New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-12-07

mas hlled, warrants us in predicting that he
viii ably represent his constituents in the new
held of duty to which he had been called.
Extracts from the Presidents
Message.
In addressing my third Annual Message to
the law making branch of the Government, it
is gratifying to be able to state that during the
past year success has generally attended the
enort to execute all laws found upon the stat
ute books. The policy has been, not to inquire
into the wisdom of the laws already enacted,
but to learn their spirit and intent, and to en-
force them accordingly.
| The past year has, under a wise Providence
been one of general prosperity to the nation
1t has, however, been attended with more than
usual chastisements in the loss of life aud pro
perty by storm and fire. These disasters have
served to call forth the best elements of human
nature in our country, and to develop friend
ship for US on the part of foreign nations,
which goes tar towards allevating the distresses
| occasloned by these calamities.
| Inc benevolent who have so generously
| shared their means with the victims of these
mlstortunes will reap their reward in the con
seriousness OF having performed noble act,
and IN receiving the grateful thanks of men,
"o"O", anu cuiIurtu, whose suHtrIngS Iney
have relieved.
The relations of the United States with for
eign powers continue to be friendly. The year
has been an eventful one in witnessing two
great nations. speaking one language and hav-
ing one lineage, settling by peaceful arbitration
disputes of long standing and liable at any
time to bring those nations into bloody and
costly conflict An example has thus been
set which, if successful in its final issue, may
be followed by other civilized nations, and
nnally be the means of returning to productive
industry millions of men now maintained to
settle the disputes of nations by the bayonet
aud the broadside.
1t is subject for cOngratulaton that the
great empire of Brazil has taken the initiatory
step towards the abolition of slavery. Our
relations with that empire. always cordial, will
naturally be made more so by this act II is
not too much to hope that the Government of
Srazll may hereafter find it for its interest, as
we'll as intrinsically right, to advance toward
enure emancipation more rapidly than the
present act cOntemplates
IL 1T Is a subject for regret that the reforms
10 this direction which were voluntarily prom
ised oy the statesmen OF Spain have not been
carried out 10 its West India colonies. The
laws ana regulations for the apparent abolition
OF slavery In Cuba and Porto Rico leave most
OF the laborers in bondage, with no hope of
release until they become burden to their
employers.
oeslre to direct your attention to the fact
that citizens of the United States, or persons
Claiming to be citizens of the United States
are large holders in foreign lands of this species
OF property forbidden by the fundamental law
OF their alleged country. 1 recommend to
Congress to provide by stringent legislation
suitable remedy against the holding, owning,
hair II =.
slave property in foreign lands, either as
owners hirers, or motgagers by citizens of the
United States
The national debt has been reduced to the
extent OF eighty-sx millions fifty seven thou
sand one hundred aud twenty six dollars and
eighty cents 1856, 057, l26. SO) during the year,
and by the negotiations of national bonds at
q lower rate of interest. The interest on the
public debt has been so far diminished that
now the sum to be raised for the interest &C.
count Is nearly seventeen million dollars less
than On the first of March, 1869
1t was highly desirable that this rapid dim
mutton should take place, both to strengthen
the credit of the country and to convince its
citizens OF their entire ability to meet every
dollar OF liability without bankrupting them
But In view of the accomplishment of these
desirable ends; of the rapid development of
ability to meet large demands, and the amount
already paid, it is not desirable that the pres
ent resources OF the country should continue to
DE taxed In order to continue this rapid pay
ment. l therefore recommend a modification
OF both the tariff and internal tax laws |
recommend that all taxes from internal sources
be abolished except those collected from spir-
itueus, vinous, and malt liquors tobacco in
its various forms and from stamps.
In readiustinu rho tariff ou,,raa. tLo. q
careful estimate be made Of the amount of sur
plus revenue collected under the present laws,
after providing for the current expenses OF the
Government, the interest account, and a sink
ing fund, and that this surplus be reduced in
ruch a manner as to afford the greatest relief
to the greatest number.
There are many articles not produced at
home, but which enter largely into general
consumption through articles which are manu-
featured at home, such as medicines com
pounded, &C., from which very little revenue
is derived, but which enter iuto general USE
All such articles | recommend to be placed on
the free list.
Should further reduction prove advisable
would then recommend that it be made upon
those articles which can best bear it without
disturbing home production or reducing the
wages of American labor.
There has been imposed upon the Executive
branch Of the Government the execution of the
act of Congress approved April 20, 1871, and
commonly known as the Ku-Klux law. in a
portion Of the State of South Carolina.
The necessity of the course pursued will be
demonstrated by the report of the committee to
investigate Southern outrages Under the pro-
visions OF the above act issued a proclama-
ton calling the attention of the people of the
United States to the same, and declaring my
reluctance to exercise any of the extraordinary
powers thereby conferred upon me, except in
case OF imperative necessity, but, making
known my purpose to exercise such powers
whenever it should become necessary to do so
for the purpose of securing to all Cit zens OF
the United Strtes the peaceful enjoyment of the
rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution
and the Laws.
After the passage of this law, information