The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1872-12-12
SYNOPSIS OF THE
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

After a short recess the Presidents Mes
sage at 1.40 received and read. Itcommen
ces with recognition of the blessings which
the American people have enjoyed within
the year past, the only exception being the
great fire in Boston. He refers to the Ge
neva Arbitrations and its satisfactory results
which left the two Governments, American
and English without q shadow, on theii
friendly relations which it is sincerely hoped
may forever remain equally unclouded. 1t
recommends the immediate creation Of a
Board of Commissioners to decide on the
amount to be paid to the individuals It
compliments Mr. Adams and Mr.. Bancroft
for their eminent services in the matter OF
the Geneva and San Francisco Arbitrations,
the decision in tho latter case leaving the
United States for the first time without any
question as to disputed boundaries.
In regard to the fisheries and to cur rela-
tions with the British North American pro-
vinces, the President says that he has re-
ccived notice that the imperial Parliament,
and the Dominican government had passed
laws to carry the provisions of the treaty of
Washington into operation, and ne therefore
recommends legislation of Congress in the
same direction. He speaks of the friendly
relations of the United States with all the
governments of Europe. He refers to the
Vienna international Exposition, and re-
commends the fitting up Of two national
vessels to convey the goods of exhibitors to
Trieste, and suggests that a proposition be
made to have the next great Exposition in
this country in 1875, at the time of the Gem
tennial Celebration in Philadelphia. He
refers to the disturbed condition Of Cuba,
and says that no advance towards pacifca-
ton in that island has been made while the
insurrection had gained no advantages and
exhibited no more of the elements Of power
of prospective success than a year ago; nei-
ther had Spain succeeded in repressing the
insurrection.. The parties to the strife were
standing in the very same attitude as they
have for long time past. The condition OF
slavery in that island he regards as one Of
the strongest causes of the continuation of the
strife, and he thinks the abolition of slavery
and the institution of other reforms there
could not fail 10 advance the restoration Of
peace and order. It adds greatly to the
hopes that the present liberal government Of
Spain will voluntarily adopt that view.
Referring to our relations with China and
Japan, the President eeommends provisions
for maintaining four American youths in
each of those countries as part Of the diplo-
matte family of the ministers.
He gives. details Of the revenue received
in thIs past year and Of the feauoti5a to the
amount of over one hundred millions Of the
public debt. He expresses doubt whether
any further reduction in taxation is practi.
cable for the present; and he recommends
that no more legislation be had on that sub.
ject, except to correct errors Of omission or
commission in the present laws, until suf-
6cient time shall have elapsed to prove that
it can be done and still leave sufficient reye-
nue. to meet current expenses, pay interest
on the public debt and provide for the Sink
ing Fund. He suggests also that the cur
rency shall be, as soon as possible, brought
to par with gold.
Ha says that various enterprises will be
brought to the attention of Congress for
cheapening of transportation ofproduce from
the West to the Atlantic sea coast and sug-
gests that steps should be taken to gain all
available information to obtain equitable and
jndicious Legislation In this connection,
he favorably refers to the proposed route to
connect the Mississippi Valley with the At
lantic at Charleston and Savannah by way Of
the Ohio and Tennessee rivers; also'to the
proposed extension of the James river Kan
auha Canal and the Chesapeake and Ohio
canal to the proposed canal from Niagara
Falls He says that there should be almost
continuous system Of land locked naviga.
ton from Maine to the Gulf Of Mexico, ma
ture having provided a greater part Of the
route, and the obstacles to be overcome be-
ing within the skill of engineers.
He calls attention to the weakness of the
American Navy and endorses the recommen
dation of the Secretary of the Navy in thai
respect; he recommends subsidies for steam
ship lines to Brazil and between San Francisco
New Zealand and Australia, also an increase
of the salaries of heads Bureaus. He ia
vors the abolition of the frankling privileges
| and recommends modification of its exist
| ing evils. He also recommends theadoptior
by Congress of the best method of acquiring
title to all te|egraphic lines nowin operation
and of connecting that service with the Pos
tai Service. It is not probable that the sub
iect can receive proper consideration at thu
season, but he thinks the movement nigh
be had free to the Government and the pri
vate parties concerned.
He calls attention to the alarming falling
/ off in the American carrying trade, and say
that yearly expenditure of five million dol
lars for the next five years to restore tina
trade would be profitable investment.
Referring to the Ku Klux outrages, th'
President expresses his convictions that the
time is not far distant when the advantages
Of good order and peace will induce an aband
orment of all such combinations, and wheI
it will be unnecessary to carry on prosecutions
or to inAict punishment in order to protec
citizens from the lawless doings ofsuch com
|