Port Royal commercial and Beaufort County Republican. [volume] (Port Royal, S.C.) 1873-1874, 1873-12-11
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The Presidents message opens by a
reference to the financial crisis, the
Granger movement and the Vlrginius
matter, which, it says are in course of
regotiation, 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 ofthc Western ambassadors
BY the Emperor of China, and to the
need of further legislation to suppress
| the infamous coolie trade.
The President recommends com.
mission for the purpose of auditing and
determining the amount to be paid for
losses caused by the Confederate priva-
teers; refers to the mixed commission
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 a law creating a
special court of three judges to hear and
determine all claims of aliens against the
| United States arising out acts committed
against their persons and property during
the insurrection. 1t asks the decision Of
Congress OIL the subject of the action of
Ottoman and Egyptian government re-
lieving foreign consuls ofjudicial powers.
The President transmits the application
of the republic of Santo Domingo, that
the United States shall exercise a pro-
tectorate over that republic. The mes
agediscusses at some length the question
Of the right of eXpatriation, particularly
as to citizens of the United States rcsid-
ing permanently abroad with their fami-
lies, and suggests legislation on the SUBJ
icc. It refers to the establishment of a
republic in Spain, and to the efforts of
the new government to abolish slavery in
all its dominion, which efforts are oppos-
ed by the rcactionary shareholders of
Cuba, who are vainly striving to stop
the march of civilization. This baleful
influence has thus aided in defeating the
efforts of all liberal minded men in Spain
to abolish slavery in Cuba, and in pre-
venting the proposed reform in that
island in the interest of humanity, of
civilization, and of progress. 1t was to
be hoped that that evil influence might
be soon avertcd.
In 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 Gov
ernment 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 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 toward citizens Of the United
States, and also, towards indemnifying
those who may be shown to be entitled
to indemnify. The correspondence on
the subject had hccn 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 expense of African slavery in
Cuba, is principal cause of the lamcnta-
bic 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.
lic suggests tWO cOnStltuliOldi dilcHu-
mcnts-one to authorize the President
to approve so much of any measure Of
Congress as his Judgment may dictate,
without approving the whole, and the
other to provide that when an extra
session Of Congress is convened by cx-.
cutive proclamation, legislation shall DC
confined to such subjects as the Exccu-
tive may bring before Congress from time
to time in writing.
He recommends the erection at Wash
ington OF suitable buildings for cabinet
officers and for such officials as now re-
ceive communication for quarters; thus
Setting an example to the States which
may induce them to erect buildings for
their senators.
The message goes very fully into tie
financial question and declares that the
country never can have permanent pros
rerity until specie payments shall be
reached. He recommends legislation
prohibiting national banks from paying
interest on deposits and forcing them
into resumption, if chly in legal tender