THE .RAFTSffllA
-r " w
ia a question upon which political economists
have not agreed. Nor can it be controlled
by legislation, but nmst be left to the irre
vocable laws which everywhere regulate com
merce and trade. The circulating medium
will ever irresistably flow to those points
where it is in greater demmi i. loe law o.
demand and supi.Iy is as unerring as that
which retrulates the tide of the ocean; and
indeed currency, like the tide., ha it- ebbs
sn.l fl.iTj l.r.in.'liAiir the commercial world.
At the beginning of the rebeuiou the bans
note circulation of the country amounted to
not much more than two hundred millions
of dollars; now the circulation of National
Bank notes and those known as '.'legal ten
ders" is nearly seven hundred millions.
While is is urged by. some that this amount,
should be increased, others contend that a
decided reduction is absolutely essential to
the best interests of the country. In view
of these diverse opinions, it may be well to
ascertain the real value ot our paper issues,
whrsn compored with a metallic or converti
ble currency. For this purpose, let us in
quire how much gold and silver could be
purchased by the seven hundred millions of
paper money no"?r in circulation ? Probably
not more than half the amount of the latter
showing tnat when our paper currency is
compared with gold and silver, its value is
compressed into three hundred and fifty
millions. This striking fact makes it the
obvious duty of the Government, as early as
may be consistent with the principles of
sound political economy, to take such meas
ure as will enable the holders of its notes
and those of the Natoinal Banks to convert
them; without loss, into specie or its equiv
alent. A reduction, of onr paper circulating
medium need not. necessarily follow. -. This,
however, would depend upon the law of de
mand and supply,though it should be bcrue
in mind that by making legal tender and
hank notes convertible into coin or its equiv
alent, their present specie value, in the
hands of their holders would be enhanced
one hundred per cent. .
Legislation for the accomplishment of a
result so desirable is demanded by t he high
est public considerations. The Constitution
contemplates that the circulating medium
of the country shall be uniform in quality
and value. At the time of the formation
of that instrument, the country had just e
merged from the War of the Revolution,
and was suffering from the effects of a re
dundant and worthless paper currency. The
sages ot that period were anxious to pro
tect their posterity from the evils which they
themselves had experienced, Hence, in
providing a circulating medium, they con
ferred upon Congress the power to coin
money and regulate the value thereof, at
the same time prohibiting the States from
making anything but gold and silver a ten
der in payment of debts.
The anomalous condition of our currency
is in striking contrast with that which was
originaly designed. Our circulation now
embraces, first notes of the National Hanks,
which are made receivable for all dues to
the Government, excluding imposts, and by
all its creditors, excepting in payment ot in
terest upon its bonds and its securities
themselves ; second legal tender notes, is
sued by the United States, and which the
law requires shall be received as well in pay
; ment of all debts between citizens as of all
Government dues, excepting imposts ; and,
third, gold and silver coin. By the opera
tion of our present system of finance, how
ever, the metalic currency, when collected,
is reserved only tor one class of Government
creditors, who, holding, its bonds, serai-an-nally
receive their interest in coin from the
National Treasury.' They are thus made to
occupy an invidious position, which may be
used to strengthen the arguments of those
who would bring into disrepute the obliga
tions ot the nation. In the payment of all
its debts the plightful faith of the Govern
ment should be inviolably maintained. But
while it acts with fidelity toward the bond
holder who loaned his money that the in
tegrity of the Union might be preserved, it
should at the same time observe good faith
with the great masses of the people, who
having rescued the Union from the periisof
rebellion, now bear the buidcus of taxation,
that the Government may be able to fulfill
its engagements. 1 ac-e is no reason which
will be accepted as satisfactory by the peo
ple, why those who defend us on the Ja;id
and protect us on the sea; the pensioner
upon the gratitude ot the nation, tearing
the scars and wounds reeoived while in its
service; the public servant 3 in the various
Departments of the Government ; the f ar
mer who supplies the soldiers of the army
and the sailors of the navy ; the artisan
who toils in the nation's workshops, or the
mechanics and laborers who build its edifi
ces and construct its torts and vessels of
war should, in pay.nnt of their just and
hard-earned dues, received depreciated pa
per, while another class of their countrymen,
no more deserving, are paid in coin of gold
and silver. Equal and exact justice requires
that all the creditors of the Government
Bhonld be paid in a currency possessing a
uniform value. This can only be accom
plished by the restoration of the currency
to the standard established by the Consti
tution ; and by this means we would re
move a discrimination which may, if it has
not already done so, create a prejudice that
may become deep-rooted and wide-spread,
and imperil the national credit.
The feasibility of making our currency cor
respond with the constitutional standard
may be seen by reference to a few facts de
rived from jnr commercial statistics.
The production of precious metals in the
United States from 1S49 to 1K57, inclusive,
amounted to S579.O00.000 ; from 185S to
1860, inclusive, to St 37, 500.000 ; and from
1861 to 1867, inclusive, to $457,500,000
makins the grand aggregate of products
since 1849. $1,174,000,000. The amount
of specie coined from 184.) to 1857, inclu
sive, was $439,000,000; from 185S to 1860,
inclusive, $125,000,000; and from 1861 to
1867, inclusive, $31Q,0'K), 000 making the
total coinage since 1849, $374,00 J,0 0.
From 1849 to 1S57, inclusive, the net ex
ports of specie amounted to $271,000,000 ;
from 1858 to 1860, inclusire. to $143,000.
000; and from 1861 to 1867, inclusive, $322,
000,000 making the aggregate of net ex
ports since 1849, $741,000,000. These fig
ures show an excess of product over netex
iiorU of $433,000,000. There are in the
Treasury $111,000,000 in coin, something
more than $40,000, 000 in circulation on the
Pacific coast, and a few millions in the Na
tional and other banks in all about $160,-
uuo.ooo. J his, However, tating$into ac
count the specie in the country prior to
1849, leaves nlore than three hundred mil
lions of dollars which have not yet been ac
counted for by exportation, and therefore
;j ay y c t r? m ai n i n 1 1 e cou n try.
. These are important facts, and show how
completely the inferior currency will super
sede the better, forcing it from circulation
among the masses, and causing it to be ex
ported as a mere articb of trade, to add to
the money capital of foreign lauds... They
show the necessity of retiring ouc papier
money, that the return of gold and fcilver to
the avenues of trade nlay bo invited, and a
demand created which will cause the reten
tion at home of at least fo much ot the
nrnil.M'riivK of our rich aud inexaustible
roid-bearina
. . .
fields as mav be sufficient for
nurposcs ot circulation. It is unreasona
bie
to expect a return to a sound currency, so
lrnn- a tVio (iiiVHrnmont'. l.v continuing to is
sue irredeemable notes, fills the channels of
circulation with depreciated , paper. Not
withstanding a coinage by our mints, since
1S49, of eittht hundred and seventy-four
millions of dollars, the people are now stran
gers to the currency which was 'designeci
to;- their use and benefit, and specimens of
the precious metals bearing the national
device are seldom seen, except when pro
duced to gratify the interest excited by their
novelty. If depreciated paper is to be con
tinued as the permanent currency ot the
country, and all our'coin is to become a
mere article of traffic and speculation, to the
enhancement in price of all that is indis
pensable to the comfort of the people, it
would be wise economy toaDOiisn our minis,
thus saving the nation the care and expense
incident to such establishments, and let our
piecious metals be expjrtcd in bullion.
The time has come, however, when the Gov
ernment and National Banks should be re
quired to take the most efficient steps and
make all necessary arrangements for the re
sumption of specie payments at the easi
est practicable period. Specie payments
having been once resumed by the Govern
ment and Banks, all notes or bills of paper
issued by either of a less denomination than
twentv dollars should by law be excluded
from circulation, so that the people may
have the benefit and convenience of a gold
and silver currency which in all their busi
ness transactions will be uniform in value at
home and abroad.
"Every man of property or industry, ev
ery man who desires to preserve what he
honestly possesses, or to obtain what he can
honestly earn, has a direct interest in main
taining a safe circulating medium such a
medium as shall be real and substantial,
not liable to vibrate with opinions, not sub
ject to be blown up or blown down by the
breath of speculation, but to be made sta
ble and secure. A disordered currency is
one of the greatest political evils. It un
dermines the virtues necessary to the sup
port of the social system and entourages
propensities destructive of its happiness; it
wars against industry, frugality, and econo
my, and it fos.ers the evil spirit of extrava
gance and speculation." It has been aser
ted by one of our profound and most gifted
statesmen, that "ot all the contrivauces for
cheating the laboring classes of mankind,
none has been more effectual than that
which deludes them with paper money.
This is the most effectual of inventions o
fertilize the rich man'stields by the sweat of
the poor man's brow. Ordinary tyranny,
oi-pression, excessive taxation these boar
lightly on the happiness of the inas of the
community compared with a fraudulent cur
rency, and the robberies committed by de
preciated paper. Our own history has re
corded for our instruction enough, and more
fhan enough of the demoralizing tendency,
the injustice, and the intolerable opprerion
on the virtuous and well 'disposed ot a de
graded paper currency, authorized by law or
in any way countenanced by Government."
It is one of the most successfull devices, in
times of peace or war, expansions or levul
sions, to accomplish the transfer of all the
precious metals from the great mass of the
people into the hands of the few, where
they are hoarded in secret places or deposit
ed in strong boxes under bolts and bars,
while the people are left to endure all the
inconvenience, sacrifice, and demoralization
resulting from the use of a depreciated and
worthless paper money.
The condition of onr finances and the op
erations of our revenue system are set forth
and fully explained in the able and instruc
tive report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
On the 30th of June, 1SG6, the public debt
amounted to $2,783,425,879 ; on the 30th
of June last it was 2,692, 199,215,showing a
reduction during the fiscal year of $91,226,
664. During the fiscal year ending June
30th, 1867, the receipts were ?49-,(34,O10,
and the expenditures $316,729, 129, leaving
an available surplus ot $143,901,880. It is
estimated that the receipts lor the fiscal
year enamg .) una .JOth, Jso, will be 417,
ror the fiscal voar enuintr June 3:)r.!l, 18)9,
it is estimated that the n ceins will amount
tn Sr.Sl OIIO MIXI :m,l t int thfi fixreni lMirps
Will be fco.,000.000. fcuOWUlgan excess CI
il 1 . , n
?y.uuu,uw in iavor oi tue uoverninem.
The attention of Congress is earnestly' in
vited to the necessity of a thorough revision
of our revenue system. Our internal reve
nue laws and impost system should be so ad
justed as to bear most heavily on articles of
luxury, leaving the necessaries of life as free
from taxation as may be consistent with the
real wants of the Government, economically
administered. Taxation would not then fall
unduly on the man of moderate means; and
while none would be exempt from assess
ment, all, in proportion to their pecuniary
abilities, would contribute toward the sup
port ot the State. A modification of the
internal revenue system, by a large reduc
tion in the number of articles now subject to
tax, would be followed by results equally ad
vantageous to the citizen of the Govern
ment. It would render the execution of the
law less expensive and more certain, remove
obstructions to industry, lessen the tempta
tions to evade the law, diminish the viola
tions and frauds perpetrated upon its pro
visions, make its operations less inquisitori
al, and greatly reduce in numbers the army
ot tax-gatherers created by the system, which
"take from the mouth of the honest laborer
the bread it has earned." Retrenchment,
reform, and economy should be carried into
every branch of public service that the ex
penditures of the Government may be reduc
ed and the people relieved from oppressive
taxation; a sound currency should be restored
and the public faith in regard to tho national
debt sacredly observed. The accomplisment
of these important results, together with
the restoration of the Union of the States
upon the principles of the Constitution,
would inspire confidence at home and abroad
i in the stability of our institutions, and bring
to the nuuon prosperity, peace and good
will.
Tho report af tbe Secretary ufWartrtV
161,928, and that the expenditures will 1 MHJ i,iorM i TcrT,i3 r 8
i ,t t Mm .M )., i ury to carry t' the surplus fund the sum of sixty-
reach t..e sum ot 39,-6J,20. leaving 111 fie tuWio cf dollars.being the amount received
the treasury a surplus of $23,892, .02. , fr0iU the sales of vessels and other war Drontitv.
terim exhibits the operations of the amy
and of the several Bureaus ot the Y ar de
partment. The aggregate strength ot our
ini'iitarv force, on the 3uth of September last,
was 561.315. The total estimate for military
appropriations is $77,124,707, including a
deficiency in last 'year's appropriation ot
$13,600,1)00. The payments at the freasu
ry on account of the service of the ar De
partment from January 1 to October 29,
1S67 a period or ten moru::s .unuuuicu iu
$109,807,000. The expenses of the military
establishment, as well as the numbers of
the army, are now three times as great as
thev have ever been in time of peace; while
! the discretionary power is vested m the Ex
ecutive to add millions to tins expenditure
by an increase of the army to the maximum
strength allowed by the Lw.
The menacing attitude of some of the war
like bands of Indians inhabiting the district
of countrv between the Arkansas and Platte
rivers, and portions of Dacotah Territory,
required the presence of a large military force
in that region. Instigated by real or imag
inary grievances, the Indians occasionally
committed acts of barbarous violence upon
emigrants and our frontier settlements ; out
a general Indian war has been providentially
averted. The Commissioners ender the act
of 20th July, 1867, were invested with full
IMjwer to adjust existing difficulties, negoti-
ato treaties witJi tne msanectea oanris, ami
select, for them reservations remote from the
travelled routes between the Mississippi
and the Pacific. ' They entered without de
lay upon the execution-of their trust, but
have not yet made any official report of their
proceedings. It is of vital importance that
our distant Territories should be exempt
from Indian outbreaks, and that the con
struction of the Pacific Railroad, an object
of national importance, should not. be inter
rupted by hostile tribes. These objects, as
well as the material interests and the moral
and intelleciuaj improvement ot the Ind"r
ans, can be most effectually secured by con
centrating them upon portionsof country set
apart for their exclusive use, and located at
points remote from our highways and en
croaching white settlements.
Since the commencement of the second
session of the Thirty-ninth Congress, five
hundred aud ten miles of road have be- n
constructed on the main line and branches
of the Pacific Railway. The line from Oma
ha is rapidly approaching the eastern base
of the Rocky Mountains, whilst the termi
iihs of the last section of constructed road
in California, accepted by the Government
on the 24th day of October last, was but e
leven miles distant from the summit of the
Sierra Nevada. The remarkable energy e
vinccd by the Companies offers the strong
est assurance that the completion of the road
from Sac:amento to Omaha will not be long
deferred.
1 uring the last fiscal j-:ar seven million
forty-one thousand oue hundred and four
teen acres of public land were disposed of,
and the cash receipts from sales and fees ex
ceeded one-half million dollars the sum re
alized from those sources during the preced
ing year. The amount paid to pensioners,
including expenses of disbursements, wa-s
S18,619,9C6, and thirty-six thousand four
hundred and eighty-two names were added
to the rolls. The entire numberot pension
ers on the 30th of Junelast was 155,474.
1 1,655 patents and designs were issued du
ring the 3-ear ending Sept. 30, 1S67, and at
that date the balance in the Treasury to the
credit of the Patent fund was $286,607.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy states
that we have seven squadrons actively and jti i
ciously employed, under efficient and able com
manders, in protecting the persons and property
of A tnorican citizens. maintaining the dignity and
power of the Government. aud promoting the com
merce nnd business interests of our countrymen
in every part of the world Of the two hundred
and thirty ciUt vessels composing the present
navy of the Unitod States, fifty-six carrying five
hundred and seven guns, are in s'qradron service.
During the year the number of vessels in commis
sion baa been reduced twelve, and there are 13
les.-on squadron duty than there were at the date
of the last report A large number of vessels
were commenced and in the course of construc
tion when the war terminated, and although Con
gress had made the necessary appropriations for
their completion, the Department has either sua
pendud woik upnn them or lin-itcd the slow com
pletion ot the fte?m vessels, so us to meet iho
j contracts for machinery wade with private estab
lishments.. The total expenditures of the .Navy
'. Depariment for the fiscal year ending June HO,
:1 -t7, were $31 034.01 1 . No appropriations have
been made or required since the close of the w ar
: for the cons ruction and repair of vesels,for steam
j machiiiery, ordnance, provisions and clothing,
j fuel, hemp, Ac, the balances under these several
I heads having been more than sufficient fur current
; expenditures. It should also be stated to the
: credit of the Dcprrtraent that, besides asking no
. appropriations for the above objects for the last
! two years, the Secretary of the .Navy, on the oOth
' of September last, in accordance with the act of
ami tne remnants of former appropriations.
! . The rl"rt of the Postmaster General show? the
' vv iucon-
! ".HUH JL IU5 I iffBLAl MTIVIUO I U
j light, and the attention ot Cong
very lavorable
ress is called to
its practical recommendations. The receipts of
tne jjt'partnient tor tneyearenuingjune .5U.1S67,
including ail special appropriations for sea and
land service and for fice mail matter, were $19,
D73,6(J3. The expenditures for all purposes wer
SI9, 235,483, leaving nn unexpended balance in
favor of the Department of 743,210. which can
be applied towards the expenses of the Depa.t--ment
lor the current year. The increase of postal
revenue, independent of specific appropropria
tiona. for the year 1S07, over that of 1800, was
$850,040. The increase of revenue from the sale
of stamps and stamped envelopes was $733,404.
The increase of expenditures for 1807 over thoss
of the previous year was owing chiefly to the ex
tension of. the land and ocean mail service. Du
ring the past year new postal conventions have
been ratified and exchanged with the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Belgium,
the Netherlands, Switzerland, the North German
Union, Italy, and the Colonial Government at
Hong Kong, reducing very largely the rates of
ocean and land postages to and from and within
these countries.
The report of the Acting Commissioner of Ag
riculture concisely presents the condition, wants,
and progress of an interest eminently worthy of
the fosterling care of Congress, and exhibits a
large measure of useful results achieved during
the year to which it refers.
The re-estibli.-hment of peace at home and tho
resumption of extended trade, traval. and com
merce abroad, have seried to increase the number
and variety of questions in the department of for
eign affairs. None of these questions, however,
nave seriously disturbed our relations witu other
States.
The Repub'io of Mexioo. having been relieved
from foreign intervention, is earnestly engaged
in efforts to re establish her constitutional system
of government. A good understanding continues
to exist between our government and the Uepub
lios of Hayti and San Domingo, and our cordiul
relations with the Central and South American
States remain unchanged. The tender, made in
conformity with a resolution of Congress, of the
good offices of the Gov rnment, with a view to an
amicable adjustment of peace between Brazil and
her allies, on one side. and Paraguay on the other,
and between Chili and her allies, on ono side. and
Spain on the other, though kindly ruceived, has
in neither case been fully accepted by the bellig
erents. The war in the Valley of the Paru.a is
. .... .,.1 . . ..i .L . fr
still vigorously maintained. On the other hand. (
actual hostilities between the Pacific States aud
tpain have been more than a year suspended. 1
thall, on any proper occasion that may occur, r
new the conciliatory recommendations which
have been already made. Braxil. with enlighten
ed sagacity and comprehensive statesmanship. bag
opened the great channels of the Amazoa and its
tiibutnrifs to universal commerce. One thing
more seems needful to assure a rapid and cheer
ing progress in South America I refer to those
peaceful habits without which States and Nations
cannot, in this age, well expect material prosper
ity or social advancement.
The Exposition of Universal Industry at Paris
has iassed. and seems to have fully realized the
high expectations of the French Government. If
due allowance be made for the recent political de
rangement of industry here, the part which tho
I in Cud States has borije in this exhibition of in
vention and art may be regarded with very high
sHtisf action.. During the txpoion,a conference
was held by delegates from tbe several nations,
the United States being one, in which the incon
veniences to commerce and social intercourse re
sulting from divers standards of money value
were lutly discussed ; and plans were developed
for establishing by universal consent a common
principle for the coinage of gold. These confer
ences are expected to be renewed with the atten
dance of many foreign States, not hitherto repre
sented. A report of these interesting proceedings
will be submitted to Congress, wnicn will no
doubt justly appreciate the great object, and be
ready to adopt any measure which may tend to
facilitate its ultimate accomplishment.
On the 25th of February, 1862, Congress declar
ed by law that the Treasury notes without interest
authorized by that act. should be legal tenders in
the payment of all debts, public and private.
within the United States. An annual remittance
of $30. 000. less stipulated expenses, accrues to
claimants under the convention made with Spain
in 1831 These remittances, since the passage of
the act, have been paid in such notes. 1 bo claim
ants insist that the Government ought to reqnire
payment in ccin. The subject may be deemed
worthy of your attention. '
No arrangements have us yet been reached for
the settlement of our claims for British depreda
tions under the commerce of the United States. I
have felt it my duty to decline a proposition of
arbitration made by her Majesty's Government,
because it has hitherto heen accompanied (pres
ervations and limitations incompatible with the
rights, interest and honor of our country. It is
not t be apprehended that Great Britain will per
sist in her refusal to satisfy these just and reason
able claims which involve the sacred principle of
i.oh-mtervention a principle henceforth not more
important to the United states than all other
commercial nations.
The West India Islands were settled and colo
nized by Uuroptun States, simultaneously with
the settlement and colonisation of the American
Continent. Most of the colonies planted here
became independent nations in the close of the
last, and beginning of the present century. Our
own country embraces communities which at one
period were the Colonies of Great Britain, France.
Sptin, lioland. Sweden and Kustda. The people
in the est indies, with the exception ot tnose
of the Island of liayti. have neither attained or
aspired to independence, nor have they become
prepared for self-dtfenre ; although possessing
considerable commercial value luey nave been
held by several huropen States, which colonized
or at some time conquered them, chiefly for
puriiosesof military and naval strmeirv, in car
rying on the European policy and designs in re
gard to this continent. In our revolutionary
war ports and harbors in the West Jndia Islands
were used by our enemy to the great injury and
embarrassment ef the United States. We had the
same experience in our second war with Great
liiitaiu. - The fame European policy for a long
time excluded us even from trade with the West
Indies, while we were at peace with all nations
In our recent civil war the rebels and their pi rat
ical and bleckude treating allies found facilities
in some ports for work which they too sucee-sfully
accomplished, of injuring and devastating a com
uierce which we are now engaged iu rebuilding
We labored especially under this disadvantage
when European steam vessels employed, by our
enemies found frieudly shelter, protection nd
supplies in the West Indian ports, while our own
naval operations were necessarily carried ou from
our own distant shores. I here was then a. uni
versal feeling of the want of an advanced naval
outpost between tbe Atlantic coast and, Euroi e
The duty of obtaining such an outpost peacefully
aid aniu lyr while neither doing nor men
acing injury to the other States-earuestly engaged
the attention of the Exeoutive Department before
the cose of the war. and it has not been lost sigh
of since that time. A not entirely dissimilar na
val wast revealed it-self daring the same period
on tue Pacific coast .and tbe required foothold
there was fortunately secured by our late treaty
witu the Emperor ot riu3fia,aua it now s-;ems im
perative iliat the more obvious necessities of the
Atlantic coast should not be less carefully prjvidcd
for. A good and convenient port and harbor capa
ble of easy defence will supply that want. With
t he possession of such a static by tbe United
States, neither we nor any other American na
tion need longer apprehend injury or otlense from
any trans-Atlantis enemy. I agree with our early
stiitinieu, that the West Indies natui ally gravi
tate to, ad may be expected ultimately to be ab
sorbed by, tbe coutinwutial States, inc tiding our
own. I agree. with them also that it is wise to
leave the question of such absorption in this pro
cess of natural po'itical gravitation. The islands
of St. 1 homas and St Johns, w hich constitute a
portion of the group called Virgin islands, soem
ed to oll'er us advantages immediately desirable,
while tlioir ucquisiiiou could be secured in har
mony with the principles to which I have alluded.
A treaty has, therefore, been concluded with
the King of Denmark for the cession ot those Is
lands, and will bo submitted to ti.e .tenate tor
consideration.
It will hardly be necessary to call the attention
of Congress to the subject of providing for the
payment to Russia the sum stipulated in the
treaty for the cession of Alaska. Possession
having been formally delivered to our Commia
siouer, the territory remains for the. present in
charge of a military force, awuiting such civil
organization as shall b directed by Congress.
The annexation of many small German Mates
to Prussi , and the reorganization of that country
under a new and liberal Constitution, have induc
ed me to renew the effort to obtain a just and
prompt settlement of a long vexed question con
cerning the claims of foreign States for military
service from their subjects naturalized in the Uni
ted States. In connection with this subject the
attention of Congress is respectfully called to a
singular and embarrassing eonllict of laws. The
Excutive Department of thia Government has
hitherto urm'orinly held, as it now holds, that nat
uralization in Conformity with the Constitution
and laws of the United States absolves the recip
ient from his native allegiance. - The.. Courts of
Great Britain hold that allegiance to the British
crown is indefeasible, and is not absolved by our
laws of naturalization, and Biitish judges cite
courts and law authorities of the United States
in support of that theory against the position
held by the Executive authority of the United
States. This conflict perplexes the publio mind
concernirg rights of naturalized citizens, and im
pairs national authority abroad, I called atten
tion to this subject in my last annual message, and
now again respeotfullv appeal to Congress to de
clare the national will unmistakably upon this
important question.
Abuse of our laws by clandestine prosecution
of the African slave trade from American ports,
or by American oitizeng, has altogether ceased,
and'under existing circumstances no apprehen
sion of its renewai in this part of the world are
entertained. Under the circumstances, it becomes
a question whether we shall not propose to Her
Majesty' Government a suspension or discontinu
ance of stipulations for maintaining a naval force
for the suppression of that trade.
(Signed) ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, December 3, 18fi7.
The wheat and flour exports of California
this year will not fall short Af ten millions of
dollars. J he wine crop thisyearwill am t
to three millions of dollars. While there
is a falling off on gold product,other branch
es of industry afford more than a counter
balance. Ex-Senator Foster, of Connecticut, is
spoken of as Minister to Austria, since the
declination cf Mr. Greeley.
lUftsmmi's Journal.
8. 1. BOW, EDITOR AMD PROPRIETOR.
ChKAKFTELD, FA., PEC. 11, 1867.
The Great Land Case.
The case of Samuel C. Smith (alia Pru
ner & Burley) vs. Dr. D. Houlz, which has
been on trial in the U. S. Circuit Court, at
Pittsburg, for a month past, terminated
ou Friday last, in a verdict for the De
fendant. This case, as our readers will re
member, was tried twice in this county,
The first trial was a miscarriage, and the
verdict was set aside. The second trial re
sulted in a verdict for the Defendant, but
as the Jury filed into the box, the Plaintiffs
took a non-suit. Au action was then brought
in the name ot Samuel C. Smith, (a ficti
tious citizen of New Jersey,) in the U. S
Circuit Court at Pittsburp, which resulted
as above stated.
The trial lasted twenty-six days. The
Jury was composed of ten members of the
Legislature; and two private citizens. The
Hon. Wilson M'Candless, one of the most
distinguished J udges in the country, presi
ded. Hon. Henry D. Foster of Westmore
land, John C-. Miles. Eq., of Huntingdon,
and J. B. M'Enally, Esq., of this place,
were counsel for the plaintiff. Hon. S. A.
Pur-iauce of Pittsburg, and II. B. Swoope,
Esq., of Clearfield, were for the defendant.
The case involved the location of thirteen
surveys, containing 433 acres and 153 perch
es each, in Woodward and Decatur town
ships, Clearfield county. The land im
mediately in controversy, about 800 acres, is
valued ct from $7",000 to $100,000. Had
tbe Plaintiff recovered, these thirteen sur
veys would have been moved north, from
their received location for the last thirty
years.about three miles,and would have caus
ed a batch of law-suits among the citizens of
these townships, that would have lasted for
years to come. Our readers in Woodward
and Decatur townships, will be glad to hear
that their lines and corners are to remain
undistui bed, as heretofore. .
The costs of the trial have been enormous.
From what we hear, the expenses will not
fall shoit of $10,000. The case may, proba
bly, be taken by the plaintiff, to the U. S.
Supreme Court, at Washington
We learn tluit Dr. Houtz, the winning
party, presented each of his counsel, Mr.
Purviance and Mr. Swoope, with an elegant
gold-headed cane, in addition to handsome
fees.
Impeachment Killed. On Saturday,
Dec. 7th, in the House, the impeachment
resolution was rejected by a vote of 57 to
10Q. Of the majority fiO wereP.epublicans.
It was better, says the Commercial, to take
this square vote than lay the question on
the table even with the absolute certainty
that it would never be revived. Of the
negative, not a few wished to have the pro
ject fail, but voted as they did for reasons
best known to themselves. There is no
chance of this disposition of the question
being construed into a declaration of conii
dence in Andrew Johnson. The whole
thing is thoroughly understood by the coun
try. This decision will cause general satis
faction, and there will be freer and deeper
breathing by thousands in the land who hold
Andrew Johnson in utter detestation. The
vote will exert a beneficial influence at a mo
ment when fhere was need of cultivating
confidence in the management of our nation
al affairs. Not onby the manner but the
promptness with which the question was
disposed of will give satisfaction, and create
a healthier tone. More especially will this
be so, if, as we believe will be the ense.
Congress follows up this action with equally
prompt and wise action on the finances. An
earnest of such an intention was given al
most the same hour, in the stopping con
traction by repealing the law authorizing
the Secretary to retire greenbacks at the rate
of four millions a month.
The bill offered in the House of Repre
sentatives on Friday, by Mr. Hooper, re
stricting the amount of revenue to be raised
to three hundred millions of dollars annual
ly, instructing the Committee on Appro
priations to keep all the expense within that
limit, and providing for the necessary revis
ion of the revenue laws, looks to important
results. Such a reduction, with a wisely
balanced plan for levying the taxes and
honesty in collecting the revenue, will sen
sibly relieve the burthen of taxationr.
Still in real estate business Secretary
Seward. At least, it is said that he is now
negotiating for the purchase of Cuba, and
that the Spanish Government looks favora
bly upon the proposition.
The Vermont House of Representatives
has fixed the salary of the State Treasurer
at $1,200, that of the Secretary of State at
$S00, and that of the Quartermaster Gen
eral at $700.
The President's Message.
We print the mesfcae of Proide.it J.ihn.
son entire, this week, to the exclu.-i.u r.f
our usual variety ot reading matter. TU
document is of unusual length. It Ls in
some respects, well written, but many of the
conclusions arrived at are based upon faU
premises. In fact, the President views al
most everything from tbe Southern stand
point, but more especially the great and
important question of reconstruction. j
show how the message is received, ;md what
is thought ol it, we give some brief extracts
from several of the leading journals in the"
country:
The N. Y. Tibit!ib say : '-Altogether the Pres
ident's message is an extraordinary document, a
strange compound of statesmanship aod passion
From his views on reconstruction, go fulluf aDeer
and prejudice, we turn to his views on finance
which are patriotic and wise. ... Mr. Johnson
hurls a fresh fire-brand into the face of the coun
try. ... So untimely, so wantonly, wickedlj bi!e.
ful an appeal to outworn prejudices and dyinr
factions has not been mad in all our past hit
tory."
Tho Phil's Bulletin (Rep.) says: "Conceived
in the worst temper of a disappointed demagogue
it is filled with violent appeals to the pafsioni
and prejudices ot tbe most ignorant ela-ses in the
country. In its assumptions it is frequently faUe;
in its references to Congress there is scarcely any
troub'e taken to soften its insolence; in its argu.
mrnts, it loses even plausibility by the open bit
terness of its hostility to the laws; in its hypo
critical claim to sincerity and deference it s 'sim
ply disgusting ",
The Phil'a Post (Rep.) says : "Mr. Johnson does
not appear to remember .the rebellion. That ten
States, acting in their sovereign capacity, declar
ed the Cnion destroyed, and fought for for years
to make that declaration good, is a fact which he
would gladly persude us to forgot, lleinpulu the
Constitutions, by avowing it to be the proteetion
of traitors, the bar to all progress an absolute
tyranny over loyal men, and a brood license to
all rebels."
Ihe Pittsburg Cowu krcial (Rep ) says : ' There
is a certain kind of courageousness in it which re
sembles tbe pluck manifested by the unsubdued
adherents of the 'lost cause.' "
Election op Conuukssmen. The ex
cellent idea has been suggested that Con
gress fix a uniform day for electing mem
bers of the House in all the States. I'noVr
present arrangements it is provided that each
new Congress shall assemble on 'he 4th of
March of the year in which i;s sesion com
mences, and with some of tin.'' Slates link
ing elections in ApriL some in May, Jutu,
August, Septcmlicr, October and Nme;n
bcr, it is impossible to have a full llon at
the projRT time. Business is delayed, be
cause Committees cannot be filled, and prac
tically.7 general business is locked np ntnil
December.
Another important gain by having a uni
form day for elections would be the impos
sibility of transferring voters from States in
which no elections are held and colonizing
them in the cities. The recent election in
New York city, Democrats themselves giv
ing the evidence, was only a sham, beeau!
of the numbers of fraudulout votes imported
from Philadelphia, The game would be
blocked by having Congressional election.
on the samo day in Pennsylvania as in Xew
York. Wc hope Congress will act prompt
ly in this matter, so that the next Congres
sional elections may be held in all the States
on the same day.
The women of Paraguay have oftVred t
sell all of their gilvrt-. cpMt awl jewels l
aid their country. President Jypez thank
fully declined tlu .gift,' excepting one twen
tieth part of tho gold offering, from which
he will have coins made. Heretofore there
have been no gold coins in Paraguay, ar.d
these first ones will ever be valued as me
mentoes of the patriotism of the women of
1807.
. We hear of Miue negro prize fights havi;.-?
taken place. What supporter of John or
risscy and his party will after this tbrc to
deny negro capability? Negroes are march
ing on. They will one day becirih'zed, and,
as we see above, some of them have already
reached the lowest round in the ladder.
McClean County, Iowa, has six brothers
whose united weight is 2,219 pounds. The
largest of these ginnts weighs 405 pounds,
and the smallest 385 pounds. We don't
know of any other county that has produc
ed so many great men in one family.
In Pike county the Copperheads were
mean enough to elect both Jury Commis
sioners. The Republicans could have done
the same thing iu Bradford, Tioga, &c, but
they did not do it
lnv advertisement.
Atvernsrment set K infargetvpr, or out of pfatit
(y If, will be ch urged do uble usual rale. A o t Ms.
pAUTION. My wife having left my bed
aud board without any just cause or prov
ocation, during my absence from borne. I hereby
caution all persons against harboring or trusting
her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her
contracting unless compelled by due procssoflaw
Lnthersbarg, Dec. ll-3t. ELI HAKM0N
yAEUARLE REAL ESTATE SALE.
Tho following valuable property will be sold
public outcry, on . "
Saturday, January 4, ISO,
in tho town of Ulen-Hone, to wit; One hundred
acres of choice timber land, situate in Beccsria
township. Clearfield cunty. Pa., lying within one
mile of Big Clearfield creek, and well coverea
with choice Pine, Oak and Hemlock timber. "
is well calculated for timbering or logging.
are also valuable coal mines opened on lands im
mediately adjoining the same. The above traci
is part of. and taken out of, the tract formerly Be
longing to William Pusey. Any person wishing
to purchase will do well to go and see the same.
Mr. Pusey. now living on the tract, will accompa
ny them over the premises. ,
The conditions of sale are as follows: One naii
to bo pail down on confirmation of sale, ana tne
other half on the first day of May following.
beaecured by Bond and Mortgage, with mtere
from day of sale. . Possession will be given in""1"'
diately. The owner reserves one bid.
Grampian Hill.. SAMUEL WIDEMIBE
December 'I, 1387.
CABLE CHAINS food articlr. on h 4
forsaleby MERRILL 4 CI01-BK-