The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1871-12-16
The Presidents Message.

The President refers to the gen.
orally successful execution of the laws
his policy not being to inquire into
their wisdom, but to leave time to de.
velop their intents and wisdom. Tie
disasters by storm and fire in this
country have developed a friendship
on the part of foreign nations, and do
nors will receive the thanks of men,
women and children whose sufferings
they have relieved. Two countries.
speaking the same language, have
made treaty-an example to be fol-
lowed by other civilized nations, and
which may 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 in 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, Penn
sylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan,
Wisconsin and Illinois are requested
to take part in measures in the treaty
which determines the use of the ca
nails 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 to be abol-
ished, except as to liquors and tobac-
co, and these to be the subject of
stamp dnty. Our relations with foreign
countries are being discussed with
the new relations in Italy.
A commission has been appointed
to adjndicate claims of Americans
against Spain, and hope is expressed
that the commission will be successful.
The visit of Alexis is referred to. as
of the continued friendly re-
lations with Russia. The inexcusable
conduct of the Russian Minister rem
dered his dismissal matter of self-re-
pect after his personal abuse of the
Government officials, and his persist
ent interference in affairs between this
and other countries. His place has
been filled by a gentleman who is not
Objectionable to this government.
Our relations with Japan are amic-
able, as also with all the Eastern
countries. The difficulty with China
is referred to Congress. The Repub-
BIC of Mexico has not yet repealed the
free zone law, and the hope is express
ed that Mexico will adopt measures
soon to stop the lawlessness ON the
border.
Congress is urged to press the claim
or overdue awards of the Venezuela
government for 1866 The relations
with Brazil will be more cordial since
5he decree of emancipation by that
country, and regret is expressed that
spain has not followed in the same
direction in her possessions.
1t is to be regretted that the dis
;urbed condition of Cuba is source
If annoyance and anxiety. Our naval
In Cuban waters have
been instructed to spare no effort to
protect the lives and property of
American citizens and maintain the
iignity of our flag.
The national debt has been reduced
Eighty millions fifty thou
and one hundred and twenty six dol
ars during the year, and now the in
crest accrued is nearly seventeen mil
ion dollars less than ON the first of
March, 1869; but it is not desirable |
hat the present resources of the coun-
ry should continue to be taxed in or
Ter to continue this rapid, payment.
recommend all taxes for interest
rom internal sources be abolished,
Except those for spirituOus, vinous or
malt liquors tobacco, in its various
Orms, for stamp duty in readjusting
he tariff; articles not produced at |
lome are recommended for the free
ist, and in case of further reduction
t should be upon articles which can
,est bear it without disturbing home
The present laws for the collection
# taxes, with small salaries for col
ectors, induce fraud, and should be |
OuttuIGus OHucE tltt dcC Ol Match |
ID, 1869, each grade in the staff corps
hould be fixed in order to enable
7acancies to be filled from the same |
,rade.
The navy is in an efficient condition
Without increase or cost of maintain
ng it.
The union of the postal and tele- |
sraph system is recommended.
Education is urged as the ground
work of republican constitutions.
The Kn-Klux laws have been en-
orced in portion of South Carolina,
nd the necessity is shown by the |
ommitte to toinvestigate Sourthern out
ages, that the power was exercised
eluctantly but a careful examina-
ion proved the existence of powerful
to deprive the emanci-
'ated class of the substantial benefit |
f freedom, and of preventing the free |
'olitical action of those who did not |
with their views.
In Utah, remnant of barbarism,
epugnant to civilization, decency and |