Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1880-12-10
MORNING. DEC. 10. 1880.
LILLE + RESIDENTS MESSAGE.


fa1p .lates the country on the abundant
az tests and busy times of the past year;
y peaceful manner in which the recent
residential election was held, and the |
prompt acquiescence of the people in Its |
results. This last he thinks shows the |
world that a government based on the free
consent of an intelligent and patriotic peo-
pie, possesses elements of strength, stabili-
ty and permanency not found in any other
form Of government. He calls attention
to the continued opposition to the full and
free enjoyment of the rights of citizenship
by the colored people, existing in the late
slaveholding states, and adds that while vio-
lence and intimidation were not manifested
against the exercise to any great extent,
yet fraud was very successful in contend
ing against it. This antagonism to the
eaual-rights amendments to the constitu-
ton is, he thinks, all that now stands in
the way of complete obliteration of Sec
tional lines in our political contests. The
paramount question still is, as to the en-
joyment of the right by every American
citizen who has the requisite qualifca-
lions, to freely cast his vote and have it
honestly counted, and resistance to it will
unite together in resolute purpose for its
support all who maintain the authority OF
the government and the perpetuity Of the
Union. The history of the late election
shows that this antagonism is diminishing
and is likely to cease altogether If firm and
well considered action is taken by Con-
gress. He trusts that the House of Rep
resentatives and the Senate which have the
right to judge Of the elections, returns,
and qualifications Of their own members
will see to it that ''every case of violation
of the letter or spirit of the fifteenth
amendment is thoroughly investigated and
that no benefit from, such violation shall
accrue to any person or party" This sug-
gestion of the President is in strict accor-
dance with ex-Secretary Boutwell's ''stal-
wart'' programme for the Republican par
ty as put forth in the ''North American
Review" of last month and if the Repub-
licans have sufficient majority in the next
House will doubtless be carried out in the
spirit of 1868 when the most trifling objec-
ton to Democratic member was sutl-
Gent to unseat him.
The President favors universal educa-
ton as the surest guarantee of the prima-
ry rights of citizenship and as the means Of
the local and state authorities are in many
cases inadequate to it, recommends that
Congress by suitable legislation supple
ment the local educational funds in the
several states where the grave duties of
citizenship have been devolved upon I'M
educated people, the aid to be given by
grants of the public land and, if necessary,
by appropriations from the treasury Of the
United States.
The President writes at length and witch
apparent earnestness in support of reform
ing the civil service, an earnestness not
compatible with the lack Of energy he has
shown during his ADMINISTRATION in enfor-
cling it where he had the power. He thinks
the most serious obstacle to it is the
''spoils system" by which the appointing
power has been largely encroached upon
by members Of Congress, it having cometo
be understood by applicants for office that
Representatives and Senators are entitled
to disburse the patronage of their respec-
tive districts and states. He recommends
the passage of an act defining the re-
sations of members Of Congress to appoint
ments to Office by the President. If the
present Democratic Congress were to take
the President at his word and pass bill
strictly in accordance with his views the
incoming administration of Mr.. Garfield
and its expectant dependents would look
upon honest Mr.. Hayes as miracle Of
imbecility and idiocy.
sPrompt and decided measures" are re-
commended against the practice of polyga.
uay in Utah, and on the way to them the
President advocates that Congress provide
for that territory a governor and judges OF
commissioners to be appointed by the
President and confirmed by the Senate
But if this idea is not carried out then tn
President advises that the right to vote
hold office. and sit on juries in Utah be
confined to those who neither practice mol
uphold polygamy.
After noticing the rapid growth Of our
Grade with the Atlantic and Pacific coasts
Of South America, he recommends ''regu-
lar steam postal communication" witt
ports thereto be aided by our government
This is the second recommendation made
by the President in this direction. The
FIRST was killed in Congress because it was
SUSPECTED that it could only eventuate in
corrupt jobs.o substituting steamships
Roach case for instance.
In finances the President shows a g0od
state of business. The receipts OF the
country from all sources were $3Ss, 6.6lt
while its expenditures were $685., 1925 56
being a balance of SCI, 1888. 1858 which is in
creased by small cash balance in the
Treasury of SIS, 084 1874 to balance of $73,.
9eS.OOG. Of this balance So, 1852, 900 was put
in the sinking-fund, being twice as much
as was due that fund. The rsvenne fol
the year ending June 80 was $59,60O.OOC
more than for the year previous. The total
debt of the United States is now $685.
1854. In August 1865 it was So, 1855, 431, !
571. The President recommends that the
$346, 6s1 ,O16 of legal tender notes be retired
from circulation. In the matter of the
silver currency he recommends that all the
present silver dollars containing only 412a
grains be recoined and made equal in mar
.ket value to the gold dollar.
La regard to military affairs, he recon-
raends that the appropriation to the army
be made equal to maintaining $4,000 men;
that details of officers for professorships in
colleges be made from the retired list and
NOT from the active list. and that the Or
<~ou;1;nc, ory,,ipm ond dicoinliniup the mr.