Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1874-12-11


The Washington correspondents who have
been telling US that the Message would
deal only with statements of the actual con
di.ion Of public affairs, and be devoid Of
positive recommendations, did not know what
ihev were talking about. The Message is
10 such characterless document. The Pres
ilent begins with the financial question, ar
guinc it once more with Congress, as a
man would with his friend, and not at all
ike Cesar, and making the very positive
and important recommendation of the re-
zeal Of the legal tender clause, TO take effect
alter a day fixed. This would be resump-
ton Of specie payments; and with the specie
basis restored. free banking could be per
mittcd. and, as the President thinks, would
Re desirable
Another very important Recommendation
is that for further legislation to punish
fraudulent naturalization. and to secure can
oellation oi the records Of such naturaliza-
ton. The late Cornwall contested election
case in our Legislature, presented forcible
proofs q the need Of such legislation. This
was a case in which large and able legisla-
tive committee satisfied themselves and re-
ported that sitting member was elected by
the votes Of aliens who were not entitled to
Re uaturaGzcd. But the committee decided
tfat they could lot 20 behind the records
al cancellations If they could have
aIH.-..l ala vacated the records Of the
,e .-4-lrleut naturalintions. they said
t..y veglI have done 50, and would,
la such al-c. have given the seat to the con-
i.-ur- bat they considered that they had
go I.ncr To- d. SD. Plainly, such power
should cA.>, som1racre, however, and Con
gr,~~ -.o.l provide for its legal exercise.
T.-~. .- tie President remarks, Is not to
,r.w Obstacles III the way Of foreigners
',~s.a- humiliation, it is simply to pre-
t.s: ,'s Terpetuation Of frauds.
Tie President recommends a readjustment
d ,.e jmG, decreasing the number Of duti
o. 3, articles, increasing the rates and reye-
uae.Tlla the articles subject to duties, and
Stimulating manufactures by permitting the
free introduction Of such woods and other
products as We need and DO not produce.
Tie President endorses the numerous rt-
concentrations of the Secretary Of War.
lie discusses the condition Of the South, but |
doe Tot ai,ade to the civil rights bill. He |
recommend, the addition of two United
State s.rcait judges to the existing number;
Homestead laws and some sort Of territorial |
Government for the Indians; and restoration
81 their pensions to the few Southern sur
vigar- oi the war of 1872. Perhaps as
and significant passage as any in
the message Is that relating to the reform Of
the c.,i. service. In this he gives distinct
notice t. Congress that if it adjourns witt
put positive legislation TO support the civil
.cst, rulc~. such as he has repeated,
h,..re urged, lie shall abandon competitive
rzaiaiuatilus and the civil service rules
generally. 1t has been often said that tie
matter rests entirely with the President and
liat lie can carry out the reform indepen-
iurt.y Of Congress. lie does not so regard
le matter in fact, he says fatty that the
-.>;em cannot be carried out without
general approval and positive law to
import it,
ON the whole, the message is about.as full /
IF recommendations as any previous message
Il President Grants, and it Will be received
sith wide Interest, and pretty general aF-
,royai