Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-12-05
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
:WAsuISeroS, N

and fire In this country nave ueNelOpet
a friendship on the part of foreign ma
lions, and the donors will receive thu
thanks of men, women aud children
whose sufferings they have relieved
Two countries speaking, the same Ian
guage, have made treaty, an example
to be followed by other civilized nations
and finally be the means of returning t.
productive industry millions of men now
maintained TO settle the disputes OF ma
tons by the sword and bayonet. Pro
vision is recommended for the Commis
sion to meet at Geneva, and Legislation
is recommended that will bring int
practical effect the questions in the
treaty affecting the fisheries and mari
time disputes. The Governors of New
York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana
Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois have
been requested to take part in the meas
ures of the treaty which determine the use
of the canals by the United States and
Great Britain. A true boundary be
tween the United States and Great Brit
ain American possessions is urged. He
recommends the notifications of the
tariff and internal revenue-the taxes
from an internal source to be abolished
except on liquors and tobacco; these tC
be subjected to a stamp duty. Our re
lations with foreign countries is dis
cussed. A commission has been ap
pointed to adjudicate the claims Of
Americans against Spain, and the hope
| is expressed that the commission will be
successful. The visit of the Grand
Duke Alexis is referred to as an eyi
dence of the continued friendly relations
with Russia. The inexcusable conduct
of the Russian Minister renders his dis
missal matter of duty, for his per
sonal abuse of a Government officer
and his persistent interference in the af'
fairs between this and other countries.
His place has been filed by gentleman
who is not Objectionable to this Govern
ment.
Our relations with Japan are AMIGA
BILE, as also with all the eastern coun-
tries. The difficulty with Corea is re-
ferred to Congress. The Republic Of
Mexico has not yet repealed the free
entry CD law, and the hope is expressed
that Mexico will soon adopt measures to
stop the lawlessness on the border.
Congress is urged to press the claims
for the overdue awards of the Venezu-
ella government for 1866.
The relations with Brazil will be more
cordial since the decree Of emancipation
by that country, and regret is expressed
that Spain has not followed in the same
direction in her possessions. 1t is to be
regretted that the disturbed condition Of
Cuba is a source of annoyance and
anxiety. Our naval commanders in
Cuban waters have been instructed to
spare no effort to protect the lives and
property of American citizens and
maintain the dignity of our flag.
The national debt has been reduced
$50, 057l26 so during the year, and now
the interest accruedis nearly $4,000, 900
less than on the first Of March, 1869, but
it is not desirable that the present re-
sources Of the country should continue
to be taxed in order TO continue this
rapid payment. recommend that all
taxes for interest from internal sources
be abolished, except those for spiritu-
GUS, vinous and malt liquors and to-
bacco in its various forms. The use of
stamps in readjusting the tariff on arli-
Giles not produced at home is recon-
mended for the free list, and in case Of a
further reduction, il should be upon arti-
cles which can best bear it without dis
turbing home productions. The present
laws for the collection of taxes, with
small salaries for collectors, induces
fraud, and should be remedied under the
act of March 3, 1869.
Each grade in the staff corps should
be fixed in order to enable vacancies to
be filed from the same grade.
The navy is in an efficient condition,
without increase or cost of maintain
ing it.
The union Of the postal and telegraph
system is recommended.
Education is urged as the groundwork
of republican institutions.
The Ku-Klux laws have been en-
forced in a portion of South Carolina,
and the necessity is shown by the com
mittee to investigate Southern outrages.
The power was exercised reluctantly,
but careful examination proved the ex-
istence of powerful combinations to de-
prive the emancipated class of the sub
stantial benefits of freedom, and pre-
venting the free political actions Of those
who did not sympathize with their views,
The details are given OF these outrages.
In Utah, a remnant Of barbarism, re-
pugnant 10 civilization, 10 decency and
10 the law, still exists. IL IL not with the
religion of the Saints that we deal, but
with their practices. They will not be
permitted to violate the laws under the
cloak of religion. In future legislation
the statutes Of a plurality Of wives and
children must be considered, and
an act might be made to legitimatize all
children born prior TO the time fixed in
the act.
The Indian policy has resulted favor
ably, and many tribes have been induced
to settle upon reservations. The peace
policy is recommended, because IL is
right. The retention Of land for actual
settlers is again recommended.
As six years have elapsed since the
close Of the war, it may be considered
whether il is not now time the disnbili-
] ties imposed by the Fourteenth Amend.
ment should be removed. When purity
Of the ballot is secured, MAORI
/ ties are sure TO elect officers re-
hecting the views Of the majority. !
do not see the advantage or proprieiy of
excluding men from Office merely be-
cause they we're, before the rebellion, OF
standing and character sufficient to be
elected to positions requiring them to
! take oaths to support the Constitution,
and admitting 10 eligibility those enter
tanning precisely the same views but Of
less standing in their community. 1t
may be said the former violated an oath,
while the latter did not have it in their
power to doso. lfthey had taken this oath
it cannot be doubted that they would
have broken it, as did the former class
/ II there are any great criminals, distin-
guishad above all others for the part
Z they took in opposition to the Govern
ment, they might, in the judgment Of
/ Congress. be excluded from such an am
nesty. The condition Of the South is
not snoh as all patriotic citizens
can desire. Il will be a happy condi-
ton Of the country when the old citizens
Of the Southern States will take an in
terest in public affairs and tolerate the
same freedom of expression and ballot
as those entertaining different opinions.