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THE JOURNAL L. W. P.. CLAIR. EDITOR. . Friday, December 7,1866. The President's Message. We fire indebted to our friends Ki.ouckt. of tlie Huil "Road, and Ciiattkx. of the Express line, for a copy of the Daily Xows of Tuesday, | two days in advance of the liinil, from winch j we copy the President's Message. Its length precludes the publication of other matters of interest. President's Message. Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of J'rprcscntaWces: After a lirief interval the Congress of the United States resumes its annual legislative labors. An all-vise and merciful Providence has abated the pestilence which visited our shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions of our country. Peace, iv. 1 -...i?: I oruer, tranquuiuy, ami cjyh suiuiuuty have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of the United States. In all of the States civil authority lias superceded the coercion of arms, and the people, by their voluntary action, arc maintaining their governments in full activity and complete operation.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 ordinary course of judicial proceedings; and the animosities engendered by the war arc rapidly yielding to the beneficent influences of our free institutions, and to the kindly effects of unrestricted social and commercial intercourse. An entire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the earnest wish af every patriotic heart; and we i* 1 1 1 "Will nave accomplished our granucsc national achievement when, forgetting the sad events of the past, and remembering only their instructive lessons, we resume our . onward career as a free, prosperous and united people. In my message of the 4th of December, 180;), Congress was informed of the measures which had been insti"! ? .1 , , 1 tuteu oy tne executive wun a view to the gradual restoration of the States in which the insurrection occurred to their relations with the General Government. Provisional Governors had been appointed, Conventions called, Governors 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 abeyance. The blockade had been removed, custom-houses re-established, and the internal revlowo nnf in -Tavoa it-? rvvil+l,ot UUUV 1UMO 111 WiUW J-H V1V4V,! lilCbU tlie people might contribute to the national income. Fostal operations had been renewed, and efforts were being made to restore them to their former condition of efficiency. The States themselves had been asked to take part in the high functions of amending the Constitution, and of thus sanctioning the extinction of African slavery as one of the legitimate results of our internecine strugMo. & T Having progressed thus far, the Executive Department found that it had accomplished nearly all that was within the scope of its constitutional authority. One thing, however, yet remained to be done before .the work of restoration could be completed, _ .. J xi i. li . i ^ n ana mat was uie aumiFsion 10 congress of loyal Senators and Representatives from tlic States whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the General Government. 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 attention of Congress. In the meantime, the Executive Department?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 the respective States, the States and the Federal Government, extending, from time to time, as the puplic interests seem to require, the judical, revenue, and postal systems of the country. With the advice awl consent of the Senate, the necessary officers were appointed, and appropriations made l?y Congress for the payment of their salaries. The proposition to amend the Federal Constitution, so as to prevent the existence of slavery within the United States or any place subject to thciv jurisdiction, was ratified by the requisite? number of States; and 011 the 18th day of December, I860, it was officially declared to have become valid as a part of the United Stales. Ail of the States in which the rebellion had existed * promptly amended their Constitutions, So as to make them conform to the great change thus effected in the organic law of the land; declared null and void all ordinances and laws of secession; repudiated all pretended debts and obligations created for the revolutionary- purposes of the insurrection; and proceeded, in good faiill, to the enactment of measures for the protection and amelioration of the condition of the colored race. Congress, however, yet hesitated to admit any of these States to representation; and it was not until towards thcclo.sc of the eighth month of the session iliat an exception was made in favor of Tennessee, hv the admission of her Senators and Kcprcscniativcs. I deem it a subject of niofound n i /*... I regret that uongress n::s i.ius uu failed to admit to seals loyal Senators .anil Representative.'-' .ruin the other Stales, viio.se inhabitants villi those of Tennessee had engaged in the rcbebion. Ten States?move than one-fourth of the vliole mimbcr?remain vithor.t representation; the seats I of fifty members in the Ilonsc of Representatives, and of tventy members in the Senate arc yet vacant?not by their ovn consent, not by a failure -L* 1 ?x - ? a?<\"nc!il n! 01 Cl CllUil, Mill. u y u:iv ?v i Congress to accept their credentials. Their admission, it is believed, would have accomplished much toward the renewal and st; engthenmg of our relations as one people, and removed scriour cause for discontent on the part of the inhabitants of those States. It would have accorded with the great principle enunciated in the DechivaI tion of American Independence, thai no people ought to bear the burden of taxation, and yet he denied the | right of represctalion. It would have been in consonance with the express J provisions of the Consiitutson, that each State shall have at least, one Iiepvcreniativc," and "that no State, without its consent, shall he deprived of its efpial suftiagc in the Senate." TIic.se provisions were lntenueu to secure to every State, the right of representation in each 3Iou.se of Congress ; and so important was it deemed by tlic framcrs of the Constitution that the cmialitv of the States in the Senate should he preseivcd, tluit not even by an amendment of the Con-; stitution can any State, without its consent, be denied a voice in that branch of the National Legislative. It is true, it has been assumed that the existence of the States terminated by the rebellious acts of their inhabitants, and that the insurrection having been suppressed, they were thenceforward to be considered merely as conquered leiritories. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial Departments of the Government have however, with distinctness and uniform consistency, refused to sanction an assuhption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system and with the piofcssed objects of the war. Throughout the recent legislation of Congress, the undeniable fact makes itself apparent that these ten political communities arc nothing less than States of this Union. At the very commencement of the rebellion each House dcclarcd'witli a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant, that the war was not t:wa ged on our part in any spirit ot oppression, nor for any purpose of oppression, nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor purpose 01 overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those States, but-to defend and main I til in tlic supremacy oi tiie constitution and all laws nuule in pursuance thcie of, and to preserve llic Union with all the dignity, equality and rights ol'tlic several States uniuipni ca id tiiat as so^n sis these objects were accomplished tlic war ought to cease." In some instance?, Senators ivc;e permitted to continue their legislative functions, while in other instances Representatives were elected and admitted to seats after their States had formally declared their right to withdraw from the Union, ar.d were endeavoring to maintain that right hy force of arms. All of the States whose people were in insurrection, as States, were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of twenty millions of dollars anjually laid upon the United States hy the act approved nth August, 18(31. Congress, hy the act of March 4,1SG2, and by the apportionment of representation thereunder, also recognized their presence as States in the Union; and they have, for judicial purposes, been divided irto districts, as States alone can 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 suspended; and that principle is of course applicable to those States which, like Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in the Union. The action of tho Eexocutivc Department of tho Government upon this subject has been equally definite and uniform, and tho purposo of the war was specially stated in the Proclamation issued by my predecessor on the 22d day September, 18G2. It was then solemnly proclaimed and declared that "hereafter, as horotofore, the war will bo prosecuted for the object of practically restoring tho constitutional relation between tho United States and each of tho States and the people there of, in which States that relation-is or may be suspended or disturbed." The recognition of these States by tho Judicial Department of the Government has also been clear and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them as States,had in the Supreme, Circuit, and District Courts. In the adni'ssion of Senators and Representatives from any and all of tho States, tlcere can bo no just ground of apprehension that persons who are disloyal will bo clo'hed with the powers of legislation; for this could net happen when the Constitution and the laws are enforced by a i.'-plant and fui'.hful Congress. Each House is made the "judge of tho elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members," auu may "with the concurenco of twothirds, expel a member." "When a Senator or Representative presents his .certificate of election, he may at once bo admitted or rejected; or.should there be any question as to his eligibility, his credentials may be reforcd for invest!-j Ration to tlio appropriate committee. If admitted to a seat, it must be upon evidence satisfactory to the House of which he hus becomes a member, that lie possesos the requisite constitutional'and legal qualfiioations. . If refused admission asrajnemher for want of due allegiance t* tnc Government, and returned to Sis constituents, they arc admonislnsd that none but-persons loyal to jblie Unite/1 States \rill be allowed a voice in the Legislative Cjuncils of the Nation, and.'the political power and moral mfliiionec of Congress are thus effectively exerted in tho interests of loyalty to tho Government and fidelity to the Union: Upon this question, so vitally aflbcfiiig the' restoration of the Union and the permanency of our present form of government, my convictions, heretofore expressed, have undergone no change; but to the contrary, their correctness has been confirmed by reflection and time. If tho admission of loyal members to seats in 'lie respective Houses of Congress was wise and expedient a year ago, it is no less wise and expedient now ?if, in the exact condition of these States at tho present time, it is lawful to exclude them from reprcsen tation, I do not see thatalio'question will bo changed hy tlio fllux of time. Ten 3'cars hence, ifllie.se States remain as they are, the right of representation will bo no stronger?ihe right of exclusion will be no weaker. The Constitu'ion of the I'nitcd States makes it the duly of the President to recommend to the consideration of Congress "such measures as he shall judge' necessary or expedient." I know of no measure more imperatively demanded by every consideration of national interest, sound policy, and equal .justice, than the admission of loyal members from -the now unrepresented This would consummate tlio ^oi k of restoration, and exert a most 64luttiry influence in the re-estabiishinent of peace, liaiinony, and fraternalfeeling;. It would tend greatly to renew the confidence of the American people in the vigor and stability of their institutions. It wou'd bind us more closely together as a nation; and enable*us to show to the world the inherent and recuperative power of a Government founded upon tlio will of the people, and established upon the principles of liberty, justice, and intelligence. Our increased strength and enhanced prosperity tvould irrei'rngably demonstrate the fallacy of tie arguments against free institutions drawn from our recent national disorders by the enemies of rcpubh'ctui government. The admission of loyal members from I ho States now excluded from Congress, by a1!ayiug doubt and .apprehension, would turn capital, now awai t:ng an oppmiity for investment, into the channels of trade and industry. It would alleviafo the pro-ent t&uhled condition of those States, and by inducing emigration, aid in the scttfemont of fertile regions now uncultivated, and and load to an increased production of those staples which have added so greatly to the wealth of the na.ion and commerce of tlio world. New fields of enterprise would be opened to our progressive pcop'e, and soon the devastations of war would be repaired,, and all ivnfi\a iifrmr dn?iPst.indift??ranPf><5f?fiEn/!fid from the minds of our countrymen) In our efforts to preserve "tliejiuUy of Government which constitutes us one people;'' by restoring the States 4o .the condition which'they heft prioFrto^tho rebellion, we should bo cautious, lest having rescued our nation from perils of .threatened disintegration, we resort to consolidation and in the end absolute despotism, as a remedy for the resort of similar troubles. The war haying terminated and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful constitutionality, we aKould hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the Constitution, and to return to ancient landmarks estabislicd by our fathers for the guidance of succeeding generations. The Cohstitu tion which at any time exists, .unt J changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. '' If, in the opinion, of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be, in any particular, wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way in which the Constitution designates.? But let there be no change by usurpation ; for " it is the customary weapon by which free Governments are destroyed." Washington spoke those words to his countrymen, when, followed by tbeir love and gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life ? "To keep in all things within the pale of our constitutional powers, and cherish the Federal Union as the only rock of safety," were prescribed bv Jefferson | as rules of action to endear to his I " countrymen tbe ti*ue principles of their Constitution, and promote a union of sentiment and action equally auspicious to their happiness and safety."? Jackson held that the ac tion of the General Government should always be i strictly confined to the sphere of its appropriate duties, and justly and forcibly urged that our Government is not to be maintained nor our Union preserved "by invasions of u e rights and powers of tho several States, in thus attempting to make our General Government j strong, we mako it weak. Its true strength consists in leaving individuals and States as much as possible to themselves ; in making itself felt, not in its i.?* jJLMNClj UUt ill A to UtlliiitUiltU , 11UU ill ALO eontr 1, but in its protection; not in binding the States more closely to tlie centre, but Ipaving each to move unobstructed in its proper constitutional orbit." These aro tlio teachings of men whose deeds and services have made them illustrious, and who. long since wit' drawn from the scenes of life, liavo left to their country the rich legacy of their example, their wisdom, and their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration from their lessons, let us emulate them in love of country and respect for the Constitution and laws. Tlio report of the Secretary of the Treasury affords much information respecting the revenue and commerce of the country. His views upon the cur rency, and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, internal as well as impost, are commended to tlio caioful consideration of Congross. In my last annual message I expressed my general views upon these subjects. I need now only call attention to the necessity of carrying into every department of the Government a system ofrigid accountability, through retrench r. i menr, ana wise economy, w mi juj baceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppressive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such a modification of our revenue laws as will be consistent with the public faith, and legitimate and necessary wants o1' the Government. The report presents a much more satisfactory condition of our finances than one year ago the most sanguine could have anticipated. During the j fiscal year ending the 80th June, lfjOo, the last year of the war, the public debt was increased ?941,902,587, and on ho 81st of October, 1? Go, it amounted to 0-,740,{;yJ,700. On the 31st day of j October, 1MGG, it had been reduced to ?2,551,810,006, the diminution during a period of fourteen months, commencing September .1, IMG"), and ending October 31, ISfifi, having been ?200,379,565. In the last annual report on the state of the finances, it was estimated that dur ng the three quarters of -tho fiscal year oHding the 8uth of June last, tho debt would be Increased *113,104,947. During that period, however, it was reduced 31,190,380, dollars, the receipts of tlie year having been 89,905,905 dollars, more, and the expenditures 200,529,135 dollars, less,than the eslimates. Nothing could moro clearly indicate than these statements tho extent and availihility of'tie national resources, and the rapidity and safety with which, under our form of government, groat military and naval establishments can be disbanded, and expenses reduced irom a war. to a peace footinrr. During the fiscal year ending the 30th of June, 1800, the receipts were $553, 002, 020, and llie expenditures $520,750,040, leaving an available sur'plus of *37,201,000. It is estima'ed that the receipts fur the fiscal year end in."- the 3l)th .June IfSU/, will be 001,:)SO, and Hint the expenditures will reach tlio sum of ?31G,438,078, leaving in the Treasury a sir-plus of $1138,683,308. Fur iho tkenl year ending Juno 30, 1868, it irj estimated that the receipts will amount to ?-130,1)06,00.'), and that the expenditures will he ?8.30,347, 6-11?showing anexc ss of ?85,753,8.39 in favor of the Governuient. These estimated receipts may he dimimnshed by a reduction of excise aud import duties ; but after aU necessary reductions shell have been made, the revenue of the present aud of following years will doubtless bo sufficieet to cover nil legitimate charges upon the Treasury, aud le-ve a large annual surplus to be applied to the payment of the principal debt. There seems now to be no good reason why taxes may not be reduced as the country advances in population and wealth, and yet tho dobt be extinguished within the next quarter of a century. rni l 0 TTT^,, J. lie report oi tue ueereiai j ui n iiz furnishes valuable and important information in reference to tiro operations of his Department during the past year.1 Few volunteers now remain in the service, and they are being discharged as rapidly as they can be roplae "d by regular troops. The army lias been prompt ly paid, carefully provided with medical treatment, well sheltered and subsisted, and is to bo furnished with breech-loading small arms. The military strength of the nation lias been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers, the disposition of unserviceable or perishable stores, and the retrenchment of expenditure. Sufficient war material to meet any emergency lias been retained, and, from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call, largo armies can be rapidly organized, equipped, and concentrated. Fortifications on the coast and frontier have received, or are being prepared for more powerful armaments; lake surveys and harbor and river improvements are in courso of energetic prosecution. Preparations have been made for the pay v rtSv.rjrL'f-iajmi. -y lament of tho additional bounties authorized during the recent session of Congress,-under such regulations as Trill protect the Government from fraud, and secure to the honorably-discharged soldier the well-earned reward of his faithfulness and gallantry. More than six thousand maimed soldiers havo received artificial limbs or other surgical apparatus; and forty-one national cemeteries, containing the remains of 104,G-6 Union soldiers, have already been established. The total estimate for military appropriations is 20f?,CG9. It is stated in tlio report of the Secretary of the Navy that the naval force at this time consists of two hundred and seventy-eight vessels, armed with two thousand three hundred and fiftyone guns. Of these, one hundred and fifteen vessels, carrying one thousand and twenty-nine guns, are in commission, distributed cliiefly among seven squadrons. The number of men in the service is thirteen thousand six hundred. Great activity and vigilance have been displayed by all the squadrons, and movements have been judiciously and efficiently arranged in such manner as would best promote American commerce, and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen abroad. The vessels unemployed are undergoing repairs, or are laid up until their services maybe required. Most of the iron-clad fleet is at League Island, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, a place which, until decisive action should bo take-: by Congress, was selected by the Secretary of the Navy as the most eligible location for that class of vessels. It is important that a suitable station should be provided for the iron-ciacJ fleet. It is intended that those vessels shall be in proper condition for any omcr gency, and it is desirable that the bill accepting League Island for naval purposes, which passed the House of Pcpr soatatives at its last session, should receive final acfr.on at an early period, in order that thero may be a suitable public station for this class of vessels, as well as a navy yard of area sufficient for the wants of tho son-ice, on the Delaware river. The Naval Pension fund amounts to .511,750,001), having been increased S?,750,000 during the year. Tho expenditures of the Dcpartmentofthc fiscal year ending 30th June last were $43,324,526, the estimates for the coming year amount to $23,558, 436. Attention is invited to tho condition of our seamen, and the importance of legislative measures for their relief and improvement. The suggestions in hehalf of this deserving class of our fellow-c;tizens are earnestly recommended to tho favorable attention of Congress. The report of the Postmaster General presents a most satisfactory condition of the postal servico, and submits recommendations which deserve the consideration of Congress. The revenues of the Department for the year ending June the 30, I860, were 614,380,080, and the expend itures$ 15,352,079. showing an excess of the latter of $905,093. In anticipation of this deficiency, however, a special appropriation was mado by Congress in the act approved July 28, 18GG. Including the standing appropriaiton of 8700,000 for free mail matter, as a legitimate portion of the revenues yet remaining unexpended, actual deficiency for the past year is only $204,02?a sum within $51,141 of the amount estimated in the annual report of 18G4. The decrease of revenue compared with he previous year was one and one-fifth per cent., and the increase of expenditures, owing principally to the enlargement of the mail service in the S ;uth, was, twelve per cent. On the 30th June last tliero were in operation six thousand nine hundred and thirty mad routos, with en aggregate loncth of one hundi'ed and ehrhtv I r c? u ? I thousand nine hundred and twenty-one Hides, an aggregate annual transportation of seventy-one xnil'ion eight hundred and thirty-seven thousand nine i hundred and fourteen miles, and an aggregates annual cost, including all expenditures, of$8,-410,184. Thelcnglh of railroad routes is tliirty-two thousand and ninety-two miles, and the annual transportation thirty million six hundred and nine thousand four hundred and sixty-seven miles. The length of steamboat routes, is fourteen thousand three hundred and forty-six miles, aud xi. i x x..x:? xi ~ bllU ilUUUUl l*TUii?pUl UUllUJl UUW lillUlUU four hundred and eleven thousand nine hundred and sixty-two miles. The mail fierv'iC'6 is rapidly increasing tl rov.ghout Hie whole country, and its steady extension in the Southern States indicates their constantly improving condition. Tho growing importance of the foreign service also merits attention. Tho rostoffice Department of Great Dritain and our own have agreed upon a preliminary basis for a new Postal Convention, which it is believed will prove eminently beneficial^ 'the,commercial interests of the United States, inasmuch 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 f-om which correspondence is transmitted in the liritish mail, or in closed mails through the United Kingdom; the establishment of uniform and rca Lonablo charges lor the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails; and an allowance to each I'ostoffice Department of the riglit to use all mail communications established under the authority of the other for the dispatch of correspondence, cither in open or closed mails, on the same terms as those applicable to the inhabitants of the country providing the means of trasmission. The report of the Secretary of the Interior oxljibits tho condition of those branches of the public tor; icc which y* % are committed to his superv Ision. During tho last fiscal year, four mPliorf six hundred and twenty nine thousand r. three hundred and twelve acres of "w" public land were disposed of, one mil- . lion eight hundred and ninety-two thou- X', sand live hundred and sixteen acres of which wero entered under tho homestead act. The policy originally adopted relative to tho public- lands hn& J undergone essential modifications; Im- \ mediate revenue and not their rapid > settlement, was the cardinal feature of > our land system. Long experienceand earnest discussion have resulted ii* the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resource -, andthe diffusion of an energetic popula-tion over vast territory, arc objects of* " *- J * 1 lar greater importance- to tne nauonui growth and prosperity than the proceedsof the sale of the land to the highest bidder iu open market. The pre-emption laws confer upon tho pioneer who | complies with the terms they impose ! the privilege of purchasing a limitedportion of "un&fl'crcd lauds'1 at the I minimum prices. The homestead enactments relieve the settler from the pay! ment of purchase money, and secure him a permanent home upon the con-. dition of residence for a term of years. This liberal policy invites emigration from the old, andfrom the more crowded portions of tho new world. Its propitious results are undoubted, and w;,l be more signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider development. . Congress has me do liberal grants of public land to corporations, in aid of the construction of railroad* and other t 1 : _ .... internal 1111J uvuiiii UU). uiiuuiu w a policy hereafter prevail, more stringent provisions will be required to secure a faithful application of the fund. The title to the lauds 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 actually built. Pt rtions of them might then, from time to time, be conveyed to the corporation, but never in a greater ratio to the whole quanti fcy embraced in the grant than the completed parts ! boar to the entire length of ihe projee| ted improvement. This restriction would 1 not opera*: to the prejudice of^anv un; dertaking conceived in good faith and | executed with reasonable energy, as it" ! is the Rattled nraei.ice to \\ Itlidraw from market the lands falling within the op-: oration of such grants, and thus to exclude the inception of a subsequent adverse 1 Wit. A branch of the conditions which C'ongnss may deem proper, to inipoce should work a forfeiture of claim' to the lands so withdrawn but ^ficon-". veyed, and of tiile.to the lands con-,? veyed which remain unscld. ' Operations on the scvevd hues or tlie'FW _cifio Railroad have been prosecuted'with nn?r cxnmpled vigor and success. ~ Shouhl no.uqr, fni-ncopD mine ni* deluv ii is Miifiilciiir ly anticipated Unit thW jff-v.t ihorbugtifsifJ?w'' will be completed before-the expiration of the period designated by CongreS3. ' ... During the last fiscal year ihe amnnnt paid to pensioners, including the oxncusesr of disbursement, was thirteen nt'llioi four hmnift d and fifiy-ninc thousand jinc hundred .and- ' ? ninety-six dollars: nndJ fifty thousand- owe hundred and seventy.seven names were added to the pension rolls. The. entire number of pensioners. June 30; IStili. was one hundred and tweniy-six thousand seven hundred, and i tveuiy-! wo. This fact furnishes molan-' choly aiui si viking proof of the sacrificed. ' made to vindicate the constitutional au.hoi-it.y of the Federal Government, and (o ruaiu lain mvioiaic rue integrity 01 mc union?Tlicy impose upon us corresponding obliga'-' lions. Ji is estimated I hat tbmy-ihrce million dollars will be required lo meet the exigencies of this branch of the service (luring l lie next fiscal yen v. Twenties have been concluded with the Indians who, c.tiiccd into mined opposition to ourGoveriiine.it nt 'lie oi'.ibreak of the rebellion, have uncondi. tonally submitted to our authority, and manifested an earnest deslro fo" a renewal of friendly reluiions. During tlieycar ending September 30.1SC6, eight thousand seven hundred and sixreen patents for useful inventions and designs were issued, mid nt tliqt date the balance in the treasury to .lie credit of the Patent fund was .wo hundred anil twenty-eight thousand two hundred and ninety-soveii dol'urs. ^ As a subject upon wh'eh depends an int^ ^ nicusc muoiinl of tip; production and coinniercc'of the eouiiiry, I recommend lo Congross* such leg's'ai ion as may be necessary for ilie preservation of tbo levees of the M?? ? parlance il'iit early steps should be taken riot onU* to sild to the efficiency of these havricta against destructive iuundai'one hut lot the removal of till obstructions to-*Iie fiee and t safe navigation of that great channel of I ratio ' . and commerce. , ;l T!ie Disirict of Columbia, under existing IdAiij ><? uo[ cutitloil to,t,hat representation, in the National Councils which, from our earliest history, has been uniformly accorded to each Territory established fioni time to time vvitliin our lim'ts. It maintains peculiar relations to Congress, to whom the Constitution has granted the power of exercising exclusive legislation over the scat of government! Otrr fellow-citizens residing in the District, whose interests arc thus confided to the special guardianship of Congress, exceed in numW the population of several of our Territories, ami no ji'Si reason is perceived why a delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the Ilbuso of Representatives,**-* No mode seems so appropriate avid eftccipiil of enabling liierlf toniake known their pccu-J liar conut'joji anu warns, ana 01 securing ityc local legislation adapted to thctn. I therefore recomr.icnd the passage of a law author^ issi tg the electors of the District of Columbia tn choose a delegate, to be allowed the same l-'ghis and privileges as a delegate representing a Territory, The increasing enterprise a .til rapid jn ogress of improvement'in tho District ere highly gratifying, and I trust thai, the efforts of the municipal auUtofitjpa to promote the prosperity of the national me* tvopolis will receive the efficient and genex1-. ous co-operation of Congress. The report of the Commissioners of .Agriculture reviews the operations of his Department during the past year, and asks the ait} 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 flint ng foreign combinations against our domestip peace and safety, or our legitimate influence aiuoug the unions, have been fanned or ati