The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-12-14
synop.is OF the Prc.idcnt,, yTc..axe.

Synopsis of the Presidents Message.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4.-The Pre-
sident refers to the generally sue,
cessful execution of the laws, his pol
icy not being to inquire into their
wisdom, but to leave time to develop
their intents and wisdom. The dis
asters by storm and fire in this coun-
try, have developed friendship on
the part Of foreign nations, and do
nors will receive the thanks of men,
women and children, whose sufferlngs
they have relieved. Two countries,
speaking the same language, have
made tresty-an example to be fol-
lowed by other civilized nations, and
generally be the means of returning
to productive industry millions of
men now maintained to settle disputes
of nations by the sword and bayonet.
Provision is recommended for the
Commission to meet at Geneva, and
legislation is recommended to bring
into practical effect the questions in
the treaty affecting the fisheries and
maritime disputes.
The Governors of New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michi-
gan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, are re-
quested to take part in measures in
the treaty which determine the use
of the canals by the United States
and Great Britain.
A true boundary line between the
United States and British North
American possessions is urged. He
recommends the modification of the
tariff and internal revenue laws, the
taxes from internal sources be abol-
ished, except as to liquors and to-
bacco, and these be the subject of a
stamp duty. Our relations with
foreign countries are being discussed
with the new relations in Italy.
A commission has been appointed
to adjudicate claims of Americans
against Spain, and hope is expressed
that the commission will be success
full.
The visit of Alexis is referred to
as evidence of the continued friendly
relations with Russia. The inexcu-
sable conduct of the Russian Minis
ter, rendered his dismissal matter
of self-respect after his personal a.
buse of the Government officials, and
his persistent interference in affairs
between this and other countries.
His place has been filled by a gentle.
man who is not Objectionable to this
Government.
Our relations with Japan are am
icable, as also with all the Eastern
countries. The difficulty with China
is referred to Congress.
The Republic Of Mexico has not
yet repealed the free zone law, and
the hope is expressed that Mexico
will adopt measures soon to stop the
lawlessness on the border.
Congress is urged to press the
claim for overdue awards of the Ven
ezuela government for 1866. The
relations with Brazil will be more
cordial since the decree of emanci-
patton by that country, and regret
is expressed that Spain has not fol-
lowed in the same direction in her
possessions.
1t is to be regretted that the dis
turbed condition of Cuba is q source
of annoyance and anxiety. Our
naval commanders in Cuban waters
have been instructed to spare no
effort to protect the lives and prop
erty of American citizens, and main
tain the dignity of our flag.
The national debt has been reduced
eighty-six millions ffty-se thou
sand one hundred and twenty-six
dollars and eighty cents during the
year, and now the interest accrued
is hearty seventeen millions dollars
less than on the first of March, 1869;
but it is not desirable that the pre-
sent resources of the country should
continue to be taxed in order to con-
tinue this rapid payment. I recon-
mend all taxes for interest from in
ternal sources be abolished, except
those for spirituous, vinous and malt
liquors; tobacco, in its various forms,
for stamp duty in re,adjustir g the
tariff; articles not produced at om9 },
are recommended for the free list,
and in case of a further reduction, it
should be upon articles which can
best bear it without disturbing home
productions.
The present laws for the collection
of taxes, with small salaries for coll
lectors, induce fraud, and should be
remedied. Under the act of March
Sd, 1869, each grade in the staff
corps should be fixed, in order to en-
able vacancies to be filed from the
same grade.
The navy is in an efficient condi-
ton without increase of cost in main~
tanning it.
The union of the postal and te
graph system is recommended.
Education is urged as the gropnd-
work of republican institutions.
The Ku Klux laws have been en-
forced in portion of South Caro-
lima, and the necessity is shown by
the committee to investigate southern
outrages, that the power was exer>
cised reluctantly; but a careful ex-
animation proved the existence of
powerful combinations to deprive the
emancipated class of the substantial
benefit of freedom, and of preventing
the free political action of those who
did not sympathize with their views.
In Utah, remnant of barbarism,
renuunant tn civilization. To decencv