THE DilLY EVENiKQ "TELEGRAPH PmLADELPiHA," MONDAY DE OEM RRR C, 18C9. 8 THIRD EDITION C R A N T. TUile of the Condition of the Country-A Full Kcport of the Docnmcnt. VTaotinoton, Dec. '.. The following is the iPreHident'B message: To the 8nat and House of KeprcRnntatlves: In fimlnir bofore you for the first time as Chliif MiikIs Jrte of this l?reat nation, It is with gratitude to the iiiver of all Uooit for tUo many benefits we enjoy. We arc bU-sst'd with pea!e at homo, and are without ntanallixr alllans abronil to fornbode trouble, w th a territory unmirpaHRiMl tn fertility, of an area eotiftl to the ahuii'liint support of five hunlrel mil Sons of people, ana alwunUlng In every variety of .Bcful mineral In quantity sittllelent to ftupply the world for gem-rations; with abundant crops; with a variety of climate adapted to the production of every species of earth's riches, and suited to the liabiU, tastes, and ruiiulriiiuonts of everv living thing; with a population of 4,om,ouo of free people, all gpeaklnir one loiigimge; with facili ties for every mortal to acquire an education; with tastltutlons closing to none the avenues 01 fame, or an? blesHliig of fortune that may be coveted; wlib freedom of the pulpit, the press, and the school ; with a revenue flowing into the national treasury borond the requirements of the Government, Hap pily harmony is rapidly being restored within our own borders, manufactures hitherto unknown in our ouutry are springing up in all sections, producing a decree of national Independence unequalled by that f any other power. These blessings and countless others are entrusted to your care and mine for safe keeping for the brief period of our tenure of otllsu. jn a short time wc must, each of us, return to the ranks of the people who have conferred upon s eur honors, and account to them for our steward ahlp. 1 earnestly desire that neither yon nor I may be condemned by a free and enlightened constitu ency, nor by onr own consciences. Emerging from a Rebellion of gigantic magnitude, allied as it was by the sympathies and assistance of nations with which we were at peace, eleven States of the Union were, four years ago. left without a legal Ktatc gov ernment A national debt had been contracted. American commerce was almost driven from the seas. The Industry of one-half of the country had been taken from the control of the capitalist ami placed where all labor rlghtrully belongs in the keeping of the laborer. The work of restoring State governments loyal to the Union, of protecting and fostering free labor and providing means for paying the Interest on the public debt has, received ample attention from CongreBB. Although your efforts have not met with the suc tess in all particulars that might have been desired, yet, on the whole, they have been more satisfactory than could have wen reasonably anticipated. Seven States which passed ordinances of secession have been fully restored to their places lu the Union. The eighth (Georgia) held an election at which she ratllled a constitution republican in form, elected a Governor, members of Congress, a State Legislature, and all other olllccrs required. The Governor was duly installed, and the Legia. lature met and performed all the acts then required of them by the Reconstruction acts of Congress. Nubsequently, however, in violation of the Constitu tion which they had just ratllled, aa sineo decided by the Supreme Court of the Stab;, they unseated the colored members of the legislature and admitted to seats some members who are disqualified by the third clause of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution, one article which they themselves bad contributed to ratify. Under these circumstances I would submit to you whether it would not be wise without delay to enact a law ' authorizing the Governor of Georgia to convene the members originally elected to the Legislature, re quiring each member to take the oath prescribed by the Reconstruction acts, and none to be admitted who are Ineligible under the third clause of the four teenth amendment. The freedmen, under the protection which they have received, are making rapid progress in learn ing, and no complaints are heard of luck of Industry en their part where they receive fair remuneration for their labor. The means provided for paying the interest of the public debt. with all other expen ses of the Government, are more more than ample. The loss of our commerce Is the only result of the late Rebellion which has not re ceived bu nicient attention from you. To this sub ject 1 call your earnest attention. I will not now fiuggest plans by which this object may be effected, but will. If necessary, muke It the subject of a pedal message during the session of Congress. At the March term Congress, by a joint resolution, authorized the Executive to order elections In the fttatcs of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, to submit to them the constitution which each had previously in conventions framed, and submit the Constitution either entire or in separate parts to be voted upon,at the discretion of the Executive. Under this autho rity, elections were called. In Virginia the election took place on the fith of .luly, 18fl. The Goveenor and Lieutenant-Governor elected have been In stalled. The Legislature met and did all required by this resolution, and by all the reconstruction acts of Congress, and abstained from all doubtful authority. 1 recommend that her Senators and Representatives and the State be fully restored to her place in the family of States. Elections were called in Mississippi anil Texas, to commence on the 8oth of November, 1S09, and to last for two days in Mississippi, and four days lu Texas. The elections have taken place, but the result is not known. It is to be hoped that the acts of the Legis latures of these States, when they meet, will be such aa to receive your approval, aud thus close the work of reconstruction. Among the evils (rowing out of the Rebellion, and not yet referred to. Is that of an irredeemable cursency. It Is an evil which I hope will receive your most earnest atten tion. It is a duty, and one of the highest duties of Government, to secure to Its citizens a medium of exchange of fixed and unvarying value. This lm- Iilles a return to a specie basis, aud no substitute for t can be devised. It should bo commenced now and reached at the earliest practicable moment con sistent with a fair regard to the interests of the debtor class. Immediate resumption, If practicable, would not be desirable. It would compel the debtor class to pay beyond their contract) the pre mium on gold at the date of purchase, and would bring bankruptcy and ruin to thousands. Fluctuations, however, In Iho paper value of the measure of all values, gold, isletrlmenul to '. the interests of trade. It makes the mau of business an involuntary gambler, for in all saies, where future payment Is to be made, both parties speculate as to what will be tV.e value of the currency to bo paid or received. 1 earnestly recommend to you, then, such legislation as will insure a gradual return to specie Jiayments, and put an immediate stop to fluctuations n the value of currency. The methods to secure the former of these results are as numerous as are the speculators In political eco nomy. I see but one way, and that Is to authorize the Treasnry to redeem it own paper at a fixed price whenever presented, and to withhold from circulation all currency so redeemed until sold again for gold. The vast resources of the nation, Loth developed and undeveloped, ought to make our credit the best on earth, with a lesslmrdeu of taxa tion than the citizen has endured for six years past. Theeutiro public debt could bu paid lu leu years but It Is not desirable that the people should bo taxed to pay It lu that time. Year by year the ability to pay increases in a rapid ratio; but the bur den of interest ought to be reduced as rapidly as can be done without I lie violation of contract. The nubile debt is represented in great part by bonds having from live to twenty and from ten to forty years to run, bearing interest at the rate of tt per cent, and 8 per cent, respectively. It Is optional with the Government to pay the bonds at any period after tho expiration of the hut. time muuUoncd upon their lace. The time lias already expired when a great part of them maybe taken up, und Is rapidly approaching hen all may ; lor It is believed that all which are not due may be replaced by bonds bearing a rate of Interest uot exceeding four and one-half per cent., mid as rapidly as the remain der becomes duo that they may bo replaced In the name way. To accomplish this it may lie necessary to authorize the Interest to be paid at either of three ' or four oflhe money centres of Kurope, or by any Assistant Treasurer of the United States, at the option of the holders of the bonds. I auirgcgt this fluhjeut for tho consideration of Con gress; also, simultaneously with this the propriety of redeeming our currency, us before suggested, at its market value at the lime the law goes Into eil'eet, Increasing the rata at whlchcurruucy will be bought and sold from day to dav, or week to wJck, at the same rate of Interest as the Government pays upon its bonds. The subjects of tariir and Intel rial taxation will necessarily receive your attention. The revenues of the country are greater than the requirements, and May with safety be reduced; but as the funding of the delit In 4 or a percent, loan would reduce annual current expenses largely, thus, after funding juNtiyiug a greater reduction of taxation than may lie reducttd safely from sixty to eighty millions per annum &! oY,ai)d may be still further reduced from from year to yrar as the resources of the country are developed. The report of the Secretary of the Treasnry shows the receipts of the Government for the fiscal year ending June BO, 1H89, to be t:70,4fl,T47, nd the expenditures, Including Interest, bounties, etc., to be t32l,4W,B9T. The estimates for the en suing year are more favorable to tho Government, and will no doubt show a much larger Increase of the public debt The receipts In the Treasnry beyond expenditures have exceeded the amount neennsary to place to the credit of the sinking fund, as provided by law. To lock np the surplus In the Treasnry, and with hold It from circulation, would lead to such a con traction of the currency as to cripple trade and seriously atToct the prosperity of the country. Under theso circumstances, the Secretary of the Treasury and myself heartily concurred In the propriety of using all the surplus currency In the Treasury in tho purchase of Government bonds, thus re ducing tho Interest-bearing Indebtedness of the country, and of unbinltting to Congress tho question of the disposition to he made of tho bonds so purchased. The bonds now held by tho Treasury amount to about 7B,(HNi,noo, Including those belong ing to the sinking fund. I recommend that the whole be placed to the credit of the sinking fund. Your attention is respectfully Invited to tne recom mendations of the Secretary of tTlo Treasury for the creation of the olllce of Commissioner of Cus toms Revenue, for the Increase of salary to certain clusses of officials, and the substitution of Increased national bank circulation to replace the ontstundlng thrco per cent, certillcates, and most especially to his recommendation for the repeal of laws allowing shares of lines, penalties, forfeitures, Cte.. to olllccrs oflhe Government and to Informers. Tho otllce of Commissioner of Internal Revenue Is one of the most arduous and responsible nnder the Government. It falls but little If any short of a Cabinet position In Its Importance and responsibili ties. I would ask for It, therefore, such legislation as in your Judgment will place the office upon a foot ing of dignity commensurate with Its Importance, and with a character and qualifications of the class of men required to fill l; properly. As the United States Is the freest of all nations, ro, too, Its peoplo sympathize with all p'-oples strug gle g for liberty and self-government. Hut while so sympathizing, it is due to our honor that we should abstain from enforcing our views upon unwilling nations, and from taking an Interested part, with out Invitation, in the quarrels between different nations, or between governments and their subjects. Our course should always be in conformity with strict justice aud law, International and local. Such has been tho policy of the administration In dealing with these questions. For more than a year a valu able province of Spain, and a near neighbor of ours, In whom all our people cannot but feel a deep inte rest, has been struggling for independence and freedom. The people and Government of the United States entertain the same warm feelings and sym pathies for the people of Cuba In their pending struggle that they manifested thronghont the pre vious struggles beteenSpain and her former colonies, In behalf of the latter, but the contest has never as sumed a condition which amounts to a war In the sense of International law, or which would show the existence of a At facto political organization of the Insurgents, sufficient to Justify a recognition of bel ligerency. The principle Is maintained, however, that this nation Is Its own Judge when to accord the rights of belligerency either to a people struggling to free themselves from a government they believe to be oppressive, or to Independent nations at war with each other. The United States have no disposition to Interfere with the existing relations of Spain to her c jlonlal posses sions on this Continent. They believe that in due. time Spain and other European powers wi'l tlnd their Interest in terminating these relations and establish ing their prcent dependencies as Independent powers, members of the family of nations. These dependencies are no longer regarded as subject to transfer from one European power to another. When the present relation ol the colonies ceases, they are to become Independent powers, exercising the right of choice and of self-control in the determination of their future con ditions and relations wltn other powers. The United States, In order to put a step to bloodshed In Cuba, and In the Interest of a neighboring people, proposed their good otllces to bring the existing con test to a termination. The oll'or not being accepted by Spain, on a basis whleh we believed could lie re ceived by Cuba, was withdrawn. It Is hoped that the good otllces of the United States may yet prove advantageous for tho settlement of this unhappy strife. Meanwhile Illegal expeditions against Cuba have been broken up. it has been the endeavor of the administration to execute the neutrality laws In good faith, no matter how unplea sant the task, made so by the suffering we have en dured from lack of like good faith towards ns by other nationa On the iioth of March last tho United Stotes schooner Lizzie Major was arrested on the high seas by a Spanish frigate aud two passengers taken from it and carried as priso ners to Cuba. Representation of these facts was made to the Spanish Government as soon as official information of them reached Washington. The two passengers were set at liberty, and tho Spanish Government assured the United States that the captain of the frigate In making tho capture had acted without law: that he had been reDrlmandnd for the irregularity of his conduct, and that the Spanish authorities In Cuba would not sanction any act that could violate the rights or treat with d.sre sjiect the sovereignty of this nation. The question of the seizure of tho brig Mary Lowell at one of the Bahama Islands, by the Spanish authorities, is now the subject of correspondence be tween this Government and tho.se of Spain and Great Britain. The Captain-General of Cuba, about May last, issued a proclamation authorizing search to be made of vessels on the high seas. Immediate remon strance was made against this, whereupon the Captain-General Issued a new proclamation, limiting the right of search to vessels of the United States, so far as authorized under the treaty of 1795. This proclamation, however, was Immediately withdrawn. I have always felt that the most Inti mate relations should be cultivated between the Republic of the United States and all independent nations on this continent. It may be well worth con sidering whether new treaties between the United States and them may not be profitably entered Into, to secure more intimate relations, friendly, commer cial, or otherwise. The subject of an inter-oceanlc canal, to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, through the Isthmus of Darlen, is one in which commerce is greatly Interested. Instructions have been given to our Minister to the Republic of the United States of Colombia to endeavor to obtain authority for a survey by this Government, in order to determine the practicability of such au undeitaking, aud a charter for the right of way to build by private enterprise such a work if a survey prove It to be practicable. In order to comply with the agreement of the United States as to a mixed commission at Lima, so that adjustment of claims, it became necessary to send a coaimissioner and secretary to Lima lu August last. No spproprlation having been made by Congress for this purpose, It is now asked that one be made cover ing the past and future expenses of the commission. The good ollle.es of the United States to bring ubout a peace between Spain and the South Ameri can republics with which she Is at war having been accepted by Spain, 1'eru, and Chill, a Congress has been invited, to be held In Washington during the present winter. A grant has been given to Europeans of un exclusive right of transit over the territory of Nicaragua, to which Costa Kicn has given Its assent, which it is alleged conflicts with the vested rights of citizens of the United States. Tho Department of State has now this Bubjcct under consideration. The Minlhteror l'cru having made representation that there was a state of war between l'cru and Spain, and that Spain was constructing in or near New York thirty gunboats, which might be used by Spain lu such a way as to relieve the naval forces of Spain, aud also to operate against 1'eru, orders were given to prevent their departure. N1 further steps halng been taken by the representative of the Peruvian Government to pre vent the departure of tlieso vessels, and I, not feeling authorized to detain tho property tif a nation villi which we were at peace, on a mere executive older, the matter has been referred to tho courts to decide. 'i he conduct of the war between the allies and the Ili-publlc of I'arngnay has made the intercourse with that country so difficult that it lias been deemed ad visable to withdraw our representatives from there. Towards ihe olose of the last administration, a convention was signed at London for the settlement of all outstanding claims between Great Britain and the United Slates, which tailed to receive the advlm and ennseutof tho Semite to Its ratification. The time and circum stances attending tho negotiation of that treaty were unfavorable to its acceptance by the people or the United States, and Its provisions are wholly Inade quate lor the settlement of tho grave wrongs that had been sustained by tins Government as well us by its citizens. The lnluries resulting to the United Stales by reason of the course adopted by Great Itrlt uln during our late civil war In the Increased rates of insurance, in the dim inution of exports aud imports, and other obstruc tions to domestic industry and production in its eticct upou the foreign commerce of the country, ia tho decrease and transfer to Great liritain of our commercial marine, lu the prolongation of the war, aud in the Increased cost, both in treasure and in lives, if Its suppression could not be adjusted aud sallslied as ordinary commercial claims which continually arise bet ween commercial nations, aud yet tho convention treated them simply as such ordinary claIms,from which they differ more widely in the gravity of their character than In the magnitude of their accounts. Great ai la that difference, not a word was found lu the treaty and not an inference could be drawn from it to remove the sense of the unfriendliness of the course of Great Urltaln In our struggle for existence, which had so deeply and universally impressed itself upou the people of this country. Believing that a conven tion thns misconceived tn It scope and Inadnqnate In Its provisions Wf-nld not have produced the hearty cordial settlement of pending questions which alone Is consistent with the selections which I desire to have established between the United States and Great Britain, I regarded the action of the Senate In rejecting the treaty to have been wisely taken, In the Interest of peace and as a necessary step in the direction or a perfect and cordial friendship between the two countries. A sensitive people, conscious of their power, are more at ease undor a great wrong wholly unstoned, than under the restraint of a set tlement which satisfies neither their Idea of Justice nor their grave sense of the grievance they have sustained. The rejection of the treaty ' was followed by a state of public feeling on both sides which I thought was favorable to an immediate attempt at tenewal of ncgotiallrns. I accordingly so instructed the minis ter of the United States to Great Britain, and found that my views lu this regard were hared by her Majesty's minister. 1 hope that tho time mavsion arrive when the two governments can approach the solution of this momentous question with an appre ciation of what Is due to the rights, dignity, and honor of each, and with the determination not only to remove the causes of complaint in the past, but to lay the foundation of a broad principle of public law which wl'l prevent further differences, and bind a firm and Continued peace and friendship. This is now the only grave question which the United States have With any foreign nation. The question of renewing a treaty for reciprocal trade between the United States and the British provinces on this continent, has not been favorably considered by the administration. The advantages of such a treaty would be wholly In favor of the British producer, except, possibly, a few engaged In the trade between the two sections. No citizen of the United States would be benefited by reciprocity. Our Internal taxation would prove a protection to the British producer almost equal to the protection which our manufacturers now receive from the tariil. Some arrangement, however, for the regulation of commercial inter course between the United States and the Dominion of Canada may be desirable. The commission for adjusting the claims of the "Hudson Bay and I'uget Sound Agricultural! 'oin pany" upon the United States has terminated Its labors. '1 he award of iiAO,000 has been mado ami all the rights and titles of the company on the terri tory of the United Mates have been extinguished. Deeds for the property of the company have been delivered. An appropriation by congress to meet this sum Is atked. The commissioners for determining the north western land boundary between the United States and the British possessions under the treaty of ls.'4, uave completed incir lauors and me commiBsiou have been dissolved. In conlorinity with the resolution of Congress, a proposition was early made to the British Govern ment to abolish the mixed courts created under the treaty of April 7, lfiC'i, for the suppression of the African slave trade. The subject is still under nego tiation. It having come to my knowledge that a corporate com puny, organized under British law, proposed to land upon the shores of the United Slates, and to operate there a submiirine cable, under a concession from his Majesty the Emperor of the French of nn exclusive right for twenty years of telegraphic communication between the shores of France and the United Stntes, with the very objectionable feature of subjecting all messages conveyed thereby to the scrutiny and control of the French Government. I caused the French and British Legations at Wash ington to be made acquainted with the probable pollf.y of Congress on the subject as foreshadowed by tlie bill which passed the Senate in March last. This drew from t'.-.e representatives of the company mi agreement to accept as the basis of their opera tions the provisions of that bill or of such other enactment on the subject as might be passed during the approaching session of Congress ; also to use their influence to secure from the French Gov ernment a modification of their concession so as to permit the landing upon French soil of any cable neloiiglng to any company Incorporated by the authorities of the United States, or of any Stitte In the Union, and on their part not to oppose the establishment of any such cable In considera tion of this agreement, I directed the withdrawal of the opposition by the United States authorities to the landing of the cable, and to the worklug of it until the meeting of Congress. I regret to say that there has been no modification made In the com pany's concession, nor so far as I can team have they attempted to secure one. Their concession ex cludes the capital and citizens of the United States from competition uponithe shores of France. I re commend legislation to protect the rights of citizens or the United Stntes as well as the dignity and sovereignty of the nation against such an assump tion. 1 shall also endeavor to secure by negotiation an abandonment of the principle of monopolies In ocean telegraphic cables. Copies of this correspon ded are herewith furnished. The unsettled politi cal condition of other countries less fortunate than our own sometimes induces their citizens to come to the United States for the solo purpose of becoming naturalized. Having secured this, they return to their native country, and reside without disclos ing their change of allegiance. They accept oil clal positions of trust or honor, which can only be held by citizens of their native land. They journey under passports describing them as such cLizens; and it is only when civil discord, after perhaps year of qniet, threatens their persons or their property, or when their native State drafts them into its mili tary service, that the fact or their change of alle giance is made kr own. They reside permanently away from the United States: they contribute nothing to its revenues, they avoid the duties of Its citizenship, and they only make themselves known by a claim of protection. I have directed the diplomatic aud con sular officers of the United States to scrutinize care fully all such claims or protection. The citizen or the United States, whether native or adopted, who discharges his duty to his country, is entitled to Its complete protection. While I have a voice in the direction of ail'alrs I shall not consent to Imperil this sacred right by conferring it upon fictitious or fraudulent claimants. On the accession of the present administration it was round that the Minister for North Germany had made pro positions for the negotiation of a convention for the protection of emigrant passengers, to which no response had been given. It was concluded that, to be effectual, all the maritime powers engaged in the trade should be joiued in such a measure. Iuvitations have been extended to the Cabinets of London, Baris, Flo rence, Berlin, Brussels, the Hague, Copenoagen, and Stockholm, to empower their representatives at Washington to simultaneously enter Into negotia tions, and to conclude with the United States con ventions Identical In rorm, making uniform regula tions as to tne construction or tne parts or vessels to be devoted to the use of emigrant passengers, as to the quality of food, as to the medical treat ment of the sick, nnd us to the rules to be observed during the voyagu, in order to secure ventilation, to promote health, to prevent intrusion, to protect the females, aud pro viding for the establishment or tribunals in the seve ral countries tor enforcing such regulations by sum mary process; and your attention Is respectfully culled to the law regulating the tarlfl on Russian lieinp, and to the quest iou whether to tlx the charges on Russian hemp higher than they are fixed upon Muuilla is not a violation of our treaty with Russia, placing her products upon the same fouling with those of the most favored nations. Our manufactures are increasing with wonderful rapidity, under the encouragement which they now receive. Willi the Improvement in machinery already effected, und still increasing, causing machi nery to take the place of (.killed labor to a large ex tent, our Impotts ol many articles must fall on' largely within a very few years. Fortunately, too, miiiiuiacturers are not eon lined to a few localities, us formerly, und it Is to bo hoped will become more and more diffused, maklug the Interest lu tin-til equal In nil seciions. Thev give employment, und support to hundreds of thousands of people at home, nnd retain with us the means t hicli other lse would be shipped abroad. The extension of ratlronds lu Europs and the East is bringing into competition with our agricultural products like products of other countries. Sulf lnterest, it not self-preservation, therefore, dictates caution against disturbing any industrial interest or the country. It leaches us also tho necessity of looking to other markets for thij aula of our surplus. Our neighbors south of us and China und Jupan hlioiihl receive our special attention. It will be the endeavor of the administration to cultivate such relations with all these nations as to enlltle us to their confidence, and mako It their In terest, us well as ours, to establish better commer cial relations. Through the agency of a more enlightened policy tlwn that heretofore pursued towards China, largely due to the sagacity and ellorts of one or our own distinguished citizens, the world is about to commence largely increased relations with that populous and hitherto exclusive nation. As the United States have been tho Initia tors in this new poilcy, so they should be the moat earnest in showing their good faith in making it a success. In this connection, I advise such legislation as will forever preclude the enslavement of tho Chinese upon our soil under the name of coolies, and also prevent American vessels f r nn engaging in the transportation of coolies to any coun try tolerating the system. I also recommend that the mission to China be raised to one of the first class. On my assuming the responsible duties of Chief Magistrate of the United States, It was with the conviction that three things were essontlal to its peace, prosperity, aud fullest development First among these Is a strict Integrity in fulfilling all our obligations. Secoudly, to insure protection to the person and property of the citizens of the United States In each and every portion of our common country, wherever he may chance to move, without reference to origi nal nationajilf , rtUgion, coier, or polities, demund- irg only obedience fo the laws, and proper respict for the rights of others. Third, Union of all the States, with equal rights, Indestructible by any con stitutional means. To secure the first of these. Congress hfti taken two essential steps First, in declaring by Joint reso lution that the public debt should be paid, principal and Interest, In coin, and second, by providing the means for paying. Providing the means, however, could not secure the object desired without a proper administration of the laws for the collection of the revenues and an economical disbursement of them. To this subject the adm uls tratlon lias most earnestly addressed itself with re sults 1 hope satisfactory to the country. There has been no hesitation In changing ofhclals in order to secure efficient execution of the laws. Sometimes, too, where In a mere party view, undeserved politi cal results were likely to follow, nor any hesitation In sustaining efficient ofrklals against remonstrances wholly political. It may tie well to mention here the embarrassment possible to arise from leaving on the statute books the so-called Tenure-of-Ofllcc aots.and to eornestly recommend their total repeal. It could not have been the Intention of the framers ol the Constitution when providing that appoint ments made by the President should re ceive the consent or the Senate, that the latter should have the power to retain In otllce persons placed there by Federal appointment against the will of the President, The law Is Incon sistent with a faithful and efllclent administration of the Government. What faith can the Executive put In ortlciala forced upon him. and those, too. whom he has suspended for reasons? How will such olllclals lie likely to serve au administration which they know does not trust them 7 For the second requisite to our growth and prosperity, time and a firm but humane administration of existing laws, amended from time to time as they may prove in effective or prove harsh and unnecessary, are pro bably all that are required. The third cannot be attained by special legislation but must be regarded as fixed by tho Constitution Itself, aud gradually acquiesced in by force of public opinion. l iom the foundation of the Government to the present time the management or the original Inhabi tants or thu country, the Indians, has been a subject ol embarrassment nnd expense, aud has been at tended with continuous robberies, murders, aud wars. Frem my own experience npm the frontier and In Indiun countries. I do not hold either legisla tion or the conduct of tne whites who come most in contact with the Indians blameless for ticse hostili ties. The past, howuver, cannot be undone, and the question must be met as we now find It, I have attempted a now policy towards these wards of the nation (they cannot be regarded In any other light than as wards), with fair results as far as tried, and which I hope will bo attended ultimately with great success. The Society or Friends is well known as having succeeded In living in peace with the Indians in the early settlement or Pennsylvania, while their white neighbors of other sects, in other sections, were constantly embroiled. They are also known for their opposition to all strife, violence, and war. jind are generally noted for their strut inte grity and fair-dealings. These considerations in duced me to give the management of arew reserva tions or Indians to them, and to throw the burden ot the selection or agents upon the Society Itself. The result has proven most satisfactory. It will be round more fully set forth in the report of the Commissioner or Indian Affairs. For super intendents and Indian agents ni ton the reservations onieers or the army were selected. The reasons ror this are numerous. When Indian agents are sent there, or near there, troops must be sent also The agent and the commander or the troops ae Inde pendent or each other, and are subject to orders from different departments of the (lovernincnt. The army officer holds a position for lire; the agent one at thu will or the President The tomier is personally Interested In living la harmony with the Indian ami In establishing a per manent peace, to the end that some portion of his life may be spent within the limits of civlllziMt society; tho latter has no such personal Interest Another reason Is au economic! one, and still another the hold which the Government ha upon a life ollicer to secure a faithful discharge or Ins duties in cam-lug out a given iiolicy. Tho building or rail roads, and the access thereby given to alltheagri culturuj and miuernl regions of t he country is rtipldly bringing civilized settl'-melits Into contact with all the trilM-s or Indians. No matter what ought to be the relations lH-tween such settlementsand thealxtrt E'nes, the fact Is that they do not harmonize well, and one or the other has to give wayJu the end, A system which looks to the extinction of ;t race is too horrible for a nation to adopt without entailing upon itself the wrath of all Christendom, and en gendering in the citizen a disregard ror human life and the rights of others dangerous to society. I see no substitute for such a system except in plat lug all the Indians on large reservations as rapidly as can be done, anil giving them absolute protection there. As soon us they are fitted for It, they should be in duced to take their lands in severalty, and to set up Tctrltorial governments for their own protection. For full details on tills subject I call your special attention to tho Reports of the Secretary of the In terior and the Commissioner ot Indian Affairs. The report or the Secretary or War shows the expendi tures or the War Department ror the year endiug the anth or June, iw.9, to bu to,tU4,06'2, ot which -2:i,hs'J,yiO was disbursed In the payment of debts contracted during the war, and Is not chargeable t current army expenses. Ills estimate of J.i4,Ml,031 for the expenses of the army ror the next liseal year Is as low us It is believed can be relied on. The estimates ot bureau olllccrs have been care fully Fcruttiiized aud reduced wherever it has been detmea practicable. If, however, the condition or the country should he sucn, by the beginning or the next fiscal year, as to admit ol a greater concentra tion of troops, the appropriation asked for will not be expended. The appropriations estimated for river and harbor Improvements and for fortifications are submitted separately. Whatever amount Congress may deem proper to appropriate for these purposes will be ex pended. The recommendation of the General of the arniv, that appropriations be made to? the forts at Boston, Portland, New York, Philadelphia, New Or leans, and San Francisco, If for no others, Is con curred in. 1 also ask your upeclal attedtion to the recommendation of the general commanding the Military Division of tho Paclile for the sale of the Seal Islands of St George and St Paul, Alaska Ter ritory, and suggest that it either be complied with, or that legislation be had for the protection of the seal flsheries.from which a revenue should bo derived was 12,627,670 less than the increased expenditures In lfliw, showing by comparison this gratifying fea ture of improvement, that while tho lucreese of ex penditures over the increase of receipts in iss was t2, 4119,686, the increase of receipts over the Increase of expenditures lu lbS8 was $1,0X1,87'. Your attention Is respectfully called to the recom mendations made by the Postmaster-General for au thority to change the rate of compensation to tho main trunk railroad lines for their services in con veying the mails, for having post route ntups exe cuted, for reorganizing the eillclency of the speclul agency service, tor the increase or the mail service on tho Puclile, and for establishing mail ser vice under the Hug of the Union on the Atlantic ; ami most especially do I call your attention tn his recom mendation for tlie;tutal abolition of fib franking priviiejie. This is un abuse from which no one re ceives a commensurate advantage. It reduces the receipts tor postal service rr mi 2f to iio per cent and largely Increases the service to be performed. The report of the Secretary of War contains a synopsis of the rppnrts of the hca'ls of bureas. of the commanders of military divisions and of tho diftrlcts or Virginia, Mississippi, nnd Texas, and the report of the General of the Atrny In full. The recommen dations therein contained have been well considered, and are submitted for your action. I however call special attention to the reconimenitution of the Chief or Ordnance for the sale of a'seuais and lands no longer ir use to the Government Also, to the recommendation of the secretary of War that the act of March ltd, 1m'., prohibiting promotions and appointments on tlie stall cort s of the army.be re pealed. Tho extent or country to bu Tarrlsoned and the number of military posts to bo occupied, is the same uith a reducid army anuilli nhir,je vne,, mi a tar ie number of nUift ojji m required is more Uepeivdent 11 mi tlit latti r than the funwr ctuWi(iii, The report of the Secretary of the Navy accom panying this shows the condition of the navy when this admiuiktratiou cume into otllce and the changes made since. strenuous efforts have been made to place as many vessels In commission, or render them lit for service if required, as possible, and to substitute the sail for Hteuin whilst cruising, thus materially re ducing thu expeuses or tho navy und lidding greatly to its eflicltucy. Looking to our future, 1 recom mend a lioeral, though nut extravagant, policy to wards this branch ot the public service. The report of the Postmaster-General furnishes a clear aid comprehensive exhibit of the operations of the postal service aud of the liuanclal condition of the Post Olllce Uepartmcur. The ordinary postal revenues for the year endiug tho aoth or June, IStttf, umt untid to is,B44,blo, aud the expenditures to 'a tit-H.liil. showing an excess or expenditures over receipts of 16,863,020. Tho excess of expenditures over receipts for the previous year amounted to t6,487,772. The income of revenues for I860 over those or 18C8 was f 2,0M,U09, and the increase af ex penditures was $tiu7,6iis. The Increased revenue lu ls09 exceeded the increased revenue in 1SW by 'jtni,83i3, aud the increased expenditures lu 1869. The method by which postage should be paid upon public mutter Is set forth fully in the report of the Postmaster-General. The report of the Secretary of the Interior shows that the quantity of public lands disposed of durlug the year eudlug the 80th of Juuo, 1869, was 7,666,162 acres, exceeding that or the preceding year by 1,010,409 acres, of this amount, 9,8'J9,644 acres were sold ror cash and 2,737, eco acres entered under the Homestead law. The remainder was granted to aid in the constructigu of works of JuvvJVal im provement, apportioned to these Mate as swamp lands, and located with warrant and scrip. The rash receipt from all sources were 4,47a,2M, exceeding those of the preceding year 2,40,140. jmiiii'u mo iat Dscai rr, v,iv names wore added to the pension rolls and 487 dropped there from, leaving at its close 17,99. The amount patd to pensioners, Including the compensation of dis bursing agents I was rw,42S,w4, an increase ol f 4,4 11, 902 on that of the preulous year. The mu nificence of Congress has been conspicuously mani fested in It legislation for the soldiers and sailors who sum-red In the recent straggle to maintain that unity of Government which makes us one people. The addttloDB to the pension rolls of each successive year since the conclusion of hostilities result In a great degree from the repeated amendments of the set of the 14th of July, 1S(12, which extended 1U provisions to rases not falling within its original scope. The large ontlay which It thus occasioned is further increased by the more liberal allowance bestowed since that date upon those who. tn the line of duty, wero wholly or permanently disabled. Public opinion has given an emphatic sanction to these measures of Congress, and it will be conceded that no part of onr public burden Is more checrrully borne than that which Is Imposed by this branch or the service. It necessitates for the next fiscal year, in addition to the amount justly chargeable to to the naval pension fund, au appropriation of thirty million dollars. During the year ending the Roth of September, 1869, the patent olllce Issued 13,762 pa tents, and Its receipts wero $680,389, being 213,9i6 more than the expenditures. I would respectfully call your attention to the re commendation of tho Secretary or the Interior ror uniting the duties of supervising the education of freedmen with the other duties devolving upon the Commissioner of Education-, If it is the desire of Congress to make the census which must be taken during the year 1870 more complete and perfect than hererofore, 1 would suggest early action upon any plan that may be agreed upon. Ar Congress at tho last session pointed a commit tee to take into consideration such measures ns might be deemed proper lu reference to the eensus, aud to report a plan I desist from saying more. 1 recommend to your Ifavorable consideration claims of thu Agricultural bureau for liberal appropriations In a country so diversified In climate and such as ours, and wltn a Population so largely dependent npon ogrlculture. he benehts that can be conferred by properly fos lerliig this bureau are incalculable. I desire respect fully to call the attention of Congress to the inade quate salaries or a number or tho most important olllccrs of the Government In this message I will not enumerate them, but will specify only the Justices or the Supreme Court, no change r-as been made In their salaries for fifteen years, and within that time the labors of the conrt have largely Increased, and the expenses of living have at least doubled during the same time. Congress has since found It necessary to Increase largely the compensa tion of its own members, and the duty which It owes to another departmentor the Government deserves, and will undoubtedly receixe Its due consideration. There are many subject not alluded to In this message, which might with propriety be Introduced, bui 1 abstain, belieulng that yor patriotism and statesmanship will suBKest the topics and the legis lation most conducive to the interests of the whole people. On my part I promise a rigid adherence to tne laws and their strict iDiorccmeut U. 8. Grant. CITY IIiTIiLLlUUN 4)U. Bethany Fair. To kill two birds with one stone has always been considered a dllllcult, and, when possible, a very wise thing to do. And It does some times happen that one may by a single enort accotiv pllsh two objects seemingly diverse. For Instance, at the grand fair to be opened next week in behalf of the Bethany Presbyterian Church of this city, any benevolently-disposed person may make a Bingle visit serve the double purpose of aiding a most worthy charity and of making purchase of appro priate articles for Christmas presents and New Year gifts. Certainly the object is a good one, and Be'bany,if any mission work lias.lias a claim upon the sympatny ami snpportoi an rniiaucipniaus. uvcry one, then; who aids this fair, if it only be to tho ex tent of purchasing a ten cent ticket, can feel that ho has done so much to help on ft good work. But, to say nothing about the musical entertainment, the pleasant social Intercourse, and many other attrac tive features, this fair is to be so conducted as to be fully worth a visit apart from the object It seeks to aid. In tact, it is designed to have almost evervthlmr there, fancy goods, books, toys, chromos, housekeep ing goods, wrappers, aud a great number ot articles mane oy tne iair nan is oi our own la ncH, and all these are to be disposed or at but a moderate If any advance upon the store prices. No eflorta will be spared to make this the fair of tne season, and in tne nanus or such efficient mana gers, who have so often distinguished themselves In ibis line and many others, we feel safe in predicting a great success rornetnany rair. Local Odds and Ends. The weather yesterday morning was rough, rougher last night, and thu roughest this morning that we have yet experienced this season. A chnp was last night found sitting on a cellar door, holding a large-sized key In his hand. On being questioned as to his intents he replied, "I'm waiting lor the door to come around." He had been to "see a man." The regular lectures of the Pennsylvania Col lege of Veterinary Surgeons will commence to-mor-ow evening, at 14 o'clock, at the rooms of the col rge. No. 268 North Fifth street The Mormons say that Brlgham Young can defeat all the reporters that the devil ever created. Complimentary, aint it? Why does not the Eighth Street Passenger Rail way Company run cars up to 12 o'clock Sunday nights? Mark Twain Is In town, and has been Inter ic wed. The German Hospital Association needs funds. The Tobacco trade meets to-night. Christmas is coming. Our Dirty Streets. The following Is a specimen of the thousand aud one letters received by High Constable John Kelch since the publication or the list or streets, by him reported dirty, in The Evjs nimiTeleuuam: FBIIJIDELPniA, Dec. 2, 18-i. John Kolch. Esu., lliith rn..ul.la Ilun- Kip.-ln v.tnr , orutrt tst thn Hi.anl .if ' Health of nefflect on the part of tho cleaniioff contractors, it would nral if y the residents of Franklin etr-Hjl , above Columbia avenue, .to have due attention called to tlitt . locality. I From the time in which the contract! were made until I the present, it has boou unvtnitud bj a scavdntor's broom ! nr Niinvftl. and the accumulations of dirt-curta and buy. wamiDM choke op the trotters, and oar ettorts to promote cleaDbnexs are ent l rely uuavailine. Hud we benu favored but one with the stre9t-cleannrs' appendant!, we would have lived in hope that our locality was upou tho cuntr.iot, ami at. some luluru time wo w iul l have been cheered by their preuonco, and now iu despair solicit your powerful influence. On behalf of the resident. FRANKLIN 8TBKKT. Mr. Kelch has also received numerous letters from the street contractors, setting forth hat they have done their duty, etc. ; but the condition of the streeta plainly shows how much they have done. DAltINd ATTKMI'T AT HtOHWAY HOHllKKY. SllOftly after 10 o'clock this morning a clerk lu the employ of 11. Thomas A Sons was sent to bank to obtain the cash for a check calling for f I son. Having obtained It, he started on his return to the firm's establish ment, when, on turning Into Harmony court, a daring highwasman Blepped out from a doorway Just above Third street, and, with the rapidity of despe ration, struck him two severe blows unon thu head with a black-jack. The clerk, although somewhat stunned, held ou to the money, w hen the scoundrel seeing that his shots had failed In object, imme diately made tracks. In this connection we would warn our brokers, and other business men, that they cannot exercise too scrupulous a care over their cash, and they should seo lliat it bu entrusted to uouo other than responsible parties. Our city Is now tilled with some of the most audacious and skilful kuiicks and cracks men, and tho well-known incillcicncy of our police force only tends to lead them on to the attempting or deeds never beroro dreamed or here. Sunday Scnooi. Bntf.ri'risb. The lecture room or the St George's Al. E. Church, which so recently celebrated Its centennial anniversary, has beeu re cently refitted at an expense of about J'ifxsj, und yesterday afternoon tho Sunday School, which has been holding its sessions In the galleries of the church while tho Improvements were being mu lu, again took possession of lis old quarters. Thu occa sion drew together a large uudience, und was ono of much Interest. The exorcises commenced at two o'clock, addresses being delivered la order by C.il'i nel Wright oi the Arch street, M. E. Church; bev. Adam V allace, editor Of the ile'lmdM Hume Jutiriiul; leter D. Myers, Esq., of St George's; hU Honor Mayor Fox ; the Hev. Dr. Kynett, Secretary of no M K. Church Extension Society; and Cliaplulu McCube, of Ciiiciuuali. The latter, who Is one of the sweetest singers lu Israel, also grui Hied the audience by tinging several hymns In his tfl'cctivu and attrac tive style. To he Hearo at tiik Ckkikai. Station Frank Warburton was round at an early hour yesturday morning, sleeping on a sofa in tho parlor of a house on Clinton street, below Tenth. Suspected of being there for no good purpoee, he ws arn-sted. George Kline was arrested in West Philadelphia in possession of a horse and wagon, which it is allegod lie stole from Frankford. He was oiluilngtlie annual and vehicle at a remarkably low figure. Bath cues will be heard at the Ceutral Station this afternoon. SuRRKNbKitEii Himhki.k. Thls'morning, Samuel II. Goil, the young mau who was exhibiting Ute quality of thn Kxcelsior refined fluid on Saturday 111 Frunkford, tho explosion of which caused the death or Clara OlilfJold, surrendered himself Into the cusioily or chief Kelly. He will be held to await the Coroner's Investigation. FOURTH EDITION wa o n inoTon, Scnet at the Opening: of Ccmgresa TJh Trouble with the Alabama Member Mr. Samner en the Cuban Question The Monster Phila delphia Petition. FROM WASniXQTOJt. UooA Ferllna Among Mrmhara. SpetidX Despatch to Th livening Telegraph, Washington. Dec , The assembling of CongresB was marked by the usual hand-skaktng aud con gratulations among Senators and member, and by large crowds In the galleries. The roll-call In tha House showed ono hundred and eighty members present Several members elect who were not pre sent at the last session, presented themselves and were sworn In. Objection was made to several mem bers from Alabama, and they were not sworn. The House, after appointing a committee to wait on tha President, took a recess for an hour. Tbe Joint Committee to Call en the Prenldeat. The Joint committee of the two bouses, to wait on the President and Inform him thata quorum was present nnd ready to proceed to business, are Sena tors Wilson and Thurman, and Uepresentativei Schenck, Davis, and Woodward. Tke Virginia members. General Farnsworth will oiTcr a resolution refer ring tho case of the Virginia members to the Com mittee on Reconstruction. This will prevent them from being sworn In until an Investigation Is had of their case. Several prominent men of the Wells party from Virginia were on th floor of the House and Senate, to-day, urging that the Virginia delega tion be not admitted. Hninner an Anll-Cubunlte. Senator Sumner announces that he will oppose all attampts to grant belligerent rights to Cuba. Cameron a Cubanlte. General Cameron will present a large petition front Philadelphia In favor of the Cubans, and move Its reference to the Committee on Foreign Relations. FROM JfEVYOBK. Dftpateh to The Earning Telegraph, New Yore, Dec. 6, Money is active at KT, with majority transactions at the latter figure. Gold opened at 122, advanced tol23, and afterwards receded to V. ' The transactions are large, the policy of Moutwell having seemingly encouraged dealers to Indulge more largely In speculations. Governments opened unusually strong on cable advices of a rise of 1 per cent abroad, aud an advance of nearly S per cent was reached. Stocks were strong at tha opening, but fell off towards noon. The weakness was most apparent Rhode Island was quoted at 107','; Pacific Mail, ; Northwestern, 74; ana Ceutral consolidated, l)0,y. Till Tapped Samuel Jackson and Howard Wil liams on Saturday tupped a till of 12 at the tavern of Peter Kelly, No. Ml 8. Sixth street They were taken beroro Alderman Kerr, who held them for trial. H OUSE F JKnTsHINQ GOODS. 1001 AK0H STREBT- 1004 GRIFFITH & PAGE. HOLIDAY LIST. CAKYEI) WOOD, UltONZES, PLATED WAIIE, TEA THAI'S, CUTLERY, French and German Fancy Goods. 181 wsinllt ' EDWARD J. WILLIAMS. . lo. U'i'i ClIKSXIJT Street. House-Furnishing Goods. Will reduce our utock, previous to remoceil, At Very Low Prices Indeed. ' Ch ristmas Gr o oil n OFFERED AT COST, 1 12 1 wfrntSfirp QRCAT BARGAINS, FOR TKE HOLIDAYS IN House Furnishing Goods AND TABLE CUTLERY at this rvr.w ntoiii:, No. C24 ARCH Street. 12 0mwfft J. TI. cnmsT BROS. PUBLIC SALE. s tT.VtAl. NAf.K OF A STOCK CABINET FURNITURE, Messrs. MEININCKR & GTJKNTHEIt respectfully In form their friends and tlie publio tbut they will sell at Public tittle od TUESDAY MOllNING, December 7, nt 10 o'clock, at tbe Auction Stor. of THOMAS SIHCII t SOOT, No. 1110 Chesnut Street, 1 heir Kutire Stock of Finished cADiiiBT runrjiTunu, Comprising- an ansorliuent of Elegant Parlor, Chamber, a&d Siniug'-Xioom Furniture, Alunufuotiired expressly for their CUSTOMER SALES. Tl.e furniture tan bu exmuiuad at the Auction Store on MONDAY. MEINIKGLR & GUENTHER, 2 3 No. 6.-B N. TKNTH Street. 1
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers