The Charleston daily news. (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, December 04, 1866, Page 2, Image 2

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ff fog flatly TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 4, 1866. MESSAGE" OP THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES "So the two Honsas of Congress* at the Com? mencement of tho Second Session. Fcllow-Citecns of the Senate and Hottse of Sepresenta Aftar a brief interval the Congress 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, tranquillity, and cirtl authority, have been formally declared to exist throughout tho whole of the United Statos. In all of the States civil authority has superceded the coercion of arms, and the people, by their voluntary action, are \ matoteiplng their governments in full activity and com? pl?t? op?ration. The' enforcement of the laws is no long? er "obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed bj the ordinary courseof. judicial pro? ceedings;" and the animosities engendered by tho war are rapidly yielding to tho beneficent Influences of our free institutions, and'to.the kindly-effeots of unrestricted social and comm-'rcial intercourse. An entire restoration of fraternal feeling must bo tho earnest wish., of. every patriotic heart; and we wilThave accomplished Our grande-1 national achievement' when, forgetting the :sad events of thc past, and remembering only their instruc- . tive lessons,. we resume our onward career as a free, prosperous and united people. In my message of the 4th af December, 1865, Congress was informed of the measures which had been instituted by the Executive with a view to the gradual-restoration of the States in which- the insurrection occurred to their relations with the 'General. Government. .Provisional Governors had bean appointed, Convention's 'called, Gov? ernors 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, arid the internal revenue laws put in force in order that the people might eontrib- ? nte to the national income. . Postal, operations had been renewed* and efforts were being made to restore them to their former condition of efficiency. The States'them? selves had been asked to take part in the high functions of amending the Constitution, and of thus sanctioning the extinction of African slavery as ;cne of the legitimate results bf our internecine struggle; > .' Having progressed thus far, the Executive Department found that it had accomplished nearly all that waa with? in the scope of its constitutional authority. One thing, however, yet remained to be done before the work of restoration could: be completed, end that was the admis? sion to Congress of loyal Senators and Representatives from'the States whose people1 had- rebelled against the lawful authority of the General Government. This ques? tion devolved upon the respective Houses, which, by the Constitdtion, are made the judges of the elections, re? turns, and qualifications of their own- members;' and its consid?ration atone? engaged the-attention of Congress. In th? meantime, the Executive Department-no other plan having been proposed by Congress--continued its efforts to perfect, as far os was practicable, the restora? tion of the proper relations between the- citizens of the respective States, the States, and the Federal Govern? ment, extending, from time to time, as the public inter? ests seem to require, the judicial, revenue, and postal systems of the country. With the advice and consent of the Senate, tho necessary officers were appointed, and appropriations made by Congress for tho payment of their'salaries, The proposition to amend the Federal Constitution, so as to prevent tho 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 United States. All of the States in which the rebellion had existed promptly amended their Constitutions, BO as to make them eonform to the great change thus .effected', in the organic law of thaland; declared null and void all ordinances and laws of secession; repudiated all pre? tended debts and obligations created for the revolution? ary purposes of the insurrection; and proceeded, in good .faith, 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 the close of the eighth month of the session that, an exception was made in favor of Tennessee, by thu admission of her Senators and Representatives. I deem it a subject of profound regret that Congress has thus far failed to admit to seats loyal Senators and Representatives from the other S tates,V who se inhabit? ants, with those of Tennessee had engaged in tho rebel Bon. Teri States-more than one-fourth of the .whole, number-remain without r<^resontetikm ; ihs seats jjf.fif^, ?jfcjc^BlitoTjer?^^ ^ tweniy-members iii 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 credentials. Their admission, it is believed, would have accomplished much toward the renewal and strengthening of our relations aa one people, and removed serious causa far discontent on the part of the inhabitants of those States. It would have accorded with the great principle enunciated in the Declaration of American Independence, that no people ought to bear the burden of taxation, and yet be denied the right of represen a?oe. It would have been in con? sonance with the express provisions of the Constitution, that "each State shall have at least one Representative," and "that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate." These provisions were intended to secure to every State, and to the people of every State,' the right of representation in each House of Congress; and so important was it deemed by the framers -of the Constitution that the equality of the States in the Senate should be preserved, that not even by an amendment of the Constitution can any State, without its consent, be denied a voice in that branch of the National Legislature. It is true, it has been assumed that the existence of the States was terminated by the rebellious acts of their in? habitants, and that the insurrection having been sup? pressed, they were thenceforward to be considered mere? ly as conquered territories. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial Departments of the Government have, how? ever, with great distinctness and uniform consistency, refused to sanction an assumption so incompatible with the nature of oar republican system, and with the pro? fessed objects of the war. Throughout the recent legis? lation of Congress, the undeniable fact makes itself appa? rent that these ten political communities are nothing less than States of this Union. At tile very commencement 'of the rebellion eaoh House declared, with a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant, that the was not "waged upon oar 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 de? fend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution and all laws made in pursuance thereof, and to pre? serve the Union with all the dignity, equality and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as . .these objects were accomplished the war ought to cease." m some instances. Senators were permitted to continue their legislativo functions, while in other instances Re? presentatives were elected and admitted to seats after their States had formally declared their right to with? draw from the Union, and were endeavoring to mn.inty.1n that right by force of arms. AU bf the States whose peo? ple ware in tosurrection, as States, were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of twenty millions of dol? lars annually laid upon the United States by the act ap? proved 5th August, 1861. Congress, by the act of March 4,1863, and by the apportionment of representation there? under, also recognized their presence aa States in .the Union; and they have, for judicial purposes, been divid? ed into districts, as States alone-can be divided.. The same recognition appears in the recent legislation in re? ference to Tennessee, which evidently reste upon the fact that the functions of the State wera 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 the Executive Department or the Govern? ment upon thitf subject has been equally definite and uniform, and tho purpose of the war was specially stated in the Proclamation issued by my predecessor on the 22d day of September, 1862. It was then solemnly pro? claimerand declared that "hereafter, as heretofore, the' war will be 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 dis? turbed." r. The recognition of the States by the Judicial Depart? ment of the Government has also been clear and conclus? ive in all procea lings affecting them as States, had in the Supreme, Circuit, and Distill Courts. In the admission of Senators and Representatives from any and all of the States, there can be no just ground of apprehension that persons who are disloyal will be clothed, with the powers of l?gislation; for Uris could not happen when the Constitution and the laws are en? forced - by a vigilant and faithful Congress. Each House is made the "judge of the elections, returns, and qualifi? cations of its own members," and may, "with the con? currence'of two-thirds, expel a member." "When a Sena? tor or Representative presents bis certificate of election, he may at once bo admitted or rejected; or, should there he any question as to bis eligibility, his. credentials may ba referred' for investigation to the appropriate commit? tee. If admitted to a seat, it must he upon evidence sat? isfactory to the House of which he thus becomes a mem? ber, that he possesses the requisite constitutional and Wal qualifications. ? refused admission as a member for want of due Aile, giancf- io the Government, and returned to his con? stituents, they are admonished that none but per. ons loybl to the United States will be allowed a voice in the Legislative Council-? of the Nation, and the polltio.il power and moral influence of Congress are thoa effect? ively exerted is the interests of loyalty to the Govern ment and fl'silty to the Union. Upon this question, so virally affecting the restoration of the Union and the permanency of our present form of government, my convictions, heretofore expressed, have undergone no change; but, OB the contrary, their correctness has bean confirmed by reflection and time. If the admis? sion of loyal members to seats 1 the respective Bouses of Congress was wise and expedient a year ago, lt ls no less wise and expedient now.- If this anomalous condi? tion lsxight BOTT-if, in the exa-t condition of these States at the present time, it is lawful to exclude them from repreeeatation, I t?o not see that the question will be chanced by th? efflux of time. Ten years he^ce, if these Stetes remain as they are, the right of representa? tion will bs rio stronger-the right of exclusion will be BO weaker. The Constitution o? the United State i inakesitths duty ol the Prepident to recommend to the considera jtion of Congress "such measures as he shall udge necessary or expedient." I know of no measure more imperatively demanded by every consid? eration of national interest, sound policy, ?ind 6qual justice, than the admission of loyal mombers from tho now unrepresented States. This would consummate the work of restoration, and exert a most salutary in flu ence in the re-establishment of peace, hatmony,and fraternal feeliDg. lt would tend Rreatly to renew the confidence of the American people in the vigor and sta? bility of their institutions. It would 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 the will of the peo? ple, and established upon the principles cf liberty, justice, and intelligence. Our in? creased strength and enhanced prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate the fallacy cf the argu? ments against free institutions drawn from our recent national di orders by the enemies of republican gov? ernment. The admission of loyal members from the States now.excluded from Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension, would turn capital, now awaiting an opportunity for investment, into the channels of trade and industry. It would alleviate the present troubled condition of those states, and, by inducing emigration aid in the settlement of fertile regions now uncultivat? ed, and lead to an increased production of those staples winch have added so greatly to the wealth of the nation and the commerce of the world. Kew fields of enter? prise would oe opened to our progressive people, and soon thedevastations.of war would be repaired, and all traces of our domestic differences effaced from the minds of our countrymen. In our efforts to preserve, ?-the unity of Government which constitutes us one people," by restoring the States to the condition which they held prior to tte i e beiiion, wp thould be cautious, lest, having rescued our nation from perils of threatened disintegration, we re? sort to.consohdation, and in the end absolute despotism as a remedy for the recurr?nce of similar troubles. The war having terminated, and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of ?oubtful congtitutionality, we should ha?ten to briDg legislation witbiu the boundaries ? prescribed by the Constitution, and to retain to thc ancient landmarks established, by our fathers for ihe gnida-Bce of succeeding generations. "Tho Constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whola people, is sacredly obli gatvry upon alL " "If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional pow? ers be, in any particular, wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way in which the Constitution de? signates. But let there be no change by usurpation for "reis the customary weapon by which free Govern? ments are destroyed.*' .Washington spoke thees words to hiscpuntrymea ."when , followed by their love and grati? tude, be voluntarily retiraeKrom the caree of pnblic life" 'To fceep In all things within the pale of our constitu? -?onal powers, and cherish the Federal Union as the only rock of safety," were prescribed by Jefferson as rulesof ac?on to endear to bia "countrymen the true principles of then* Constitution, and promote a union of sentiment .J^r10? e?J"dly auspicious to their happiness and safety." Jackson held that the action of the General .Government should , always be strictly confined to the sphere of. its appropriate duties, andjus?y and forcibly urged that our Government is not to be maintained nor pur Union preserved "by invasions of the rights and powers of the several States. ' In thus attempting to make eur General Governiaent atroh^Sf?T?a^tib^^Sr'Ita truosfi^gto^ns^lh^e^^ Md?vi?^aTB-anrrStates as mucn as posaiDie to themselves r in inminTr ?rtolflf felt nWht its power, But in its beneficence ; not in its control; but rn its .protection not :in binding the States more ?aoseb/ to the centre, but leaving each to move unob? structedI in its proper constitutional orbit",' These are the teachings of men whose deeds and services have made them Illustrious, and who, long since withdrawn from the scenes of hie, have left to their , country the rich legacy of tiieir example, their wisdom, and their patrtotiim. .urawing fresh inspiration, from their. lessons, let us emulate them in love of country and respect for the Con? stitution and laws. The report of the ' Sr-etary of the Treasury affords much information reepr.-'- ag the revenue and.commerce ot the country. His views upon the currency, and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, internal as well as impost, are commended to the careful consideration of Congress. Tn 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 bf the Government a system of rhrid accountability, throngh. retrenohment, and wise econo? my, with no exceptional ncr unusual expenditures, the oppressive^burdens of taxation can be lessened bysnch ft?L?T?r 22 0?_?nr revenue laws as will be consistent withJhe.pubhc faith, an4 the legitimate and necessary .wants of the Government - -j -^Tne lepqrt presentsa much more satisfactory cbndi tiofi^f our finances than one year ?go the most san guineicould have anticipated.- - During the fUcal vt ar en^?*\a ?th: June, 1865, the last year cf the war, the pn??Ltebi; ?2? increased $911,902.637, and cn the 31st ot October, 1865, it amounted to $2,740,864,750. On the iffi^-18! it had been reduced to,$2 - Th?*\?'006' diminution during a period of fou teen. ^?4omSlniinB -8?Pteittbar 1865, and. ending; crea8ed-$112;19^947. Tnu-Insr-t^at neriodi HuwoTer. 'lt was reduced $31,196,887, the raciiptB of tba year-having been" $89,9"5,905 more, and the expenditures $200,529 - 236 less than the estimates. Noebing could more clearly indicate than these statements the extent and availabil? ity of the national resources, and the rapidity and safety wi'h which, under our form of government, great mili? tary and naval establishments can be disbanded, and expenses re?uced from a war toa peace footing. During the fiscal year ending the 30th of Juno, 1866. ^ereceiPfcj were $658,032,620. 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 i 0th June, 1867, will be $475,061,386, and that theex penditures will reach the sum of $316,428,078, leaving in the Treasury a surplus of $158,633,308. For theflscal year ending June 30, 1868, it is estimated that the re? ceipts will amount to $4S6.0?H>,000, and that the expendi? tures will be S350,247,64i-showing an exc?s of $86,762, 369 in favor of the Government These estimated re? ceipts may be diminiahed by a reduction cf excise and import duties; but after all necessary reductions shall have been made, the revenue of the present and of fol? lowing years w?Tdoubtlees be sufficient to cover an le? gitimate charges upon the Treasury, and leave a large annual surplus to be applied to the payment of the prin? cipal of the debt There seems now to be no good rea? son why taxes may not be reduced as the country ad? vances in population and wealth, and yet the debt be ex ? anguished within the next quarter of a century. \ The report of the Secretary of JWar furnishes valuable and important infoimationrln reference to the operations ; of hie Department during the past year. Few volunteers now remain in the service, and they are being discharged as rapidly as they can be replaced by regular troops. The army has been , promptly paid, carefully provided with medical treatment, well sheltered and subsisted, and is tobe furnished with breech-loading small arms. The military strength of the nation has been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers, the disposition o? unservice? able or perishable stores, and the retrenchment of ex? penditure. Sufficient war material to meet any emergen? cy has been retained, and, from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call. large ar? mies can be rapidly organized, equiDoed, and concentra? ted. Fortifications on the coast and frontier have re? ceived, or are being prepared for more powerful arma? ments; lake surveys and harbor and river improvements are m course of energetic prosecution. Preparations have been made for the payment of the additional boun? ties authorized during the recent session of Congress, undersuch regulations as will protect the Government from fraud, and secure to the honorably-discharged sol? dier the well-earned, reward of his faithfulness and gal? lantry. More than six thousand maimed soldiers have received artificial limbs or other surgical apparatus; and forty-one national cemeteries, containing the remains of 104,526 Union soldiers, have already been established. 2M669 ee?mate for military appropriations is $25, j4 testeten in toe ^P01* ofth6 Secretary of the Navy that the naval fore? at this time consists of twoTrandred and seventy-eight vessels, armed with two thousand three hundred and fifty-one guns. Of these, one hun? dred and fifteen vessels, carrying, one thousand and twenty-nine guns, are in commission, distributed chiefly among seven squadrons. The number of men in the eervtoe is thirteen thousand six hundred. Great activity andyta?aacanave.oeeaoisp? squadrons, and their movements have been judiciously andefllctentl ? arranged in such manner as wotdTbest promote American taarmnerce, and protect the rights and toteres? of our countrymen abroad. The vessels unemployed are -undergoing repairs, or are laid up until toelsiervicca may be required. Most of the ir?n-claa fleet is at teague Island, to the vicinity of Philadelphia, a place ;yrtuch! Tinta decisive action shcmld .be, taken ?y Congrea?7wa? selected by the Secretary of the Navy as the moBte&rfble locationfor toatefcasof vessels. Jt iaimp?rtan?fc a suitable public station should- be -provided for the iron clad fleet ..-. .c.v.- ..- -?- . JTt ls intended that these vessels 'shall be in urbnar c? ditaon for any emergency, and it is desirable toat thebfll accepting League Island for naval purposes, which pass? ed toe House of BepreaenUttves at fte last session, aoomd receive final action at an early period. In ordor that there may be a suitable public station for this class of ves sela, as well as a navy-yard of ares sufficient" for the wanteof toe service, onthe. Delaware river. The" Naval ^Pension fund amounts to $11,750,000, having been increased S2 - 750,000 during the year. The expenditures of the T>? partment for the fiscal year ending 30th Jone last were $43,324,628, and the estimates for toe coming year amount to $23,568,486. Attention is invited toto? condition of our seamen, and the Importance Of legislative measures foi? toeterelief and improvement Tho suggestions in be? half of this deserving class of our fellow-citizens are earnestly recommended to the favorable attention of Con? gress. . The report of the Postmaster General presents a most satisfactory condition of toe postal service, and submits recommendatione which deserve toe consideration of ' Congress. The revenues of toe Department for the year ending June 30,1866, were $14,886,988, and the expendi ?^Jr5,i62'OT9,,'mowlll8 811 ?cesa of toe latter of $965,093. Da anticipation of this deficiency, however, a special appropriation was made by Congress in the act approved July 28,1866. tocluding toe standing appro? priation of 8700,000 for free mail matter, aTategitimate portion of tho revenues yet remaining unexpended, the 1^??^ ior 010 P*8* Juxte only$265.003-<Tsum witoin $61,141 of the amount ostimated In the annual re? port of 1864. The decrease of revenue compared with toe previous year, was one and one-fifth per cent, and the tacrease of expenditures, owing principally to the enlarge? ment of the mail service tn the South, was twelve per cent On the 80th of Jane last t.uere were in opt ration, six thousand sin? hundred aad thirty neall routes, with an adgr -{tate length of one hundred and eighty thousand nine hundred and twenty one mites, an aggregate sn. natl transportation of seventy-one million eijiht hundred ard thirty-seven thonsaud nine hundred and fourteen miles, and an aggregate annual coat, tocluding ali ox penditurea, o? $8,410,184. The length of railroad route 8 is thirty-two thousand and ninety-two miles, and th? annual transportation thirty million six hundred and nine thousand four hundred and> sixty-seven miles. The length of steamboat routes is fourteen thousand I three hundred and forty-six miles, and the annual transportation three million four hundred aud elovon thousand nine hundred and sixty-two miles. The mail j service is rapidly increasing throughout the whole country, and its steady extension in the Southern States indicates their constantly improving condition. Ibo growing importance ol the foreign s rvice also merits attention. Tho PostorBco Department of Great Britain and our own have agreed upon a preliminary basis for anew Postal Convention, which Ur is believed will prove eminently baneficial to the commercial inter? ests 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 alt other countries to and from which correspondence ls transmitted in the British mail, or ia closed mails through the United Kingdom ; thc establishment of uni. form and reasonable charges fur the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails; and'an al-; lo war ce to each Posto mee Department of the ri? ht to use all mail communications established under tho au? thority of the other for the dispatch of correspondence, either in open or closed mails, on the same terms as those applicable to the inhabitants bf the coun? try providing the means of transmission.. . .-. Tho report of the Secretary of thelnteriqr exhibits the condition of those branches ' of the public service which are committed to his supervision. During the last fiscal year, four million six hundred and twenty-nine thousand' '? three hundred and twelve acres of public- land were dis- ? posed of, one million eight hundred and nmsty-two thou? sand ?vc hundred and sixteen acres of which were en? tered under the homestead act. The policy- originally adopted relative to the public lands has undergone essen? tial modifications. Immediate revenue, ' and not their. ! rapid settlement, was the cardinal feature bf our land system. Dong experience ftnd earnest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resources, and the diffusion of an ener? getic copulation over our vast territory, are.obje.cts of far g-caier tmportarice to the -national growth and pros? perity than Ute proceeds of the sale of t?te land to the' highest bidder in open market. The_.pre-emption laws confer upon the pioneer who complies with the'ferjfts they impose the privilege of purchasing ^ limited portion i of "unoffered lands" at the minimum price.The home? stead enactments relievo the settler from the ;pay??enTof pechase" money, and secure him a permanent hom o upon the condition of residence for. a term of years. This liberal policy mvitos^gmigration from the old, and from, the more crowd?dportiohs- ?TThe new World. Its' pro? pitious results arc undoubted, and will be moro signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider de? velopment. . '? ' .'.-' ?' ? "..- .;" - . Congress has made liberal grants of public land to cor- ' porations, in aid of the construction' of ?aihSaads and other internal improvements. Should1 tins TOfioyhere ' after prevail, more stringent provisions yoB. be required to secure a faithful application of the funfL Th? title to the lands should not pass, by patent or otherwise, but remain in the Government and subject to ita control un? til some portion of the road has been actually built. Por? tions of them might then, from time to time, be conveyed to the corporation, but never in a greater ratio to the ' whole quantity embraced by the grant than' the completed parts bear to the entire length of the projected' improve? ment This ^restriction would not operate to-the preju? dice of any undertaking conceived in good faith and exe? cuted with reasonable energy, as it is the settled practice to withdraw from market the lands falling within the ope? ration of such grants, and thus to exclude the inception, of a subsequent adverse right. A breach of the condi? tions'which Congress may deem proper to impose should work a forfeiture of claim to the lands so withdrawn'.bnt un conveyed, and of title to the lands', conveyed Which rer main unsold. ?>0':'- .''.'.- ' Operations on the several lines of the PJK^O- Railroad have been prosecuted with unftxaTnp\eu:"vig?r^ntt?B?c^ cess. Should no unforeseen causes of delay occur, it is confidently, anticipated that this great thoroughfare will be completed before the expiration of - tho period desig? nated by Congress. .-'.'- ',v--':" -During the last fiscal year the amount: paid to pen? sioners, including the expenses of disbursement, was sCflrBen million four hundred and fifty-nine: thousand ?nine hundred and ninety-six dollars; and fifty thousand tone hundred and seventy-seven names were'added to the ..pension rolls. The entire number of pensioners, June .30, 1866, was ono hundred and twenty-six thousand seven hundred and twenty-two. "This fact furnishes meian - ' choly and striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindi? cate tho constitutional authority of the Federal Govern? ment, -and to maintain inviolate Axe integrity of the ; Union: : They impose npon us corresponding obligations. It is estimated that iidrty-three million, dollars w?l bo '.required to meet the exigencies of ; this branch of the service during the next fiscal year. - . ..-;< V . Treaties have been concluded wi& jthe j?idians who, enticed into armed opposition to our-Goyernmenf?t the outbreak of the rebellion, have unconditionally srubmit tedto our authority, and manifested aa earnest desire for a renewal of friendly relations,.' "p'-'V;. '.'.-. During the year:ending September^,'1866, eight thou? sand Beven hundred and sixteen.-pr?i^fer n??ful inven? tions and designs were issusdT antTaTthat d'ite the bal? ance in the treasury *o the croaff-t-f.tho PitentFund waa ttVo?hnadred ^:twmty^ighlffi?tisand two hundred and -MjitvOj UUII? JaUsrsv. ? ? ? '.' . ' ;. i.v ' .';.': i.-, _ -AB a subject upon which, dependa an immense-amount i of the production and commerce of the country, I recom? mend to Congress such legislation as may be-necessary. I for the preservation cf the levees of the Mississippi Riv? er.. It is a matter of national importance that early steps j' should be taken not only to add to the efficiency of these barriers against destructive inundations, but for the re xnoval of all obstructions to the free and safe navigation ' of that great channel of trade and commerce. The District of Columbia, under existing laws, is not entitled to that representation in the National Councils which, from our earliest history, has been uniformly ac? corded to each Territory established from tim? to time within"our limite. It maintains peculiar relations to Congress, to -whom the Constitution has granted the power of exercising exclusive legislation over the seat of government. Our fellow-citizens residing in the Dis? trict, whose interests are thus confided io the special guardianship of Congress, exceed in number the popu? lation of several of our Territories, and no just reason is perceived why a delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the House of Representatives. No mode seems so .appropriate and effectual of enabling them to make known their peculiar condition andsrants, and of securing the local legislation adapted to them. I I therefore recommend the passage of a law authorizing the electors of the District of Columbia to choose a dele < gate, to be allowed the same rights and privileges as a ! delegate representing a Territory. The increasing enter? prise and rapid progress of impiuvemex?jn??he District axe highly gratifying, and I trust that the efforts, of the municipal authorities to promote" the prosperity of the - i national metropolis will receive the efficient and gener? ous co-operation of Congress. 1 The report of the Commissioner of Agri-altpre re? views the operations of his Department dur n?"the past year, and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to en? courage those sutes which, scourged by war, are now earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic in? dustry. It is a subject of congratulation that co foreign com? binations against our domestic peace and safety, or our legitima-e influence among the nations, have been form? ed or. attempted. While sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, ant pitrioiism have increased at borne, a more just consideration of our national character and rights has been manifested by foreign nations.. The entire success of the Atlantic^ Telegraph between the coast of Ireland and the Province of "Newfoundland, issn achievement which has been- justly- -celebrated in both hemispheres as the opening of an era in the progress of civilization. There is reason to expect that equal suc? cess will attend, and even. greater- results follow, the en? terprise for connecting the tero Continents through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of telegraph between Ramschntka and the Russian possessions in Am erica. 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 justly the subject of complaint on our part, has not been renewed. The congratulations of Congress to the Etaperor of. Russia, upon his escape from attempted assaafflSStloh, 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 theenugration of freed mimoftbe Unitedj?tetes" te S loreign cogs?ry7~prot?8led ag?lhst'^TSrot?ot^ would reduce them to ? bondage even more I oppressive than that from which they have just been relieved. Assur? ance has been received from the Government of the State in which the pl was matured, that tte proceeding will meet neither tts encouragement nor approval. It is a question worthy of your consideration, whether our laws upon this subject are adequate to the prevention or pun? ishment of the crime thus meditated: In the mouth of April last,- as Congress ia- aware, a friendly arrangement was mads between the Emperor of France and the President of the United States for the, withdrawal from-Mexico of the French expeditionary military forces. Tras withdrawal was to be effected in. ? three detachment?, the first of which, it was understood, would leave Mexico in November, DOW psst, the second in if arch next, and the third and last in November, 1867. Immediately upon the 'completion of the evacuation, the I French Government was to assume the same attitude of non-lntetventioh, in ree ard to Mexico, as ls held by the Government of the United States. Repeated assurances have beengiven by the Emperor, since that agreement, that he would complete the pron,istd evacuation Within the period mentioned, or sooner. . It was reasonably expected that the proceedings thus contemplated would produce ? crisis of-great political interest in the Republic of Mexico. The newly-appoint? ed Minister of the United States, Mr. Campbell, was therefore sent forward, on tho 9th day of November last, to assume his proper functions as Minister Plenipoten? tiary of the United 8tates to Shat Republic lt was also thought expedient that he should bo attended in the vicinity of Mexico by the Iieutenant-General of the Army of the United States, with a view of obtaining such information aa might be important to determine the course to be pursued by the United States in re-establish? ing 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 restoration and permanent establishment in that country of a domestic and republican form of govern? ment. Such was the condition of affairs in regard to Mexico, when, on the 23d of-November last, official information was received from Baris that the Emperor of France had some time before decided not to withdraw a detachment of bis forces in the month of November past, according to engagement, but that this decision wah made with the purpoi i of withdrawing the whole of those forces in the ensuing spring. Of thia determination, however, the United States had not received any notice or Intimation; end, so soon aa tho Information was received by tho Gov ernmcnt, care was taken to make known its dissent to the Emperor of France. I cannot forego the hope that Franco will reconsider the subject, and adopt some resolution in regard to the evac? uation of Mexico which will conform as nearly as prac? ticable with the existing engagement, and thus meet tho just expectations of the United States. The papers relat? ing to the subject will be laid before you. It is believed that, with the evacuation of Mexico by the expeditionary forces, no subject for serious differences between France and the United States would remain. The expressions of the Emperor and people of France warrant a hope that the traditionary friendship between the two countries might In that case be renewed and permanently restored. A claim of a citizen ot the United States for ind> mni tv for spoliations committed on the high seas by the French authorities, in the exercise of a belliRerent pow? er against Mexico, bas bsen met by the Government of France with a proposition to defer settlement until a mutual convention for the adjustment of all dal ms of citizens and subjects of both countries, arising out of the recent wars on this Continent, shall be agreed upon by the two countries. The uugyei-t on is not deemed unreasonable, but it belongs to Congress to direct the manner in which claims for indemnity by foreigners, as well .as by citizens of the United States, arising out of the late civil war, shall bo adjudicated and determined. I have no doubt that the subject of all such claims will engage your attention at a convenient and proper time. It is a matter of regret that no considerable advance has been made toward ah adjustment of "the differences between the United States and Great Britain, arising out cf the depredations upon pur national commerce and other trespasses cbmmitted during our civil war by Brit? ish subjects, in violation of international law and treaty obligations. The delay, however, may be believed to have resulted in no small degree -from toe domestic sit? uation of. Great Britain An entire change of ministry occurred to that country during 'the last session of Par? liament. Thc attention of the new ministry was called to the subject -at an early day, and there is. some reason to expect that it will now be considered-to ?beComing and" friendly spirit.' The "importance of an " early disposi? tion- of the question cannot be exaggerated. Whatever might be toe wishes of the two Governments, it is mani? fest that good-will and friendship between toe two coun? tries cannot be established until a reciprocity, in toe practice of good faith' and neutrality, shall be restored between the respective nations. *- ' On toe G th of June last, in violation of our neutrality laws, a military, expedition and enterprise against the British W?rth American Colonies'was projected and at? tempted to be carried on within the territory and juris? diction of the United-States'. In obedience to the obliga? tion imposed upon toe -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 toe proper civil, n?Utary, and- naval officers were directed to take-all necessary measures for the enforcement of toe laws. -The expedition failed,' but it has not been without - its painful consequences. Some of our citizens who, it was.alleged, were engaged in toe expedition,, were captured, and have been brought to trial, as for _ a capital offence, to the Province of Canada. - Judgment and sentence of-death have been pronounc? ed against some, while others have been acquitted. Fully believing-in toe maxim of government, that severity of civil punishment for misguided persons who have en? gaged in revolutionary attempts which, have disastrously failed, is unsound and unwise, such representations have been made to toe British Government, in behalf of toe convicted persons, as, being sustained by an enlighten? ed and humane judgment, w?l, it' is hoped, induce in their cases an exercise of clemency, and a judicious am? nesty to all who were engaged in toe movement. Counsel has been employed by toe Government to defend citizens of the United Stetes ontrialfor capital offences in Canada; and: a discontinuance of toe prosecutions which were in? stituted in toe courts of toe United States against those who took part in toe expedition, has been directed. - I have regarded toe expedition aa not only political in its nature, but as also, in a great measure, foreign from toe ' United States to its causes, character and objects. The-attempt was understood'to be made in sympathy with an insurgentfparty in Ireland, and, by striking at a British-Province on this Continent? was designed to aldin obtaining redress for political grievances which, it was assumed, toe people of Ireland hsd suffered at the hands of the British Government during a period of several centuries. The persons engaged in it were chiefly na? tives of that country, some of.whom had, while others had not, become citizens of the United States under, our general laws of naturalization. Complaints of misgov? ernment in Ireland continually engage the attention of the British nation, and so great an agitation is now pre? vailing in Ireland that the British Government have deemed it necessary to suspend toe writ of habeas corpus in that country. " These circumstances must necessarily modify the opin? ion which we might otherwise hav? entertained in regard to an expedition expressly prohibited by our neutrality laws. So long as those laws remain upon our statute books, they should ba faithfully executed, and if they operate harshly, unjustly, or oppressively, Congress alone can apply toe remedy, by their modification or repeal. ' Political and commercial interests of the United. States are not-unlikely to be affected in some degree by events which are transpiring in-the eastern regions of Europe, and the time seems to have come when our Government ought to have a proper diplomatic .repfesenlation in Greece. This Government has daimait for all persons not con? victed, or accused, or suspected of crime, an absolute potmcat **>h* of - self-expatriation, and a choice of new nations! aliegimcd. " Most oftHS European States have dissented from this principle, ?nd have claimed a right to hold such of their subjects as have immigra: ed to and been naturalized in thc United Si a-es, and after? wards returned'on transient visits to their native conn tries, to the performance of military eervice ia like man? ner as resident subjects. Compliints arising from the claim In this respeot made by foreign States, have here? tofore been matters of controversy between the United States and some of the European Powers, and the irrita? tion consequent upon the failure to settle this question increased during the war in which Prussia, Italy and Austria were recently engaged. While Great Britain has never acknowledged toe right of expatriation, she has not practically insisted upon it. France has been equally forbearing; and Prussia has proposed a compromise, which, although evincing in? creased liberality, has not been accepted by the United States. Peace is now prevailing everywhere in Europe, and toe present seems to be. a favorable ama for on as-, Bertion by Congress of toejtmncijde, so long maintained by the Executive Deparftrienf, "Shat najnraiization by one State fully exempts the native born "subject or any other State from the performance of military service under any foreign Government, so long as he does not volunta? rily renounce its rights and benefits. In toe performance of a duty imposed upon moby the Constitution, I have thus submitted to the Representa? tives of the States and of th? People such information of our domestic and foreign aff .irs as the public interests seem to require. Our Government is now undergoing its most trying ordeal, and my earnest prayer in, that the peril may be successfully and finally passed, without impairing 1 .a original strength and symmetry. The in* forests ol the nation are best to be promoted by the re? vival of fraternal relations, the complete obliteration of our. past differences, and the rein augur?t ion of all toe pursuits of peace. Directing our efforts to the eariy accomplishment of these great ends, let us endeavor to preserve harmony between the coordinate Departments of the Government, that each in its proper sphere may cordially co-operate with the other in securing the main? tenance of the Constitution, the" pr?servation cf the Union, and toa perpetuity of our free institutions. ASJDBEW JOHNSON. WASH?KGTOI? , Decembor 3, 1866. GLOTHING. No. 35 BEOAD STREET AND- EXAMINE A FINE LOT OF ELTO TOITS OF WHICH WILL BE MADE TO OBDEB AT Forty Dollars. JAMES MCCORMICK, .Novembera? MERCHANT TAILOR. perren Stlribcrtnacbcr, MERCHANT TAILORS, No. 186 KINO STREET, THIRD BOOB ABO VE HOBLBE?K'S ALLST. HAVE JUST RECEIVED THEIR NEW STOCK OF FALL AND WINTER GOODS, consisting of the finest FRENCH AND ENGLISH BROADCLOTHS, DOE? SKINS, sud a full variety of toe neatest and litest style patterns of CASHMERES, VELVETS, ' SILKS. &c. Beaver and Esquimaux Cloths, for Overcoats, and a fun supply of Medium Grade Cloths and Cassimerea for Bu? siness Suits. They-are now prepared to make Up Garments as cheap? ly aa can be dona in any Northern city, and finished in toe latest and most fMhinnahle styles, or in any style that may bo desired. They respectfully Invite their friends and the public io sall and examine toe stock tor themselvea. ,. AH orders will oe promptly exe&rtod and good fits and prompt workmanship will be guaranteed. November io .stutoSmo CLOTHING OF CHARLESTON, ESTABLISHED IN 18 3 O, AT CORKER OF EAST BAY AND QUEEN ST., AND NOW EE-OPENED AT NO. 219 KING STREET. "WEST SIDE, ONE DOOR SOUTH OF MARKET STREET, UNDER THE CARE OF THE SAME PRINCIPAL AND ASSISTANTS, . HATE RECEIVED DURING THE past week a lar^e invoice of SEASONABLE CLOTHING, to fill up their Stock, and eau now offer to purchasers7 choice and at? tractive styles of GARMENTS of all qualities. z . "ALBO, , . ... . .... . BOYS' ??TD YOUTHS' CLOTHING, THE BEST SUPPLY BS THE CITY. _ FURNISHING GOODS. A FULL ASSORTMENT OF PURE LAMBS- j WOOL AND MERINO SHIRTS AND DRAWERS. THE TAILORING DEPARTMENT ! well supplied with a variety of GLOTHSy BEATERS, CASSIMERES, and ~ TESTINGS, which can he made np under the su? pervision of a first-class FRENCH CUTTER, who is calculated to please every one that will favor us with their orders. WM. MATTHIESSEN, AGENT, B. W. McT?REO?S, Smpeiiiitsntieni. Nov ember 1 ? RETAIL DEPARTMENT. Just Received, at the | ONE PRICE CLOTHING HOUSE, ! 300 Heavy Fancy Suits at-$10 100 Heavy Fancy Suits at- 14 100 Cadet Mixed Fancy Suits at -.- 15 100 Oxford Mixed Suits at - - - - 16 MAGULLAR. WILLIAMS & PARKER,) NO. 270 KING, Corner of Hasel street/Charleston, S. C. November 37_ 6 FALL IND'VINTER ?BS, AT THE . OLD AND WELL KNOWN STAND I . " or '"".'./."' ',. V Edgerton ' & Richards, NO. 32 BROAD STREET. rVTHE SUBSCRIBER BE?8 TO INFORM HIS FRIENDS 8 and the public generally that he ia now receiving his Stock of i - ; V FALL AND WINTER (?00DS, CONSISTING OB' : BLACK ANS COLORED CLOTHS Black and Fancy Casshneres, in great variety of stylos Beaver and Pilot Cloths Plain and Figured Velvet, Bilk and Castdmere Vestings. , AH of which are of the best FOREM AND DOMESTIC MANUFACTURE. I take pleasure in informing tba pnblio that having se? cured the services of one of THE BEST CUTTERS In the country, who, from his extensive experience, both Ingnrope and America, ls prepared to guarantee A FIT As Successor of Edgerton & Richards I would inform the old patrons af the establishment that I have then-. -. MEASURE BOOKS, * AMD OAK BILL 0RDER3 FROM THEES FORMER CUSTOMERS AT A DISTANCE WITH SATISFACTION. J. S. PHILLIPS. December 1 Uno CLOTHING. IN AT .r 213 KING-STEEET, Under the Tictoiia Hotel CLOTH WHOLESALE AM) RETAIL, 9 Lower than can be sold in C?iarlest?? OUR. CLOTHING BEING MANUFACTURE* BT OURSELVES, and being able to sell it at the TER ^| LOWEST ?BICES, we invite purchasers to call and - amine our VARIED STOCK, which we are satisfied v. give the utmo?t satisfaction. A convincing evidence the appended description of our WHOLESALE ANI>' BETAIL PRICES, to which we ask particular attention. The following is a - DESCRIPTION OE CLOTHING which we offer at TWENTY PER CENT. LESS THAN C08T. This may bo considered by the public as a hum? bug, but we assure them that it is undoubtedly true. If any one doubts, come and Bee. AU that we ask is a cali and examination of the STOCK, for it is and will be no trouble to show our Goods. We are always happy ta accommodate customers. HEAVY BLACK OYEBSACKS. $10.00 HEAVY MIXED OVERCOATS. 12.00 HEAVY LIONSKIN TALMAS. 14.00 BLACK OVEBSACKS (very good Article).. 13.00 HEAVY ALL-WOOL ENGLISH PILOT.... 24.00 GERMAN BEAVEB. 30,00 FRENCH BEAVEB. 40.00 SACK COATS. HEAVY LINED COTTONADE SACKS. 4.9C HEAVY LINED COTTONADE. 5.0G HEAVY FLANNEL LINED SATINETS. 8.0? HEAVY OXFORD MIXED SATINETS. 7.00 HEAVY FANCY CASSIMEBE. 9.0Q DOUBLE AND TWIST BLACK AND WHITE MIXED. 10.09 HEAVY FANCY CASSTMEIl^l ( - , Coods) 13.(?f BLACK CLOTH. 10.00 BLACK CLOTH. 12.0? FINE BLACK DOESKIN. 20.00 FINE BLACK AND WHITE WOOL MIX? TURE. 15.00 HEAVY AND FINE SILK MIXTURE. 18.00 HEAVY FINE SILK. 20.00 HEAVY BROWN AND GOLD MIXTURE... 20.00 FANCY CASSIMEBE (very stylish).. 18.00 HEAVY SCOTCH CASSIMEBE. 20.00 HEAVY BLUE FRENCH COATING.. 20.00 BLUE FRENCH COATING. 18.00 HEAVY FINE BLACK BEAVER. 20.00 FINE TRICOT. 22.0? FINE TRICOT. 20.00 FINE ENGLISH MIXED CASSLMERE..... 14.0ft HEAVY MIXED COTTONADES. 1.75 HEAVY STRIPED COTTONADES. 2.25 GADER MIXED SATINETS. 5.00 OXFORD MIXED SATINETS. *3.50 STRIPED UNION CASSIMEBES.......... 3.50 FANCY MTXFJ) CASSIMEBES............ 4.00 DIAGONAL MIXED CASSIMEBES........ 2.50 BLACK AND WB3TEMJXED CASSIMEBE (very good). 4.00 FANCY CASSIMEBE (good style). 4.50 DOUBLE AND TWIST, FINE GOODS AND GOOD PATTERNS._ 6.50 HEAVY FANCY CASSIMEBE....;... 6.00 HEAVY AND FINE SILK MIXTURE_ 9.00 HEAVY FANCY CASSJMEBE. IOJ? HEAVY BROWN AND GOLD MIXTURE..?'. 10.00 HEAVY AND FINE HARRIS CASSTMEKE. 11.00 HEAVY SCOTCH CASSIMEBE. 12.0* HEAVY FINE TRICOT.. 7.00 BLACK CASSIMEBE. 5.6ft BLACK DOESKIN. 7.50 BLACK DOESKIN (very good). 9.00, BLACK GEBMAN DOESKIN.. 9.5? BLACK FRENCH DOESKIN, FINE. 18.00 BLACK FRENCH DOESKIN (very fine).... 13.00; We have in Stock VESTS to suit the above, ranging in price from $1.25 to $6. Tho most of lie Goods are new, and of the VERY LATEST STYLES. We also have on hand a large stock of iouths', Boy's and Children's CLOTHING, which sp offer at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. As a change is about to take place, and Mr. JEOBGE LITTLE has purchased ?he interest of ?ne of the firm, he is desirous of selling out the Stock on-hand in order to oomraonce anew ort the brat cf January, 1367, Deceatoer 1 ?VI?* Ki* .