2HM OF TI1K 'AJIEKICAJr.
ERM9 TWO DOLLARS per una. $i 0 If
pU wlthla the ;w. No jpr 4iMonllnud
U alt arrearage paid,
he. term! will bs sU-totly adheres to hereafter.
riubeorihar negleetor refuse take their new.
r froa the offio to which the; If directed, they
rwpuDiiU until they hm settled th billi and
trtd them dicocattnaed.
osUnaetert will pleae set as oar Agents, ud
ik letter eontalninf subscription money. The
permitted to do this ander tbe Pest OBee Law.
JOS palKTXHO.
e have connected wltk oar establishment a well
Mtod JOS OFFICE, which will enable o to
Mate, In ths oeatert style, attry variety of
isting
TF.U.HS of aovk;ktihiu
Onesqnsrsof 10 line, onetiuti fl CO
Erery lubteqaent Insertion, - ftfi
On sqnare, I month, 4 OA
Bix months, A tit)
One year, 10 00
Executor and Administrators notices J
Auditor notieea, ' DO
Bnsineas Cardi of J line, poi nnnun:, S S
Merchants and other. advertising by the year
with the privilege of chaagbg quarterly,
follows :
One Quarter eolumn. tint avennritn i onm,,.,. ftfl
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING, BY H. B. MASSjlR & E. WILVERT, SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENN'A,
On half column, not xoediug it squares, Si 09
viio bi.iuiuu, Ml (0V
Editorial or local advctinlnir. anv nnmher of in
not exceeding ten. 20 onli tor lin 10 iumi fa
every additional line.
Marriage notice, SO cent.
Obituaries or resolution aooompanyiEg notices 9
death., 10 oontj per line.
NEW SERIES, VOL. 2, NO. 11.
SATURDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 10, 1865.
OLD SERIES, VOL. 26, NO. 11.
SUIBUBI
" . ' : ' ' i 1 1
IMERICAN
BALTIMORE
LOCK HOSPITAL.
ITABLISHKD ASA REFUGE 1011 QUACK'
KRV.
'IE ONLY PLACE WHERE A CURS
CAN BE OBTAINED.
)R. J0I1XST0N bai discovered tho moat Certain,
Sredv and only Kffectnal Remedy in the
arid for all Private Diaeaaee, Weakneesof theBaok
I.imhi. Strictures. Affections of the Kidney, aud
adder. Involuntary Discharges, I m potency, Uene
(Debility, Nervousness, Dyspepsy, Lang-uor, Low
irits, Confusion of Ideas, Palpitation of the Heart,
inidity, Tremblings. Diaineaaof Sight or Uiddineas,
sease or the Head. Throat, Noae or skin, Affections
th. I.Ivor T.unira. Slomaoh or Bowels thoao Terri-
l Disorder, ariaing from the 6elitary iUUta of
mth thoao secret and solitary practices more raiai
k.ir victim, than the sonir of Svren to the Ma
ters of Ulysses, blighting their most brilliant hopes
anticipations, rendering marriage, an., luipvwi-
' . YOi;SiOJIEJI ,
pecLTly, eho have become the Tictims of Solitary
.1 .ivAtir.il mnA detractive habit which
nu'ally sweep to an untimely grave thousands of
jung Men ot the tuost exalted laieni. auu oruiiam
tellcct, who might otherwise have entranced listen
g Semites with tho thunders of eloquence or waked
ecstaty the living lyre, may -call with full cou
once. Married Persons, -or Young Men contemplating
arriugo, being aware of phy.ical weakness, organic
djilitv, deformities, 4c.,epoedily cured.
Ho who places himaelf under tbecare of Or. J.
ay roligioualy confide in his 'honor ae a gentleman,
id confidently relv upon his skill ae a Physician.
OlIUAMC WEAIUKNS
nmediately Cured, and Full Vigor Restored.
This Distressing Affection which renders LMe
isernble and marriage impossible is the penalty
.id by the victims of improper indulgences. Young
raons are too apt to commit exceases from not
iiijr awnre of the dreadful consoquences that may
auo Now, who that understands tho subject will
utend to dotty that the power of procreation is lost
oner by tboae falling into improper habits than by
c-prpdent' Beaidcs being deprived tho plcaaures
healthy offspring, the moat serious and destructive
mptanis to both body and mind arise. The system
icuw m Deranged, the Physical and Mental Kuno
jn WeakeneA, Loa of Procreativo Power, Nervous
ritability. Dyspepsia, Palpitation of the Heart.
idit!Ction, Con.titutiunal Debility, a astlng of
e Frame, Cough, Consumption, Decay and Death,
illieo, 'o. T Mouth Fredcrlclt Hlroel
eft hand sida going from Baltimore street, a few
wrs from the corner. Fail sot to obsurve uauie
id number. .
Letters must be paid and contain a stamp- The
octor'a Diplomas huug iu bis office.
k IIIEIJ WAItnATED HTHO
IK4VN.
A Mertvry or Nauitoui Drugt. ,
Ilt. JOII.-XNTO.
tember of the Royal College of Surgeon, Leaden,
raduate from one of the most eminent Colleges in
to United s)tatea, and the greater part of wtxwe fife
as been speut in the hoapitals of Londaa-, Pane,
hiladelpbia and elsewhere, has effected enaie of
ic most astonishing, cures that wore ever known ;
any troubled with rimrinc in the head and ears
hen asleep, great nervousness, being al.rened at
iddcn sounds, baahfulnesa, with frequent blushing.
(tended sometimes with derangement of mind, were
ured immediately.
VAMiV PAKTHI LAn OXlH.
Dr. J. addresses all those wbo have injured them,
slvcs by improper indulgence and solitary habits,
'liich ruin both body and mind, unfitting them for
ither business, study, society or marriage
Tnxae are some of the ami and melancholy effects
roduced by early habits of youth, vis: Weakness of
He Back and Limbs, Pains in the Head.Dimnecsof
!ight, Loss of Muscular Power, Palpitation of the
30art, Dyspepey, Nervous Irritability. Derangement
f the Diguetive Functions, Ueneral Debility, Syrup
cm. of Consumption, Ac
Mektallv-. The fearful effects on the mind are
auch to be dreaded Loss of Memory, Confusion or
deaa, Dopreaaion of Spirits, Evil-Forebodings, Aver
ion to Society, Self-DUtrust, Love of Solitude,
'imidity, Ao are mmrM the evils produced.
Thol-saxdr of personeef atlagea eao now judge
(hat is the cause of their declining health, losing
leir vigor, becoming weak, pale, nervous and
naciated, having a singular appearance about tho
tos. cough and symptom of oon.umption.
7 VOI .XJ
V ho have Injured tbcuisolw hy a certain practice
ndulged in ben alone, a habit frequently learned
mm evil companions, or at school, the effeota of
tiiicb are nightly felt, even when asleep, and if no
ured render! marriage impossible, and destroys
aiih mind and body, sboalA apply immediately.
What a pity that a young man. the hopo of his
uuntrr. the darling of his parents, should be snatched
rom all pnwpecta nd enjoyments oflifo, by the
onifuucnce of deviating from the path of nature
.nd indulging in a certain secret habit, (fuch persons
IVHt, before contemplatiox
jiaukuui:.
eflect that a aound miirfd and body are the most
leeemary requisites to proBiotc eonnuhial happiness,
ndeed without these, tho jowrney through life be
omes a weary pilgrimage; the prospect hourly
iarkens to the view; the mind becomes shadowed
vith despair and filled with the melancholy refleo
ion that (he happiness of another becomes blghted
wilt) our on n
i.ia.i: ami: of uiPHrnran!.
When the misguided and imprudent votary of
Measure finds that be has imbibed the seeds of this
painful disease, it too often happens that an ill-timed
leuiio of shstne, "br dread of discovery, deters hwu
"rom applying to those who, from education and
respectability, can alone befriend bim, delaying till
.he constitutional symptoms of this horrid disease
make their appearance, such aa ulcerated sore
throat, diseased noee, noolurnal pains in the head
and UuiU, dimness of sight, AeatneM. nodes on the
hiu bones and arms, bluU-lxnoii the ' bead, face and
extremities, progressing with lngutlu! rapidity, till
at last the palate of the mouth' or the bone of the
nose full in, and the victim of th'i awful disease
bocomcs a horrid object of commiseration, till death
put a period to hi dreodful sufferings, by sending
iiim to "that Undiscovered Country from whence no
traveller returns." .... . .
It if a mrlaurholy fart that thousands fajl victim!
to th'u terrible d'uioaise, owing to the un&killfulness of
tn)rant pretender, who, by the use of that Veaiilff
..!'oi.o, Mcrrnry, ruin the constitution aud Junk
.he renidueof life miserable.
rSlK.V4.r.HM
Trust not your Hi t. r With, to tbe car. of the
i nail y earned aud Vi'orthloss Pretenders, d wtitule
t '.Miowiedgo, came or character, who eopy Dr.
J.duiston' advoitiat-meiiti', or atyle themselves, in
r:be nenuifiapers, regularly Kducated Physicians,
i.ii.iapaole ot Curing, they koep you trilling month
laftcr month Inking their t lthy and poiaouue com
.Munds.or a long as the iual lust fee can be obuiood,
rf. Lt a!e!eir, leave-you with exioad health to sujh
tjbwr your galling disappointment.
tr Johnston is the ouly Physician advertising.
-His credential or diploma, always hang in hi office.
His remidies or treatement are unknown to all
LOlbirs, prepared from a life spent In the great bos
litais vtiKurope, the first in the country and a more
.Wcnaivo.Vuits Pructtc than any other Physician
fin the world.
JMtOIDir.UDlXOF TIIKPRENN
The mauy touusanu ard X IhUiB'titutinn year
:after year, end the numerous sinjairltTl urgieal
Operations pertwriued by Dr. ititumthti, iritnimnl hy
ttb reporters of the ''Sun," "Clipper," aad auauy
.other Duller., notices of which have annearad atraiu
and again befure the public beside hi. VHiduig as
.a gciiueinaa i euaiKwr anu rMpuuauiiiiiy, .u
.uQicient guarantee tuthe attiicled.
sui. bimi:ami:m lai'F.iiii.v
i iti:i.
Person wrkkig sbwiid be partiealar in xllraetlng
i their leltoK lohi Institution, in the following maoAer
joii.h 9i. joii.sroai, si. i.
Ol the Baltimore Lock Hospital, Baltusore, Ud.
June U mi I y.
JONES HOUSIi
Corner Market street ami Maiket Sfluar,
HAKKI8BURO, JPA...
Acknowledged a rirat Claaa Houae.
rpUE Proprietor would aaaat raepeeiijny eall the
X attention of the oitisen of Banbury and the sur
rounding country, to tbe amxiodationa of hi
bouse, assuring them tbey will tad everything that
can contribute to tbeir comfort. It is wtuaied far
enough from the Depot to avoid the noia and confu.
sion incident to railroad statiou, and at she cam
time only few minute walk from the same.
Ao Omuibu will bo found at the Station ea the
' -arrival eaca train .
0. H. MA FT, Prprltee
Apn r, jMi -Sb
CLOTHING FOR ALL ! !
AT
CONTINENTAL CLOTHING
BAZAAR.
Corn?! r Market Square 4c Kail
Itond hi reel,
SUNBURY, PENN'A.
JU6T OPENED, FALL A WINTER STOCK OF
READY MADE CLOTHING,
Of the newest styles, cut by tht best Artists, trimmed
and made equal to ouatcm work, aud sold at the
lowest price.
Whole Bnitajfor 1S.
Cavalry Pant for IS. BLANKETS, BEATER
CLOTH Varying from f 25 to (40.
yien and lloj'is C'lotlilntjfof the best ma
terial consisting or Dress Coats, Frock Coats, Sack
Coat, PanU, and Vests of various colon and quali
ties. GENTLEMEN'S FVRNISHINO GOODS,
i'ttch aa Shirts, Over-shirts. Undershirts, Drawers,
Collars, Cravats, Neckties, Handkerchiefs, Stockings
Sieves, 4c.
IIiiim and Caps or nil kinda.
WWTS AK1) RtlOES, Gum Shoes. TRUNKS, VA
1.1S1LS, UMBRELLA. TOBACCO A SEGARS,
Watelies, JeweV-y. Knnes, Revolvers, and NO
TIONS of ail kinds, and numerous other article.
The -public are invited to oall and examine bis
Stock. '
Remember the place. 'Continental Clothing Store,"
Corner of Market Square and theK C. K. R.
LEVI I1ECUT.
Sunbury, Sept. 30, 1865. -
J. IIOLMEH CilCOVIlIC,
Enamelled Slate Mantel
e?l j-r -:i:3Ji''
"WARE-ROOM,
033, CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA
Manufactory Tenth and Samson Streets.
T.iblo-Top, Pier-Slab, Bracket, Waah
Stand Tops, &c, &c.
Philadelphia, Jan 7, lbfli. tf
AT TUB
EXCELSIOR SHOE STORE
WM. H. MIL LEE,
HAS just arrived from New York and Philadel
phia, with a choice Mock of
BOOTS AND SHOES.
of the latest styles, and selocted with great care, to
suit all, and is determined to ploaaeskll'hi eustomer
great and small.
If rou want the latest itylea, FANCY, PLAIN,
AND DURABLE, go to the 'fixeelaior She Store,
aaao paper shoe ar)-M there, and its always
cheaper to buy a good articlo at tbe same price
(ii to it I to buy a poor one, for
Ue has
Men Calf Stitched Boot.
" Fudged "
" " Pegged "
and all kind of heavy Boots.
LADY'S FANCY AND PLAIN SHOES, high
(opal the latest faahion.
Children' Fancy and Plain high topped boot of
ecery description.
BOY'S BOOTS of all kinds and styles, which will
be sold as low a can be had anywhere. Call and
examine his stock of Boots and Sbeua before you buy
ekewhere. No charge made for showing tbem.
Will sell Wholesale A Retail.
Remember the place, Market Square, Sunbury, Pa.
-September a, n&i.
To all Lovers of
CHEAP GOODS AND
ADVOCATES OF ECOXOMYI!
t .a. o obToTb e a TZ
MERCHANT TAILOR,
And Dealer la
CLOTHS, CASSIMEUES, VESTING, &c.
I-'awn utrtel, tioulla ol Heaver'
Ilolrl,
S NUBBY, PA.
TKPORMS tlie citizens of Sunbury and vicinity,
that he has just retiirued from Philadelphia with a
fall auortiueLt of
A! viti:u omis
Of EAty DESCRIPTION AND QUALITY.
Hit stock consist of Cloths, French Cloths, Black
Doetikin and Fancy Caatimere. Blank Satin. Figured
Silks, Plain and Fancy Cossimere YESTlNtiS, which
he will make up to order in style to suit tbe taste ol
customers, ou iliort : notice, aud the toutt reaauoable
term.
Any Good not on hand, will be furn!h4 from
Philadelphia, by giving two day' notice.
tiuud furnished by eustomer will be wade up to
order a hereiufor.
A be will employ none but experienced workmen,
person may rely on getting their work well douo at
Li shop.
Thankful for the patronage heretofore bellowed,
ue reapeetiuity solicits a oonuuuanceoi ui
, Sunbury, Sept. ft), 1Mb.
toll. K. 1. LL'.lL.i;V,
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
NORTHUMBERLAND. FA.
DR. LUMLEY has opened an.offwe in Nortbnm
berlanu, aiui oflfr. bit tervice to the people of that
fdace and the adjniaing townsLip. Offie next door
to Mr. Scott's fells Jbr, where ho canfcund at all
hour.
Sotthum berlaat Auat it,W.
THE NEW YORK OBSERVER,
A .tV RRKLY RELI0 IOL'8 AND SECULAR
Newspaper .for the Faaaily n4 the -Fireaid, will
coxa antiyoii iu
t-Oll'JM'I'OI ItTlI YliAB
t puhlieaOoa. Jru. to
in UUKCU, the WHttTIIUTION, and the
UNION,
It I calculated to edify and pleat both
ULD AND YOUNa.
All aeer Mbseribete nain na in advaaoa tor IMi
hall have their sunt iiuoiediately entered, and the
Observer will be sent u them
l atll JuneiHry Vint. rslU J
Subasribeaooa, a tbefrae .Bapera will ootoinenec
when the name are entered.
Sample copies to any addrect free. '
Terma, 14,14 year la advance.
SIDNEY B MORHB Jr. A Co.,
. M oTPttrkJUnr.Fww Votk.
JTtrc. , ISSf ftn
fcil 'f
fUDffl r-i J
THE MESSAGE.
THE RECOITSTRUCTIOff POLICY.
SlaTerjr ! I'orcwcr Abolished.
TRAITOKS nirfST ME 'l'llIIJD.
SECESSION BRANDED AS TREASON.
THE UNION INDISSOLUBLE.
PRESENT CONDITION OF TUB COUNTRY.
A MASTERLY STATE rAPER.
FMne citiztnt of the Scnats and JIou$e of
Reprtttntatite :
To express gratitude to God, in the name
of the people, for the ptesvrvatiou of the
United Statoo, is my first duty in addressing
you. Our thoughts next revert to the death
of the lute President by an act of parricHal
treason. The grief tf ,the nation is still
fresh ; it (mils some solaoe in the considera-'
tion that he lived to i-njoy-thc highest proof
of its confidence hy entering on iim wencwed
term of the fJhicf Magistracy to which lie
hod been elected ; tliat he brought the civil
war substantially to a elosc that his loss
was deplored in all parts of the Union, and
that foreign tiations have rendered justice to
his memory. His removal -cast upon .me .a
heavier weight of cares than over Jevolwd
upon any one of his predecessors.
To till my trust 1 need the support and
confidence of all who are associated with me
in the various departments of Government,
and the support and confidence of the peo-
i)le. There is but one way in which I can
tope to gain their necessary aid ; it is, to
stuto with frunkness the principles which
guide my conduct, and their application to
the efficiency of my labor? will, in a great
measure, -depend on your labor und undivi
ded approbation.
The Union of the United States of Ameri
ca was intended 'by its authors to last as long
as tho States themselves shall hist. " The
Union shall U perpetual" are the words of
the Contcderation. "lo torm a more perfect
Union." by an ordiuance of tho .people of
tlie Lnited Mates, is tlm declared purpose
of tho Constitution. The hand of Divine
Providence was never more plainly visible
in the ufl'uirsof men than in the framing and
the adopting of that instrument. It is, be-
vond comouriEoti. the greatest event in
American history ; and indeed is it not, of
all events hi modern timea, tho mow preg
nant with consequences for every part of the
curtli f -
The members of tlie convention which
prepared it, brought to their work the ex
perience of the confederation, of their seve
ral States, and of other republican govern
met. t3, old and new; but they needed and
they obt lined a wisdom superior to expe
rience. And when for its validity it re
quired the Spproval of a people that occu
pied a large part of a continent, and acted
separately in mauy distinct conventions,
what is more wonderful than tltat, after
earnest contention and long discussion, all
feelings and all opinions were ultimately
drawn in one way to its support.
The Constitution to which life was thus
imparted contains within itself ample re
sources for its own preservation. It has
power to enforce the laws, punish treason,
and ensure domestic tranquility. In case
of the usurpation of the Government of a
Stale by one man, or an oligarchy, it be
comes a duty of tbe United States to make
good the guarrantee to tuat btate ot a re
publican form of government, aud so to
maintain the hotnogeneousness of all. Docs
tbe lapse uf time reveal defects)
A simple mode of amendment is provided
in the Constitution itself, so that its condi
tions can always be made to conform to the
requirements of advancing civilization. No
room is allow eleven lor the thought of a
possibility of its coutiug to an end. And
these powers of self-preservation have al
ways been asserted in their complete integ
rity by patriotic Chief Magistrates by Jef
ferson" and Jackson, nut less than by Wash
ington and Mauison. The parting advice
of the Father of his Country, while yet
President, to the people of the United States,
was, that ''the Constitution, wuicli was tlie
work of their hands, nii"ht bo sacredly
maintained," and the inaugural words of
President Jenerson held up "the preserva
tion of the General Government, in its con
stitutional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our
peace at home and satety abroad." I Ho
Constitution is the woik of "the People of
the United State," and it should bo as in
destructible as tho people.
It is not strange that the Cramers of the
Constitution which bad no model in the
past, should not have fully comprehended
tho excellence of their own work. Fresh
from a struggle against arbitrary power,
many patriots suffered from harrussing fears
of an absorption of the State Governments
by the General Government, and many from
a dread that the States would bsesk away
from their .orbit. But the very greatness
of our couutry should alky the apprehen
sion of enen inch meets by lUo General Gov
ernment. Tha subjects that coma unques
tionably withi it jurisdiction aro so nu
merous, that it must ever naturally refuse
to be embarrassed by questions that lie be
yond it.
Were it otherwtlse, the Executive w ould
sink beneath the burden: tbe channels of i
.justice would be choked ; legislation would
be. obstructed Dy. excess ; so tuat mere is a
greater temptation to exercise some of the
functions of the Geucral Government
through the States than to trespass ou thek
rightful sphere. The absolute acquiescence
in tlie (let ibious oi.tue majority" was, at tue
beginning of the .catitury, enforced by Jef
ferson "as the vital principle of republics,"
and the events of the last 'four years have
established, we will hope forever, tuat there
lie no appeal to force. I be mainte
nance ot tiie tnion tiring witu it. uie
support of "the State Governments in all
tUur right;" but it ta not one oi tue riguts
Aif aA7 Jtjtato .Government to renounce Us
own placet n tue vnion, orio numiy.uie
law vi tlio Luioo.
The largest liberty U la Us maintained to
the discussion of tie Federal Government;
but there is no appeal from it laws, except
to the various branches of that Government
itself, or to the people, J bo grant to the
menilier of thsLeguiUU-veaud ot tue bxeau
tive Departments no tenure but a limited
one, and In itUat nuumef always retain the
power of jodress. .
"Tlie sovereignty of the) States" i the
language of the Confederacy, and not ' the
Uritfuse of tbe Constitution. Tbe Latter
contain th,p emphatic word: "TltftCouati
tution and tha Jaw of the Uniwd ftutes
which shall b made in purauaaco thereof,
and all treaties made, or which shall be
mad under 4b authority of the United
Btltw, ibaQ b tto tmpr law ef tha load,
and the judge in every State shall be bound
thereby, anything in the constitution or
laws of any btate to tho contrary notwith
standing." Certainly the Government of the United
States is a limited Government ; and so is
every State Government a limited Govern
ment. With' us, this idea of limitation
spreads through every form of administra
tion, general, State and municipal, and rests
on the great distinguishing principle of the
recognition of the rights of man. The
ancictit republics absorbed the individual
in the State, prescribes his religion, and
controlled his activity. The American sys
tem rest on tho assertion of the equal right
of every man to life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness; to freedom of conscience, to
the culture and exercise of all his faculties.
As a couscqncncc, the State Govcrument is
limited as to the General Government in
the interest of the Union, as to the indi
vidual citizen in the interest of freedom.
States, with proper limitations of power,
are essential to the existence of the Consti
tution of the United States. At the very'
commencement, when wc assumed a place
among the Powers of the earth, the Decla
ration of Independence wae adopted by
States; so also were tho Articles of Confed
eration; and when "the People of the United
States" ordained and established the Con
stitution, it was the assent of the States, one
by one, which gave it vitality. In the event,
too, .of nuv amendment to the Constitution,
the proposition needs the confirmation of
States.
Without States, ono gteat branch of the
legislative government would be wanting.
And, if we look beyond tho letter of the
Constitution to the character of our country,
its capacity for comppehending within its
jurisdiction a vast continental empire is due
to the system of States.
The best security for the perpetual exist
ence of the Slates is the "supremo au
thority" of thu Constitution of the United
States. The perpetuity of the Constitution
brings with it the perpetuity of the States,
their mutual relation makes us what wc arc,
and in our political system their connection
is indissoluble. The whole cannot exist
without the parts, nor the parts without the
whole. Solong as the Constitution of the
United Slates endures, the States will en
dure ; tbe '-dest ruction of the one is the de
struction of tho other ; the preservation of
the one is the preservation of the other.
I have thus explained my view of tho
mutual relations of the Constitution and
the States, because they unfold the 'princi
ples on which I have sought to noire the
momentous questions and overcome the ap
palling difficulties that met me at the very
commencement of my administration. It
line iiecii my steadfast object to escape from
the sway of momentary passions and derive
a healthy policy from the fundamental and
unchanging principles of the Constitution.
I found the States suffering from the ef
fects of u civil war. Resistance to the Gen
eral Government apcared to have exhausted
itself. Tlie United States had recovered
possession of their forts and arsenals ; and
tlieirurmies wcro in the occupation of every
State which had attempted to secede.
"Whether the territory within tha limits of
those States should be held as conquered
territory, under military authority emana
ting from the President as the head of the
army, was the first question, that presented
itself for deetskm.
Now, military governments, established
for an indefinite period, would have offered
oa security for the early suppression of dis
content; would have divided the people
into the vanquishers and the vanquished ;
and would have envenomed hatred rather
than restored affection. Ono established.
no precise Hti.it to their continuance'
was conceivable. They would have occa- I
sinned an incalculable and exhausting ex-
pense. Peaceful emigration, to and from I
that portion of the country, is one of the
beet means that can be tho'nght of for thu
restoration of harmony, and that emigration
would huve been prevented ; for what emi
grant from abroad, what industrious citizen
at home, would place himself willingly
under military rulet
The chief persons who would have fol
lowed in the traiu of the army would have
been dependents on the General Government.
or men who expected profit from tho miser- !
i r 11 ;.r n. i
ies of their erring fellow-citizens. The
powers of patronage and rule which would
have been exercised, under the President,
over a vast and populous, nnd naturally
wealthy regiou, are grttcr than, unless wi
der cxtnxue necessity, I should be willing
to entrust to any one man-; tlaj are such as,
for myself, I could never, uuless on occasions
of great emergency, consent to exercise.
The wilful ruluof such powers, if continue!
through a pet iod of years, would have en
danirercd the purity of the general adminis
tration, and the liberties of the States 'which
remained loyal.
Besides, the policy of "military rule over a
cuiiqurt'd territory would iiave implied that
thu States whose inhabitants may have taken
part in tho Rebellion, had, by the act of
those iuliabftants, ceased to exist. Out the
true theory is, that all pretended acts of se
cession were, from tho beginning, null and
void. ' The States cannot commit trca&on,
nor tcreen the individual citizens who may
have committed treason, any more than they
.can niuke valid treaties or engr.goiu lawnl
commerce with any fore'igu Power. The
States attempting to secele, plaeud them
selves in a condition where thuir vitality
was impaired, but not extinguished their
functions suspended, but not destroyed.
But if any State neglects or refuses to per
form its office, there is the more need that
the General GoveruiMiiit should maintain all
its authority, anal, -oa soon us practicable
ruiuuic the exroise of itj functions. Cn
this principle I have acted, aud have gradu
ally and quietly, and by almost imper
ceptible steps sought to restore the, rightful
enrgy of the General 'Government ani1 of
the titates. To that end, Provisional Gov
ernors have been appointed lor the SUUfl,
Conventions callud. uovernors eiecteM.e
gislatures assembled, and Senatotsuud li-p-resentatives
chosen to the Cougressf the
tUasitud SuUx
Jtblhe same time, the Court of Hie UnHod
ritates, a far a could be done, have been
reopened, so that the U of the Vniled
State mav be enforced through their agency.
The blockade has beeu removed aid the
custom bouses established in port of entry,
to that the -revenue of the Vnitud State
may be collected. The Post Office Depart
ment renew its ceaseles activity, nd the
General Government is thereby enabled to
communicate promptly with iu oftiows and
agents. Tbe -courts bring securitv to per
son and property ; the opening of the poU
invite the restoration .of industcy and coot-
juerce ; tbe .post office .renews the facilities
ui aiicial Intercourse and of business.
And la it not haDDV for us all. that th
restoration of each era ef these fuaesion of
the General Government brings with it a
blessing to tho States over which they are
extended I Is it not a sure promise of
harmony and renewed attachment to the
Union that, after all that has happened, the
return of the General Government is known
only as a beneficence 1
I know veryawell that this policy is at
tended with some risk ; that for its success
it requires at least the acquiescence of the
States which it concerns ; that jt implies an
invitation to those States, by renewing their
allegiance to the United States, to resume
their functions as States of the Union. But
it is a risk that must be taken; in the choice
of difficulties, it is the smallest risk; and to
diminish, and if possible, to remove all dan-
ger, I have felt it incumbent on me to assert
ono other power of the General Government
the power of pardon.
As no State can throw a defense over the
crime of treason, the power ef pardon is ex
clusively vested in the Executive Govern
ment of the United States. In exercising
that power, I have taken every precaution
to connect it with the clearest recognition of
the binding force of the laws of the United
States, and an unqualified acknowledgment
of the great social change of condition in
regard to slavery which lias grown out of
the war.
The next step which I have taken to
restore tho constitutional relations of the
States, has been an invitation to them to
participate in the high office of amending
the Constitntinn. Every patriot must with
for a general aninc&ty at the ,c wliost epoch
consistent with ixiWic afuty. For this
great end there is need of a concurrence of
all opinions, and .the spirit .of mutual .con
ciliation. All parties in tho late terrible
conflict must work together in harmony. It
is not too much to ask, in tlie name of the
whole people, that, on the one side, the
plan of restoration shall proceed in con
formity with a willingness to cast the disor
ders of the past into oblivion ; and that,
on the other, the evidence of sincerity in the
future iniiintatnancc of tho Union shall be
put beyond any doubt by the ratification of
the proposed amendment to the Constitution
which provides for tho abolition of slavery
forever within the limits of our country. So
long as the adoption of this amendment is
delayed, so long will doubt and jealousy and
uncertainty prevail. This is the measure
which will ellucc the sad memory of the
past; this is the measure which will most
certainly call population and capital and
security to those parts of the Union that
need them most. Indeed, it is not too much '
to u.k of the States which arc now resuming
their places in tbe family of tho Union to
give this pledge of perpetual loyalty and
peace.
Until it is done, the past, however much
we may desire it, will not be forgotten.
The adoption of the'umendmcnt reunites us
beyond all power of disruption. It heals
the wound that is still so imperfectly closed;
it removes slavery, which has so long per
plexed and divided the country; it
makes of as once more a united people, re
newed and strengthened, bound more tbun
ever to mutual affection and support.
The amendment to the Constitution being
adopted, it would remain for the States,
whose powers have been so long in abey
ance, to assume their places in tho two
branches of the National Legislature, and
thereby complete tlie -work of restoration.
Here it is for you,Jfellow citizens of the
Senate, and for you, fellow-citizens of the
House of Bepresentntivcs, to judge, each of
yon for yourselves, of the elections, returns, !
and qualifications of your own menders. I
The full assertion of the powers of tlie.
General Government requires the holding of I
Circuit Courts of the United States within i
the districts where their authority has been
interrupted. Iu the present posture of our
public nlliiirs, strong objections have been
urged to holding those courts in any of the
State w here thu Rebellion has existed; and
it was ascertained, by inquiry, that the
Circuit Court of tbe United States would
not bo held within thu District of YirgiuU
during the autumn or early winter, nor
until Congress should have "an opportunity
to consider and act on the whole subject."
To your deliberations tho restoration of
this brunch of the civil authority of the
1 United States is therefore necessarily refer-
fed, with the hope that early provision will
1 .a .,...1.. 1... - .. . : ll :
be made for the resumption ot all its f'unc
tious. It is manifest that treason, most
fhigrant in character, bus been committed.
Persons who are charged with its com
mission should have fair und impartial trials
in the highest civil tribunals of the country,
in order that the Constitution and the laws
may be fully vindicated ; the truth clearly
established and ulhrmed that treason is a
crime, that Xruitors should be punished, jmd
lie oll'iMkie made infamous; and, at the same
time, that the question may be judicially
settled, finally and forever, that no State of
a-ta own wlil bas the right to renounce its
place in the l uion.
The relations of the General Gavernuiot
towards the four millions of .Inhabitants
whom tho war has called into freedom have
engaged my most M!rii)oacnr.sidrt,ion. Ou
the propriety of attempting to cwko the
treeOinen electors by tlie proclamation of the
Executive, I took for my counsel the Consti
tution itself, the ititerprctationsol that instru
ment by its authors and their cotemporaries,
and re tint leg'slutiua bv Congress. When, at
khe Hist icuveuiott eVuwards independence,
the Congress of the Uuiled States iu
structed the several States t institute gov
ernments of their owu. they left each State
to decide for itself tbe conditions for the en
joyment of the elective franchise.
During the period of the Confederacy,
there continued lo exist a vcrygreat diversity
in the qualifications of electors in the several
States; and even .within a Slate a distinc
tion of qualifications prevailed with regard
to tha officers w ho ere lo be chosen. 3 '.he
Constitution of tha United Statui recogutzes
these diversities when it enuuns that, io thu
choice of members of thu House of ilepre
sectatives of the United States "the electors
in each State shall have the qualifications
requisite for electors ot the most numerous
branch f the State Legislature."
AftUTths formation .of the Oiutrt-utk)U,
it wualued. aa before, the uniform usage
-for each Stats to enlarge ,the body of its
electors, according to Its own judgmeut; and,
under this system, one btate alter auotner
has proceeded to increase the number pf its
electors until now universal suffrage, or
something. very. net it,, is the geuwal rulo.
Sojixed waa tbisccbervarton of power in
the habit of the people, and so unquestion
ed bad been the,ioterpietation of the Cousti
tion, that during the ci'il war .the late Presi
dent pever harbored tbe purpose certainly
never avowed tho jturpost-rof disregarduig
it, and in the sets of Congtews, duriujc that
period. nothing can be found w hich, during
ihecouUnuaBce.af hostilities, much laafter
thuir .close, would have sanctioned any
psjrttn by tha Kxseotira from a peliey
which has ao uniformlv obtained.'
Moreover, a concession of the elective
franchise to the frccdmen, by act of tbe
President of tbe United Slates, must have
been extended to all colored men, wherever
found, and so must have established a change
of suffrage in the Northern, Middle, and
Western States, not less than in the South
ern and Southwestern. Such an act would
have created a new class ot voters, and
would have been an assumption of power
by tho President which nothing in the Con
stitution ot law s of the United States would
hare warranted.
On the other hand, every danger of con
flict is avoided when the settlement of the
question is referred to the sevcrul States.
nicy can, each for itseir, decide on the
measure, and whether it is to be adopted
at once and absolutely, or introduced grad
ually and with conditions. In my judgment,
tho frcedmen, if they show patience and
manly virtues, will sooner obtain a partici
pation in tho elective franchise-through the
States than through the General Govern
ment, even if jthad power to intervene.
When the tumult of emotions that have
been raised by the suddenness of the social
change shall have subsided, it may prove
that they will receive tho kindliest usage
from some of those on whom they have
heretofore most closely depended.
But while I have no doubt that now, after
the close of tho war, it is not competent for
the Ueneral Government to extend the elec
tive franchise in the several States, it is equal
ly clear that good faith requires the security
of the freeduien in their liberty and their pro
perty, their right to labor, and their right
claim the just return of their labor. I
cannot too strongly urge a dispassionate
treatment of this subject, which should be
carefully kept aloof from all party strife.
Wo must equally avoid hasty assumptions
of any natural impossibility for the two
races to live side by side, in a stnte of mutual
benefit and good will. Tho experiment in
volves us in no inconsistency; let ns then, go
and make that experiment in good faith,
and not be too easily disheartened.
The country is in need of labor, and the
frecdmen are in need of employment, cul
ture and protection. While their right of
voluntary migration and expatriation is riot
to be questionetl, I would not advise their
forced removal and colonization. Let us
rather encouarge them to bonor'-leand use
ful industry, where it may be Uoneticial to
themselves and to the country: and. instead
of hasty anticipations of tlifi certainty of
fairly
unwillingness to work, so long as a doubt
remains noout ins freedom of choice in his
pursuits, and the certainty of his recovering
uib suuuiaiuu wiigea.
!n this the interests of the employer snd
the employed coincide. The employer de
sires in bis workmen spirit antl alacrity,
and these can be permanently secured in do
other way. And if the one ought to be able
to enforce the contrant. so omdit the other.
The public interest will be best promoted if
me several states win provide adequate
protection and remedies for the freedmcn.
Until this is in some way accomplished,
there is no chance for the advantageous use
of their labor; and the blame of Ul-succcss
will not rest on them.
I know that sincere philanthropy is earn
est for the immediate realization of its re
motest aims; but time is always an element
in reform. It is one of the greatest acta on
record to havo brought four millions of peo
ple into freedom. The career of free in
dustry must he fuirly opened to thea; and
then their future prosperity and .condition
must, after all, rest nuliuly on themselves.
If they fail, sod so perish away, let na be
careful that the failure shall not be attributa
ble to any denial of justice, la all that re
lates to the destiny ot tho frcedmen, we
need not be too anxious to read the future;
many incidents which, ttom a speculative
point of view, might raise oUrm, will quiut
ly settle themselves.
Now that slavery is at an end or near its
end, tho greatness of Its-evil; in the point of
view ot putmc er.onuicy, becomes more and
more apparent, fshm-ry was essentially a
monopoly of labor, and as such locked the
States w here it prevailed against the incom
ing of free industry. Where labor was tbe
property of tue.capitalist, the white man
v. us excluded from employment, or had but
the second best chance of finding jt, and the
foreign emigrant turned away from the re
gion where his condition wuul be so pre
carious.
With the destruction of tho monopoly,
free lubor w ill hasten from all parts of tlie
civilized world to ussist in developing va
rious and immeasurable resources which
have hitherto lcin dormant.
Tho eight or nine States nearest the Gulf
of Mexico have a soil of exuberant fertility,
a climatii friendly to long iife, suU can sus
tain a denser populatiou than is found as
jet in any part ol our country. And the
future influx of population to them will be
mainly from 'the North, or from the most
cultivated nations in Kuroi, From the
surtcHiHt that have attended them during
our lute struggle, let us look sway to tbe
future, iiiiuiu is sure to be laden for tbsra
with greater prosperity, than has ewtr before
been known. The removal of the monopoly
of slave lubor is a pledge that those regions
will bu petiphid by a numerous and eu terr
orising population, which will vie with any
in the Union .iu compacted, inventive
genius, wealth and industry.
Our Government springs front snd was
mado for the peoplt, not tbo people for the
Govcrument. To them it owe allegiance;
from them it must derive its courage,
strength and wisdom. But, while ths Gov
.oroment is bound to defer to the people.from
whom U .tUiuvus its existence, it should,
tram tha veyuiuiideration of its origin, be
strong id its porer of reactance to tUS es
nwnt pfiueualitlvg. Monopolies, .perpetui
ties, and class legislation are contrary Jo, ths
genius uf ftca government, and ougU not
ta be allowed. Here there is no room for
aeuarcd classes. ox inoaopolies; tlie principle
of cur Government1 is that oegullspd
freedom of indtatf . '
Whenever monopoly attains a iiotbj it
is sure to be s source of danger, discord nd
trouble. We shsll but fulfil our dutieaas
legislators by accordiug "equal snd ext
i. , ,r. .11 men." soeci' jifivileges t
untie. The Government is subordinate ta
the people; but as tbe vment.
,tivf the people "'""he htld superior
ltt. imuopolie in themselves, Qigbt
uw to l panted, and wbtob, wborethey
exist, must b sutwrdinsta and yield ti the
Government
Hlllirf I I'T innm ,.1 f 1 li r, .. .. - n n . . . I. - I
ui,. ..t .1. ... . rri " , I oi June last, ine total numiornr punsiojiers
tiE f "pcnnient. The change WM goga reqrin,, for their annua pav,
n their condition is the substitution of ttcluVi of exoenses , the sum of tfl loaaffi
a ue iii'i-Miiicn cannot lajriv ue accused ot I
Tha commerce smoog -s " " --'d aud disa"d ollicets and sold w.
right to igi astern ,f th country la a
rat Stats. 1 jYkV VivW 'S$li liuftt to It Lono, and
BiiBtnne i , ,rity, Mi h,ij utwuid tA
merce should be free and unobstiuctct). Xo,
State can bo justified in any device to tax
the transit of travel nnd commerce 'between
f ,B,CS- The position of many States is such
that, If they were allowed to takeadtntago
of it for purposes of local revenue, the coin
merce between States might be . Injuriously
burdened, or even virtually prohibited. H
it best, while the country is still young, and
wlule the tendency to dangerous monopo
lies of this kind is still feeble, tu' usa tho
power of Congress so as to prevent any
selfish impediment to tho frcp circulation of
men and merchandise, A tax on travel
nnd merchandise, in their transit, constitutes
one of tho worst form of nionopoh. nnd
the evil is increased if coupled w ith a'dcal
of tho choice of route. When thevmt pttei.t
of our country it considered, it is plain that
every obstacle to the free circulation of com
merce between the States ought to be Btemjy
guarded against by appropriate legislation,
within the limits of the Constitution.
T;e report of tho Secretary of Vie Interior
explains tho condition of the public lumir,
tha transactions of the Patent OiDco and the
Pension Bureau, th management of our
Indian afTrirs, the progress made iu the con
struction of tho Pacific ltailroad, and
furnishes information in refereuce to niaticis
of local interest in the pistricjt of Columbia.
It also presents evidence of tho successful
operation of the Homestead Act, under the
provisions of which 1,100,533 acres of tho
publio lands were entered durjrg t.ho rt8t
fiscal year mors Ihaa one-fourth of tho
whole number of acres sold or otherwise dis
posed of during that period.
It Is estimated jhat the receipts derjved
from this source are suflicicnt lo cover the
expenses incident to tho survey and disposal
of the lauds entered under this Act, and that
payments in cash to the extent of from forty
to fifty per cent.Vill be mado by settlers,
who my thus at any time acquire title be
fore the expu-ation of the Dojfod at which
it would otherwise vest. The Homestead
policy was established only after long and
earnest resistance; experience proves it
wisdom. The lands, in the hands of indus
trious settlers, whose lubor creates wealth
and contributes to the p.u,blic resources, are
worm more to tue United States than if they
had been reserved as a solitude for future
purchasers.'
The lamentable evt.nfs of the last four
years, and tha sacrifice made by the gallant
men of our Army and Navy, have swelled
the records of the Pension Bureau to an
unprecedented extent. On the gOth day
allowed since that date will require a large
tuwo ui i iim amount, ior tne next nscat
year. The means for the payment of ths
stipends due under existing laws, to our
disabled soldiers and sailors, and .to tb
families of ucb as have perished in tlie Rer
vice.of the country, will no doubt lie cheer
fully and urusnpCy granted. A grateful
people w.ili not hesitate to sanction any
measures having for their object the relief
of soldiers mutilated and families mad
fatherless in the efforts to preserve our na
tional existence.
The Report of the Postmaster-General pr
seuts an encouraging exhibit of the opera
tions of the Post Office Department during
the year. The revenues ot the past year
from the loyal States alone exceeded the
.maximum annual receipts fVouijiliihe State
previous to the Rebellion, in the .sum of
$0,038,001; and the annual average increase
of reveoue during the last four years, com
pared with the revenuea-of Uwour year
immediately proceeding the Rebellion, was
$3,333,843.
The revenues of tbe lat fiscal year
amounted to $14.55(1,158, and the expendi
turcs to $13,004,728, leaving a surplus of
receipts o.yer .expenditures of $801,430.
Progress has been inadeinrcstvring.the pes
tal service in the Southern States. The
views presented b.Uje Postmaster General
against the policy of granting subsidies to
.uceftn snd mail steamship lines upon estab
lished routes, and in lavor ot coutuiuing ths
jirvscnt ayaieui, wiucu tun ng cue compensa
tion for ocean service to the tosisge earnings.
are recommended to tbe careful consideration
ot Congress.
It apuears, from the report of th 8ecretarv
of the Navy, that while, at the commence
ment of the present vcar. there were in com
mission 580 vessels ofalt classes and decr!;
tions, armed with 8000 guns and manned by
oi.uuu men, tue nuuiuer or vessels at present
iu commission is 117, with 830 guus and
18,128 men. By this prompt reduction of
tha naval forces the expenses of the Govern
ment have beeu largely diminished, aud a
nuriibur of Vessels, purchased for naval pur
poses from the merchant mariuu, have I "-co
returned to tbe peaocfui prsui UI corn
nyjrcc. giiioe the suppression of active hostilities
our foreign squadrons have been .re-established,
and consist of vessels much more etBcient
tliuu those employed on similar service pre
vious to -the Rubilliun. The suggestlop tor
the enlargement ot the nsvy jarns, and
especially for the establishment of ope in
fresh water for iron-clad vessels, is deserving
of consideration, as is also the recouiincuda
tiob for a different location and more auipis
grounds for the Naval Academy.
Iu the repoct.pt the becretary or War, a
general summsvy is given pf the military
campaign of 1804 and JW5, spiling in tha
suppression ot armed fusistance -to the pa
tiopal authority is .the insurgent tate.
Tlie operations of the general administrative;
bureaus ci tne War iepartuient during tue
past year are detailed, and an estimate uisde
of the appropriations that will be required
for military purposes in the, fiscal year com,.
tuencmg tue bqiu Cay pf June, istie. I he
national military force on the 1st cf May,
1803, numbered J ,000,5 18 men. It is pro
posed to reduce the military establishment
to s peace footing, comprehending hy thou
sand troops of ail arms, wgoiz4 jto as to
admit of an enlargement by tjwug up ths
ranks to ekditv-two thousand six liundred. :
if ths circumstances of til country should
require so apgnieuUUoa or tue army.
The vplustecr farce os already been re
duced by -Uit ttischaiKS front sorviae of over
eight hundred tlixusand troops nd the
Department it proceeding rapidly iu the
work of further reduction. TU war e.w
Piates sre reduced from $51 8,240 JL81 to
814.4IM, which ftmouut, in tbt opiuiou of
the Department, as adequate for peace
establishment. The measures of rctreuch
pient in each bureau snd brao?e of the er
vice enlyiH a diligeut economy worthy of
coaimuuissdon. Ik&reiv is also muds fa
th report to the necest'ty of providing for
a. uniform militia sj'lera, pd to the pro-
irtetv of Disking suiuoje provision for