Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1866-12-06
The Presidents Message.

Washington. We condense as far
as in our power the main features OF
the Message, which we give to the
exclusion of various other matters
intended for our present issue.
The Message opens with an allu-
sion to the late pestilence which vis-
tied some portions Of the country and
to the peace, order, tranquility and
civil authority which have been for
mally declared to exist throughout
the United States.
Congress having failed to admit
the Southern States excepting Ten
nessee), to representation, the execu-
tive department continued its efforts
to perfect as far as practicable, the
restoration Of the proper relations
between the citizens Of those States
and the federal government. Their
admission. it is believed, would have
accomplished much towards the re-
newal and Strengthening Of our rela-
tons as one people, &c. The pur-
poses of the war, as declared by
Congress, itself, having been accom-
plished, the war ceased and the nat
nral constituent relations of those
States with the others should have
been permitted to return. The
President takes broad and Constitu-
tional grounds in favor of the read
mission into the Union Of the South
ern States, and as a measure imper-
lively demanded by every consider
alton of national interest, sound pol
icy and equal justice. He dwells at
much length upon the blessings
which would result to every branch
and department of national and in
dividual prosperity, from such a
measure.
A love of country and respect for
| H. .Iou-t,A,,t,ox ,rJ Tho 1o,uc i- oap
nestly enjoined as sacred and obi
gatory, and changes in the Consti-
tuition should be made in Constitu-
tional way and not by any act Of
usurpation.
The report of the Secretary Of the
Treasury affords the most satisfac-
tory information of the condition of
the national finances. The public
debt which amounted to $2,740,S54-
$50 on the 31st of October, 1865,
has been reduced in twelve months
to 2,55I,310,006. During the fiscal
year ending the 30th June, 1866, the
receipts were $556,032,620 and the
expenditures $52O,750,940, leaving
an available surplus OF $39,2S1,6 $50.
The estimated receipts and expendi-
lures for the fiscal year ending June
30th, 1867, are encouragingly in
favor of the former. Retrenchment,
system of rigid accountability in
every department of government
and reduction Of taxation are
wisely recommended.
The report of The Secretary of
War shows that few volunteers re-
main in service, and these are being
as rapidly discharged as they can
be relieved by regular troops. In
the matter of payment, equipment Of
troops, munitions and other supplies,
the army has been amply provided
for.
The Secretary of the Navy re,
ports that the naval force consists of
27S vessels armed with 1851 guns,
and the number of men in service,
$500. Great activity and vigi-
lance has been displayed by all the
squadrons, judiciously and efficiently
arranged so as to promote and pro-
tect American commerce and inter-
ests abroad. Legislative measures
for the relief and Improvement of the
present condition of American sea
men are recommended.
The report Of the Postmaster Gen
eral presents a most satisfactory con-