The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1868-12-25

they were submitted for adjudication
by treaty between the two governments
July i, 1868, and il is expected Will
he concluded ut an early day.
No practical relation concerning CO.
lonial trade and the fisheries can be
accomplished by treaty between the
/ United States and Great Britain until
Congress shall have expressed their
Judgment concerning the principles
| involved.
Three other questions, however, be-
tween the United States and Great
Britain remain open for Judgment
These are the mutual rights Of natural
lied citizens, the boundary question
involving the title to the fslaud of San
Juan, on the Pacific coast, and mutual
claims arising since the year 1903, OF
the citizens and subjects of the two
countries for the injuries and depreda-
tions committed under authority OF
their respective governments. Nego-
Citations upon these subjects are pend
inc, and | am without hope Of being
able to lay before the Senate for It's
consideration during the present ses-
sion, protocols calculated to bring toan
end these Justly exciting and long eX-
isting controversies.
We are not advised of the action OF
the Chinese government upon the lib-
eral and auspiciOus treaty which was
recently celebrated with its plcnipo-
tentiarics at this capital.
japan remains a theatre of civil war
marked by religious incidents and po-
litical seventies peculiar to that long
isolated Empire. The Executive has
hitherto maintained strict neutrality
among the beligcrents, and acknOWl-
edges with pleasure that he has been
frankly and fully sustained in that
course by the enlightened concurrence
and cooperation Of the other treaty
powers namely, Great Britain, France,
The Netherlands, North Germany and
Italy.
SHain having recently undergone
revolution marked by extraordinary
uuanimity and preservation Of order,
the provisional established
at Madrid has been recognized, and the
friendly intercourse which has so long
happily existed between the two coun-
tries remains unchanged.
renew the recommendation con-
tanned i'm my communication to Con-
gTt@S. t3dtNt& AilC ION VI cAtA - ieN-'Nt .
COPY of which accompanies this mes
sage, that the judgment Of the people
should be taken on the pr0priety of 50
amending the Federal Constitution
that it shall provide,
LIST. For an election of President and
Vice President by a direct vote Of the
people, instead Of through agency OF
electors, and making them ineligible
for reelection to second term.
2d. For distinct designation Of the
person who shall discharge the duties
of President in the event of vacancy
in that Office by the death, resignation
or removal of both the President and
Vice President.
81. For the election Of Senators of
the United States directly by the people
Of the several States, instead Of by the
legislatures.
4th. For the limitation to period Of
years of the terms Of Federal Judges.
Profoundly impressed with the pro-
priety Of making these important
notifications in the Constitution, /
respectfully submit them for the early
and mature consideration of Congress.
We should, as far as possible, remove
all preteXt for violations Of the organic
law by remedying such imPeriectlons
as time and experience may develop,
ever remembering that the Constitu-
ton, which at any time exists until
changed by explicit and authentic act
Of the whole people, Is sacredIy obil-
gatory upon all.
In the performance OF 4 duty lmpos-
ed upon me by the Constitution, have
thus communicated to Congress lnfOr-
nation Of the state Of the Union, ana
recommended for their consideration
such measures as have seemed't0 me
necessary and eNpedient. If carried
into effect they will hasten the accom-
plishment Of the great and beneficent
purposes for which the Constitution
was ordained, and which it cOmprehen-
sively states were ''to form a more per-
feet Union, to establish Justice, insure
domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defence, promote the general
welfare, and secure the blessings OF
liberty to ourselves and our p0ste"ity."
In Congress are vested all legislative
powers, and upon them devolV25 the
/ responsibility as we'll for framing an
wise and excessive laws as for neglect
ing to devise and adopt measures
absolutely demanded by the laws OF
/ the country. Let Us earnestly nope
that before the expiration Of orr respec-
/ tive terms Of service, now rapidly
+ drawing to n close, an AliWiSe PToNi-
/ dence will 50 guide our councils as to
/ strengthen and preserve the fedefai
Union, inspire reverence for the Ton
! stitutiOn, restore prosperity and happi-
ness to our whole people, and pronote
+ on earth peace. good will toward men.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, Dec. 9, 1868.