The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-07
Recommendation to Fund the
National Debt.
Reconstruction Progressing Favor
ably Except in Georgia.
Our Foreign Relations Satisfactory
Recognition Of Cuban Bellige-
rency Not Advised.

without entangling alliances abroad 70 forbode
trouble; with territory unsurpassed In fertility,
OF an area equal to the abundant support OF nve
hundred millions Of people aud Astounding in
every variety Of useful minerals in quantity sum-
Gent to supply the world for generations; with exu
berant crops with variety Of climate adapted to the
production OF every species Of earth's riches ana
suited to the habits, tastes and requirements Of
every living thing; with population OF forty MIL
lions OF free people, all speaking one language.
with facilities for every mortal to acquire
an education; with institutions closing to
mono the avenues or fame or any bless
ing Of fortune that may be coveted with
freedom Of the pulpit, the press and the school;
with revenue flowing into the national Treasury
beyond the requirements Of the government. Hap
PLY harmony IL being speedily restored within our
own borders. Manufactures hitherto unknown In
our country sprnging up in all directions, pro-
ducing degree Of national independence unequalled
by that Of any other Power. These blessings and
countless others are entrusted to your care and
mine for safe keeping for the brief period Of our
tenure OF ONCE In short time we must each OF us
return to the ranks Of the people who have con-
ferrcd upon US our honors and account to them for
stewardship earnestly desire that neither you
nor may be condemned by free and enlightened
constituency nor by our conscienccs.
PROGRESS OF RECONSTRUCTION.
Emerging from rebellion Of gigantic magnitude.
aided as 1t was by the sympathy and assistance OF
nations with which we were peace, eleven states
Of the Union were four years ago left without legal
State government; national debt had been con-
tracted. American commerce was almost driven
from the seas; the industry Of half Of the
try had been takenrom the control OF the capitalist
and placed where all labor rightfuy belongs in the
keeping OF tho laborer The work OF restoring State
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 attention from Congress. Although
your efforts have not met with the success
In all particulars that might have been desired,
get on the whole, they have been more
successful than could have been reasonably anttcl-
pated Seven States which passed ordinances Of
secession have fully restored to their places in
the Union the eighth (Georga) held an election, at
which she ratified her constitution, republican In
form, elected o 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 then required OF them by
the reconstruction acts Of Congress- subsequently,
however IN violation OF the constitution which they
had just ratified, as since decided by the
Supreme Court Of the State, they unseated
the colored members Of the Legislature and admitted
70 seats some members who are di sQualled by the
third clause Of the fourteenth amendment to the
stitution-an article which they themselves had
tributed to ratlfy. Under these circumstances
woud submit to you whether 1t would not be wise,
without delay, to enact law authorizing the Gov
ernOr of Georgia to convene the members originally
elected the Legislature, requiring eacn member to
take the oath by the reconstruction acts, and
20 be admitted who are ineligible under the third
clause Of the fourteenth amendment.
The freedmen, under the protection which they
have received. making rapid progress In learn
ing, and complaints heard OF lack OF industry
on their part when they received fair remuneration
for their labor.
The means provided for paying the interest on the
public debt with all other expenses OF the govern
ment, are more than ample.
The loss OF our commerce is the only result Of the
late rebellion which has not received SUFFICIENT at
sention from you. To this subject call your earnest
attention. / win not now suggest plans by which
this object may be erected but will If necessary,
make 1t tho subject Of special message during the
session OF Congress.
size ELECTIONS IN VIRGINIA, MISSISSIPPI AND
TEXAS.
At the March term Congress by Joint resolution
authorized the Executive to order elections in the
States OF Virginia, Mississippi and Texas, to submit
70 them the constitutions which each had previously
IN convention framed, and submit the constitu-
lions 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
Governor elected have been installed; the Legisla-
ture met and did all required by this resolution and
by all the reconstruction acts Of Congress, and alb
stained from all doubtful authority. I recommend
that her Senators and Representatives be edmitted
to their seats in Congress, ana that the Stste
be fully restored p IL place In the family Of
States. Elections wore called in Mississippi ana
Texas, to commence on the 10th Of November, 1859,
and to last two day. - Ma.iss:pp and four days in
.uv election. ...ve taKen place. bot the re-
suit IL not known It IL to be hoped that the acts OF
the Legislatures Of these States when they meet,
win be such ~ to receive your approval and thus
close the work Of reconstruction
THE CURRENCY.
Among the evils growing out Of the rebellion ana
mot vet referred to In that Of an irrodeemable
rency. II ID an evil which hope VIII receive your
most earnest attention. 1t ia duty and one Of the
highest duties Of government to secure to the ctl
Gems q medium OF exchange Of nxed, unvarying
value This implies return to specie basis and
no substitute for IT can be devised. 1t should be
commenced now and reached at the earliest prac-
ucable moment consistent with q fair regard to tho
interests OF the debtor class. Immediate resump-
ti0n II practicable, would not be desirable.
IL would compel tho debtor class to pay
beyond their contracts the premium on
gold at the date Of their purchase and would bring
bankruptcy and ruin to thousands. Fluctuation,
however. In the paper value OF the measure OF all
values, gold, detrimental to the interests Of trade
II makes the man Of business an involuntary gam
bier for in all sales where future payment IL TO be
made both parties speculate a. to what will he tho
value Of the currency to be paid and received. I
earnestly recommend to you, then, such legislation
~ VIII insure gradual return TO specie payments
and put an immediate stop to fluctuations in the
value Of currency. The methods to secure the former
OF these are - numerous as arc the