Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1868-12-10
THE Presidents MESSAGE.
Its Main Points.

NEW YORK, December 1.-The Herald
publishes the following this morning
dated Washington, December 5, 1861
The Presidents message was all put in
type this evening and will probably bf
sent to Congress on Tuesday. The only
reason for delay is the anticipated recep-
ton of official news ABOUT the settlement
of the Alabama claims. The message
covers the following points and conclu-
sions thereon:
First. That the Southern States re-
main prostrated in industry, their resour-
ces cut off, a good proportion of theiI
population DISTINGUISHED, their constitu-
tional privileges denied through Con-
gressional enactment, and most of them
remaining under military rule.
Second. Commencing the report OF
the Secretary OF the Treasury, and in
dorsing its views for a return to specie
payment through reduction of expen-
ditures, revising taxation, and gradual
contraction of the paper circulation,
with suggestions for legislation for one
currency only, and that the National
Banks should have their powers restrict
ed.
Third that our foreign affairs are in a
favorable condition. The negotiations
with Great Britain regarding the Ala
bama claims, SO called, have not reached
an end. Certain portions of the propos-
ed protocol of arbitration were not ap-
proved by this Government, and have
been returned to Minister johnson. The
resignation of the British Ministry is
regarded only as a temporary hinder
ance. Many details relative to these
claims are not deemed proper to commu-
nicate In the message.
Offers of arbitration between Paraguay
and Brazil have been declined, and the
course of Paraguay is commented on,
though there is an absence of official de-
tail about the late outrage of Lopez. The
government has made new treaties for
the protection of paturalized citizens
abroad. 1t has recognized the new pro-
visiotal Junta of Spain as de fdcto
government, but has received no for
malIy accredited Minister for the same.
The affairs of Mexico are satisfactory
Arrangements for mixed Commission
to settle the claims of Americans in that
country are in progress. The Govern
ment has failed, so far, in its negotia-
tions for the purchase of naval station
in the West Indies, and learns that the
French are trying to get the Bay OF
Samana from the Dominican govern
ment.
Fourth. Official facts show enormous
frauds in the revenue, which must be
corrected or the revenue will fail and
the nation involved in ruin. The mes
sage calls for strong legislation On this
subject, and urges the repeal of the civil
tenure act, which is regarded as hind
rance to the removal of corrupt officials.
Fifth. The President refers to the
Indian troubles and views Of the Peace
Commissioners, and fears that the mill
tary establishment expenditures will be
largely increased on the plains.
Sixth. He favors the withdrawal of
troops from the Southern States and the
reduction of the army, and gives re-
sumo of the Land and Pension system.
1t is not pretended that the message
discusses the above points in the order
named or language given, but the gen.
erai tenor of the document will prove to
be correct.
In commenting on the Presidents
message, the Herald says it is apparent
that Congress will have work enough
before it for short session, if even a
moiety of the Presidents suggestions are
legislated upon. There are three classes
of evils from which the people demand
and expect some relief: First. Enormous
frauds upon revenue. Second. Excessive
taxation resulting from these frauds,
and the burden of the national debt
Third. The loose and wasteful approIri-
alton bills of Congress generally. Gen.
Grant settled the business of the rebel
lion so handsomely that he has been
called by the people to settle the impor-
tant business of restoration and recon
struction. The work before him in this
capacity has been compared to the twelve
labOrs of Hercules. but it will be COM
paratively easy if he be properly assisted
by Congress. Let Congress clear the
track before him and provide him the
work without fiinching.- 1t must be
done. Universal reputation and chaos
otharuyieo ara threatened