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"JACOSY & SIIUEIAX Pcbllshen.
TRUTH AND RIGHT QOD AND OUR COUNTRY.
Two Dollars per Annan In Adrance
VOL. XXX- j old semes.
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA CO., PA., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12,1866. VOL.'. 1 NO 42.
in
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NORTIo
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THE
DEMOCRAT AND STAR,
njBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY,
US 15L.UU31S.BU1U, FA., lilC .
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iu timeonrrrmt i hoiM. .
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erce. Im. 2m. 3. Cat, it.
Ona equare,
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Tnree
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Half roluatn.
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S.no 3 00 4.00 S.OO I 10 TO
3.00 S.oO 6.00 9,00 M.00
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0.C0 8.00 10, o M.Oil 80.00
10. Go 13.00 M OO IS 00 30 00
13. oo ia oo 9J.0O 20.00 so.oa
Xxeentor'e and AdmiaUtrator'a Nolle.. - 3 00
Aodlior'e Nocic. -2.iO
Other edrartia amenta inearted according tuapecioj
eon t ran.
Butincaa otlcea, without advertisement, twenty,
cent per lrne.
Transient advertf sementa payable la ad ane, ail
there duo after the flrat maertlow.
E7 OJTICE-Ia Bbive'a Block, Corner of Mil a
and Xroa Btreete.
Addreee, - JACOBY A. SHUJfAN.
Bloomibarf. Columbia County, Pa. v
MESSAGE of the PRESIDENT.
FtUouxilvuns of the Scnateand House of
Krpresm tat ivcs 4
After a brief interval toe Congrera of the
United States resumes its annual legislative
labors. An all-wise and merciful Providence
has abated the pestilence which visited our
shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon
some portions of our country. Peace, order,
tranquility,' and civil authority have been
formally declared to exist throughout the
whole of the United States In all of the
States civil authority has superseded the co
ercion of arms, and the people, by their vol
untary action,- are maintaining their govern
ments in full activity and complete operation.
The enforcement of the laws is no longer
"obstructed in any State by combinations
too powerful to be suppressed by the ordi
nary course of judicial proceedings ; and .
the animosities engendered by the war are
rapidly yielding to the beneficent influences
oi our ire institutions, ana to me kiuuiy
effects of unrestricted social and commcrcia
intercourse. An entire restoration of fra
ternal feeling must bo the "earnest wish
every patriotic heart t and we will have ac
comrlished our grandest national achieve
ment when, forgetting the sad events of the
past, and remembering only their instructive
lessons, we resume our onward career as
free. prosperous, and united people.
In my message of the 4th of December,
1SC5, Congress was informed of the meas
ures which had been instituted by the Exe
cutive with a view to the gradual restoration
of the States id which the insurrection oc
icurred to their relations with the Genera
Government. Provisional Governors had
been appointed, Conventions called. Govern
ors elected, legislatures assembled, and
Senators and Representatives chosen to the
Congress of the United States. Courts had
been opened for the enforcement of laws long
in ooeyance. ine oiocxaae oaa oeen re-
moved, custom-houses re-established, and
the internal revenue laws put in force, in or
der that the people might contribute to the
national income. roBtai operations naa oeen
renewed, and efforts were being made to re
store them to their former condition or em
ciency. The States themselves had been
asked to take part in the high function o
amending the Constitution, and of thus
sanctioning the extinction of African slavery
as one of the legitimate results of our in
ternecine struggle.
Having progressed thus far, the Ex ecu
tive Department found that it had accom
plished nearly all that was within the scope
oi its constitutional autnonty. une tmng,
however, yet remained to be done before the
work of restoration could be completed, and
that was the admission to Congress or loyal
Senators ,and ' Representatives from the
States whose people had rebelled against the
i i-i i fi r v i n
lawiut euiuuriiy vi iuij vjreucrai uuciiuucuu
This question devolved upon the respective
Houses, which, by the Constitution, are
made the judges of the elections, returns,
and qualifications of their own members: and
its consideration at once engaged the atten
tion of Congress. ...... . m
In the meantime, the Executive Depart
ment no other plan having been proposed
by Congress continued its efforts to perfect,
as far as was practicable, the restoration of
the proper relations between the citizens of
tne respective states, tne states, ana tne r ea
eral Government, extending, from time to
timer a tb public interests seemed to re
auire. the judicial, revenue, and postal sys
tems of the country. With the advice and
consent of the Senate, the necessary officers
were appointed, and appropriations made by
Congress for the payment of their salaries.
The proposition to amend the Federal Con
stitution, so as to prevent the existence of
slavery within the United States or any place
subject to their jurisdiction was ratified by
the requisite number of States ; and on the
18th day of December, 1865, it was officially
declared to have become valid as a part of
the Constitution of the United btates. , AH
of the States in which the insurrection had
existed promptly amended their Constitu
tions, so as to make them conform to the
great change thus effected in the organic law
of the land : declared null and void all ordi
nances and laws of secession j repudiated all
jt. tended debts and obligations created for
the revolutionary purposes of the insurrec
tion ; and proceeded, in food faith, to the
enactment of measures for the protection
and amelioration of the condition of the col
ored race. Congress,' however, yet hesitated
to admit any ot these States to representa
tion ; and it was not until towards the close
of the eighth month of the session that an
exception was made in favor of Tennessee,
by the admission of her Senators fhd Rep
Tesentaiives. 1 -
I deem ita subject of profound regret that
Congress has thus far failed to admit to seats
loyal Senators and Representatives from the
other States, whose inhabitants, with these
of Tennessee, had engaged in the rebellion.
Ten States more than one-fourth of the
whole pumber remain without representa
tion; tne seats of fifty members in the'House
of Representatives and of twenty members
ia the Senate are yet vacant not by their
own consent, not by a failure of election,but
by the refusal of Congress to accept their
oredentials. Their admission, it is believed,
vould have accomplished much towards thc
renewal and strengthening of our relations
3 one people, aad removed serious cause for
discontent oa the part of the inhabitants of
these States. It would have accorded with
tL great principle enunciated in the Decla
ration cf American Independence, that no
roc 7! 3 cti-t to bear the burden ot taxation,
V1" dried ths rijht cf representa
tion It '-z-J.1 have been in consonance
trita C.2 er":i,"3 provisions of the Cocstita
tl"i, tlzi "each Stata eLsU have at least one
Representative," and "tb.at no State, with
out its consent, shall be deprived of its equal
suffrage in the Senate." These provisions
were in ended to secure to every State, and
to the people of every State, the right of
repre.- eatation in each House of Congress ;
and so important was it deemed by the fra
mers of the Constitution that the equality of
the States in the Senate should be preserv
ed, that not even by an amendment of the
Constitution can any State, without its con
sent, be denied a voice in that branch of the
National Legislature.
It is true, it has been assumed that the ex
istence of the States war terminated by the
rebellious acts of their inhabitants, and that
the insurrection havin? been suppressed,
they were thenceforward to be . considered
merely as conquered territories. The Leg
islative, Executive, and Judicial Depart
ments of the Government have, however,
with great distinctness and uniform consist
ency, retused to sanction an assumption so
incompatible with the nature of our renub-
ican system, and with the professed objects
of the war. Throughout the recent legisla
tion of. Congress, the undeniable fact make3
itself apparent, that these ten political com
munities are nothing less than States of this
Union. At the very commencement of the
rebellion, each House declared, with a una
nimity as remarkable as it was significant,
that the war was not, "waged, upon our
part, in any spirit of oppression; nor for any
purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor pur
pose of overthrowing or interfering with the
rights or established institutions of those
States, but to defend ' and maintain the su
premacy of the Constitution and all laws
made in pursuance thereof, and to preserve
the Union with all the dignity, equality.and
rights of the several States unimpaired ; and
that as soon as these objects were accom
plished the war ought to cease." In some
instances Senators were permitted to contin
ue their legislative functions, while in other
instances Representatives were elected and
admitted to seats after their States had for
mal! v declared their right to withdraw from
the Union, and were endeavoring to main
tain that right by force of arms. All of tho
States whosr jreople were in insurrection, as
States, wert included in the apportionment
ot the direv-ttaxof twenty millions of dol
lars annually laid upon the United States by
the act of March 4th, 1862, and by the ap
portionment of representation thereunder,
also recognized - their presence a States in
the Union ; and they have, for judicial pur
poses, been divided into districts, as States
alone cart be divided. The same recognition
appears in the recent legislation in reference
to Tennessee, which evidently rests upon the
fact that the functions of the State were not
destroyed by the rebellion, but merely sus
pended ; and that principle is of course ap
plicable to those States which, like Tennes
see, attempted to renounce their places in
the Union.
The action of the Executive Department
of the Government upon this subject has
been equally definite and uniform, and the
purpose of the war was specifically stated in
the Proclamation issued by my predecessor
on the 22d day of September, 1S62. It was
l&KZA declared thai
"kw,n. v v ,n k
prosecuted for the object of practically re
storing the constitutional relation between
the United States and each of the States
and the people thereof, in which States that
relation is or may be suspended or disturb
ed." The recognition of the States by the Ju
AA.1 WOi li OO UClClViViC; . bUO W 1AA UMt
dicial Department of the Government has
also been clear and conclusive in all proceed
ings affecting them as State?, had in the Su
preme, Circuit and Uistnct Uourt.
' In the admission or senators and liepre-
sentatives from any and all of the States,
there can be no just ground for apprehen
sion that persons who are disloyal will be
clothed with the powers of legislation ; for
this could not happen when the Constitution
and the laws are enforced by a vigilant and
faithful Congress. Each house is made the
judge of the elections, returns, and quali
fications of ita own members," and may.
"with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel
a member. When a senator or repre
sentative presents his certificate of election,
he may at once be admitted or rejected ; or
should there be any question as to hi3 eligi
a a rtri - i
bility, his credentials may be referred lor
nvestigation to the appropnrte committee.
If admitted to a seat, it must be upon evi
dence satisfactory to the-House of which he
thus becomes a member, and he possesses
the requisite Constitutional and legal quali
fications. If refused admission as a mem
ber for want of due allegiance to the Gov
ernment, and returned to his constituents.
they are admonished that none but persons
oyal to the United States will be allowed a
voice in the Legislative Councils of the na
tion, and the political power and mo:al in
fluence of Congress are thus effectively ex
erted in the interests of loyalty to the Gov
ernment and fidelity to the Union. Upon
this question, so vitally affecting the resto
ration of the Union and the permanency
of our present form of government, my con
victions, heretofore expressed, have under
gone no change ; but, on the contrary, their
correctness has been confirmed by reflection
and time. If the admission of loyal mem
bers to seats in the respective Houses of
Congress was wise and expedient a year ago,
it is no less wise and expedient now. If this
anomalous condition is right now if, in the
exact condition of these States at the pres
ent time, it is lawful to exclude them from
representation, I do not see that the ques
tion will- be changed by the efflux of time.
Ten years hence, if these States remain as
they are, the right of representation will be
no stronger the right of exclusion will be
no weaker.
The Constitution of the United States
makes it the duty of the President to rec
ommend to tho consideration of Congress
such measures as he shall judge necessary
or expedient " I know of no measure more
imperatively demanded by every considera
tion of national interest, sound policy, and
equal justice, than the admission of loyal
members from the now unrepresented
States. This would consummate the work
of restoration, and exert a most salutary in
fluence in the re-establishment of peace,
harmony and fraternal feeling. It would
tend greatly to renew the confidence of the
American people in the vigor and stability
of their institutions. It would bind us more
closely together as a nation, and enable us to
show to the world the inherent and recuper
ative power of a Government founded upon
the will of the poole. and established nnon
the principles or liberty, justice and intelli
gence. Our increased strength and enhanc
ed prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate
the fallacy of the arguments against free in
stitution" drawn frorn our recent national
disorders by the enemies of republican gov
ernment. The admission of loyal members
'rom the States now excluded from Con.
gress, by allaying doubt and apprehension
would torn capital, now awaiting an oppor.
tuaity for investment, into the channels of
trade and industry. It would alleviate the
p esmt condition of those States, and by in
ducing emigration, aid in the settlement of
fertile regions now uncultivated, and lead to
an increased production ot those staples
wnicn nave added so greatly to the wealth
of the nation and the commerce of the
world. New fields of enterprise would be
opened to our progressive people, and soon
the devastations of war would be repaired,
and traces of our domestic differences effac
ed trora the minds ot our countrymen
In our efforts to preserve "the unity of
uovernment wnicn constitutes us one ceo-
pie, py restoring tne estates to the condi
tion which they held prior to the rebellion.
we should be cautious, lest, having rescued
our nation irom perils ot threatened disin
tcgruuuu, we re son to consolidation, and in
the end absolute despotism, as a remedy for
the recurrence of similar troubles. The war
having terminated, and With it all occasion
for the exercise of powers of doubtful con-
oHiuuuuaiivy, we ouuuiu iiasteu to Dnng leg
islation within the boundaries prescribed by
the Constitution, and to return to the an
cient landmarks established by our fathers
lor the guidance or succeeding generations.
4The Constitution which at any time exists,
until changed by an explicit and authentic
act ot the whole people, is sacredly obliga
tory upun juj. vir, m tne opinion ot the
people, the distribution or modification of I
the constitutional powers be, in any partic
ular wrong, let it oe corrected by an amend
ment in the way in which the Constitution
designates. But let there be no change by
usurpation, lor it is the customary weapon
07 which iree Uovernments are destroyed.
y asaingion spoite tnese woros to his coun
trymen when, followed by their love and
gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the
cares of public life. : "To keep in all things
within the paleot our constitutional powers,
and cherish the Federal Union as the only It is important that a suitible public station
rock of safety, were prescribed by Jeffer- should be provided for the iron-clad fleet
son as rules of action to endear to his It is iniAnAoA that th
countrymen the true principles of their
Constitution, and promote a union of senti
ment and action equally auspicious to their
happiness and safety." Jackson held that
the action of the General Government
should always be strictly confined to the
sphere of it3 appropriate duties, and justly
and forcibly urged that our Government is
not to be maintained - nor our Union nre
served "by invasions of the rights and pow-
era ot the severalfc rates. In thus attempt-
"6 v uui vjrciinai jru cruaieni Birong
we make it weak. Its true strength con
sists in leaving individuals and States as
much as possible to themselves ; in making
i !i 1 . .
itaeu lcifc, boi in 11s power, put in its benefi
cence : not in its control, but in its nroten-
rhese are the teachings of men whose
de?ds and services have made them illustri
ou, and who, long since withdrawn from
scenes of life, have left to their country the
rich legacy of their example, their wisdom,
ana tneir patriotism, drawing tresh inspi
ration from thrir lessons tt. na omnlifjj
them in love ofnSd for The
Const tntmn und th- awe
j. ne report or tne secretary ot the 1 reas-
ury affords much information respecting the
revenue and commerce of the country. His
views upon the currency, and with reference
to a proper adjustment of our revenue svs-
A - 1 II .
tern, internal as wen as impost, are com
mended to the careful consideration of Con
gress. In my last annual message I ex
pressed my general views upon thes3 sub
jects. I need now only call attention to the
nece8nty of carrying into every department
of the Government a system of rigid ac
countability, thorough retrenchment and
wise economy. With no exceptional nor
unusual expenditures, the oppressive bur
dens of taxation can be lessened by such a
modification of our revenue laws as will be
consistent with the public faith, and the le
gitimate and necessary wants of the Gov
ernment The report presents a much more satis
factory coudition of our finances than one
year ago the most sanguine could have an
ticipated. During the fiscal year ending the
30th of June, 1865, the last year of tha war
the public debt was increased $941,902,537,
and on the 31st of October, 1865, it amount
ed to $2,740,854,750. On the 31st of Octo
ber, 1866, it had been reduced to $2,551,
310,006, the diminution during a period of
fourteen months, commencing September 1,
18bo, and ending Uctober 31, 1866, having
"been $206,379,565. In the last annual re
port on the f tate of the'finances, it was es
timated that during the three-quarters of
the fiscal year ending the 30th or June last,
the debt would be increased $112,194,947.
During that period, however, it was reduced
$31,196,387, the receipts of the year having
been $89,905,905 more, and the expendi
tures $200,529,235 less than the estimates.
Nothing could more clearly indicate than
these statements the extent and availability
of the national resources, and the rapidity
and b lfety with which, under our form of
f;ovcrnment, great military and naval estab
ishments can be disbanded, and expenses
reduced from a war to a peace footing.
During the fiscal year ending the 30th of
June, 18C6, the receipts were $558,032,620,
and the expenditures $520,750,940, leaving
an available surplus of $37,281,680. It is
estimated that the receipts for the fiscal
year ending the 30th of June, 1867, will be
$475,061,386, and that the expenditures
will reach the sum of $316,428,078, leaving
in the Treasury a surplus of $158,633,306.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1868, it
is estimated that the receipts will amount to
$436,000,000, and that the expenditures
will be $350,247,?41 showing an excess of
$85,752,359 in favor'of the Government
These estimated receipts may be diminished
by a reduction of excise and import duties ;
but after all necessary reductions shall have
been made, the revenue of the present and
of following years will doubtless be sufficient
to cover all Jegitimate charges upon tho
Treasury, and leave a large annual surplus
to be applied to the payment of the princi
pal of the debt There seem3 now to be no
good reason why taxes may not be reduced
as the country advances irr population and
wealth, and yet the debt be extinguished
within the next quarter of a century.
The report of the Secretary of War fur
nishes valuable and important information in
reference to the operations of his Depart
ment during the past year. Few volunteers
now remain in the service, and they are be-
1 V .ft
ing discharged as rapidly as they can be re
placed by regular troops. The army has
been promptly paid, carefully provided with
medical treatment, well sheltered and sub
sisted, and is to be furnished with breech-
loading small arms. The military strength
of the nation has been unimpaired by the
discharge of volunteers, the ' disposition of
unserviceable or perishable stores, and the
retrenchment of expenditure. Sufficient
war material to meet asy emergency has
uuu.i iU "mums me ctatea more cioseiy measures tor their relief and improvement
to the cen tre, but leaving each to move on- The suggestions in behalf of this deserving
: . j: -o-i 1 , 1
oo5tructea in its propsrconsututionar orbit." c a nt nm-
been retained, and from the disbanded vol
unteers standing- ready to respond to the
national call, large armies can be rapidly or
1 1 x . 1 i? .
aiuv;u, wjmupeu, auu cunceuiraieu. fori'
locations on tne coast and frontier have re-
ceived, are being prepared for more power
ful armaments; lake surveys and harbor and
river improvements are m course of ener
getic prosecution. Preparations have been
made lor the payment of the additional
bounties authorized during the recent session
of Congress, under such regulations as will
protect the Government from fraud, and se
cure to (he honorably discharged soldier the
well earned reward or his faithfulness and
gallantry. More than six thousand maimed
soldiers have received artinciai limbs or
other surgical apparatus : and forty-one na
tional cemeteries, containing the remains of
11)4,525 Union soldiers, have already been
established. The total estimates of military
appropriations is 525,205,669. ,
It is stated in the report of Jthe Secretary
of the Navy that the naval force at this time
consists of two hundred and seventv-eitrht
vessels, armed with two thousand three hun
dred and fifty-one guns. Of these, one
thousand and twenty-nine guns, are in com
mission, distributed chiefly among seven
squadrons. The number of men in the ser
vice is thirteen thousand six hundred. Great
activity and vigilance have been displayed
by all the squadrons, and their movements
have been judiciously and efficiently arran
ged in such manner as would best promote
American commerce, and protect the riehts
and interests of our countrymen abroad.
1 he vessels unemployed are undercoinir re-
Eairs, or are laid up until their services may
8 required. Most of the iron-clad fleet is
at League Island, in the vicinity of Phila
delphia, a place which, until decisive action
should be taken by Congress, was selected
oy the aecretai-y ot the .ft aw as the most
proper condition lor any emergency, and it
is desirable that the bill acceptinz Leaeue
Island for naval purposes, which passed the
House of Representatives at its lat session.
should receive final action at an early period,
in order that there may be a suitable public
station for this class of vessels, as well a3 a
n ivy-yard of area sufficient for the wants of
the service, on the Delaware river. Th
Naval Pension fund amounts to $ 1 1 ,750,000.
having beed increased $2,750,000 during the
the
year, ihe expenditures of the Department
for the fiscal year endin? SOth June last
were $43,224,526 and the estimates for the
coming year amount to $23,558,436. Atten
tion is invited to the condition of our sea
men, and the importance of Legislative
feJow-citizens are earnestly
recommended to the favorable attention of
Congress.
The report of the Postmaster General pre
sents a most satisfactory condition of the
postal service, and submits recommenda
tions which deserve the consideration of
SXfendiWawSo Ifie SSSl?
ir ine jear enarngj uneO, 1866, were 514-
Congress. Therevenuesof the Department
486,986, and the expenditures 415.3.V2. 070.
showing an excess of the latter of 965.093.
In anticipation of this deficiency, however,
a special appropriation was made bv Con
gress in the act approved July 28, 1866. In
cluding the standing appropriation of $700,
000 for free mail matter, as a legitimate por
tion 01 mo revenues yet remaining unex
pended, the actual deficiency for the nast
year is only f 265,093 a sum within 351,141
01 me amount estimated in the annual re
port of 1864. The decrease of revenue o in-
pared with the previous year was one and
one-fifth per cent, asd the increase of ex
penditures, owing principally to the en
largement of the mail service in the South,
was twelve per cent On th ?.nth of Juno
last there were in operation six thousand
nine hundred and thirty mail routes, with
an aggregate length of on nnnoW nn
eighty thousand nine hundred and twenty-
one miles, an aggresate annual t nflnortn-
tion of seventy-one million eiVht h
and thirty-seven thousand nine hundred and
fourteen miles, an asrerecate nnnn.il post.
including all expenditures, of $8,410,184.
Ihe length of railroad routes is thirty-two
thousand and ninety-two miles, and the an
nual transportation thirty million six hun
dred and nine thousand four hundred and
sixty-seven miles. The length of steamboat
routes is fourteen thousand three hundred
and forty-six miles, and the annual trans
portation three million four h
eleven thousand nine hundred and sixty-two
miles. The mail service is rapidly increas
ing throughout the whole country, and its
steady extension in the Southern States in
dicates their constantly improvingcondition.
The growing importance of the foreign ser
vice also merits attention. The Post Office
Department of Great Britain and our own
have agreed upon a preliminary basis for a
new Postal Convention, which it 13 believed
will prove eminently beneficial to the com
mercial interests of the United States, inas
much as it contemplates a reduction of the
international letter postage to one-half the
existing rates, a reduction of postage with
all other countries to and from whTeh cor
respondence is transmitted in the British
mail, or inclosed mails through the United
Kingdom, the establishment of uniform and
reasonable charges for the sea and territor
ial transit of correspondence in closed inail,
and an allowance to each Post Office Depart
ment of the right to use all mail communi
cations established under the authority of
the other for the despatch of correspond
ence, either in open or closed mails, on the
same terms as those applicable to the inhab
itance of the country providing the means of
transportation.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior
exhibits the condition of those branches of
the public service which are committed to
his supervision. During the last fascal year
four million six hundred and twenty-nine
thousand three hundred and twelve acres of
public land were disposed of, one million
eight hundred and ninety-two thou!and five
hundred and sixteen acres of which were ,
entered under the homestead act The po
licy originally adopted relative to the public
lands has undergone, essential modifications.
Immediate revenue, and not their rapid set
tlement, was the cardinal feature of our land
system. Long experience and earnest dis
cussion have resulted in the conviction that
the early development of our agricultural
resources, and the diffusion of an energetic
population over our vast territory, are ob-
jecta of far greater importance to the nation-
ai growtn and prosperity man . tne proceeds
of the sale of the land to the highest bidder
in open marKet. 1 ne pre-emption laws con
fer upon the pioneer who complies with the
terms they impose the privilege of purcha
sing a limited portion 01 tnnoffered lands"
at the nuninrtaa pnee The homestead
enactmcnts.relieve the settler from the pay-
ment of purchase money, and secure him i
permanent home, upon the condition of resi
dence for a term of years. This liberal policy
invites emigration from the old, and Irom
the more crowded portions of the new world.
Its propitious results are undoubted, and
will be more sienally manifested when time
shall have riven to it a wider development
Congress has made liberal grants of pub
lic land to corporations, in aid of the con
struction of railroads and other internal im
provements. Should this policy hereafter
prevail, more stringent provisions will be
required to secure a faithful application of
the fund. Ihe title to the lands should not
pass, by patent or otherwise, but remain in
the Government and subject to its control
until some portion of the road has been ac
tually built Portions of them might then,
irom time to time, pe conveyed to the cor
poration, but never in greater, ratio to the
whole quantity embraced bv the irrant than
the completed parts bear to the entire length
of the projected improvement This restric
tion would not operate to the prejudice of
any undertaking conceived in cood faith
and executed with roasonable energy, as it is
the settled practice to withdraw from market
the lands falling within the operation of such
grants, and thus to exclude the inception of
a subsequent adverse right A breach ot
the conditions which Congress may deem
proper to impose should work a forfeiture of
claim to the lands so withdrawn but uppon-
vej'ed, and of title to the lands conveyed
which remain unsold.
Operations on the several lines of the Pa
cific Railroad have been prosecuted with
unexampled vigor and success. Should no
unlbrseen causes of delay occur, it is con
fidently anticipated that this creat thorough
fare will be completed before the expira
tion of the period designated by Congress.
During the last fiscal year the amount
paid to pensioner?, including the expenses
of disbursement, was thirteen millions four
hundred and fifty-nine thousand nine hun
dred and ninety-six dollars, and fifty thou
sand one hundred and seventy-seven names
were added to the pension rolls. The entire
number of pensioners, June 30, 1866, was
one hundred and twenty-six thousand
seven hundred and twenty-two. This fact
furnishes melancholy and strikin proof of
the sacrifices made to vindicate the consti
stutional authority of the Federal Govern
ment, and to maintain inviolate the in
tegrity of the Union. They impose upon
us corresponding obligations. It is esti
mated that thirty-three million dollars will
be required to meet the exigences of this
branch of the service during the next fiscal
year.
lreaties have been concluded with the In
dians, who, enticed into armed opposition
to our Government at the outbreak of the
rebellion, have unconditionally submitted
to our authority, and manifested an earnest
de?ire for a renewal of friendly relations.
During the year ending September 30,
1866, eight thousand seven hundred and six
teen patents for u-eful inventions and de
igns were issued, and at that date the
balance in the Treasury to the credit of the
atent fund was Iwo hundred and twenty-
eight thousand two hundred and twenty-
seven dollars.
As a subject upon which depends an im
mense amount of the production and com
merce of the country, I recommend to Con
gress such legislation as may be necessary
for the preservation of the levees of the Mis
sissippi river. It is a matter of national im
portance that early steps should be taken
not only jto add to the efficiency of these bar
riers against destructive inundations, but for
the removal of all obstructions to the free
and safe navigation of that great channel of
trade and commerce.
The District of Columbia, under existing
aws, is not entitled to that representation
in tna xMational councils which, irom our
earliest history, has been uniformly accorded
.ft Va.T . ft aT ft ft t
to each lerntory established from time to
time within our limits. It maintains pecu
liar relations to Congress, to whom the Con
stitution has granted the power of exercising
exclusive legislation over the scat of govern
ment. Our fellow-citizens residing in the
District, whose interests are thus confided
to the special guardianship of Congress, ex
ceed in number the population of several of
our lerntones, and no jut reason is per
ceived why a delegate of their choice should
not be admitted to a seat in the House of
L- Representatives. No mode ECcms so appro
priate and effectual of enabling them to
make known their peculiar condition and
want", and securing the local legislation
adapted to them, I therefore recommend
the passage of a law authorizing the elec
tors of the District of Columbia to choose a
delegate, to be allowed the same rights and
privileges as a delegate representing a Ter
ritory. The increasing enterprise and rapid
Erogress of improvement in the District are
ighly gratifying, and I trust that the efforts
of the municipal authorities to promote the
prosperity of the national metropolis will re
ceive the efficient and generous co-operation
of Congress.
The report of the Commissioner of Agri
culture reviews the operations of his Depart
ment during the past year, and asks the aid
of Congress in its efforts to encourage those
States which, scourged by war, are now
earnestly engaged in the reorganization of
domestic industry.
It is a subject of congratulation that no
foreign combinations against our domestic
peace and safety, or our legitimate influence
among the nations, have been formed or at
tempted. While sentiments of reconcilia
tion, loyalty and patriotism have increased
at home, a more just consideration of our
national character and rights has been man
ifested by foreign nations.
The entire success of the Atlantic Tele
graph betweenthe coast of Ireland and the
Province of Newfoundland, is an achieve
ment which has been justly celebrated in
both hemispheres as the opening of an era
in the progress of civilization. There is rea
son to expect that equal success will attend,
and even greater results follow, the enter
prise for connecting the two Continents
through the Pacific Ocean by the projected
line of telegraph between Kamschatka and
the Russian possessions in America.
The resolution of Congress protesting
against pardons by foreign Governments of
persons convicted of infamous offences, on
condition of emigration to our country, has
been communicated to the States with which
we maintain intercourse, and the practice, so
i'ustly the subject of complaint on our part,
las not been renewed.
The congratulations of Congress to the
Emperor 01 Russia.kupon his escape from at
tempted assassination, have been presented
to that humane and enlightened ruler, and
received by him with expressions of grateful
appreciation.
The Executive, warned of an attempt by
Spanish-American adventurers to induce the
emigration of freedmen of the United States
to a foreign' country, protested against the
project as one which, if consam mated, would
reduce them to a bondage even more oppres
sive than that from which they have just
1 J A 1 , r
oeen reuevea. .assurance nas oeen received
from the Government of the State in which
the plan was matured, that the proceeding
will meet neither its encouragement nor ap
proval. It is a question worthy of your con
sideration, whether our laws upon this sub
ject are adequate to the prevention or pun
ishment of the crime thus meditated.
In the month of April last, as Congress is
aware, a friendly arrangement was made be
tween the Emperor of France and the Pres
ident of the United States for the withdraw
al from Mexico of the French expedition
ary military forces. This withdrawal was to
be effected in three detachments, the first of
which, it was understood, would leave Mex
ico in November, now past, the second in
March next, and the third and last in No
vember, 1867. Immediately upon the com
pletion of the evacuation, the French Gov
ernment was to assume the same attitude of
non-intervention, in regard to Mexico, as is
held by the Government of the United
States. Repeated aasurances have been giv
en by the Emperor, since that agreement,
that he would complete the promised evac
uation within the period mentioned, or soon
er. It wasreasonably expected that the pro
ceedings thus contemplated would produce a
crisis of preat political interest in the Re
public of Mexico. The new-appointed Min-
.1 T T . .-ft. f A- m
ister or the united states, Jlr. UampbeJI,
was therefore sent forward, on the 9tn day
of November last, to assume his proper func-
110ns as iuimster .rjenipotentiary or the
United States to that Republic It was also
thought expedient that he should be attend
ed in the vicinity of Mexico by the Lieu
tenant General of the Army of the United
States, with theview of obtaining such in
formation as might be important to deter
mine the course to be pursued by the United
states in re-establishing and maintaining
necessary and proper intercourse with the
Republic of Mexico. Deeply interested in
the cause of liberty and humanity, it seemed
an obvious duty on our part to exercise
whatever influence we possessed for the res
toration and permanent establishment in
that country of a domestic and republican
form of government
such was the condition of affairs in re
gard to Mexico, when, on the 22d of No
vember last official information was received
from Paris that the Emperor of France had
some time before decided not to withdraw a
detachment of his forces in the month of
November past, according to engagement,
but that this decision was made with the
purpose of withdrawing the whole force in
the ensuing spring. Of this determination,
however, the United States had not received
any notice or intimation ; and, as soon as the
information was received by the Govern
ment, care was taken to make known its dis
sent to the Emperor of France.
1 cannot forego the hope that France will
reconsider the Eubject, and adopt some res
olution in regard to the evacuation of Mex
ico which will conform as nearly as practica
ble with the existing engagement, and thus
meet the just expectations of the United
States. The papers relating to the subject
will be laid lefore you. It is believed that
with the evacuation of Mexico by the expe
ditionary forces, no subject for serious dif
ferences between France and the United
States would remain. The expressions of
the Emperor and people of France warrant
a hope that the traditionary friendship be
tween the two countries might in that case
be renewed and permanently restored.
A claim of a citizen of the United states
for indemnity for spoliations committed on
the high feea3 by the French authorities, m
the exercise of a belligerent power against
Mexico, has been met by the Government
of France with a proposition to defer settle-
pent until a mutual convention for the ad
justment of all claims of citizens and sub
jects of both countries, arising out of the
recent wars on this Continent, shall be
agreed upon by the two countries. The
suggestion is not deemed unreasonable, but
it belongs to Congress to direct the manner
in which claims for indemnity by foreigners
as well as by the citizens of the United
States, arising out of the late civil war shall
be adjudicated and determined. I have no
doubt that the Mibject of all such claims
will engage your attention at a convenient
and proper time.
It is a matter of regret that no considera
ble advance has been made towards an ad
justment of the differences between the
United States and Great Britain, arising out
of the depredations upon our national com
merce and other trespasses committed dur
ing our civil war by British subject', in vio
lation of international law and treaty obli
gations. The delay, however, may be
believed to have resulted in no small degree
from the domestic situation of Great Brit
ain. An entire change of ministry occurred
in that country during the last session of
Parliament The attention of the new min
istry was called to the subject at an early
day, and there is some reason to expect that
it will now be considered in a becoming and
friendly spirit. The importance of an early
disposition of the question cannot be exag
gerated. Whatever might be the wishes of
the two Governments, it is manifest that
good-will and friendship between the two
countries cannot be established until a reci
procity, in the practice of good faith and
neutrality, shall be restored between the
respective nations.
On the 6th of June last, in violation of
our neutrality laws, a military expedition and
enterprise against the British North Amer
ican Colonies was projected and attempted
to be carried on within the territory and
jurisdiction of the United States. In obe
dience to the obligation imposed upon the
Executive by the Constitution, to see that
the laws are faithfully executed, all citizens
were warned, by proclamation, against taking
part in or aiding such unlawful proceedings,
and the proper civil, military and naval orfi
cers were directed to take all necessary
measures for the enforcement of the law.
The expedition failed, but it has not been
without its painful consequences. Some of
our citizens who, it was alleged, were engag
ed in the expedition, were captured, and
have been brought to trial, as for a capital
offence, in the Province of Canada. Judg
ment and sentence of death have been pro
nounced against some, while others have
been acquitted. Fully believing in the max
im of government, that severity of civil pun
ishment for misguided persons who nave
engaged in revolutionary attempts which
have disastrously failed, is unsound and un
wise, such representations have been made
to the British Government, in behalf of the
the convicted persons, as, being sustained by
an enlightened and humane judgment, will,
it is hoped, induce in their cases an exercise
of clemency, and a judicious amnesty to all
who were engaged in the movement Coun
sel has been employed by the Government
to defend citizens of the United States on
trial for capital offences in Canada and ft
discontinuance of the prosecutions which
were instituted in the Courts of the United
States against those who took part in the
expedition, has been directed.
I have regarded the expedition as not only
political in its nature, but as also in a great
measure foreign from the United States in
its causes, character and objects. The at
tempt was understood to be made in sym
pathy with an insurgent party in Ireland,
and, by striking at a British Province on
this Continent, was designed to aid in obtain
ing redress for political grievances which, it
was assumed, the people of Ireland had suf
fered at the hands of the British Govern
ment during a period of several centuries.
The persons engaged in it were chiefly na
tives of that country, some ofwhom had,
while others had not, become citizens of the
United States under our general laws of
naturalization. Complaints of misgovern
ment in Ireland continually engage the at
tention of the British nation, and so great
an agitation is now prevailing in Ireland
that the British Government have deemed
it necessary to suspend the writ of habeas
corpus m that country. These circumstances
must necessarily modify the opinion which
we might otherwise have entertained in re
gard to an expedition expressly prohibited
by our neutrality laws. So long as those
laws remain upon our statute-books, they
should be faithfully executed, and if they
operate harshly, unjustly, or oppressively,
Congress alone can apply the remedy, by
their modification or repeal
Political and commercial interests of the
United States are not. unli'tnl. n v r-.-j
in some degree by events which are trans
piring in tne eastern regions of Europe, and
the time seems to have mm a ) n-
ernment ought to have a proper diplomat!
ivwitocjiwuuu iu vjrrcece.
sons not convicted, or accused, or suspected
of crime, an absolute political right of self-
r;1 . w"" vuviw, ji new national
allegiance. Most of the European States
have dissented from this principle, and have
" -w uuiu duw ui tiieir Euojecxs -
as have immiirratprl to nnA Knar. T: I
in the United btates, and afterwards return-
" . "-"-".i" vo tucir native coun
tries, to the performance of military servioe
nn rn noionr in t? .
au aiavxs iiianrifr n am v-t tinnnr mtAA.. m v
plaints arising from the claim in this respect
made by foreign States, have heretofore been
matters of controversy between the United
states and some of the European Powers,
and the irritation consequent upon the fail
ure to settle this question increased during
the war in which Prussia, Italy and Auwtrift
were recently engaged.
While Great Britain has never acknowl
edged the right of expatriation, he has not
practically insisted upon it France has
been equally forbearing, and Prussia has
proposed a compromise, which, although
evincing increased liberality, has not been
accepted by the United S'taf es. Peace is
now prevailing everywhere in Europe, and
the present seems to be a favorable time for
an assertion by Congress of the principle,
so long maintained by the Executive Depart
ment, that naturalization by any State fully
exempts the native-born subject of any oth
er State from the performance of military
service under any foreign Government, bo
long as he does not voluntarily renounce its
rights and benefits.
In the performance of a duty imposed
upon me by the Constitution, I have thus
submitted to the Representatives of the
States and of the People, such informatioa
of our domestic and foreign affairs as the
public interest seems to require. Our Gov
ernment is now undergoing its most tryinf
ordeal, and my earnest prayer is that the
peril may be successfully and finally passed,
without impairing its original strength ana
symmetry. The interests of the nation are
best to be promoted by the revival of fra
ternal relations, the complete obliteration of
our pa.t differences, and the re-inauguration
of all the pursuits of peace. Directing our
efforts to the early accomplishment of these
great ends, let us endeavor to preserve har
mony betwenn the co-ordinate Departments
of the Government that each in its proper
pphere may cordially co-operate with the
other in securing the maintenance of the"
Constitution, the preservation of the Union,
and the perpetuity of onr free institutions.
ANDREW JOHNSON.
ashington, Dec. 3, 1SC6.
Wonders.
When a young man is a clerk ia a store
and dresses like a prince, smokes "foreign
cigars," drinks "nice brandy," attends thea
tres, dances and the like, I wonder if he
docs all on the avails of his clerkship ?
When a young lady sits in the parlor dur
ing the day, with her lillv white finger nr.
ered with rings, I wonder if her mother
doesn't wash the dishes, and do the work ia
the kitchen?
When the deacon of the church sells
strong butter, recommending it as ft good
article, I wonder what he reliesnpon for sal
vation ?
WTien a lady laces her waist a third less
than nature made it, I wonder if her pretty
figure will not shorten life a dozen years or
more, besides making her miserable while
she does live ?
When a young man is dependent Cpoa
dis daily toil for his incomes and marries ft
lady who does not know how to make ft loaf
of bread or mend a garment, I wonder if he
is not lacking somewhere, say towards the
top, for instance ?
When a man receives a periodical or news
paper weekly, and takes great delight ia
reading it, and don't pay for it, I wonder if
he has a soul or a gizzard.
A Loving Wife. A man named Blank
was recently killed cn the Lehigh Yallejf
Railroad, and the Coroner, at the request of
some of the jury, sent a messenger to the
residence of the deceased, to inform his faix
ily of his death. The messenger thought ba
would endeavor to tell the sad news to tb
distressed woman in as feeling a Bins,r as
possible., but he soon found that teademess.
in that quarter was like throwing pearis ta
swine. She received the iotelHfenee cf Mi
death very calmly, and said she'was "ghd fc
was gone." The messenger told her. thajj if
his corpse wis not removed Vy his. friey
immediately, that it would be taken, to t!
Poor House for burial She replied th&
"she did not intend to bother herhaad about
him they might bury him !nh faraJJ
eh cared."