The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1868-12-17

NUu ~ ~ tANttNNN VIII w Nuutluubl
at an early day.
QUESTIONS WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
Three other qucstiona, however,
between the United States aud Great
Britain remain open for adjustment.
These are the mutual rights Of natu-
rallied citizeus, the boundary quos-
ton involving the title to the island
Of San Juan, on tho Pacific oast.and
mutual claims arising since the year
1853, Of the citizens and subjects Of
the two countries for injuries and
dcpredations 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
before the Senate for its considcra-
tion during the pro sent session, pro-
tocols calculated to bring to an end
these justly exciting aud long exist
ing controversies.
CHINA.
We are not advised of tho action
Of the Chinese government upon the
liberal aud auspicious treaty which
was recently celebrated with its plcn-
ipotentiary at this capital.
JAPAN.
Japan remains thoatsr Of civil
war marked by religious incidents
and political sovcrities peculiar to
that loug isolated Empire The Ilx~
ccutivo has hitherto maintained
strict neutrality among tho boligcr-
cnts, and acknowledges with pleasure
that he has been frankly and fully
sustained ia that course by the on
lightcned concurrence and oo-oper-
alton Of the other treaty powers, viz.
Great Britain, France, Tho Neither
lands, North Gormany, aud Italy.
SPAIN.
Spain having recently UNDERGONE n
revolution marked by extraordinary
unanimity and preservation of order,
the provisional government estab.
lishod Mt Madrid has been rocoguiz-
ed, and the friendly intercourse
which has so long happily existed
between tho two countries remains
unchanged.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
renew tho recommendations con-
tqined in my communication to
Congress, dated the 18th July last, n
copy of which accompanies this mess .
age, that tho Judgment Of the peo.
pie should be taken on the proprie-
ty of so amending the Federal con,
stitution that it shall provide
lst For an election Of President
aud Vice President by a direct vote
of tho people, instead Of through the
agency Of electors, aud making them
ineligible for recollection to a second
term.
ID. For q distinct designation of
tho person who shall discharge the
duties of President in tho event of a
vacancy in that Office by tho death -,
resignation. or removal Of both tho
President aud Vice President.
3D. For the election of Senator's
of tho United Statos directly by thl
people of the several States, instead
Of by the Legislatures.
4th. For the limitation to q period
Of years Of tho term Of Federal
Judges.
Profoundly impressed with the
proprioty of making these important
notifications in tho Constitution,
respectfully submit them for the ear
" and mature consideration Of Con-
gross. We should as far as possible
remove all pretoSt for violation of
the organic laws romedying such
imporfections as time aud experience
may develop, ever remembering that
the Constitution, which at any time
exists until changed by an explicit
aud authentic act of the whole peo-
pie, is sasrodly obligatory upon all.
CONCLUSION,
In the performance Of n duty i'm.
posed upon mo by the Constitution, |
have thus communicated to Congress
information ftho state Of the Union.
and recommended for their consider.
alton such measures as have seemed
to me necessary and eXpedient. II
carried into effect they will hasten the
accomplishment Of the great and
benefcent purposes for which the
| Constitution was ordained, and which
il eomproheusively states were to
form moro perfect Uniou, establish
justice, insure domestic tranquility.
provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and Sc
cure the blessing Of liberty to our
selves aud our posterity. In Con,
gress are vested all legislative powers,
and upon them devolvos the respon>
sibiity as well for framing uuwise
aud excessive laws as for negleoting
to devise aud adopt measures abso-
lutely demanded by the wants Of tho
country. Let us earnestly hope that
before the expiration of our respoc-
tive terms Of service, now rapidly
drawing to = close, an allWise Proyi.
deuee will 80 guide our councils as to
strengthen aud preserve the Federal
Union, inspire reverence for the
Constitution, restore prosperity aud
happiness to our whole people, aud
promote on earth peace, aud good
will toward men.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9th, 1898.