The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-12-08
TIE RGZS.
BEL AIR, FRIDAY. DEC. 1, 1876.



President Grants eighth and last annua
message was submitted to Congress las
Tuesday.
1t opens with an apology for his mistakes
which he attributes 10 his inexperiencc ant
want ofpolilical training when he first assum
ed the duties of the position. He thinks the
greater number Of his errors of Judgment
have arisen from appointing men to Office
without personal acquaintance with then
ami upon the recommendation of representa-
tives. He evidently forgets that he has kept
men in office after their ur fitness has been
shown by public trials in court, and when
their corruption and misconduct was clear to
the dullcst comprehension. He does not
revert to the fact that he did not seek the
best advice which his party might have afior-
ded. He announces that the annual interest
on the national debt has been reduced from
100 million dollars in 1869 10 little over
100 million dollars in 1876, that the balance
of trade has been changed, from 1870
millions against the United States in
1869, to 100 millions in our favor now
The great source of Indian hostlities he
AYERS has been removed by the cession Ivy
treaty of the Black Hills
Our relations with foreign nations con-
tinue on friendly footing.
The President does not approve of the
retrenchment policy adopted by the last
Congress, and doubts its wisdom.
10 a.,
frauds in naturalization, and urges the ne
cessity oflegislation concerning the marriages
Of American citizens contracted abroad, the
status of American women who may marry
foreigners, and of children born of American
parents in foreign country.
He recites the circumstances attending the
admission of Colorado as State
He refers to the reports of tie various de.
partments, mentioning some of the more
prominent features.
He dwells with pride upon the success of
the great international exhibition which has
served mot only to bring people and pro-
ducts of skill and labor from all parts Of the
world together, but in bringing together peo-
pie from all sections of our own country,
which must prove great benefit in the in
formation impaired and pride of country en-
gendered."
The President calls the attention of Con-
gress to the necessity of throwing some
greater safeguard over the method of choos-
ing and declaring the election of a President.
In this connection he says:
1.-THE compulsory support CT the free
schools and the disfranchis, ment of all who
cannot read and write the English language,
after fixed probation would meet my hearty
approval. | would not make this apply
however, to those already voters but would
to all becoming so after the expiration of the
probation fixed upon. Foreigners coming
to the country to become citizens, who are
educated in their own language would nc
quire the requisite knowledge of ours during
the necessary residence to obtain naturaliza
ton. If they did not take interest enough
in our language TIC acquire sufficient know
ledge of it to enable them to study the in
situations and laws of the country intelligent
ly, would not confer upon them the right
TO make such laws nor to select those who
do"
He appends TO his message, he says, O
synopsis of administrative events and of all
recommendations he has made to Congress,
and believes the larger part would do credit
to his administration.
He has not abandoned his pet project of
acquiring San Domingo; but shows what
he considers the great benefits which would
accrue from its possession. He presents his
views on this subject he says, not rs a recon-
mendation, but as n vindcation of his pre-
vious action.
Contrary to expectation the President has
nothing to say in regard to Southern affairs,
and does not venture to explain his course
in reference to the disposition of troops in
South Carolina.
The message is calm and temperate in
tone, and eminently jus titles the Presidents
remarks in the outset of the document.