J
BI S. J. EQV.
CLEARFIELD, PA., "WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1863.
VOL. lO.-NO. 16.
LI5ES '.
Written on the Death of Mathew 0. Tats.
I am dying, mother, dying
In the morning of my bloom, .
Let me lie opon thy bosom
Ere I leave thee for the tomb;
PreMrfby lips to mine, dear mother.
And catch the parting breath.
With thy loving arms around me
I iball hare no fear of death.
Thou wilt mourn for me, dear mother ;
Thou wilt miaathy loving child ;
When thou wakest in the morning,
Tboa wilt miss me fiom thy side,
Ad4 a pa tig will rend thy bosom
Wta tuou see'at my vacant chair.
Bat tboo'lt think of Heaven, mother.
And will know thy son is there.
Then wilt be lonely, mother.
For auj m. weary day :
Thou wiit taiii' the cheering love-light
' --That bright4'ned once thy way;
Oft thou'lt lisum fr lily fooLrtepi
And my low .and loving tone.
And forget thai I tun. lying
In the grave :yard cold and lone.
Then thou'lt witkea from thy dreaming.
And the Utte r te.nrs will flow
When thou'lt th ink upon thy loit one,
' In th grave y ard lying low ;
I have thougat c f th ia full often
As I lay upon .my ibed,
'Jflow thou'lt wj tor me. dear mother,
'Mihta L'm.nma.b-red with the dead.
. Kay. grieve not s i. m.r mother,
"Via a trial aora I ki.iow,
-But kiaa the band that ehasten
And calmly let totgfl;
Bow to Ilia will, d ar .aiother.
Who chastens brut in loro,
And thou wilt ihol tly tsoet me
In my blissful htoaie above.
Kits me oneenor. dear mother,
My strength U getting low;
'Ti hard I j leave thee, mother,
Yet 'tit tfod's will I ahouid go ;
On thy heart, thy Roving heart,
I yield my parting breath ;
farewell! I die. dear mother.
Yet feel no tting ia death.
A TOUGH STORY.
Wbllf crossing the East Boston Ferry on a
very foggy osrniug not long since I heard
the following Mory from At old down -east
lnruier, which ktrnck mo an about' tough
enough for the drawer :
A rather loquacluu a individual was endeav
oring to draw the old gerittemau into conver
sation, but hitherto without much success,
the old fellow having sufficient discernment
to see that his object was to make 4 little
port for the piiMengers nt hts expense.
At length MI'S loquacious individual:
"I suppose yon consider Down East a right
ium pUooi bat I guess it , would iuzzle
Ihem to get up quite so thick a fog as wo are
Laving here this morning, wouldn't it?"
Well," said the old man, "Idon'tknow
kbl.out that I hired one of your Massachusetts
chaps to work for me lat summer, and one
rsiLer fojegy mornin' I sent liim down Into
tt.f meadow to lay a few courses ot shingles
on a barn 1 was fiulahin' off. At dinner time
tue fellow came up. and, se he. ''That's an
almighty lor.g barn of yourn.' Sez I ".Not
vt-ry long."
Well," sez he, "I've been to work all
this rorenojQ, an I haveut"' got otia course
laid jet." "Well,'' sez I, "You're a 1-zv.
lellow. that'a ail I've got to say." Ami so
alter dinner I went down to see what he'd
b-en about, aud I'll he thundered if he hadn't
aUingled more than a hundred feet right oh the
Jug ! " Harper.
The coal fields of the United States aegre
pv.u more than 2:10,000 square mfies. Or ai
te ten time? as laige as that of Great Bri
u, France, Spain and Belgium united.
They are included in four immense beds.
The Allegheny coal fields covers Urge areas
oi rennsyivania, Ohio Virginia, Kentucky,
Tennessee nd Alabama, and is estimated at
60.000 sqnre miles Another occupies the
greater portion of Illinois and Indiana; the
third covers most of Missouri and the fourth
t'.e greater part of Michigan.
Major-Gen. Thomas has issued General
Orders dishonorably dismissing one Col. two
Majors, 15 Captains, 26 Lieutenants, and one
Surgeon, for various offenses, including
drunkenness, feigning sickness, spreading false
rumors, permitting men to plunder, misbeha
vior in front of. the enemy, shameful cowar
dice, gross disloyalty, dishonest practices, and
oniiuct unbecoming officers and gentlemen.
At a crowded concert a young lady stan
ding at the door of the hall, was addressed
ty an honest Hiberian who was in attendance
n the occasion. Said he ; "indade, Miss, I
tould be glad to give you a sate, but the
empty one are all full."
The Petersburg Expresi says that "sundry
persons" are trying to leave the Confederacy
f Xsssau, Bermuda and elsewhere, with
ijeir wealth, in order to abirk taxation and
""'itary duty, and to do a blockade running
Ausiuess.
s'd that quite a number ef citizens
bo fled South on the breaking out of the re
Dillon are stealthily returning, and hope to
ble to lie low and escape the authorities,
hip fe ' ,b hbit of de,ertiDK ,h 'inking
1 settling up accounts between the Gov
ernment and the State of New Hampshire,
"e'y, it wasdiscoverd that the State has
n owing the Government $10,000 since
wr of 1812.
ere couple in Cincinnati who have
v!n gged to be married for the past five
JeSrs. bnt nn t m t,.. i i 1. 1 . v. .
Pj-f'od when they were both out of prison at
w . i tu ua in.,. hi i mi mLiiiu Lumi
1 "me time
tnor- , YoC!, bo8, that h cn ,ee
hou. M and ailT'r froia the dor hi
the w m n would equ' lh wbole currency of
pened miDe r 001 Uowed to
"'c'hi'n 0d fel,ow " now mW n
.bio to big teacher. "What old persons do
"euteronomy, and them."
bin!11!11 Con'K'i nny a roan to fame.
ty iBf 'njy11' life w"ld have coDaigned bim
Ki th President's message.
Third Animal Message of
-A.B3FtX3:-A.3S LINCOLN
Delivered, December 9th, 1863.
Fellow citizen of the Senate and 1ouie of
Representative : Another year of health, and
of sufficiently abundant harvest, has passed.
For these, and especially for the improved
condition of our National ailairs our renewed
and profound gratitude to God is due.
We remain in peace and friendship with
foreign powers. The efforts of disloyal citi
zen! ot the United States, to involve us in for
eign wars, to aid in inexcusable insurrection
have been unavailing. Her Britanic Majes
ty's Government, as was justly expected, have
exercised their authority to prevent the de
parture of new hostile expeditions from Brit
ish ports. The Emperor ot France lias, by a
like proceeding, promptly vindicated the neu
trality which he proclaimed at the beginning
ol the contest.
Questions ot great intricacy and impor
tance have arisen out of the blockade, and
other beligerent operations between the Gov
ernment and several of the maritime powers ;
but they have been discussed, and as far as
now possible, accommodated in a spirit of
frankness, justice and mutual good will.
It is especially gratifying that our prize
courts, by the impartiality of their adjudica
tion, have commanded the respect and confi
dence ot maritime powers.
The eupplimeotal treaty bet ween the United
States and Great Britain for the suppression
of the African Slave Trade, made on the 17th
day of February last, has been duly ratified
and carried into execution. It is believed
that so far as American ports and American
citizens aVe concerned, that inhuman and odi
oils trtitlic has been brought to an end.
1 shall submit, for the consideration of the
Senate, a convention for the adjustment of
post.ess.ory cuirus in it ashington Territory
arising out ot the treaty of the 15tb of June
184b, between the United States and Great
Britain, and which have been the source of
disquiet among the citizens of that now rap-
miy improving part or tue country.
A novel and important question involving
the extent ot the maritime jurisdiction of
Spain on the waters which surround the Island
of Cuba, has been debated without reaching
an agreement, and it ia proposed in an amica
ble spirit to submit it to the arbitrament of a
friendly power. A convention for that pur
pose will be suomittea to the Senate.
1 have thought it proper, subject to the ap
proval of the Senate, to concur with the in
terested commercial powers in an arrange
merit for the liquidation ot the Scheldt dues
upon the principles which have been hereto
fore adopted in regard to tbe imposts upon
navigation in the waters of Denmark.
The long pending controversy between this
Government and that of Chili, touching the
seizure at Sitania, in Peru, by Chilian officers
ot a large amount in treasure belonging to
citizens ot the L mteu States, has been brought
to a close by the award ol hia Majesty, tbe
Ring of the Belgians, to whose arbitration
the question was referred by tbe parties. The
subject was thoroughly and patiently examin
ed by that justly tespected magistrate, aud
although tbe sum awarded to the claimants
m iv not have been as large as they expected,
there is no reason to distrust the wisdom of
nis Jiajesty decision, l Mat decision was
promptly complied with by Chili when intel
lieuce in regard to it reached that country.
The joint commission, under the act of the
last session, for carrying into effect the con
vention with Peru on the subject of claims,
has been organized at Lima, and is engaged
in the business intrusted to it.
Difficulties concerning the inter-oceanic
transit through Nicarauga, are in course of
amicable adjustment.
In couformity with the principles set forth
in my lubt annual message, I have received a
representative from the United States of Co
lumbia, and have credited a minister to that
Republic.
Incidents occurring in the progress of our
civil war have forc.-d upon my attention the
uncertain state of international questions
touching the rights of foreigners in this coun
try, and ot h nited States citizens abroad. In
regard to some governments, these rights
are at least partially defined by treaties. In
no instance, however, it is expressly stipu
lated that in the event of civil war a foreign
er residing in this country within the lines of
the insurgents is to be exempted from the rule
which classes him as a beligerent, in whose be
half tbe government ot hia country cannot ex
pect any privileges or immunities distinct
froai that character. I regret to say, howev
er, that such claims Lave been put forward,
and in some ins ances in behalf of foreigners
who have lived in tbe United States a greater
part of their lives. There is reason to believe
that many persons born in foreign countries,
who have declared their intention to become
citizens, or who have been fully naturalized,
have evaded the military duty required of
them by denying the fact, and thereby throw
ing upon the government tbe burden of proof.
It has been found difficult, or impracticable,
to obtain this proof for want ot guides to tbe
proper sources of information. These might
be supplied by requiring the clerks of courta
where declarations ot intention may be made,
or naturalizations effected, to send periodical
ly a list of tbe names of the persons natural
ized or declaring their intention to become
citizens, to the Secretary of the Interior, in
whose department these names might be ar
ranged and printed for general information.
There ia also reason to believe that foreigners
frequently become citizens of the United
States for the sole purpose of evading duties
imposed by the laws of their native countries
to which, on becoming naturalized here, they
at once repair, and though never returning to
tbe United States they still claim tbe interpo
sition of this government as citizens. Many
altercations of great prejudice have hereto
fore arisen out of that abuse. It is there
fore submitted to your serious consideration.
It might be advisable to fix a limit beyond
which no citizen of tbe United States resid
ing abroad may claim tbe interposition of bia
government. -
The right of suffrage has often been assum
ed and exercised by aliens, under pretences
of naturalization, which they have disavowed
when drafied into the military service. . I sub
mit the expediency of such an amendment of
tbe iawaa will make tbe fact of voting an es
toppel against any plea of exemption from
military service or other civil obligation on
tbe ground of alienage. "
Iti common with other Western Powers, our
relations with Japan have been brought into
serious jeopardy tmougb the perverse opposi
tion oi me Hereditary aristocracy of the em
pire to the enlightened and liberal Dolicy of
tbe Tycoon, designed to bring the country in
to tbe society of nations. It ia hoped, al
though not m uh entire confidence, that these
difficulties may be peacefully overcome. I
ass your attention to the claim of the minis
ter residing there for tbe damages he sustain
ed in the destruction by fire, of tbe residence
of the Legation at Yeddo.
Satisfactory arrangements have been made
with the Emperor of Russia, which it is be
lieved wilt result in effecting a continuous line
of telegraph through that Empire from our
Pacific coast. I recommend to yur favora
ble consideration the subject of an interna
tional telegraph across the Atlantic Ocean,
and also a telegraph between tbe Capital and
tbe National forts along tbe Atlantic seaboard
and Gulf of Mexico. Such communications,
established w ith any reasonable outlay, would
be an economical as well as effective aid to
tbe diplomatic, military and naval service.
The consular system of the United States,
under the enactment of the last Congress, be
gins to be self-sustaining, and there is reason
to hope that it may become entirely so with j
an increase of trade, which will ensue when
ever peace is restored
Our ministers abroad have been faithful
defending American rights. In protecting com
tucicia! interests, our consuls have cecessa
rily bad to encounter increased labors and re
sponsi bill ties growing out of tbe war.. These
they have, for tbe most part, met and dis
charged with Zealand efficiency. Tbisacbnowl
edgment justly includes those consuls who
residing in Morocco, tgypt, 1 urkey, Japan
China ana other oriental countries, are
charged wttii complex functions and extraordi
nary powers.
The condition of the several organized Ter
ritones Is generally satisfactory, although In
dian disturbances iu New Mexico have not
been entirely) suppressed. The mineral re
sources of Colorado, Nevada, Idahoe, New
Mexico and Arizona are proving far richer
than has been heretofore understood. I lay
oeiore you a communication on this subject
from the Governor of New Mexico.
I again submit to your consideration the
expediency of establishing a system for the
encouragement ot emigration. Although
this source of national wealth and strength is
again flowing with greater freedom than for
several years before the insurrection occur
red, there is still a great deficiency of labor
ers in every Held of industry, especially in ag
riculture ana in our mines, as well of iron and
coal aa of the precious metals. While tbe
demand for labor is thus increased here, tens
of thousands ot persons destitute of remuner
ative occupation, are thronging our foreign
consulatea and offering to emigrate to the
United States, if essential but very cheap as
sistance can be afforded them. It is easy to
see that under tbe sharp disciplines of civil
war, the nation is beginning a new life. This
noble effort demands the aid and ought to re
ceive the attention and support of tbe Gov
ernment.
Injuries, nnforseen by the government and
unintended, may in some cases have been in
flicted upon aubjects or citizens of foreign
countries, both at sea and oo land, by persons
in the service of the United States. As this
Government expects redress from other pow
ers when 8itm lar injuries are inflicted by per
sons in their service upon citizens of the U-
nited States, we must be prepared to do jus
tice to foreigners. If theaexisting judicial trl
bunals are inadequate to this purpose, a 6pe
cial court may be authorized with power to
hear and decide such claims of the character
referred to as may have arisen under treaties
and tbe public law. Conventions for adjust
ing tbe claimsby joint commissions, have been
proposed to some governments, but no defin
ite answer to tbe proposition has been receiv
ed from any.
In the course of tbe session I shall proba
bly have occasion to request you to provide
indemnification to claimants where decrees of
restitution have been rendered and damages
awarded by Admiralty Courts, and in other
cases where this Goverenment may be ac
knowledged to be liable in principle, and
where the amount of that liability has been
ascertained by an informal arbitration.
The proper officers of the Treasury have
deemed themselves reqired by the law of the
United States upon the subject to demand a
tax upon tbe incomes of foreign consuls in
this conntry. While such a demand may not,
in strictriess, be in derrogation of public law,
or perhaps of any existing treaty betweenlthe
United States and a foreign country, the ex
pediency of so far modifying the act as to ex
empt from tax tbe incomes of such consuls aa
are not citizens of the United States, derived
from the emoluments of their office, or from
property not situated in the Unitad States, is
submitted to your serious consideration. I
make thia suggestion upon the ground that a
comity which ought to be reciprocated ex
empts our consuls in all other counties from tax
ation, to the extent thus indicated. The Uni
ted States, I think, ought not to be exception
ally illiberal to international trade ahd com
merce.
The operations of the Treasury during the
last year have been successfully conducted.
Tbe enactment by Congress of a National Bank
ing Law, baa proved a valuable support of tbe
public credit.and tbe general legislation in ra
tion to loans has folly answered tbe expec
tation of its favorers. Some amendments
may be required to perfect existing laws, but
do change on their principles or general scope
is believed to be seeded.
Since these measures have been in opera
tion, all demands on the Treasury, including
the pay of the army and navy, have been
promptly met and fully satisfied. No consid
erable body ot troops, it is believed, were ev
er more amply provided and more liberally
and punctually paid, and it may be added, that
by no people were the burdens incidental to a
great war ever more cheerfully borne. I ho
receipts during tbe year from all sources, in
cluding loans and the balance in the Treasury
at its commencement, were $901,125,674 86,
and the aggregate disbursements, $895,796,-.
630 6-5, leaving a balance on the 1st of July,
1863, of $5,329,044 21. Of tbe receipts, there
were derived trom customs, 5ba,Ui'J,b4 u i
from internal revenue, $37,640,787 95; from
direct tax, $1,485,103 61 ; from lands, $167,
617 17 ; from miscellaneous sources, $3,046,
615 35 ; and from loans, $776,682,861 57,
making the aggregate $901,125,674 86. Of
tba disbursements there were : For the cirll
service, $23,253,922 08; for pensions and In
dians, $4,216,526 59 ; for interest on public
debt, $24,729,846 51 ; for the War Denart-
ment,S599.298,600 83 ; for the Navy Depart
ment, $63,211,105 27 ; for payment of funded
aua temporary debt, $181,086,635 07 ; making
the aggregate $895,796,630 65 ; and leaving
the balance of $5,329,044 21. But the pay
ment of funded and temporary debt having
been made from moneys borrowed during the
year, must be regarded as merely nominal
payments, and the moneys borrowed to make
them as merely nominal receipts. Their a
raount, $181,086,635 07, should therefore be
deducted both from the receipts and disburse
ments. This being done, there remains as
actual receipts, $720,039,039 79. and th .t.
ual disbursements, $714,709,995 58, leaving
iuo uaiance as aireauy stated.
the actual receipts and disbursements for
me nrst quarter, and the estimated receipts
and disbursements for tbe remaining three
quarters of the current fiscal year, 1864. will
be shown in detail by the report ol the Secre
tary ot the lreasury, to which I invite vour
attention. It is sufficient to sav hera that it
is not Delieved that actual results will exhibit
a state of the finances less favorable to tbe
country than tbe estimates of that officer here
tofore submitted, while it is confidently ex
pectea mat at the close of the year both dis
bursements and debt will be found pretty con-
aiueraoiy less man has been anticipated
Xhe report of tbe Secretary of War is a doc
ument of great interest. It consists of First,
ne military operations ot the year detailed
in the report of the General-in-Chief. Srcond,
The organization of colored persons into the
war service. Third, The exchange of prison
ers, fully set forth in the letter of Gen. Hitch
cock. Fourth,The operations under the "Act
tor enrolling and Calling Out the National
Forces," detailed in the report of the Provost
Marshal General. Fifth, The organization of
the invalid Corps; and Sixth, The operations
ot the several Departments ot the Quartermas
ter General, Commissary General, Paymaster
General, Chief of Lngineers, Chief of Ord
nance, and Surgeon General. It has appear
ed impossible to make a valuablesnmmary of
this report, except such as would be too ex
tended for this place ; and hence I content
myself by asking your careful attentiou to the
report itself.
The duties devolving on the naval branch of
the service during the year, and throughout
tbe whole of this unhappy contest, have been
discharged with fidelity and eminent success.
Tbe extensive blockade has been constantly
increasing in efficacy as the navy has been ex
panded. Yet on so long a line, it has so far
been impossible to entirely suppress illicit
trade. From returns received at tbe Navy
Department, it appears that more than 1,000
vessels have been captured since tbe blockade
was instituted, and that the value of prizes al
ready sent in for adjudication amounts to over
$13,000,000.
he naval force of the United States con
sists, at this time, ot 588 vessels, completed
and in the course of completion, and of these
io are iron-clad or armored steamers. The
events of the war give an increased intcrost
and importance to the uavy which will proba
bly extend beyond the war itself. Tbe ar
mored vessels in our Navy, completed and in
service, or which are under contract and ap
proaching completion, are believed to exceed
in number those of any other power. But
while these may be relied upon for harbor de
leuce and coast service, others of greater
strength and capacity will be necessary for
cruising purposes and to maintain our right
rui position on tne ocean.
The change that has taken place in naval
vessels and naval warfare since tbe introduc
tion of steam as a motive power for ships of
war, aemanaa eitner a corresponding change
in some of our existing Navy Yards, or tbe
establishment ot new ones for the construe
tion and necessary repair of modern naval
vessels. No inconsiderable embarrassment.
delay and public injury have been experi
enced from a want of such sovernmental es
tablishments. The necessity of such a Navy
Yard, so furnished, at some suitable place upon
the Atlantic sea-board, has, upon repeated
occasions, been brought to the attention of
Congress by the Navy Department, and is
again presented in the report of the Secreta
ry, which accompanies this communication.
I think it my duty to invite your special
attention to this subject, and also to that of
establishing a yard and depot for naval purpo
ses, upon one of the western rivers. A naval
force has been created on those interior waters.
and under many disadvantages, within little
more than two years, exceeding in numbers
the wbole naval force of the country at the
commencement of tbe present administra
tion. Satisfactory and important as have
been the performances of the heroic men ot
the navy at this interesting period, thev are
scarcely more wonderful than the success of
our mechanics and artizans in the production
of war vessels, which, has created a new form
of naval power. Our country baa advantages
superior to any other nation in our resources
of iron and timber, with inexhaustible quanti-
les ot fuel in the Immediate vicinity of both.
and available and in close proximity to navi
gable waters. Without tbe advantage of pub
lic work-8,tbe resources of the nation have
been governed, developed, and its power dis
played in tbe construction of a navy of such
magnitude, which has, at the very period of
its creation, rendered signal service to the
Union.
Tbe increase of the number of seamen in
the public service, from 7.500 men in the
spring of 1861, to about 34,000 at the present
ime, bas been accomplished .without special
legislation, or extraordinary bounties to pro
mote that increase. It has been found, how
ever, that the operation of the draft, with the
high bounties paid for army recruits, is begin-
mg to arrect mjnnousiy tne naval service,
nd will, if not corrected, be likelv to impair
ts efficiency by detaching seamen from their
proper calling, and inducing them to enter the
rmy. 1 therefore respectfully suggest that
Congress might aid both tbe army and naval
services by a definite provision on tbe subject,
which would at the same time be equitable to
tne pommumtiea more especially interested.
l commend to your consideration tbe sug
gestion of tbe Secretary of the Navy in regard
to tne policy of fostering and training seaman.
and also the education of officers and engin
eers tor naval aervice. . The Naval Academy
is rendering , signal aervice in . preparing mid
shipmen for . the highly responsible duties
which, in afterlife, they will be' reqnierd to
perform. In order that tbe conntry. shonld
pot be deprived of the proper quota of educa
ted officers, for which legal provisions bas
been made at tbe naval schools, the vacancies
caused by the neglect or ommission ,to make
nominations irora .me states in insurection,
nave oeen nued by the Secretary of the Navy
x ne school is now more full and complete
man at any rormer period, and in every
respect emitted to toe favorable consideration
of Congress.
During the past fiscal year the financial
condition ot the Post Office Department bas
been one of increasing prosperity, and I am
gratified in being able to state that the actual
postal revenue has nearly equaled tbe entire
expenditures, the latter amounting to $11,314,
9flA RA arA lw. m til 1C9 Ton en
leaving a denciency of but $150,417,25.
In I860, the year immediately preceding
the rebellion, the deficiency amounted to $5,-
ooo,iuo,4, the postal receipts of tbat year be
ing z,o4o,iZ,iy, less than those of 1863.
lbe decrease in 1860 in the actual amount
of transportation bas been only about 25. per
cent., but tbe annual expenditure on account
or tbe same has been reduced 35 per cent
It is manifest, therefore, that tbe Post Office
Department may become self-sustaining in a
few years, even with tbe restoration of the
whole service.
The international conference of Postal Del
egates from tbe principal countries of Europe
ana America, w hich was called at tbe sugges
tion ot tbe Postmaster General, met at P arts on
tbe 11th of May last, and concluded its delib
erations on the 8th of June. Tbe principle
established by tbe conference as best adapted
to lacuitate postal intercourse between na
tions,and as the basis ot future postal conven
tions, inaugurate a general system f uniform
international charges at reduced rates ' of
postage, and cannot fail to produce beneficial
results.
I refer you to the report of the Secretary of
the Interior, which is herewith laid before
you, for useful and varied information in re
lation to tbe public lands, Indian affairs, pat
ents, pensions, and otber matters of public
concern pertaining to bis department.
The quantity of land disposed of during the
last and the nrst quarter of tbe present fiscal
years was three millions eight hundred and
forty-one thousand, five hundred and forty
nine acres, ot wbicn lbl,911 acres weie sold
for cash, l,456,ol4 acres were taken up under
the homestead law, and tbe residue disposed of
under laws granting lands for military boun
ties, for railroad and other purposes. It also
appears tbat tbe sale of the public lands is
largely on tbe increase. It has long been a
cherished opinion ot some of our wisest states
men tbat the people of tbe United States had
a higher and more enduring interest in the
early settlment and substantial cultivation of
tbe public lands, than in the amount of direct
revenue to be derived from tbe sale of tbem
This opinion bas bad a controlling influence
in shaping legislation upon tbe subject of our
national domain. I may cite as evidence of
this the liberal measures adopted in reference
to actual settlers, the grant to the States of
the overflowed lands within their limits, Is
order to their being reclaimed and rendered
fit for cultivation, the grant to Railroad Com
panies of alternate sections of land upon the
completed, will largely multiply tbe facilities
for reaching our distant possessions. This
policy has received its most signal and benefi
cent illustration in tbe recent enactment grant
ing homesteads to actual settlers. Since tbe
first of January last the before mentioned
quantity of one million four hundred and titty
six thousand five hundred aud fourteen acres
of land have been taken up under its provis
ions. This fact and the amount of sales furn
ish gratifying evidence of increasing settle
ment upon the public lands, notwithstanding
the great struggle in which the energies of the
Nation have been engaged and which has re
quired so large a withdrawal of our citizens
from their accustomed pursuits. I cordially
concur in the recommendation of the Secreta
ry of the Interior, suggesting a modification
of the act in favor of those engaged in tbe
military and naval service of the United States.
I doubt not tbat Congress will cheerfully a
dopt such measures as will, without essential
ly changing the general features of the system,
secure to tbe greatest practicable extent tbe
benefits to those who have left their homes iu
tbe defeuce of the country in bis arduous
crisis.
I invite your attention to the views of the
Secretary as to the propriety of raising by ap
propriate legislation a revenue from the
mineral lands of the United States. .
The measures provided, at your last session,
for the removal of certain Indian tribes, have
been carried into effect. Sundry treaties
have been negotiated which will, in due time,
be submitted for the constitutional action of
the Senate. They contain stipulations for
extinguishing the possessory rights of the In
dians, to large aud valuable tracts of land. It
is hoped tbat the effects of these treaties
v ill result in the establishment of a permanent
friendly relations with such of these tribes as
have been brought into frequent and bloody
collisions with our outlying settlements and
emigrants. Sonnd policy and our imperative
duty to these wards of the Government, de
mand our auxious and constant attention, to
their material well being, to their progress in
tbe arts ot civilization, and, above all, to that
moral training, which, under the blessing of
divine rrovidence, will confer npon them the
elevated and sanctifying influence, the hope
and consolation of tbe Christain faitb. I sug
gested, in my last annual message, tbe pro
priety of remodeling our Indian system.
But aubsequentevents have satisfied me of its
necessity. The details set forth in the report
of tbe Secretary will evince tbe urgent need
lor immediate legislative action. .
I commend tbe benevolent institutions es
tablished or patronized by tbe Government in
this District to your generous and fostering
care. .
The attention of Congress during tbe last
session was . engaged to some extent with a
proposition for enlarging tbe water communi
cations between the Mississippi river and the
Northeastern seaboard, which proposition,
however, failed for tbe time. Since then up
on a call of the greatest respectability a Con
vention has been held at Chicago npon tbe
same subject a summary of those views is con
tained m a memorial addressed to the Presi
dent and Congress, and which 1 now have tbe
honor to lay before you. Tbat this Interest
is one which ere long will force its own way I
do dot entertain a doubt,' while it is submit
ted entirely to your wisdom aa to what can be
done now. Augmented Interest is given to
the subjeet by the actual commencement of
work upon the Pacific Railroad, under au
spices so favorable to its rapid progress and
completion. Enlarged navigation becomes a
palpable need to the great road. I transmit
tbe second annual report of the Commissioner
of tbe Department of Agriculture, asking
your attention to the developments in tbat vi
tal interest of the nation.
When Congress assembled a year ago the
war had already lasted nearly twenty months,
and there bad been many conflicts on both
land and sea. With varying results, tbe re
bellion had been pressed hack into reduced
limits, yet the tone of public feeling and o
pinion at home and abroad, was not satisfac
tory. .
With other signs, the popular elections,
then just passed, indicated uneasiness among
ourselves; while, amid much that was cold
and menacing, the kindest words coming from
Europe were uttered in accents of pity that
we v ere too blind to surrender. Our com
merce was suffering greatly by a few armed
vessels built upon and furnished from foreign
shores, and we were threatened with such ad
ditions from the same quarter as would sweep
our trade from the sea and raise our blockade.
He bad failed to elicit from tbe European
governments anything hopeful upon this sub-
ject.
The pelimtnary emancipation proclamation
issued in September, was runninc its assfirnd
period to the beginning of the new year. A
month later the final proclamation came. In
cluding, the announcement that colored men
of suitable condition would be received into
the war aervice. The policy of emancipation
and of employing black soldiers gave to the
imurutuew aspect, about which boDe and
fear and doubt contended in uncertain conflict.
Accoiding to our political system, as a matter
ot civil administration, the general gov
ernment had no lawful power to effect emanci
pation m any Mates, and for a long time it
had been hoped tbat tbe rebellion could be
suppressed without resorting to it as a military
measure. It was all the while deemed nosai-
ble that tbe necessitv for it might come, and
that if it should, the crisis of tbe contest
would then be presented. It came, and aa
was intended, it was followed bv dark and
doubtful days.
hleven months having now passed, we are
permitted to take another review. Tbe rebel
borders are pressed still further back, and by
tbe complete opening of the Missisaippi river,
tbe country dominated over by the rebellion
is divided into distant parts, ith do practical
communication between them. Tennessee
and Arkansas have been substantially cleared
oi insurgent control and influence, and tbe
citizens in each, owners of slaves and advo
cates of slavery at the beginning of tbe rebel
lion, now declare openly lor Emancipation in
their respective States. Of these States not
included in the Emancipation Proclamation,
Maryland and Missouri, neither of which.
three years ago, would tolerate any restraint
upon the extension of slavery Into the new
territories, only dispute now as to tbe best
mode of removing it within their own limits.
Ot those who were slaves at tbe beginning
of the rebellion, foil one hundred thousand
are now in the United States millitary service,
about one-halt ot which number actually bear
arms in the ranks thus giving tbe double advan
tage ol takiug so much labor from tbe insur
gent catiso, and supplying tbe places, which
otherwise must be tilled with so manv white
men. So far as tested it is difficult to say that
they are not as good soldiers aa any. No
servile insurrection or tendency to violence or
cruelty bas marked tbe measures of emanci
pation and arming. Tbe blacks these measures
have been much discusscd in.foreign countries.
Contemporary with such discussion tbe tone
of public sentiment there is mnch improved.
At home the lame measures have been fullv
disccussed, siipported,critisized, and denounc
ed ; and tbe annual elections following are
highly encouraging to those whose official
duty it is to bear tbe conntry through this
great trial. Thus we have the new reckoning.
The crisis which threatened to divide th
friends of tbe Union is past.
Looking now to tbe present and future, and
with reference to a resumption ot the nation
al authority within the States wherein' tbat
authority bas been suspended, I have thought
fit to Issue a proclamation, a copy of which Is
tierewitn transmitted. On examination of
this proclamation it will appear as is believed
that nothing is attempted beyond what is am
ply justified by the Constitution. True, tbe
form of an oatb is given, but no man la rn.
erced to take it. A man is only promised a
pardon in case be voluntarily takes tbe oath.
The constitution authorizes the Executive
to grant or withhold the pardon at his own ab
solute discretion, and this includes tbe power
to grant on terms as is fully established by
judicial and other authorities.
It is also proffered that if In any of the.
States named. a State Government shall be in .
the mode prescribed set np, such government '
shall be recognized and guarantied by the .
United States, and tbat under it the Stat '
shall, on the constitutional conditions.be pro
tected against invasion and domestic violence'
The Constitutional obligation of the United '
States to guarantee to every State in tbe '
Union a republican form of government and (
to protect the State in tbe cases stated, is ex
plicit and full. But why tender tbe. benefits
of this provision only to a State Government
set up in this particular way 1 This section
of the Constitution contemplates a case where
in tbe element within a State favorable to a
Republican Government In tbe Union, may '
be too feeble for an opposite and hostile ele-' :
ment, external to and even within tbe State ;'
and such are thefcases with which we are now
dealing. An attempt to guarantee and4pro-'
tect a revised State Government constructed,
in wboie or in preponderating part from the '.
very element against whose hostility and vlo- '
lence it is to be protected, is simnlv absurd. '.'
There must be a test by which to seperate the
opposing elements so as to build only from
tbe sound and that test is a sufficient liberal '
one, which accepts as sonnd, whoever will
make a sworn recantation of his former un- '
soundness.1 " '
But if it be proper to require as a test ot ad- 1
mission to the political body an oath of alle- '
ziance to the Constitution of th TTnit " :
States, and to the Union nnder it, why also to
tne laws ana proclamations In tezard to sla-
very 7 ".; ' ' " ' ' '
Those laws and proclamations were cut forth '
for tbe pnrpose ot aiding In' the suppression
v tug uguimuui iu xive mem me imieaa.
effect there bad to be a pledge for their main- .
tainance. ' In my lodement thev . have aided '
and will farther aid the can re for which they
were intended. To now abandon tbem wvuld
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