Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-12-10

- ONNN'f
me Two treaties between the United States
anu i'aly Tor the regulation Of consular pow
ers ana tue extradition Of criminals. nceotia
yea ana ratified here during the last session
OF Congress, have been adopted and confirmed
ny the Italian government A liberal consu
lar convention, which has been NEGOTIATED
with Belgium, will be submitted 10 the
Senate W ''e
Inc very important treaties which were
negotiated between the United States and
North Germany and Bavarin for the rcgula.
ton OF the rights Of naturnlizcd citizens
nave been duly ratified and exchanged md
similar treaties have been entered into with
TINS Kingdom and Belgium and wurtemburr
ana with the Grand Duchics Of Baden and
hesse Darmstadt. | hope soon to be al lc to
submit equally satisfactory conventions Of
tne same character now in tho course Of nc.
gotlat'on with the respective governments of
SPAN, Italy and the Ottoman Empire.
Examination OF claims against the United
states by the Hudson Bay Company and the
fugets Sound Agricultural Company, on
ncoouht OF certain possessory rights in the
state OF Oregon, and the treaty Of Washing.
ton alleged 10y these companies in virtue Of
provisions Of tho treaty between the United
States and Great Britain in June Is. 1876
has been diligently prosecuted under the
direction Of the Joint International Commits
sion to which they were submitted for adiu-
dicatlon by treaty between the two govern
ments Of July /. 1868, and will it is expected.
be concluded at an early day No practical
regulation concerning the colonial 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.
Ihfee other questions, how ever, between
the United States and Great Britain reinain
open for adjustment. These are the mutual
rights of naturalzed citizens, the boundary
question, involving the title TO the island Of
San Juan on the Pacific coast aud the mutual
claims arising since the year 1853 of the cit
liens and subjects OF tho two countries for
injuries and dcprcdations committed under
the authority Of their respective governments.
Negotiations upon these subjects are pending,
and | am not without hope of being able 10
lay before the Senate for its consideration
during the present session, protocols calcu-
lated To bring to nm end these Justly exciting
and long existing controversies.
We are not advised Of the action Of the
Chinese Government upon the liberal and
suspicious treaty which was recently nego-
tiated with its plenipoteniiaries at this
Capital.
japan remains a theatre Of civil war.
marked by the religious incidents and polit-
zeal seventies peculiar 10 that long isolated
empire. The Executive has hitherto main
tanned strict neutrality among the belliger-
cn,s, and acknowledges with pleasure that it
has been frankly and fully sustained in the
course by the enlightened concurrence and
cooperation Of the other treaty powers,
namely, Great Britain, France, the Neither.
lands, North Germany and ltaly.
spain having recently undergone q reyOlu-
ton marked by extraordinary unanimity and
preservation OF order. the Provisional Gov
eminent established Ut Madrid has been rec
ognized and friendly Intercourse, which has
so long happily existed between the two
countries, remains unchanged
] renew the Recommendation contained in
my communication to Congress, dated the
18th Of July last, copy Of which accom-
panies this message, that the judgment Of
the people should be taken on the proprietv
Of so amending the Federal constitution that
it shall provide
First, for an election Of President and Vice
President by direct vote OF the people, in
stead Of through the agency Of electors, and
making them ineligible for reelection for
second term.
Second, for a distinct designation Of the
person who shall discharge the duties Of
President. in the event Of a vacancy in that
Office by the death, resignation, or removal
of both the President and Vice President
Third, for the election Of Senator's Of the
United States directly by the people Of the
several States, instead OF by the Legislature,
and
Fourth, 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, as far as possible,
remove all pretext for violations Of the or
ganic law, by remcdying such imperfections
as time and experience may develop, remem-
bering d" the Consultation, which at every
time exists, until changed by an explicit
and authentic act Of the whole people, il
sacrodly obligatory upon all.
In the performance Of a duty imposed
upon me by the constitution, have thus
communicated 10 Congress information OF
the state Of the Union and recommended for
their consideration such measures as have
seemed to me necessary and expedient Ii
carried into effect they will hasten the ac-
complishment OF great and bcnehcent pur-
poses, for which the constitution was or
dained and which it Complementary states
were to form a more perfect Union, estab-
lish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
provide TOR the common defence, promote the
general welfare and secure the blessing OF
liberty to ourselves and our posterity.'
In Congress are vested all legislative pow
ers, and upon them devolyes the responsible
ity, as wei for framing unwise and excessive
laws, rs for nsglecting 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 ALL Wise Providence will so guide our
counsels as to strengthen and preserve the
Federal Union, inspire reverence for the
Constitution, restore prosperity and happi-
ness to our whole people, and promote
"on earth, peace and good will toward mem