The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-12-17
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

hrst time as Ch1ef Magistrate of this
great nation, 1t is with gratitude to the
Giver of all good for the many benefits
we enjoy. We are blessed with peace at
home, and we are without entangline
alliances abroad to forbode trouble, with
a territory unsurpassed in fertility, of
an area equal to the abundant support of
five hundred millions of people, and
abounding in every variety of useful
minerals in quantity sufficient to supply
the world for generations, with abun-
dant crops, with a variety of climate
adapted to the production of every
species of earth's riches, and suited TO
the habits, tastes and requirements of
every living thing; with a population
of 10000, 900 of free people; all speaking
one language, with facilities for every
mortal to acquire an education, with in
stitutions closing to none the avenues
of fame or any blessing of fortune that
may be coveted, with freedom of the
pulpit, the press and the school, with a
revenue flowing into the national treas
ury beyond the requirements of the
government. Happily, harmony is
rapidly being restored within our own
borders. Manufactures hitherto un.
known in our country are sprnging up
in all sections, producing q degree of
national independence unequaled by
that of any other power. These bless.
ings, and countless others, are entrust-
| n 10 nd r,r r.
ing for the brief period of our tenure of
office. In short time we must each of
us return to the ranks of the people, who
have conferred upon us our honors, and
account to them for our stewardship. |
earnestly desire that neither you nor |
may be condemned by free and en-
lightened constituency, nor by our own
corsciences. Emerging from a rebel
lion of gigantic magnitude, aided as it
was by the sympathies and assistance
of nations with which we were at peace,
eleven States of the Union were four
years ago left without legal State
Government. Anational debt had been
contracted. American commerce was
almost driven from the seas; the indus
try Of one-half of the country had been
taken from the control of the capitalist
and placed, where all labor rightfully
belongs, in the keeping of the laborer.
The work Ofrestoring Stateg governments
loyal to the Union, of protecting and
fostering free labor and providing
means for paying the interest on the
public debt has received ample atten.
tion from Congress. Although your Of
forts have not met with the success in all
sired, yet, on the whole, they have been
more satisfactory than could have been
reasonably anticipated.
Seven States which passed ordinan-
ces of secession have been fully restored
to their places in the Union. The eighth
(Georgia) held an election, at which
she ratified.her constitution, Republican
in form, elected Governor, members
Of Congress, State Legislature and all
other officers required.
| The Governor was duly installed ,and
the Legislature met and performed all
the acts required of them blythe recon-
struction acts of Congress. Subsequent
ly, however, in violation of the consti-
tuition they had just ratified, as since
decided by the Supreme Court of the
State, "they unseated the colored men,
bers of the Legislature, and admitted to
seats some members who are disquali-
fed by the third clause of the Four.
teenth Amendment to the Constitution,
one article which they themselves had
contributed to ratify." Under these cir
cumstances, 1 would submit to you
whether it would not be wise, without
delay, to enact law authorizing the
Governor of Georgia to convene the
members originally elected to the Legis-
lature, requiring each member to take
the oath prescribed by the reconstruc-
tion acts, and none to be admitted who
are ineligible under the third clause Of
the Fourteenth Amendment.
The freedmen, under the prosection
which they have received, are making
rapid progress in learning, and no COM
plants are heard of lack of industry on
their part when they receive fair remu-
neration for their labor.
The means provided for paying the
interest of the public debt, with all other
expenses of the Government, are more
than ample. The loss of our commerce
Is the only result of the late rebellion
which has not received sufficient atten-
ton from you. To this subject L call
your earnest attention. will not now
suggest plans by which this object may
be effected, but will, if necessary, make
it the subject ofa special message during
the session of Congress. At the March
term Congress by "A joint resolution
authorized the Executive TO order elec-
tions in the States of Virginia, Missis-
sippi and Texas, to submit to them the
Constitutions which each had previous
ly In conventions formed, and submit
the Constitutions either entire or in
separate parts, to be voted upon at the
discretion of the Executive. Under
this authority elections were called. In
Virginia the election took place on the
9th of July, 1869. The Governor and
Lieutenant.G Governor elected have been
installed, The Legislature met and did
all required by this resolution, and by
all the reconstruction acts of Congress,
and abstained from all doubtful author
ity. l recommend that her Senators
and Representatives, and the State, be
fully restored to her place in the family
of States.
Elections were called in Mississippi
and Texas, to commence ON the Both of
November, 1869. and to last for two
days in Mississippi and four days in
Texas. The elections have taken place,
but the result is not known. 1t is to
| L.. L.....,.l tLat iL.. aui.. Of ILc l...iuIa