The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1868-12-19

| seutioH HIS Deen enCefed into With Den
mark enlarging the time fixed for final
ratification of the original treaty Com
prehensive national policy would seem
to sanction the acquisition and incorpo-
ration into our Federal Union of the
several adjacent continental and insular
communities as speedily as it can be
done apeacefully, lawfully, and without
any violation of national justice, faith,
or honor. Foreign possession or con-
troll OF those communities has hitherto
hindered the growth and impaired the
influence of the United States. Chronic
revolution and anarchy there would be
equally injurious. Each one of them,
when firmly established as an indepen-
dent republic, or when Incorporated into
the United States, would be a new source
OF strength and power. Conforming my
administration to these principles, I have
on no occasion lent support or liberation
to unlawful expeditions set on foot upon
the plea Of republican propagandism, or
national extension. or aggrandizement.
The necessity, however, of repressing
such unlawful movements, clearly indi-
Gates the duty which rests upon us OF
adapting our legislative action to the
hC" SutuiuSltIlCeS VI q ucCIiuG vi Ll-
ropean monarchial power and influence,
and the increase of American republican
ideas, interests and sympathies. It can
not be long before it will become neces-
sary for this Government to lend some
effective aid to the solution Of the politi-
cal and social problems which are con-
tinually kept before the world by the
two Republics of the Island of St. Do
mingo, and which are now disclosing
themselves more distinctly than here
fore in the Island of Cuba. The subject
is recommended to your consideration
with all the more earnestness' because [
an satisfied that the time has arrived
when even so direct o proceeding as
proposition for an annexation of the two
republics of the island of st. Domingo
: would not only receive the consent of
the people interested, but would also
give satisfaction to all other foreign ma
tions. | anu aware that upon the question
of further extending our possessions it is
I apprehended by some that our political
system cannot successfully be applied to
an area more extended than our conti-
nent but the conviction is rapidly gain
ing ground in the American mind that,
{ with the increased facilities for inter-
communication between all portions Of
the earth, the principles of free govern
ment embraced in our constitution, If
faithfully maintained and carried out,
/ would proved of sufficient strength and
breadth to comprehend within their
, sphere and influence the civilized nations
, of the world.
, | renew the recomme endation contained
, in my communication to Congress, dated
the 18th July last-a copy of which ac-
companies this message-that the judg-
ment of the people should be taken on
the propriety of so amending the FEEDER
, al constitution that it shall provide
J [. For an election of President and
: Vice President by direct vote of the
} people instead of through the agency OF
electors, and making them Ineligible for
reelection. to second term.
J 2. Fora district designation of the per-
} son who shall discharge the duties of
J President, in the event of a vacancy in
|, that Office by the death, resignation or
J removal of both the President and Vice
} President.
il 3. For the election of Senators of the
] United States directly by the people OF
) the several States instead of by the Leg
| islatures.
i 4. For the limitation to O period of
: years of the terms of Federal judges.
. Profoundly impressed with the propri-
: ETY. of making these important modifca-
tions in the constitution, | respectfully
: submit them for the early and mature
3 consideration of Congress. We should
f. as far as possible, remove all pretext for
: violations of the organic law by remedy
: ing such imperfections as time and ex-
q perienee may develop, ever remembering
t that the constitution, which at any time
t exists until changed by an explicit and
!, authentic act of the whole people, il
q sacredly obligatory upon all.
q In the performance of a duty imposed
: upoa me by the constitution, / have com
s municated to Congress information o
j. the state of the Union. and recommended
) for their consideration such measures al
e have seemed to me necessary and ex
e pedient If carried into effect they vii
if hasten the accomplishment of the grea
e and benefcent purposes for which th,
If constitution was ordained, and which i
comprehensively states were to form ,
more perfect union, establish justice, in
I'll sure domestic tranquility, provide TO
!. the common defence, promote the gener
ltl al welfare, and secure the blessings 0
Il liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
l. In Congress is vested all legislativ
le powers, and upon them devolTes the re
$ sponsibility, as well for framing unWis
y and excessive as for neglecting to devils
it and adopt measures absolutely demande'
4 by the wants of the country.
+, Let us earnestly hope that before th
Ie expiration of our respective terms Q
y service, now rapidly drawing to close
u an a1l-Wise Providence will so guide on
It counsels as TO strengthen and preserv
d the Federal Union, inspire reverence TO
i the constitution, restore prosperity an
!. happiness to our whole people, and pre-
ID mote on earth good viii toward men.
|e ANDREW JOHNSON.
: - I'll nature is not natural Peopl
= : who have it are out of balance. To
y certain extent to be i'll natured is to b
= out Of sense. To some people this cor
! s dition may not be observed, inasmnch a
y they have kindred out. People wh
= have a good circulation are never j
: natured. Circulation is a healthy thin
e to have about you. When it Is defectiv
= we sour; when it is stopped we die. Th
latter is inconvenient to business people
y the former isn't pleasant to your friend
VI <,fa cIaE NJ G1at