The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-12-11
SYNOPSIS of President Grants Message.


The Presidents message was read. 1t opens
with a reference to the financial crisis, the
Grangers' movement and the Virginius matter,
which, it says, are in course OF negotiation, and
likely to be amicably and honorably arranged.
1t refers to the Vienna Exposition, which was
creditable to the artisans OF the United States;
to the reception of the Western ambassadors
by the Emperor of China, and to the need of
further legislation to suppress the infamous
coOlie trade.
The President recommends commission for
the purpose of auditing and determining the
amount to be paid for losses caused by the Con-
fcderate privateers; refers to the mixed COM
mission for determining claims between British
subjects and American citizens, and asks for an
appropriation to pay the amount of decisions
against The United States. 1t also recommends
q law creating a special court of three judges
to hear and determine all claims of aliens
against the United States arising out of acts
committed against their persons and property
during the insurrection. 1t asks the decision
of Congress on the subject of the action of the
Ottoman and Egyptian governments relieving
foreign consuls Of judicial powers. The Presi-
dent transmits the application of the republic
of Santo Domingo, that the United States shall
exercise protectorate over that republic. The
message discusses at some length the question
of the right of expatration, particularly as to
citizens Of the United States residing perma-
nently abroad with their families, rnd suggests
legislation on the subject. 1t refers to the es-
| tablishment Of republic in Spain and to the
efforts of the new government to abolish slave
ry in all its dominion, which efforts are oppo-
sed by the reactionary shareholders of Cuba,
who are vainly striving to stop the march OF
civilization. This baletui influence has thus
aided in defeating the efforts of all liberal
minded men in Spain to abolish slavery in
Cuba, and in preventing the proposed reform
in that island in the interest of humanity, of
civilization, and of progress. 1t was to be
averted-
Tn reference to the capture of the Virginius,
and to the inhuman and illegal murder of fifty
three 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 passen
pers and crew, and for salute to the flag, and
for proceedings looking to the punishment of
those who may be proved to have been guilty
of illegal acts of violence towards citizens of
the United States, and, also, towards indemni-
fying those who may be shown to be entitled to
Indemnity. The correspondence on the subject
had been conducted in cipher and by cable,
and was therefore not in q condition to be sub
mitted 10 Congress- The President expresses
his conviction that the expense of African
slavery in Cuba is principal cause of the Ia
mentable condition of the island, and does not
doubt that Congress shares his hopes that it
will soon be made to disappear, and that peace
and prosperity will follow its abolition.
He suggests two constitutional amendments
one to authorize the President to approve so
much of any measure of Congress as his jud G.
ment may dictate, without approving the
whole, and the other to provide that when an
extra session Of Congress is convened by exec
utiye proclamation, legislation shall be con-
fined to such subjects as the Executive may
bring before Congress from time to time III
writing.
He recommends the erection at Washington
of suitable buildings for cabinet officers and
for such officials as now receive communication
for quarters; thus setting an example to the
States which may induce them to erect build
ings for their Senators.
The message goes very fully into the finan-
cial question, and declares that the country
never can have permanent prosperity until
specie payments shall be reached. He recon-
mends legislation prohibiting national banks
from paying interest on deposits and forcing
them into resumption, if only in legal tender
notes. He suggests the question whether bank,
ing should not be made free, but securing all
the present safeguards to bill holders,
He notices the improvement in American
ship building during the past year, and hopes