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About The Albany register. (Albany, Or.) 1868-18?? | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 1871)
HIE PKEKIDEVTH MKSSA4JE. Washington, December "4th. Following is President Grant's an nual message, delivered to Congress toklay : To the Senate and House of Repre sentatives : In addressing my third annual message to the law-making branch of the government, it is grati fying to be able to state that during the past year success lias generally at tended the effort to execute all laws found upon the statute books. The poliey has been not to inquire into the wisdom of laws already enacted, but to learn their special intent, and to en force them accordingly. The past year has, under a wise providence, been one ot general prosperity to the nation. It has, however, been attended with more than the usual chastisements in loss of life and property by storm and tire. These disasters have served to call forth the best elements of human nature in our country, and to develop a friendship for us on the part of for eign nations which goe3 tar toward alleviating the distress -occasioned by the calamities. The benevolent who liave so generously shared their means with the victims of these misfortunes will reap their reward in the conscious ness of having performed a noble act, and In receiving the grateful tl winks of men, women and children whose suf ferings they have relieved. , THK ALABAMA TREATY. The relations of the United States with foreign Powers-continue to be friendly. The year has been an event ful one in witnessing two great na tions, speaking one language and hav ing one lineage, settling by peaceful arbitration disputes of long standing and liable at any time to bring these nations into hostile conflict. An ex- amnle ha3 thus been set which, if successful in its final issue, may be fol lowed by other civilized nations and become the final means of returning to productive industry millions of men maintained to settle the disputes of nations by the bayonet and broad sword. I transmit herewith a copy of the treatv alluded to (winch lias been concluded since the adjournment of Comrress) with Her Britanie Majesty, and a copy of protocols of tlie confer ences of the Commissioners by wnom it was negotiated. This treaty pro-; vides methods for adjusting the ques tions pending between the two nations! Various questions are to be adjusted by arbitration. I recommend Congress at an early day to make the neeessar provision for the tribunal at Geneva, and for tlie several Commissions on the part of the United States called for bv the treaty, llis Majesty the King of Italy, the President of the Swiss Confederation, and His Majesty tlie Emperor of Brazil, have each consent ed, on the joint request of tlie two Powers, to name an abitrator for the tribunal at Geneva. I have caused thanks to be suitably expressed for the i readiness with which the joint request has been complied with, by the ap pointment of gentlemen of eminence "and learning to the important posi tions. ! His Majesty the Emperor of Ger many was pleased to comply with the joint wish of the t wo Governments, and has consented to act as the arbitrator of the disputed water boundary be tween the United States and Great Britain. Tlie contracting parties in the treaty liave undertaken to regard as between themselves certain princi ples of public law for which this Gov ernment has contended from the com mencement of their history. They have also agreed to bring these prin ciples to the knowledge of the other maritime powers and ask them to ac cede to them. Negotiations are going on as to the form of the note by which the invitation is to be extended to the Powers. I recommend the legislation necessary on the part of the United States to bring into operation the arti cle of the treaty relating to the fisher ies, and to tlie other matters touching the relations of the United States to wards the British North American possessions, to become operative as soon as the proper legislation shall be had on the part of Great Britain and its possessions. It is much to be de sired that this legislation may become operative before the fishermen of the United States begin to make their ar rangements for the coming Reason. I have addressed a communication, of which a copy is transmitted herewith, to the Governors of New York, Penn sylvania. Ohio. Indiana, Michigan, Ill inois and Wisconsin urging upon the Governments of those States respec tively the necessary action on their part to carry into efteet the objects of the article of the treaty which contem plates the use of the canals on either side, connected with the navigation of , -i : L. the laKes anu rivers wnumg me uun dary, in terms of equity, by the inhab itants of both - countries. It is hoped that the importance of the object and tne benefits to follow therefrom will secure the speedy approval and legis lative sanction of the States concern ed. r NORTHERN BOUNDARY. , t renew my recommendation for an appropriation for determining the true position of the forty-uinth parallel of latitude, wliere it forms the boundary between the United States and the British North American provinces, be tween the Lake of tlie W oods and the summit of the Itocky Mountains, to the early action of Congress. I would also recommend that Congress put it in the power of tlie War Department to place a force in tlie field during the next Summer, , ; nX)TECTION OF GERMANS IK FRANCE. The resumption of diplomatic rela tions between France and Germany lias enabled me to give directions for the withdrawal of the protection ex tended to Germans in France by the diplomatic and consular representa tives of the United States iu that coun try. It is just to add that the delicate duty of this protection lias been per formed by tlie Minister and the Consu late in Paris and the various Consuls in France, under the supervision ot the latter, with great kindness, as well as with prudence and tact. Their course has received the commendation of tlie German Government, and has wound ed no susceptibility of the French THE UNITEll STATES ANO GERMANY ON : ASIATIC MATTERS. l The Government of the Emperor of Germany continues to manifest a friend ly feeling towards tlie United States, and a desire to harmonize with the moderate and jnst policy which this Government maintains in its relations with Asiatic Powers, as well as with the South American Republic. I have given assurance that tlie friendly feel ings of that Government are fully shar ed by the United States. RELATIONS WITH AUSTRIA. The ratification of the consular and naturalization conventions with the Austry-llungariau Empire have been exchanged. RELATIONS "WITH ITALY. I have been officially informed ofthe annexation ofthe States ofthe Church to the Kingdom of Italy, and the re moval of the capital of that kingdom to Home. In conformity with the estab lished policy of the United States I have recognized this change. The rat ifications of tliejnew treaty of commerce between the United States and Italy have been exchanged. The two Pow ers have agreed in their treaty that property at sea shall be exempt from seizure in ease of war between two Powers. The United States have spared no opportunity of incorporating this rule into their policy. i THE CATACAZY AFFAIR. It was impossible with self-respect, or with a iust regard to the dignity of the country, to permit Mr. CatacHzy to continue to liold interviews ...with this Government. After his abuse ofthe Government, the inexcusable course of the Russian Minister at Washington rendered it necessary to ask his recall and to decline to longer receive that , functionary as a diplomatic representa tive, mat tnere is no uire tn we part of this Government to diminish tlie cordiality of these relations, the hospitable reception given to the Grand Duke is a proof, and that on our side we share the wishes of the reasonable assurance of a permanent peace, and that the intimate, friendly relations which have so long existed between the United States and Russia may con tinue undisturbed, the visit of the third son ofthe Emperor is a proof. CLAIMS AGAINST SFAIN. The Forty-first Congress at its third session made an appropriation for the onranization of a mixed commission for adjudicating upon the claims of cit- zensoiuie uulien niaita ngaiust opum, growing out ofthe insurrection in Cuba. That commission has since been or ganized. I transmit herewith the cor respondence relating to the formation and its jurisdiction. It is to be hoped that this commission will afford the claimants a complete remedy for their injuries. RELATIONS OF SIAIN AND SOUTH AMERICA. It has been made the agreeable duty of the United States to preside over a Conference at Washington between the plenipotentiaries of Spain and the al lied South American Republics, which has resulted in an armistice with the growing out ofthe insurrection in Cuba. That commission has since been organ ized. I transmit herewith the cor respondence relating to its formation and jurisdiction. It is to be hoped that this commission will afford tlie claimants a complete remedy for their grievances under the obligations of na tions. JAVAN, CHINA AND CORE A. With Japan we continue to maintain intimate relations. The Cabinet of t he Mikado has, since the close ofthe last Congress, selected citizensofthe United States to serve in office of importance in several departments of his Govern ment. I have reason to think that this selection is due to an appreciation of the disinterestedness of the policy which the United States has pursued toward Japan. The correspondence transmitted herewith shows there is no disposition on the part of this Govern ment to swerve from its established course. Impelled by a desire to put an end to the barbarous treatment of our ship- wrecKea sauors on tne corean coast. 1 instructed our Ministerat Pekin to en deavor to conclude a convention with Corea for securing the safety and hu mane treatment of such manners. Ad miral Rodgers was instructed to accom pany him with a Niflicient force to pro tect nun in case of need. A small sur veying party sent out, on reaching the coast, vva3 treacherously attacked at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity was given for explanation and apology for the insult; neither came. A force was then landed. After a march of an hour m a rugged and difficult country, the forts from which the outrages liad been committed were gallantly assaulted and were destroyed. Having thus punished the criminals, and having vindicated the honor of the flag, the expedition re- i i: sa. z : ... -i i . Lurntiii, jiiiuiu ii unpraciicaoie, unuer the circumstances, to conclude the de sired convention. 1 respectfull v refer to the correspondence relating thereto. herewith submitted, and leave tlie sub ject for such action as Congress may see nt to take. : To give importance and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with Japan and China, and to further increase the good opinion of those peo- t . . .1 t , . 4 r. tt.-sj n j . pit:, Jiiiu lis secure ia um umieu ouites its share ofthe" commerce destined to flow between those nations and the bal ance of the commercial world, I earn estly recommend that an appropriation be made to support at least four Amer ican youths in each or those countries. to serve as a part of the official family of our Ministers there. Our represen tatives would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representa tives of Great Britain and some other Powers as now situated, for represen tatives in Japan and China liave to de pend for, interpreters and translators upon the,natives- of those countries, who know our language imperfectly, or procure for the occasion the services of employees in foreign business houses, or the interpreters , to other foreign Ministers. ' , ( I would also recommend liberal measure? for the purpose of supporting the American Hues of steamers now plying between San Francisco and Japan and China, and the Australian line, almost our only remaining lines of ocean steamers, and or increasing their service. MEXICO AND SOUTH AMERICA REl'UB- v,, LICS. ".: - ' The Republic of Mexico has not yet recalled the very objectionable laws; comprising what is known as the fi ee zone" on the frontier ot tne unucu States. It is hoped that this may yet be done, and also that stringent meas ures may betaken by the Republic, re straining lawless persons on its fron tier. 1 hone that Mexico, by its mwi action, will soon relieve this Govern ment ofthe difficulties experienced from these causes. Our relations with various Republics, Continental and South American, con tinue, with one exception, to be cordial and friendly. I reeoinniend some ac tion by Congress regarding t he over due installments under the award of the Venezuela Claims Commission of 1SG3. The internal dis-entions of that Government present no justification for the absence of effort to meet their solemn obligations. The ratification of an extradition treaty with Nicaragua has b:en exchanged. BRAZIL AND SLAVERY. It is a subject of congratulation that the great Empire of Brazil has taken the initiatory steps toward tlie abolition of slavery. Our relations with that Em pire, alway cordial, will naturally be more so by this act. It is not too much to hoie that the. Government, of Brazil may hereafter find it. for its interest as well as internationally right to advance toward entire emancipation more rap idly than the present act contemplates. Tlie true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to be found in the elevation and education of its laborers. 1 1 is a subject for regret that the reforms m this direction which were voluntarily promised by the statesman of Spain have not been carried out in the East India colonies. Tlie laws and regula tions for apparent aliolitiou of slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of the laborers In bondage with no hope of release until their lives become a , burden to their employers. I direct your attention to the fact that citizens of the United States are large holders in foreign lauds of this species of prop erty forbidden by the fundamental law of tlieir country! I recommend to Con- j gross to provide by stringent legisla tion a suitable remedy against the hold- : ing, owning or dealing in slaves or be ing interested in slave property in for eign lands, either as owners, hirers or mortgagers, by citizens ofthe United States. CUBA. It is to be regretted that the disturbed condition of the inland of Cuba contin ues to be a source of annoyance and anxiety. The existence of a protracted struggle in such a cause iu close prox imity to our own territoiy, without apparent prospect of an early termin ation, cannot be other than an object of concern to a people who, while ab staining from interference in the af fairs of other Powers, naturally desire to see every country in the undisturbed enjoyment of peace, liberty and the blessings of free institutions. Our naval commanders iu Cuban waters liave been instructed, in case ic should be come necessary, to spare no effort to protect the lives and property of bona fide American citizens, and to main tain the dignity ofthe flag. It is hoped tliat all pending questions with Spain growing out of the affairs in Cuba may be adjusted in the spirit of peace and conciliation which has heretofore gov erned the two Powers in their treat ment of such questions. - THE NATIONAL DEBT AND FINANCE. The national debt has leen reduced to the extent of $80,057,126 during the year ; and by the negotiations of na tional bonds at a lower rate of interest the interest on the public debt has been so far diminished tliat now the sum to be raised for interest account is nearly $17,000,000 le3s than on the 1st of March, 18G9. It was highly desir able that this rapid diminution should take place, both to strengthen the cred it of the country and to convince its citizens of their entire ability to meet every dollar of liability without bank rupting them. But in view of the ac complishment of these desirable ends, of the rapid development of the resour ces of the country, its increasing abil ity to meet large demands, and the amount already paid, it is not desirable that the present resources of the coun try should continue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid payment. THE TARIFF AND TNTERNAL TAXES. I therefore recommend a modifica tion of both the tarut and internal tax laws. I recommend that all taxes from internal sources be abolished, ex- eepc tuose on spirituous, vinous and .. ii i; ai : . niaic liquors, tooaeco in its variom forms, and stimps. In readjusting the tariff, I suggest that a careful estimate bennade of the amount of surplus revenue collected under the present laws after providing for the current expenses of the Government, the interest account, and a sinking- fund ; and that this surplus be reduced in such manner as to afford the gi-eat est relief to the greatest : number. There are many articles not produced at home, such as medicines compound ed, from which very little revenue is derived, but which enter into general All such articles I recommend use. 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 the home produc- :a.. i !. ii.. - .. .won ui- ieuucmg me wages ot the American laborer. I have not enter ed into figures, because to do so would be to repeat all that will be laid before you in the report of the Secretary cf COLLECTING REVENUES. The present laws for collecting the revenues pay the Collectors of Cus toms small salaries, - but' provide for shares in all seizures, which, at the principal ports of entry particularly, raise the compensation of these officers to a large sum. It lias always seemed to me that this system must at times work perniciously. It holds out in ducements to dishonest men, should such get possession of those offices, to lie lax in their scrutiny of the goods entered so as to enable them finally to make money out of the seizures. Your attention is respectfully invited I t f t tic eiihieet.. ' - - j TI1K CURRKNCY. The continued comparative differ ence in the value of go!d as compared with the national currency has a most damaging effect upon the increase and development of tle country. In keep ing up the prices of all articles neces sary in everyday life it fosters a species of gambling prejudicial alike to . the national morals and national finances. If the question can be mot as to how to fix the value of our currency, that value continually and in Uniformity approaching par with specie, a very desirable object will Ik; gained. FOR THE OPERATION OF THE ARMY Iii the pat'year, and for the cost of maintaining it, the estimates for tlie ensuing year, and for continuing ;the seaeoast and other improvements con ducted under the supervision of the War Department, I refer 3'ou to the accompanying report of the Secretary of War. 4 call your attention to the provisions of the Act of Congress, ap proved Ma fell 3, lS(tt), which discon tinues promotions in the staff corps of the army until provided for by the law. I recommend that the number of officers in each grade of the staff corps be. fixed, and that whenever the number in any one grade falls below the nuinhei so fixed, that, the vacancy may be filled by promotion from the grade below. I also recommend when the office of Chief of the Corps be comes vacant, that the place may be filled by selection from the corps in which the vacancy exists. NAVAL DEPARTMENT. . The report ofthe Secretary of the Navy shows an improvement in the number and -efficiency of the naval force, without material increase ofthe exeiise ofj supporting it. This i due to the policy which has been adopted, and is being extended as far as onr material will permit, of using smaller vessels as cruisers on the sev eral station of the United States. We have been enabled to occupy at once a larger extent of cruising ground, to visit more frequently the ports where the presence of our flag is desirable, and generally to discharge more effi ciently the appropriate duties of the navy in time of peace without exceed ing the nuuiber of men or the expen ditures authorized by lafw. During the past year the navy has. In addi tion to its regular serviee, supplied the men ami officers for the vessels of the coast survey, and has completed the surveys authorized by Congress of the isthmuses of Darien and Tehuantepec and under like authority has sent, out an expedition, completely furnished and equipped, to explore the unknown ocean of thft . North. The suggestion of the report as to the necessity for In creasing and improving the material ofthe Navyi and the plan recommend ed for reducing the personel of the service to a peace standard by the gradual abolition of certain grades of officers, the) reduction of others, and the employment of some in the ser vice of the Commercial marine, are all for consideration, and deserve the thoughtful attention of Congress. I alo recommend that all promotions in the navy 'above the rank of Captain, shall be by selection instead of by se niority. This course will secure in the higher I grades greater efficiency, and hold out an incentive to young officers to improve themselves in the knowledge jof tlieir profession. The present cost of maintaining tlie navy, its cost as Compared with that of the. preceding 3par, and the estimates for the ensuing:3'ear, are contained in the accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy. FOSTAL AFFAIRS. The enlarged receipts ofthe Post Office, as is; shown by the accompany ing report Of the Postmaster General, exhibits a gratifying increase in that branch of the public serviee. It is an index of th growth ot education and of the prosperity of the people two elementHiighly conductive to the vigor and stability of a republic. With a vast territoiy like ours, much of it sparsely populated, but all requiring the services of the mail, it is not at present to be expected that this de partment can be made self sustaining, but a gradual approach to this end, from year to year, is confidently relied on, and the day is not far distant when the Post Office Department of the Government will prove a much great er blessing to the whole people than it is now. The suggestions of the Post master General fbr improvements in the department presided over by him are earnestly recommended to your special' attention, especially docu ments favorable to the plan for unit ing the telegraph system of the Unit ed States with the postal system. It is believed that by such a course the cost of telegraphing could be much re duced and the service as well if not better rendered. It would secure a further advantage, by extending the telegraph through portions of the country whre private enterprise will not construct it, to commerce, trade, and above all, the efforts to bring a people widely separated into a com munity of interests, always benefited by a rapid intercommunication. Edu cation, the ground- work of re publican institutions.) is encouraged by increas ing the mail facilities, "together with speedy nevys from all parts of the country. ' The desire to reap the bene fits of such Improvements will stimu late education. I refer you to the re- iort of the full details of results w There has Postmaster General for pf the operations of last year and for comparative statements tfi former years. THE KU-KLUX. been imposed upon the Executive bjranch of the Government the execution ofthe Act of Congress ap proved April 20, 1871, and commonly known as the Ku-KIux law, in a por tion of the jState of South Carolina. The necessity of the course pursued will be demonstrated by the report of the Committee to investigate Southern outrages. Under the provisions ofthe above Act I issued a proclamation call ing the attention of the people of the United States to the same, and declar ing my reluctance to exercise any of the extraordinary power thereby con ferred upon Sine, except in ease of im perative necessity ; but making known my purpose to exercise such powers whenever it fehduld become necessarv to do so, for the ournose of secm-fno- tn all citizens 6f the United States tha peaceful eniovment of the rights guar- I anteed them by the constitution and ; the laws. After the passage ti tia : law, information was received ironi time to time that combinations of the character referred to in this law exist ed, and were powerful in many parts of the Southern Suites, particularly, In several counties ot South Carolina. CarefnJ investigations were made, and it was ascertained that in nine counties of that State such combinations were active and jniwerful, embracing a suf 'iiclent portion of the citizens to con trol the local authorities, and having among other things the object of de priving the emancipated class of the substantial benefits of freedom, and of the privileges of free political action those citizens who did not sympathize with their own views. Among their operations were frequent scourging and occasional assassinations, general ly perpetrated at night by disguised persons, their victims in almost .all cases being citizens of different politi cal sentiments from their own, or free pea-sons of color, who had shown a disposition to claim their usual rights with other citizens. Thousands of ui oliensive and well-disposed citizens were the sufferers by this lawless vio lence. Thereupon, on the l:ith 6rOc toler, 1S71, a proclamation was issued in the terms of the law, calling upon the members of the combinations to disperse within five days, aud to deliv er to the Marshal or to the military officers of the Uuited States all anus, ammunition, uniforms, disguises and other means and implements used by them for earryh-g out their unlawful purposes. This warning not having been heeded, on the 17th of October another pr&ghatiou was issued him penning tne 'wnt of natseas eorpm m due counties in that Stvte, and direc tions were given that within the coun ties so designated persons supposed, upon credible information, to be mem bers ot such unlawful combinations, -houM be arrested by the military for ces ofthe United States and delivered to the Marshal, to be dealt with accord ing to law. In two ot said counties many arrests have been made. At the .ast accounts the number of persons thus arrested was one hundred and sixty-eight. Several hundred, whose criminality was'ascertained to be of an inferior degree, were released for the present. These have generally made confessions of their guiit. Great cau tion lias been exercised in making these arrests and notwithstanding the large number, it is believed that no innocent person is now in custody. The prisoners will be held for regular trial iu the judicial tribunals of the United States. As soon as it appeared that the authorities of tlie United States were about to take rigorous measures to enforce the law, many per ions absconded, and there is good grounds for supposing that all of such persons have been living in violation of the law. A full report of what has iieen done under this law will be sub mitted to Congress by the Attorney General. AFFAIRS IN UTAH. In Utah there still remains a rem nant of barbarism, repngnant to civili sation, decency and tlie . laws of the United States. Territorial officers, .however, have been fbnnd who are willing, to perform their duty in a spirit of eqity aud with a due sense of sus taining the majesty ofthe law. Neither polygamy nor any other violation of existing statutes will be permitted within any Territory of the United States. It is not with the religion of the self-styled Saints that we are now dealing but their practices. They will be protected in the worship of God ac cording to the dictates oftlieirconscien ces, but they will not be permitted to violate the laws under the cloak of re ligion. It may be advisable for Con gress to consider what, in the execu tion of the laws a trains t polygamy, is the statin of tlie several wives and" their oflspriug. Tlie propriety of Con gress passing an " enabling act author izing the Territorial Legislature of Utah to legitimatize all bom prior toa time fixed in the act might be sustain ed by considerations of humanity to these innocent children. This is a suggestion only, and not a recommen dation. INDIAN RELATIONS. The policy pursued toward the In dians has resulted favorably, so far as win be judged from the limited time luring which it has been in operation through the tribes uuder the various societies of Christians to whom has been entrusted the execution of the policy, and the Board of Commis sioners authorized by the law of April 10, 1S39. Many tribes of Indians have been induced to settle upon re servations, to cultivate the soil and perforin labor of various kinds, . and partially to accept civilization. They are being care for in such a way, it is hoped, as to induce those still pursu ing their old habits of life to embrace the only opportunity which is left them to avoid extermination. I recom mend liberal appropriations to carry out the Indian ix'ace policy; not only because it is humane, Christian-like and economical, but because it is right I. recommend to your favorable con sideration, also,' the policy of granting a territorial government to Indians on the Indian Territory west of Arkansas and Missouri, and south ot Kansas. In doing so every right guaranteed to tne i nutans by treaty should be secur ed. Such a course might in time be the means - of '.-'collecting' most of the incnans now between the Missouri and Pacific and south of the British Pos sessions, into one Territory or State a ne secretary oi tne interior has a treaty upon this subject at length, and i recommeuu to you nis suggestions. PUBLIC LANDS. I renew my recommendation that the public land shall be regarded as a heritage to our children, to be dis- txsed of only as ream red for occu nation and to actual settlers. Tliost actually granted have been in great part disposed of in such a wav as to Serum nwc: tn Kn )mlonv htr : tilt- -" l. ... .A... JV. V. . J hardy settler who mav wish to avail himself of them. But caution should be exercised even in attaining so de sirable an object as educational in terest. T By the grant of the proceeds of the sale of the public lands to set tlers, I do not wish to bo understood as recommending in the least degree a curtailment of what is being done by the General Government for the en couragement of education. The rejiort of tbe Swretarv.of tbe Interior, Mtb m It ted with this will give you 'infor mation collected and prepared for publication iiu regard to the cousin taken during the year 1S70. the opera tions of the Bureau of Education for tlie year, the Patent Office, the Pen sion Off cj, Unud Office And the Indian Bureau. AGRICULTURAL F.UR K A V OFFICI A L. 'The report of the Commissioners of Agriculture gives the oierations of his Departinent for the year. As agricul ture is the ground-work of our pro tierity, too much imiKirtai.ee cauuot be attached to the labor of'tlih De partment in the hands of an able head with able assistants, nil zealously de voted to Introducing Into the agricul tural productions of the nation - all useful product adapted to any of the various climates aud soils of our va.-t territory, and to giving all useful in formation as to the method of vttltt vatiou of the plants and c r. als and other products adapted to partic'ar loealit'ies. The Agricultural - Bureau is working a great national good, ai.d if liberally supported the more widely its influence will be extended and the less dependent we wi.l be uixm tlio products of foreign countries. The subject of compensation to tlie I leads of Bureaus and 'officials holding positions of responsibi.ity. and requir ing ability and character to fill them properly, is one to which your atten tion is invited. But few of the officials receive a compensation equal to the r; sjiectable support of a family, while tlieir duties are such as to involve millions of interest.5' In private lift? sjfeh' services wotikT demand . coarei-.. satioii equVifttfYhe "fferrHw relHered. A wise policy would dictate the same rule in the Government service. I liave not given the estimate for the support of t he Government for the ensuing year, or a comparative statement between the expenditures for the 3'ear just past and the one jit it preced ing, because all those figures are con tained in the accompanying reports, or in these presented directly to Congress. These estimates have my approval. OKNKRAL AMNKSTV. More than six years liaving elapsed since the last hostile gnu was fired be tween the armies then arrayed against each other one tor the JM-Tpetiiation, the otlier for tlie destruction of the Union it may well be considered whether it is not now time the disabil ities imposed by the Fourteenth Amendment shonld be removed. That Amendment does not exclude the bal lot, but only requires the disability to hold office of certain classes. When tlie purity of the ballot-box is secure, by a majority sure to elect officers re flecting the views of the majority, I do not see tlie advantage or propriety of excluding men from office merelv be cause they were before the rebellion of a standing ami character sufficient to be elected to positions requiring them to take tlie oath to support the Con stitution and admitting the eligibility oi tnose entertaining me same views, but of less standing in tlieir communi ties. It may be said the former viola ted an oath, while the latter- did not liave it in their power to do so. If they tliat they would liave broken it as did the former class. If there are any great criminals distinguished above all otherfor tlie part they topk in oppo sition to tlie Government, they might, in the judgment of Congress, be ex cluded from such an amnesty. This subject is submitted for your careful consideration. THE SOUTHERN STATES. Tlie condition of the Southern Stater is, uidiappily, not such as all true, pa triotic citizens would like to see. So" cial ostracism for opinion's sake, per sonal violence or threats toward per sons entertaining political views op posed to those entertained by trie ma jority of the citizens, prevent Immigra tion and the flow or much needed capi tal into the States lately into rebellion. It will be at happy condition f the country when the. old citizens of the States will take an interest in public affairs, tolerate an idea honestly entertained, vote for men representing their views, and permit tlie freedom of expression and ballot in tlfose enter taining different political convictions. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Under the provisions of the act of Congress approved February 21st, 1871, a Territorial Government was organized in the District of Columbia. Its results liave thus far fully realized tlie expectations of its advocates. Un der the direction of the territorial offi cers a system of improvements lias been inaugurated by means of which Washington is rapidly becoming a city worthy ofthe nation's -capitol. Tlie citizens of tlie District having volunta rily taxed themselves to enlarge the amount for the purpose of contributing to the advancement ofthe seat of Gov ernment, 1 recommend liberal appro priations on the part of Congress, in order that the Government may bear its just share of the expeneew of carry ing out various systeim of improve ments. "- ''r ' - ! THE CHICAGO FIRE. By the great fire in Chicago the most important Government buildings in that city were destroyed. Those burnt had already become Inadequate to the wants of the Government in tliat grow ing city, and, looking to the near fu ture, were totally insufficient. I re commend, there'fore, that an appro priation be made immediately to purchase the remainder of tlie square on which the burned buildings stood, provided it can be purchased at a fair valuation, and provided the J -eg-islature of Illinois will pass a law au thorizing the condemnation of the land for Government purposes ; and also an appropriation of as much money as can be properly expended toward the erection of Government building'. IMMIGRATION. During the fiscal year the number nil e 'and liabits, and coming into our coun try annually, ha3 become so great, and the impositions practiced upon them so numerous and flagrant, that I suggest Congressional action for their protec-; tion.. 4 It seems to me the affair is a subject of legislation by Congress. I cannot now state as fully as I desire tlie nature of the complaints made by