The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-12-03
The President,s NTessnge.

States" de alludes to the abatement OF the
pestilence which has visited some parts OF
our country; says that peace, order, tran
quillity, and civil authority have been formally
declared to exist throughout the United
States; that in all the States the civil authority
is maintained by the people thereof; that the
enforcement of the laws is DO longer OBJ
structed; and that the animosities eDgendered
by the war are rapidly passing away.
BE then alludes to the measures of "restora-
tion" in the insurrectionary States instituted
by the Executive, as set forth in his Message
OF December 4, 1866. Having progressed thus
far, the Executive had nearly exhausted his
constitutional authority in the promises, and
it only remained for Congress to complete the
work by the admission of Senators and Re-
presentatives from the restored States.
The President then proceeds to argue at
length the question of the admission OF
'lOyap Senators and Representatives
from these States. Ten States are unre'
presented; the seats of fifty members
of the House Of Representatives and twenty
Senators are vacant. Their admission would
have done much to renew our relations as
the part of those States; it would have ac-
corded with the principle that taxation and
representation should go hand-in-hand; it
would have fulfilled those provisions of the
Constitution designed to secure to the people
of every State the right of representation in
Congress. The assumptionthat the existence
of the States was terminated by the rebellion
Of hair nhoh so o. 90 l.
with the nature Of our republican system, and
with the aVowed objects of the war. The func-
tions Of the States were not DESTROYED, but
merely suspended, by the Rebellion. He again
urges the admission of "loyal" Senators and
Representatives, recapitulating the argu-
ments therefor. Disloyal applicants may be
returned to their constituents without ad-
mission. II, in the exact condition of these
States at the present time, it is lawful to ex-
clude them from representation, he does not
see how the question will be altered by the
efflux of time.
The President next drops word OF caution
in regard to infractions of the Constitution
and the dangers of consolidation, quoting
from Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson.
This closes his remarks upon the great politi-
cal topic of the times. There is no allusion
to the Constitutional amendment, none to
amnesty or suffrage, none to the New Orleans
massacre, none to the late elections. His
tone is perfectly respectful towards Congress
and In every way unexceptionable.
The remainder of the Message is taken up
with, embodiment of the facts contained
in the reports of the various Secretaries, and
with comments thereon. - .t
He rejoices at the exhibit of the condition
of our financial affairs made by the Secretary
OF the Treasury, urges economy in expendi-
lures, and reduction of taxation, and says
that the who.e national debt can be paid off
in the next twenty-five years. 10
He commends the condition of the army
and navy, and urges early action upon the
bill accepting League Island for naval pur-
poses.
The postal service is in good condition,
although there is a decrease of revenue in
that department of one and one-hfth per
cent, and an increase of expenditure of twelve
per cent, over last year.
The beneficial workings of the Homestead
law are commented on, and the necessity of
more stringent safeguards in respect to
lands granted for railroad purposes is sug-
gested.
| 1.-THE progress of the Pacific Railroad is
most gratifying, and gives promise of its COM
plstion within the time prescribed by Con-
gress.
Such legislation as may be necessary for
the preservation of the Mississippi levees is
recommended; also, for the removal of OBJ
structions to the navigation of that great
river.
He recommends the passage of a law allow
ing the people of the District of Columbia to
elect Delegate to Congress, with the same
rights and privileges as are now accorded to
Delegates from the Territories.
The tone of the Message with regard to
France is decidedly suggestive. The EN-
peror, it seems, not long since, determined
TO postpone the removal of the November
contingent Of French troops, as he had agreed
with this country, with the avowed purpose
OF recalling them in body in the spring.
Although this determination was not Off
ciaDy communicated to our Government,
it at once took notice Of it, aud expressed its
dissent therefrom.
The President hopes that France viii re-
consider the subject, and adopt some resolu-
tion in regard to the evacuation Of Mexico
which will conform as nearly as practicable
with the existing engagement, and thus meet
the Just expectations of the United States.