The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1868-12-26

now in the course Of negotiation,
with the respective Governments 81
Spain, Italy, and the Ottoman Eua-
pire.
The examination of the claims
against the United States hy the
Hudson Bay Company and the Pu-
gets Sound Agricultural Company,
On account Of certain possessOry
rights in the State Of Oregon and
Territory of Washington, alleged by
those companies in virtue on the
provisions of the treaty between the
United States and Great Britain, al
June IS, 1876, has been diligently
prosecuted, under the direction Of
the Joint international commission
to which they were submitted for adj
judication by the treaty between the
two Govern Elents Of July ], 1868,
and viii, it Is expected, be concluded
at an early day,
No practical regulation Of the con-
troveFsy relative to the colonial trade
and fisheries can be accomplished BIZ
treaty between the United States ana
Great Britain until Congress shall
have expressed Its judgment concern
ing the principles involved.
Three other questions, however,
between the United States and Great
Britain remain open for adjustment.
These are, the mutual rights 0f ma
turalized citizens; the boundary ones
tiOn, involving the title 10 the island
Of San Juan, on the Pacific coast;
and mutual claims arising since TIE
year 1858, Of the citizens and subjects
Of the two countries, for injuries and
depredations committed under the
authority Of their respective govern
ments. Negotiations upon these
subjects are pending, and / am not
without hope of being able to lay be-
fore the Senate, for its consideration,
during the present session, q prot0-
col calculated to bring TO an end
these justly-eXeiting and l0ng-exist-
ing controversies.
We are not advised Of the action OF
the Chinese Government upon the
liberal and auspicious treaty which
was recently celebrated with its plen-
ipotentiaries, at this capital.
Japan remains q. theater Of civil
war, marked by religious incidents
and political seventies peculiar ia
that 1ong-isOlated empire. The Ex-
ecutive has hitherto maintained
strict neutrality among the belligeF-
ents, and acknowledges with pleas
uTe that it has been frankly and ful-
ly sustained in that course by the
enlightened concurrence and COOP
Grafton Of the other treaty Powers,
namely: Great Britain, France, the
Netherlands, North Germany and
Italy. $40
Spain having recently undergone
a revolution, marked BY extraordi-
nary unanimity and preservation of
order, the provisional Government
at Madrid has been recognized, The
friendly intercourse which has SO
long and happily existed between the
two countries remains unchanged.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
/ renew my recommendation con-
tanned in my communication to Con-
gress dated the 18th of July last, a
copy Of which accompanies this mes
sage, that the Judgment Of the peo-
pie should be taken on the pIopriety
of so amending the Federal Consti-
tuition that it shall provide:
/. For an election of Presidentand
Vice President by a direct vote Of
the people, instead of through the
agency Of electors, and making them
ineligible for reelection to q second
term,
3 For a distinct designation Of the
person who shall discharge the du-
ties Of President, IN the event Of a
vacancy in that Office by the death,
resignation, or removal of both the
President and Vice President.
3. For the election Of Senators of
the United States directly by the
people of the several States, instead
Of by the Legislatures.
4. For the limitation to q period of
years Of the term Of Federal Judges.
Prfoundly impressed with the pro-
priety of making these important
notifications in the Constitution, I
respectfully submit them for the ear
ly and mature consideration ofCon-
gress. We should, as far as possible,
remove all pretexts for violatians of
the organic law, by remedyine such
imperfections as time and experience
may develop - ever remembering
that the Constitution, which at any
time exists until changed by an ex-
plieit and authentic act Of the whole
people, Is sacredly obligatory upon
all.
3 CONCLUSION.
In the performance of a duty ina
posed upon me by the Constitution.
! have thus communicated to Con-
gress Information Of the state OF the
Union, and recommend for their con
sideration such measures as have
seemed to be necessary and expedi-
ent. If carried into effect, they will
hasten the accomplishment of the
great and benefieent purposes for
which the Constitution was ordains
ed, and which, it c0mprehensively
states, were to form more perfect
Union, establish justice, insure do
nestle tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the gem
eral welfare, and secure the blessings
of liberty to ourselves and cur pos
terity. In Congress are vested ali
legislative powers, and upon them
devolves the responsibility, as vel
for forming unwise and excessive
laws, as for neglecting to devise ana
adopt measures absolutely demand.
ed by the wants Of the country. LEI
US earnestly hope that, before the ex,
piration Of our respective terms q
service, now rapidly drawing to 4
close, an All-wise Providence will AZ
4 guide our cQnnss e. r "a , llgR
and preserve the Federal Union. in
sure reverence for the Constitution
restore prosperity and happiness {,
our whole people, and promote "a
earth peace and good viii towars
men. ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, Dee. o, 1868.
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We have q remarkable story from
Santa Fe, On the 22d Of October ON
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