The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1865-12-09

i HIS UOCuu1cuS - sVtos"O'y ~6J'i
md throughout is characterized by
most excellent spirit; but in few places
! little '~ordy.' We think. We give the
epitame Of its points
The President opens with expressions
Of gratitude and thaukfuluess for peace
and prosperity. He holds that the hand
of Providence was most remarkably
manifested in the formation of our con-
s,itu.ion and government. as in all our
history as a nation-that the constitu-
ton Of the United States is supreme,
those of States subordina.e-the pres
erva,ion of the general government as
the sheet anchor Of our hope. .-thst
the general government cannot get along
without the States. nor the States with
uuI Iue geueuSI gUveTnmrur-rnat the
people are supreme. and tho expressed
will Of a majority mast be observed and
yielded to-that our government. is bet
ter than all others. and jus, the kind We
need for out vast ex,en, Of country.
OF reconstruction he holds that the
true policy is TO forget the past and cul-
,iva,e harmony and friendship-thst the
States recently 10 rebellion are suspend
ed in their rights and relations TO the
government. but secession being null
and void. they are in the Union in this
condition Of suspended rights. in which
they must remain, under the care and
oversight Of the general government
until such time as they can properly be
restored TO their position aud rights in
tue Union. He does TO. regard them
as conquered provinces. Thinks that
the adoption of the constitutional amend
mert prohibiting slavery one Of The main
and vital points necessary to be adopted
by these States before their restoration
to the exercise Of forfeited rights in the
Union. Says the sutjec. Of suffrage
belongs to the States. but iavors its pru.
dent extension-that each house of Con.
gress must determine the rights Of sp-
piicants 10 seats in their respective
bodies. Says tha, treason is grea
crime. and that the principal traitor,
now held shall be tried by civil tribup-
ais as soon as practicable.
The freedmen must be cared for, and
protected in their rights AS labo,ers: and
advises no hasty judgment as TO the
existence of IN. separate ra"ss .;de By
side.-wishes 10 give the colored race
a chance. and if they fail. let not tbei'
failure be our fault.
Thinks that emigration is the hope
and will be the regeneration and future
life Of the South.
Opposes mOuopoliss Of labor and al
other things. and fayors the larges, aid
to the largest number.
,Alludes 20 the reports Of the various
Secretaries. and congrstulstes the coun
try on the favorable showings.
Fsvors a reduction Of the currency
and return to specie basis Of bust
ness a. the earlies. practicable day: and
permanent provisions for the payment
Of the national cebt.
Says :he operation Of the Homestead
law has been most beneficial.
Says our foreign relations are gener.
ally in mos, satisfactory condition; but
that there is controversy with the
British government in reference 10 the
piraiical vessels fi,,ed out 10 British
por;s-ihat England refused 10 submit
the question to arbitration-tiat; Il was
the desire Of our government TO have
the arbitration as means o6eetlling the
questions Of the rights Of neutrals and
belligeranls-lhat the matter is unset
tied. He seems firm in the maintain
ance Of our rights.
Favors decidedly the doctrine Of non
intervention on our part with the affairs
Of Europe, and like restriction Of the
powers Of Europe in affairs on this con-
,inent. He seems fully committed 10
the Monroe doctrine. and evidently
thinks it may be necessary to ACT As we'll
as speak in this matter. He is for Mex
leo as against Napoleon; bu, thinks the
difficulty will be settled amicably.
These are the leading ideas Of the
message, which. in the main. will meet
a hearty response from the body Of the
American people. The 6rm stand on
foreign relations will be gree,ed ~ith
applause every where.
The South and the Churches.
In nothing is the real spirit Of the
Sonthern reopIe more clearly manifest.