Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-12-09
The Presidents Message.

ucHt Niant Seut Ill LIS message OF WHICH, Oh
account of its length, we give the following
synopsis;
The President, after congratulatipg the
country on lis peaceful condition and pros
perity, regrets that the free exercise Of the
elective franchise has, by violence and in
tlmidaticn, been denied to certain citizens in
the several States in the several places lately
in rebellion, and thereby reversing the YER
dict Of the people.
Referring to the European war, he speaks
of the satisfactory manner in which the pro
lection of the American Minister at Paris
vas extended to German subjects in France
Referring to the proclamation Of the Repub-
lie he says that should the present struggle
result in attaching the hearts of the French
to the simpler forms Of a republican govern
ment it will be the subject Of still further
satisfaction 10 the American people, who
would not be Indifferent to the spread of A
merican political ideas in great and highly
civilized country Ike France. He says that
of the opportunity for interposing the good
Offices Of the United States in restoring
peace shall present itself. the action will be
promptly taken.
AS to Cuba, the President says the con
diton Of the instruction has not materially
changed. He renews his recommendation
to annex San Domingo. He 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 tn
European Powers Of the bay Of SANTANA -
He urges early action on Congress, and
suggests that by joint resolu ion Of the
two Houses the Executive shall be author
lied to appoint commissioner to negotiate
with the authorities of San Domingo for the
acquisition Of that island, and that an APP
preparation be made to defray the expens es
Of the commissioner The question might
then be determined either by the action of
the Senate on the treaty or by the action of
both Houses on resolution Of annexation,
as in the case Of Texas.
With regard to the Alabama claims he
recommends that Congress authorize the APP
pointment Of commissioners to take proof
regarding them, and that authority be given
for their settlement by the United States, so
that the Government shall isve possession
and ownership Of the private claims as well
as of the responsible control Of all the de-
mands 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 600
minion" Parliament it will be the Presi-
dents duty to take such steps as may be
necessary to protect the interests of tbs
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 operations of any
law whereby vessels Of the Dominion" are
permitted to enter the waters of the United
States. He also complains of the prc;en-
sions Of Canada to control the navigation Of
the St. Lawrence river, and urges the i'm
portance and right Of TIE United States TO
navigate that river without let OF hindrance.
With regard to the depressed condition of
| the foreign csmmcrca Of the United States,
he recommends liberal policy towards the
Pacific mail between California, China, and
| Japan and also that measures shall be ia
| ken to permit American merchants to buy
vessels built abroad, as well as encourage
American ship building.
With regard to the currency, the Presi
| dent says that the approach to the specie
basis is very gratifying, but the instability
of the currency is very prejudiclal to tie
| prosperity of the country. Hc thinks the
| time bas arrived when, by wise and prudent
legislation, Congress should look to policy
which would acc the currency at par with
gold at no distant day
With regard to the roven e 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; bnt il it means
failure to provide the necessary means to
~defray all the expenses Of the Government,
he is opposed to it. The revenue reform
has not been defined by its advocates. 1t
seems, however, to be accepted as some-
thing that was to supply every mans wants
without cost Or effort on his part. Laugh
ter.
He recommends the abolition Of the franl:
ing privilege and reform in the civil S rvioe.
particularly as to he mode Of appointing
subordinate officials.
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