The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1873-12-12

ing under the United States flag, and bear
ing United States register, eliminated in
an outburst of Indignation that has seemed
for time 10 threaten war. Pending nego-
tiations between the United States aud
the Governmental Spain on the subject Of
this capture, have authorized the Secrc-
tary OF the Navy To put our navy on a
war footing To the extent AT least OF the
entire annual appropriation for that branch
OF the service, trusting To Congress and
the public opinion OF the American people
10 justify my action.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS-.
Assuming from the action of the last
Congress, appointing Committee on
! Privileges and Elections, 10 prepare and
report to this Congress a constitutional
amendment To provide a better method OF
electing the President and Nice-President
of the United States, and also from the
necessity of such an amendment. that there
will be submitted TO the State Legislatures
for ratification such an improvement in our
constitution. ! suggest two others for
your consideration First, 10 authorize
/ the Executive to approve of SO much OF
any measure passing the two Houses OF
Congress as his Judgment may dictate, the
dlsapprovcd portion or portions To be sub
ectcd To the same rules as now. to-wit
| be referred back 10 the House in which
the measure or measures originated and
be passed by 4 two-thirds vote OF the two
/ houses 10 become law without the APP
provll of the President. | would add 10
this provision that there should be no
! legislation by Congress during the last
twcnty-four hours of its sitting, except
upon the yetoes. and in order 10 give the
Executive an opportunity To examine and
on fisannrnNp -
Second. 10 provide by amendment. that
when an extra session of Congress is con-
vened by Executive proclamation. legisla-
ton during the continuance of such an eX-
ira session shall be confined To- such sub
jccts rs the Executive may bring it from
! time 10 time in writing. The advantages
to be gained by these TWO amendments are
obvious. One session in each wear j. pro-
vidcd for by the Constitution in which
there are no restrictions as 10 the subjects
of legislation by Congress; II more are re-
I qured it i always in the power of Con-
gress. during their term of office 10 pro-
vide for sessions at any time. The first Of
these amendments would protect the pub
/ lie against the many abuses. and waste OF
public moneys which creep into the APP
preparation bills, and other important
measures passing during the expiring
consideration cannot be given.
STATE OF THE FINANCES.
In the Treasury Department the receipts
of the Government from all sources for
the last fiscal year were S333. 73S. 20I. and
expenditures on all accounts S2903l0.2i5.
thus showing an excess of receipts over
expenditures of Sf3.392, $50. But ii Is not
probable that this favorable exhibit will
be shown for the present fiscal ySar. In
! deed il is very doubtful whether. except
with greet economy on the part Of Con-
greSs. in making appropriations, and the
same economy in the Administration in adj
ministcring the various debts of the Gov
eminent. the revenues will not fall short
Of meeting the annual expenses including
the interest on public debt. commend
to Congress such economy. and point out
two sources where it seems To me il might
commence. to-wit: In the appropriation
for buildings in many cities where work
has not been commenced. In the apprO-
priation for river aud harbOr improve
ments in those localities where the i'm
provemcnts are of but little benefit to gem
eral commerce. and in Qualifications. There
j. a still more fruitful source OF expenditure
which | will point out later in this mes
sage. | refer 10 the easy method Of manu-
featuring claims for losses incurred in the
war of the late rebellion. would not be-
understood as opposing the erection OF
good. substantial. and even ornamental
buildings by the Government wherever
such buildings are needed; i'm fact | APP
prove of the Government owning its own
buildings in all sections of the country.
and hope the day j, not far distant when
il will not only possess them, but erect in
the Capital suitable residences for all per-
sons who now receive Communication for
quarters or rent at Government expense.
and Tor the Cabinet. thus setting an exam
pie 10 the States which may induce them
20 erect buildings for their Senators but
would have this work conducted
at times when the revenues OF the
country would abundantly justify it.
EFFEcrs or THE PANIC.
The revenues have materially fallen on
for the last five months of the present ifs
cal year from what they were expected 10
produce. owing 10 the general panic now
prevailing. which commenced about the
middle of September last. The full effect
Of this disaster, If it should not prove to be-
a blessing in disguise, is yet To be demon
strated. I'm either event il Is your duty 10
heed the lesson and provide hy wise and
wcll-cOnsidered legislation rs far as il lies
In your power against il rc-occurrencc.
and to take advantage of all benefits that
may have occurred. My own judgment j.
that, however much individuals may have
suffered, one long step has been taken to-
ward specie payments: that we can never
have permanent prosperity until an entire
" new basis j. reached. and specie basis
cannot bc reached and maintained until
our exports. exclusive Of gold. pay for our
imports. interest dues abroad. aud other
spcculations. so nearly as To leave an APP
probable accumulation of those metals in
the country from the product of our
mines.
AN ELASTIC CURRENCY NEEDED.
The developments Of mines of precious
metals during the past year. and the pros