North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1869-12-15
No. 10. McGREGOR IOWA, WEDNESDAY, DEC Is, l869i

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J, 7a5 3ataasa atr M(
Message. irs -
v,.,.asn as.sl lWAsHlNaroN, December 6.
The following is the Message of the
President of the United States, delivered
10 Congress at noon to-day :al @
M THE MESSAGE.
70 the Senate and House of Representatives:
In coming before you for the first time
as Chief Magistrate Of this nation, it is
with gratitude to the Givsr Of All Good
for the many benefits we enjoy. We are
blessed with peace at home, and are with
out entangling alliances abroad to forbode
trouble. With territory unsurpassed in
fertility, Of an area equal to the abundant
auppcet " FIVE hundred millions of peo-
pIe, and Sbounding in every variety Of
naafal minerals, in quantity Sufficient to
supply the world for gene rations; with ex-
uberant crops, with 4 variety of climate
adapted to the production Of every spe-
cies of earth's riches, and suited to the
habits, tastes and requirements Of every
living thing, with = popnlation of forty
millions of free people, sll speaking one
with facilities for cvsfy mortal
to acquire an education; with Institutions
closing to none the avenues to fame or
any blessing Of fortune that may be cove
ted; with freedom of pulpit the press and
the school; with a revenue flowing into the
national Treasury beyond the require
ments of Government supply. Harmony
10 being rapidly restored within our own
borders. Manufacturers hitherto un-
known in our country are springing up in
all directions, producing degree of ma
tional independence unequaled by that of
any other power. & These blessings and
countless others are entrusted to your care,
and more, for safe keeping for the brief
period of oar tenure.of- Office. In q short
time we mrst, each Of US, return to the
ranks of the people who have conferred
US our honors, and account to them for
our stewardship. ! earnestly desire that
neither you nor may be condemned ty a
free and enlightened constituency, nor by
our own cOssciences. a
Emerging from q rebellion of gigantic
magnitude, aided, as it was, by the SYM
pathy and assistance of nations with
which we were at peace, eleven States Of
the Union were four years ago left without
legal State Governments; debt had been
contracted; American commerce was al
most driven from the seas; the industry of
one-half Of the country had been taken
from the control of the capitalist, and
placed where all labor rightfully belongs,
in the keeping of the laborer. The work
oc Ckoko Hovn~uvnnux. laval -
the Union, of protecting and fostering
free labor, and providing means for pay
ing the interest on the public debt, have
received ample attention from Congress.
Although your efforts have not met with
the 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 ordinances Of seces.
sion, have been fully restored to their pla
ces in the Union. The eighth (Georgia)
held an election, at which she ratified hei
Oonssitution republican in form, elected q
Governor, members Of Congress, State
iLegislature, 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 recon
struction acts of Congress. Subsequently
howeUr, in violation of the Constitution
which they had just ratified, as since de.
cided by the Supreme Court of the State
they unseated the colored members ot
Legislature and admitted to seats some
members who are disqualified by the thirc
clause of the Fourteenth Amendment o.
the Constitution--an article which they
themselves had contributed to Iatiiy. I'm
der these circumstances would submit tc
you whether it would not be wise, withou
delay, to enact law authorizing the Gov
ernor of Georgia to convene the member
originally elected to the Legislature, re-
curing each member to take the oath
prescribed by the Reconstruction act, anG
none to be admitted who are Ineligible
under the third clause of the Fourteenth
amendment.
The freedmen, under the protection
which they have received, are making
rapid progress in learning, and no com
plants are heard of lack of industry OF
their part when they receive fair remun
Grafton for their labor.
The means provided for paying th'
interest on tho public debt, with all th'
other expenses Of the Government, arr
more than ample. The loss Of our com
merce is the only result Of the late rebel
lion, which has not received suficicn
attention from you. TO this subject cal
your earnest attention. ! will not nov
suggest plans by which the object may b
effected, but will, if necessary, make j
the subject of special message during
the session of Congress.
! At the March term, Congress, by join
resolution, authorised the Executive to or
der an election in the States Of Virginia
Mississippi and Texas, submitting th'
constitutions, which each had previously
lin Convention, framed and submitted
The constitutions, either entire or in sep
arate parts, to be voted upon at the dis
cretion of the Executive. Under thi
authority the elections were called. II
Virginia the election took place on tho 6tl
of July, 1869. The Governor and Lieut.
Governor elected, have been installed
The Legislature met and did all required
by this resolution and by oil the recon
struction acts of Congress, and abstaineG
from all doubtful authority. l secommend
that her Senators and Representatives b.
admitted, and that the State be fully re
stored to its place in the family Of States
Elections were called in Mississippi and
Texas, to commence on the 3Oth of Nov
1869, and to last two days in Mississippi
and four days in Texas. The election,
have taken place, but the result is moi
known. 1t is to be hoped that ths acts o
the legislatures of these States, when they
meet, will be such as to receive your
appreciation, and thus close the work oI
reconstruction. ..a1l
Among the evils growing out of the
rebellion, and not yet referred to, is that
of an irredeemable currency. It is an
evil which hope will receive your most
earnest attention. It's duty, and one
I Of the highest duties of the Government
to secure TO the citizens . medium of ex-
chanra of 6xed. nnyaryinR value. Thir