The Van Buren press., 1868-12-22

ing necessary 10 the security VI iIe
State, the right Of the people to keep On
bear arms shall not be inffinged." 1t !
bclieded that the repeal Of all suoh Law
would be accepted by the American poo
pie as at least partial return TO the fun
damental principles Of the Government,
and an indication that hereafter the Con
stitu,ion is to be made the nations SAT
and unerring guide. They can be pro
ductive Of no permanent benefit TO tn
country and should not be permitted 4
stand as so many monuments OF the de
fcient wisdom which has characterize.
our recent legislation.
The condition of our finances demands
the early and earnest consideration o
Congress Compared with the growth o
our population, the public expenditure
have reached an amount unprecedented
in our history. The population OF tn
United States in 1890 was nearly fou
millions Of people. Increasing each yea
about 80 per cent, it reached in 1850
thirty. one millions, an increase Of sever
hundred per cent Of the population il
1890. In 1869 it is estimated that 1t viii
reach thirty-elght millions, or an increas,
Of eight hundred and sixty-eight per cent
in seventy.nine years.
The annual expenditures ofthe Fedora
Government in 1871 were $4,000, 900, ID
1920 SIS, 200. 900, in 1850 $40, 600, 000, Ia
1860 1853, 0O0, 900, in 1865 nearly 81 800,
600, 1000, and in 1869, it is estimated BY
the Secretary Of the Treasury in his las,
annual report that they will be 8372 ,OO0,'
600. BY comparing the public disburse'
ments of 1869, as estimated with those
of 1871, it will be seen that the increase
OF expenditure since the beginning Of the
Government has been eight thousand, six
hundred and eighteen per cent, while the
increase Of population for the same pc.
Rod was only eight hundred and sixty
eight per cent Again, the expenses oil
Government in 1860, the year Of peace,
Immediately preceding the war were only
1853 .OO0,0O0 while in 1869, in the year
Of peace. three years after the war, it ID
estimated they will be $4,000. 600, an
increase Of four hundred and eighty-nine
per cent, while the increase Of population
was only twenty one per centum for the
same period.
renew the recommendations contain.
ed 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
upon:
First, the propriety Of so amending the
Federal Constitution that 1t shall provide,
first, for an election Of President and
Vice President by q direct vote OF the
people, instead Of through the agency oil
electors, and making them ineligible for
re- election to second term. Second, 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 botl
For the election bf Sendto,si tr-tnJrjsd
ted States directly by the people Of the
several States, instead Of by the Legisla'
lures. And, fourth. for the limitation to
period Of years Of the terms Of Fedora
Judges. Profoundly impressed with the
propriety Of making these important
notifications in the Constitution. ! re-
specially submit them for the early anf
mature consideration Of Congress. Il
should, as far as possible, remove all pre-
text for violations of the organic law, b.
remedying such imperfections as time and
experience;may develop, ever remember
ing that the Constitution which at any
time exists, until changed by an explicit
and autheutic act Of the whole people, u
sacredly obligatory upon all.
In the performance Of duty devolvet
upon me by the Constitution, have II
this communication to Congress given In
formation Of the state Of the Union ant
recommended for their consideration
such measures as have seemed to me nee
essary and expedient. II carried into ct
feet, they will hasten the accomplish
ment of the great and benescent purpos
co for which the Constitution was Ordain
ed, and which it comprehcnsively state
were "to form more perfec; Union
establish justice, inspire domestic tran
guilty, provide for the common defence
promote the general welfare, and secur
the blessings Of liberty to ourselves an
our posterity." In Congress a-e veste
all legislative powers, and upon them dc
wolves the responsibility, ss well 70
framing unwise and excessive laws as 10
neglecting to devise and adopt measure
absolutely demanded by the wants Of tn
country. Let us earnestly hope that bt
tore expiration Of our respective term
of service, now rapidly drawing to clos
an all wise Providence will so guide on
counsels as to strengthen and preserv
the Federal Union, inspire reverence "a
the Constitution, restore prosperity an
happiness to our whole people, and pro
mote on earth peace and good will Il
ward men.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
| Washington, ID. c., Dec. ., '6S.
EV- The Houston Union says that u
question of dividing Texas into thr'
sk.to. ,.;ll ha af,itotad On fha raas sQu