Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-12-15
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The following review of this document is
taken from the american of Thursday last:
The. Message of President Lincoln, like
most of his State papers, has the characteris-
tic merit of condensation. Within the space
of little more than two ard half of cur col
umns he dispos.s briefly, but satisfactorily. Of
topics the number and variety of which would
have filled large volume if treated in the
fulsoine mode prescribed by some of his pre-
dGcessors. AS a natural result of this bfevity
bis message viii be read by thousands Of peo-
pie who would have sbrunk appalled, from the
proportions of one of tho verbose documents
of Martin Van Buren, or James buchanan.
| The condition of our foreign affairs is rep
resented as satisfactory. Our relations with
Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia and
the various South American Republics are
adverted to briefly, and the prominent points
of interest clearly shown. Official communi-
cation has been held with Liberia, and it Is
recommended by way of deserved national aid /.
10 furnish a eunbost as the nucleus Of q
navy for tina. Republic for the eifectual sup
preston of the slave trade. the money to be
reimbursed BY installments. The proposed
telegraphic connection with Europe by way of
Behring's Straits, with It's great tributaries,
has been commenced under favoring circum-
stances. Oceanic communication with Great
Britain will also be again undertaken. Both
of these enterprises foresbadow high career
of commerce and civilization upon the resto-
ration ofpeate. Mr. Thayer's death in Egypt,
and our relations with the Pacha are next
referred TO. The Celestial Empire is becom-
ing more doclle in its acquiescence with the
established usages Of tlationsy and even Japan
is not quite as caprcous as formerly. As
several, Southern port. have been opened to
commerce, it is prrdenty suggested to for
eign merchants that it would be safer and
more profitable to ship their goods hence than
to be violating by eoDtraband trade law
full blockade. With reference to the difcul-
ties which have arisen in Brazilian and British
ports, n just and eonciliatory policy is recon
mcnled In regard to the question, which
may arise more particularly on the Canadian
border, suggestions are offered for our future
course which commend themselves to approval.
Emigration is referred to as one of the re-
plenishing streams upon which we must de-
pend for reparation of the ravagcs of war, and
elective national protection is recommended.
The financial affairs of the Government, the
President thinks, have been successfully adj
pinistered. The figures given will interest
our readers, to whose careful study and con-
sideraton they are commended TO meet
Deficiencies and diminish loans, increased tax
alton is recommended with the legislation
necessary to secure it. The National banking
system is favorablv commented upon as
scheme acceptable to both capitalists and peo-
pie. Attention is invited to the reports OF the
various Departments, which will appear in
our columns as they are received. Various
interesting facts are given from these Bureaus,
particularly those of tho Navy and tie Gen
cral FostaOffce The Pacific Railroad, the
gold discoveries in the Sierra Nevada, Indian
affairs, Pensions and Agriculture all claim an
appropriate share of remark. General Sher-
mans march through the insurgent Region is
considered the. most remarkable feature in
the military operations of the year, but no
are INDUCED in regard to it.
is secure to liberty and the Union
action on the part Of Missouri Kentucky and
Tennessee should not be overlooked. The
remarks upon the constitutional abolition Of
Slavery are all that the most hopeful could
wish. We heartily commend them to the
deep attcntion of our readers. The significant
lessons of the recent Union victory at the
polls are reviewed in comprehensive spirit
No one understands those lessons or is moro
thoroughly impressed by them than Mr.. Lin
coin. s'e:ce will be restored when the Rebels
lay down tfAir arms and return to their right
full allecianee-zno sooner. Instead of pro-