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' _ " _ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ I^?B?? LEJ * Tt> th!nc 0,cn bc trm> a,Hl !t Must follow, as tfi? ui'aht tf<e- <la//, thou can'st not (In n bc false ti uvy man." m U;>At THOMPSON & CO.] WC KENS C. H., S. C., SATURDAY. DEG 13 51 BE lt l.V titan. f ' -... Ky ?".'-?.-l-l u u ,c i VJ" jLi. J'\iloiv-C'itt:jciis ol' th'. Senate and House oj Representatives : After a brief interval, tho Congress of the United .States resumes tts annual legislative 1 ibors. An all-wise and merciful Providence has abated thc pestilence which visited our shores^ leaving its calamitous traces ti poi) some portions of our country. Peace-, order, tran quility and civil authority have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of thc Ullitca States. In all of the States, civil au thority has superceded the coercion of arms, innl the people, by their voluntary action, are maintaining their Government in full activity and complete operation. Thc enforcement of tho laws is no longer obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be sup pressed by the ordinary course of judicial pro ceedings, and the animosities engendered by the war are rapidly yielding to thc beneficent influences of our free institutions, and to the billilly effects of unrestricted social and com inoroial iutorcburse. Au entire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the earnest wish of every patriotic heart. We will have, accom plished our grandest national achievement when, forgetting the sad events nf the past, and remembering only their instructive les sons, we resume, our onward career, as a free, prosperous and united people. In my message of tho 4th December, ISO"). Congress was informed of the measures which had been instituted by thc Executive with a view to tho gradual restoration of the States, in which thc insurrection occurred, to their relations with thc General Government. Pro visional Governors had been appointed, o m , voulions called, Governors elected, and Hep- , rosen tat ives chosen to tho Congress of the . United States. Courts had been opened for ( the enforcement of IttWS long in abeyance; ( the blockade had boon removed, custom-houses , re-established, and the internal revenue put ? in force, io order that tho people might eon- , tribute to the national income ; postal opera? \ Jinns had boen resumed, and piloris were bc- . lng made to restore them to their former eon- ( ditton of efficiency. Thc States had been , nuked to take part in the high function of , ?.ow?i,.lin.t id.? Powptitntiuni.?iid.iiP ?V>"'''':v-.?0 ' tinning,tho OXttnctton Ot African slavery, as t one. of the legitimate results of our intornieine tit niggle. Having progressed thus far, the , 'Executive Department found that it had ac- | complished nearly all that was within thc | 8 '.ope of its Constitutional authority ; ono I thing, however, yet remained to bc done ho- i fore thc work of restoration could bo eoinple- t ted, and that was tho admission to Congress < of loyal Senators and Representatives from the Stall's whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the General Govern ment. This question devolved upon thc res pective Houses, which, by the Constitution, uro made the judges of the election returns nnd qualilieatiOns of their own members, and its consideration at once engaged the attention of Congress. In the meantime, thc Kxcon ti ve Department, no other plan having been proposed by Congress, in its effort to perfect, tts far as was practicable, the restoration of the, pieper relations between the citizens of the respective States, the Federal Government extended, from time to time, as the public in terests scented to require, the judicial, revenue and prista) systems of thc country, and with tho advice and consent of the Senate, tho nec essary Officers were appointed and appropria tions made by Congress for tho payment of their salaries. The proposition to amend tho Federal Constitution, so as to prevent tho ex istenee of slavery within thu United .States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction, was rattlb 1 by the. requisite number of St.les. On tl'.e. 18th day of December, I860, it was officially declared to have become valid ns a part of tho Constitution of tho United States. All of tho ?States in which the insurrection had existed, promptly amended their Consti tutions so as to make, them conform to thc great change: thus effected in the organic law of the land ; declared null and void all ordi nances and laws of secession, repudiated all pretended debts nnd obligations created for thc revolutionary purposes of the insurrection, nnd proceeded in good faith to tho. enactment of measures for tho protection and ameliora tion of tho condition of the colored race. Congress, however, yet hesitated to admit any of these States, to representation, nnd it was not until towards the close of the eighth month of thc session that nn exception was made iii favor of Tennessee, by the admission of lier Senators and Representatives. I deem H a subject of profound regret that Congress has thus far failed to admit to seats, loyal ?Son ntorsand Representatives froth the other States whose inhabitants, with thoso of Tennessee, had engaged in the rebellion. Ten Staten, moro than one-fourth of thc whola number, remain without repr?sentation. Tho scats ot fifty members in thc House of Representa tives, and of twenty members in tho ?Senate, ?re yet vnoant. Not by their own consent; not by a failure of election ; but b . the refu sal of Congress to accept their credentials. Their admission, it is believed, would hnvo ac complished mum towards the removal nnd strengthening of our relations as one peeplCj iiiiu removed serious cause fur discontent on tho part of thc inhabitants of those ?States. Lt would have ace lcd with the great piinci liles enunciated in thc declaration of Allier!* can independence -that no people oUgljt to bear tho burden of taxation, and yet bc de nied tho right of representation, lt would hnvo been in consonance with thc express provisions of thc Constitution-that each State .should have at least one representative, ?nd that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Se?alo. These provisions were iotended to secure to every State, ami to the people of every State, tho right of representation in each House of Congress j and so important was it deemed by the framers of thc Constitution, that (he equal ity of the States in the Senate should bc pre served, that not even byan amendment of thc Constitution can any State, without its con sent, bo denied a voice in that branch ol' ibo National Legislature. It is true, it bas ken assumed that the existence of thc States was terminated hy the rebellious acts of their in habitants, and that the insurrection liavlng been suppressed, they were thenceforward to bo considered merely as conquered territories. The legislative, executive, and judicial de partments of the Government have however, with great distinctness and uniform consisten cy, refused to sanction an assumption so in compatible with thc nature of our "Republi can system, and with thc professed objects of the war, throughout thc recent legislation of Congress, thc undeniable fact makes itself ap parent, that these ten political communities ire nothing less than States of (his Cnion._ Vt the very commenc?niont of the rebellion, lach House declared, with a unanimity asre narkable as it was significant, that the war vas not waged upon our part in any spirit of ippression, nor for any purpose of conquest1 tr subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing r interfering with the rights or established nsiitut ions of those States, but to defend mid iiaintain tho supremacy of the Cons!?tu lon, and all laws made in pursuance thereof, nd to preserve the Union with all the digni y, equality and rights of tho sevcial States ? ni inpaired ; and that as soon as these objects i rcro accomplished, um .. J outinuQ their legislative fulK-tronsj'Wllll'1 If? thor instances, representatives were eicetcd nd admitted to their seats after their Slates ad formally declared their right lo withdraw rom the Union, and were endeavoring to naintain that right by force of arms. All of he States whose people were in insurrection s Statos, were included in thc apportionment if the direct 'tax of $20,000,000 annually aid upon tho United States by tho Act ap ironed AugUst 5, 1 SOI. Congress, J by Ibo \et of March 4, 1802, and by the apportion nuiit of representation thereunder, also rcc igni/.cd their presence as States in thc Union, ind they have, for judicial purposes, boen di hh.d into districts as States alone can bc (li dded. The same recognition appears in the .ocout legislation in reference to Tennessee ; vhieb evidently rests upon the fact that tho 'unctions of thc State were not destroyed by he rebellion, but morely suspended j and that principle is, of course, appreciable to tliose Stales which, like Tennessee, attempted toro lounce their places in thc Union. Thc action if thc Kxeeutivc Department of thc Govern mont upon this subject bas been equally defi nite and uniform, ami the purpose of the war was specifically stated in the proclamation is sued by my predecessor, on the 22d of Sep tember, 18(52. It was then solemnly pro claimed anti declared that hereafter, as here tofore, the war will be prosecuted for tho ob ject ol' practically restoring the Constitution al relation between the United States and each of tho States, and the people thereof, in Willoh States that relation is, or may bc, suspended or disturbed. Thc recognition of the States hythe Judicial Department of tho Govern ment has also been clear and conclusive, ia al proceedings affecting them ?is States, had it (he Supreme, Circuit and District Court. Ii the admission of Senators and Representative from any and.all of thc States, there can Iv no just ground of apprehension that person who arc disloyal will bo clothed with the pow era of legislation, for this could not hanpei when the Constitution and the laws are eu forced by a vigilant and faithful Congress. Kuch House is made tho judge of tho clot tion returns and qualifications of ils own nico hers, and may, with the concurrence of tw< thirds, expel a member. AV hen n Senator c Representative presents bis certificate of-dei (ion, ho may at once bc admitted or rejected or should there ! o any question ns te his el gibility, bis credentials may be referred ft investigation to thc appropriate coinni'tlee. If admitted toaseat.it must bo upon cv dence satisfactory to tho House of which 1 thus bcoomcs a member, that ho posesses tl requisite constitutional and legal qualification If refused admission as a member, for wa of duo allegiance to the Government, mid r turned to his constituents, they arc ndmnnis cd that none but persons loyal to thc Unita States will bo allowed a voice in thc lepisl tivc councils of tho nntion ; and thc politic power and moral influenco of Congress a thus effectively exerted in the interest of loy Wy to tho Government und fidelity to tho Union. Upon this question, so vitally affect ing tho restoration of thc Union mid the per mi.nenoy of our present form of Government, my convictions heretofore expressed have un dergone no change ; but, on the contrary, their correctness luis been confirmed by reUeetion and tune. I f the admission of'loyal mem bers to seals iu the respetivo House? of Con gress was wise and exi>edieutL<tt.lyeur ugo, it is no less wise and expedient nowr J I' lld* nnam uious condition is right now-^-tf in the exact condition of these States, ht thc present lime, it is lawful to cNcludc them from r?prcscntu* lion, I do md ?ce that the question will be changed by tho (flux of time. 'Jen yours hence, if these States remain ns they ?re, tile right of representation will bc no stronger_ the right of exclusion will bo no weaker TIIK NKOKSSlTY PQtt Sl'KKDY RR8TORATION. Tho Constitution of thc United States makes it the duty of tho President to recom mend to tho consideration of Congress such u casu rcs ns he shall judge necessary or expo lieut. I know of no motmurc moro imperil ?rely demanded by every consideration of lia JOlKtl interest, sound policy and equal justice, han the admission of loyal bombers from now inrepresentcd States. This would cons?mate bc work of restoration, and ex?rt a most salu ary influence in thc rc establishment cd' peace, larmony, and fraternal feeling, lt would end greatly to renew the confidence id' the Vinerican people in thc vigor and stability of heir institutions. It would bind us mord losely togetherT a nation, and enable us to how to the world tho inherent and recupera te powers of a Government founded upon lie will of the people mid established upon lie principles of liberty, justice and intelli euee. Our rueronsed strength and enhanced rosperity would irrefragibly demonstrnte thc ilhoy of tho argument uga inst free institu ons, drawn from our recent national disor crs, hy thc enemies of republican govern cut. TllO admission of loyal members from ie States mw excluded froth Congress, by laying doubt and apprehension, would turn ,11t%vouH?;ncvin,tc t.ic p.ese.u tro?o n com? it ion of those Stales; ?rid, by indu ngemigration, aid in the settlement of fer le rogiens now uncultivated, and lead to an I creased production of those staples which i ave added so greatly to the wealth of thc na on and the commerce of thc world. New chis of enterprise would be opened to our rogrcssivo people, and soon the devastations ( war would be repaired, and nil traces of our omcstio differences effaced from the minds of ur countrymen. A WAUNINU AUAINST CONSOLIDATION. In our efforts to preserve the unity of Gov rimient, which constitutes us one people, by cstoring the States to thc condition which they eld prior to the rcbeillioil, wc should be eau ions, lest, having rescued our nation from crils of threatened disintegration, wc resort ti consolidation, and in thc end absolute des otis m. Asa remedy of concurrence of siiii lar troubles, the war having terminated, and rith it all occasion for the exercise ot powers f doubtful ci islitutionalitV, we should lias en to bring legislation within thc boundaries ir escribed by the Constitution, and to return o thc ancient land marks established by our .libers for the guidance of succeeding goner itions. The Constitution, which, nt any time, (xists until changed by any explicit mid nu llen tic act of tim whole people, is sacredly ibligatory upon nil. If, in the opinion of tin icuple, tho distribution or modification of tin Jotistitutiona) powers bc, in any part?cula) ivrong, let it bo correuted by un amendment II thc way in which the Constitution desig intos; but let there bc no chango by usurpa ion, for it is the custoninry weapon by willoi 'roo Governments aro destroyed. Washing LOU spoke these words to his countrymen when, followed by their lovo and gratitude he voluntarily retired from t he cures of publi life. To keep in all things within the pale c nur constisutional powers, and cherish th Federal Union as thc only rock of safety, wer prescribed by .Jefferson as rules of action t endear his countrymen to tile true principh of their Constitution, and promote a union < sentiment and action equally auspicious to t he happiness and safety. Jackson held that th action of the General Government should a ways be strictly confined to the sphere of i appropriate dut ics,and justly ond forcibly urge that our Government is not to be mnititain( nor our Union preserved by invasions of tl rigbts and powers of thc several States. 1 thus attempting to make our General Cover mont strong, wo Oiake it weak. Its tn strength consists in leaving individuals ai States ns much ns possible to themselves ; making itself felt, not ?nits power, but in i bcnificcncc j not in its control, but in its pi iCCtion ; not in binding tho States mc closely to tho centre, but leaving each tomo unobstructed in its proper constitutional orb Those aro the teachings of mon whose dee and services havo made thom illustrious, a who, long sine?, havo withdrawn from t Bccncs of life; have left to their country t rich legacy of lh*r examples, their "wisdi j mid [hoir patriotism. Drawing fresh inspira I lion from their lessons, let us emulate them j in loveof country ?ml respect for tho Consli tioii and tho hi wa. fl .SCAT, A F FA IttS. The report of thc Secretary of Mic Treasury affords much information respecting the reve nue and com merco of the country. His views upon the currency, and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, */n terniil ns well as impost, are commended to the careful consideration of Congress. 1 ii my last annual message, I expressed my general views upon these subjects. I nerd now only cd1 nt tell lion to the necessity of carryln? into every department 0/ thc Government'a system of rigid ncooui.tali?ity. thorough retrenchment ami wisc economy. 'With no exceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppressive burdens o*'taxation fan be lessened by such a modifi cation nf our revenue laws tis will he consist ont with the public faith and (he legltilillilo and necessary wants of the Govcinment. Thc report presents a much mme satisfactory con dition of our finances than, one year ago, thc most sanguine could have anticipated'. Pu ting the fiscal year ending thc 80th June, 18(15, tho Inst year of the war, thc public debt was $041,002,087, and, on the 81stof October, 1SC?, it amounted to $2,740,864,750. On th . 81st day of October, 1S00, it had been reduced to 82,601 ,810,000 ; thodiminution, during a period of fourteen mouths, commen cing September 1, 18'j5, and ending October 511, LSUO, having boen 8200,370,505. In the last annual report on thc state of thc finan ces, it was estimated, during tho three-fourths id* thc fiscal year ending tho 80th of June last, thc debt would bc increased 8112,104,017. puring thatperiod,*however, it was reduced ^31,100,387 ; the receipts of the year having been 880,006 005 more, and the expenditures 5200,620,285 less, than the estimates. Notli tig could more dearly indicate, than these itatomcnls, the extent, and availability of the nit ional resources, and thc rapidity and safety villi which, under our form of government, treat military and naval establishments ctn ie disbanded, und expenses reduced from a ^520,750,040 j leaving an available surplus d' $8 7,281,0S0. lt is estimated that the rc ici pt s for the fiscal year ending ilUtb June, 1807, will be 847w.uV.l,3So, and (lint the PX londiluros will reach thc SU m of 8810,428.078, caving in the Treasury a surplus of 8158, 333,808. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1808, it is estimated that the receipts will I mount to S-I8().(.IOO,000. and that thc expen ditures will be 8350,247,041 J showing au ex cess of ?8f>,7?2,85,J in favor of the Govern ment. These estimated receipts may be di minished by a reduction of excise and import linties; but aftcrall necessary reductions shall have been made, the revenue of the present lind of following years will doubtless bo salli ?iotlt to cover nil legitimate charges upon the Treasury, and leave a large annual surplus tc bc applied to the payment of thc principal ol the debt. There seems now to bono gooil reason why taxes may not be reduced ns tin country advances in population and wealth mid yet the debt, be extinguished within tin next (plaiter of a century. THK A tl MY. The report of thc Secretary of War furnish es valuable and important information in rel orencc to the operations of bis Depnrtmoii during the past year. Pow volunteers lip' remain in the service, and they are being di: charged as rapidly ns they eau be replaced I regular troops. The army "lias been prompt! paid, carefully provided with medical tren tn en t. well .sheltered and subsisted, and is be furnished with breach loading small arm The military strength of the nation has bei unimpaired by thc discharge of voluntocrs the disposition of unserviceable or perishab stores, and thc retrenchment of oxpcnditur Sufficient war material to meet any omergem has been retained, and from thc disband volunteers, standing ready to res].mid to t national call, large armies can be rapidly < gauized, equipped and concentrated. Port cations 011 thc coast ami frontier have vocalV mid are being prepared for more powel l ul liniments. Lake surveys, and harbor and rn improvements, uro in course of energetic pr ccutlon, Preparations have been made th? payment ol' the additional bounties tiuth I lied during tho recent session of Congr? j under such regulations ns will prided t Government from fraud, and tfCOUre to 1 honorably discharged soldier thc well-can reward of his faithfulness and gallantry More than six thousand maimed soldiers hi received artificial limbs, or other surgical paratus. and forty-one national cometer containing the remains of 104,626 Un soldiers, have nlrendy boen established. 'J total estimate of military appropriations $26,206,060. THE NAVY, lt is stated in the report of tho Se tary of the Navy, that tho naval foro this time consists of 278 vessels, armed) 2,861 guns. Of these, 115 vessels carr; 1,020 guns, ure iu commission, distrib' L ' m .-i. ?, \- . JO. j chiefly ninon? seven squadrons. The number 1 of mon in the service is ?3,OUO. Cl rout ac tivity and vig?l&sico Imvo heeji displayed hy . ul! thc so un drona, and their movements ?ihvo : been judiciously and efficiently arranged in ; such manner ns would best promole Ameritan commerce, and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen ahmad. Thc 'vessels un employed arc undergoing repairs, or are laid up until their services may he required. Most of the iron clad fleet is ut League Island, in" the vicinity of Philadelphia ; a place which, until decisive action should tc taken by Con gr.-ss, was selected hythe Secretary of the Navy as tho most eligible location for thut c ass o| vessels, lt is important (hat n imit able public station should be provided fur the non clad fleet, lt is intended that these vessels shall bc in proper condition for m v emergency, and it is desirable that the bifl accepting League Island for nnviil purpo ses, which passed thc House of Representa tives ut Us last session, should receive final ac tion atan early period, in order that ibero may bc a suitable public stat im, ror this class nf vessels, as well as a navv-vard of area suf ficient fm- thc wants of tho service on the Delaware Diver. Tho naval pension fund amounts to ?11,750,000, having been in creased 82,750,000 during thc >0!i? 'rjtC ex penditures of the department for thc f-scul year ending 20th June last were $-13,024,006 ind tho estim?tes for the coming year amount 10 S2:i,5??<,-i?J0. Attention is invite.! to the condition of ourscamcn, ?md thc importance af legislative measures for their relic!Mid im provement. The suggestions in behalf of this Jcserving class of our fellow citizens are earn estly recommended to the favorable attention 11 Congress. POSTAL AFFAIRS. The report of the Postmaster-General pre tuts a most satisfactory condition of Die pos ai service, and submits recommendations rbich deserve the consid?r?t ion of Congress, .'he revenues of tho department for the year tiding June 80, 1800. were 91d.a80.08ri. and bc expenditures SI5,802.070, showing an xccss of thc latter of $906,093. li. anticipa talidtlf? ":?pplTq^TVnTTOiil'n- *rYW<*rv~-r-~i. i nail matter as a legitimate portion-of.ibo rev ?mes yet reniai ni Hg unexpended, the actual leficieney for the past year is nnl\ $2G5,093 ; i sum within 851,1-11 of the amount estimated n thc annual report of 1801. The decroaso if revenue, compared with the previous year, vas ono and one-fifth per cent., and the in irciise of expenditures, owing principally to be enlargement of the mail service in tho South, was twelve per cent. (In the 80th of func*last, there were in operation 0,030 mail .outes, with au aggregate length of 1S0,921 niles in aggregate, until transportation of '1,837,01 I miles, and an aggregate annual lost, including expenditures, 88,410,184. The length of railroad routes 02,002 milos, md thc annual transportation is 80,009,467 niles. Thc length of steamboat routes is 14, }4() milos, and thc annual transportation 800, 111,002 miles. The mail service is daily in creasing throughout the whole country, and its steady extension in the Southern States, indicates their cor.str.nlly improving condition. The growing importance ol* foreign service also merits attention. The post office dopai t ment of Croat Britain and our own have ngreed upon a preliminary basis for a new postal conven tion, which it is bclioVcd will nrovc eminently beneficial to the commercial interests of tho United States, inasmuch as it contemplates a reduction of internal lotter postage to one-half the existing ratos ; o reduction of postage with all other countries to and from which corres pondence is transmitted in the Mikish mail, or in closed mails, through tho United King dom ; tho establishment of uniform and rea sonable charges for the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails, and an allowance to each post office department of the right to use all mail communications es tablished under the authority of thc other for (he despatch of correspondence, either in open or closed mails, on tho same terms as those applicable to thc inhabitants af tito country providing the means of transmission. DUPA UT MK XT OF THF. INTERIOR. The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits thc condition of those branches of tho public service which are committed to his su pervision. During the hist fiscal year, 4,020, 812 acres of public land were disposed of; 1,802,510 acres of which were entered under the Homestead Ajst. Tho policy originally adopted relative to the public lund lins under gone sundry modifications. Immediate reve nue and not their rapid settlement was tho cardinal feature of our land system. Long experience and earnest discussion have result ed in thc conviction that thc curly develop ment of our agricultural resources and tho I diffusion of an energetic population over our vast territory, arc objects of far greater impor tance to t hc nal ional growth and prosperity, than the proceeds of thc snlo of thc land tc thc highest bidder in open market. Tho pre ?mpliou laws oonfer upon tho pioneer, who (BEE FOURTH PAGE.)