Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-12-08
A Careful SynOpsis---Bid for II
Third Term.
Appeals to Ssctarian Prejudics--An
Educational Test for Voters.
Would Tax Church Property and
Clean Out the MOrmOns,
Etc., ETC., Etc.

President Grants seventh annual mes
sage was transmitted to Congress yester-
day. Its scope and spirit are here pre-
scented in a synopsis which we trust will
be sufficiently clear aud comprehensive
to meet tbs desire of our readers:
THE INTRODUCTION
Is devoted to q comparison between the
present condition Of the country and the
colonies one hundred years ago. We
we're then a people Of 3,OOO,0 900, now Of
over 40, 900, 900. Then our industries
were confined to the tillsge of the soil;
now manufactures absorb much of the
labor OF the country. Our liberties are
unimpaired; bondsmen are free. We
have the respect of all civilized nations.
Thirteen States have increased to thirty
eight, and many territories. The in
ventions, achievements and material
changes in our system Of industry are
set forth.
VALUE OF POPULAR EDUCATION.
In this republic, where one man is as
good as another before the law, it is Of
the greatest Importance that all should
be possessed Of education and intelli.
gence enough to cast a vote with a right
understanding Of its meaning. Educa-
ton "a the only safeguard against the
tyranny of demagogues and priestcrsft,
The education Of the masses becomes Of
the FIRST necessity for the promotion Of
our institutions. All other forms Of gov
eminent approach ours only in proper
ton to the general diffusion of educa-
ton and independence of thought and
action. The President, therefore, re-
commends a constitutional amendment
to be submitted to all the legislatures,
making it the duty Of the States to es-
tablish and forever maintain free public
schools, wherein shall be taught the rudi-
mentsry branches irrespective of sex,
color, birthplace or religion, f~orbidding
in said schools the teaching Of religions,
Atheistic or Pagan, and prohibiting the
granting of any school funds or school
taxes or any psrt thereof by legislstionI
municipal or otherwise, for the benefit
Of any other object Of any nature or
kind whatever.
TAKING CHURCH PROPERTY.
In this connection the President calls
attention to the vast amount Of church
property which has accumulated aud
which, if il remains so, will lead to great
trouble before the end of the nineteenth
century. In 1859 the untaxed church
property amounted to $3.50 900; in
1860 it had doubled; in 1875 it is about
5000, 900, 200, and by 1900 it will, unless
checked. reach the sum Of $500, 900, 600
Such a vast sun receiving the protection
Of the government without bearing its
proportion Of the expenses and burdens
Of the same will not be regarded &C.
quiescently by the taxpayers. In q
country where real estate enhances 80
rapidly there is scarcely a limit to the
wealth that may be acquired by corpora.
tions, religious or otherwise, If allowed
to retain property without taxation,
The contemplation Of so vast a property
as here allowed without taxation may
lead to sequestration without constitu
tional authority and through blood. Til,
taxation Of all property equally, whetheI
church or corporation, is suggested, ex
empting only the last resting place o
the dead, and, possibly, with proper re
strictions, church ediices.
DUE FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Our relations with most Of the foreigl
powers continue on a satisfactory an,
friendly footing. Increased intercourse
extension Of commerce and the cultiva
ton Of mutual interests, have improve
q relations with a large majority of th
powers Of the world, rendering practica
BILE the peaceful solution Of question
which from time to time arise, leavin
few which demand extended or particu
lar notice. Portugal has adopted an &C
for the sbstion OF servitude in the POI
tuguese colonies. The President is {
o~piniOnsthat By suitable legislation Anne
lean citizens abroad should be prohit
tied from holding slaves. Chill hs
made repsrstion for the seizure Of on
Of u whaleships two years ago; and Il
arbitration ofA claim against the Repu.
lie Of Columbia has been decided in OF
favor.
SPAIN AND CUBA.
Spain has promptly paid $780, 0 /
coin to the United States to be distri
used among the families or persons WI
became sufferers by the Virginins aGai
The amount has been ordered distribr
ted. As to Cubs 40 evidence has bee
furnished Of IN approaching end Of II