Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-12-17
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
To the Senate and

To the Senate and
4 House Of Representatives
In coming before you for the first time as
the Chief Magistrate of great nation it is
with gratitude to the Giyer of all good for
the many benefits that we enjoy. We are
blessed with peace, without entangling ALI
ances abroad to forebode trouble, with
territory unsurpassed in fertility, for an
area equal to an abundant support of
500, 100000 of people, Astounding in every
variety Of useful mineral in quantities suf6-
Gent to supply the world for generations. =
Exuberant crops in variety, climate adapted
to the production Of every species OF the
earth's riches, suited to the habits, tastes and
requirements Of every living thing, with a
population of 40,000,000 of free people,
speaking one language, with facilities for
every mortal to acquire education institu-
tons closing to none the avenues to fame.
or any blessing of fortune that may be covet-
ed with freedom of pulpit, press, and school.
A revenue flowing into the National Urea
sury beyond the requirements Of the Govern
ment. Happily, harmony is being restored
within our own borders. Manufactures
hitherto unknown in our country are spring
ing up in all sections, producing a degree Of
national independence unequalled by 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 Offices In short time we must
each of US return to the ranks of the people
who have conferred our honors, and account
to them, for our stewardship. I earnestly
desire that neither you nor [ may be con-
denned by a free and enlightened constitu-
ency, nor by our own consciences.
Emerging from rebellion of gigantic
ma nitude, 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
governments. A national debt had been
contracted; commerce was almost driven
from the seas the industry Of one-half of
the country had been taken from the CAPT.
talists and placed where all labor rightfully
belongs-in the keeping Of the laborer. ~
The work Of restoring State governments
loyal to the Union, protecting and fostering
free labor, providing the means for paying
the interest on the public debt, have re-
ceived ample attention from Congress. AL
though your efforts have not met with sue
cess in all the particulars that might have
been desired, yet on the whole they have
been more successful than could reasonably
have been anticipated. @H5fI
GEORGIA TO BE RECONSTRUCTED.
! Seven Of the States which passed ordi-
nances Of secession have been fully restored
to their places in the Union. The eighth
Georgia held an election at which she rati-
fed her Constitution, repub lican in form,
elected Governor, members of Congress,
State Legislature, and the other officers re
CURED. The Governor was installed; 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 Su-
preme Court of that State, they unseated the
the colored members of the Legislature and
admitted to their seats some members who
are disqualified by the third clause Of the
fourteenth amendment, an article which they
themselves had contributed to ratify. I'm
der these circumstances, [ would submit te
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 Legislature, requiring each tc
take the oath prescribed by the reconstruc.
5 ton acts, and none to be admitted who arr
ineligible under the third clause Of the four
: teenth amendment
q TIE FREEDMEN.
; The freedmen, under the protection which
they have received, are making rapid pro
gres in learning, and no complaints are heart
Of lack Of industry on their part when they
receive fair remuneration for their labor.
TIE GOVERNMENT INCOME
The means provided for paying the inter
est on the public debt, with all other expen
ses of Government, are more than ample.
TIE LOSS OF OUR COMMERCE.
The loss Of our commerce is the only re
suit of the late rebellion which has not re
: ceiyed sufficient attention from you. 70 thi
subject l call your earnest attention. l vii
f not now suggest plans by which this objec
may be effected, but will, if necessary, maxi
it the subject of special message during tn
session. ,. g..
THE ELECTIONS UNDER RECONSTRUCTION Il
THE SOUTH. ,
Congress, by joint resolution, author
lied the Executive to order elections in tn
States of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, IT
submit to them the Constitutions which eacl
7 had previously framed, and to submit tn
4 Constitutions either entire or in separat
; parts to be voted upon at the discretion o
t the Executive Under this authority cleo
r lions were called. In Virginia the election
took place on the 9th of July. The Goyerno
and Lieutenant Governor elected have bee
d installed. The Legislature met and did al
required by this resolution and by all the re
construction acts Of Congress, and abstaine
q q from all doubtful authority. I recommen
}, that her senators and representatives b
Is promptly admitted to their seats, and tina
J the State be fully restored to its place in tn
{ family Of States.
Elections were called in Mississippi an
Texas, to commence November 30th-tw
DAYS in Mississippi and four in Texas. IN
elections have taken place, but the result
not known. It is hoped that the acts of tn
Legislatures of these States, when the
meet, will be such as to receive your approx
al and thus close the work of reconstruction
THE RESUMPTION OF SPECIE PAYMENTS.
Among the evils growing out Of the re
belliou, and not yet referred to, is that
an irredeemable currency. 1t is an ev
which I hope will receive your most earnes
a attention. It is a duty, and one of the hlgt
tie est duties of Government, to secure to tn