Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-12-08
POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
Presidents Message and ihe Work for
Congress to Do,

| ~ DOs
NEW York, Dec. Tin commenting
on the Presidents message, a digest OF
which is printed, the New York Herald
ssys: 1t is apparent that Congress will
have work enough before it for short SEES.
sion, even If a msjority of the Presidents
suggestions are legislated upon There are
three classes of evils from which the PEG.
pie demand and expect some relief: First.
enormous frauds upon the revenue; second,
the excessive taxation resulting from these
frauds and the burden Of the national debt;
third, the loose and wasteful appropriation
bills OF Congress generally. Gen. Grant
settled the business Of the rebellion 80
| handsomely, that he has been called by the
people to settle the important question of
restoration and reconstruction. The work
before him, in this capacity, has been COM
| pared 10 the twelve labors of Hercules, but
It will be comparatively easy, if he be
properly assisted by Congress. Let Con-
gress clear the track before him, and pro-
vide him the ways and means, and Gen.
Grant will do the work without fiinching.
1t must be done Immediately, or repudia-
tion and other extreme measures are
threatened
The Herald also comments on Gen.
Marcy's report GU Indian affairs, indorsing
Marcy's recommendations that the man
agemeDt Of Indian affairs shall be conferred
In the War Department, and from that
center distributed through the military |
authorities.
BoSToN, Dec. The Boston Herald |
publishes the following this morning:
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 18GS.-The Presi.
dents message was all put in type this |
evening, and will probably be sent to Con.
gress on Tuesday. The only reason for
delay il the anticipated reception of official
news about the settlement of the Alabama
claims.
The message covers TIE fol lowing points
and conclusions: First, that the Southern
States remain Frustrated in industry, their
resources cut of, good proportion Of their
population DISTINGUISHED, their constitu.
tional privileges denied through Congress.
ional enactments and most of them re-
naming under military rule.
Second, Commencing the report of the
of the Treasury and indorsing its
views for a return to specie payments
though reduction of expenditures, raising
taxation and gradual contraction of the
paper circulation, with suggestions for |
StSlHlAOh IVA OhC CUAISuGJ OulF, anu tnaL |
the National Banks should have their
powers restricted.
Third, That our foreign affairs are in
favorable condition. Our negotiable ns
with Great Britain regarding the Alabama
claims, so-called, have not reached an end.
Certain points Of proposed protocol of arbi.
!ration were not approved by this govern
nent, and have been returned to Minister
Johnson. The resignation Of the British
Ministry is regarded only as a temporary
lindrance. Many details relative to these
claims are not deemed proper TO communi-
,ate in this message.
The offers of arbitration between Par
lguay and Brazil have been declined and {
he course of Paraguay is commended in
he message. Although there is absence Of (
,ticial details of the late outrage of Lopez,
he government has made new treaties for
he protection Of naturalized citizens
abroad. 1t has recognized the new Proyin-
;ial Junta in Spain as a dc fdcto govern.
nent, but has recognized no formally &C.
'redited minister from the same Affairs {
With Mexico are satisfactory. Arrange {
nent5 for mixed commission to settle the
claims of Americans in that country are in
progress
The Government has failed 30 far in its
negotiations for the purchase of a naval
station in the West Indies, and learns that
he French are trying 10 get the bay Of
SANTANA from the Dominican government.
Fourth, Official facts show enormous
'rauds in the Revenue, which must 1
be corrected or the revenue will {
all and the nation be involved 10
ruin. The message calls for strong I
legislation on the subject and urges
he repeal of the civil tenue act which is
regarded as hinderance to the removal
IF corrupt officials. I
Fifth. The President refers to Indian
roubles and the views of peace commits
ioners and fears military establishment q
Will be largely increased on the plains. Z
Sixth. He fears the withdrawal of troops (
rom the Western States and reduction Of 1
he army, gives resume of the oper-
Itions Of land and pension system. 1t ia
rot pretended that the message discusses
he above points in the order named or
anguage given, but the general tenor of
he document will prove to be correct