Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1869-12-17
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
To the Sencte and House Of Representa-
Of the United Stctes IN Congress-
assembled.

In coming before you 1Or The hrSt Time as
Chief Magistrate of the Nation, it is with
gratitude to the Giver of all good, for the
many benefits We are enjoying. We are
blessed with peace at home, and are without
entangling alliances abroad, or marked
trouble. With territory unsurpassed in
fertility and area, equal to the abundant
support of five hundred millions of people,
and abounding in every variety of useful
in quantity sufficient to supply the
world for generations; with cxuberant crops;
with a vs .iety of climate adapted to the
production of every species of earth's riches,
and suited o the habits, tastes and require
ments of every living thing; with popula.
tion of forty millions OF free people, all
speaking one language; with facilities for
every mortal TO acquire an education; with
closing to none the avenues to
fame, or any blessing of fortune that may
be coveted; with freedom of pulpit, the
press and the school; with a revenue pour
ing into the Treasury beyond the require
ments of Government supply. Harmony
is being rapidly restored within our own
borders; manufactures hitherto unknown
in our country are springing up in all direc-
tons. producing a degree Of national inde-
pendence unequalled by any other power.
Th Sc blessings and countless others are
entrusted to your care and mine, for safe
k eping for the lrief period of cur tenure
of office. In short time we must each OF
us return to the ranks of the people who
have conferred upon us our honors, and az :
count to them for our stewardship. | earn
esllv desire that neither you or may be con-
demned bv free and enlightened constitu-
ency, nor by oar own consc' c'ences.
THE WORK OF RECONSTRUCTION.
Emerging from a rebellion of gigantic
magnitude, aided as it was by the sympa-
thy and assistance of nations with whom
we were at peace, eleven States of the
Union were four years ago LETT without le-
gal governments, a debt had been contrac
ed, American commerce was almost driven
i.om the seas, the industry of one half OF
our country had been taken from the con-
troll of the capitalists aud placed where all
labor rightidlly belongs-n the keeping OF
the laborer. The work of restoring State
governments to the Union, or protecting
and fostering free labor, and providing
means for paying the interest on the pub
lie debt, have received ample attention
from Congress. although your effior,S have
not met with success in all the par culal Is
that might have been desired, yet on the
whole they have been more successful than
could have been reasonably ami pated.
Seven States that passed :he ordinance OF
secession have been fully restored to places
in the Union. ......
GEORGIA TO RECOGNIZE THE LAW.
The eighth, Georgia, held an election in
which she ratified her constitution, Repub-
ican in form, elected Governor, members
of Congrt IS, State Legislature, and all
other officers required. The Governor was
duly installed and the Legislature met and
pc formed all the acts then required OF
th II b. the reconstruction acts Of Con-
giess. Subsequently, however, in violation
OF the constitution which they had ratified,
as since decided by the Supreme Court Of
the State, they unseated the colored mem
bers of the Legislature and admitted to
seats some members who are disqualified
by the Sd clause Of the 18th Amendment 10
the Constitution, an article which they
themselves had contributed to ratify.
Under these circumstances, | would sub
NIT 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 Legisla-
ture, requiring each member to take the
oath prescribed by the reconstruction act,
and none to be admitted. who are ineligible
under the Sd clause Of the l4th Amend
ment.
VIRGINIA, MISSISSIPPI AND TEXAS.
During the session of Congress, at the
March term, Congress by joint resolution,
authorized the Executive to order electious
in the States of Virginia, Mississippi and
Texas, submitting the constitution, which
each had previously in convention framed
and submitted, the Constitution either en-
tire or in separate parts to be voted upon
at the discretion of the Executive. Under
this authority elections were called in Vir-
ginia. The election took place on the 9th
of July, 1869. The Governor and Lieu
tenant Governor elected have been installed.
The Legislature met and did all required by
this resolution and by all the reconstruc-
ton acts of Congress, and abstained from
all doubtful autho ity. recommend that
her Senators and Representatives be admit.
ted and that the State be fully, restored to its
place in the family of the States.
Elections were called in Mississippi and
Texas to commence on the 30th of Novem-
ber, 1869, and 10 last two days in Mississip-
pi and four days in Texas. The elections
have taken place, but the result is not
known. 1t is to be hoped t. the acts of
the Legislature of these ST IS when they
meet will be such as to receive your appro-
baton, and thus close the work of recon-
struction.
THE FREEDMEN.
The freedmen under the protection which
they have received are making rapid pro.
grcss in learning, and no complaints are
heard of lack Of industry on their part
where they receive fair remuneration for
their labor.
THE REVIVAL OF COMMERCE.
The means provided for paying the in
terest on the public debt with all other ex.
penses of the Government are more than
ample. The loss of our commerce is the
only result of the late rebellion which has
not received sufficient attention from you.
To this subject invite your early attention.
l will not now suggest plans by which this
object may be effected, but will, if neces-
sary, make it the subject Of special mes