The Shasta courier., 1866-01-13
SH ASIA COURIER r
Presidents Mesa ge.

This document has been before the people
of this coast now for something over week
1t is a bold, honest, frank and straightfor
ward statement, in the very best of English
of the condition Of the country, and of the
policy of the Administration for its govern
ment. Its candor and truthfulness are
apparent upon its face, as well as the pat
riotism of the writer. The following fea-
lures of the Message" we copy from the
Sacramento Bee:
In entering upon his task, the Presiagn'
pays a tribute to the memory OF LlhcoIh,
lamented by high and low throughout 'ne
world, and, as an indispensable means VI
securing the cooperation of the citlzehs,
states frankly the principles which gulue nis
conduct and their application to the pfesens
condition of affairs. The document TeieiS 70 70
the Constitution as the connecting ponI - :,
the Union 90 the Union shall be perpetual
are the words of the articles of coniederaticn'
and to cement and preserve that Cnion 10 iVs
declared purpose. The adoption OF that IN
strument is asserted to be the greatest event
in American history, and the most pregnant
of consequences for every people OF the earth.
1t is referred to throughout as the world
Magma Charta The wisdom of Its provisions
is proved by the unanimity with which,
within a short time the inhabitants of
diverse sections, acting separately In many
distinct conventions, and representing so
many different feelings and opinions, were
drawn for its support. The conclusion is
that the Constitution must be maintained
That instrument contains within itself ample
resources for it's own preservation it has
power to enforce the laws, punish treason,
and insure domestic tranquility and to put
down oligarchies. For the cure of any
defects, simple mode of amendment is pro-
vided for in the Constitution ITSELF and these
powers of self, preservation have been asserted
by every patriotic Chief Magistrate-by JEFF
ferson and jackson, not less than by Wash
ington and Madison. d" The Constitution is
the work of the people of the United States,
and it should be indestructible as the peo-
ple."
The message disclaims all ideas of CEN
tralization on the part of the Government
beyond that which consideration for the
general good renders necessary and impera-
tive. The States are to be left to the exer.
else of their several guaranteed rights. To
assume the functions delegated to them would
but embarrass the Government The will of
the maiority,is regarded as established above
the States" is the language of the Confeder-
acy, and not of the Constitution. The Judges
in every State shall be bound to obey the
Constitution of the United States as the
supreme law of the land, anything in the
Constitution or laws of any State to the con-
trary Notwithstanding. The principle of
human freedom in the broadest acceptation is
regarded as provided for by it, and its per-
petuity as the best assurance for the perpetu-
ity of the States. The destruction of the
one is the destruction of the other. Peaceful
emigration to and from the regions lately in
rebellion is adverted to as the best means for
the restoration of harmony, in order to which
military rule should be discontinued as fast
as is consistent with prudence.
The message proceeds upon the principle
that all pretended acts of secession were from
the first null and void. The States cannot
consummate treason (consummate, better
word than commit, " in the original The
States attempting to secede placed them
selves in a condition where their vitality
was impaired but not destroyed. That their
proper functions ight be preserved, Pro-
yisional Governors were appointed, COnven-
tions permitted and Legislatures once more
summoned to their prescribed duties, among
which were the election of Senators and
Representatives to Congress. AT the same
time the Courts of the United States have
been reopened, the blockade is removed,
Custom Honses are re-established and Post
Offices set once more in operation. The
President asserts the expediency of exercising
the power of pardon for purposes Of concilia
tion, and says he invited all the subdued
States to take part in the Constitutional
Amendment with similar harmonizing
purpose. To promote reconstruction. all
parties to the late terrible contest must work
together amicably. The adoption of the
amendment abolishing slavery re unites the
country beyond all possibility Of disruption.
Circuit Courts must be established in districts
where their authority has been interrupted, 3,
that treason and other offenses may be pun
ished Each State should be left to prescribe
for itself the conditions for the enjoyment of
the elective franchise. Neither the President
nor the Government has the power to extend
the right of suffrage to the freedmen. Every
possible encouragement and opportunity is
urged for them, and the free labor and school
systems are earnestly advocated The Gov
ernment was made for the people. and not
the people for the Government Monopolies
and class legislation are discountenaneed in
support of this view. Our external affairs
wear a peaceful aspect, although the matters
at issue between the United States and Great
Britain are still unsettled. The reports OF
the Departments are dissected in brief. 10
these, and to that portion which bears upon
our foreign relations, we shall refer hereafter.
DELAY Nor.--Until lately there was some
excuse for labor seeking other employments