St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1877-12-14
The Presidents MESSAGE
Felloac Citisens of the Senate and Ho
OF Representatives

hhu Jul COuutTy OleSSeu With
health and peace and abundant har-
vests, and with encouraging prospects
OF an early return of general prosperity.
10 complete and make permanent the
paclfication of the country continues to
be, and until it is fully accomplished.
must remain the most important of ali
our national interests.
The earnest purpose of good citizens
generally to unite their efforts in this
endeavor is evident. 1t found decided
expression in the resolutions announced
in 1876, by the national conventions of
the leading political parties of the
country.
There was widespread apprehen-
sion that the momentous results in our
progress-as nation, marked by the re-
cent amendments to the Constitution,
were in imminent jeopardy; that the
good understanding which prompted
their adoption in the interest of loyal
devotion to the general welfare, might
prove barren truce, aud that the two
sections of the country, once engaged
IN civil strife, might be again almost as
widely severed and disunited as they
were when arrayed in arms against
each other.
THE COURSE
to be pursued, which in my Judgment
seemed wisest in the presence of thi,
emergency, was plainly indicated il
my inaugural address. 1t pointed tt
the time which all our people desire tt
see, when genuine love of our whole
country and of all that concerns it
true welfare shall supplant the destruc
tive force of mutual animosity of races
and of sectional hostility.
Opinions have differed widely as t.
the measures best calculated to secur,
this. AS was to be expected, the meas
ures adopted by the administration
have been subjected to severe and va
ried criticism. These measures were
in my opinion, such as were most il
harmony with the constitution and will
the genius of our people, and bes
adapted by all circumstances to attain
the end.
In benefcent results already appar
ent, it is proved that these endeavor
are not to be regarded as mere ex
pertinent and should sustain and en-
courage us in our efforts. Already il
the brief time which has elapsed, tn
immediate effectiveness no less tha
the justice of the course pursued
demonstrated, and l have an abiding
faith that time will furnish it's ampl
vindication in the minds of the grea
majority of our fellow citizens.
THE ARMY.
The discontinuance of the use of th
army for the purpose of upholding lOca
governments in two states of the UniOI
was no less a constitutional duty an
requirement under the circumstance
existing at the time than it was muc
needed measure for the restoration {
local self-government and the promo
ton of national harmony.
The withdrawal of the troops fIo1
such employment was effected delibeI
: ately and with solicitOus care for tn
peace and good order of society, an
the protection of property and persons
and every right of all classes of citizens
The results that have followed are in
deed significant and encouraging.
All apprehensions of danger from re
mitting those states to local self-gov
ernment is dispelled, and most salu
tary change in the minds of the peopl
has begun, and is in progress in ever
part of that section of the country
once the theatre of unhappy civil strii
: - substituting for suspicion, distrus
and eversion, concord, friendship an
. patriotic attachment to the Union.
NO UNPREJUDICED MIND
will deny that the terrible and ofte
fatal collisions which for several yeal
have been of frequent occurrence an
have agitated and alarmed the publ
mind, have almost entirely ceased an
that spirit of mutual forbearance an
. hearty national interest has succeede,
There has been a general re-establisf
ment of order and of the orderly aC
ministration of justice.
Instances of remaining lawlessne'
have become of rare occurrence. Poll
ical turmoil and turbulence have di
Y appeared. Useful Industries have bee
resumed.
Public credit in the Southern state
has been greatly strengthened, and I'll
encouraging benefits OF a revival
commerce between the sections of cOul
try lately embroiled in civil war a
fully enjoyed. Such are some of ii
results already attained, upon whit
1 the country is to be congratulated.
They are of such importance that v
= NAV with confidence patiently await Il
desired consummatiOn that will sure
come with the natural progress
events.
1t may not be improper here to sd
that it should be our fixed and unalte
= able determination to protect by
available and proper means under Il
: constitution and the laws the late
emancipated race in the enjoyment
their rights and privileges, and l nr.
upOn those to whom heretofore the co
ored people have sustained the relatit
of bondmen the wisdom and justice
human and liberal local legislation wi
respect to their education and gener
welfare.
A FIRM ADHERENCE
to the Iaws-both national and state
:. as to the civil and political rights OF u
y colored people, now advanced to IL
and equal citizenship, is decided.
The immediate repression and su
punishment by the national and loc
authorities within their respective Jurl
dictions, of every instance of iawles
y. ness and violence towards them, is 7
m ouired for the security alike of DO
races, and is justly demanded by Z
public opinion of the country and t
age.
In this way the restoration of ha
/! mony and good will, and the compile
protection of every citizen in the II
ne ne endowment of every constitutional rig
E. will surely be attained. Whatever b
Mt longs to the authority resting with
. to this end l shall not hesitate to p
forth.
> Whatever belongs to the power
). " = 1,f I