The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-12-04
LIE PnEsIDENT,s mEssAGE.

A synopsis of the Presidents message
was given in our telegraphic dispatches, re-
ceived on Tuesday and published in our is
sue of Wednesday morning. We have only
the mere points of the message, which must
have been quite long, as it took up an hour
and half in the reading On the Cuban
question, it gives little more than has been
previously made known except some specu-
lations with regard to Spain and sttributing
all the difficulties of the subject to the ex-
istence and influence of slavery in Cuba.
The application of the Republic of San
Domingo for the United States to exercise
protectorate over the island shows that
Grant has not given up his idea of private
speculation there, for the application must
have been made with his knowledge and
probably by his suggestion. The annexa-
ton of either San Domingo or Cuba, at
present, would be fraught with infinite
trouble and difficulty, and Grant is wise
enough to sec that the public mind is not
prepared for it. In the meantime, by the
exercise Of protectorate over the island,
the company, with which Grant is secretly
connected ,hrou h his friends, and which
has made large purchases around SANTANA
Bay nd elsewhere. w * enabled to reap
rich haryesi. The suggestion to create a
new court to determine 40 claims of aliens
against the United States for acts committed
during the late civil war has evidently two
objects in view. First to create new
places of profit for his friends, aud second
to appoint such judges as win decide against
the claims, the old court of claims having
some little idea of law and justice still left
in them. We have also two more consti-
tutional amendments suggested, which
might or might not work well, but, of all
things, we dislike this continual tinkering
with the constitution Of our forefathers.
There are various thugs suggested, all tend
ing strongly to a consolidation of power in
the central government OF such are the
recommendation forthe United States gov
eminent to assume control over the Erie and
Illinois canals. the building of one from the
Rocky Mouniain to the Missouri river, tax
ing possession Of the telegraph lines, the
establishment Of postofEice saving banks of
deposit, and the erection Of buildings
at Washington for the residence of
the Cabinet minister's etc. He also
recommends for the States to put up build
ings for their Senators. All these are start
ling innovations upon the views and prsc-
tees Of the past, and all 60 to strengthen
the general government and make it to be
looked up to as the fountain Of all good
and the great dispenser of all earthly bless
ings. A stronger illustration of the Radi-
cal doctrine, as so wildly portrayed by
Judge Coke in his powerful speech last
Saturday, could not be gwen. II win be
seen that, besides the large sums already
given to the cabinet ministers, the resident
officers Of the army, and the State Senators,
It is now proposed that the people shall
build them suniptuous palaces at Washing
ton to live in and luxuriate in pomp and
splendor. Washington and the central
government are to be beautiful and glori-
fed at the expense Of the States and the
people. Nothing but the re-establishment
Of the old Democracy in power can save the
country from the blighting curse of a cen
tral despotisn. What is said Of the Indian
question, we DO not understand If he
proposes toestsblisha territorial government
over the present Indian Nation, so termed
that is over the Chickasaws, choctaws,
Greeks otc., withoat their consent, 1t willbe
most fragrant breach Of faith with those
peaceful and half civilized tribes. If he
means the establishment Of territorial
government over the wald Comanches,
Kiowas and other butchers, We cannot see
how that Is to Be effected or do any good
We suppose. however, that ne has refer
ence 10 tie former. HIS Recommendation
Of universal amnesty is 70 be commended.
but We cannot help thinking Of his former
recommendation. which were evidently IN
sincerc Is he failed = have them carried
ont IS he might have done. Whas further
rights hc wants secured io tie negroes We
csnaot imagine. unless K Is "a act Of Con
rrcss 10 force an nssrt;s,'so 81 the blacks
via the whites is churehes. sheatres. no.
tels ana al ether pubsie places. They have
now an she rights which white people have,
politically, ana Gfant and his Radical Is
sociales Win hnd It hard matter 70 torca
social equality They may pass laws but
they win BE- Is ccbeebs il the way Of pub
lic opinion. NotAing short d Alniehy