Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-12-15
The Presidents Message.

The PRECEDENT, ia his message, after con-
gratulstng the country on its peaceful
condition aud prosperity regrets that the
iull exercise of In elective franchise has,
by violence and intim dalton, been den led
to certain citizens in The several States
lately in rebellion, thereby reversing the
| verdict Of the people. 80.
Referring to the European war. ke
speaks of The satisfactory manner in which
the protection Of the American Minister
was extended to German subjects in
France. Referring to the proclamation Of
the Republic i'll France, he says that
should the present struggle result in at
taching the hearts of the Freach to the
simpler forms ola republican government,
it will be the subject Of still further salts
faction to the American people, who
could not be Indifferent to the spread Of
American political ideas in great and
civilized country like France He says
that if the opportunity for interposing the
good Offices Of the u. States in restoring
peace shall present itself. that the action
shall be promptly taken.
AS to Cuba, the President says the con-
lition Of the insure ction is not mlteriI
y changed.
He renews his recommendation to an
mex San Domingo He says, as soon as
it is known that the project is abandoned
by the United States negotiations viii be
opened by some of the European powets
for the possession o ihe Bay OF Samana
He urges early action or Congress, aud
suggests that by a joint resolution Of the
two Houses the Executive shall be au-
thorized to appoint commissioner to
negotiate with the au horities Of San
Domingo for the acquisition Of that is
land, and that an appropriation be made
to defray the expenses OF the commission
ers The question might then be deter
mined either by action Of the Senate on
the treaty, Or by the action of both
houses ou a resolution of ANNEXATION, as
! in The case Of Texas,
With regard to the Alabama claims he
recommended that Congress authorize the
appointment OF commissioners to take
proof regarding them, an that authority
be given for their settlement by the Uni
ted States so that the government shall
have possession and ownership of the pri-
vate claims as we'll as the responsible con
trol Of all the demands against Great
| Britain.
Regarding the fisheries and the COM
| plaints Of the Canadian authorities, he SAYS
that they have not boon marked by a
friendly feeling. and that if Great Britain
should sttempt to force certain act of
the Dominion parliament it will be the
Presidents duty to take such steps as may
be necessary to protect the interests Of the
United States lie asks that power be
conferred upon him to suspend lie opera
ton of The laws authorizing the transit of
merchandise in bonG through the United
States to Canada. and also to susperd the
operation Of any law whereby vessels of the
Dominion are permitted to enter the
waters of the United Sto:es. He also
complains Of the professions of Canada to
control the navigation of the ST. Lawrence
river and argues on the Importance and
| ii-ue u tiO ~ bisSd Ctasco ~ uaVIS1t6 GQdt
river without let or hindrance.
With regard to the depressed condition
of the foreign commerce of the United
States be recommends liberal policy to-
wards the Pacific mail between California.
CHINA and Japan, and also that meas
ares 70 taken to permit American mer.
chants to buy Vessels built abroad. as well
as TO encourage Ameiean shipbuildiug.
With regard to the currency The Pres
dent says that the approach to the specie
| basis IS very gratifying, but tho instabil-
lty Of the currency is very prajudicial to
| The property Of the country - He thinks
the time has arrived when By prudent and
wise legislation. Congress should look to
policy which would place The currency
at par sFitl gold at no distant day.
With regard 10 the Revoaue Il form, he
eays that if it means 70 keep the revenue
down TO what is necessary for the supper,
Of The government. and what is necessary
10 pay the interest Oh the public debt, il
lsas his hearty support but if It means q
failure 10 provide the necessary means to
defray oil the necessary expenses Of the