The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-12-19
Saturday, December 10. 1868.
The Message.

'--~
point. We have not room for the doc
ument entire, and SO content ourselves.
with synopsis Of the points made.
lie opens by saying that the year of
plenty shouId cause devout thankful
ness to God for his blessings. Says
the Emperor of France will maintain
neutrality. and tha. England is more
friendly. and has inlerposed to prevent
vessels Of var leaving British ports to
aid the rebels--.hat the intricate ques-
lions arising out Of the blockade have
been discussed in friendly spirit, and
tha: the discision Of our prize courts
have com handed respect. The supple
mental treaty with Great Britain has
been ratified, and it is believed the AZ
ricsn slave trade is about ended. A
new treaty has been negotiated in ref
erence 10 the disputed boundry Of
Washington territory. A question with
Spain has been raised in reference to
msratime jurisdiction in the waters
about Cuba, and 10 undecided. II is
proposed 10 leave the question to the
king of Denmark. The question be
tween our government and Chill, l+f,
to the king of Belgium, mas been deciJ-
ed BY that prince. The route through
Nicaraugua for right Of lransi. has been
secured. Rights of foreigners in this
country in time Of civil war should be
looked into. and = law passed SO as 10
prevent imposition. Foreigners bav
.ximcu w S..,.,.- X
70 ayoil military service. after having
exercised the rights of citizenship a,
the polls DC. Our relations with JAP
IN are not satisfactory. owing to the bad
faith and illiberality of the rulers of tha.
country.
Our government is on good terms
with Russia. and it j. thought a line Of
telegraph will be secured through that
empire. SO that practically 10 will be in
communication with all the world.
A system Of telegrahps from the Ma
tional Capital to all militsry posts. is re-
commended,
The present Consular system is be.
ginning to be self-sus,aining. Our Min
'sters abroad have been faithful in claim.
ing and defending our rights.
The condition Of the organised Ter
rliorles is generally satisfactory. The
recently discovered gold deposits are
very rich and valuable.
TO supply the lack of labor caused b,
50 many going into the army, emiyra
tion from other countries is recommend.
ed 70 be encouraged.
Delicate questions arising under dif
hen't'es growing out of the present con
Z dition Of the country. as 70 citizens o,
other countries. are referred to for su cl
( action rs may be needed. Foreign con.
.lsuls residing in this country are nov
taxed on their incomes to support the
government; an amendment of the Law
txemp'ing them from tax is suggested
The National Banking Law is endors-
ed Is doing good service.
The administration of the Treasury
Department is eulogisnd. The total re-
oeipts into the treasury from all sources
-inclading loans. etc.--during the 6s
cal year amount 10 1901, ,I25. .674 SO;
the aggregate disbursements reach &C.
%. 196. $50 Go. leaving balance. July
ist. 1865. of s5.3es. .O44 81. I'VE here
correct so error Of oyer 5e7 millions os
dollars in the report Of the message. I
1t is estimated that the expenses for the
current year will be $500 .OOO. GOO less
than last year. Not merely two mill
ions. - vas reported.
Reports Of the heads Of Departments
and the Commander ia. Chief are refer.
red to. Our Naval force consists OF
5s8 vessels. IS of which are iron clad.
Oar Navy is believed to be superior to
that Of any other power. Our scamen
haze been Increased from 1000 to "a
600. A bounty for sailors is recon.
msnded. The Naval Academy is re.
gafded rs eminen,ly worthy of the fos-
terins care Of Congress.
The Posi- Office Department is in a
bealthy condition 1.-The receipts. nearly
eqpalling the expenditures. the latter
being siH.sl4.O0O 81. the former sIl..
i63,ooo So; deficiency. sIso.4l6 40.
In 1860 the deficiency vas $3.50. .705-
-. The convention for the regulation
of international postage. which met in
Paris hist May. is alluded to, and il Is
Hoped a'isfactory results uill follow.
The 0uantitv of nuhl;c l.s,N d;.,,<r.,l