New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-12-09


the Times the Presidents message was to be
sent to Congress at one o'clock to-day. We
copy the following abstract OF the mes
sage:
The President begins by calling the at
tention OF Congress to the continued disor-
ganized condition Of the Union under the
various reconstruction laws. A. timely re-
vocation of these injurious and oppressive
measures would be the greatest good that
can be conferred upon the nation. The re-
construction laws have failed after three
years trial, and proved pernicious in re-
suits, and should no longer remain upon
the statute books. States to which the Con-
stltution guarantees republican form of
government, have been reduced to military
dependencies, in each of which people have
been made subject TO the arbitrary will of
the Commanding General.
Although the Constitution requires that
each State shall be represented in Con-
gress, Virginia. Mississippi and Texas are
yet excluded from the two Houses, and,
contrary to the express provisions Of the
instrument, were denied participation in
the recent Presidential election. -.f
An attempt TO place the white popula-
ton under the domination of persons of
color in the South has impaired, if not de-
|
yiously existed between them, and mutual
dlstrust has engendered feeling of ami
mostly which, leading in some instances to
collision and bloodshed, has prevented that
cooperation between the two races essen
tial TO the success of the industrial enter
prises in the Southern States.
The entire Union has been agitated by
grave apprehensions of troubles, which
might involve the peace Of the nation. The
Federal Constitution is row adequate to
the settlement of the questions growing
out Of the civil war
The President reviews the condition Of
the country since the end of the rebellion.
The acts passed are not warranted by the
constitution. The repeal of them is de-
manded; the repeal of the tenure of office
bill is demanded by the best interests of
the country. The appropriation act of
March 2, 1867. interfering with the Presi-
dents constitutional functions as Com
mander-in- Chief, and denying to States the
right to protect themselves by means of
their own militia, should be repealed.
The financial affairs need immediate at
tention. The public expenses are unpre-
cedented. Here the President set forth
substantially his letter to General Ewing.
Congress should make an early provision
Tor the payment of the indebtedness. The
fruits of labor should be enjoyed by the
clllzens rather than used to build up
moneyed monopolies in our our own and in
other lands. Debt should not become
permanent. The interest on the debt
should be reduced, the owners of Govern.
ment securities receiving seventeen per cent
on each dollar. This favors a few at the ex-
pense OF the many. The national credit should
be sacredly observed. The six per centip-
terest now paid by the Government should
be applied to the reduction of the princi-
pal in semi-annual installments, which in
sixteen years would liquidate the entire
national debt. The large amount of capi-
tai now invested in Government securities
should be released.
The resumption Of specie payments is
recommended.
The, condition of foreign affairs is re-
viewed, and the controversy with the Para
guayan Government is detailed.
The friendly relations with Mexico have
grown during the past year.
Negotiations are pending for the con-
strucuon OF ship canal across the 18th
mus of Darien.
comprehensive national policy would
seem to sanction the acquisition and incor-
poratlon into our Federal Union of the
several adjacent continental and ins1lar
communities as speedily as it can be done
peacefully and lawfully, and without any
Violation ofnational Justice, faith. or honor
F0relga possession or control of fthose com
munities has hitherto hindeIed the growtb
and impaired the influence of the United
States. When finally established as an in
dependent republic, or Incorporated into
the United States, they would be a new
source OF strength and power.
No reference is made in the messace tn
our affairs with England relative to the
Alabama claims, the naturalization treaty
etc. ~
The President renews bis recommends
non that The Judgment of tine people should
De taken on the propriety of amending the
constitution, first, for the election of Presi-
uent and Vlce-President by direct vote of
the people instead of by the agency of
electors; second, by distinct desir1afion
OF the person who shall discharge the
duties Of President in the event Of va
caney III the Offices of both President and
Nlce-President. Third, the election of
Senators by direct vote of the people of
the several States. Fourth. he limitation
to the period of years of the terms Of tha
Federal Judges.
Concluding, the President says: Let US
earnestly hope that before the expiration
Oh our respective terms of service. now
rapidly drawing to close, an All-wise
providence will so gnide our couusels as
" strengthen and preserve the Federal
Union, inspire reverence for the Constitu
tion, restore prosperity and happiness to
our whole people, and promote on earth
peace aud good will toward men"
IT,