Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1853-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS'S MESSAGE,
From the Picayune.]

WASHINGTON, lee. 4, 1898, ~ P. M.--In
Message which, it is expected, will be deliy
cred tomorrow, is briefer than usual.
1t reafirms the principles which have bee1
enumerated by Mr.. Marcy in the Koszta case
and proclaims the determination of the Presi
dent to abide by them.
1t will show that our relations with Mexico
are promising and ~peaseful, and that the Guam,
difficulty arising out of the question of the
property in the Guano Islands, has been def
nitely and satisfactorily adjusted with Peru.
The Importance of opening the Amazon tc
the commerce of the United States and othel
nations of the world, is discussed, and it is
lntlmated that the administration is making
Strenuous efforts to accomplish it.
The fishing question is still unsettled, al.
though negotiations for its arrangement are in
progress.
The attention of Congress is particularly
called to the Importance of having a more ac-
curate definition of the boundary between the
United States and the English possessions on
the Northwest.
The justice of the Spanish claim for indem>
nifty in the ease of the schooner Amistad, is
conceded; but severe animadversions are made
on the conduct of the Spanish authorities to-
wards American citizens in Cuba, and it is
Intimated most distinctly, that such conduct
will not be tolerated and. must at once be
stopped.
With regard to the subject of slavery, the
message re.atfirms, in the strongest terms,
the principles on which the Compromise was
based and adopted, and re.asserts the Union
doctrines proclaimed in the Inaugural address
with explicit and decided emphasis. 1t declares
that the rights of the Southern States ars as
dear to the President at those of New Hamp-
shire, and that they must be sustained at all
hazards and against all opposition open or
covert, direct or sinister.
The reduction of duties on certain articles is
urged, and the removal Of duty altogether in
some cases, by the addition of new articles to
the free list, so as to make a reduction of fifteen
millions on the receipts Of the past year.
A very large increase in the extent and ef.
fclency of our navy is recommended, as is also
a modification in the strength and organization
of the army.
An extension of the public land system will
be suggested as rendered quite necessary by
the circumstances of change and progress
which are operating throughout the Republic.
Some notifications of it Tor application in Utah
and New Mexico will be pointed as requisite.
Some modification of the laws 30 as to favor
actual settlers, will also be recommended, toge-
ther with an extension ofthe presumption princi-
pie.
Important amendments to the Patent Laws
will be mentioned as among the chief subjects
to which the attention of Congress will have to
be addressed.
The judicial system is shown 10 need very
Importance changes, and it is suggested that
probably a reduction of the number of the
judges in the Supreme Court as vacancies occur,
so as to limit it to FIVE members only, who
should be entirely relieved from attention 10
circuit duties, would be u judicious step. And
it is%proposed, that, should this be taken, circuit
judges should be appointed independent of the
Supreme judges.
No appropriations for internal improvements
are, recommended. Reasons for withholding
them are assigned at length. These are based
upon the injustice, the irregularity, the inefh-
cheney, and total inadequacy of the present
system on which they are generally conducted.
They are shown to be utterly inadequate to
meet the demands of commerce, or afford the
protectionto human life and property.
This question is argued closely and infinitely,
and it is suggested that Congress should m
power the several States to levy tonnage duties
for the purpose of raising funds for the works
they may deem it necessary to commence. 1t
is distinctly recommended that all appropria-
by the General Government, for the pur-
pose of building the Pacific Railroad, be dis
continued, and objections are suggested to
appropriations of alternate sections of land,
except under circumstances sufficient to induce
4 judicious individual proprietor to make a SINH
lar disposition of the lands.
The power of Congress, under certain cir
,umstances, to construct military roads for the
purposes of common defence, is fully admitted,
but is unequivocaIIy stated that the President
s clearly convinced that the commo defence
If the country does not demand the undertaking
If any such work by Congress as the construc-
ion ola railroad to the Pacific,
The declarations of the message on foreign
policy, particularly in reference to the extern
ion of the territory and principles of the Re-
public, are boldly progressive; and the "Young
America" views and Monroe doctrine are clearly
md firmly proclaimed as those which the Ad-
ainistration will resolutely assert and foster.
The War i'm Europe.