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

Egyptian governments relieving foreign
ConsOls Of Judicial power. The President
transmits the application of the republic Of
SantO Domingo, that the United States shall
exercise a prOtectorate over that republic.
The message discusses At some length the
question Of the right of expatriation par
ticularly as to citizens Of the United States
residing permanently abroad with their
families, and suggests legislation on the
subject
II refers TO the establishment of a repub-
lie in Spain, and the efforts Of the new gov
ernment to abolish slavery in all its dOmin-
ions, which efforts are opposed by the reac-
tionary shareholders of Cuba, who are
plainly striving TO stop the march of civil
Zation. This baleful influence had thus far
succeeded in defeating the efforts of all lib
eral,mindcd men in Spain to abolish slavery
in Cuba, and in preventing the proposed re-
form in that island, in the interest of hui
manity, civilization and progress. 1t was
to he hoped that this evil influence might
be soon avcrtcd
In reference to the capture of the Virgin
Jus. and to the inhuman and illegal murder
Of tifty-three of her passengers and crew,
he saws that the Spanish government has
had arranged for the immediate delivery OF
the vessel, for the surrender of the prison
crs of the vessel and crew, for salute to
the flag for proceedings looking to the
punishment of those who may be proved
10 have been guilty of illegal acts of vio-
lencc upon citizens of the United States,
and also towards indemnifying those who
may be shown to be entitled to indemnity.
The President expresses his conviction,
that the existence of African slavery IN
Cuba, is the greatest cause of the lamentable
condition of the Island, and does not
doubt that Congress shares his hope that 1t
will soon be made to disappear, and that
peace and prosperity will follow its aboli-
ton.
He suggests two constitutional amend
ments-one to authorize the President to
approve so much of any measure of Con
gress as his judgment may dictate, without
approval of the whole; and the other that
when an extra session of Congress is con-
vened by executive proclamation, legisla-
ton shall be confined to such subjects as the
executive 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 receive
Communication for quarters, thus setting an
example to the States, so they may be In
duced to erect buildings for their senators.
The message goes very fully into the
financial question, and declares that the
country never can have permanent pros
perity until specie payments be resumed.
He recommends legislation prohibiting ma
tional banks from paying interest on de-
pOsits and forcing them into resumption, il
only in legal notes. He suggests the ques-
tiou whether banking should not be made
free, but securing all the present safety
guards to bill holders.
He notices the improvement in American
ship building during the past year, and
hopes for continuation of it.
In regard to the programme of cheap
transportation, he refers to the Erie and Hi
nois canals, and suggests whether it would
not be wise craftsmanship to pledge to the
States that own these canals that if they
will enlarge them, the general government
will look after and keepin navigable condi-
ton the great public highway with which
these canals connect, tO-wit: the Hudson
river, the ST. Clair flats, and the Illinois and
Mississippi rivers.
He recommends government exploration
of the upper Amazon river and its tributa-
ries; a revision and modification of the tariff
laws, and the opening of more mints.
He endorses the recommendation of the
Postmaster General for the establishment OF
postoffice savings dispositions, and invites
the reconsideration Of Congress to the gov
eminent proposition for postal telegraph.
He recommends legislation in regard to
judicial proceedings in general, and also
in regard to the bankruptcy law, which he
considers as productive of more evil than
good. II should be remodeled in the por-
tions providing for involuntary bankruptcy
these portions should be repealed.
He calls attention to the immense number
of claims against the government, many OF
them growing out of the rebellion, and not
a few of them unjust and supported by
false testimony He recommends that per
sons having claims be required to present
them at an early period, and that the per
sonal attendance of witnesses be required
by the Court of Claims, etc.
In regard to the Indian question, he
recommends territorial form of govern
ment for the Indian territory. He also
recommends such action as will promote tho
settlement of party of Russian colonists
on the public lands, and endorses the propo
sitiOn for n census III 1875.
He recommends the passage of an ena
bling act for the admission of Colorado as
State, and suggests the opening of a cana
for the purpose of navigation from the east
ern slope of the Rocky Mountains to the
Missouri river.
In conclusion, he rcnews his recommcnda-
ton for general amnesty and says the mum
Der of persons yet laboring under disabiG
ties is very small, but enough to keep up
constant irritation. There can be no posi-
bic danger to the government in restoring
their eligibility to hold Office. He suggests
the enactment of law better to secure the
civil rights which freedom should secure
but has not effectually secured to the en-
franchised slaves.
The reading of the message in the HOUSE
occupied an hour and half. 1t was or
dered to be printed and referred to the
cOm-hittee of the whole.
Congress Ona
WASHINGTON, December Hoaso-Mr
Storms gave notice of bill repeating sucl
portions of the postal act as prohibit tho
passage of weekly papers free.
Mr.. Butler moved that so much of tho
resolution seating the Louisiana members a!
referred to Pinchback, be tabled. Carried
In the West Virginia election contest
two hours were allowed for debate.
Mr.. Smith, from Shreveport, La, wa.
seated. The popularity of his case lies il
the fact that he bears credentials from Gov
crnor Kellogg, while the others bear Pinch
backs certificate.
The following Committee ON Election:
was announced: Smith, New York
Thomas, North Carolina; Hazelton, Wis
consin; Todd, Pennsylvania; Pike, New
Hampshire; Lenox, Virginia; Robinson
Ohio; Harrison. Tennessee; Arthur, Ken
lucky; Speir Pennsylvania, and Lamar
Mississippi
The members from West Virginia, ex
cept HEREFORD, who was elected at boil
elections, were referred to the Committee
on Elections
All the papers in the Louisiana case wer,
referred to the same committee.
ScHafe-Senat0r Edmunds is speaking OIL
his bill for banking.
In the Senate there was an unimportan
short executive session.
The President sent in LARGO number A