The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-12-16
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

TO the Senate and ~
House of Representatives.
In coming before you for the first time as
the Chief Magistrate Of a great nation it is
with gratitude to the Giver of all good for
the many benefits that we enjoy. We are
blessed with peace, without entangling alli-
ances abroad to forebode trouble, with
territory unsurpassed in fertility, for an
area equal to an abundant support of
10000, 900 of people, Astounding in every
variety Of useful mineral in quantities suth-
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
population of 40, 900, 900 Of free people,
speaking one language, with facilities for
every mortal to acquire education lnstltu-
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 degree Of
n,tional 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. earnestly
desire that neither you nor may be con-
demned by a free and enlightened constltu-
ency, nor by our own consciences.
Emerging from a rebellion Of gigantic
magnitude, aided as it was by the sympathies
and assistance Of nations with which we
| we're at peace, eleven States Of the Union
we're four years ago left without legal State
i 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-
ceiyed 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.
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, republican in form,
elected Governor, members Of Congress,
State Legislature, and the other officers re.
quired. 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 lust ratified, as since decided by the Su-
preme Court Of that State, they unseated the
the colorcd 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 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 Legislature, requiring each to
take the oath prescribed by the reconstruc-
ton acts, and none to be admitted who are
ineligible under the third clause of the four
teenth amendment.
TIE FREEDMEN.
The freedmen, under the protection which
they have received, are making rapid pro-
gres in learning, and no complaints are heard
Of lack of industry on their part when they
receive fair remuneration for their labor.
THE GOVERNMENT INCOME
The means provided for paying the inter-
est on the public debt, with all other expcn-
ses of Government, are more than ample.
/ THE LOSS OF OUR COMMERCE. 81
| The loss of our commerce is the only re-
suit Of the late rebellion which has not re-
ceived sufficient attention from you. 10 this
subject call your earnest attention. will
not now suggest plans by which this object
may be effected, but will, if necessary, make
it the subject of a special message during the
session.
THE ELECTIONS UNDER RECONSTRUCTION IN
THE SOUTH.
| Congress, by joint resolution, author
lied the Executive to order elections in the
States Of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, t
submit to them the Constitutions which each
had previously framed, and to submit the
Constitutions either entire or in separate
parts to be voted upon at the discretion o.
the Executive Under this authority cleo
lions were called. In Virginia the election
took place on the 9th Of July. The Governor
and Acknowledgement elected have beer
installed. The Legislature met and did al
required by this resolution and by all the re
construction acts Of Congress, and abstainet
from all doubtful authority. recommend
, that her senators and representatives b
. promptly admitted to their seats, and tina b
y tie State be fully restored to its place in tn