New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-12-06
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
This document was received by Con-
gress on Monday, and copies Of it trans
mitted by telegraph were published by
the press of this city yesterday morning.
Its hurried transmission by telegraph has
undoubtedly caused inaccuracies in copies
thus obtained that do not appear in the
original. As a public document, the
message is not without merit in literary
point of view, and chief in this respect
is its simplicity of style. This, though
not enriched with the higher graces Of
composition, will be admired because it
can be understood. It is an improve
ment, we think, on the style Of state
papers in general, which are too apt to be
couched in high sounding words and cum
ningly devised sentences that are intended
to conceal rather than make known mat
tiers Of public interest.
The last message of President Grant is
plain, straightforward statement Of the
condition of our foreign and domestic
affairs, together with such suggestions
and recommendations to Congress as are
deemed important to the best interests Of
the country. The President sets out by
informing Congress that success has gen.
orally attended the efforts of the govern
ment during the past year to execute the
laws. He says ''the policy has been not
to inquire into the wisdom of the laws
already enacted, but to learn their spirit
and intent, and to enforce them accord
ingly." This is most excellent policy,
and one that can not fail to be followed
by good results when carried out. The
example set by President Grant in this
respect is worthy of imitation. 1t should
be followed by all iwho are intrusted by
the people with the power and duty Of
enforcing the laws. The President ac-
in BETTING terms, the gen.
eral prosperity Of the nation during the
past year, and refers in like manner to
Affections that have visited the land dur
ing the same period, in the loss Of life
and property by fire and storm. He is
inclined to regard these Affections in the
light of chastisements; and as this implies
let US hope it will have a
tendency to to make our people mend
their wicked ways. The peaceful settle
ment of our disputes with England is re-
ferred to with much satisfaction by the
and the civilized world will
agree that if this mode could always be
effective in settling disputes between ma
lions, it would be of vast benefit to MAN.
kind in general. There would be no need
Of standing armies, and the millions of
men who are trained to destroy life and
could be added to the list of
hose who follow industrial pursuits that
add to the wealth of the world. The
President sends with his message copy
If the treaty with England, and recon-
nends the necessary legislation to carry
t into immediate effect.
The condition of our foreign relations
S regarded as generally good with all
eading powers. It;is announced in the
message that the mixed commission au-
,horized by Congress for adjudicating
upon the claims of citizens of the United
States against Spain, growing out of the
nsurrection in Cuba, has been organized;
4 10 h. So
our naval commanders in Cuban waters
nave been instructed, in case it should
become necessary, to spare no effort to
protect the lives and property Of bona
ide American citizens, and to maintain
he dignity Of the flag The people of
his country have long since concluded
hat action is necessary on the part Of
he government to put a stop to the bar
,arous treatment that is too frequently |
listed upon Americans in Cuba; and the
by the President that steps |
lave been taken to prevent this in the
uture will be hailed by our countrymen
With acclamations Of joy. Many of them
'elieve that our government should go
urther, and demand that the cruelties
nd expressions that are heaped upon the
latives Of Cuba, struggling for liberty, bya
oreign power, should be put a stop to. We
ave no hesitation in saying that it is the
uty Of our government, acting in the in
crest of humanity, to ask the assistance
f all civilized nations in bringing this
arbarous war to close. 1t can not be
egarded otherwise than as disgrace to
his continent that the Spanish govern
aent should be permitted to prolong
,ost cruel war for years that is not only
estroying Cuba and the Cubans, but is
ctually wasting the lives Of thousands
Spaniards, who are pressed into the
ervice and sent out to America to seek
arly graves.
The message touches upon many other
objects of interest, and is a document
ell worthy of the serious consideration
the American people.
TN OUR OWN nEPENSE.