The Van Buren press., 1869-12-14

States to Great Britain, and found that
my views in this regard were shared by
Her Majesty's ministers. ] hope that
the time may soon arrive when the two
governments can approach the solution
Of this momentuous question with an as
surance of what is due to the right, dig
nifty and honor Of each, and with the de-
termination not only to receive the causes
of complaint in the last, but to lay the
foundation Of broad principle of public
| law. which will prevent future differences,
and tend to a firm and continued peace
and friendship. This is now the only
grave question which the United States
have with any foreign nation.
He dwells atlength on the increase and
importance of the manufacturing inter
ests, and says we shall be encouraged in
every possible manner; suggests liberal
treaties with Japan and China; sets forth
the importance Of growing commerce
with those countries, and for preventing
the introduction Of the Chinese upon our
soil, under the name Of coolies, and also
to prevent American vessels from engag-
any country tolerating the system. |
also recommend that the mission to Chi
ma be raised to one Of the first class.
On my assuming the responsibilities of
Chief Magistrate Of the United States, 1t
was with the conviction that three things
were essential to peace, prosperity and
the fullest development:
l. Among these is strict integrity in
fulfilling all our Obligations.
2. To secure the protection of the per
sons and property of the citizens Of our
common country, wherever he may choose
to move, without reference to original
nationality, religion, color or politics, de-
manding Of him only obedience to the
laws, and proper respect for the rights
of others.
g. A union of all the States, with equal
rights.
The second is requisite to our future
growth and prosperity, aud firm but
humane administration of existing laws,
amended from time to time, and they may
prove effective, or prove harsh and un-
necessary, are probably all that arc re-
quired.
The third cannot be attained by special
legislation; but he proceeds with the In
dian question at length, and believes the
question OF policy will produce good re-
suits, as system which looks to the ex-
! termination of races is too horrible for
the nations to adopt with cntailing OH it
self the wrath Of all christendom and en-
gendering opinions Of disregard for hu-
man law and rights rather dangerous to
society. l recommend substitute for
such a system, placing all Indians on
large reservations as soon as it can be
done and giving them absolute protection
then as soon as they are fitted for it.
they can be induced to take their lands
severally and set up territorial govern
ment for their own protection. For full
details on this subject, | call your special
attention to the reports of the Secretary
of the Interior and Commissioner of In
dian affairs. The report Of the Secretary
of War shows the expenditure Of the Wal
Department for the year ending 30th Of
June, 1869, to be SS0,6l1, ,042, of which
S23,S23,3l0 was disbursed in the pay
ment of debts contracted during the war
and is not chargcable to the current army
expenses. The estimate of S34, 53l ,O3l
for the expenses of the army for the mex
fiscal year, is as low as it is believed Cal
be relied on The estimates OF the bureau
officers have been carefully scrutized anl
practicable. IT, however, the condition
Of the country should be such by the be
ginning of the. next fiscal year as to ad
NIT Of great concentration, the two sp
+. preparations asked for will not be cX
pended. The appropriation estimated
for river and harbor improvements anC
: Notifications are submitted separately
Whatever amount Congress may deem
proper to appropriate for this purpos
will be expenaed. The recommendation
Of the General of the Army that appro
priations be made for the forts, Boston
Portland, New York, Philadelphia, New
Orleans and San Francisco iffor no othe
|, is concurrcd in. He recommends an in
E crease of salaries of judges Of the Su
, preme Court and other government of
iicials. He cnlarges upon the postal ser
vice.
The report Of the Secretary Of Wa
contains a synopsis Of the report of th'
military divisions, and the division o
Virginia, Mississippi and Texas, and th
report of the General of the Army, will
the recommendation therein contained
which have been well considered and sub
mtted for your action. /, however, cal
special attention to the recommendation
of the Chief of Ordnance for sub-arsenal
and lands no longer Of use to the gov
crnment also, to recommendation o
the Secretary of War, that the act of til,
Sd of March, 1869, prohibiting promo
tons and appointments in the staff corp'
Of the army be repealed. The extent .
the country to be garrisoned and th'
number Of military posts to be occupiet
is the same with the reduced army Il.
with a large one The number of stat
officers required is more dependent upol
the latter than the former.
There are many subjects not alluded
to in this message which might with pro
priety be introduced, but | abstain Civ
ing. Your patriotism and craftsmanship
will suggest the topics and Legislation
most conducive to the interests of the
whole people On my part, promise q
rigid adherence to the laws and to their
strict enforcement.
L. $ GRANT.
|