The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1873-12-11
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
WAsHINGToN, Dec. :.

cinius matter, which, it says, IS IN course ol
negotiation, and is likely to be amicably and
honorably arranged. 1t refers to the Wen
ma exposition, which was creditable to the
artisans of the United States; to the recep-
tion of the Western ambassadors by the EN-
peror of China. and to the need of further
legislation to suppress the coolie trade. 1t
recommends a commission for the purpose OF
considering and determining the amount to
be paid for losses sustained by the Conted-
crate privateers, and refers to the mixed
commission for determining the claims be-
tween British subjects and American citi-
zens, and asks for an appropriation to pay
the amount of decision against the United
States. 1t also recommends law creating
special court of three judges to hear and
determine all claims of aliens against the
United States arising out of aeta committed
against their property during the insurrec-
ton. It asks the decision of Congress on
the action of the Ottoman and Egyptian
governments, relieving foreign consuls of
judicial powers. The President transmits
the application of the Republic of santo
Domingo that the United States shall exer-
else protectorate over the Republic. The
message discusses at some length the ques
ton of the right of expatriation, particularly
as to citizens of the United States residing
permanently abroad with their families, and
suggests legislation on the subject. 1t re-
fers to the establishment of republic in
Spain aud to the efforts of the new govern
ment to abolish slavery in all her dominions.
which efforts are opposed by the rcactlonary
shareholders Of Cuba, who are vainly striv-
ing to stop the march Of civilization. This
banefnl influence has thus succeeded III de-
feating the efforts OF all liberal-mindcl men
in Spain to abolish slavery in Cuba ard ia
preventing the proposed reform in That
island. In the interest Of humanity Of
civilization, and Of progress, it was to be
hoped that the evil influence might soon be
ayerted. In reference to the capture Of the
Virginins and to the inhuman and illegal
murder of her passengers and crew, he says
that the Spanish government had recognized
the Justice of his demand, and had arranged
for the immediate delivery Of the vessel, and
for the surrender of the survivors OF the
passengers and crew, and for 4 salute Of the
flag, and for proceedings looking to the pun
ishment Of those who may be proved to have
been guilty of illegal acts Of violence towards
citizens of the United States, and towards
indemnifying those who may be shown to
be entitled to indemnity. The corrcspon-
dence on the subject had been conducted in
cipher and by cable, and Was, therefore, not
in a condition to be submitted to Congress.
The President expresses his conviction that
The existence of African slavery in Cuba is
a principal cause of the lamcntable condition
of the island, and does not doubt that Con
eress shares his hopes that it will soon be
made to disappear, and that peace and pros
pcrity will follow its abolition. He suggests
two constitutional amendmcnts-on to au-
thorize the President to approve so much Of
any measure Of Congress as his judgment
may dictate, without approving the whole,
and another providing that when an extra
session of Congress is convened by executive
proclamation, legislation shall be confined to
such subjects as the executive may bring
before Congress, from time to time, in wri-
ting. He recommends the erection. at Wash
ington, Of building suitable for the cabinet
officers. and for such officials as receive COM
mutation for quartcrs-thus setting an cX
ample to the States, which may induce them
TO erect buildings for their Senators. The
message goes very fully into the financial
question, and declares that the country can
never have permanent prosperity until spc
Gle payments be reached. He rccommcn d,
legislation prohibiting National banks from
the payment Of interest on deposits and
forcing them into resumption. il only in le-
Gal tender notes. lie suggest the question
whether banks should not be made free,
but securing all the present safeguards t'
billholdcrs. He notices the improvement
in American shipbuiIding during the past
year. and hopes for 4 continuance of it. II
regard to the problem Of cheap transporta
ton. he refers to the Erie and Illinois Ca
nals. and suggests whether it would not be
wise craftsmanship to pledge to the States