The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-12-08
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

UUU.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WASHINGTON, December One hundred
and seventy three members of Congress an
swered to the roll call. Duke, of Virginia,
was seated after taking the old oath, as was
Syphcr of the first louisiana district.
The President, in his message, after con-
graduating the country on its peaceful condi-
ton and prosperity, regrets that the full ex-
ercise of the elective franchise has, by vio-
lcnce and intimidation, been denied to certain
citizens in the several States lately in rebel
lion, and thereby reversing the verdict of tho
people
Referring to the European war, he speaks
Of the satisfactory manner in which the pro-
lection of the American Minister at Paris
was extended to German subj ects in France.
Referring to the proclamation of the Repub-
lie in France, he says that should the present
struggle result in attaching the hearts of the
French to the simpler forms of republican
government, it will be the subject of still
further satisfaction to the American people,
who could not be Indifferent to the spread of
American political ideas in great and highly
civilized country like France. He says that
if the opportunity for interposing the good
Offices of the United States in restoring peace
shall present itself, that the action will be
promptly taken
As to Cuba the President says the condi-
ton of the insurrection has not materially
changed. He renews his resommenda ton to
annex San Domingo. lie says, as soon as it
is known that the project is abandoned by the
United States negotiations will be opened for
the possession by some of the European pow
ers for the possession of the bay of SANTANA
He urges early action on Congress, and sug-
gests that by joint resolution Of the two
Houses the Executive shall be authorized to
appoint commissioner to negotiate with the
authorities Of San Domingo for the acquisi-
ton of that island and that an appropriation
be made to defray the expenses Of the com
missioner. The question might then De de-
termined either by the action of both houses
on resolution of annexation, as in the case
of Texas.
With regard to the Alabama claims he re-
-commends that Congress authorize the ap-
pointment Of commissioners to take proof re-
garding them, and that authority be given
for their settlement by the United States so
that the government shall have possession and
ownership of the private claims as well as of
the responsible control of all the demands
against Great Britain.
Regarding the fisheries and the complaints
of the Canadian authorities, he says that they
have not been marked by a friendly feeling,
and that if Great Britain should attempt to
force certain act of the ssDominion" parlia-
ment it will be the Presidents duty to take
such steps as may be necessary to protect the
interest of the United States He asks that
power be conferred upon him to suspend the
operation of the laws authorizing the transit
of merchandise in bond through the United
States to Canada, and also to suspend the op-
Grafton of any law whereby vessels of the
'Dominion" are permitted to enter the waters
Of the United States. He also complains of
the pretentions of Canada to control the nav
igation Of the St. Lawrence river, and argues
on the Importance and right Of the United
States to navigate that river without let or
hinderance
With regard to the depressed condition of
the foreign commerce Of the United States he
recommends liberal policy towards the Pa
| cifc mail between California, China and ia
pan, and also that measures be taken to per-
nit American merchants to buy vessels built
abroad, as well as to encourage American
ship building.
With regard to the currency the President
says that the approach to the specie basis is
very gratifying, but the instability Of the
currency is very prejudicial to the prosperity
Of the country. He thinks the time has ar
rived when by wise and prudent legislation,
Congress should look to policy which would
place the currency at par with gold at no
distant day.
With regard to the Revenue Reform, he
says that if it means to keep the revenue
down to what is necessary for the support Of
the Government, and what is necessary to pay
the interest on the public debt, it has his
hearty support; but if it means failure to
provide tie necessary means to defray all the
necessary expenses Of the Government he is
opposed to it. The Revenue Reform has not
been defined by its advocates. Itseems, how.
ever, to be accepted as something which was
to supply every mans wants without cost or
effort on his part. Laughter
| He recommends the abolition of the frank
ing privilege, and reform in the civil service
particularly as to the mode of appointing SUBJ
ordinate officials
After reading the message the Senate ad.
journed.
| Various routine business was transacted.
including the introduction of bills to consti-
tute Shreveport, La port Of entry, and for
the removal of disabilities Of all citizens of
Louisiana, and to abolish all Income taxes
After tho reading Of the Presidents mes
sage the House adjourned.
| The message is nine thousand and eighty
five words, and was telegraphed hence to New
York in thirty seven and three quarter min
utes. Ten wires were used in its transmission.
We desire to put conundrum to our rev.
erend brother of the quill of the Gazette
Was St. Paul Benedict or not? IF SO, why
did he say married man does well, but a
single man would do 'sbetter 7" We pause for
reply Valley Virginiam.
And '.frstly." Paul gives this advice not
by inspiration, as he expressly admits, but as
his own views.
Secondly" He was member of the San
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