St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1873-12-05

these we have mention of Il matter
which. made by President Grant, wOul(
seem to have significance attached tot
we mean the application OF San Do
mingo for a protectOrate to he exercis,
ed by this Government-b it is i
mere mention and nothing more
Greater importance belongs to the next
| topic-the necessity of defining the ma
tiomal status of large class of citizens
abroad. This involves the whole
question of repatriation, which year 10y
wear is giving birth to very perpleXing
cases. that may yet peril our relations
with other Governments.
| The President very gracefully opens
his presentation of the Spanish COM
plication with il rehearsal of the con-
gratulatory tribute paid by our Govern
ment to that of Spain in recognition OF
the lattcr's adoption of free institu-
tons at home and its endeavOr to real
ize them in Cuba. Having spoken thu,
handsomely, the President proceeds tc
arraign, with IL severity unusual with
him. the Cuban volunteers, whose ''evi
| influence" is described in terms which
will be responded to by the whole
| American people. AS to the Nirginius
affair proper, we do not see that the
message conveys anything materially
new. The substance of its facts coin.
cides with what has already appeared
in the press, while it is stated that the
protocol containing the exact terms %
the settlement is withheld till the exact
text can he received by mail. The
President-as good taste requires hin
to do-forbears to discuss the proSpec
of Spain's ability to carry out its stipu
latioms. His tone, however. is hopeful
throughout. us though the trouble haG
been substantially disposed of.
In connection with the prosperity,
constitutional amendments, the Pftsi
dent suggests two. viz, that the Exc
cutivc he allowed to approve particu
lar parts of bills passed 10y both Hous
es of Congress, which shall also he for
hidden TO legislatc, except upon vetoes
during the last twenty -four hours of ;
session: and. secondly. that all legiSla
tiom during an extra session shall h'
I confined To the recommendations of til,
| Executive. The recommendation il
favor of economical appropriations dur
T in the present wear are well made. alIt
we trust will hc needed.
The Presidents treatment of the ii
nancial question is candid, thoughtful
and in most points will command tho
( Endorsement of the business commum
ty. We are particularly grateful t.
him that he has 50 emphasized the duty
Of the Government to return to >pccI,
payments ut the earliest possible OPP
/ poItuuity.
With respect to cheap transportation
the President has hut Il single, though
comprehensive. recommendation look
Ing to the encouragement of ship ca
mails. The state of the War and Navy
! Departments is intclligcutlN comment
ed upon. and the Postmaster Generals
schemes for tclcgraphing and banking
art. hut mildly commended. The only
other topics of the message which vii
excite special interest are the Prc~l
dents earnest recommendations IN fl
vnr of Civil Service Reform thu!
again convirtimg his dctractor> of in
Justice his Recommendation i'll taVu'
of Il system of irrigation on the easter
slope of the Rocky Mountains III fave"
of amnesty and of civil rights.