The Grand Haven news., 1864-12-14


for our ships to which reference was made
in my last annual message. Your alten-
ton is also invited to the views expressed
10 my report iu relation to the legislation
of Congress ia its last session in respect
to prizes in our inland waters. cordially
concur in the Recommendation Of the
Secretary as TO the proprety Of creating
the new rank Of Vice Admiral in our na-
val service.
Qs b PENSIONS 3 = Cd ta ID
The liberal provisions 10 invalid SOL
diers and sailors Of the republic, and TO
the widows, orphans and dependent moth
ers Of those who have fallen in battle or
died of diseases contracted, or Of wounds
received in tile service Of their country,
have been diligently administered. sN. \
There have been added to the pension
rolls, during the year ending the 3oth
day Of June last, the names Of 1910 in
valid soldiers, and Of 27l disabled sea-
men, making the present number Of army
invalid pensioners 22,767, and of navy
pensioners ,7l2. OF widows, orphans and
mothers, 22,l9S have been placed on the
army pension rolls, and 24S on the navy
rolls. The present number Of army pen
sioners of this class, is 20, ,433, and OF ma
Wy pensioners, 79s. At the beginning
of the year the number of revolutionary
pensioners was $50. Only twelve Of
them were soldiers, Of whom seven have
since died. The remainder are those who,
under The law, receive pensions because
of relationship 10 revolutionary soldiers
During tho year ending the 30th Of
June, 1854, $4,5O4,6l8 90 have been
paid to pensioners of all classes. $50
l. sl at le THE WAR. sa,ea ag ~
The war continues. Since the last an
nual message all the important lines and
positions then occupied by our forces have
been maintained,i and our armies have
steadily advanced, thus liberating the re-
gions left in the rear, so that Missouri,
Kentucky, Tennessee and parts Of other
States have again produced, reasonably
fair crops. @e' ~ q. "i sA -'~
The most remarkable feature in the
military operations of the year is Gen.
Sherman's attempted march Of three hun
dred miles, directly through the insurgent
region. IL tends to show great increase
Of our relative strength, that our Gener-
al-in- Chief should feel able to confront
and hold in check every active force of
the enemy, and yet TO detach well ap-
pointed, large army, to move on such an
expedition. The result not being known,
conjecture in regard TO. is not here in
dulged.
Important movements have also occur
red during the year to the effect Of mold
ing society for durability in the Union.
Although short Of complete success, il is
much in the right direction that $4,000
citizens in each Of the States Of Arkansas
and Louisiana have organized loyal State
governments, with free constitutions, and
are earnestly struggling to maintain and
administer them. The movement in the
same direction is more extensive, though
less definite in Missouri. Kentucky and
Tennessee should not be overlooked; but
Maryland presents the example Of sue
cess. Maryland is secure to liberty and
Union for all the future The genius Of
rebellion will no more claim Maryland.
Like another foul spirit being driven out,
it may seek TO tear her, but it will WOO
her no more.
AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION.
At the last session Of Congress, pro-
posed amendment of the constitution,
abolshing slavery throughout the United
States, passed the Senate, but failed for
lack Of the the requisite two-thirds vote
in the House of Representatives. AL
though the present is the same Congress
and nearly the same members, without
questioning the wisdom or patriotism Of
those who stood in opposition, venture
to recommend the reconsideration and
passage Of the measure at the present ses-
sion. Of course the abstract question is
not changed, but an intervening election
shows almost certainly that the next
Congress will pass the measure il this
does not; hence there is only question
Of time as to when the proposed amend
ment will 60 to the States for their action |;
and as it is to so 60, at all events, may
we not agree that the sooner the better,
THE ELECTION.
II Is not claimed that The election has
imposed a duty on members TO change
their views or their votes any further than
rs an additional element TO be considered.
Their judgment may be effected BY it,
1t is the voice Of the people, now for tbe
first time heard upon the question. Ina