Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1870-12-09
Synopsis OF The nTrssage Of the
President

WASHINGTON, Deecmber5. One hun
bred and s.vcnty-three meinljers an
swered TO the rull-call. Duke, ~ Vir-
ginia, was seated, taking the old oath.
Syphfr, from the First Louisiana dis
trict. was seated.
The mcs.dgge, after CONCENTRATING
the country on peace and prosperity,
regrets that the free exercise of the
elective franchise has, by Violence
and intimidation. been denied to clti-
zcns I'm several places lately In rebel
lion, and the verdict of the people
thereby reversed. Referring To the
European war. he speaks of the satis-
factory manner in which the protec-
ton ofthc American Minister In Paris
was extended to German suhieets IN
F.nnce. Referring to the proclamation
Of Republic in France he SAYS that
should the present struggle result In
attaching the hearts Of the French to
the simpler forms of republican gov
eminent IL will be subject Of still
further satisfaction to the American
people, who could not be Indifferent to
Tho spread Of American political ideas
Il great aud highly civilized coun-
try like France; that h.ah opportunl-
tv for interpOsiEg the good ofiies Of the
United States IN restoring peace shall
present itself, that action will be heart
lily taken.
IIs 10 Cuba, he says the condition OF
the insurrertion las not materially
changed. He renews his recommen-
dation 10 Annex Saii Domingo, and
SAYS so soou as it is lSac wu that that
project Is abandoned BY the United
Staes,. negotiations win be opened by
some Of the European powers for tho
possession of the Bay of Samana.r He
urges curly action on Congress, and
suggests that by "A Joint resolution OF
the two Houses the executive shall he
authorized to appoint a commission tn
negotiate a treaty with tho authorities
Of San Domingo for the acquisition of
that Island. and that an appropriation
be made to defray the expenses of the
commission.
The system might then be determin-
ed either by the action of the Senate on
the treaty or 10y action of both Houses.
ON II resolution Of annexation us in the
case of Texas. He calls the attention
OF Congress tO the continuance and ex-
tension of the Mexican free Gov
eminent and to the Tient-stin massa-
ere. In regard to the Alabama claims.
he recommends that Congress author
ize the appointment If a commissit n
To take proof as TO these claims, and
that authority he given for their set
Element, SO that the Government shall
have the ownership of the private
claims as well IA the responsible con-
troll of all the demands against Great
Britain. In regard 10 the Canadian
fisheries he complains that the course
Of the Canadian authorities has not
been marked by friendly feeling, and
intimstes that If they should enforce
certain act of the Dominion Parlia-
ment II will be his duty to take such
tops as may be necessary to protect
tie interest of the United States citi-
Ems. He asks that. power he conferred
upon him to suspend the operation
of any laws authorizing the transit OF
merchandise In bond through The
United States to Canada, and also To
suspend the operation Of any laws
whereby vessels Of the Dominion are
permitted to enter the waters of the
United States. He nlso complains of
the precautions of Canada to control
the navigation Of the ST. Lawrence,
and argues the Importance and right
of the United States to navigate that
river without let or hinderance.
In regard to the depressed condition
of the foreign commerce Of the United
States. he recommends liberal policy
towards the Pacific mail, between
California, China and Japan. He
also recommends that measures may
DC taken TO permit American mer-
chants to purchase vessels built abroad,
as well as to encourage American ship
building.
In regard TO the r,irrcncy, the Prcsi-
dent says the approach TO Il specie ba-
sis IL very gratifying hut the inatabili.
ty Ofcurrebcy Il very prejudicial to pros
pcrity. He thinks That the time has ar
rived when, by wise aud prudent lcgis-
lation, Congress should lock 20 policy
which would place currency al par with
gold, at no distant day.
In regard to revenue reform, he SAYS,
III it means to keep revenue down to
what is necessary for the support of
the government and the payment Of
Of interest on the public debt, il has
his hearty support; but if ii means
IL failure to provide the necessary
means to defTiy all expenses of the
government ne Is opposed TO it. Rev
enue reform, he says. has not been de-
fined by its advocates. 1t seemed
however, to be accepted IA something
which was to supply every MAJ =
wants without any cost or effort on his
part. Laughter.
He recommends the abolition of the
ranking privilege and in the civil ser
vice, particularly NJ to the mode oil
appointing subordinate officials.
After reading the me sage he House
abiallruel