The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-12-04

s9gss- WASHINGTON, Dec q
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
will be delivered tomorrow to both houses
of congress, at P. M, by Col. Robert John
son, the private secretary. Within an hour
from that time ii viii be issued in full form
by the Offices OF the leaking Journals OF this
country. There viii be, therefore, no viola
ton Of faith nor promise In anticipating a
few hours its salient aud important points in
the following correct synopsis:
The message opens as usual with thanks
to Providence for peace aud prosperity, In
the abatement of the psstilenes, and the res
torasion of civil authority throughout the
United States.
RESTORATION.
A review is then madeof the facts set
forth in the last message, relative to the
measures which the executive had taken for
the gradual restoration of the southern
states to the Union, saoh as appointing pro-
visional governors, etc. Only one thing then
remained, the message says, to be done, and
that was the admission OF loyal representa-
tiyss to congress. This question was devolv-
ed solely upon congress, In the meantime,
the President says, no other plan having
been proposed, he continued his efforts to
perfect restoration through the Judicial, rev.
enue and postal system of the country. The
south had also ratified the amendment aboi-
ishing slavery eonformed their social laws
10 the fact repudiated the rebel debt, and
proceeded, in good faith to lsgislass tor the
anelioration OF the eoored race. The presi.
dent then speaks as follows: Congress,
however, vet hesisated to admit any of these
states tc representation, and 1t was not until
the close OF the eighth month OF tne session
that an exception was made in favor of len
nessse. / deem it subject Of profound re-
greet that congress has thus tar failed to ad-
NIT to seats loyal senators and representa-
tives from the other states, where the Inaabl-
tsnts. with those of Tenn essee, had engaged
in rebellion. Ten ststes-nore than one
fourth of the whole number-remain without
representation, The seats of fifty mem bers
OF the house, and twenty Of the senate, are
yet vacant not by their own consent; not
By failure of election, but by the refusal Of
congress TO accept their credentials. Their
admission, it is believed, would have accom-
plishea much towards tee renewal and
strengthening of our relations one people,
snd removed serious cause fer discomfort on
the part Of the people OF those states. IL
would have accorded with the great prInel-
plss eaunciassd IN the declaration Of Ameri
csn independence, that no people eughg to
bear the burden Of taxation aud vet be oeni-
have been in consononoe with the express
provisions Of the constitution, that each state
shall have st least one representative. and
that no state, without its consent, shall be
deprived OF equal suffrage in the senate. These
provisions were Intended TO secure to every state
the right Of representation in congress, and so
important it deemed by the trainers Of the
constitution that the equality Of the states shall
be preserved in the senate, that not even By 81
oF st,a
without its consent, be denied a voice il thst
branch Of national legislation. Il has been as
sumed that these states, by rebellion, became
territories; but all departments OF the govern
ment, with great distinctness, refasedto sanction
assumption SO incompatible with the nature
Of our republican system, and the professed OBJ
Jects OF the war. Throughout the recent Iegis-
lation OF congress- the uE.1eniable fact makes it.
self apparent that these ten political communi-
ties are nothing less than states
The President then quotes the CrittsEden
resolution Of 1861, On the object of the wal.
and reviews the Legislation of congress
wherein tha states a-e recognized; and also
in Mr. Lincoln's proclamation. He then pro
ceeds again, as follows: I'm the admission
of senators and representatives from all OF
the states, there can be no just grounds Of
apprehension that persons who are dlsloYal
will he clothed with the powers of Legislation,
for this could not happen when the consti-
tuition and the laws are enforced by vigi-
lent and faithful congresr. Each house is
the judge of It's own members. senator,
Or member, may be admitted OK rejected, or
his credentials referred 10 proper com nit
tee. II admitted to q seat it must be or
evidence, satisfactory, thas he possesses the
requisite loyal and constitutional .Quaiifca-
tions. If refused admission. and sent to his
constituents for want of due allegiance, they
are sdmonished shst none but persons loyal
to the United States will be allowed In the
councils OF the nation, and the political pow
or and moral inhusnos of congress are thus
eTsctFely eXertsd IN the Interests of loyalty
to the government, and fidelity to the Union.
Upon this question so vitality affecting the
restoration Of the Union. and the permRnency
OF our form OF government, my convictions
herssofore expressed have undergone no
cnange, But, on the contrary, their correct
ness has been confirmed BY reflection and
time, 1t the admission Of loyal members to
seats IN congress was wise and expedisnt q
year ago, 1t ID no lsss wise and expedient
now. Ii thls anomalous condition is right
now-h IN the exsos condition of these states
at the present Time it is lawful to exclude
them from representason-I do not see tina.
the question VIII be changed by the effect of
time. Ten years hence, if these states "a.
main as they are, the right of representation
will be no stronger, and the right of exelu.
sion will be no weaker. Tbs constitution
makes il the duty of the Presidents TO recon-
mend to the consideration of congress such
measures as he shall deem expedient. |
know of no measure more impsratively de-
manded by every consideration of national
interest, sound policy and equal Justice. than
the admission of loyal members from the I'M
represented states. 1t would eonsummase
restoration, renew yigor and stability, sllsy
doubt induce emigration, and open new
fields of enterprise"
The President concludes On restoration by
repeating the warnings of others against q
consolidated despotism, and does not make
the slightest reference to the pending consti-
tutional amendment nor to the much talked
of amnesty and suffrage questions. All be
says of reconstruction I have given rerbatim.
MEXICAN AFFAIRS.
The President speaks as follows on Mexi,
can affairs SIN the month of April last, as
congress 10 aware, friendly arrangement
was made between the emperor of France