Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-12-09
5laiIp Aennrbct sournal
AU @ u It A.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, Dec. 8. 1874
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

fuous words, and nanifesGng the decls-
ion and independence characteristic OF its
autbor. The President shows his earnest
desire for the resumption of specie pay
ments by giving that subject his first and
most careful attention, presenting apie ar
ounents in favor of his views, and urging
measures by which resumption may be
brought about His opinions have under
gone no change. A sound currency he
believes to be indispens able TO The highest
national prosperity. The steps by which
he would resume are II repeal OF the legal
tender act, and an accumulation o! gold
in the treasury sufficient to maintain re-
demption. In another part OF his mes
sage he expresses his concurrence in the
views of the Secretary of the Treasury IN
relation to resumption, also in the opinion
Of the latter that the present currency and
banking act shall remain as it is unless
steps looking to a return to specie basis
require its modification. The President
also favors free banking. These are sound
views, which will be acceptable TO the
friends of a good currency. The prospect
of their adoption at this session, however,
is not very encouraging.
Our foreign relations are generally in
satisfactory condition. We are at peace
with all foreign powers. Reference is
made to the condition of Cuba which is
important The time appears to be near
at hand when action will be necessary on
the part of this and other governments
concerning the war which has now been
carried on six years in that island and
still continues. 1t appears that our claim
against Spain in the Virginius case is UNI
settled, but considering the chaotic state
of affairs in that country it has not been
thought we'll to press it. The objectiona-
BILE features OF Chinese immigration men
toned in the message deserve attention.
No difficulty is apprchended on account of
the trouble at Formosa between China and
Japan. Our commerce in that direction
is charging. Venezuela is backward in
the pavmen; of awards to our citizens.
On the whole we have great reason to be
pleased with the amicable relations we
hold towards the outside world.
The financial condition of the govern
ment is favorable, but the President is of
opinion that an increase of the surplus at
ter paying current expenditures is desira-
bic, to accomplish which either the rev.
enues must be increased or the amount OF
expenditures decreased. He thinks the
revenue from imports might be increased
by improving the system of collection.
The tariff he would have readiusted, SO as
to increase the revenue but decrease the
number of articles upon which duties are
levied, charging the free list by articles
which are not produced in this country,
but enter into our manufactures, as for
instance, fine woods, dyes, and chemicals
for medicines.
The recommendations of the Secretary
of War as to that department are endorsed,
also those of the Secretary of the Navy.
The navy is an efficient condition in con-
sequence of the improvement required at
the capture OF the Virginius. The Post
Office Department is charging its facili-
ties for the public accommodation, but its
expenses are also increasing, SO that It's
revenues fall considerably below its re-
ceipts.
Affairs in the Southern States form one
of the most important parts of the mes
sage. The candor and impartiality with
which the President declares his senti-
ments upon the subject adds weight to his
suggestions and recommendations His
recital of the conf tion of things in Lou
isiana and the steps taken by him with re-
gard TO the support of the existing State
government and the preservation
OF peace, will be read with approval
by patriotic citizens. There is q grea,
deal of force in the idea conveyed in the
message, that unless the interference which
he made in the affairs of that State is JUS
tifiable, the enfranchisement of the slaves
is a mockery, and the amendments TO the
constitution for the protection of,he rights
of the negroes are without meaning, force
or effect. We hope this part Of the mes
sage may receive the thoughtful attention
of all our people. and that Congress will
not neglect the interests of the prosecuted
freedmen, but sustain the President in
rendering them the aid which their cir
cumstances and the laws demand
The President reiterates his faith in the
Indian policy of the government. As to
the civil service reform, he declares that
unless Congress supports it he shall aban-
don it, Il decision which is undoubtedly
correct. We hope, however, that he may
find Congress more fayorably disposed
toward the reform and that it may have
the fair trial which is demanded for it.
Very little is said about cheap Transport
ta.ion, the scheme of internal improve
ments which it was said the message would
favor not being mentioned at all. A good
word ia caiu for ahiphnildinc, and onoon.