The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-12-12

for its consideration, ddling the present SEES
sion, protocol, calculated to bring to an end
these justly exciting end long existing contro-
versies Grs
We are not advised Of the action of the
Chinese government, upon the liberal and au-
spicieus treaty which Yves recently celebrated
with its plenipotentiary ct this capital
Japan remains theatre of civil war, mark
ed by religious incidents and political severi-
ties peculiar to that long isolated empire. The
executive has hitherto maintained strict neu-
trality among the belligerents, and acknow-
lodges, with pleasure, that it has been frankly
and fully sustained in that course by the en-
lightened concurrence and cooperation of the
other treaty powers, namely: Great Britain,
France, the Netherlands, North Germany, and
Italy.
Spain having recently undergone q revolu-
ton, marked by extraordinary unanimity and
preservation Of order, the provisional govern
ment established at Madrid has been recOg-
nized The friendly intercourse which has so
long happily existed between the two coun-
tries remains unchanged.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
Irenew the recommendation contained in
my communication to congress, dated the 18th
Of July last, q copy of which accompanies this
message, that the Judgment of the people
should be taken upon the propriety of so
amending the federal constitution that it shall
provide: ...
1. For an election of president and vice
stead of through the agency of electors, and
making them ineligible for reelection to a
second term.
Tor . I;,<;onk Aas:ouof;oo rs
who shall discharge the duties Ct president, in
the event Of vacancy in that office by the
death, resignation, or removal of both the
president and vice president.
3. For the election of senators Of the United
States directly by the people of the several
states, instead of by the legislatures.
4. For the limitation to period Of years OF
the terms of federal judges.
Profoundly impressed with the propriety of
making these important notifications in the
constitution, respectfully submit them for
the early and mature consideration of congress.
We should, Is far as possible, remove all pre-
texts for violations of the organic law, by re-
medying such imperfectiOns as time and ex-
perience may develope,-ever remembering
that the constitution, which at any time exists
until changed by an explicit and authentic
act of the whole people, 10 sacredly obligatory
upon all
CONCLUSION.
In the performance of duty imposed upon
me by the constitution, have thus communi-
Gated to congress information of the state of
the union, and recommended for their con-
sideration such measures As have seemed to be
necessary and expedient. II carried into effect,
they will hasten the accomplishment of the
great and benefcent purposes for which the
constitution was ordained, and which, it
comprchensively states, were to form more
perfect union, establish justice, insure domes-
tic tranquility, provide for the common de-
fence, promote the general welfare, and secure
the blessings Of liberty to ourselves and our
posterity. In congress are vested all legisla.
tive powers. and upon them devolves the re-
sponsibility, as well of forming unwise and
excessive law, as tor neglecting to devise and
adopt measures absolutely demanded by the
wants of the country. Let US earnestly hope
that, before the expiration Of our respective
terms of service, now rapidly drawing to
close, an AA-wiSe Frovid1uoe win 90 guide
our counsels - to strengthen and preserve the
federal union, inspire reverence for the con-
restore prosperity and happiness to
our whole people, and promote on earth peace
and good will toward men.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 1868.