The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-12-11
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

the country. / lie recent ireSluehtial
election. and the immediate and general
acquiescence of all good people in its re-
suit. he regards as an example that can
not fail to impress profoundly thoughtful
people of other countries with the advar-
tages which Republican institutions af-
ford. In respect to several of the late
slave-holding States he declares that the
colored people there are still prevented
the free enjoyment OF the rights OF citizen
ship, aud while admitt;n" that they were
subject to no act OF violence and intimi-
dalton at the late election. asserts that
they We're defeated in the exercise OF the
suffrage by fraudulent practices i'll connec-
ton with the ballots and count, and III
other WAYS. He remarks justly that it
is the desire of the good people of the
country that sectionalism as Il factor i'll
politics should disappear: and he trusts
that the two Houses OF Congress will in
vestigate the returns and qualifications
of their respective members. ana see to
it that no benefit from such violation
shall accrue to any person or party, and
that the Executive. with sufficient appro-
priations for the purpose. will prosecute
uusparingly all who have been engaged
in depriving citizens of their constitutions
al rights.
He holds that universal suffrage should
be supported by universal education. and
he recommends that Congress take the
matter in hand and supplement the local
funds by grants Of public lands, and. il
necessary, by appropriations from the
treasury-tiic proceeds. it is to be pre-
sumed, to be disbursed by federal agents.
! On civil service reform the theoretical
views of President Hayes have undergone
no modification. Wherever competitive
examinations have been instituted, he
asserts that they have confirmed his opin-
ion in favor of this system Of selection.
He, therefore. recommends an appronri-
alton of S25. 600 per annum to meet the
expenses of commission to examine in.
to the fitness of candidates, under the
authority given to the President i'll the
, Revised Statutes section 1853. lie would
. do away with political patrons and have
only open competition. but he does not
/ add that the service should be Ron-parti-
san. although he recommends such le9is-
lation as will leave every officer free to
express lis political opinions. and 10 feel
safe i'll refusing to pay political assess
mcnts. He holds further that it is de
parture from the spirit of the constitl-
ton to allow members of Congress to
make nominate as for office.
( The next subject taken up in the mes
/ sage is polygamy i'll Utah. As it cannot
/ be put down by local action, and as all
/ laws against it are imperative. it is re-
! commended that a new government be
organized in Utah. TO be composed Who'll
/ ly of Gentiles, OF that the NlormOpS be
/ deprived by law of the right TO vote. hold
I Office or sit on iurieS if they either Prac-
! tee or uphold polygamy.
/ In regard to our relations with foreign
/ powers. the message tells Us that We aie
/ at peace with All; that the fishery out
rage at Fortune bay. N0>2 Scotia. is in
/ process of settlement with Great rsti:i.in:
that the exhibition of arts and industries
! in New South Wales has resulted in
awarding quite a number of prizes to
| American exhibitors; thai a convention
with France has been concluded and rat
! flied for the settlement of claims of citi-
Zens of both countries, and the commits
/ sion for this purpose is now in session at
! Washington. Oar relations with Ger
many are friendly and in the information.
| al fish commission American exhibitors
| took many prizes Of high class: but
| the naturalization question Is still unset
tied. The trouble with Spain for inter
fering with our merchant marine is IN.
dergoing investigation, and the Joint com
mission for adjusting other claims of
! United States citizens against Spain is
| about to terminate its lahOrs.
The consular treaty with Belgium will
be adjusted at an early day. but the
treaty of extradition With Denmark has
/ failed. New treaties have L.cn agreed
! upon between the United States and
! China which are soon to be laid before
| the Senate. There is peace and good or
| der on the f!ohtier between the United
States and Mexico, aUd the obstacles
against building railways {" connect the
| two countries are on the point of disap-
! pearing. The inter-oceanic canal about
| to be constructed by wa of Panama is
referred to "a RECALLING the treaty obliga-
tions subsisting netWeen the United
! States and the Colombian ..ye,nment.
I by which We guarantee the neutrality OF
| the transit and the sovereignty and prop
erty of Colombia in the isthmus. The
! President repeats his Previous opinion
! that the United States must assert and
maintain such supervision and authority
| oyer any inter-oceauic canal as will pro-
| tect our national interest" The war be-
tween Chill. Perl and Bolivia is touched
| upon. but orr attempt 1T mediation is
| announced to have failed. with Brazil
we hold cordial relations and our trade is
extending. Congress is asked for the
necessary appropriations to meet the ex-
I penses of the International Sanitary Con
! ierenGe to be held at Washington at the
beginning Of the year.
The prompt attention. of Congress is
asked to measures c.i!coiatEa 10 develop
our foreign commerce, and it Is suggested
that great service might be expected
from the laying of a tranSmarine cable
from 81 Francisco tn the islands of the
Pacific. Japa,. cpd Australia. by private
capital. and if necessity by congressional
aid recommendation which las strong
leaning towardsa renewal of the Old sys-
ten Of subsidies.
Our financial condition is reported to
be very satisfactory. The total of ordi-
nary receipts for the fiscal year ending
June 80 is put at 1888 JI2i, 61C. 9S: the total
of expenditures at 1851 642. 951 -. leav-
iUg q surplus revenue Of So, IS: 515 20.
which. aided to the cash balance in the
treasury of 50 0aft 4354 81. makes a total
surplus of $13 9GS, Gs1 4, all Of which has
been applied to the redemption Of pited
States securitieS-the redemption Of
bonds for the sinking fund taking SD
652 900 of the surplus. The increase of
revenue for the past year over the year
previous was $50, 600, f56 -. 1t is est-
matte, that the surplus revenue this year
will reach $4,000 600 The debt Of the
United States has bees. re. ,Hced from So
100, 431 43 in 1865 to 81 $50 0l9 5tt4 %. ana
of the principal of the debt %3l0S. 75S. 100
has been paid since March |, 1871. With
in short period over six hunder millions
OF fvC and six per cent. bonds will be
come redeemaLle. and Congress is asked
for prompt legislation tG elGble the Sec
rotary to refund the debt about to n.a-
ture.
The resumption of specie payments, it
is alleged, has contributed greatly to the
FsVival of business and our remarkable
prosperity. In respect to the S346, 6Sl.
016 of legaA-tende.' notes now outstand-
ing it is recommended tlst they be re-