The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1868-12-18

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wise economy to abolish Our mints, thus
saving the Nation the care and expense
incident to such establishments, and to
let our precious metals be exported. in
bullion. .l.,f
The time has come whcn The Govern
meut and National Banks should be re-
quired to take the most efficient steps
and make all necessary arrangements
for, the resumption of specie payments.
Let specie payments be once earnestly
inauguratcd by the Government and
Banks, and the value of the paper cir
culation would directly approximate to
the proper standard, Specie payments
ment and Banks, all notes or bills of pa
per issucd by either, of less dcnotni-
nation than $40, should, by law, be ex-
cluded from circulation, so that the peo-
pie may have the benefit and conve.I-
fence Of gold and silver currency.
which in all their transactions. will be
uniform in value at home and abroad.
Every man of property or industry.
every man who desires to preserve. what
he honestly possesses or to obtain what
he can honestly earn, has direct in
terest In maintaining a safe circulating
| lihNutuH"SuCt ~ tBCtttuul 10 BiIdiI Dt
real and substantial, not liable to vibrate
with opinions, not subject to be blown
up or blown down by the breeze OF
speculation but to be made secure. A
disOrdered currency ia one Of the great
est political evils. 1t undermincs the
virtues necessary for the support OF the
social system and encourages propensi-
ties destructive of its happiness IT
wars against industry. frugality and
economy. and fosters the evil spirit of
extravaganza and speculation.
1t has been asserted by one Of our
profound aud gifted statesmen that of
all cOntrivances for cheating mankind.
none has been so effeetiIal as that which
deludes them with paper money. This
is the most effectual of inventions to
fertilize the rich mans fields by the
sweat of the poor mars brow. Ordi-
nary tyranny. oppression. excessive tax
alton these bear lightly on the happi-
ness of the community, compared with
a fraudulent currency and the robbery
committed by deprecated paper. Our
own history has recorded for our in
struction enough, and more than enough
of its demOralizing tendency. This in
justice and intolerablc oppression on
the virtuOus and well disposed of de-
graded paper currency, authorized by
law or in any way countenanced by
the Government is one of the most sue
cessful devices in times of peace or war,
Of expansion or revolutions to accom-
plish the transfer of all the precious
metals from the great mass of the peo-
pie into the hands of the few, where
they are boarded in secret places or de-
posted under bolts and bars. while the
people are left 10 endure all the incOn-
veniences, sacrifices and decentralization
resulting from the use of deprecated
and worthless paper. .t...t. -.
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
renew the recommendation 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 on the propriety of so amending
the Federal Constitution that it shall
provide 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 second time. Second: for dis
tinct designation of the person who
shall discharge the duties of President
in the event of vacancy of that office,
by death, resignation, or the removal OF
both the President and Vice President.
Third: for the election of Senators of
the United States directly by the people
Of the several States. instead of by the
legislatures, and fourth for the limita-
tion to period of years of Federal
Judges. Profoundly impressed with
the propricty of making these impor-
tant notifications in the Constitution.
respectfully submit them for the early
and mature consideration of Congress.
We should, as far as possible, remove
all pretext for violations of the organic
law by remedying such impcrfections as
time and experience may develop, ever
remembering that the Constitution
which, at any time exists unchanged,
except BY explicit and authentic act of
the people, is sacredly all obligation up
on all.
CONCLUSION.
in the performance of duty laid upon
me by the Constitution, have thus COM
municated to Congress information OF
the state Of the Union, and recommend
ed for their consideration such measures
as have seemed to me necessary and ex-
pedient. Ii carried into effect they will
hasten the accomplishment of the great
and beneficent purposes for which tie
Constitution was ordained. and which
it comprehensively states were to form
a more pecrfect union, establish duties.
insure domestic tranquility, provide for
the common defense promote the gem
eral welfare, and secure the blessings of
liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
In Congress are vested all legislative
powers, and upon them devolves the re-
sponsibility as well for framing unwise
and excessive laws as for ncglccting to
devise and adopt measures absolutely
demanded by the wants of the country.
Let us earnestly hope that, before the
expiration Of our respective terms of
service, now rapidly drawing to a close,
an alwise Providence will so guide our
counsels as to strengthen and preserve
the Federal Union in spirit, inspire rev.
erence for the Constitution, restore
prosperity and happiness to our whole
people, and promote OH earth peace and
good will toward men.
[Signed, ANDREW JOHNSON.