The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1871-12-07
PRESlDENr's MEssAGE.

The third annual message Of President
Grant was read in Congress at noon yester-
day, and is presented to the readers of The
TINES in full this morning. The message
begins with The usual and formal vote Of
thanks to Providence for whatever there may
be in the history Of the pas. year to be thank
full for. The President then refers to the
several reports Of the various heads of de-
par.inents, and commends the suggestions
therein contained. He reviews the results
Of the labors of the joint High Commission,
and recommends that the necessary sppro-
p-iations be made for carrying out the pro-
visions of the treaty. On the financial ques-
ton he takes the position foreshadowed a
few days ago: Recommends reduction OF
the public expenses to the lowest point, and
advises that the revenue then be reduced TO
a sum merely sufficient to meet current ex-
penses and pay the interest on the public
debt. His plan of doing this is to abolish
all internal taxes except those upon liquor
and tobacco, and that derived from stamps,
and to revise and reduce the tariff upon i'm
ports. As predicted few days ago, he
takes positive position against the policy
heretofore pursued by Secretary Boutwell,,
and protests against any further payment Of
the principal of the public debt for the pres
en,. lie calls the attention Of Congress to
s1e system of postal telegraphy, now in
practice in Great Britain, and very earnestly
recommends the adoption Of the system
in the United States. In his treatment
Of the currency question he borders upon the
Hibernian, and says our paper money should
h .ve fired ua,ue, which should steadily ad-
ures recommended in the message, and one
that will take the country somewhat by sur.
prise, is that for general amnesty. 1t has
been currently reported that the President
would not advise an act for the general re.
moval OF disabilities, because, it was sale, ::he
considered the legislation already had upon
that subject entirely sufficient. But herein
rumor was at fault. The Executive ex-
presses the conviction that the time has come
when all disabilities imposed by the XIVth.
Amendment should be removed, and saws in
support of this position, 81 do not see the ad-
vantage or propriety of excluding men from
Office merely because they were, before the
rebellion, of standing and character sufficient
TO be elevated to positions requiring them to
take an oath to support the Constitution,
and admitting to eligibility those
entertaining exactly the same views, but of
less standing" This is sound reasoning, is
q liberal, humane position, and will meet the
appreciation OF the better class of men of all
parties.
Another commendable feature is the
recommendation of liberal appropriations
for the rebuilding of the Government Offices
at Chicago.
The Civil Service reform il cordially en-
dorsed, and the President expresses the hope
that the committee appointed by him under
the act of Last March, will succeed in perfect
ing plan which will reach thedesired end
The document, as whole, is comparatively
brief. 1t is plain and simple statement OF
the condition and relations of the United
Sta es, in as few words as possible; its sug-
gestions are sornd and wholesome, and will
be heartily endorsed by the people of the
country.