New-York tribune., 1866-12-04
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
1t is not 80 much what the President says as what
he declines to say. The first impression Of the Mes
sage is that his Excellency is chastened. He makes
illusions to Congress hanging the verge Of the
government This is something from Executive who
has been in the most unreasonable humor for many
months. Mr.. Pierce could not have written weaker
Message Congress would as readily have heard an
essay upon the cause of thunder as this tame and harm
less dsquison. There is much that the President re-
grets There are some good words from Washington
and Jefferson, likewise Jackson. We marvel that his
Exoelency neglected the other fathers of their coun
try For any living fact, for any suggestion, for any
helpful thought, we might as well turn to the last
novel of Mr.. Trollope as to this Message. Ephraim
seems irrevocably joined to his idols
There is much that Mr.. johnson might have done.
He has missed many golden oppOrtunities-but none
80 glorious as this. Congress came from the people
magnanimous and kind. There was no disposition to
remember anything that had been done-not even the
shameless antagOnSm to the people in the recent cleo
tions All good III IN trusted that one word might be
said which would low disposition on the part OF the
President TO reach solution of the many difficulties
surrounding the country. All that his Excelency has
peace he might bring to harrassed nation, loving
kindness and rest We believe that there was no feel
ing of resentment to the President not even in the
hearts of the most Radical members of Congress that
would not have given way before the slightest tenden'
cy of the President to harmonic the country. In his
Message he shows no such tendency. He cngs to his
dogmas with as much tenacity as when he hoped to
carry the country in the late elections. There Is not
one word for the negro-not one word for the loyal IN
the South-not one sentence which might not as well
have been written hundred years ago as to-day for
all the comfort and truth it brings.
In amere business way the Message is of little i'm
portance II refers briefly TO the Treasury Report ad-
yocang thorough retrenchment and tho other Reports
of the Departments but makes no suggestion oi I'M
portance. Mr. johnson thinks the Pacific Rail
road will be finished before the time set by
Congress as limit; advises such legislation
as may be necessary to preserve the Mi5sS-
sipp Levees urges the importance OF ad-
mitting TO Congress delegate from the District oi
Columbia and touches upon the aid that body should
give to the effort of the Southern States TO
reorpanize their agriculture. He congratulates the
country on peace with foreign nations and the sue
cess of the Atlantic telegraph, and thinks there's
reason to expect greater results from the projected
Pacific line by way OF Behring's Straits. The Mexican
question is briefly alluded to- Gen. Shcrmans mission
being said 10 be the obtaining of Information neces-
sary to maintain proper intercourse with the
Republic of Mexico. "It seemed an obvious duty on
our part" he adds, 10 exercise whatever influence
we possessed for the restoration and permanent estab
shment in that country of domestic and republican
form of government" clearer account Of the object
Of sending Gen. sherman with Minister Campbell
would have been desirable. Complaint is made that
France had broken It's compact with our Govern.
ment, by declining TO remove any portion
Of its troops in Mexico till next Spring
The United States have protested against this
determination and the President trusts that the Em
peror will recede from his present ground lie regrets
that the Alabama claims have not been settled by
Great Britain but thinks there 20 expect our
demands will be met in a friendly spirit. lie con-
demns the Fenian invasion Of Canada thinks mercy
should be extended to the prisoners thinks Congress
ought to do something for the rght Of American cit'
zens abroad and without referring 10 their wrongs az
home. as illustrated by the Now-Orleans massacre
and such tri1es, closes with the customary prayer
We have no heart to dwell upon this dreary, liices'
document. There is nothing that any loyal man can
read with comfort or hope. Andrew johnson Is a.
much an enemy as when he menaced the nation from
his White House steps ten months ago. He does not
mean TO aid us in the work Of reconstruction. The
duty deyoving upon Congress becomes more solemn
and responsible, aud look TO Congress with infinite
yearuing Let there be kindness and patience, char
ity toward all, malice toward none, frmnes5 and
devotion; but above ALL single.heated determina-
tOn, come well or ILL., despite Presidents or Cabinets,
to labor without ceasng, until over this land there
shall be peace and rest, liberty and protection, and
all rf,,bt1 C,r