Year: 1874




gress. In addition to Venezuela, we have
unsettled questions with Spain growing out OF the
affair of the Virgnius and other grevOus transac-
tions the part of the Spanish authorities III con-
nection with events in Cuba. The magnitude OF the
ofenses has not been reduced since the Presidents
previous message a year ago. As this unsettled
condition of affairs in Cuba cannot long continue 1t
may become necessary for other nations, with our
own, TO interfere to terminate the insurrecton which
has so long prevailed, the Spanish Government
having unsuccessfuly attempted TO suppress it. In
the mean time the commerce of all countries and es-
pecay that of the United States suffers, the flags
of the United States and England having been in
suited.


The President in conversation although he does
not state the fact in his message, says the United
States purchase about so per cent of Cuban exports
and, therefore, the duties paid by American cluzens
contribute to this extent in helping Spain to con-
tinue the war against the insurgents. The Presi-
dent had hoped that by the time of the meeting OF
Congress tomorrow, the present negotiations Win
Spain would have been ended but in this he has
been disappointed. He therefore says, in his mes
sage little or nothing about indemnity pending the
negotiations, but at future time will present the
subject to the special consideration of Congress.
The position of the President on the financial
question is positive, as follows:


Notwithstanding the former speculations OF those
who spoke without authority, he desires and will
recommend the resumption of specie payments at
the earliest practicable day. but he does not believe
this can be reached the 1st of January,
1876 He does not name any day, leaving Congress
to devise the means to secure the desired
end, it being the duty of Congress to do so.
The legal tender clause of the Currency act should
be repealed to take effect as to contracts made
after the day to be fixed by law for its repeal.
Power should be given to the Secretary OF the
Treasury to obtain gold from and after the date


fixed for the resumption of specie payments, by the
issuance of bonds In addition to this, the revenues
of the Government should be in excess of the ex-
penditures. To esuppOrt resumption, greater
economy should be practiced in all Depart
ments of the Government. and. if neces-
sary, the Customs and Internal Revenue
laws changed in order to secure larger amount OF
revenue. With the return of specie payments bank
ing should be free. The bill holders should continue
to be protected, as at present, under the Banking
law. There should be no limitation to the volume
of currency as the community itself should deter
mine what amOnnt is required for business
transactions instead of leaving the Executive Sec
retary of the Treasury and Congress to fix the
limit. Ii would be the duty Of Congress,
however 10 make regulations regarding free banks
of issue and to state the conditions which they





lation to be in accordance with the new order of
things or in other words, the resumption of specie
payments. There should be no monopoly by fixing
the amount of issue. The President will recommend
that Congress shall not interfere with the present
Currency act passed during last session. unless 10
amend il so as to conform with plan for the re-
sumption OF specie payments.


The President will make recommendation on
the subject of internal improvements by the Gen
eral Government, but will merely refer to the fact
that Congress has already appointed a Committee
on Transportation Routes to the SeabOard, which
has already made its report, and will give further
information from more recent Investigations.


The President devotes much space to af-
fairs in Arkansas giving reasons why
he declined to interfere in the recent
difficulties in that State. He also refers to the facts
narrated in his special message to Congress in Feb
ulary 1873 relative to Louisiana in which he said
he had no specific recommendation to make on the
subject but if there any practical way of re-
moving the difficulties by legislation, then he
earnestly requested that the question might be
taken mp at that session of Congress
He was extremely anxious to avoid any pre-
tense of undue interference in State affairs.
and if Congress did not agree with him as to what
ought 20 be DONE he requested its intermediate
decision TO that effect. Otherwise he should feel
obliged, far he could by the exercise of egiti
mate authority, to put end to the unhappy
roveTsy which disturbed the peace and prostrated
the business of louisiana by the recognition and
support of that Government, which recognized
and upheld by the Courts of the State.
Ii seemed advisable he should state which
course he should feel bound to pursue in reference
to the matter In the event of no action being
taken by Congress at that time, but subject 10 any
satisfactory arrangements that might be made by
the parties to the controversy, and which of all
things was the most desirable, it would be his duty,
so far as it might be necessary for him to act, TO
adhere to the Government heretofore recognized by
him. The President again submits this question to
Congress- and will continue to act as he has here
tOfore acted relative to the affairs of Louisiana
| less otherwise controlled by Congress.


The President reiterateS hls confidence in the In
| dian peace policy If adhered to, he says it will


produce additional beneficial results, and ultimately
free the frontier Of Indian depredaiOns He alludes
TO the Civil Service Reform, saying it has been as
| closely adhered to as the opposition manifested
| against it permitted Its results have been bene-
| fcial having elevated the capacity aud tone of
| appointments in the several departments of the
| Government, but it would be impossible continue
the reform without the direct support of Congress,
sanctioned by the people The President aludes to
the reports of the heads of the several departments
| which accompany the message aud calls attention
| to their respective recommendations.


| He again recommends the passage of law estab-
fishing court for the adjudication of claims against
the Government bill for this purpose having been
introduced by Judge Lawrence at the previous
sion of Congress The President does not allude to
Utah affairs, the subject being left open for future
consideration. He calls attention to the fact that
Chinese immigrants continue to be brought to this
country under the condition of slaves according TO
| contract and also women whose character is such
as to demoralize the communities in which they
| placed He invites legislation this subject. say
inn a rilI he bis Measure as well az duty To enfnrce