The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1869-12-09
RAvENNA, THURSDAY, DEC. .. 1869.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.


TO the Senate and House Of Represen-
tdtires:
In coming before you for the first
time as Chief Magistrate of this great
nation, it is with gratitude TO the Civ
er of all good for the benefits we en-
Joy. We arc blessed with peace at
home, and are without entangling al
liances abroad, 10 forbode trouble :;
with a territory unsurpassed in fertil-
ity, of an area equal to the abundant
support of 500,000000 of people, and
abounding in every variety of useful
mineral, in quantity sufficient to sup
ply the world for generations with
exuberant crops; with a variety OF
climate adapted to the production OF
every species of earth's riches, and
suited TO the habits, tastes and re-
quirements of every living thing !;
with population of 100000 of free
people, all speaking one language,
with facilities for every mortal to ac
quire an education; with institutions
closing to none the avenue TO fame or
any blessing of fortune that may be
coveted; with freedom of pulpit, the
press and the school; with a revenue
flowing into the national treasury be-
yond the requirements of the govern
ment; harmony is being restored
within our own borders, and manufac-
tories hitherto unknown are spring.
ing up in alh directions, producing a
degree of national independence une-
qualled by that of any other power
These blessings, and countless others,
are entrusted to your care for the
brief period of your Office. In short
time, we must, each of lis, return to
the ranks of the people, who have con-
ferred upon us our honors, and ac-
count to them for our stewardship. l
earnestly desire that neither you nor
I may be condemned by free and
enlightened constituency nor by our
own consciences:S
Emerging from a rebellion of gi-
gantic magnitude, aided as it was by
the sympathy and assistance eff foreign
nations, with which we were at peace,
eleven States of the Union were four
years ago left without legal state gov
ernments: national debt had been
contracted American commerce was
almost driven from the seas; the in
dustry of one-half of the country had
been taken from the capitalists and
placed where all labor rightfully be-
longs-in Ithe keeping of. the laborer.
The work of restoring state govern
ments loyal to the Union; of protect
ing and fostering free labor, and pro
viding means for paying the interest
on the public debt, have received am
pie attention from Congress. Altho
your efforts have not met with success
in all particulars that might have been
desired, yet, on the whole, they have
been more successful than could have
been reasonably anticipated. Seven
States which passed the ordinance 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 a governor, members OF
Z 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 reconstrvc-
--tion acts of Congress. Subsequent
ly, however, in violation of the con.
stitution which they had just rati
fed, as since decided by the supreme
court of the state, they unseated the
colored members of the Legislature
and admitted 10 seats some member;
who are disqualified by the thirt
q clause of the fourteenth amendmen
to the constitution, an article which
they themselves had contributed tt
Tatifv. / would submit to you whe
ther it would not be wise without de
lay to enact law authorizing the gov
ernor. of Georgia to convene the mem
bers originally elected to the legisla.
ture, requiring each member to tax,
the oath prescribed by the reconstruc
ton act, and none to be admitted wht
are Ineligible under the third claus,
of the fourteenth amendment. TIL,
freedmen, under the protection whicl
they have received, are making rapit
progress in learning, and no com
plants are heard of any lack of indus
try on their part, when they receiv
fair remuneration for their labor.
Loss TO AMERICAN COMMERCE.
The means provided for paying th
interest oil the pubic debt, with al
the other expenses of the government
are more than ample. The loss of on
commerce is the only result of the lat
rebellion which has not received sui
ficient attention. To this subject
call your earnest attention. l will no
now suggest plans by which tlIis OBJ
ject may be effected, but will, if nee
essary, make it the subject of a specia
message during the session of Con
gress.
VIRGINIA, MISSISSIPPI AND TEXAS.
At the March term, Congress, by
joint resolution, authorized the eXecu
tive to order elections in the states {
Virginia, Mississippi and Texas, t
submit to them the constitution
which each had, previously, in cor
9 vention, framed, and submit the cor
stitution, either entire OF in separat
parts, to be voted upon at the discre
ton of the executive. Under this al
thority the elections were called. I
Virginia the election took place o
the 9th of July, 1869. The governo
and Lieutenant governor elected hay
been installed; the legislature mt
and did all required by this resolr
ton, and by all the reconstruction ac
of Congress, and abstained from a
doubtful authority. resommen
that her senators and representative
be admitted, and that the state be full
restored to its place in the family
states. Elections were called in Mi
sissippi and Texas, to commence c
the Both of November, 1869, and
last two days in Mississippi and fol-
days i'll Texas. The elections ha'
taken place, but their result is n
known. 1t is to be hoped that Il
acts of the legislatures of these state
when they meet, will be such as w
meet your approval, and thus clio
the work of reconstruction.
RETURN TO SPECIE PAYMENTS.
Among the evils growing out of Il
rebellion and not yet. referred to
that of an irredeemable currency.
is an evil which I hope will recei
your most earnest attention. 1t is
duty, and one of the highest duties
government to secure to the citiZe
medium of exchange of fixed, INV
rying value. This implies return
a specie basis, and no substitute for
can be devised. 1t should be col
menced now, and reached at the es
liest practicable moment consiste
with fair regard to the interest