Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-12-06

" steps should be taken not only to add to the
efficiency of these barriers against destructive
inundations, but for the removal Of all obstruc-
tons to the free and safe navigation OF that
great channel OF trade and commerce
The District Of Columbia, under existing
laws. is not entitled to that representation in
the National Councils which, from bur earliest
history. has been uniformity accorded to each
Territory established from time to time within
our limits. 1t maintains peculiar relations to
! Congress, to whom the Constitution has gran
ted the power of exercising exclusive legisla-
ton over the seat of government Our fellow
citizens residing in the District, whose inter-
ests are thus confided to the special guardian.
ship of Congress, exceed in number the popu-
lation of several of our Territories, and no lust
reason is perceived why delegate Of their
choice should not be admitted to a seat in the
House of Representatives. No mode seems so
appropriate and efectual of enabling them to
make known their peculiar condition and
wants, and of securing the local legislation a.
dapted to them. | therefore recommend the
passage of a law authorizing the electors of
! the District of Columbia to choose delegate,
to be allowed the same rights and privileges as
a delegate representing Territory. The In
creasing enterprise and rapid progress of i'm
provement in the District are highly gratifying,
| and trust that the efforts of the municipal
authorities to promote the prosperity of the
national metropolis will receive the efficient and
generous cooperation of Congress.
The report of the Commissioner Of Agricul-
ture reviews the operations of his department
during the past year, and asks the aid OF Con-
gress in its efforts to encourage those States
which, scourgcd by war, are now earnestly en-
gagged in the reorganization of domestic indus
try.
1t is a subject of congratul ltion that no for
eign combinations against our domestic peace
and safety, or our legitimate influence among
the nations, have been formed or attempted
While sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, and
patriotism have increased at home, more just
consideration of our national character and
rights has been manifested by foreign nations.
The entire success Of the Atlantic Telegraph
between the coast of Ireland and the Prov
ince of Newfoundland, is an achievement
which has been Justly celebrated in both hem
ispheres as the opening of an era in the prog
that equal success will attend, and even great
er results follow, the enterprise for connecting
the two continents through the Pacific Ocean
by the projected line of telegraph between
Kamschatka and the Russian possessions in A
merica.
The resolution Of Congress protesting against
pardons by foreign Governments of persons
convicted of Infamous offences, on condition OF
emigration to our country, has beencommunica-
ted to the States with which we maintain in-
tercourse and the practice, so justly the SUBJ
iect of complaint on our part, has not been re-
newed.
The congratulations of Congress to the En-
peror of Russia, upon his escape from attempt
ed assassination, have been presented to that
humane and enlightened ruler, and received
by him with expressions of grateful apprcla-
ton.
The Executive, warned of an attempt 10y
Spanish American adventures to induce the
emigration of freedmen of the United States to
foreign country. protested against the project
as one which, if consummated would reduce
them to bondage even more oppressive than
that from which they had just been relieved
Assurance has been received from the Govern
ment of the State in which the plan was ma
tured, that the proceeding will meet neither It's
encouragement nor approval. 1t Is question
worthy of your consideration, whether our laws
upon this subject are adequate to the preven-
ton or punshmentof the crime thus medltated.
In the month of April last, as Congress Is
aware, friendly arrangement was made be-
tween the Emperor of France and the President
of the United States for the withdrawal IRON
Mexico of the French expeditionary military
forces. This withdrawal was to be effected IN
three detachments. the first of which, 1t was
understood, would leave Mexico in November,
now past the second in March next, and the
third and last in November, 1867 lmmedl-
ately upon the completion, of the evacuation
the French Government was to assume the
same attitude of non-intervention IN regard 10
Mexico, as is held by the Government OF the
United States. Repeated assurances have been
given by the Emperor, since that agreement
that he would complete the promised evacua-
ton within the period mentioned, or sooner.
1t was reasonably expected that the proceed
ings thus contemplated would produce crisis
of great political interest in the Republic OF
Mexico. The newly-appointed Minister oil the
United States, Mr. Campbell, was therefore
sent forward, on the 9th day of November last
to assume his proper functions as Minister
Plenipotentiary of the United States 10 that
Republic. 1t was also thought expedlent tnat
he should be attended in the vicinity OF Mexico
by the Lieutenant General of the Army of the
United States with the view Of obtaining such
information as might be important to deter,
mine the course to be pursued by the United
States in re-establishing and maintaining neces-
sary and proper intercourse with the Repuolic.
If Mexico. Deeply interested in the cause OF
liberty and humanity, it seemed an obvious duty
on our part to exercise whatever influence we
possessed for the restoration and permanent
establishment in that country of a domestic and
republican form of government.
Such was the condition of affairs in regard to
Mexico. when. on the 22d Of November last,
official information was received from Paris that
the Emperor of France had some time before
decided not TO withdraw detachment OF his
forces in the month of November past, accord
ing to engagement, but that this decision was
made with the purpose of Withdrawing the
.Lo-o ccroao IN tho ensriinO sOrinp-