Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

ing 1t an ertenso, we publish synopsis of it, as
it would, if published 10 full, occupy most of
our space to the exclusion of the news and would
not be read by one 10 twenty of our readers
The synopsis we give below will be read and
will give the reader-all the information respect
ing its recommendations which the full text
would furnish.
1t commences with recognition of the bless
ings which the American people have enjoyed
with 10 the past year, the only exception being
the great fire in Boston
It refers to the Geneva arbitration and its
satisfactory results, which lett the two govern
ments, American and English, without a
shadow on their friendly relations, which, it is
sincerely hoped, may forever remain equally
unclouded. 1t recommends the immediate crea-
ton of board of commissioners to decide on
the amounts to be paid individuals
1t compliments Mr. Adams and Mr. Bancroft
Davis for their eminent services 10 the matter
of the Geneva and the San Juan arbitra ions
the decision Of the latter leaving the United
States for the first time without any question
as to disputed b ,uDdaries.
In regard to the fisheries, and to our rela-
tions with the British North American Pro-
vinces, the President says that he mas received
notice that the Imperial Parliament and the
Dominion Government have passed laws to
carry the provisions of the treaty of Washing
ton into operation, and he therefore recon-
mends legislation by Congress in the same d.
rection.
He speaks of the friendly relations of the
United States with all the governments of Eu-
rope. Referring to the Vienna International
Exposition, he recommends the fitting out OF
two national vessels to convey the goods of ex-
hibitors to Trieste, and suggests that PROPOSE
ho do hoo
10 this country in 1876 at the time of the Cen
tennial celebration In Philadelphia.
He refers to the disturbed condition of Cuba
and says that no advance towards pacifcation
In that island has been made. While the in
surrectlon had gained no advantages, and ex
hibited no more of The elements of power or of
prospective success than a year ago. neither
had Spain succeeded 10 REFRESHING the insurrec-
tiop. The parties to the strife were standing
In the same attitude as for long time past.
The continuation of slavery in that island he
regards as among the strongest causes of the
continuation OF the strife and ne thinks that
the abolition of slavery and institution of other
reforms there could not fail to advance the re-
storation of peace and order. It was greatly
to be hoped that the present liberal government
OF Spain will adopt that view.
Referring to our relations with China and
Japan, the President recommends provisions
for maintaining four American youths in such
OF those countries as form part Of the dplo-
matte family of ministers. He gives details of
the revenue received In the past year, and of
the reduction to the amount of over one hun.
dred millions of the public debt. He expresses
doubt whether any further reduction in taxa
ton is practicable for the present, and be re-
commends that no more legislation be bad on
that subject except to correct errors of omission
or commission IN the present laws until sui
hcient time shall have elapsed to prove that
1t can be done and shall leave sufficient revenue
to meet current expenses, pay interest on the
public debt and provide for the sinking fund
he suggests, also, that the currency shall be as
soon as possible brought to par with gold.
lie says that various enterprises will be
brought to the attention of Congress for the
cheapeolDg OF the transportation OF produce
from the Nest to the Atlantic sea coast, and
suggests. that steps be taken to gain all the
available Information to ensure equitable and
judlcous legislation. In this connection he re-
terS fav0rably to the proposed route to connect
the Mississippi Valley with the Atlantic at
Char!tsto aud Savannah by way of the Ohio
and Tennessee rivers also, to the proposed ex-
tension of the James River and kanawha Canal
and to the Chesapeake aud OHIO Canal, and to
the proposed canal around Niagara Falls.
lie says that there should be an almost con-
tinuous system OF land locked navigation from
Maine to the Gulf of Mexico Nature loving
ly provided greater part of the route, aud the
obstacles to be overcome being within the skill
of engineers.
He calls attention to the weakness of the
American navy, and endorses the recommends
tons Vt the Secretary OF the navy 10 that res
pect.
He recommends subsidies to steamship lines
to Brazil, aud between San Francisco, New
lea aud and Australia Also an Increase of the
salaries of heads Of bureaus
He iavors the abolition OF the ranking pri-
vilege, and recommends a modification of It's
existing evils. He also r; commends the adop-
ton by Congress Of the best me bod Of acuulr
log title to all telegraph liues now Ia operation,
and Ut connecting that service With the pos, al
service. 1t is not probable that the subject
caa secure proper consideration at this session,
but he thinks the movement might be Initial
ed, SO that future action may be bad-fair to
the government and to the private parties con-
cerned.
He calls attention to the alarming falling off
IN the American carrying trade and SAYS that
the annual expenditure Of S., 900 900 fer the
next FIVE years would be a profitable invest
ment.
Referring to ku-klux outrages, the President
Expresses his conviction that the time is not
lar distant Wlen the OBVIOUS advantages OF
good order and peace will Induce an abandon
ment of ell such combinations, and when it will
be unnecessary to carry on prosecutions or in-
hict punishment IN order to protect citizens
from the lawless doings of such combinations.
He makes suggestions in regard to the In
dams that they shall all be confued to the ter
ntory south OF Kansas, and that farms be Sc
cured TO them la fee and in seyeraLty.
he recommends that further census be
taken in 1875, but that no re- apportionment of
members OF Congress be made under it.
Iu only one of the Territories (Utah) is the
condition OF affairs regarded by the President
as unsatisfactory. 1t had seemed to be the
policy of the Utah Legislature to evade all re-
sponsibllty to the United State government,
and even to hold position hostile to it. He
recommends a careful revision OF the present
laws, and the enactment OF laws that will secure
the perfect equality of all citizens before the
law and the ultimate extingulshment of polyg-
amy.
He favors action to give greater eclat and
success to the observance of the Centennial al
niversary of American indie pendence.
ln regard to the civil service he says he will
carry out the rules during bis term of Office,
but suggests that there should be direct action
OF Congress to make the system binding on his
successors, SO az to secure to the public service
practical method of 90 aiming faithful and ef-
fcient officers and employees
Elegant-Rev. DR.. Verbose goes in for ele-
gance OF baraphrase. In ringing the changes
upon lie tba, hath cars to hear let him hear"
he did line Thing last Supdav s.Ho that -