The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-12-15
I synopsis OF the Presidents Mes.
sage.

without disturbance, though there is an
unsettled question with Venezuela, which
has not yet paid the awards OF the joint
commission under the convention of
1866. Congress, it will be recollected,
strongly expressed its sense on this sub
ject il February, 1878 The President,
in his message OF December, said there
was reason to believe the hestancy Of
that Republic in recognizing the claims
sprung, in part at least, from the real DIFF
fculty in dlscharging them in connection
with its obligations to other Govern
ments, and therefore the expediencv OF
further forbearance on the part of our
Government was believed to be worthy
Of the consideration of Congress.
In addition to Venezuela, we have un-
settled questions with Spain, growing
out of the affairs OF the Vrginius, and
other grievous transactions on the part of
the Spanish authorities in connection
with events in Cuba The magnitude of
the ofenses has not been reduced since
the Presidents previous message year
ago As this unsettled condition of at
fairs in Cuba cannot long continued may
become necessary for other Nations, with
our own. to interfere, to terminate the in
surrection which has 80 long prevailed,
the Spanish Government having unsuc-
cesstully attempted to suppress it. Mean
time the commerce of all countries, and
especially that Of the United States, suf-
fers, the flags Of the United States and
England having been insulted. The
President in conversation, although he
does not state the fact in his message says
the United States purchased about eighty
per cent Of the Cuban exports, and, there
fore, the duties paid by American citizens
contribute to this extent in helping Spain
to cominueythe war againstth insur-
gents. The President had hoped that by
the meeting of Congress the present me-
gotiations with Spain-would have been
ended. but in this he has been disappoint-
ed He, therefore, says in his message
little or nothing about indemnity in the
pending egotiations, but at future time
will present the subjectto the special con
slderatlon OF Congress.
The position of the President on the
financial question is positive, as follows !:
Notwithstanding former speculations of
those who spoke without authority,h he de-
sires and recommends the resumption
of specie payment at the earliest practi-
cable day, but he does not believe this can
| ba roo ch cd az soon nc tho ;rot of Topuo
ry, 1876 He does not name any day,
leaving Congress to devise means to Sc
cure the desired end, it being the duty of
Congress to do SO. The legal tender
clause Of the currency act should be re-
pealed to take effect as to contracts made
after day to be fixed by law for its re
peal. Power should be given to the Sec
retary of the Treasury to obtain gold,
from and after the date fixed for the re-
sumption of specie payments, by the is
suance of bonds. In addition to this, the
revenue of the Government should be in
excess of expenditures to support re,
sumption, greater economy should be
practiced in all departments Of the Gov
erment, and if necessary the customs and
internal revenue laws changed in order to
secure larger amount Of revenue. With
the return OF specie payments banking
should be free. The bill holders should
continue TO be protected as at present un
der the banking law. There should be
no limitation as 10 the volume Of curren
cy, as the community itself should deter
mine what amount is required for bust
ness transactions, instead of leaving the
Executive, Secretary of the Treasury and
Congress to fix the limit. 1t would be
the duty of Congress, however, to make
regulstinns REGARDING free banks Of issue
and to state conditions on which they car
be organized and transact business, the
Legislation to be in accordance with the
new order of things, or, in other wo,ds
the resumption of specie payment
There should te no monopoly by fixing
the amount of issue.
The President recommends that Con
gress do not interfere with the preSen,
currency act, passed during the last ses
sion, unless to amend it so as to conform
with plan for the resumption of specie
payments. IA nH.5.f 49,.
The President makes no recommends
ton on the subject of internal improve
ments by the General Government, bu,
merely refers to the fact that Congress:
has already appointed committee or
transportation routes to the sea5oard
which has already made its report, and
will give further information from more
, recent investigation.
The President devotes much space te
!, affairs in Arkansas, giving reasons why
he declined to interfere in the recent diff
: cultes in that State. and he adverts to the
facts narrated in bis special message to
Congress in February, 1873, relative tt
Louisiana, in which he said he had M
specific recommendation to make on tht
, subject, but if there were any practica
way of removing these difficulties by leg
islalion, then he earnestly requested tina
the question might be taken up at tina
session of Congress. He was extremel,
anxious to avoid any pretense' of undu,
interference in State affairs, and, if Con
gress differed with him as to what ough
to be done, he1requested its immediate
decision to that effect. Otherwise, b,
should feel obliged, as far as he could by
the exercise Of Legitimate authority, t.
put an end to the unhappy controversy
which disturbed the peace and prostratet
the business of Louisiana, by the recog
milton and support of that Government
which was recognized and upheld by th'
Courts of the. State 1t seemed advisa
Bile he should state which course ht
should feel bound to pursue in reference
to the matter in the event of no actor
being taken by Congress at that time, but
subject to any satisfactory arrangement!
that might be made by the parties to thu
controversy, and which of all things wa,
most desirable, it would be his duty, sc
far as it was necessary for him to act, tt
adhere to the government heretofore re
cognized by him.
The President again submits this ques
ton to Congress, and will continue to ac
, as he has heretofore acted relative to the
affairs of Louisiana, unless otherwise
controlled by Congress
The President reiterates his confidence
in the Indian peace policy If adhered