gJtadfottl
Towanda, Thursday, December 6,1866.
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSARE.
We give the President's Message, to our
i- tiers, mire, to the exclusion of other
matters. It. will not be found particularly
interesting, the political part being a re
affirmation of his former views upon the
aduiissiou of Members of Congress.
£he President does not mention the Con
stitutional amendment, nor does he touch
up' n otr > important questions now before
the country.
['hose who have expected that the Presi
dent would bow to the popular will, as ex
pressed in the verdict at the late elections,
will look in vain for any symptom of BUCII
I\ timing reason. He is evidently bent
upon a stubborn unyielding persistence in
Hi - c nt-se h : has marked out, regardless
of t v:i• ce ot* the people, warning him to
________________
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
iiEI.IVKBET) TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS MONDAY,
DECEMBER 3, 1866.
F-.7 c-r!li:tns of the S- vite itrnl Ifoitse of Jirpresen
tulives:
After a brief interval the Congress of the
United States resumes its annual legisla
tive labors. An all-wise aud merciful Prov
idence lias abated the pestilence which vis
ited our shores, leaving its calamitous tra
ces upon some portions of our country.—
Peace, order, tranquility, and civil authori
ty have been declared to exist throughout
tin whole of the United States. In all of
tin- Stat, s civil authority has superseded
the coercion of arms, and the people, by
their voluntary action, are maintaining
their governments in full activity aud com
plete operation. The enforcement of the
laws is no longer "obstructed in any State
1} combinations too powerful to be sup-
I -.-sed by the ordinary course of judicial
p. i -endings;" aud the animosities en
gendered by the war are rapidly yielding
to the beneficent influences of our free in
! -itions, aud to the kiudly effects of un
.. sr.ricted social and commercial inter
course. An eutire restoration of fraternal
!'< el ng must be the earnest wish of every
patriotic heart ; and we will have accom
plished our grandest national achievement
when, forgetting the sa l events ot the past,
and remembering only their instinctive les
sons, we resume our onward career as a
free, prosperous, aud united people.
In my nessage oi the 4t;r of December,
1 Sos, (' -ogress was informed of the tueas
ii; c - which had been instituted by the Ex
ecutive with a view to the gradual resto
ruii u oi the States in which the insurrec
tion occurred to their relations with the
General Government. Provisional Gover
nors had been appointed, Conventions call
ed. Governors elected, Legislatures assem
bled, aud Senators and Representatives
oh .• ri to the Congress of the United
S 'lies. Courts had been opened for the
ei.i irc.cm- ut of laws long in abeyance The
blockade had been removed, custom houses
r<--established, and the internal revenue
laws put iu force, iu order that the people
might contribute to the national income.—
Pus al operations had been renewed, and
efi'rts were being made to restore them to
their former condition of efficiency. The
States themselves had been asked to take
port in the high Junction of amending the
Constitution, and of thus sar.cti ming the
e.v ! el ion of African Slavery as one of the
h gii muitc insults of our internecine strng
gle.
II iviitg progressed thus far, tie- Execu
tive Ik-pa. Ten-nt found thai if had accoin
oU-licd in u!y a!! that was within the scope
of bs Constitutional authority. One thing,
!. -a ever, yet remained to be doue before
tin w i kef restoration could l-e completed,
and that was the admission to Congress of
!. \1 S 'iiutors and Representatives f rom the
steles whose people had rebelled against
the lawful authority of the Genera! Gov
ernment. This question devolved upon the
nspective Houses, which, by the Constitu
tion, are made the judges of the elections,
returns, and qualifications of their own
in; 'nbers ; and its consideration at once en
ga-.-ed tlie attention of Congress.
In Die meantime, the Executive Depart
ment — no other plan having been proposed
by Congress—continued its efforts to per
fect, as far as was practicable, the restora
tion of the proper relations between the
cit zens of the respective States, the States,
and the Federal Government, extending
from time to time, as tiie public interests
seemed to require, the judicial, revenue,and
postal systems of the country. With the
advice and consent of the Sen ite, the ne
cessary officers were appoint, d, aud appro
priations made by Congress for the pay
ment I their salaries. The proposition to
• amend the Federal Constitution, so as to
prevent the existence of slavery within the
United States or any place subject to their
jurisdiction, was ratified by tiie requisite
number of States ; and on the Isth day of
December, 18G5, it was officially declared
to have become valid as a part *f the Con
stitution of the United States. All of the
Stat* s in which the insurrection had exist
ed promptly amended their Constitutions,
so a- to make them conform to the great
ch-.nge thus effected in the organic law of
tlu- land ; declared null and void all ordi
iianci s and laws of secession; repudiated
all pretend, d debts and obligations created
for the revolutionary purposes of insurrec
tion ; and proceeded, in good faith, to the
enactment of measures for the protection
and amelioration of the condition of the col
ored race. Congress, however, yet hesitat
ed to admit any of the States to represen
tation ; and it was not until the close of
the eight month of the session that an ex
ception was made in favor of Tennessee,
by the admission of her Senators and Rep- |
reseutatives.
I deem it a subject of profound regret I
that Congress has thus fur failed to admit j
loyal Senators aud Representatives from
the other States, whose inhabitants, with 1
those of Tennessee, had engagedjn the Re-'
hellion. Ten States—more than one-fourth I
of the whole number—remain without rep-1
resentation : the seats of fifty members in \
the House of Representatives and of twen- !
ty members in the Seriate are yet vacant— i
not by their own consent, not by a failure 1
o' election, but by the refusal of Congress '
to accept their credentials. Their admis- !
sit n, it is believed, would have accomplish- i
ed much towaid the renewal and strength-!
ening of our relations as one people, and
removed serious cause for discontent on j
llie part of the inhabitants of those States, i
It would have accorded with the great prin
ciple enunciated in the Declaration of
American Independence that no people
ought to bear tiro burden of taxation, and
yet be denied the right of representation.
It would have been iu consonance with the
express provisions of the Constitution that 1
"each State shall have at least one Repre
sentativo," and " that no State, without its
consent, shall bo deprived of its equal suf
frage in the Senate." These provisions
were intended to secure to every State, and
to the people of every State, the right of
representation in each House of Congress ;
and SJ important was it deemed by the
framers of the Constitution that the equali
ty of the States in the Senate should btt
preserved, that not even by an amendment
of the Constitution, can any State, without
its consent, be denied a voice in that branch
of the National Legislature.
It is true, it has been assumed that the
existence of the States was terminated by
the rebellious acts of their inhabitants, and
that the insurrection having been suppress
ed, they were thenceforward to be consid
ered merely as conquered territories. The
Legislative, Executive and Judicial De
partment of the Government, however,with
great distinctness and uniform consistency,
refused to sanction an assumption so in
compatible with the nature of our republi
can system, and with the professed objects
of the war. Throughout the recent legis
lation of Congress the undeniable fact
makes itself apparent, that these tun polit
cal communities are nothing less than
States of the Union. At the very commence
ment of the Rebellion, each House declar
ed, with a unauimity as remarkable as it
was significant, that the war was "not
waged, upon our part, in any spirit of op
pressiou, nor for any purpose of conquest
or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrow
ing or interfering with the rights or estab
lished institutions of those States, but to
defend and maintain the supremacy of the
Constitution and all laws made in pursu
ance thereof, and to preserve the Union
with all the dignity, equality, and rights
of the several States unimpaired ; and that
as soon as these objects" were "accom
plished, the war ought to cease." In some
instances, Senators were permitted to con
tinue their legislative functions, while in
other instances Representatives were elect
ed and admitted to seats after their States
had formally declared their right to with
draw from tne Union, and were endeavor
ing to maintain that right by f'oice of anus.
All of the States whose people were in in
surrection, as States, were included in the
apportionment of the direct tax of $20,000,-
000 annually laid upon the United States
by the act approved August 5, 1861. Con
gress by the act of March 4, 1862, and fv
the apportionment of representation there
under, also recognized their presence as
States in the Union ; and they have, for ju
dicial purposes, been divided into districts,
as States alone can be divided. The same
reeoguitiou appears in the recent legisla
tion in reference to Tennessee, which evi
dently rests upon the fact that the functions
of the State were not destroyed by the Re
bellion, but merely suspended; and that
principle is, of course, applicable to those
States which, like Teunessee, attempted to
renounce their places in the Union.
Tee action of the Executive Department
of the Government upon this subject has
been equally definite and uniform, and the
purpose of the war was specifically stated
in the Proclamation issued by my prede
c ssor on the 22d day of September, lsu2.
It was then solemnly proclaimed and de
clared that "hereafter, ss heretofore, the
war will bo prosecuted fur the object of
practically restoring the constitutional re
lati-n between the United Slates and each
of the States and the people thereof, in
j which States that relation is or maybe sus
pended or disturbed."
The recognition of the States by the Ju
dicial Department of the Government has
also been clear and conclusive in all pro
ceedings affecting them as States, in
the Supreme, Circuit, and District Courts.
In the admission of Senators and Repre
sentatives from any and all of the States,
there can be no just ground of apprehen
sion that persons who are disloyal will be
clothed with the powers of legislation ; for
this conld not happen when the Constitu
tion and the laws are enforced by a vigi
lant and faithful Congress. Each II >nse is
made the "judge of the elections, returns,
and qualifications > f its own members,"
t and may, " with the concurrence of two
| thirds, expel a member." When a Senator
j or Representative presents his certificate
I of election, he may at once be admitte t or
| rejected ; or, should there be any question
! as to eligibility, his credentials may be re
ferred for investigation to the appropriate
committee. If admitted to a seat, it must
be upon evidence satisfactory to tie' House
of which he thus becomes a member, that
he possesses the requisite constitutional
and legal qualifications. If refused admis
sion as a member for want of due allegi
ance to the Government, and returned to
his constituents, they are admonished that
none but persons loyal to the 1 nited States
will be allowed a voice in the Legislative
Councils of the Nation, and the political
power and moral influence of Congress are
thus effectively exerted in the interests of
loyalty to the Government and fi leiity to
the Union. Upon this question, so vitally
affecting the restoration of the Union and
the permanency of our present form of gov
ernment, my convictions,heretofore express
ed, have undergone no change ; bu , on the
contrary, their eorrectnesss has been con
firmed by reflection and time. If the ad
mission of loyal members to seats iu the
respective Houses of Congress was wise
and expedient a year ago, it is no less wise
and expedient now. If this anomalous con
dition is right now—it, iu the exact condi
tion of these States at the present time, it
is lawful to exclude them from representa
tion, I do not see that tiie question vviii be
changed by the efflux of time. Ten years
hence, if these States remain as they are,
the right of representation will be no
stronger —the right of exclusion will lie no
weaker.
The Constitution of the United States
makes it the duty of the President to n c
ommend 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 poli
cy, and equal justice, than the admission
of loyal members from the now unrepre
sented States. This would consummate
the work of restoration, and exert a most
salutary influence in the re-establishment
of peace, harmony and fraternal feeling. It
would tend greatly to renew the confidence
of tlfe American people in the vigor and '
stability of their institutions. It would
bind us more closely together as a na
tion, and enable us to show to the world 1
the inherent and recuperative power of a !
Government founded upon the will of the j
people* and established upon the principles
of liberty, justice and intelligence. Our in 1
creased strength and enhanced prosperity -
would irrefragably demonstrate the fallacy
of rhe arguments against free institutions
drawn from our recent national disorders :
by the enemies of republican government, j
The admission of loyal members from the
States now excluded from Congress, by al-1
laying doubt and apprehension, wonld turn
capital, now awaiting an opportunity for 1
investment, intd the channels of trade and i
industry. It would alleviate the present
troubled condition of those States, and, by j
inducing emigration, aid in the settlement
of fertile regions now uncultivated, and i
lead to an increased production of those
staples which have added so greatly to the j
wealth of the nation and commerce of the
world. New fields of enterprise would be
opened to our progressive people, and soon
tin; devastations of war would be repaired,
and all traces of our domestic differences
effaced from the minds of our countrymen.
In our efforts to preserve "the unity of
Government which constitutes us one peo
ple," by restoring the States to the condi
tion which they held prior the lebellion,
we should be cautious, lest, having rescu- ;
ed our nation from perils <J threatened dis
integration, we resort t> b<>m-"lidatiou, aud
in the end absolute despotism, as a remedy
for the re-cnrrence of similar troubles The
war having terminated, a.id witn it all oc
casion for the exercise oi pow rs of doubt
ful constitutionality, we should hasten to
bring legislation within the boundaries pre
scribed by the Constitution, aud to return
to the ancient landmarks established b\ i
our fathers for the guidance of succeeding
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 anji particular, wrong, let it
be corrected by an amendment in the way
!in which the Constitution d< -signates. But
| let there be no change by usurpation for
[ " it is the customary weapon by which free
i Governments are destroyed." Washington
I spoke these words to his countrymen,when,
| followed by their love and gratitude, he
I voluntarily retired from the cares of public
I fife. 'To keep in all things within the pale
I of our constitutional powers, and cherish
tee F deral Union as the only rock of safe
ty," were prescribed by Jefferson as rules
of action to endear to his " countrymen the
trne principles of their Constitution, aud
| promote a union of sentiment and action
j equally auspicious to their happiness and
j safety." Jackson lie-Id that the action of
' the General Government should always be
I strictly confined to the sphere of its appro
priate duties, and justly and forcibly urged
that our Government is not to be maintain
ed nor our Union preserved " by invasions
of the rights and powers of the several
States. In thus attempting to make our
| General Government strong, we make it
! weak. Its true strength consists in leaving
individuals and States as much as possible
to themselves ; in making itself felt, not in
its power, but in its beneficence ; not in
us control, but in its protection ; not in
binding the States more closely to the cen
tre, but leaving each to move unobstructed
in its proper constitutional orbit." These
I are the teachings of men whose deeds and
I srevices have made them illustrions, and
! who, long since withdrawn from the scenes
| of life, have left to their country the rich
! legacy of their example, their wisdom, and
! their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration
! from their lessons, let us emulate them in
love of country and respect for the Consti
tution and the laws.
The Report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury affords much information respecting
the revenue and commerce of the country.
His views upon the currency, and with inf
erence to a proper adjustment of our reve
nue system, internal as well as impost, are
! commended to the careful consideration of
' Congress. In rny last Annual Message 1
| expressed my general views upon these
; subjects. 1 need now only call attention
I to the necessity of carrying into every De
partment of the Government a system of
rigid accountability,thorough retrenchment,
and wise economy. With no exceptional
nor unusual expenditures, the oppressive
burdens of taxation can be lessened by
| such a modification of our revenue laws as
i will be consistent with the public faith,and
! the legitimate and necessary wants of the
! Government.
The report presents a much more eatisfac
-1 tory condition of our finances than one year
i ago the most sanguine could have antici
pated. During the fiscal year, ending the
i 30th June, 180-5, th.- last year of the war,
the public debt was increased $941,902,-
531, and on the 31st of October, 1865, it
i amounted to $2,740,854,750. On the 31st
I day of October, 1866, it had been reduced
j to $2,551,310,008, the diminution, during a
! period of 14 months, commencing Septeui
! iier 1, 1865, and ending October 31, 1806,
having been $200,379,565. In the last au-
I nual report ol the state of the finances, it
1 was estimated that during the three quar-
I ters of tiie fiscal year ending the 30th of
.June last, the debt would lie increased
' $112,194, 387. During that period, howev-
I or, it was reduced $31,190,387, the receipts
of Die year having been $89,905,509 more,
and the expenditures $200,529,235 less
than the estimates. Nothing could more
clearly indicate than these statements the
extent and availability of the national re
sources and the rapidity and safety with
whicli under our form of government, great
military and naval establishments can be
disbanded, and expenses reduced from a
. war to a peace looting,
i During the fiscal year ending the 30th of
.Tune, 1860, the receipts were $558,032,020,
; and the expenditures $520,750,948, leaving
|an available surplus of $37,281,080. It is
J estimated that the receipts for the fiscal
I year ending the 30th June, 1867, will be
$475,061,386, and that the expenditures will
j reach the sum of $310,428,078, leaving iu
the Treasury a surplus of $158,633,308. —
For the fiscal* year ending June 30, 1868, it
is estimated that the receipts will amount
to $436,000,000, and that the expenditures
will be $350,247,041 —showing an excess of
$85,752,359 in favor of the Government.—
These estimated receipts may be diminish
ed by a reduction of excise and import du
ties ; but after all necessary reductions
shall have been made, the revenue of the
present and of following years will doubt
less be sufficient to cover all legitimate char
ges upon the Treasury, and leave a large
annual surplus to be applied to Die pay
ment of the principal of the debt. There
seems now to be no good reason why taxes
may not be reduced as the country advan
ces in population and wealth, and yet tin
debt be extinguished within the next quar
ter of a century.
The report of the Secretary of War fnrn
-1 ishes valuable and important information in
reference to the operations of his Depart
ment during the past year. Few volunteers
now remain in the service, and they are be
ing discharged as rapidly as they can be
replaced by regular troops. The army has
been promptly paid, carefully provided
with medical treatment, well sheltered and
subsisted,and is to be furnished with breech
loading small arms. The military strength
of the nation has been unimpaired by the
discharge of volunteers, the disposition of
unserviceable or perishable stores, aud the
retrenchment of expenditury. Sufficient
war material to meet any emergency has
been retained, and, from the disbanded vol
unteers standing ready to respond to the
national call, large armies can be rapidly
organized, equipped, and concentrated.--
Fortifications on the coast and frontier have
received, or are being prepared for more
powerful armaments ; lake surveys and har
bor and river improvements are in course
of energetic prosecution. Preparations
have been made for the payment of the ad
ditional bounties authorized during the re
cent session of Congress, under such regu
lations as will protect the government,from
iraud, and secure to the honorably-dischar
ged soldier the well-earned reward of his
faithfulness and gallantry. More than six
thousand maimed soldiers have received ar
titic it limbs or other surgical apparatus ;
and forty-one national cemeteries, contain
ing- too remains of 104,526 Uuion soldiers,
have already been established. The total
estimate of military appropriations is $25,
205,669.
It is stated in the report of the Secretary
of tin- Navy that the naval force at this time
consists of 278 vessels, armed with 2,351
guns. Of these, 115 vessels, carrying 1,029
guns, are iu commission, distributed chielly
among seveu squadrons. The number of
men iu the service is 13,600. Great activ
ity wid vigilance have been displayed by all
the squadrons, and their movements have
b. en judiciously and efficiently arranged
iu sucli tii iiui i us would best promote Ame
n<- commerce, and protect the rights and
iutert si d our countrymen abroad. The
vessel.-* unemployed are undergoing repairs,
or ar> laid iu> until their services may be
required. Most of the iron-clad lleet is at
League Island, in the vicinity of Philadel
phia, a place which, until decisive action
should be taken by Congress, was selected
by the Secretary ol the Navy us the most
eligible location for that class of vessel's !
It is important that a suitable public eta
tiou should be provided for the iron-clad
fleet. It is intended that these vessels
should be in proper condition for any emer
gency, and it is desirable that the bill ac
cepting League Island for naval purposes,
which passed the House of Representatives
at its last session, should receive final ac
tion at an early period, in order that there
may be a suitable public station for this
class of vessels, as well as a navy-yard of
.area sufficient for the wants of the service,
on the Delaware river. The Naval Pension
t fund amounts to $11,750,000, having lu en
increased $2,760,000 during the year. The
expenditures of the Department for the fisi
[ cal year ending 30th June last were $43,
328,526, and the estimates for the coming
j 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. The sugges
\ tions iu behalf of this deserving class of onr
' fellow-citizens are earnestly recommended
to the favorable attention of Congress.
The report of the Postmaster Genera!
i presents a most satisfactory condition of
i the postal service, and submits recomnnu
-1 dations which deserve the consideration of
I Congress. The revenues for the Depart
ment for the year ending June 30, 1866,
were $14,386-,086, and the expenditures $b r >,
351,079, showing- an excess of the latter of
$965,003. In anticipation of this deficien
cy, however, a special appropriation was
made by Congress in the act approved July
28, .866. Including the standing appro
priation of $700,000 for free mail matter, as
a legitimate portion of the revenues yet
remaining unexpended, the actual deficien
cy for the past year is only $265,093 —a
sum within $51,141 ot the amount estima
ted iu the annual report of 1864. The de
crease of revenue, compared with the pre
vious year, was one-fifth per cent, and the
increase of expenditures, owing principally
to the enlargement of the mail service in
the South, *as twelve per cent. On the
30th of June last there were iu operation
! six thousand nine hundred and thirty maii
I routes, with an aggregate length of ue
i hundred and eighty thousand nine huudrt d
and twenty-one miles, an aggregate annual
transportation of seventy-one million eight
hundred and thirty-seven thousand nine
hundred and fourteen miles, and an aggre
gate annual cost,including all expenditures,
of $8,410,184. The length of railroad routes
is thirty two thousand and ninety-two miles,
and the annual transportation thirty million
six hundred and nine thousand foar hun
dred and sixty-seven miles. The length of
steambrtat routes is fourteen thousand three
hundred and forty-six miles, and the annual
transportation three million four hundred
and elevi n thousand nine hundred and six
ty-two miles. The mail service is rapidly
increasing throughout the whole country,
i and its steady extension in the Southern
i States indicates their constantly improving
j condition. The growing importance of the
I foreign service also, merits attention. The
! Post-Office Department of Great Britain and
our own have agreed upon a preliminary
basis for a new Postal Convention, which it
is believed will prove eminently beneficial
to the commercial interests of the United
States, inasmuch as it contemplates a re
duction of the international letter postage
to one-half the existing rates ; u reduction
of postage with all other countries to and
from which correspondence is transmitted
in the British mail,or in closed mails through
the United Kingdom ; the establishment of
uniform and reasonable charges lor the sea
and territorial transit of correspondence in
closed mails ; and an allowance iu each
Post-Office Department of the right to use
all mail communications established under
the authority of the other for the dispatch
of correspoudenc, either in open or closed
mails, on the terms as those applicable to
the inhabitants of the country providing
the means of transmission.
The report of the Secretary of the Inte
rior exhibits the condition of those branch
es of the public service which are commit
ted to iiis supervision. During the last fis
cal year, 4,029,312 acres oi public laud
were disposed of, 1,892,516 acres of which
w ere entered under the Homestead act.—
The policy originally adopted relative to
the public lands has undergone essential
modifications. Immediate revenue, and not
their rapid settlement, was the cardiual fea
ture of our land system. Long experience
and earnest discussion have resulted in the
conviction that the early development of
our agricultural resources,aud the diffusion
of a energetic population over our vast ter
ritory,are objects of far greater importance
to the national growth and prosperity than
the proceeds of the 6ale of the land to the
highest bidder in open market. The pre
emption laws confer upon the pioneer who
complies with the terms they impose the
privilege of purchasing a limited portion of
"uuoffered lauds" at the minimum price.—
The homestead enactments relieve the set
tler from the payment of purchase mosey,
arid secure him a permanent home,upon the
condition of residence for a term of years, j
This liberal policy invites emigration from
the old,and from the more crowded portions
of the new world. Its propitious results
are undoubted, aud will be more signally
manifested when time shall have given to
it a wider development.
Congress has made liberal grants of pub
lic land to corporations in aid of the con
struction of railroads and other internal
improvements. Should this policy hereaf
ter prevail, more stringent provisions will
be required to secure a faithful application
of the fund. The title to the land should
not pass, by patent or otherwise, but re
main in the Government and subject to its
control until some portion of the road has
been actually built. Portions of them might
then, from time to time, lie conveyed to the
coporation, but never in a greater ratio to
the whole quantity embraced by the grant
than the completed parts hear to the entire
length of the projected improvement. This
restriction would not oberate to the preju
dice of any undertaking conceived in good
faith and executed with sonable energy, as
it is the settled practice to withdraw from
market the lands falling within the opera
tion of such grants, and thus to exclude the
inception of a subt-equrnt adverse right.—
A breach of the conditions which Congress
may deem proper to impose should work a
forfeiture of claims to the lands so with
drawn hut uucenveyt'd, and ol title to the
lauds c< nveyed which remain unsold.
Operations on the several lines of the Pa
cific Railroad have been prosecuted with
unexinipled vigor and success. Should no
unforeseen causes of delay occur, it is con
fidently. anticipated that this great thur
oughfare will be completed before the expi
ration of the period designated bv Congress.
During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioners, including the expenses
of disbursement, was $13,457,91)6, and 50,-
•177 name* were added to the pension rolls.
The entire number of pensioners, June 30,
1800, was 126,722. This fact furnishes
melancholy and striking proof of the sacri
fices made to vindicate the c
authority of the Federal Government, and
to maintain inviolate the integrity of the
Union. They impose upon us correspond
ing obligations. It is estimated that $33,-
000,000 will be required to meet the exigen
cies of this branch of the service during the
next fiscal year.
Treaties have been concluded with the
Indians who, enticed into armed opposition
to our Government at the outbreak of the
Rebellion, have unconditionally submitted
to our authority, and manifested an earnest
desire for a renewal of our friendly rela
tions.
During the year ending September 30,
1866, s,7I(J patents for useful iuvehli us
! and designs were issued, and at that date
I the balance in the Treasury to the ere lit of
' the Patent fund was $218,207.
■ As a subject upon which depends an irn
! mense amount of the production and com
! merce of the country, I recommend to Con
gress such legislation as may be uccess u y
; for the preservation of the levees of the
! Mississippi river. It is a matter of national
j importance that early steps should be taken
not only to add to the efficiency of these
! barriers against destructive inundations,
: but for the removal of all obstructions to
the free and safe navigation of that great
channel of trade and commerce.
Toe District- of Columbia, under existing
I laws, is not entitled to that representation
! in the National C .iiucds which, from our
earliest history, has been uniformly accord
ed to each Territory established from time
to time within our limits. It uiaintaius pe
| cuiiar relations to Congress, to whom the
j Constitution lias granted the power of exer
cising exclusive legislation over the seat of
government. Our fellow-citizens residing
iu the District,whose interests are thus con
fided to the special guaruainship of Con
gress, exceed in number the population of
several of our Territories, and no just n i
sou is perceived why a delegate of their
choice should not be admitted to a so at in
the House of Representatives. No modo
seems so appropriate and effectual of ena
bling them to make known tin ir peculiar
condition ami wants, and of s< curing the
local legislation adopted to them. I there
fore recommend the passage of a law au
thorizing the electors of the District of Col
umbia to choose a delegate, to be allowed
| the same righ's and privileges as a dele
j gate representing a Territory Tin- increas
ing enterprise and rapid progress of im
' provcinent iii the District are highly grali
i lying, and I trust that the efforts of the
municipal audi untie to promote the pros
perity of the national n.etivp dis v iii re
ceive the efficient and generous coup ration
of Congress.
It is a subject of congratulation that uo
foreign combinations against our domestic
peace and Safety, or our legitimate influ
ence among the nations, have been formed
or attempted. While sentiments of recon
ciliation, loyalty and patriotism have in
creased at home, a more just consideration
of our national character and rights lias
been manifested by foreign nations.
The entire success of the Atlantic Tele
graph between the coast of Ireland and
the Province of Newfoundland is an ach
ievement which has been justly celebrated
iu both hemispheres as the opening of an
era in the progress of civilization. There
is reason to expect that equal success will
attend, and even greater results follow,
the enterprise for connecting the two Con
tinents through the Pacilic Ocean by the
projected line of telegraph between Kaui
schatka and the Russian Possessions in
America.
The resolution of Congress protesting
against pardons by foreign Governments
ol persons convicted oi infamous offences,
on condition of emigration to our country,
has been communicated to the States with
which we maintain intercourse, and the
practice, so justly the subject of complaint
on our part, has not been renewed.
The congratulations of Congress to the
Emperor of Russia, upon his escape from
attempted assasiuatiou, have been present
ed to that humane and eulighteued ruler,
and received by him with expressions of
grateful appreciation.
The Executive, warned of an attempt by
Spanish American adventuaers to induce
the emigration of freediuen of the United
States to a foreign country, protested
against the project as one which, if con
summated, would reduce them to a bond
age even more oppressive than that from
which they have just been relieved. Assur
ance lias been received from the Govern
ment ot the State, in which the plan was
matured, that the procei ting will meet
its encouragement nor approval. It is a
question worthy of your consideration
whether our laws upon the subject are ad
equate to the prevention or punishment of
the crime thus meditated
In the month of April last Congress is
aware, a friendly arrangement was made
between the Emperor of France and the
President of the United States for the
withdrawal from Mexico of the French ex
peditionary forces. This withdrawal was
to he effected in three detachments,the first
of which, it was understood, would leave
Mexico in November, now past, the second
in March next, and the third and last in
November, 1807. Immediately upon the
completion of the evacuation, the French
Government was to assume the same atti
tude of non-intervention, in regard to Mex
ico, as i • held by the Government of the
United States Repeated assurances have
been given by the Emperor, since that
agreement, that he would complete the
promised evacuation within the period men
tioned, or sooner.
It was reasonably expected that the pro
ceedings thus contemplated would produce
a crisis of great political interest in the
Republic of Mexico. The newly-appointed
Minister of the United States, Mr. Camp
bell, was therefore sent forward, on the 9th
day of November last, to assume his prop
er functions as Minister Plenipotentiary of
the United States to that Republic It was
also thought expedient that he should be
attended in the vicinity of Mexico by the '
Lientenant-General of" the Army of the
United Mates, with the view of obtaining
such information as might be important to
determine the course to be pursued by the
United States in re-establishing and main
taining necessary and proper intercourse
with the Republic of Mexico. Deeply in-'
terested in the cause of humanity, it seem- j
e<l mi obvious duty on our part to exercise
whatever influence we possess.-d bid the
restoration and permanent crtablishtm nt
in that country of a domestic and repnb
lieau form of government
Such wan the condition of nfl.iirs in re
gard to Mexico,when on the 22d of Novom
ber last official information v.-as receiv •'
from Paris that the Emperor of France had
sonic time before decided ii"t to witlnltav.
a detachment of his forces in the month of
November past, according to engagement,
but that this decision was made with the
purpose of wtyhdi awing the whole of those
forces in the ensuing spring Of this de
termination, however, the 1 nited States
had not received any notice or intimation ;
and, 80 soon as the information was receiv
ed Ly the Government, care was taken to
make known its dissent to th" Emperor of
France.
I cannot foregoe the hope that France
will reconsider the subject, and adopt
some resolution in regard to the evacua
tion of Mexico which will conform as ncar
-1 ly as [practicable with the existing cngage
! mcnt, and thus meet the just expectations
; tf the United States. The papers relating
! to the subject will be laid before you. It
is believed that, with the evacuation of
Mexico by the expeditionary forces, no
I subject for serious differences between
France and the United States wpiubl re
main. The expressions of the Emperor
| and people of France warrant a hope that
! the- traditionary frieudsbip between .the
two countries might in that case be re
j newed and permanently restored.
A claim of a citizen of the United States
i for indemnity for spoliations committed on
! ihe high seas by the French authorities, in
1 the exercise of a belligerent power against
i Mexico, has been met by the Government
| of France with a proposition 1o defer settie
j ment until a mutual convention for the ad
I justinent of all claims of citizens and sub-
I jects of both countries, arising out of the
j recent wars on this Continent, shall be
agreed upon by the two countries. The
suggestion is not deemed unreasonable,
but it belongs to Congress to direct the
manner in which claims for indemnity by
foreigners, as well as by citizens of the
United States, arising out of the late civil
! war, shall be adjudicated and determined,
j I have no doubt that the subject of all
! such claims will engage your attention at
| a convenient and proper time.
It is a matter of regret that no consider
j able advance has been made towards an
i adjustment of the differences between the
United States and Great Britain, arising
j out of the depredations upon our national
! commerce and other trespasses committed
' by British subjects, in violation ot inter
i national law and ti uty obligations. The
. d—lay, however, may be believed to have
rci-ultod hi no small degree from the do
ne-.-lie situation of Great Britain. An
i entire <-iiange of ministry occurred in that
j country during the last session of Parlia
ment The attent on of the new ministry
] was called to 'he subject at an early day,
and there is some reason to expect that it
! will now be r msidercd in a becoming and
friend y spirit. The. importance of an ear
' ly disposition • f rlie question cannot be ex
aggerated. Whatever ui'ght be the wish
i es of the Governments, it is manifest that
j good-will and friendship between the two
I countries cannot be established until a re
j ciprucity, in the practice of good-faith and
, neutrality, shall be restored between the
, respective nations.
On the oth of June last, in violation of
; our neutrality laws, a military expedition
j and enterprise against the British North
j American Colonies was projected and at
(tempted to be carried on within the terri
' tory and jurisdiction of the United States,
t In obedience to the obligation imposed up
j OD the Executive by the Constitution, to
: see that tin* lews are faithfully executed,
all citizens were warned, by proclamation,
; against taking part in or aiding such un
j lawful proceedings, and the proper civil,
military, and naval officers were directed
; to take all necessary measures for the en
j forcemeat of the laws. The expedition
j lulled, but it has not been without its paiu
! ful consequences. Some of our citizeus
1 who, it was alleged, were engaged in the
j expedition, were captured, and have been
' brought to trial, as for a capital offense,
]in the Provirce of Canada. Judgment
! and sentence of death have been pronounc
j od against some, while others have been
acquitted. Fully believing in the maxim
of Government, that severity of civil puu
ishment for misguided persons who have
j engaged in revolutionary attempts which
| have disastrously failed, is unsound and
j unwise, such representations haviug been
! made to the British Government, in behalf
| of the convicted persons, as, being sustain
!ed by an enlightened and humane
judgment, will, it is hoped, induce
i i their cases an exercise of clemency, and
a judicious amnesty to all who were en
gaged in the movement. Counsel has been
employed by the Government to defend
citizens of the United States ou trial for
capita! offences in Canada ; and a discon
tinuance of the prosecutions which were
instituted in the courts of the United States
against those who took part in the expe-
I dition, has been directed.
I have regarded the expedition as not
I only political in its nature, but as also in a
i great measure foreign from the United
j States in its causes, character, and objects.
| The attempt was understood to be made in
! sympathy with an insurgent party in Ire
; land, and, by striking at a British Province
j on this Continent was designed to aid in
■ obtaining redress for political grievances
I which, it was assnm d the people of Ire
-1 land had suffered at the hands sf the Brit
ish Government during a period of several
centuries. The persons engaged in it were
chiefly natives of that country, some of
whom had, while others had not, become
citizens of the United States under our
general laws of naturalization. Complaints
of misgovernment in Ireland continually
engage the attention of the British nation,
and so great an agitation is now prevail
ing in Ireland that the British Government
have deemed it necessary to suspend the
writ of habeas corpus in that country. These
circumstances must necessarily modify the
opinion which we might otherwise have en
tertained in regard to an expedition ex
pressly prohibited by our neutrality laws.
So long as those laws remain upon our
statute-books, they should be faithfully ex
ecuted, and if they operate harshly, un
justly, or oppressively. Congress alone
can apply the remedy, by their modification
or repeal.
Political and commercial interests of the
United States are not unlikely to be affec- 1
ted in some degree by JJevents which are
transpiring in the eastern region* of Eu-1
rope, and the time seems to have come,
when our Government ought to have a
proper diplomatic representation in Greece.
This Government has claimed for all per-!
sons not convicted, or accused, or suspect
ed of crime, an absolute political right of
self-expatriation, and a choice of new na
tional allegiance. Most of the European
States have dissented from this principle,
and have claimed a right to hold such of
their subjects as have immigrated to and
been naturalized in the United States, and
afterwards returned on transient visits to j
their native countries, to the performance I
of military srrviei* in like manner an ri>si
• icn subjects. Complaints arising from
th- claim in thi- respect made by Foreign
S'a'• : 'vi- h.-ietofore been matters "if
l onui'versy between the United Stat'-s im|
some of the European Powers, n !r- ...
i"' 1 ' uon m ipient upon the failun- n, * . t .
ill 'hi- quest I HI increased during the war
iii w ell l'i u.-> ii, Italy, and Austria wi re
lec-nily engaged While Great Britain
has never acknowledged the right of expa
triation, she has not practically insisted
upon it. France has been equally forbear
ing ; and Prussia has proposed a compro
mise, which, although evincing increased
liberality, has not been accepted l>v the
1 nited States. Peace is now prevailing
everywhere in Europe, and the presold
seems to be a favorable time for an asser
tion by Congress of the principle, so long
maintained by the Executive Department,
that naturalization by one State fully eX
ernpts the native-born subject of any other
State from the performance of military ser
vice under any foreign Government, HO long
as he does not voluntarily renounce its
rights and benefits.
In the performance of a duty imposed
upon me by the Constitution, 1 have thus
submitted to the Representatives the
States and of the People such information
of our domestic and foreign affairs as the
' public interests seera to require. Our Gov
ernment is now undergoing its most trying
■ ordeal, and rny earnest prayer is, that tin*
| peril may be successfully and finally pass
ed, without impairing its original strong h
I and symmetry. The interests of the nation
j are best to be promoted by the revival of
| fraternal relations, the complete oblitera
tion of our past differences, and the re in
augnration of all the pursuits of peace
I Directing our efforts to the early KCO.U,-
j plishmeut of these great ends, It-t us en
deavor to preserve harmony between the
co-ordinate Departments of the Govern
ment. that each in its proper sphere mav
cordially co-operate with the other in se
curing the maintenance of the Constitution,
the preservation of the Union, and the per
petuity of our free ins'i'utions.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, December 3, 18G6.
Nero
IpOR SALE.—A House and Lot on Main
Street in Towanda. For terms inquire o! J. (J.
j Patten, or the subscriber. W. PATTON
Towanda, 1/ee. 3, 1866.—4t.
I) % "• kFAP F,
! Watch Maker and Dealer in (tents and Ladies Wat<-hi*
Chains and Finger Rings, Clocks, Jewelry, Cold I Hl*
j Spectacles, Silver ware, Plated ware, Roilo-v wan-',
j Thimbles, Sewing Machines, and otiier go als hei'.ng
ing to a Jewelry Store.
Perticuiar attention paid to Repairing, at his old
place near the Post Office, Waverly, N\ y.
Dec. 3,1868—ti.
t "VTOTICE is hereby given that the Arum .1
I It Meeting of the Stockholders of the First Natim
| al Dank of Towanda, tor the election of Directors, w
j he held at the Hankiug House, in Towanda, Tuei- i i,
January 8. 1*67, between the hours ol i and .! p. n.
N. N. BETT.-I, JR.,
Dec. 4, 1866. Casi-ier.
j rjIHE Stockholders of the Towanda Brid • ;■
J. Company are hereby not ified ihat an election will
| be held at the First National Bank, Towanda, Pa .
j Wednesday, January 2, 1867, between the hours >! i
i and 3, p. tn..for a President, Six Managers and a Too
j surer, to serve th • ensuing vear.
N. N. BETTS, Jr..
j Dee. 3, 1866. Secretary.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.- Miss STELLA
X llall would inlorin the public that she proposes
giving instruction upon the Piano, and th :t having
paid especial attention to the principles of Music, she
feels confident of giving entire satisfactmn ia the ad
vancement in musical attainment of any who may be
] placed under her charge. Terms—l 2 lessons and use
jof instrument Sl2 ; without use of instrument SiO.
i Residence two doors north of Dr. Ladd's.
; Towanda, Dec. 3,1866—tf.
I "FISH AND OYSTER DEPOT
BRIDGE STBEET TOWANDA, PA.
C. M. A: O. I). GOODENOUGH, Pp.or'Rs.
Hotels, Families, Saloons, Ac., supplied with fresh and
salt water FLh, splendid Baltimore Oysters, Clams, Ac.
cheaper than any other place in the country.
Also OYSTER SALOON and FARMER'S LUNCH
Everything first class. Patronage respectfully solicited.
Towanda, Nov. 15,1866.—wtf.
Q. 00 D CUSTOM BOOT S,
And a new mippty of Women's Shoe s,
CHEAP FOR CASH, AT E. R. BROWN'S,
ORlt'ELf., PA.
Sept. 28.1866.
ER I E R A I L W A Y .
On and after Monday Nov. 19th, 1866, Trains will
i leave Waverly. at about the following hours, viz
GOING WN.ST.
5:29 a. m., Night Express, Mondays excepted, for
Rochester, Buffalo , Salamanca and Dunkirk, maki di
rect connections with trains of the Atlantic and ■ it
Western, Lake Shore and Grand Trnnk Railways, for all
points West; also at Ehnira for Canandaigua.
*5:58 a.m., Lightning Express. Daily, forßochestei
Buffalo, Salamsnca, Dunkirk and the West, connecting
as above.
8:28 a. m , Mail Train, Sundays excepted, for Flnflalo
and Dunkirk, connecriug at Elmira for Canandaigua.
2:57 p.m., Emigrant Train, Daily, for the West.
3:37 p. m., Elmira Accommodation, Sundays excep
ted.
6:05 p. m., Day Express, Sundays excepted, for Roch
ester, Buflalo. Salamanca, Dunkirk and the West. Con
nects at Elmira for Canandaigua ; at Salamanca with
the Atlantic and Great Western Railway, and at Buffalo
with the Lake Shore and Grand Trunk Railways, for all
points West or South.
10:33 p.m., Express Mail, Sundays excepted, for
Buffalo, Salamanca and Dunkirk, connecting with trains
for the West.
8 40 Way Freight. Sundays excepted.
*Stjps at Waverly on Mondays only.
GOING EAST.
5:11 a.m., Cincinnati Express, Mondays excepted, .
connecting at Owego lor lth-ea ; at Binghamton for
Syracuse : at Great Bend for Scranton and Philadel
phia : at Lackawaxea for Hawley, and at Gray court for
Newburg and Warwick.
1:13 p. m., Accommodation train, daily.
8:5 ! a. m., Bingbaniton Accommodation, Sundays ex
oepted
11:57 a. m., Day Express, Sundays excepted, connec
ting at Binghamton for Syracuse; at Gt. Bend for Scran
ton: at Ldckawaxea for Hawley ; and at Jersey City
wi;h midnight express train of New Jersey Railroad lor
Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.
6:15 p. in.. New York and Baltimore Mail, Sundays
. excepted.
8:23 p m., Lightning Express. Sundays excepted con
necting at Jersey City with morning express trim of
New Jersey Railroad lor Baltimore and Washington,and
at New York with morning express traius for Boston
and the East.
1:33 a. m., Night Express, Daily, connecting a'
Grayoourt for Warwick ; and at New York with after
noon trains and steamers for Boston and New Enghind
cities.
4.33 Way Freight, Sundays excepted.
WM. R. BARK, H. RIDDLE.
Gcn'l Pass Ag't, New-York. Gen'l. Sup't.
QHEAP PASSAGE FROM OR TO
IRELAND OR ENGLAND !
GUIONJ&.CO.'s LINE OF STEAMSHIPS FROM *OB TO.QFKENS
TOWN OB LIVERPOOL .
Williams A Guion's old "Black Star Line" ol Liver
]ii ol Packets, sailing"every week.
Swallow-tail Line of Packets from or to London, sail
ing twice a montti.
Remittances to England,lrolan d and .Scotland, pay
able on demand.
For farther particulars, apply to Will ams A Guion
29 Broadway,'New-Yor, , or
G. F. MASON A CO., Bankers,
Oct. 1, 1806. Towanda,Pa,
(CAUTION. —Whereas, my wife Phoebe
J has left my bed and iioard without just cause or
provocation. I hereby forbid any person trusting her on
my account, as I will pay no debts of her contacting
after this date. T, H. SHAW.
ULter, Nov. '25,1866—4w.*
DOCTOR CHAS. P. PAlNE.— onice in
GORE'S Drug Store, Towanda, Pa, Calls prompt
ly attended to at all hours. Nov. 28, '66.
A DMINISTIIATOR'S NOTICK.-Notice is
** hereby given, that all persons indebted to the es
tate of DAVID SHORES, late of Wysox twp., dee'd.
are requested to make immediate payment, and those
having claims against said estate will present them duly
authenticated tor settlement.
W. M. SHORES.
URBAN SHORES,
Nov. 28,1866. Administrators
MUSIC, OR ANY OTHER ARTICLE
in our line, ordered at short notice, by calling at
the NEWSROOM