WEDNESDAY,; DECEMBER 5, 1866]
tub printing presses Bball bo tree to oveiy
Ptreon who undertakes to examine the pro
ceedings of the legislature, or any branonoi
government; and. no law shall ever be made
16 restrain tie'right thereof Thepee wnunn
fSoT;Wg B f»^!?r d |f that
l Iberty. In prosecutions tor thepubllcauonoi
111 evi
donee."
Xbe President’s Message.
The message of President Johnson is
a document, which will commend itself
so universally to all right-thinking men
in the nation, that we feel there is no
need for us to make any extended com
ments upon it. It will be read by the
whole mass of the American people.
They will understand it and appreciate
it. It is a calm and dignified State
paper, admirably drawn and couched
in the most fitting terms. There is no
backing down in it. Convinced of the
correctness of liiß views in regard to the
restoration of the South, and assured
that his way is the way of safety for
this nation, President Johnson adheres
to his policy and again urges Congress
to adopt it. Having done this lie
throws the responsibility upon that
body, and stands prepared to use every
energy lie possesses, to aid in a speedj
and complete restoration of the Union.
The summary of the reports of the
several heads of departments is ad
mirable, and will furnish to the muss of
readers all they desire.
His statement of our relations with
foreign governments Is deadend satis
factory, and he will he sustained by the
masses in the views he putH forth.
Tuken as a whole the Message will
compare very favorably with any simi
lar document which lias preceded it.
How Would Wfltm Sollro '., A" l '*’ l <■'»'
(•riiincut IJoiiun.
During the lute elections tlie most ex
oiling appeals were made to the holders
of United States Honda. They were
told that these securities would be safer
and more valuable if the Radicals were
kept in power. There is good reason to
believe that not a lew voters were sutli
cieutly simple to allow themselves to be
iutiuenced by the pretentious falsehoods
winch were paraded before them so con
stantly.
Did they act wisely in sustaining the
Radical party ? Is its policy calculated
to enhance the value ol (loveinmenl
Securities, and to render them more se
cure'.’ We have from time to time en
deavored to show how much the value
of these evidences of national indebted
ness depends upon national prosperity,
and how necessary to such prosperity is
the complete and speedy restoration of
all the States to their proper place in
the Union. While the South is kept in
its present abnormal condition it can
never lie prosperous, can never furnish
its proper ipiota to make up the sum ol
the national wealth, and can never be
prepared to pay its proper proportion of
the tuxes which are necessary to main
tain the value of the national securi
ties. In opposing the restoration of the
Southern States to their place in the
Union, hy imposing impossible and de
grading conditions upon their people, the
Radicals are daily undermining our
financial structure.
Since the late elections the Radical
leaders have thrown oil’the thin veil of
disguise they woreduring the campaign.
They now unhesitatingly, openly and
avowedly declare ill favor of negro suf
frage. Have timid bondholders ever
thought what ell'eet the enfranchise
ment of the negroes would have upon
t lieir treasured securities V During the
continuance of the war the masses did
not stop to think uf the huge debt that
was being heaped as a burthen upon
their shoulders. Under the excitement
which prevailed all classes were ready
to pledge the entire wealth of the nation
to seen re the preservation of the l n ion.
Since tile tcrmiiuilinii of the struggle
all sections, all parties and all classes of
men in every section have pledged
themselves to the payment of the
national debt. Upon that resolve
of the people, voluntarily made,
and upon that alone, rests the se
curity of United Slates Bonds. The
moment the masses feel severely the
pressure of the heavy taxation neces
sary to pay the interest on the huge debt
created by the war, that moment the
strongest possible argument In favor of
repudiation will have begun to address
itself directly to the people. Then will
every dollar of our public securities he
entirely dependent upon thu sense of
honor which may prevail among the
masses. So long as a majority of the
voting population are willing In hear
heavy burthens rather than the nation
shall bo disgraced by being forced into
national bankruptcy, so long will our
public securities maintain their value in
(lie llnunciul markets of the world, hut
not one hour longer.
Any sagacious bondholder ought lo
be aide to see that there is great danger
in admitting the negroes to the ballot
box. In ordinary times the most popu
lar politicians in this country are tho.e
who l promise lo lessen the taxes or t<
cheapen the value of'eommodities ; an
to the arguments of such men a va
majority of our present voting popu
tion listen with great eagerness. '
poor are the multitude. They have 1101
been accustomed to regard with favor
laws made especially to secure the rights
o 1 the rich. In the midst of a crisis,
when bread is dear and labor scarce,
they will eagerly listen to any
one who promises to help Lheni.
In such an hour tin- sense of puh
lie honor bus always been found
to he a weak harrier against the out
cries of an excited populace. In a gov
ernmentsucli as ours, in which every
thing depends upon the decision of thu
masses, and the law of ilu; land is
only an expression of organized public
opinion, and liable Lo change with the
passions and caprices of the populace,
the only security for national or Stale
debts is to he found In thu intelligence
and publloHplrlt of the people. Capital
can only control voters when it can
show Ilium that It is lo their immediate
pecuniary interest to vole In a given
way. The moment aeonlllet arises be
tween the interests of the rich ami the
poor, that momenta sharp animosity
is excited agaliiHt Hume who have been
favored hy fortune. Thu history of the
world 'h full of examples of that kind.
To increase largely the voting popu
lation of n; country Is to all’ord new
facilities for tlie creation of popular
excitements. To mid to our present
voters all the negroes would ho to put
tlio future destinioH of tills great nation
In their harnlH. Heroin l'utinsylviinla
they would eomprlsu a body of voloi'H
nipial to the majority given (Juneral
deary. They wouldNiold the baluneti
of power. Would the financial and all
the other interests of this Stale and of
the nation he safe In Hindi hands
Wo put the <|iniHtlnn to the llmld bond
holders of I’ennsylvanla and of the
North generally. They have chosen to
side with the Radicals. It 1h for them
to say whether the resolve lo prevent a
restoration of the Union and to confer
t.he rigid, of suffrage upon the negroes is
calculated to enhance the value and to
Increase ttie security of United Hiatus
Bonds, and of other evidences of piildl#
indebtedness.
♦ ~~—
tins, (IIUNT Is said to Inf Intfirnstod
In tlm now railroad unrnm I,lni Intliirinn
of 'ToI II innff j>cc.
Harder as a political Argument.
There is a small and very scurrilous
sheet ijublished in,, this city called the
Express, It is scarcely known out of
Lancaster, and exercises. no influence
on public opinionoutsideofan extreme
ly small circle. Yet it is pretentious in
its way. It rejoices in a military editor,
who cuts and slashes with his pen in a
manner that is quite distressing to
people of weak nerves. If this fellow
had Bhed blood with the same profusion
with which he nowsheds ink, he would
have made the earth red wherever he
went, and have gained some, military
reputation. We believe, however, that
his belligerent propensities have been
exhibited to a much greater extent
since he assumed the role of editor than
ever they were in the tented field. He
who was a lamb in battle now safely
roars like a very lion through the col
umns of a newspaper. Evidently he is ,
bent upon waging vigorous battle with
his pen. He does not care how he assails
his antagonists. He disregards all
restraints, preferring falsehood to truth,
and dealing habitually in the grossest
calumnies. He shows an utter uncon
sciousness of the existence of anything
In the shape of moral obligation, and
seems to regard unfairness aDd untruth
fulness as the highest qualification of a
hired scribbler. In writing as he does,
we sometimes thinkheisonly the pliant
and purchased tool of more malignant
and less intellectual men. If such be the
case his offense is only the less excusa
ble. No meaner method of eking out an
existence can be imagined than the ha
bitual prostitution of talents and all the
better parts of a man’s nature at the
peremptory bidding, of a taskmaster.
We have been led into these strictures
by the tenor and character oj an article
which-appeured in the of Tues
day. The sad news hud been telegraph
ed the friends of two highly respectable
and much esteemed gentlemen, former
ly of this county, that they had been
murdered near Vicksburg, Mississippi,
where they had leased a cotton planta
tion. Nothing was known of the man-
ner in which the dastardly crime had
been perpetrated. The only news re
ceived at the time the article was writ
ten, was that the body of one of them
had been found, and that the other
brother was missing. Without a par
ticle more evidence of any kind, the
hired editor of the Expross proceeded at
once to arraign the entire white popu
lition of the South, and to denounce
every man, woman and child in all that
section as particcps criminis, and equally
guilty of this murder. Of course, he
acquitted the negroes. They, the pets
and proteges of the party of great tnorul
ideas, could not be guilly of a crime.
To breathe such a suspicion was to com
mit an ollence not to he forgiven.
A more despicable article than the
one to which we have alluded never ap
peared in any newspaper. It required
all the malignity and meanness of a
much depraved heart to prompt it. The
evil wrought by such distempered
harangues cannot Ik* over estimated.
They are calculated to foster a hate suf
ficiently hitter to prevent any real re
union of the two great sections of this
country. The seeds of animosity thus
sown will rankle for years to come, and
will keep open the gaping wounds made
by our civil war for centuries to come
unless there is a stop put to their dis
semination. The utter untruth fulness of
a great'majority of (he horrible stories
with which the Radical newspapers of
the North are constantly tilled is well
known to most men; hut there arc
multitudes who believe them, A promi
nent (Amend in the Union army, who
has had extensive opportunities for ob
serving the actual, condition of afiairs
in the South writes under a very recent
date as follows:
Persons and property are as sale as at the
North. In fuel, crimes and social vices are
less common here Ulan then*, while North
i-ru settlers have Mill'm-ed !■-<* from h'nrso
thieve* than their Southern neighbors. 'The
"outrages" upon the hvedmen, ot which
the Northern papers are so full, depend in
the main upon the imagination, the activity
and fcriilily of the Radical reporter*. .Judg
ing from my own observation, they are one
and all untrue.
A single line of such testimony, and
the above is of a tenor with the uni
form utterances of every real soldier
who has traveled through the South
since the war ended, is worth more than
all the KtufT with which Radical news
papers till their columns from day to
day. These pestilent sheets have been
given the lie direct, lime and again, by
I'nion Generals of the most exalted
character—yet they persist in a repeti
tion of their manufactured falsehoods.
'They first Invent some case* of crime
and then declare that from the fictitious
details which they spread before the
public, tin spirit of the entire Southern
people may he safely and surely in
ferred. is it not time there was an end
of this V
Any casual visitor from the Sout
who had chanced to be present at the
ruuuut Court of (Quarter Sessions for this
county, might just as well have under
taken to prove; from the fornication
and bastardy cases tried, that there was
no such thing as virtue among the fail
daughters of Lancaster county. The
inference would not have been one whit
more unfair than those daily drawn by
the Krprrsm and similar papers, and the
number of instances which might have
been adduced would, in the hands of an
unscrupulous fellow like the hired
editor of the AYp/v.vs, have made up a
very strong case.
Laying Down a E'rogi’uninn*
The Radicals in Congress lmve
promptly taken extreme ground. The
first matter of business transacted in
the Senate was the calling up of the
bill to enfranchise the negroes ill the
District of Columbia. It was done by
Sumner, and there is no reason to doubt
that it will lie passed. President.lohn
aon will veto it, hut tho Radicals can
pass it over his veto by a majority of
two-thirds.
I n tho House the ilrst act of the Rad
ical majority was to repeal tho l.'ttli
sceLior of (lie act of .July 17th, ISfilt,
which authorised the President Lo grant
pardon and amnesty to persons who
took part in the rebellion. Tliut mount)
war against the whole, white population
of the S,,utli. Thuddeus Stevens, after
oll'cring a gratuitous insult to the Pres
ident, by moving to postpone the l'eatl
iag.of i lie an mud message, Introduced
a bill to regulate removals from otllee.
To e.onler the right of sutfrage upon the
negroes willi tlie hope that they may
be thudded toeimUmie In powerthrough
their votes, and to prevent any of their
ereatureH from being removed from
otllee in the mean I line, in I lie programme
laid down oil the Ilrst day of the session
hy a majority of the Itudlcnls in Con
gVess. “Ex iinu (lit. twilit iuliHf;r. n Kroin
the proceedings of Monday we learn
wluit other days will lie like.
Nouiird's IteMimteli to lllgelnw.
The (! ovem in eat Is I m patiently await
ing advices from Minister Jllgelow
through tlie eulile. Secretary Sowurd
telegraphed him live thousand words
on Monday at an expense of $lll,OOO In
gold. Tlilh is'the ilrst time that this
(iovernmenl huA used the cable.
(icon'll] Nl.c-miui’s Mission
The mission of (Jencrul Sherman Is
simply to view the military situation of
all'alrs in Mexico and add his assurance
that our (luvernmeut will sustain the
Constitutional parly. It Is confidently
believed that such representations will
bo HUllldont tn uheolt all revolutionary
idols und secure stability to tlio Juarez
Oovornmont.
A Filling: Welcome.
The grand welcome to the Radicals of
Congress, which has been so loudly
heralded beforehand, turned out to be a
fitting one. There was a considerable
crowd present, buta yery large majority
were negroes. Comparatively few white
men were to be seen in the procession,
It was principally made up of the im
pecunious contrabands of the District
of Columbia. Whether they were paid
for marching we do not certainly know,
but there is reason to believe they were.
That, and the promise to make them
voters, induced a considerable turn out.
The welcome was a fitting one.
The speeches delivered were well suit
ed to the audience assembled. In reply
to the welcoming speech, Speaker Col
fax replied in a prepared address. He
authoritatively laid down the pro
gramme of the Radicals in Congress,
and declared it to be their firm resolve
not to permit the restoration of the
Southern States to the Union until the
negroes were allowed to vote and placed
in all respects upon an equality with
white men.
Mr. Colfux was followed by Senator
Yates, of Illinois, who harangued the
motley crowd present in the language
of a thorough blackguard. A single
extract will serve as a specimen of his
speech. We clip from Forney’s Press.
Said he:
FclloW’Cthzt'nx: I understand that Homo
people are in u very great hurry about ad
mitting our Southern brethren into the
Union, ami giving them the control of this
Government. They usked me out in Illi
nois when I was willing to have them come
in. I saiil, well, I am in no great hurry
about it nivself, [laughter;] that I never
would be willing to have them come in un
til free speech was recognized upon every
Inch of American soil, from tne Atlantic to
the Pacific, (applause); that they never
should CMiuu in unlit every American
should have the privilege of going to any
portion of this country and enjoying all the
privileges of the Government, [applause];
until the Coiisiunliunal guarantee of a re
publican government shall be given to every
State in this Union; until the skeletons of
Union men shall no longer lmng dangling
from trees in the South; until we see peni
tence, and a desire to swear allegiance to
the Government. Never until these things
occur, shall they come back again. [Cries
of “ No, never.*"] No, fellow-citizens, not
until Gabriel's last trump shall sound.
[Laughter ami applause.]
Why, I understand'that our Democratic
friends In tnv State are all on a sudden lor
universal suffrage. [Laughter.] They say
it is something like the b«»y who being di-
routed by his lather to take some castor oil
saiu, “Am, lather 1 don't like castor oi
very well, it is rather rich." [Laughter.
So sudYage, especially my sort of sudragt
not impartial sudrago or inielligunt sin
frage, but universal sitd'rage, is rather ric
daughter ami applause.] Now 1 can say
,o m» Democratic friends this is a lair race:
it has the sain'.* law for all men, tho same*
chances J>»r all uu'ii. Vus, (»od Almighty
bless this<invemiiii’iit, that cameand patted
mo oil tho bark us a poor boy amt said,
•‘You have us good chance in this country
as any oth« r boy." Yes, we arc all citizens
ill this country—whiles, blacks, Knglish,
American, Irish, (iernian, Laplanders,
Chinese and Portuguese. [Applause.j
J will again say to my I>eniocratic friends
it is a fair ra<-t-; it is mi even light, and t bid
bless von. You can no doubt beat some ol
these uiggors. | Laughter.] You cannot, of
course,all In* Fred, Douglasses. [Laughter.)
Hut hen, if y"U will rend the Scriptures
and join the K.-publican parly, 1 will bel
there are Inis <>l niters in this country
whom you run boat. [Luu”hlor and ap
plause.] l-'ellow-cili/ens, I desire to r
ninri you ihnl in lhuso cursory ri'iiiiirks I
mi nol in hehalloi Ihe Senaie.
I ul wit vs speak lor my>ell, anil tin* Suuale
will have lo spoak Tor ilsell.
\V. I). Kelley, of lMiilmlelpliiu, follow,
ed. We give his speech in full as we
find it in Ihe YVr.ss:
hmul cries made for ihe lion. Win,
p. Kelley, l’hiliuU-lphin, lhal
•iinic forward and spoke as follows:
Fellow rm/.K.Ns: I lead that you ■
yourselves injustire in asking me to ell'are
the impression made upon you by the ad
mirable addresses to whirl) you have all
listened. 1 shall tin little more than say
Amen to what has been said. The day ot
politioal inequality in thiseounlry has pass
ed. [Renewed applause.] t.'o tigress re
turns to its duty with a majority of mor
than •100,1)00 fret* people at its bark. |Ar
plause. ]
“The majority alone of those who si
well doiu 1 ," is iii 'i-i* than the entire white
vote of the tell insurgent States. I take
the question wliieh llu* distinguished Semi
tor from Illinois answered us potato me by
this assembhmc of people: “ lien will
you lie reutlv to admit these Stales? I
will tell you when. When Congress shall
have disavowed those bustard organizations
which now rule over the territory formerly
designated bv the tin mcs of those ten Stall's.
(Cries of “ (joed," ami applause.] When,
having disavowed those products ofusurpu
tion, it shall have given enabling acts bv
which the whole people of each Slate shall
have elected a convention lo frame a
constitution, and when that convention
shall have done its work, and it
shall have been submitted to a vole of the
whole people. [Cries of “ t Jood,” and ap
plaud'd I fit euu b-- proven, after such a
vole, that there was a citizen of any town
ship in any State, who was even mucker
than the devil himself—[laughter!—whose
vote was excluded upon that ground, that
it shall he cause sulllciuiit for rejecting the
constitution. [Applause.] \\ hen they shal I
come with constitutions having this repub
lican origin, and being as republican in
tact, 1 will consent—and, Cod helping me,
I never will consent until then—to the ad
mission of any of them. What more can I
! say ?
[A voice "No more.'']
Sir. Kuliev. Von are right—[lougliknj--
iui.l HO, 1 toil blessing you, tho nice that have
made linmorlii) die iminus of Wagner, Port
Hudson and .Millikan's Head, and made
immortal for cxcei-atioll the (lament Pillow,
I Dill von Dial speed under Pod's blessing.
[Applause. |
Surely a motley crowd, composed
principally of negroes, us Kelley ad
mits tfiis was, constituted a tltting audi
ence for such orators. In all respects
the welcome was an appropriate one.
'l'lie l.n.ali l'Plls fur (luce.
For once “Old Tliad's” lush tailed to
drive the Hock of Radicals in the House.
His attempts to prevent the reading of
tlie President’s Message in that body
were indecently persistent. First lie
moved that tlie House adjourn, without
hearing the message read, saying lie
had no notion of waiting to hear it after
it had been sent, all over the country.
On tliut motion the yeas and nays were
called, and one ferocious representation
was voted down. Immediately there
after lie moved to post pone its reading.
Again lie hud to Mieeumh. When the
clerk was alum I half through with the
reading lie cg iin moved loadjourn, hut
found that even tlie malignant crew
about him had some little sense of de
cency left. The lash failed on the Ilrst
day of the Session. We will see whether
it will prove to have greater compelling
power In tlie future.
A Negro .Maim' Cor lloslon.
Tlie Philadelphia y’/rss of Tuesday
has the following telegram :
Boston, Nov. ‘Si. A eniietiM of cili/.ens in
Cliiilsen, lust, night, nouiimileil H. S. Frost
for Mayor. Ills principal competitor was
]{. W. MorrlH, a colored man, and a law-
yer, who received ‘itt! votes against 11 1 I votes
for Frost.
The Republicans of Boston are honest
men. They put their theories into
practice, and do not go dodging about
the hush like such subterfuges as many
ofthelrbrethren In Pennsylvania. They
give evidence of their belief in the creed
of their party, and ure not ashamed to
follow It to legitimate conclusions. For
so doing they deßorve commendation.
Wo hopo the negro candidate for Mayor
of Boston may be oleeled. Wo have
no doubt tlie "hub” would get along
much In Its present wuy under tho rule
of an KLhloplun.
llciny IVnril needier In IN4I.
The following resolution of Honry
Waul Beecher was oH’ored In New York
on the ltd day of May, 1H44 :
" Itrmlml, That It Is the duty of Aboli
tionists, Hniiih and North, to agitato and
rongitule nuts I liny eltuct tlai overthrow of
ttm Federal < Mi'ist [tullna, amt otToet tho dis
solving of tlie Ainn-irun Union.”
Killlors In I.neli
1). 11. Nulmnn, editor of tho Huston
Sentinel , and A. .1 llnrrltson, oditor of
the Montl'OHO I)r.muemt , liuvo boon ap
pointed Uultod Htatos AHHiiHhomof tliolr
rospootlvo dlstflidu. '('liny aro both
sound Democrats, and publish (|<)ud
newspapers- Wo oonppululuto thorn up
ttielr luck,
Negro Suffrage In the Distrl t.
Senator Morrill, of Maine, it is under*
Blood, will immediately introduce a bill;
to confer the privilege of suffrage upon
the freedmen of the Districtof Colombia,
and will energetically insist on an early
vote. It is said to be his purpose to
have this new law in full force before
the next municipal election in that city.
It was Senator Morrill who introduced *
and carried through the bill emancipate
ing the slaves of that District If he
presses this second proposition with the
energy and persistency that character
; i/.ed his efforts for the first, it is more
than probable that it will be successful.
The Radicals are fully ripe now for
what they did not dare to attempt here
tofore. Their successes in the recent
elections h&tfe been interpreted to mean
an indorsement of negro suffrage by the
people of Pennsylvania and other
Northern States. The negroes of the
Districts of Columbia, as they were the
first to be emancipated, will be the first
to be invested with the right of suffrage.
The watchword is “ revolutions never
go backward.”
The Columbia Herald,
We have received the first number of
the Herald , a newspaper just started in
Columbia. It is edited by Geo. Young,
jr., and published by W. Hayes (trier.
It is a handsome little sheet, presenting
a fine typographical appearance, and
the number before us shows that those
in charge of it possess no little ability
as writers. It is especially devoted to
the local interests of the borough of Co
lumbia, and we have no doubt it will be
well patronized. . It is soundly Demo
cratic in politics, and show evidence of
ability to defend the right. We welcome
t to our exchange list, and wish its pro'
irietors abundant success.
Hunky J. Raymond, who, in the
Times, daily exhoits the Southern
States to “submit” to the constitu
tional amendment, or threatens them
with its imposition and a worse fute if
they shall refuse to submit to it, wrote
the address of the Philadelphia Con
vention, stood up in its presence, and
twice read the following passage from
it, amid the applause of that body of
Northern and Southern representative
“ And the ton millions of Americans who
live In the South would be unworthy citi
zens of a free country, degenerate sons of a
heroic ancestry, unlit ever to become the
guardians of the rights and liberties be
queathed to us by the lathers and founders
uf the lb-public, if they could accept, with
uncomplaining submissiveness, the humili
ations thus sought to be imposed upon them.
Tho (lomlcr of a Newspaper
Thu Reading Tunes seems to bo much
puzzled to determine what gender a
newspaper belongs to. In noticing the
Columbia Jlcrald, ITie Times says :
The (’i'lmnl)ia Herald published by Leo
Young, Jr., at (’olumbia, made iY.s first ap
pearancc in ourollice yesterday. A’Acseenir
most ably edited, and lias a spicy look. \V
welcome it into the brotherhood,und hope
will lie ably sustained by the people t
Lancaster county.
Thu Times was bound to be right.
makes the Herald masculine, feminine
and neuter. It must lie one of the three.
Which is it V
Curtin a Johnson Man.
Cameron’s organ, the Harrisburg
Telegraph , pitches into the Philadelphia
Dai/g yetm, which is supposed to favor
Curtin for the I’niled States Senate in
the following fashion :
The Jhii/i/ Xetr.s, published by Joseph K.
l-'latiigen ol "stile door niemori/," at present
the naval oilicer of the Port ot Philadelphia,
a strong advocate" of “My Policy,” and
during the late election a violent opponent
of (ten. (ieary, has conn 4 out boldly advo
cating the ehetinn of linv. Curtin to tho
I'nited Stales Senate, and in a late number
is republishing the articles in favor of Cur
tin from the Cliuinbersburg IlejHjsitoiy.
The AVjc.s knows that Curtin is a Johnson
man and hence the support of the Johnson
organ to Ilis Kxcelleney.
Imports and Export*.
The table followingshows the imports
and exports Into and from the United
.States for the four months ending ()C'
tober ill, 1 .Stitt:
KpecKi unit bullion
Kt ee uooiis
Dutiable yootls i-ntrved lor eotisump-
llou (iS,I(K),
Uilluble cnli-fcii Tor warehouse
Total imports $l27,.V>7 t U
Yului! <>: Imports with uiwn from
wu rehouse
Hull Lon ami speck-
Dulinblo lurelKti iiierehumlist*
Krru foreign merchandise
Domestic merchandise
Total exports.
These figures, which are taken from
the monthly report of the llureau of
iStntisties, exhibit thesturtling fact that
our imports exceed our exports to the
amoutit of £44,M1,b0b for the first four
months of the fiscal year 18(57, and
when It is remembered that the imports
are at gold t|nd the exporLsatucurreucy
valuation, the diHeroneo becomes more
alarming.
In mhliLion to tin; statement of im
ports and exports, Ijio report contains
commercial reports from various foreign
countries, old and new tonnage returns
from Louisville lor the second quarter
of IMo, number of title deeds anil mort
gages with the values respectively, for
certain countries and towns in the
United .States, Lank of Kngland rates
of discount since ISI4, and it statement
of the exports from Lyons, France, for
the month of October, and the ten
months ending October 111, IM4, lsiio,
and !«()(>.
The Di-mocnu.v Ifol«l tlie Strength of
the Political .Situation.
We hold the strength of the political
situation, because to-day a large majo
rity of all the people of the United
States are Democrats; because in the
Northern States, Democrats, although
in a minority, arc so near to a majority,
that a trilling change would shift the
balance of power; because that mino
rity lias maintained itself steadfast and
immovable against the persecutions of
a lawless administration; against a de
moralizing inflation of paper money;
against the influence of a system of
national hanks; against the power of
pat ronaee dist rihnted in every part of
the eounlry ; against, tin’ tide of lanali
eism which has repeatedly submerged
its unmoved phalanxes. We hold the
strengt.)i of the political situation, he
cause the principles thus steadfastly
held, of a liberal and progressive De
mocracy, are the only recourse which
the nation Ims from the dlflleullies into
which it Ims fallen. Republicanism
has been tried and found wanting. It
neither gives union norneaco to the peo
ple. nor desires to give tlictn, nor can.
Upon all the issues of the future—
free-trade, a sound currency, and what
not—it Is unquestionable that a liberal
progressive Democracy will command
the hope and confldenccand trustof the
people of the North as well as of the
people of the South. All the progress of
ull the peoples of the earth is in the direc
tion whither Democracy leads the way.
We have contended steadfastly that
the Democratic parly holds the strength
of the political situation. Now that our
opponents begin to realize Hint fact we
shall hope to see some slightly terrified
Democrats at the West and Fast pluck
up their drowning honor by the locks.
-W. Y. World.
Olllclal Itoport of the Arrest of John
Nm-rutt
Washington, Dec. 12.— I This Govern
ment hud information as long ago as
last winter that John H. Surratt had
gone to iiuropo. Tho person who com
municated the facts conversed with him
during tho voyage across the Atlantic,
and also reported that Hurratt, bellovlug
that ho was far removed from danger,
was free and outspoken about ills con
nection with tho assassination con
spiracy. To-night Secretary Howard re
ceived a despatchbythe AtlantloCable,
dated to day, as follows:
“ I have arrested John 11. Surratt, one of
President Lincoln's assassins. No doubt of
Idontlly.
Hai.i., U. S. Consul Gonoral,
Alexandria Egypt.
An ordor bus boon Issuod by tho Navy
Department regulating tho enlistment of
boys us nuvnl approntloos or Into tho naval
service, requiring fathers, mothors or
guardians, as tho oaso may bo, doslrlng to
ontor thoir hoiis or wards, to talto oatli to
tho foot of auoh rolutlonshlp or custody,
and Ip tho cape of t|io mother, tp swear that
her husband Is dnt)d, and of guardian, uvl
doneo that both pnronls are deceased.
Tbe HeetfngofCoxgress.
SENATE.
Tile Senate was called In order at
12 o’clock precisely by Mr. Foster, Presi
dent pro tern . Prayer by the Chaplain,-
Rev. Dr. Gray, of the Baptist Charch.
Mr. Anthony presented the following
resolutions, which were severally adopted,
that the Secretary inform the House that a
quorum of the Senate is assembled, that
the hour for meob.ig in the Senate be 12
o’clock until otherwise ordered, and that a
committee of two bo appointed to join a
committee of the House and wait upon the
President to receive his Message.
Mr. Sumner said, if there was no business
before the Senate he would move to call up
Semite, bill No. 1, an Act to regulate the
elective franchise in the District of Colum
bia.
The Rev. Dr. Boynton opened the House
with a prayerof thankfulness for the results
of the late elections, which tend, he said, to
establish the principles of liberty to all
classes and conditions. The roll of members
was called, when 146 answered to their
names. Three new members were sworn
in from Tennessee and two from Kentucky.
A committee was appointed to wait on the
President and inform him that Congress
had assembled nud wus ready to receive
any communication.
Mr. - Eliot asked leave to introduce a bill
to repeal the 13th section of the act of July
17th, 1832, which section authorizes the
President to grant pardon and amnesty to
persons who took part in the rebellion.
Mr. Finck, of Ohio, objected, and the rules
were suspended so us to allow the bill to be
introduced.
Mr. Elliott's bill was then put upon its
passage, and was passed by a vote of 111 to
A resolution was adopted calling for in
formation as to tho arrest and escape ol
John H. Suratt.
A bill was introduced and referred, di'
rooting the sale of §‘i,ooo,otK) ofguld by the
•Secretary of the Treasury every Monday.
Also, a bill for the mootingof Congress on
the Ith of March.
2 p, M.—The President’s Message has
Just beeu received.
Mr. Stevens moved to postpone the read
ing until to-morrow. The motion was
rejected, and the Clerk proceeded to read
the Message.
Mr. Stevens introduced a bill to regulate
removals from o/llce, which was made the
special order for Friday.
Mr. Schcnck, Ohio, introduced a hill to
equalize the bountlesof soldiers, sailors ami
marines. Referred to the Committee oi
Military Allairs.
Washington, Dec. 4.
Sknatk.—Mr. Sumner gave notice of his
Mention to introduce to-morrow, resolu-
tions declaring the entire control of Con
gress over the subject of Reconstruction,
and the right to exclude the lately rebel
lious States from representation in Con
gress and from voting on amendments.
A motion to take up Mr. Chandler’s
resolution offered yesterday, calling for in
formation about Mexican Affairs, was "lost.
Mr. Chandler called up the bill passed by
the House yesterday, repealing the section
of an act of 1862, giving amnesty to the
President.
Mr. Chandler’s motion was lost, and the
Senate then adjourned.
Hoirsi:.—A resolution was adopted, re
ferring the bounty bill of last session to the
Military Committee tor amendments, and
the increase of members’pay to the Judi
ciary Committee for repeal.
Mr. Wentworth introduced a resolution
insisting upon the adoption of the Consti
tutional amendment before the House will
consider the propriety of giving the South
ern States congressional representation,
which was agreed to.
An additional rule was adopted for the
appointment by each Congress of a staled
committee on Freedmen affairs.
The currency act reported at the last
session came in order, and was postponed
until the 3d Tuesday Hi December.
Indictment of Conover for Perjury.
The (fraud Jury of the Criminal Court of
Washington has found a true bill of indict
ment against Sanford Conover, alias Charles
A. Dunham, for perjury. Tins indictment
covers thirty pages of closely written legal
cap, and commences by reciting iliat, on the
!Hli of Apri! last, the House of Representa
tives instructed the Judiciary Committee
to inquire whether there was probableeause
to believe that the murder of President Lin
coln, ami the attempted assassination oflho
Secretary ofState, were incited or procured
by Jefferson Davis; that in the course of
their inquiry it becamo a material matter
and question with them whether a certain
deposition in regard to tin* complicity of
Jefferson Davis in the plot, made at the in
stance and procurement of Sanford Conover,
alias Charles A. Dunham, before Judge Ad
vocate Holt by one Joseph A. Iloare, under
the assumed name of William Campbell;
and also certain other depositions, among
others, one made at the instance ofConover
before the same party, by one W. H. Robert,
alias James Snead, should lie received as
evidence. H further roeitoslhat the affiants,
iloare and Roberts, came before the com
mittee on the Nth of May last, and testified
that the affidavits weromadoattheinstance
of Conover; that they committed the con
tents to memory, Ac., and that on thesamo
davConovorappeared bulbro the committee,
and testified that the affidavits were true,
Ac.
Judge Advocate General Holt sometime
ago demanded, under tin* Articles of War,
a court of inquiry for tho investigation of
the various charges which have been made
against him, alike in connection-with the
Conover testimony, and with hiseonduclin
the prosecution of Mrs. Surratt and oilier
alleged assassins of President Lincoln. 'The
President has declined to order tho court,
on the ground that lie does not doom it ne
cessary to the Judge . Advocate General’s
vindication.
Surplus of laibor-
Tho Washington *SVttr says that “a larger
portion of the llouting population brought
hero by the war still linger long after the
demand for their labor has ceased, and
jostle each other for a livelihood in all the
trades, and in a fierce contest forlhesmall
est governmental offee. Descending tho
social scale, we have some thirty thousand
colored people, contrabands, A.c,, seeking
employment boro, of whom it is sale to Hay
that twenty thousand will not average a
day's work In n week during tho coming
winter. Tho poor-house is already ovor
llowing and unable to afford a shelter for
the swarms oi'vagrants and houseless ones
afloat upon our streets, and Heaven only
knows what will become of tlie Minmmiufs
of the unemployed here when the severity
of winterconies upon us.”
.$K2 I (ia">,WW
The Cotton Crop,
Messrs. Neill Urolhers A Co., of New* Or
leans, in their latest circular on tlie cotton
crop, estimuto that it will be from 2,650,000
to 2,360,000 bales, or from 44 to 46 per cent.,
of tho crop of 1859--’6O, which was -1,675,000
bales. Those factors statu that tho Mobile
district will yield 250,00 U to 300,000
bides; the New* Orleans district 750,000 lo
850,()()0 bales ; Virginia and tlie Caroiinas,
250,000 to 275,000 bales ; Georgia and Floridu,
350,000 lo 370,000 bales; 'Texas, 200,000 lo
225,800, anil Jill other sources Iron) 250,1)00 lo
275,000. 'They say their statements are
based upon personal observations made in
all parts of the South by the members ot
their Arm. 'The last number of Do Row*’*
Review estimates the crop from 1,500,000 to
2,000,000 bales. 'The Commercial Chronicle
thinks it may reach .’2,300.000 bales. Wo
givo l heseestimates, wiilauU endorsing any
of them, for the benefit oftlie many per
sons who are interested in tlie production
of the cotton crop of the present .year. A
despatch from Mobile, dated Nov. 28th, an
nounces ilia! the receipts of cotton at all lln*
SnuMiorn ports, from Sepl. 15th, the begin
tong of 1 1 m• rollon year, amount to |uo,iion
lull s.- V/m7o. Lnh'jrr.
A Muii Ntrucli by a Fulling .Slur.
’Tlie London Mnnihijj Hr locrttMcr reports
that one of the I'allingstarsstruck a waiter,
named Pike, at Thompson’s coffee-house,
in .Shoe lane. Pike came lo the editor of
the AilrrrU.sr.r i\\u\ said that while standing
in tin' middle of tho street, between Shoe
lane and Salisbury court, with no one near
him, ami gazing upward, ho became aware
of a burning sensation in tho neck, upon
which ho toro at Ills nockcloth, and the next
moment tlie burning substance pnsHed down
his left breast, scorching tho shirt In its
course, and inflicting three small butsovure
burns on tho Hush, with one largo wound.
'These burns (says tho editor) we saw*, but,
being of a skeptical and matter of fiiclturn,
we suggested a fusee or lueifer ; this, how
over, was earnestly negatived, and wo felt
ourselves unduly incredulous upon further
examination, as no substance whatever
could be found in the .young man’s cloth
ing, and ho was certainly by no means
likely In inflict such an Injury on himself
for tho purpose of a mure sensation, A
medical man who saw himyesterduy thinks
it a scald by fused metal or sulphur, and
the young man is decidedly inastatoof
considerable suffering twenty four hours
from the accident.
Tho War in Mouth America.
Tlie nows from tho sent of war In Para
guay Is dated Rio Janeiro, October 26. In
addition to the change of comtnanderH In
the Hrazlllan army, which was reported In
the Herald a few nays ago, a now com
mander has been appointed to the Meet in
place of Admiral Vlncoiiul Tlmandaro. A
levy of 25,000 men in Hrazil Is demanded,
but the rourullH aro coming in but Hlowly.
Tho loss of the iiUlum at Fort Uurupalty
Is now roporlod to ho 7.000 men, besides
three lnm-cluds being sorlnusly damaged.
Tho allied army, It was rumored, would
fall back on Corrientez.
Tidewater Cnunl
For tho week'ending on the 21lh ull.,
there woro towed from the ennui basin al.
Huvre-do-Gruco 102 boats, as follows; 'To
Baltimore, 74 boats, loaded with lumber,
coal, Ac.; to Philudelpbiu, 16 bouts, loaded
with lumber, coal, Ac., und to NposuMu
6 boats, carrying coal. During Mu* present
season much tho greatest number of boats
towed from Havre-do Graee have gone to
Baltimore. Tills seems to Indicate Mml of
Into the trade of tho canal In principally to
that city, wlmrouN in former years tlio bulk
of tho trade went to DlflludulplUu. Gqinfid
prfiig the uour upprouph of ihe qloseof navi
gnpon' tho Undo on the canal in not largo.- -
Jiehtir /Ryia,
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Fellow-citizens of the RencUc anUJtiousc of Repre -
tentative*
After a brief interval the Congress of the
United States resumes its annual legisla
tive labors. An all-wise and merciful
Providence has abated the pestilence which
visited onr shores, -leaving its calamitous
traces upon some portions of oor country.
Peace, order, tranquility, and civil authori
ty have been formally declared to exist
throughout the whole of the United States.
In all of the States civil authority has su
perseded the coercion of arms, and the
people, by their voluntary action, are main
taining their governments in full activity
and complete operation. The enforcement
of the laws is no longer “obstructed in any
State by combinations too powerful to be
suppressed by the ordinary course of ju
dicial proceedings;” and the animosities
engendered by the war are rapidly yielding
to the beneficent influences of our free in-
stitutions, and to the kindly effects of un
restricted social commercial inter
course. An entire restoration of fraternal
feeling must be the earnest wish of every
patriotic heart; and we will have accom
plished our grandest national achievement
when, forgetting the and events of tne past,
and remembering only their instructive
lessons, we resume our onward career as a
free, prosperous, and united people.
In my message of the 4th of December,
1865, Congress was informed of the measures
which had been instituted bv ihe Execu
tive with a view to the gradual restoration
of the States in which the insurrection oc
curred to their relations with tbe General
Government. Provisional Governors had
beeu appointed, Conventions called, Gov
ernors elected, Legislatures assembled, and
Senators and Representatives chosen to tho
Congress of the United States. Courts had
been opened for tho enforcement ol laws
long in abeyance. Tho blockade-had .been
removed, custom-houses re-established,and
the Internal revenue laws put In force, in
order that the people might contribute to
the national income. Postal operations had
been renewed, and efforts wore being made
to restore them to their former condition of
offeiem-y. Tho States themselves had been
naked to take part in the high function of
umonding the Constitution, and of thus
sanctioning tin* extinction of African slavery
as one of tho legitimate results of our In
ternecine struggle.
Having progressed thus far, tho Executive
Department found that it had accomplished
nearly all that was within the scope of Its
constitutional authority. One thing, how
ever, yet remained to bo done before the
work of restoration could be completed, and
that was the admission to Congress of loyal
Senators and Representatives from the
States whoso people lmd rebelled against
the lawful authority of the Generul Govern
ment. This question devolved upon tho
respective Houses, which by the Constitu
tion, are made the judges of tho elections,
returns, and qualifications of their own
members; and its consideration at once en
gaged the attention of Congress.
In the meantime, the Executive. Depart
meat—no other plan having been proposed
byCongress—continued its efforts to perfect,
as far as was practicable, tho restoration of
the proper relations between tho citizens of
tho respective States, the States, and the
Federal Government, extending, from time
to time, as the public interests seemed to
require, the judicial, revenue, and postal
systems of tho country. With the advice
and consent of tho Senate, the necessary
officers were appointed, and appropriations
made by Congress for the payment of their
salaries” The proposition to amend the
Federal Constitution, so as to prevent the
existence of slavery within the United Slates
or any [dace subject to their jurisdiction,
was ratitied by the requisite number of
Slates: and* on the INtli of December, 1865,
it was officially declared to have become
valid as a part of the Constitution of the
‘ United States. All of the States in which
the insurrection had existed promptly
amended their Constitutions, so as to make
them conform to the groat change thus ef
fected in the a-ganic law of tho land ; de
clared null ai. i void all ordinances and luws
ofsoeesMon ; . jpudiatedull pretended debts
and obligations created for the revolution
ary purposes of the insurrection ; and pro
ceeded, in good faith, to the enactment of
1 measures for tho protection and ameliora
tion of the condition of the colored race.
Congress, how vet*, yet hesitated to admit
1 any of these Slates to representation; and
it 'was not until towards the close of tho
eighth month of the session that an excep
tion wie made in favor of Tennessee, hv
1 lie admission of her Senators and Rep resen
atives.
I deem it a subject of profound regret
that Congress has tints far failed to admit to
seals loyal Senators and Representatives
from the other States, whose inhabitants,
with those of Tennessee, lmd engaged in the
rebellion. Ten States—more than one
fourth of tho whole number—remain with
out representation; the seats of fifty mem
bers in the House of Representatives ami
of twenty members in the Senatoaroyet
vacant—iiot bv their own consent, not by
a failure of election, but by the refusal of
Congress to accept thoir credentials. Their
admission, it is believed, would have ac
complished much towards the renewal and
strengthening ot our relations as one people,
and removed serious cause tor discontent
on the part of the inhabitants oflhoso States.
It would have accorded withthu great prin
ciple enunciated in the Declaration of
American Independence, that no people
ought to bear tho burden of taxation, and
yet be denied the right of representation.
It would have been m consonance with the
express provisions ol the Constitution, that
“ eacli .Slate shall have at least one Repre
sentative," and “that no State, without its
consent, shall bodepnvod of its equal suf
frage in tho Senate.” These provisions
wore intended to secure to every State, and
to the people of every Stale, the right of
representation in each House of Congiess ;
and so important was it deemed by the
framers of tho Constitution that the equality
of the States in the Senate should bo pre
served, that not oven by an amendment of
tho Constitution can any Stale, without its
consent, be denied a voice in that brunch
of the National Legislature.
It Is true. It has hoen assumed that the
existence of the States was terminated by
the rebellious uctM of their Inhabitants, ami
that tho Insurrection having been sup
pressed, they wero thenceforward to beenn
sldored merely as conquered territories.
The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Departments of the Government have,
however, with great distinctness and uni
form consistency, refused to sanction an
assumption so incomputable with the nature
of our republican system, and with the* pro
fessed objects oflho war. Throughout the
recent legislation of Congress,tho undenia
ble fact makes itself apparent, that these
ten political communities are nothing less
than States of this Union. At tho very
commencement of tho rebellion, each House
declared, with a unanimity as remarkable
as it was significant, that the war was not
“ waged, upon our part, in any spirit of op
pression, nor for any purpose of conquest
or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrow
ing or interfering with the rights or estab
lished institutions of those Stales, but to
defend and maintain the supremacy of the
Constitution and all laws made in pur
suance thereof, and to { reserve the Union
with all the dignity, equulity, and rights of
the several States unimpaired; and that ns
soon as these objects” wero “ accomplished
tho warought to cease.” In some instances, !
Senators were permitted to continue their
legislative functions, while in other instan
ces Representatives were elected and ad
mitted to seats after their States had for
mally declared their right to withdraw
from’tho Union, and wore endeavoring to
maintain that right by force of arms. All
of tho Stales whose people Were in i'lMir
reetion, as Slate*, were ineluded in the ap
portionment of ilie direct lax of twenty
millions of dollars annually laid upon the
United States by the act approved nth
August, ISii 1, Congress, by the actof March
•1, 1862, and by tin* apportionment of repre
sentation thereunder, also recognized their
presence as Slates in the Union ; and they
nave, for judicial purposes, boon divided
into districts, as Stales alone ran lie divided.
Thu same recognition appears in tho recent
legislation in reference to Tennessee, which
evidently rests upon tho lael that the func
tions oflho Stab* wore not destroyed by the
rebellion, but merely suspended; and that
principle is of course applicable to those
States which, like Tennessee, uttompted to
renounce their places in tho Union.
Tho action of tho Executive Department
of the Government upon this sunjcct has
been equally definite and uniform, and the
purpose of the war was specifically slated
In the Proclamation issued by my prede
cessor on the 22d day of September, 1862,
Itwaslhon solemnly proclaimed and de
clared that “hereafter, as heretofore, the
war will 1)0 prosecuted for the object of
practically restoring tho constitutional re
lation between tho United States and each
of tho States and tho people thereof, in
which States that relation is or limy la- sus
pended or disturbed.”
The recognition of tho Status by tho Judi
cial Department of the Government has
also been clear and conclusive in all pro
ceedings nffoctltig them as Slates, had in
tho Supromo, Ulrcult, and District Courts.
In tho admission of Senators and Kepro
HOlUatlves from any and all of (lie States,
there can he no Just ground of nppichen
slon that persons who are disloyal will be
clothed with tho powers of legislation; for
this could not happen when tlioCouNliiutlon
am) (he laws are enforced by a vigilant and
faithful Congress. Each Mouse is made
tho ”Judge of the elections, returns, and
qunlllloallnnH of Us own mends is,” end
may, “ with the concurrence of two thirds,
ox pel a member." When a Senator or Rep
resentative presents bin certificate ol elec-
Mon, lie tnav at once lie admitted or ro|oclcd;
or, should there he iuiv question as to Ids
eligibility, ids credentials may lie referred
for Investigation to (he appropriate com
mittee. It admitted in a soul. It mtiHl be
onon evhlelie HaMufaelmy |o (ho House of
which he thuN lii'i'onii'i* a member, that
he possesses the requisite constitutional
and legal qualifications. If refused udinls
►donna a mmnherlbr want of duo allegiance
to the Government. ami returned to his
eonulHdeids, they are admonished that nono
hut phi'siths loyal to tho United Htuto* \vlll
ho allowed a voice In Ui» Legislative Goun
ods of tho N'dlmh M »m\ I ho political powor
\m\ moral Uifluumju Ol Congress are thus
effectively oxortod in the interestsofloynlty
to the Government and fidolity to tho
Uuion. Upon this question, so vitally af
fecting tho restoration of the Union and tho
permanency of our present form of govern
ment, my convictions, heretofore expressed,
have undergone no change; hut on the con
trary, their correctness has been confirmed
by reflection and time. If the admission of
loyal members to seats in the respective
Houses of Congress was wise and expedi
ent a-year ago, it is no less wise and expedi
ent now. If this unomalous condition is
right now—if, in the exact condition ol
these States at the present time, it is lawful
to exclude them from representation, I do
not see that the question will bo changed
by the efflux of time. Ten years hence, if
these States remain as they are, the right ot
representation will be iio stronger —the
right of exclusion will be no weuker.
The Consitution of the United States
makes it the duty of the President to re
commend to the consideration of Congress
“such measures as he shall judge necessa
ry or expedient.” I know of no measure
more imperatively demanded by every con
sideration of national interest,sound policy,
and equal justice, than tbe admission of
loyal members from the uow unrepresent
ed States. This would consummate the
work of restoration, and exert a most salu
tary influence in the re-establishment of
peace, harmony, and fraternal feeling. It
would tend greatly to renew tho confidence
of the American people in the vigor and
stability of their institutions. It would
bind us more closely together us a nation,
and enable us to show to the world the in
herent and recuperative power of a Gov
ernment founded upon tho will of the peo
jle, and established upon the principles of
iberty, justice, and intelligence, our in
creased strength and enhanc'd prosperity
would irrefragablv demonstrate the tallacy
of the arguments against free institutions
drawn from our recent national disorders
bv the enemies of republican government.
The admission of loval members from the
Stales now excluded from (’engross, by al
laying doubt and apprehension, would turn
capital, now awaiting an opportunity tor
investment, into tho channels of trade and
industry. It would alleviate the present
troubled condition of those States, and, by
inducing emigration, aid in the settlement
of fertile regions now uncultivated, ami
load to an increased production of those
staples which have added so greatly to the
wealth of the nation and the commerce o
tho world. New holds of enterprise wouh
be opened to our progressive people, am
soon the devastations of war would be re
paired, and all traces of our domestic dll’
feretices ctVueed from tho minds of oui
countrymen.
In our efforts to preserve “the unity r
Government which constitutes us one peo
ple,” bv restoring the Slates to ihecondilion
which they hold prior to the rebellion, we
should bo cautious, lost, having rescued oui
nation from perils of threatened disintegra
tion, we resort to consolidation, and in llu
end absolute despotism, us a remedy foi
tho recurrence of similar troubles. Tin
war having terminated, and with it all oc
eualon for the exercise of powers of doubt'
ful constitutionality, we should hasten ti
bring legislation within the boundarie?
prescribed by the Constitution, and to re
turn to tbe ancient landmarks established
by our fathers for the guidance of succeed
ing generations. "The Constitution which
at any time exists, until changed by an ex
plicit and authentic act of the whole peo
ple, is sacredly obligatory upon all." “If,
in the opinion of the people, the distribu
tion or modification of the constitutional
powers be, in any particular, wrong, let it
bo corrected by an amendment in the way
in which the Constitution designates. Hut
let there lie no change by usurpation; for"
“it is the customary weapon by which free
(Jovornments are destroyed.” Washington
spoko these words to his countrymen, when
followed by their love and gratitude, he
voluntarily retired from the cures of public
life. “To'keep in all tilings within the
pnle of our constitutional powers, and cher
ish the Federal Uniuti as the only rock of
safety,” were prescribed by Jefferson as
rules of action toendear to his ‘‘countrymen
the true principles of their Constitution, and
promote a union of sentiment and action
equally auspicious to their happiness and
safety." Jackson held that tho action of
the General Government should always be
strictly confined to the sphere of its appro
priate duties, ami justly ami lon ibly arced
that our t iovern meat is not to be main fam
ed nor our Union preserved “by invasions
of the rights ami powers ot the several
States, hi Lints attempting to mak" our
General Government strong, we make it
weak. Its true strength consists in leaving
individuals and Stales us much as possible
to themselves; in making itself felt, not in
its power, hut in its beneficence; not in
its control but in its protection; not in
binding the States more closely to the
centre, but leaving each to move unoh
structed in its proper constitutional orbit.”
These are the teacfiings of men whose deeds
und services have made them illustrious,
and who, long since withdrawn from the
scenes of life, have left to their country tin*
rich legacy of their example, their wisdom
ami their patriotism. Drawin : fresh in
spiration from their lessons, let us emulate
them in love of country and respect for the
Constitution and the laws.
Tho report oft lie Secret ary oil he Treasury
affords much information respecting the
revenue and commerce of the country. H is
views upon the currency, and with refer
ence to a proper adjustment of our revenue i
system, internal as well as impost, are com
mended to tho careful consideration ofCon
gress. In my last annual message 1 ex
pressed my generul views upon these sub
jects. I need now only call attention to
the necessity of carrying into every depart
ment of the Government a system of rigid
accountubillity, thorough 'retrenchment,
and wise economy. With no exceptional
nor unusual expenditures, the oppresive
burdens of taxation can la* lessened by
such a moditieation of our revenue laws as
will be consistent witli the public faith, and
the legitimate ami necessary wants of tic*
Government.
Thu report presents a much more satis
factory condition of our finances than one
year ago the most sanguine could have an
ticipated. During the fiscal year ending
the JOth of ,J line, IN*55, the last year of tin*
war, the public debt was Increased §6li,*
602,537, and on thc.'lNt of <)cn-bcr, Inil.’», it
amounted to $2,740,851,750. on UicJlst day
of October, 1806, it lmd been reduced to
$2,551,310,000, the diminution, during a per
iod of fourteen months, commencing Sep
tember 1, 1805, and ending October 31, 1*66,
having been $200,376,505. I n t he iast annual
report on the stale of the finances, it was
estimated that during the three quarters of
the fiscal year ending the 30th of June last,
the debt would bo increased $112,10-1,047.
During that period, however, It was red lie
■ ed $31,160,387, the receipts of the year hav
ing been $86,605,605 more, and llu* expend
, ilures $200,526,235 less than the estimates.
Nothing could more clearly indicate* than
these statements tin* extent and availability
of the national resources, and the rapidity
ami safety with which, under our form of
government, great military ami naval es
tablishments can be disbanded, and ex
ponses reduced from u war to a peace
footing.
During the tiseul year ending (in* :;oUi ol
June, iB6O, the receipts were $.'»55,032,020
and the expenditures $520,750,640, leaving
an available surplus of $37,281,080. It is
estimated that the receipts for the fiscal
year ending the Hutli June, ]so7, will be
$475,001,380, ami that the expenditures will
reach the sum of $316,428,07'', leaving in the
Treasury a surplus ot $158,033,30*. For the
fiscal year ending June Jo, In is, it is esti
mated that the receipts will amount to
§436,000,000, and that the expenditures will
be §350,247,0 11 —showing an excess of s*s,-
752,J0b in favor of the Government. 'These
estimated receipts may he diminished l>v a
reduction of excise mid import dm is; Pm
after all necessary reductions shall hu\e
been made, ihc revenue of the pn s ( -i,i m.d
of following years will doubtless bcsuili
cient to cover all legitimate charges upon
the'Treasury, and leave a large annual Mir
plus to he applied to the payment ul the
principal of the debt. There seems now to
i.o no good reason why taxes may not be
reduced as the country advances in popu
lation mid wcult h, und yet tlie debt la l ex
tinguished within the next quarter of a
century.
The report of tho Secretary of War fur
nishes valuable and important information
in reference to tin* operations of his Depart
ment during the past year. Few volun
teers now remain in the service, and they
are being discharged as rapidly as they run
bo replaced by regular troops! 'The army
has been promptly paid, carefully provided
with medical treatment, well sheltered and
subsisted, and is to be furnished wit .
brecch-louding small arms. The military
strength ofthu nation lias been unimpaired
by Hie discharge of volunteers, the dispo
sltlon ol unserviceable or perishable stores,
and the retrenchment of expenditure. Sul
tlcient war material to meet any emergency
has been retained, and, from the disbanded
volunteers standing ready to respond to
the nulioal call, largo armies uun bo rapidly
organized, equipped, ami concentrated.
Formications on the coast and frontier have
received, or are being prepared for more
powerful annamcnls; lake surveys and
harbor and river improvements i re In
course ot energetic prosecution. Prepare
tlonsjhavo been made lor the payment of the
additional bounties authorized din ing the
recent session of Congress, under such reg
illations as will protect tho Government
from fraud, ami secure to tho honorably
discharged soldier the well-earned reward
of his laithfulness undgullanlry. More than
six thousand maimed soldiers have received
arllllelal limbs or other surgical apparatus ;
and forty-one national cemeteries, contain
ing tho romalns of 10-1,526 Union soldiers.
have already been established. Thu total
estimate of military appropriations is $25,-
205,6(1U,
It Is stated In tho roport ot tho Secretary
of the Navy that the naval force at this
timo consists of two hundred and aoventy
olght vessels, armed with two thousand
three hundred and flfty onoguns. Of these,
one hundred i\pd flfteon vessols, currying
one thousand and twonty-nino guns,
tn voirmilHßlnn, distributed chiefly n »J O| |K
seven squadrons. Tho numbor of men in
Ihesorvfoo 1m thirteon thousand six hundred.
Great aottvlty and vlgllanoe buvo been dis
played by ull the Bquiui fonM i and their
movomontM have boon judioloutdy and off
uiuntly arranged In huoii mannor an would
boNt promote Amurlcun cominorce, und pw.
toot tne rights and Jntoreatx of our CQVtytry
men abroad; Tho vessels unemployed aro
undergoing repairs, or J are : laid up until
their services,may be required. Most of the
iron clad fleet le at League Island, In the
vicinity of Philadelphia, a pluce which,
until decisive action should be taken by
Congress, was selected by the Secretary of
the Navy as tho most eligible location for
that class of vessels. It is important that a
suitable public station should be provided
for tho iron-clad fleet. It is intended that
these vessels shall bo in proper condition
tor any emergency, and ii is desirable that
the bill accepting League Island for nnval
purposes, which passed the House of Repre
sentatives at its last session, should*receive
final anion at an early period, in ordortlmt
there may be u suitable public station li»r
this class of vessels, as wull as a navy-3'anl
of area sufficient for the wants of tho service
on tho Delaware river. Tho Naval Pension
fund amounts to §11,750,000, having been
increased §2,750,000 during tho year. The
expenditures of the Department for the 11m
cal year ending JOtli June last, were $43,-
324,526, and the estimates for tho coming
year amount to §23,568,436. Attention is
Invited to the condition of our seamen, and
the importance of legislative measures for
their relief and improvement. Tho Hug-'
gestions in behalf ot this deserving class of
our leliow-ritizens are earnestly recom
mended to the favorable attention of Con
gress.
The report of tho Postmaster General
presents a most satisfactory condition oftlie
postal service, and submits recommenda
tions which deserve tho consideration oi
Congress. 'The revenues of the Depart
ment tor the year ending June 30, 1866,
wero §14,386,086, and tho expenditures $15,-
352,076, showing an excess of tho latlPr ot
§065,063. In anticipation of this deficiency,
however, a special appropriation was macro
by Congress in tho act approved Jnlj'2B,
1866. Including thostaudingnppropriutiou
of §7oo,ii(Ki for free mail matter, as a legiti
mate portion of the revenues y»»t remaining
I unexpended, the actual deficiency for the
past year is only §.65,063—a sum within
§51,141 ol the amount est i mated in the annual
report of 1864. 'The decrease of revenue
compared with the previous year was one
ami ntic ii it li per cent., and the Increase of
expenditures, owing principally to the en
largement of the mail service In the South,
was twelve per cent. On the 30th of Juno
lasCthere were in operation six thousand
nine hundred and thirty mall routes, with
an aggregate length of one hundred and
eighty thousand nine hundred and twenty
one miles, an aggregate annual transpor
tation of seventy-one million eight
hundred and thirty seven thousand nine
hundred and fourteen miles, ami an aggre
gate annual cost, including all expendi
tures, of §s,llo, Ist. 'The length of railroad
routes is thirty-two thousand und ninety
two miles, and the annual transportation
thirty million .six hundred ami nine thous
and four hundred and "sixty-seven miles.
'The length of steamboat routes Is fourteen
thousand three hundred and miles,
ami the annual transportation three million
four hundred ami eleven thousand nine
hundred amt sixty two miles. Tho mail
service is rapidly increasing throughout
the whole country, and itssteudv extension
in tin* S >uthern Sfales indicates their con
stantly improving condition. Tim grow
ing importance of the foreign service also
merits attention. The Host Offee Donnrt
luenLnf Great Rritnin and our own have
agreed upon a preliminary basis for a new
Costal < ‘onventioti, which it is believed will
prove eminently beneficial to the commer
cial interests ofMho United States, inasmuch
as it contemplates a reduction of the inter
national letter postage to one half the ex
isting rales; a reduction of postage with all
oilier countries to and from which eorres
pondence is transmitted in the Hrilish mail,
or in closed mails through the United K tng
dom ; the establishment of uniform and
reasonable charges for the sea and terrilo
rial transit of correspondence in closed
mails ; and an nllowunceto each Host Oillco
Department of the right to use all mail com
munications established under the authority
of tho other for dispatch of correspondence,
either in open or closed mails, on tho same
terms as those applicable to the inhabitants
of the countr> providing the means ot trans
mission.
'The repot t of the Secretary oft he I nlerior
exhibits the condition of those branches of
llu l public service which are committed to
his supervision. During the lust fiscal year,
four million six hundred ami twenty-nine
thousand three blind rod and twelve acres ol
public land were disposed ot, one million
eight hundred and ninety-two thousand
live hummed and sixteen acres of which
were entered under the homestead act. The
policy originally adopted relative to the
public lands bus'umlergone essential modi
fications. Immediate revenue, and not
their rapid settlement, was the cardinal fea
ture of our land system. Long experience
and earnest discussion have resulted in the
conviction that the early development of
our agricultural resources, and the ditVu
sion of an energetic population over our
vast territory, are objects of far greater im
portance to', ihe'.nutiomdgrowth ami;prosnuri
tv than tlie proceeds of the sale of tho land
to the highest bidder in open market. The
pre-emption laws confer upon the pioneer
who complies with tlie terms they impose
the privilege of purchasing a limited por
tion of “unoffered lands” at the minimum
price. The homestead enactnieiits relieve
the settler from the payment of purchase
money, and seen re him a permanent home,
upon the condition of residence for a term
of years. 'This liberal policy invites cm 1
grulion from tho old, and from the more
crowded portions of the new world. Its
propitious results are undoubted, ami will
be more signally manifested when lime
shall have given to it a wider development.
Congress Ims made liberal grants of pub
lic land to corporations, in aid of tho con
struct ion of railroads ami other internal im
provements. should Mils policy hereafter
prevail, more stringent provisions will he
required to secure a faithful application of
the fund. 'l’hc title to the lands should not
pass, bv pah-ul or otherwise, but remain
in the Government and subject to Us con
trol until suurn portion of the road has been
actually built. Portions of them might
then, from time to lime, be conveyed to the
corporation, but never in a greater ratio to
tho whole quantity embraced by the grant
than the completed parts bear to tho entire
length of the projected Improvement. Tills
restriction would not operate to the preju
dice of any undcriaUlng conceived In good
faith ami executed with reasonable energy,
as it is the settled pnicileeto withdraw fiom
market the lands failing within the opera
tion ot Mich grants, and thus to exclude the
inception of a subsequent adverse right. A
breach of the conditions which Congress
tnav deem proper lo impose should work a
forfeiture of claim lo tlie lands so with
drawal hut mieutivo) cd, and of title lo the
lands conveyed which remain unsold.
< iperations on the several lines of the Pa
cific Uni road have been prosecuted with
unexampled vigor and success. Should no
uniorese i *n causes of delay occur, it is con
fident 1 v anticipated that this great thorough
fare will he completed before the .expiration
of the period designated by Congress,
During the last lUral year the amount
paid to pellsioeers, including the expense*
of disbursement, was thirteen million four
hundred and fifly-ume thousand nine hun
dred ami nineiy six dollars; and titty
thousand one hundred and seventy seven
names were added to the pension rolls,
'The etit ire mi tuber of pensioners, .) line 3u,
1866, was one hundred und twenty six
thousand seven hundred and twenty-two.
'This fuel furnishes melancholy ami strik
ing proof ol tlie sacrifices made to vindicate
the constitutional authority ol the Federal
Government, and to maintain inv’olate the
integrity ol the Union. They impose upon
us corresponding obligations. It is esti
mated that thirty-three million dollars will
be required to meet the exigencies of this
of this branch of the service during tlie
next ii •( a; year.
T, i:, In * IntW 111-ell con e! tl di-i 1 with tin-
I ..oi* wu. , i I.tired into armed opposition
ni • air Go\eminent ul the outbreak of the
rebellion, have unconditionally submitted
to our authority, mid nmnlfestvsl an earnest
desire for a renewal of friendly relations.
During the year ending Scptoudxir 30,
1 Mill, 8,716 patents for useful inventions
ami designs were issued, und ul that date
the balance in the Treusury to Mm credit of
tile Patent Mind was two hundred and
twenty-eight thousand two hundred and
ninety-seven dolhns.
As ii subject upon which depends an Im
mense amount of the prelection ami com
merce of the country, I recommend lo Con
gress Mich'legislatJon as may be necessary
for the preservation of Mm levels of the
Mississippi river. It is a matter of nuMnnul
Importance that early steps should betaken
not on 1 v to add to tlie ulfieleiioy of these
harriers' against destructive Inundations,
lait for Mm removal of all obstructions M>
Mm free and sale navigation of that great
channel nftrudo and commerce.
'Tim Mistrlct of Columbia, under existing
laws, is not entitled to that representation
in the National Councils which, from our
earliest history, Ims been uniformly ac
corded to each Territory established from
Mmo to time w ithin our limits. It main
tains peculiar relations to Congress, to
whom Mm ('onsUtuMon has granted the
power of exercising exclusive legislation
over the seat of government. Oi*r follow
elti/ciiN residing m the District, whose In
terests are thus confided to tlie special
guardianship of Congress, exceed In num
ber the population of sevoral of our Terri
tories, and no just reason Is perceived why
a delegate of their choice should not be ml
milled to a seat In tlie House of Represen
tatives. No mode seems so appropriate and
effectual of enabling them to mnko known
their necullur condition and wutitH, and of
securing the local legislation adapted lo
them. I therefore recommend the passage
of a law authorizing tho oloutorw of the Dis
trict oi Columbia Co chooHOu delegate, to be
allowed tho sumo rights and privileges ns »
dolegaio representing a Territory. Tho In
creasing enterprise and rapid progrotw. oC
Improvement in the District aro highly
gratifying, and I trust that tho cffortnoTtho
municipal authorities to promote the pros
perity of the national metropolis will re
ceive the off ctutffiuul generous ooopornthm
of Congress,
Tho report of tho Cotmulssfonor ol Agri
culture reviews tho operations of his De
partment during tho past year, cftid asks
tho aid of Congress in Itseffortstoeucourago
those States wideh, scourged by wur, aro
now earnestly engaged in tho reorganiza
tion domestic Industry,
It \h a subject of cobgrutulutlou that no-
Ibrulgu combinations against our dowostlg