Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1864-05-11
Messaee of president Davis.

RICHMOND, May Both Houses of Con
gross assembled and organized at IL m. to
day, a quorum of each being present. Thirty
Senators and sixty members of the House
were in attendance. An the old officers weft
reelected without opposition. Speaker Bo
cock delivered an eloquent address. Mr.
Hunter was elected President pro tenn OF the
Senate. During debate on an incidental
question, Mr.. Johnson, of Arkansas, express,
ed the opinion that the session would moi
continue longer than two weeks. The Presl.
dents message was delivered at. kalf past ]
by his private secretary, and was read IN Doth
Houses. The following is 8. passage:
Congress has assembled under c;rcum.
statces of deep interest to; the country, and
tits peculiarly Fortunate that the newly elected
members will be able to devise measures
adapted to- the. wants Of the public service.
A sufficient time has not elapsed totest ettec-
tually the important laws the last Congress
passed. The war commenced against us is
still characterized By the barharity With
which it nas heretofore been conducted by
the enemy. Aaar mentioning some OF the
recurring atrocities of the enemy, the Presl-
dent says Christendom,: sooner Or later, will
mete to them the condemnation such brutal
ty deserves. The people of the inyaced dis
.tficts have borne their sufferines patiently
and with fortitude, while the army is IN
state of cheerfulness and hope. From every
camp comes the sterling soldier patriot, in
yokipg all the devotion, and their whole en-
ergy in the cause, in the success Of which
their confidence has mover failed. Congress
meets again, Notwithstanding the threats of
our subjugation, made three years ago, BY a
people who presume to assert their title to
the Government of States, whose sovereignty
is recognized by France. and Grest Britain.
The President comments upon the simulated
neutrality of foreign Governments, and sees
no prospect of any change in the course here
tofore pursued by them. The same reasons
exist now Which have existed heretofore, Why
we should continue to employ every available
element of success. The exchange of priso-
ners has been resumed by the enemy, but no
assurance is given of his intentions to,carry
out the provisions of the cartel. The report
of the Secretary of the Treasury is alluded
to, and it is stated that the law of the last
session contracting has had the desired effect
and that by the first of 5uly the amount will
be reduced to sum not exceeding S23GOOQ,-
600. The President resolutely advises against
an increase of circulation. Assures Congress
the discipline of the troops has kept pace with
the improvement in material equipment. The
special attention of Congress is invoked to
the recommendation Of the Secretary Of War
ID relation to the army. After alluding to
the recent campaign, in which-tbe enemy has
been defeated, tho President closes as follows:
Let us then stand resolute,. devoting our en-
ergies to the realization CT the bright antiel-
pations which encourage us, md not forget
that cur humble and ;'tst grateful thanks
sre due to Him, wit t whose grace and
protection all human efforts are Of no avail.