Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-12-11

ing the title to the Island of San Juan on the
Pacific coast, and the mutual claims arising since
the year 1886 Of the citizens and subjects of the
two countries for injuries and depredations COM
mitted under the authority OF their respective
governments Negotiations upon these subjects
| are pending, and am not without hope Of being
able to lay before the Senate for its consideration
during the present session, protocols calculated
to bring to an end these Justly exciting and long
existing controversies.
We are not advised of the action Of the Chi
nese Government upon the liberal and suspicious
I treaty which was recently negotiated with its
| plenipotentaries at this Capital
Japan remains theatre of civil war, marked
by the religious incidents and political seventies
| peculiar to that long isolated empire. The Exc
cutiye has hitherto maintained strict neutrality
! among the belligerents, and Acknowledges with
1 pleasure that 1t has been frankly and fully sus
tanned in the course by the enlightened concur
renee and cooperation of the other treaty DOW
ers, namely, Great Britain, France, the Neither
lands, North Germany and Italy.
Spain having recently undergone revolution
marked by extraordinary unanimity and preser
walton of order. the Provisional Government
established at Madrid has been recognizes and
friendly intercourse, which has 50 long happily
existed between the two countries, remains IN
changed.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PROPOSED.
renew the Recommendation contained in my
communication to Congress, dated the 18th Of
July last, copy Of which accompanies this
message, that the judgment Of the people should
be taken on the proprety o so amending the
Federal constitution that it shall provide First,
For an election Of President and Vce-president
by direct vote Of the people, instead Of through
the agency Of electors, and making them inehgi-
bic for reelection Tor a second term
Second, For distinct designation Of the per-
son who shall discharge the duties Of President
in the event of a vacancy in that office oy the
death, resignation, or removal Of both the Pres
ident and Wee President
Third, For the election Of Senators Of the
United States directly by the people Of the
several States, instead OF by the Legisla.uses
and
Fourth, For the limitation to period Of years
Of the terms Of Federal judges.
Profoundly impressed with the prcUlety Of
making these important notifications IN the
Constitution. respectfully submit them for the
early and mature consideration Of Congress We
should, as far ag possible, remove al pretext for
violations Of the organic law, by remeiying
such imperfccti,us As tine and experience may
develop, ever remembering g the Constitution.
which at any time exists, until changed by an
explicit AMI authentic act q TIE whole ieoPlc, Is
saerelly obligatory upon all
IN the performance Of duty imposed upon
ne by he Constitution. have thus commuuici-
tel to Congress information Of the STATE Of tn
Union and recommended for their consideration
such re.surcs as hage seemed 90 ne necessary
and expclient If carried ia.o effect they WILL
hasten the accomplishment Of great and bench