The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1874-12-10
TEE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

1ue RESIDENTS message W0lcn was sent 10
Congress on Monday, is a state paper with
which, we think, no man, no matter what
bis politics, should find fault If there is
partizan fault to be found with it We think
the Republicans have, by long odds, the best
right in that direction 1t true, that when
speaking Of the inclination Of the southern
negro TO rcpu5iicanism, there is al apparent
leaning towards the party which elected him,
but the end of his suggestions, which seem
to be the animus ofthe whole, he outs with
the plain truth in the insinuation that plain
square treatment of the situation must lead
to the abolition Of color, and even, to the
decision of our political contest on principle
alone. We Go not know, at this time Of
writing, what view our distinguished neigh
bor over the way will take Of the message !;
but this We do know that if he treats it
squarey and fairly, ne will speak oft as being
more in accord with the results of the recent
election, than with the resolves and labors Of
Republican Convention for a year or two
back
Unlike the messages of former Presidents,
and unlike President Grant himself, this
message leaves thaukfulness, and all that sort
of thing, to occupy a secondary place. The
present, and the financial difficulties under
which We suffer are the first consideration.
And here the Presidents ideas are whole
some aud to the point. Much speculation,
aided by a fuctuating currency has left US in
debt, and the sooner We get out of this, by a
resumption Of the gold and silver basis in our
business transactions, the sooner We will be
on the right road to prosperity and happi-
ness. There is no lighting around the bush
in this respect, and the financial and business
precepts, in the good Jackson and Benton
times we're not more forcibly expressed than
are the views Of General Grant, in the same line
to-day. No day is named in which the re
sumption Of specie payments shall take place,
but the idea, and at an early day, is cnforced
and We think, even Democracy thiuks, that
the sooner the Presidents idea can be enforc-
ed the better it will be all around. The
President doubtless sees that with an exclu-
siyc paper monetary basis We are always
liable to a sudden and unexpected change in
values, ana where this is the case the one
grand corner stone of prosperity, solidity, is
absent.
In our relation with foreign powers, the
President points for our view the situation just
as it is. Some nations, aswith Venezuela owes
Us, and Congress should see to it that we are
paid. Spain too, is our debtor and accord
ing to Grant she too should pay. 1t is well
he thinks to consider the situation of these
countries, but it is not well to wait always
because of the slowness Of their motions
The Cuban question is one. too, which is de-
serving Of more than ordinary attention, and
10 this question the President turns his eye
a seven years struggle, in his estimation,
without success in the suppression Of a love
for liberty and determination to win it isl
enough to call the attention Of other nations
to the true situation of affairs. Eyes cannot
be shut to the fact that the commerce Of ali
nations, and especially that Of the United
States, which is the largest consumer of
Cuban products, suffers from the futile ef-
forts Of the mother country, and it may be
come necessary for other nations to interfere
for the suppression of the unnatural and un-
just contest. Besides, in the duties which
she pays the United States contributes to the
support of the efforts Of Spain against the
liberty Of her oppressed colony, and that is
neither in accordance with our custom nor
our traditions. If Congress fails to take the
hint certainly the President will not be to
blame if the liberty loving and desiring
Cubans are not recognized with all the rights
of belIigerents, and that, too, right speedily
In the Presidents view Of the Southern
troubles, he is open, above board and manly
He deprecates the necessities of his action
towards the Southern States, but he finds the
law Of Congress on the statute books, and he
has no choice, in view of his oath, but to
enforce them. He has his opinion of the
merits Of the case and does not hesitate to !
express them, and his conclusion fairly and
egitimately arrived at is, that there is lying
oa all sides when the truth would more GER
-ainly and speedily settle all difficulties.
On the Indian policy the President has
cut single view to advance and that is that
yhe peace policy is the correct policy. 1t has
iot had all of fairness of trial that it deserves
9ut he is satisfied that the end will vindicate
t FROM tie aspersions heaped upon it.
The President briefly reviews the reports
f the several departments of the Govern
nent. and eGmmends them to the considera-
ion of Congress.
He again recommends the establishment
f court for the adjudication Of the claims
# aliens, aud suggests the passage of law
ie5nlng the American doctrine Of expatria-
ion He also points out the difficulties ex-
BY our ministers abroad growing