The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1871-12-30
Donalosonbille Cblef.
coNrISUEp FROM FIRST PAGE.

Gals holding positions of responsible
ity, and requiring character and abll-
ity to fill properly, is one to which
your attention is invited. But few OF
the officials receive a compensation
equal to the respectable support OF a
family, while their duties are such as
to involve millions of interests IN
private life. Their services demand
compensation equal to the services
rendered. A wise economy would
dictate the same rule i'll government
services. l have not given the
ESTIMATES
for the support of the government for
the ensuing year, nor the comparative
statement between the expenditures
for the year just past and the one just
preceding, because all these figures
are contained in the accompanying
reports, or in those presented directly
tn Congress. These estimates have
my approval.
More than six years having elapsed
since the last hostile gun was fired
between armies arrayed against each
other. one for the perpetuation and
the other for the destruction OF the
Union. it may be well considered
whether it is or not time that the
DISABILITIES
imposed by the fourteenth amend
ment should be removed that amend
ment does not exclude the ballot, but
only requires the disability to hold
office of certain classes !; when the
purity of the ballot and secured ma
iorities are sure to elect an officer re-
fleeing the views of the majority, l
do not see the advantage or propr1ety
of excluding men from office merely
because they were before the rebellion
of standing and character sufficient
to be elected to positions requiring
them to take an oath to support the
constitution, and admitting to ei1glbll-
ity those entertaining precisely the
same views, but Of less standing IN
their communities. 1t may be said
that the former violated the oath,
while the latter did not If they had
taken the oath, it cannot be doubted
that they would have broken it as did
the former class. If there are any
great criminals distinguished above
all others for the part they took in
opposition to the government, they
might, in the Judgment of Congress,
he excluded from such an amnesty.
This subject is submitted for your
careful consideration. The condition
of the Southern States are, nnhapplly
not such as all patriotic citizens would
like to see-social ostracism fol
opinions sake, personal violence OF
threats towards persons entertaining
political views opposed to those enter
tanned by the majority of the old
citizens prevents immigration and the
flow of much needed capital into the
States lately in rebellion. 1t will be
happy condition of the country
when the old citizens, of these States
will take an interest in public affairs,
promulgate ideas honestly entertained
vote for men representing their views,
and permit the same freedom of eY-
preston of opinion and ballot in those
entertaining different political con
yictions.
The number Of
IMMIGRANTs,
ignorant of our laws and habits, ant
coming into our country annually ha
become so great and the imposition
practised upon them so numerous ant
fragrant that suggest Congressional
action for their protection. 1t seem
to me to be IA fair subject of legis
lation by Congress. | cannot nov
state as freely as | desire the natur
of the complaints made by immigrant
of the treatment they receive, bu
will endeavor to do so during the SEES
sion of Congress, particularly if TIL
subject should receive your attention
THE NATIONAL DEBT
has been reduced to the extent G
$50, 057 ,126 30 during the year, and b.
the negotiation of national bonds at
lower rate of interest, the interest o.
the public debt has been so far dimin
ished that now the sum raised for tn
interest account is nearly seventies
million dollars less than ON the frs
of March, 1869. 1t was highly desil
able that this rapid diminution shout
take place, both to strengthen tn
credit of the country and convince il
citizens of their entire ability to NEE
every dollar of liability without bank
rupting them. But in view of tn
accomplishment of these desirabl
ends, and the rapid development {
the resources of the country, it's in
creasing ability to meet large demand
and the amount already paid, it is nc
desirable that the present resources {
the country should continue to b
taxed in order to continue this rapi
payment. l therefore recommend u
MODIFICATION OF BOTH TARIFF AN
INTERNAL TAX
laws. I recommend that all take
from internal sources be abolished
except those ON spirituous, vinor
and malt liquors and tobacco i'm il
various forms and from stamps. In II
adjusting the tariff, suggest that
careful estimate be made of til