Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-12-12
The Presidents Message.

with interest, and will render useless the pub
LEGATION OF the message 10 full:
After the usual Introductory remarks, the
President proceeds to state that the relations
Of the United States with all foreign powers
are friendly and without disturbance. although
there is an unsettled question with Veuezuela,
wh,ch has not yet paid the awards Of the joirt
commission, under the convention of 1866.
Congress, it will he recollected strongly ex-
Pressed It's sense on this subject in February,
/ 1878 The President, in his message Of last
December, said there was reason to believe the
hesitaucy Of that Republic 10 recognizing the
claims sprung, IN part at least, from real diff
Guilty t. discharge them in connection with its
Obligations 10 other governments, aud there
fore the expectancy Of further forbearance on
the part Of our Government was believed to be
worthy Of the consideration Of Congress. In
addition 10 Venezuela, we have unsettled ques-
tions with Spain, growing out Of the affair OF
the Virgiuius and other grievious transactions
90 toe part OF the Spanish authorities in con-
uection with events in Cuba. The magnitude
of the otienses has not been reduced since the
Presidents previous message year ago. As
this unsettled condition Of affairs in Cuba can
not long continue, il may become necessary for
other nations, with our own to interfere 10
terminate the Instruction which has SO long
prevailed, the Spanish Government having un-
successfully attemptci b suppress it, Mean
time the commerce Of all countries, and espe-
cially that ~ the United States suffers, the
/ flags Of the Uuiled STATES and England having
been iuSulted The President had hoped that
by the meeting of ClngScSs the present nego-
tiatious with spain would have been ended,
but in this be has been disappointed He
therefore says little OF nothing abont indemnity
pending the negotiations, but at future time
will present the subject 70 the special Cousil
/ Grafton Of Congress,
The position Of the Presilen, on The fnan-
cial question is as follows: lie desires and re-
commeuds tie resumption of specie payment
AZ the earliest practicable day, but he does not
/ believe this eau be reached rs soon rs the first
/ of January, 1876 Tie does not name any dry,
/ leaving Congress to devise means 10 secure this
/ desired end, it being the duty Of congress 30
/ do 50. The legA, tender clause of the Currency
act should be repealed, 10 take effect rs o. con-
tracts made after the day 10 be fixed by law
/ for It's repeal Power should BE- given g. the
/ Secretary of the Treasury 90 obtain gold from
/ and after the date fixed for the resumption OF
/ specie payments by the issuance OF bonds In
/ ad lition % this the revenues Of the Govern
ment should be in excess Of expenditures 10
support resumption, greater economy practiced
/ in all departments OF the Government. and, II
necessary. the customs and internal revenue
/ laws changed IN order 20 secure a larger amount
| of revenue With the return Of specie pay
meuts banking should be fre the bill holders
should continue TO be protected az at present
under the banking law; there should be no
/ Limitation b the volume of currency as the
/ community itself should determine what a
/ mount is required for business transaction in
/ stead Of leaving the Executive, the Secretary
| Of the Treasury and Congress TO fix the limit.
/ Il would be the duty of Congress, however, TO
make regulations regarding free banks Of issue,
/ and 20 state the conditions on which they can
( be organized and transact business, the legisla
ton 10 be in accordance with the new order Of
| things. OF. 10 other words, the resumption Of
specie payments There should be no mono
/ poly by fixing the amount Of issue. re-
commonds that Congress do not interfere with
tho present currency act, passed during the
I last session. unless 10 amend it so as TO con-
form with plan for the resumption Of specie
payments.
The President makes no recommendations on
the subject Of Internal Improvements by the
General Government, but merely refers to the
fact that Congress has already appointed
| committee on transportation routes 10 the sea-
board, which has always made IFS report
and will give further Information from
more recent Investigations.
Much space is devoted 70 affairs in AIkln-
sa,. and reasons given why be declined 10 in
,trlcra In the recent difficulties in lhst State,
and he advertS 10 the facts narrated in his
special message % Congress, in February,
1873, relative 70 louisiana in which he said
he had no specific recommendation 10 make
on the subject. but Il there were any practical
way Of removing these difficulties by way Of
legislation, then he earnestly requested the
question might be taken up at that session Of
Congress. lie vas extremely anxious TO
avoid any pTeterce Of undue interference in
State affairs, and If Congress differed with
him %, 20 what ought TO be done, he requested
its immediate decision b that effect other
wise he should feel obliged, as far as lie could
by the exercise Of legitimate authority, u put
an end 20 the unhappy controversy which
disturbed the peace and Frustrated the bust
ness of Louisiana, by the recognition and
support Of that government which was re-
coguized and upheld by the courts Of the
state II seemed advisable he should state
ISL at course he should feel bound to pursue in
reference % the matter, in tie event Of no ac-
ton being taken by Congress at that time,
but subject @ any satisfactory arrangements
that might be made by the parties TO he con-
trOversy: and which Of all things was the
most desirable. II would be his duty, so far
as il might be necessary for him 20 act, 70 adj
here 90 tie government heretofore recognized
by him he submits thi. question TO Con-
gress and will continue 10 act rs lie has here
tof0re acted relative g. The affairs of Louisiana,
unless otherwise uncontrolled by Congress.
The President reitera,es his confidence in
he Indian peace policy. II adhered 90, he
saws. il will produce additional beneficial re-
suits and ultimately free tie frontier Of Indian
depredations lie a,ludes 20 the civil service
reform. saying II has been as closely adhered
% as the opposition manifested against il per-
United. lis results have been beneficial, hay
ing elevated the capacity and tone Of appoint
mcuis iu the several Departments Of The Gov
crnmcut On, il would be impossible 90 con-
tiuue the reform without the direct support Of
Congress. sanctioned by The people. lie al
lpdcs % the reports Of the heads OF the several
Departments, which accompany the message +
AMI calls attention - their respective re-
commentators lie again recommends the /.
passage Of law establishing court for the .
of claims Of aliens against The I