service of thee untry. In couaformity
with that recommendation, Congress in
the ninth section of an act making appro
priations for the tunu.y civil expiaxs ot
government and for other piurpose a, ap
proved March 3d; 1871, gave the necessary
authority to the executive to inaugurate a
civil service reform, an 3 placed upon him
the responsibility of doing so. Under the
authority of said act I convened a board
of gentlemen eminently qualified tor the
work, to devise rules and regulations to
effect the needed reform. Their labors are
cot yet complete, but it is believed that
tbsy will succeed in devising a plan which
can be adopted to the g eat relief f .the
Executive, the heads ot Departments and
members of Congress, and which will re
dound to the true interests of the puhlio
service. At all even's the expciiwent
shall hive a fair trial.
CONCLUSION.
I have thus hastily summed op the oper
ations of the government during the last
year, and made such suggestions aa oec so
lo me to be proper for your consideration,
I submit them with a confidence thatyour
combined action will be wise, tatesmsn
like and in the beet interests of the whole
country.
(Signed)
By the President.
U. a GRANT.
a t an Indiana ball, we are informed
hv the local paper, "nothing transpired
that angel might not hear." .;im ,
i j MuMti well a ml jMi
4.1,
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