davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06
The Message.

We surrender. to the exclusion OF much
other valuable matter, large share Of our
paper this week to the President Message.
The country will fud 10 it much to praise and
little to ccnsurc More than one third Of it
is taken up with a statement Of our relation.
with foreign bowers, which are, with one OF
two exceptions, Of most satisfactory oharac.
ter
The national debt has been reduced over
eghty-six millions Of dollars during the past
year, aud the annual payment Of interest is
now about seventeen millions Of dollars les,
than it was in March, 1863 This rapid dim
mutton was necessary to strengthen the cred
it of the country, and to show our ability tC
pay the debt, but he does not regard it advis
able that the resources Of the country should
be so largely taxed in the future, and he rec
ommends important notifications in the tariff
and revenue laws that will be universally ap
proved. He recommends measures that viii
secure a gradual and safe return to spcci,
payments. Some further changes in the or
ganizaton of the army and navy are pro
posed, and the establishment Of Posta
Telegraph is recommended.
The President explains at some length
what has been done under what is known al
the ku-Klux law, showing the necessity fol
interference to protect the lives Of that elias
of citizens who have been victims Of the ope
rations of secret gangs at the South He
suggests that the time has now arrived FOR
general amnesty to parties engaged in the
rebellion He shows that the government
makes no warfare upon the religion Of the
Mormons, when it attacks polygamy aud i,
pleased with the result of humane Indian
policy. Attention is called to the small pay
received by some classes of government en-,
ployees; the passage Of laws for the pro
lection Of immigrants is recommended, anC
prompt measures for the erection Of new gov
eminent buildings at Chicago are proposed.
The subject of Civil Service Reform, whicl
he urged upon Congress in former messages
is again commended to the attention Of tina
body, and he promises, when the commission
having the matter under consideration shall
devise rules and regulations to effect the need
ed reform, to give the plan they shall recon-
mend fair trial.
His views on the many important matter
noticed are frankly given, and his rccommen
dations are in harmony alike with his forme
suggestions, and with the wishes Of the grea
body of the people of the country.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

0Cr Those critics of the administration
who insist that many Of the Presidents APP
poiutments are unjudicious, if not positively
bad, must admit that in his recent selection
of an Indian commissioner he has shown re.
markable sagacity and devotion to the public
interests. Gen. Walker who received the
appointment, is not iayorite among the pol.
iticians for in his administration of the
census bureau he has ignored politics, so far
as he could, seeking only good clerks and an
honest service. He is not partisan, though
always a sound Republican but he is an ad.
mirable officer. Secretary Delano discover
ed his merits and, knowing that the Prcsi-
dent was extremely anxious to obtain a man
of high ability and entire integrity in the Of
fee Of Indian commissioner he recommend
cd Gen. Walker for il, aud he was mmodi.
ate!y appointed. This fact docs not support
the allegation of the Democratic journals
that Gen. Grant has a natural inclination for
men Of easy consciences and ways lie has
sought for some of the best men in the ooun.
try for the highest places Now and then
he has Numbered, aud it has generally been
through his affections When he likes man,
he isvery apt to stick to him through evil as
well as good report. His friendship for col
lector Murphy led him to place too high an
estimate upon his character but we have
seen no valid objections to his appointment Of
Mr.. Arthur as successor to Mr., Murphy. All
the stories about scheme practically to con.
tinue Murphy in control Of the eustemhouse,
while nominally vacatiug it, are false 1t is
undoubtedly true that the Presidents purpose
was to continue personal friend Of Senator
Conkling's in the place, and that it was pro.
per for him to do. lie has thoroughly tested
Mr.. Conkling's friendship, and is satisfied !;
and ne is equally satisfied that Senator Fen.
ton aud Mr.. Greeley are personally opposed
TO him. Has he not the right to appoint
men to office who are his personal friends ?
80 long as he selects good and true men, it
certainly is to be expected that he will do So
Secretary Boutwell, vouches for the integrity
Of collector Arthur and, indeed, goes furth-
or, and states that it is within his person.
al knowledge that the President sought
first of all an honest man to fiji the collector
ship, and that he was not pledged to any
particular man.
Let us have wholesome criticism Of the
President, and all the officers under him, for
it will do good; but, when good act is
performed by the President or any of his
subordinates, let him have credit for it, In.
discriminate censure is as bad as indiscrimin-
ate praise.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

" Hon. OSCAR j. DuNN, Lieut. Gov. oil
Louisiana, died on the 23d ut., at his resi-
dence in New Orleans after brief illness,
OF congestion Of the brain aud lungs Gov
Dunn, like many Of his race in the South
who have risen to honor and aifluence, was
born Of slave parents, in Louisiana, in 1870,
being 81 years old at the time of his death
As soon as he was old enough for manual la
Dor, he was bought by firm in the plaster.
ing trade in New Orleans Making his es
cape from his masters in lSll, he by Iii
adrotncss and ability - managed to prcsery,
his freedom until the breaking out Of the re
bellion, He warmly sympathised with III,
Union cause, but had no opportunity to reu
der it practical aid until Gen Butler cntere,
New Orleans, when he enlisted in the frs
regiment Of colored troops raised in Louisiana
and in time he won his way to a captaincy
the highest line rank permitted to his race il
the army as then constituted. When the ma
tional cause triumphed, Capt Dunn becam
prominent in promoting the reconstruction o
the State government Of Louisiana. lie ha,
acquired considerable wealth, and was held il
high esteem by citizens Of his own color. III
ultimately attained the Office Of Lieut. G oy
ernor, and discharged his duties with aycrae
ability and success,
Among the "reminiscences Of the past whicl
the notices Of Mr.. Dunn's dccease have call
ed FORTH is an advertisement cut from tn
New Orleans Picagtae, some thirty year
ago, offering five dollars reward for the re-
turn Of Oscar Dunn, negro boy" appron
ticed to the plastering business The in
cident suggests the period when negro mel
were advertised as runaway " boys" and hu
man blood-hounds put on their track b.
means Of these notices.
This boy" became transformed into
man Of respectfully, influence aud au
thority, by the Transforming power 0
emancipation II was one of the gran,
events Of the world which transformed mil
lions of human beings into men, 1splacinl
that internally cruel system which degrade,
men into worse aud more miserable condi
ton than that Of the brutes.
What intelligent man of any party woulc
now wish to see revived that remorseess sys
TEN, which never allowed a negro man to be
come other than " boy Emancipation
not only broke the chains of an enthralle,
race, but made men of them. The trans
formation once effected, no humane man would
desire return to the darkness aud cruelty o
the past
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

-General Rossel, who was one of the
Communist leaders in Paris, was shot on
Monday morning, in company with two others
Of those leaders, Ferre and Bourgeois. The
three men died braYely, bat Rossel was the
only one of the three who was shot dead at
the first FIRE, The others had to be pistoled as
they lay wallowing in their blood.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

" The New York Nati0a contends that
the famine in Persia is caused by the absence
of trees. Man has stripped the soil Of
trees the absence of trees has brought
droughts droughts have slowly diminished
the productive powers of the ground, aud
finally destroyed them-the population, in
the meantime, dwindling in numbers and Vi
tality." The extent Of the famine in Persia.
and the helplessness of the people are not to
be understood unless we consider that the
country is almost wilderness, that there has
been three years drought and that there
are no means of rapid transportation to rend.
er assistance promptly available, as in "a
country with a net work of railroads. Tn.
Outstanding the extent of the misery of two
millions Of people, aud admitting the posi-.
biliiy that the destruction of forests had
some influence in bringing this about how
forcibe becomes the argument of our scien.
tiGc men against the destruction Of forests.
The people are slow to accept theories. Ter.
rible facts, however, strike down opposition
as though they were well aimed bullets.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

"A despatch says that the motion 10
quash the indictment against Brigham Young
and others for murder was still under hearing
at Salt Lake, on Wednesday before the
United States District Court. The result
is anticipated with much interest,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

1t has been decided by New York
Court that mock.marriagc is not a mockery,
but the real thing provided that consumma.
ton follows the ceremony, and the parties
publicly acknowledge each other as man and
wife. This is an eminently just decision, and
should rule everywhere, for the protection of
women aud their rights
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The resumption OF diplomats between
France and Germany have enabled me to give
directions for the withdrawal OF the protection
extended to Germans in France ly the Diplomatic
and Consular representatives. OF the United States
in that country. lt is Just to add that the deli
cate duty Of this protection has been performed
by the Minister and the Consul General at Paris
and the various Consuls in France under the SUI
peryisun Of the latter, with gr,nt kindnes, as
well as with prudence and tact This course has
received the COMMUNICATION of the German Cow
eminent and las wounded no susceptibility Of
the French
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The report Of the Secretary OF the Navy shows
an improvement In tho number and efficiency Of
the naval idree without material increase in the
expense OF supporting IT, That is due In tho
policy which has been adopted and is being ex-
tendod AZ fast as our material will admit OF using
smaller vessels as cruisers on the several stations
liy this means We are enabled to occupy ut snce
larger extent Of cruising ground to visit more
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The government Of the Emperor of Germany
continues 20 manifest friendly feeling towards
the United States, and desire 10 harnonizo with
the moderate and just policy which this govern
ment maintains IN its relations with Asiatc pow
ers as well a, with the South American Repub-
lies. | have given assurances that the friendly
feelings OF that government are fully shared by
the United States
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

have been officially informed of the nnnexa-
ton OF the States OF the Church to the Kingdom
OF Italy, and the removal OF the Capital OF that
kingdom to Rome. In conformity with the es-
tablshed policy Of the United States have rec
ognized this change. The ratification Of the new
treaty Of commerce between the United States
and Italy have been exchanged. The two powers
have agreed in this treaty that private property
at sea shall be exempt from capture, in case ol
war between the two powers. The United States
have spared no opportunity Of incorporating this
rule into the obligations of nations
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

For the operations Of the army in the past year,
the expense of maintaining the estimates for the
ensuing year and for continuing son coast and
other improvements conducted under the super
vision OF the War Department, | refer you to
the accompanying report Of the Secretary of
War.
call your attention 70 the provisions Of the
act OF Congress approved March 3, 1868, which
discontinues promotions in the staff Corps of the
army until provided for By law | recommend
that tho number OF officers in each grade of the
Stall Corps be fixed and that whenever the mum.
Der in any one grade falls below the number SO
fixed, that the vacancy may be filled by promotion
from the grade below, | also recommend that
when the office Of chieiof corps becomes vacant,
the place may be filled by selection from the corps
IN which thp vacancy exists
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

II Is our desire to continue to maintain this
disinteresIed and just policy with CHM as well
as Japan. TIE correspondence transmitted here
with shows that there is no disposition ON the
part Of this Government 10 swerye from its estab-
lished course. Prompted by desire to put an
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

renew the recommendation for an appropria-
ton for determining the true position of the forty
ninth parallel OF latitude where it forms the boun-
Diary between the United States and the British
North American possessions, between the Lake
Of the Woods and the summit of the Rocky
Mountains. The early action of Congress, on
this recommendation named, would put 1t IN the
power Of the War Department to place force in
The lell during thn MOTT summer
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The present laws for collecting the revenues.
pay collectors Of customs small salaries, but pro-
vide Tor moieties and shares in all seizures which
at the principal ports Of entry practically raise
the compensation of those officials to large sum.
10 has always seemed TO me MS if this system
must at times work perniciously. Il holds out
an inducement % dishonest men, should such get
Possession Of these Offices to be lax in their scru.
tiny of goods entered to enable them finally to
make large seizures Your attention is respect
fully invited 10 this subject
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06
INTERCOURSE VIM JAPAN,

With Japan we continue to maintain intimate
relations, The Cabinet Of the Mikado has, since
the last session of Congress, selected citizens Of
the United States to serve in Offices of importance
in several departments Of that Government,
have reason % think that this selection is due 10
an appreciation OF the disinterestedness of the
policy which the United States have pursued to-
wards Japan
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

! renew my recommendation that the public
lands be regarded as heritage to our children to
be disposed OF only as required lor occupation and
to actual settlers, Those already granted have
been in great part disposed Of in such a way
as to secure access TO the balance by the
hardy settler who may wish TO avail himself
OF them, but caution should be exercised even
In attaining so great an advantage The edu-
cationa interest may then lie served by the
grant Of proceeds of sale of public lands to set
ters. | do not wish tn he understood as recon-
mending in the least degree curtailment Of what
is being done by the general government for the
encouragement Of education. The report of tho
Secretary OF the Interior, submitted with this
will give you all the information collected and
prepared Tor publication in regard 70 the census
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The continued fluctuations in the value of gold
rs compared with the national currency, has a
most dangerous effect on the increase and deyel.
opment Of the country in keeping up the prices
Of all articles necessary in every day lie Ii os-
tiers spirit OF gambling, prcudical alike to ma
tional morals and the national finances. II the
question can be met MS to how to get n fixed value
10 our currency, that value constantly and uni.
iormly approaching par with specie, very desir.
able object win be gained.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06
rrNIsnnENr on orrENnrRs.

L is gratifying to notice the favorable change
winch Is taking place throughout the country in
bringing % punishment those who have proven
recreaut % the trusts conferred and in eleyatnp
t2publc Office none but those who possess the con,
hdence OF the honest and yrtuous, who, it will
always be found, comprise the majority Of the
Community In which fheN live
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06
iNDlAN PEACE Foley,

Notonly because it is humane, Chrstanike
and economical, but because it is right. re-
commend to your favorable consideration, also,
the Indians in the Indian Territory west of Ar
kansas and Missouri, and south OF Kansas. In
doing so, every right guaranteed 10 the Indians
by treaty should be secured Sucha course might
in time be the means Of collecting most of the
Indians between the Missouri and the Pacific
and Of the British Possessions, into one Terrific
~ or one State. The Secretary Of the Interior
has treated upon this subject at length, and
elmmend % YOU bis suggestlons
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06
ID I'M sERyIcE connIssloN

In my message to Congress one year ago ur-
gently recommended reform in the civil service
OF the country. Ia conformity with that recon.
mendation, Congress, in the ninth section of an
act making appropriation for sundry civil expen-
SEES o. the Government, and for other purposes,
approved March j 1871, gave the necessary au-
th1riy to the Executive to inaunurate n civil
service reform, and placed upon him the responsi.
bllity Of doing So Under the authority Of said
act, convened a board Of gentlemen eminently
qualified for the work 10 devise rules and regu.
lations % effect the needed reform. Their labors
are not yet complete, but it is believed that they
VIII succeed in deyising plan which can be
adopted, to the great relief Of the Executive tho
Departments aud members Of Congress. and
whish will rebound 70 the true interests of tie
public service. At all events the experiment
shall huyo a fair trinl
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The ratification Of the Consular aud Nnturaliza
ton Conventions with the Austro- Hungarian
Empire have been exchanged
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

have thus hastily summed up the operations
OF the Government during the last year, and
made such suggestions as occur to me to be proper
Tor your consideration | submit them with a
confidence that Your combined action will be wise
.ale'nanlikei aud in the best interests of the
whole country.
%, (signed U. S. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dee. 4, 1871.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The iorty-iirst Congress, Mt its third session.
made an appropriation for the organization of a
mixed Commission for adiudcatng upon claims
of citizens Of the United States against Spain,
growing out Of the Instruction in Cuba That
Commission has since been organized trans
nit herewith the correspondence relating to its
formation and its jurisdiction. 10 is to be hoped
that this Commission will afford the claimants a
complete remedy for their injuries.
SPAIN ANn TuE SOUTH AMERICAN EErUBLCs.
1t has been the agreeable duty of the United
States TO preside over Conference at Washing
ton between the Plenpotentiaries of Spain and
the allied South American Republics, which has
resulted in an aunstice, with the reasonable AZ.
suranco Of permanent peace.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The policy pursued towards the Indians has re-
suited layorably, 50 far rs can he judged from tho
limited time during which it has been in opera.
ton. Through the exertions of the various so
cieties Of Christians, 10 whom has been entrusted
the execution Of the policy, and tho Board of
Commissioners authorized by the law Of April
10, 1869, many tribes of Indians have been in
duced 10 settle upon reservations t. cultivate the
soil to perform productive labor OF various kinds.
and to partially accept civilization They are be,
ing kindly cared for in such a way that it 4,
hoped TO induce those still pursuing their old
habits of life TO embrace the only opportunirv
which Is left them to avoid exterRination. Irec-
ommend liberal appropriations TO carry out the
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

would also recommend liberal measures for
the purpose OF aiding the American lines of
steamers now plying between san Francisco and
Japan and China and the Australian lines. almos,
our only remaining lines OF ocean steamers. and
OF increasing their services
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

The inoxeusabe course of the Russian Minis
ter at Washington renders it necessary to ask his
recall, and 10 decline 10 longer receive that func
tionary as diplomatic representative. It was i'm
possible, with sell respect, or with Just regard
10 the dignity Of the country, To permit Mr. Cat
acnzy 10 continue 20 hold intercourse with this
government, after his personal abuse Of govern.
ment officials and during his persistent interior
ence, through various means, with the relations
between the United States and other powers. In
accordance with my wishes this government has
been relieved of further intercourse with Mr.
Catacazy, and the management of the affairs of
the Imperial Legation has passed into the hands
of gentleman entirely unobjectionablc
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06
RralIA ANb TUE uNiTrD STATES.

The intimate friendly relations which have SO
long existed between the United States and Rus
sia contnne undiaturhed The visit of tho third
son Of the Emperor is proof that thoro is no de-
sire ON the part Of hi. government 10 diminish
the cordiality of those relations. The hospiubo
reception which has been given to tho Grand
Duke is proof that on our side, we share the
wishes OF that Government
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-06

have addressed communications Of which n
copy is transmitted herewith. o. the Governors OF
New York, PENNSYLVANIA, Ohio, Indiana Micbi-
gan, Illinois and W lsconsln, urging upon tie
Governments Of those states respectively the
necessary action ON their part 10 carry into effect
the object Of that article of the treaty which con-
templates the use of the canals in either side con-
nectod with the navigation of the lakes and riy-
ers forming the boundary on terms Of equity hy
the inhabitants OF both countries. 1t Is hoped
that the Importance OF the object and the benefits
10 fow therelrom will secure the speedy approval
and legislative sanction of the States concerned