The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1869-12-02
Presidents Message.
WAsHINeroN. Dee 9. ISC


committee, consisting Of Messrs. Wilson
and Thurman, on the part Of the Srnate,
and Messrs. Scheuck, Dawes and Wood
ward, on the part of the House. waited
upon the President u know If he had
anything 10 communicate to the Houses
ofCongress.
In response the President sent the fol-
lowing message:
TO the Ge7aie ard House Of Represent
1tiVes Gentlemen: In coming before
YOU for the first time as chief magistrate
Of this great nation, 1t is with gratitude
TO the iiyer OF ali Good for the many
benefits we enjoy. We are blessed with
peace at home and ale without entan
Cling alliances abroad 10 forebode trOu-
bic. With territory unsurpassed in fer
tility, of an area equal to the abuB-
dant support of Eve hundred million
Of people, and abOunding in every
variety OF use full minerals, in quantity
sufficient TO supply the world 1or gene
ratious; with exuberant crops; with
variety of climate adapted 70 the produc-
ton Of every species Of earth's riches
and suited 70 the babils, tastes and re-
quirements of everF living thing; with
a population Of 10000. GEO oil free people,
all speaking cDe language; with faciii-
ties for every mortal 10 acquire an edu-
cation; with institutions, Closing 20 none
the avenues To fame or anv blessing Of
fortune that NAV be coveted; with iree-
dom of the pulpit and press and schools;
with q revenue flowing into the
national treasury beyond the require
menls of government; happily, order 10
being rapidly restored within our own
borders. Man ufaetures hitherto un
known within our country are spriDgfng
up in ali directions, producing a degree
OF national independence unequalled by
that of any other power. These bless
ings, and countless others, are submit
ted 10 your care and mine, more for safe
keeping for the brief period Of our ten
ure OF Office. In short time we must
each of rs return to the ranks of the
people who have conferred upon us our
honoTs. and account 10 them for our
stewardship. / earnestly desire that
neither you nor may be condemned by
a free and enlightened constituency, nor
by our consciences.
Emerging trom a rebellion ofgigantie
magnitude, aided as il WIS by the sym
pathy and assistance Of nations with
which we were at peace, eleven states OF
the Union were, four years ago, left
without legal state governments. a ma
tional debt had been contracted; Amerl-
can commerce Was almost driven from
the seas: the Industry of the country had
been taken from the control OF the capi-
talisls and placed where all labor right
fully belongs, in the keeping OF the la
Dorer. The work OF restoring state gov
srnments loyal to the Union, OF protect
ing and fostering free labor and pro-
viding means for paying the Interest on
the public debt, has received ample at
tention from Congress. Although your
efforts have not met with the success, in
all particulars, that might have been de-
sired, yet on the whole they have been
more successful than could have been
reasonably anticipated.
Seven States which had passed ordi-
nancas of secession have been fully re-
stored 10 their places in the Union. The
eighth Georgia, held an election st
which she ratified her constitution, re-
publican in form, elected Governor,
members of Congress, d State legislature
and all other officers req uIred. The
Governor =Rs duly installed and the
legislature met and performed all the
acts then required of them by the recon
struction. acts of Congress. Subse-
Guenily, however, in violation of the
Constitution which they had just ratified
-as since decided by the Supreme Court
Of the Siaie-they unseated the coiored
members OF the legislature, and admit
ted to seats some members who are
fourteenth amendment 10 the Constitu-
tion, an article which they themselves
had contributed TO ratify. Under ihese
circumstance / would submit TO you
whether il would not be well, without
delay, to enact a law authorizing the
Governor Of Georgia 10 convene the
members originally elected 10 The l-e2is-
lature, requiring each TO take the oath
presented by the reconstruction acts,
and none 10 be admitted who aIe incl
ligIble under the third clause OF the
fourteenth amendment.
The freedmen, under the protection
which they have received, are making
rapid progress in learning, and no COM
plaints ara heard or lack of industry on
their part, where they receive fair re-
,nuueraiion for their Labor
The means provided for paying the
interest on lie 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 las
not received sufficient attention from
you. To this subject call your earnest
attention. ! Will not now suggest plans
by which this object may be effected,
bat will, if necessary, make II the sub
iect Of special message during the ses-
sion.
At the March term, Congress, by joint
resolution, authorized the executive 10
order elections In the State Of Virginia,
Mississippi and Texas, 10 submit 10
them the constitutions which had previ-
ousiy been in convention formed, and
sublnitthe constitutions, either entire or
in separate parts, TO devoted upon at the
discretion OF the Executive. Under this
authority cleo ions were called IN Viz