The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-12-06
President S Message.

Oll MOHudy ldSl. Tvs lcllStil ANU 1ho Vi o"N-
ed state of our columns preclude the publ
cation of the Message in full this week. The
synopsis we furnish will give the reader an
idea OF how he treats public questions, and
his opinions thereon
The message opens with the usual thanks to
the Bountiful Oliver of all Good for abundant
harvests, SC. There was, he says, at some time
a fear that the difficulties which beset the gov
eminent might prove too strong for its exist
ence, but this fear has passed away, and while
there are differences of opinion to the means
to secure unity. all are agreed that unity can be
secured. He defends his own methods and says
that the withdrawal of the army from action in
reference to the local affairs of States has proven
most successful, and has shown the devoted at
tachment of all the people OF all the States to
home rule and to the National Union We may
confidently expect, he says, that this will con-
tinue. 1t may be proper to see that the colored
people are respected in their rights ard he urges
the local authorities Of the Stairs the absolute
necessity of enforcing the law upon all who may
attempt to disturb these people. This object is
very dear to his heart. He cannot, he thinks, be
mistaken in surprising that the question OF the
currency is first in Importance. He adheres to
the doctrines expressed in his letter of accept
it is of prime Importance that the current money
OF the country shall always be convertible into
specie, and this can be done only by the resump
ton Of specie payments.
He goes into full statement of the results of
recent investigations into the commercial value
of silver. AMI thinks that there should be no ac-
ton tending to its diSparagement or deprecia-
ton. Whether the public debt be paid in gold or
silver is not a matter of much Importance COM
pared with the Importance OF securing its re-
fundiny at reduced rate of interest. He thinks
that any change in the character of the coin in
which the public debt is ultimately to be paid
would add to the present rate of interest at which
it could be refunded. He fayors q limited issue
of silver dollars from the mint, and recommends
that in all financial legislation Congress shall ex-
empt the funded debt heretofore issued from the
operation of any law which shall make dollar of
less value than the present gold dollar q legal
tender.
He fayors the establishment and enforcement
OF reformed civil sevice system. and says he
will transmit a further message on the subject.
The foreign relations OF the country
nounced as entirely peaceful Russia and Tur-
key both respect the full neutrality of the United
States.
Numerous questions in regard to naturalized
Germans have risen, but the treaties have proved
amply sufficient to protect our naturalized citi-
zens.
The establishment OF a more explicit extradi-
ton treaty with Great Britain is urged and prog
ress is reported as to the fisheries treaty and
treaty in relation to trade marks
He regrets the troubled condition Of Mexico,
and urges thatfull preparations be made for the
protection Of the Texan fonter. While he does
not anticipate rupture Of amicable relation with
Mexico he cannot look without great solicitude
upon the facts which now threatens them
Spain has offered full reparatons of all attacks
upon American rights in Cuba, but a repetition
OF such occurrences would be very greatly to be
regretted. .s
Considerable difficulties have arisen as to the
distribution of the amounts awarded to Ameri-
can claimants on Venezuela.
All relations with the Central or South Ameri-
can republics and with Brazil are satisfactory.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury
shows that during the fiscal year the receipts
were $3.50 100000 and the expenditures, *228o0o-
000 leaving residue of $30,OO0,0O0
The balance of trade was in favor of the u S.
by the sum OF 4 l63, 539,975
He recommends a tax of ten cents on tea and
two cents on :t,lfee and more vigorous laws for
the protection of the hi trnal revenue. He urges
too, specific instead of ad vaiorem duties and ad
yises some notifications of the details of the
customs law.
The funding of the public debt at lower rates has
been rapid and satisfactory. the interest on the
debt being reduced by three and one quarter
| millions He urges the issue of bond at low in
terest and easily convertible in order to form
method Of Investing the savings of laborng peo-
| pie.
/ He euiogizes the patriotism of the army in the
recent Indian fights, and narrates the causes
which led to the of the army during the strike
RIOTS and is happy that the u S. troops were nle
| to restore order without The use of force.
He gives summary of the negotiations with
Mexico in regard to the security of the Texas
| frontier and then surmizes the reports OF the
| Secretary of the Navy, the Post Master General
| and other members Of the Cabinet
| He approves Of the present Indian policy of the
government and urges the importance of keep
| ing faith with the Indians. He urges the extern
sion of the homestead system 10 Indians who have
no tribal relations. He advises legislation for the
protection Of forests, and the prevention CT dep
| relations or the public lands. He urges the
grant of public lands by leases for cattle grazing
sc.
| He urges special for the interests of the
District OF Columbia. He thinks it unjust that
the people of the District should be taxed for he
benefit of the United States, and calls attention to
the project of an assumption by Congress of one
half of the debt of the District. He calls attention
| also to the condition of the harbor of Washing
ton, D. C.
| He commends the Strengthening of the foanda-
tions of the Washington Monument, and its com.
pletion according to the original plan. He urges
aid Ito the educational interests of the country,
especially to the supplementary State schools for
coloped people, by national aid. He fayors a Ma
| tional Museum at the Smithsonian; a new library
| building. &C.. as he thinks the capital of the
tion should be more than mere political centre.
| The message fl lis twenty-sx quarto printed
pages.