Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1866-12-01
THE FORTHCOMING MESSAGE.
Its Probable Recommendation and
Contents.
Special Dispatch 70 the Cincinnati ENQUIRER.


Special Dispatch to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
WASHINGTON, Nov. q, 1S66.-More
than usual interest is manifested in the
forthcoming message of the President, and
TO allay this anxiety the newspaper CORE
spoadents have INDUCED in many specula-
tions as to the measures to be recommended
by Mr.. johnson but, save TO members of
the Cabinet, it may be safely asserted that
the President has not communicated the
points embraced in the message. Never
theless, enough has been known through
persons who have had recent confidential
conversations with Mr., johnson to enable
us to anticipate the character of the official
document, and to state, with almost absolute
certainty, few Of the measures that will
be recommended to Congress. First, its
tone is flor the message is already written|
conciliatory, or more properly it may be
said to be fair, yet firm and free from the
defiant temper which some have sup
posed Mr.. johnson could indulge in, and
again, those who are under the impression
that the President is determined to carry
out what is termed "my policy" will be
deceived If they expect in the message
propositions looking to the further prose-
cation of that policy, for Mr.. johnson does
not admit that any part of his policy of
restoring the Southern States remains to be
done SO far as the Executive has the power
to act. He claims that all that remains
unfinished Of his plan is the admission Of
the legally elected loyal representatives,
and that work belongs solely to Congress.
I Since Mr.. johnson has occupied the
Presidential chair, he has not deemed any
further amendments to the Constitution ne
cessary but in the forthcoming message,
in view of the exigencies of the day, Mr..
johnson viii recommend several matters
as subjects to be embraced in proposed
amendments to that instrument. Among
them may be mentioned the adjustment
of the electoral college and the election of
President and Vice President directly by
the voters 81 large without regard to State
boundaries.
/ Another amendment suggested is the
election Of United States Senators by the
voters at large, in the several States, in
stead of eleeting them by the State Legisla-
lures and still another amendment named
is the appointment of Judges Of the United
States Supreme Court for term of twelve
years each, one-third Of the entire number
to be appointed every four years. These
amendments were suggested some years ago
in the United States Senate BY Mr.. John
son, while he was a member Of that body.
The amendment proposing the election
of President by the voters at large, in the
opinion Of Mr.. johnson will effectually
regulate the question Of suffrage within
the States, by making it of imperative in
terest that each State includes as many
voters As possible, and thus in proper time.
the franchise viii be extended to the colored
people.
There are some who believe the Presi-
dent will discuss the universal amnesty
question, and propose some action thereon
by Congress, but those best advised under
stand that Mr.. johnson holds that, under
the Constitution, the Executive has the |
sole power to grant amnesty and pardon,
and therefore he will not propose any action
on that subject by Congress,
"A considerable portion of the message is |
devoted 20 foreign affairs, and especially to |
the controversy with the British Govern |
ment about the Alabama claims, the so
called Mexican protectorate, and the
action Of our Government with reference
to'the failures of Napoleon to withdraw a
portion Of his troops from Mexico during
this month. rs g f.-8 no FL n
Such are some of the main features Of the
message that viii be presented to Congress
by the Executive next week.