The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-01-19
WASHINGTON.
NOMINATIONS.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18.-The President nomi-
mated to the Senate to-day John A. Gadsden
as Secretary of Legation at Mexico, vice Mr.
Plumb; William w. Dixon as Associate JUS
tice for Montana.
The President transmitted the following to-
day to the Senate of the United States THE
resolution adopted on the 9th inst, requesting
the President to transmit to the Senate COPY
of any proclamation of amnesty made by him
since the last adjournment of Congress, and
also to communicate to the Senate by what
authority of law the same was made has been
received. L accordingly transmit here a
copy OF proclamation dated the 18th of De-
cember last. The authority of law by which
it was made is set forth in the proclamation
itself, which expressly affirms that it was is
sued by virtue of the power and authority in
me vested by the Constitution, and in the
name of the sovereign people of the United
States, and proclaims and declares uncondi-
tionally, and without reservation, to all and to
every person who, directly or indirectly par
ticipated in the late Instruction or rebellion
full pardon and amnesty for the offence of
treason against the United States, or of adher-
ring to their enemies during the late civil war
with the restoration of all their rights, pfivi
leges and immunties under the Constitution
and laws which have been made in pursuance
thereof. The Federal Constitution is under
stood and is regarded by the Executive as the
supreme law of the land. The I'd section OF
Article 2 OF that instrument provides that the
President shall have the power to grant re-
prieves and pardon for offences against the
United States, except in cases of impeachment.
The proclamation of the 18th ultimo is in strict
accordance with the judicial expostlons OF the
authority thus conferred upon the Executive,
and as will be seen by reference to the accom-
panyilg papers is in conformity with the pre-
cedent established by Washington In 1795, and
followed by Presidents Adams in 1900, Madi-
son in 1916, Lincoln in 1863, and by the pres
ent Executive in 1866, 1867 and 1868.
(Signed) ANDREW JOHNSON
Washington, Jan. 10, 1862
The copies accompanying the Presidents
answer to the Senate are as follows:-First,
the proclamation of Gen. Washington, dated
July 10, 1895, granting to the citizens who had
engaged in the instruction and resisting the
collection of revenue on distilled spirits and
stills in the western counties of Pennsylvania,
excepting certain classes described in the proc
iamation, general pardon of all treason and
other indictable offences. Second, the procla
nation of John Adams, dated on the 21st day
Of May, 1900 granting full pardon to all and
very person, including so persons excepted
in Wasbington's proclamation, engaged 10 the
said instruction, thereby remedying and re-
leasing unto all such persons all pains and
penalties incurred, or supposed to be incurred,
for or on account of the premises. Third, the
proclamation of James Madison, dated Feb.
16, 1915. concerning certain foreigners flying
from the danger OF their own homes and GER
tain citizens of New Orleans, forgetful of their
ment on the Island of Barrataria near the
mouth of the river Mississippi, for the purpose
of a candestine and awless trade, which the
Government of the United States caused to be
broken up and proceeded to prosecute the Of
tenders by indictment. For reasons set fort b
IN his proclamation, President Madison grant
ed to the offenders full pardon of all offences
committed against the laws or touching in the
intercourse and commerce of the United
States with foreign nations. Fourth, the proc
ffnka Of O
1863, granting to all persons, except ceMain
classes, who had participated in the rebellion
fall pardon ard restoration of all rights OF
property, except as to slavery and in property
cases where the rights of three parties shall
have interviewed. Fifth, the proclamation of
President Lincoln, dated March &C. 1864, defin-
ing cases in which persons are entitled to the
benefits of his preceding proclamation. Sixth,
the proclamation of President johnson, dated
May 20, 1865 similar to the Lincoln procama-
ton of Dec 8, 1868. Seventh, the proclama-
ton of President johnson, dated Sept. 7, 1867
extending full pardon to certain persons who
were engaged in the rebellion. Eighth the
proclamation of President johnson of July 4,
1868, granting general pardon and amnesty
to persons engas ed in the late rebellion, with
certain exceptions and reservations.
THE ALABAMA TREATY.
New YORK, Jan. 1S.-The Herald's Wash
ington dispatch says: The Alabama claims
treaty has been received. The protocol as
submitted to the Senate, is considered to be
very considerable triumph for the United
States 1t is regarded as concession of the
great point commended for by Mr.. Seward, to
wit: That the primary question of the liabil-
ity of the British government for the escape
and consequent depredations of the Alabama,
should be referred to the same commission as
will consider the points in dispute in detail. in
stead of the King of Prussia or any other
monarch. LEI sEE E#lrT
The Posts Washington dispatch saws: The
statement about the provisions of the Alaba-
ma claims treaty differ so widely that it is i'm
possible this morning to ascertain the exact
truth. One point not heretofore given is, that
twelve months are allowed for the exchange of
ratification. This delay is taken as an indica-
ton that Mr.. Seward and Lord Clarendon
have very little faith in the chances OF their
convention before the Senate. A.partial can
vass of the Senate sustains this opinion. Five
of the seven members of the committee on
Foreign Relations are, however, opposed to
the treaty. This would ensure its defeat when
brought by the committee to the Senate for ac-
ton. There is reason to believe that the treaty
will be rejected within ten days.