Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The message of President Grant to the
present session of Congress is the most lengthy
communication he has yet made. 1t opens
by reference to the financial crisis, makes
the statement that political partizanship has
almost ceased to exist, especially in the agri-
cultural regions, which is supposed to have
reference to the Grangers' movement; refers
to the Virginius matter, which, he says, is in
course of negotiation, and is likely to be am
icably adjusted, honorable to both nations
concerned.
The message refers to the Vienna Exposi-
ton 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 coole trade.
1t recommends a commission for the pur-
pose of auditing and determining the amount
to be paid for losses caused by the Confederate
privateers
1t refers to the Mixed Commissions for de-
termning claims between British subjects and
American citizens, and asks for an appropria-
ton to pay the amount of decisions against
the United States, and also recommends law
creating special court of three judges, to
hear and determine all claims of aliens against
the United States arising out Of damages COM
mitted against their persons and property
during the war.
1t asks the decision of Congress on the sub
ject of the action Of the Ottoman and Egyptian
: Governments relieving foreign consuls Of ju-
dicial powers.
The message discusses at some length the
question of the right of extradition, especially
as to citizens of the United States residing
permanently abroad with their families, and
suggests legislation on the subject.
1t refers to the establishment Of a Repub-
lie in Spain, to the efforts of the new Govern
ment to abolish slavery in all its dominions,
which efforts are opposed by the reactionary
shareholders of Cuba, who are vainly striving
to stop the march of civilization. The baleful
influence had thus succeeded in defeating the
efforts of all liberal minded men in Spain to
abolish slavery in Cuba, in preventing the
proposed reformation in that island. In the
interest Of humanity, Of civilization, and of
progress, it was to be hoped that the evil in.
fuence might be soon averted.
In reference to the capture of the Virginius
and to the inhumau and illegal murder of
fifty-three of the passengers and crew, he says
the Justice of this demand, and had arranged
for the surrender of the survivors of the pas
sengcrs 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 citi-
zons of the United States, and also towards
indemuifying those who may be shown to be
entitled to indemnity. The correspondence
on the subject had been conducted in cypher
and by cable and therefore was not in con-
dition to be submitted to Congress.
The President expresses his conviction that
the presence of African slavery in Cuba is a
principal cause of the lamentable 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 suggest two constitutional amendments
One to authorize the President to approve so
much Of any measure Of Congress as his judg-
ment may dictate, without approving the
whole and the other, to provide 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
writing.
lie recommends the erection at Washing
ton of suitable buildings for Cabinet officers
and for such officials as now receive cOmmu
tation for quarters, thus setting IN example
to the States which may induce them to erect
buildings for their Senators.
The message goes very fully into the hnan-
cal question, and declares that the country
never can have permanent prosperity until
specie payments be resumed.
He recommends legislation preventing ma
tional banks from paying interest on deposits
and forcing them into resumption if only in
legal tender notes. He suggests the question
whether banking should not be made free,
but securing all the present privileges to bill
holders.
He notices the improvement in American
ship building during the past year and hopes
for a continuance of it.
In regard to the problem of cheap trans
portation he refers to the Erie and Illinois
canals and suggests whether it would not be
wise craftsmanship to pledge to the States
that own those canals that if they will enlarge
them, the general government will look after
and keep in navigabe condition the great
public highways with which these canals con-
meet, to wit the Hudson river, the st. Clair
flats and the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.
lie recommends government exploration Of
the upper Amazon river and its tributaries /;
a revision and codi6cation of the tariff laws,
and the opening of more mlnts.
The message endorses the recommendation
of the Postmaster General for the establishment
of pcstoffice savings repositories, and invites
the consideration of Congress to the proposl.
ton for a postal telegraph. He recommends
Legislation in regard to the judicial proceed
ings in Utah, and also in regard to the bank
ruptcy law which he considers as productive