The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1868-12-18
pRE~TDExT.s MESSAGE.


We are compelled to apologize
to orr readers for not presenting 10
them in this issue the Presidents Mes
sage. We had intended to treat them
with an Extra" containing the mes
sege, and had made an arrangement
with an eastern daily paper Office to
send Us enough early copies TO supply
our subscribers in advance of our regu-
lar issue. We regret that this arrange
ment was not carried out by the par
ties who had agreed to supply US, and
we are therefore under the necessity of
going to press with but a synopsis Of
the great and comprehensive views Of
the condition Of the country taken in
President Johnson'5 last message to
Congress. We will give the message
in full next week. The following is an
outline of what the President says:
First. That the Southern States re-
main prOstrated in industry, their re-
sources cut off, a good portion Of their
population disfranchi=ed. their cOnsti-
tutiOnal privileges denied through
Congressional enactment, and most Of
them remaining under military rule.
Second. Commenting the report of
the Secretary of the Treasury, and in
dorsing its views fora return to specie
payments througAa reduction of eX-
penditures, revising taxation, and
gradual contraction of the paper cir
culati0n, with suggestion for legislation
for one currency only, and that the
National Banks should have their
powers restricted.
Third. That our foreign affairs are
in favorable condition. The negOti-
ations with great Britain regarding
the Alabama claims, so called, have
not reached an end. Certain portions
Of the proposed protocol Of arbitration
were not approved by this Govern
ment, and have been returned to
Minister johnson. The resignation,of
the British ministry is regarded only
as temporary hindrance. Many de-
tails relative to these claims are not
deemed proper to communicate in the
message.
Offers Of arbitration between Para
quay and Brazil have been declined
and the course of Paraguay IS com
mented on, though there is an absence
of official detail about the late outrage
Of Lopez. The government has made
new treaties for the protection Of nat
uraliZad citizens abroad. 1t has recOg-
niZed the new Provisional Junta Of
Spain as a de .fdctO government, but
has received no formally accredited
Minister for the same. The affairs of
Mexico are satisfactory. Arrange
mentS for mixed Commission to set
tie the claims Of Americans in that
country are in progress. The Govern
ment has failed, so far, in its negotia-
tiOns for the purchase of a naval sta
tiOn in the West Indies, and learns
that the French are trying to get the
Bay Of Samana from the Dominican
government.
Fourth-OfiiciaI facts show enormous
frauds in the revenue, which must be
corrected or the revenue will faiIand the
nation be involved in ruin. The mes
sage calls for strong legislation on this
subject, and urges the repeal Of the civ
il tenure act, which is regarded as a
hindrance TO the removal Of corrupt Of
ficials.
Fifth-The President refers to the
Indian troubles and views Of the Peace
Commissioners, and fears that the mil
itary establishment expenditures will
be largely increased on the Plains.
Sixth-He favOrs the withdrawal Of
troops from the Southern States and
the reduction of the army, and gives a
resume Of the Land and Pension sys-
tenn.
1t is apparent that Congress will
have work enough before it for a ses-
sion, if even a mOiety of the Presi-
dents suggestions are legislated upon.
There are three classes of evils from
which the people demand and expect
some relief: First. Enormous frauds
upon revenue. Second. Excessive
taxation resulting from these frauds,
and the burden Of the national debt.
Third. The loose and wasteful appro-
priatiOn bills of Congress generally.
1t must be done Universal repudia-
ton and chaos otherwise are threaten
ed.