THE WESTERN DEMOCRAT, CHARLOTTE, N, C.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
FJlov-CUhtia ofthe M aa W
. . rr - r
liepresent'iti te :
After a brief ioterval the Congress ofthe
United States resumes its annual legislative la
- , i
bors. An all-wise and merouui i roiueuco u , aJ.(j r,jlts Qf tjje seVeral fetales unimpaired; and power, but iu it beneficence; not in its control,
abated the pestilence which visited our shores, j tjijU as soon jge objects" were 44 accomplished ; but in its protection; not in binding the States
leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions . thJ waroU(rflt lo cease." I some instances, Sen- ' more closely to the centre, but leaving each to
of our country. Peace, order, tranquility, and : aors wcre mjlled lQ contirjUe lbejr eg5salive j mve unobstructed iu its proper constitutional
civil authority have been formally declared to : fuucli whileiu otLer instances Kepresentalives ' orbiy These are the teachings of men whose
exist throughout the whole ofthe United State,. ' were fcIeiJ'ted atld milled to seat after their Y'Ti thecenps
In all ofthe State civil authority has supecse-, bules Lad formaI,v declared their right to with- j tZlyZ rth lcy
ded the coercion ot arms, and tne peopic, oy draw 1om tbe Union, and were endeavoring to ! of th, ir Pxauiple. their wUdom and their patriot
their voluntary action are maintaining their gov- , mmu tijat rjgilt by force of arms. AM of the jsm. Drawing fresh inspiration from their les
eroments in foil activity and complete operation, i gtalcs wbose jnjople were in insurrection, as States, ' pons, let us emulate them in love of country and
The enforcement of the laws is no longer "ob- . were jncuded jn t.l10 apportionment ofthe direct ( respect f.r the Constitution and the laws.
Btructcd in any State by .combinations too pow- j ,a 0f lvv(.nl millions of dollars annually laid j The report of the Secretary of the Treasury
erfultobe eunpre.-sed by the ordinary course j u r,on t!ie united Slates bv the act approved 5th ! ff"'dri rnucb '"formation respecting the revenue
of judicial proceedings;" and the animosities . AugUsl 1801. Congress, by the act of March 4, ! a,,d ""me,ct of, the country. Ills views upon
engendered by the war are rapidly yielding to ; 18J anU b t!Je apportionment of representation ! !,Hf currfu7' and w,th refnce to a. proper ad-
L c : a , i , .,rrfl a Jiistinitinns I . , J , ,,. i iustmeut of our revenue systt m. internal as well
Lc beneficent influences of our free us. tut ions, lhereUuder alb0 reCugn.zed .heir presence as Sta- j s ost. are commended to the careful consider
ed to the kindly effects of unrestricted social lbe Jn U)e a,;d lhey h for judicial pur- j atiou of Congress. In my last annual messace I
ana commeiciai imereuuiBc. - .
l n n aniirn rfcin. 1
ration of fraternal
feeling
mutt be the earnest
, r . ,.,.:i; hvrt- nrvd ii wjII liave !
accooiplikhed our grandest national achieve- ,
ment when, forgetting the Fad events of the ;
past, and lemeiuberiug only their instructive ;
lessons, we resume our on waiu career an a ""i isot course applicable to those Slates which, like
prosperous, and united people. 1 Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in
In my message of the 4th of December, lSGa, j tjie Union. The action of the Executive Depart
CongTess was infuriucd of the measures which ; ; nK,nt ofthe Government tipon this subject lias
bad been instituted by the Executive with a ; L,een ecnlly J.-tiriite and uniform, and the pur
view to the gradual restoration of the States in ; p0ie ol tjJO war Wjis specirically slated in the Pro
which the insurrection occurred to their rela- , cJamatioii is-sued by my predecessor on the 22d
tions with the General Government. Provis- ! ddj. 0f 5eplemler, 18C2. It was then solemnly
ional Governors had been appointed, Conven- ; j,roclaitued and dec!arel that "hereafter, as heie
tions called, Governors elected, Legislatures as- ; u,foie. tie ar will be prosecuted for the object
eembled, and Seuators and Kepresentalives cho- j Gf practically restoring the constitutional relation
Een to the Congress of the United States, j j,olween the United States and each ofthe States
Courts hid been opened for the enforcement of i aud tjJe j)fc.0j.le thereof, in which Stales that rela
las long in abeyance. The blockade had been tjOI1 js or ,naV be suspended or disturbed."
n moved, custoui-houses re established and the ; The recognition ot the States by the Judicial
internal revenue laws put in fjree, in order that J Department uf the Government has also been clear
i4jc people miyht contribute to the national in- i aI1)j conclusive iu all proceedings affecting them
come. 1'ostal operations had been renewed, f as States, had iu the Suureme and other Couits.
and enons were neiiir maoe to nsiora neiu iu
their former condition of efficiency. The States
themselves had been asked to take part in the
high function of amending the Conslitution,and
of thus saructioning the extinction of African
tlavery as one of the legitimate results of our
internecine struggle
Having progressed thus far, the Executive ,
Pcpartment found that it had accomplished i
nearly all that was within the scope of its con- j
Fitutional authority. One thing, however, yet :
. : i i. j l . r .1... rt.sr-
ItlilillUtyU IO U UOIIC UllUIC IIIC WUI VI iccium
e worK oi reMora-
i that was Hie ad- !
Senators an id lie- ,
whose people had !
rion eould be completed, and
mission to Congress of loyal
pre6entatives from the States whose peopl
icbelled against the lawful authority ofthe!
General Government. This question devolved j
upon the respective Houses, which, by the Con- j
ttituiion, are made the judges of the elections, j
returns, and qualifications ol their own member?; :
and its consideration at once engaged the alien- j
tion oi' Congress. j
Jn the meantime, the Executive Department j
- no other rlan having beeu i ro;oscd by Con-
grcss continued its efforts to perfect as far as j
was pi utui-auii , me- i imui ai lull ui i.uc ;
relations between the citizens ofthe respective
Ptatts and the Federal Government, extending, j
from tioie to time, as the public interests seemed j
to require, me juaiciai. revenue, anu posiai sys- j
terns of the country. With the advice and con- j
sent of the Senate, the necessary officers were '
appointed, and appropriations made by Congress j
for the payment of their salaries. The propo- !
pition to amend tho Federal Constitution, so as j
to prevent the cxistenco of slavery within the j
Uuitcd States or any place subject to their ju-
risdiction, was ratified iy the requisite number ;
cf States; and on the ISth day of December,
1SG5, it was officially declared ro have becntne
valid as a part of the Constitution of the lnu- these States remain as they are. the right of rep
ted States. All of the States in which the in- j resentation will be no stronger the right of ex-
furrection had existed promptly amended their ;
Constitutions, so as to make them conform to i
the gteat change
thus effected in the organic
law c f the land
declared null and void all
or-1
all i
dinances atid
aws
of secession; repudiated
pretended debts and obiigationa created for the I
revolutionary purposes ot the insurrection; and ,
proceeded, iu good faith, to the enactment of j
measures tor t lie ptotection and amelioration of
fbe 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 cfihe eighth month ofthe
session that an exception was made in favor of
Tennessee, by the admission of her Seuators
ood Representatives.
I deem it a subject of profound regret that
Congress has thus for failed to admit to seafs
loyal Senators and Representative from the
other States, whose inhabitants, with those of
Tennessee, had engaged in the rebellion. Ten
States more than one-fourth of the whole num
ber remain without representation; the seats
of fifty members in the House of Representa
tives and .of twenty members iu the Senate are
yet vacant not by thtir own consent, not by a
failure of election, but by tho refusal ol Con
gress to accept their credentials. Thtir admis
sion, it is believed, would have accomplished
much towards the renewal and strengthening of
our relations as one people, and removed serious
cause for discouteut on the part of the inhabi
tants of those States. It would have accorded
with the great principle enunciated in the Dec
laration cf Annrican Independence, that no
people ouyht to bear the burden of taxation,
od yet be denied the right of representation.
It would have been io consonance with the ex
press provisions of the Constitution, that '-each
6tate shall have at least one repnscntative,"
and "'that no State without its consent, shall be
deprived of its equal euffiage 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 framersof the Constitution that the equality
ofthe States in the Senate should be preserved,
that not even by an amendment of the Cousti
tuiion can any State, without its consent, be
denied a voice io that branch of the National
Legislature.
It is true, it has been assumed that the exis-
tence of the States was terminated by the rebel-
nuut acta ui iucu muaunnnis, ami uiai Uie insur
rection Laving beeu 6tippiessed, they were thence
forward to le considered merely as conquered
territories. The Legislative, Executive, and Ju
dicial departments of the government have, how
ever, with great distinctness and uniform consis
tency, refused to sanction an assumption so in
compatible with the nature of our republican sys
tem, and with the professed objects of the war.
Throughout the recent legislation of Congress,
the undeniable fact makes itself apparent, that
thes ten political communities are nothing less
than States of this Union. At the very com
inanceinent of the rebellion, each House declared,
vith a unanimity as remarkable .as jt wa -aignifi-
I cant, that the war 7as not 44 waged, upon our pari, '
j in auv spirit of oppression, nor tor any purpose of
r r.:. ...:.k .t.i . "
nvRrLiiruwiii" ur iinciici mir nu mo ri'MiLS or s-
...juj i.StuU. of H, Suu. '
1 . " -1 j? . 1
uu .uiutt.u tuo ulluay vuouiuuon, j
and all laws made in pursuance thereof, and to !
nrcei-rvp llip Union with all tllft ilifriiitv onuglitp '
r . . - .... w w - )-, ji ..! ,
poses, ueen uiviuea into tiistncts. as states aloue I
i - t - . i - i
can be uivideu. llie same rpennrniimn nunpurs
i m
.i . i :.. r . . . rr. I
evidently rests upon the fact that thefuue-
ljOI)S cf tjie glale were not destroyed bv there-
i)eiiOIlt J,ut merely suspended; and that" principle
In the admission of Senators and liepresenta-
! lives from any and all of the Slates, there can be
no just ground ot apprehension that persons who
are disloyal will be clothed with the powers of
legislation; for this could not happen when the
Constitution and ihe laws are enforced by a vigi-
-.ii,t uml tVtif lifit 1 ( Innim-'ss Knffi 1 1 rinf is m:ii li
u of lhe ek.cliojS) ieUlrns, and qnalifi-
calioijs ofiu own memlerdM and may, "vviili the
colcurrence of two-Udrds, expel a member."
u , o k,rPr,tn! ;v wtnt hU
. . . r .
ccrli(icate of election, he may at once be admitted
oj. )vjeCted. or siJOUi, iiere be any question as lo
his cli il)ilitv i,;s credentials may be referred for
..ff.... . c
mvesiio-jitiou to
the appropriate committee. Jf
admitted lo a seat, it must be opcji evidence sat
isfactory to. the House of which he thus becomes
a member, that he possesses the requisite consti
tutional and legal qualifications. If refused ad
mission as a member for want of due allegiance
to the Government, and returned to his constit
uents, they are admonished that none but persons
loval to the United Slates will be allowed a voice
iu the Legislative Councils of the Nation, and the
lkieal power auJ mora, iljflueiice of
Congress
are thus effectively exci ted in the interests of loy
alty to th; Government and fidelity to the Union.
upon this question, so vitally effecting the res-
loralion oflhe Unioil
and the permanency of our
present form of government, my convictions,
heretofore expressed, have undergone no change;
but, on the contrary, their correctness has been
confirmed by reflection and time. If tho admis
sion of loyal members to seats in the respective
Houses of Congress w as wis and expedient one
year ago, it is no less wish and expedient now.
If this anomalous condition is right now if, in the
' exact condition of these States at the present
timi, it is lawful to exclude them from represen
I tation, I do not see that the question will bf chan
; red bv the efilux of time. Ten years hence, if
elusion will be no weaker.
The Constitution of the Uni
ited States makes it
, tne uuty oi in l'resiueiit to recorninena to tn
t iYwiitMi'n t inn i f ( if. cm 4iirli mMiiruc 144 hr
shall jiidge necessary or expedient." I know of
(!Very consideration of national interest, sound
policy and equal justice, than tho admission of
loyal immbers from the now unrepresented Sta-
tes. 1 his would consummate the work of resto-
ration. and exert a most salutory influence in the
re-establishment of peace, harmony, and frater
nal feeling. It would tend grently to renew tho
confidence of the American peoplo in the vigor
and stability of their institutions. It would bind
i us more closely together as a nation, and enable
us to show to the world the inherent and recup
erative power of a Government founded upon the
will of tin' people, and establishrd upon the prin
ciples of liberty, justice, und iutelligei.ee. Our
increased strength and enhanced prosperity
would i: refragabiy demonstrate the fallacy of
the arguments against free institutions drawn
from our recent national disorders by the enemies
of republican government. The admission of
loyal members from the States m'W excluded from
Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension,
would turn capital, now awaiting an opportunity
for investment, into the channel of trade and in
dustry. It would alleviate the present troubled
condition of those States, and, by inducing emi-
gratimi.
aid in the settlement or fertile regions
uncultivated, and lead to an inereasedoro-
.. .. . . .
now
uucnouoi inose staples wincn nave anuea so
greatly to the wealth of the nition and the com
merce of the world. Xew fields of enterprise
.!..: f i . . . t i i
wouici oe opened to our progressive people, and
soon the devastations of war would be repaired, i
1,1. " . I 1
and all traces of our domestic differences effaced
from the minds of our countrymen.
In our efforts to preserve "the unity of Gov
ernment which constitutes us one people," by
restoring the States to the condition which they
neiu prior io me reoeiiion. we should be cautious.
lest, having rescued our nation from perils of j and improvement. The suggestions in behalf of this
threatened disintegration, we resort to consolida- 1 deserving class of ojir fellow-citizens are earnestly re
tion, and in the end absolute despotism", as a j commc,,ded to the favorable attention of Congress,
remedy for the recurrence of similar trouble The report ofthe Postmaster General presents a most
milar troubles
1 with i all oeca i
f , '
oi u..u ntul con-
i 1 he war having terminated, and
sion for the exercise of powers
.t;..,:..nui;t.. .1 .? l . . 7 . . ..
........., .u,u U..MH! o orm-leg.sla-
t.on with.,, the boundaries prescribed by the Con-
stitution, and to return to thP ancient landmarks !
established by our fathers for the guidance of i
succeeding generations. "The Constitution which '
at any time exists, until changed bv an evnliit
and RiilliPiitie. net of the nlmL n,..,.i : .
j obligatory upon all." ".f, i the'op'inK.n of the ?
people, me uisiiioution or mod fication of
constitutional powers be. in any particular wro.,r
the
let it be corrected by
an amendment in the wKy j
111 WlilCU ttie ConSIltUtlUn de.-lo-nMres. ltnt lt I
mere oe no cuange oy usurpation: fur ... .!.
customary weapon by which free Governments
are destroyed." Washington sp..ke these words
io ins countrymen, wheu, followed by their lov
and gratitude, he voluntarily retired from th dred nd twenty-ne nriles, a" aggregate annual trans
cares of public life. "To keep in all thi, Us with- 1 P..rtt,0n f "ventn.e "'mn eight hundred and
in the pale of our constitution. l i ' ih.rty-seveu thousand nine hundred and fourteen miles,
-e - i ,i r , l tt r'""'1"5'' ana an aggregate annual cost, including a expend -
S ft? Br Uy TOck 0f tur"8' ot &MS4. The length of railroad roStes is
safety, were prescribed by Jefferson as rules cf ihirty-two thousand and ninety-two miles, and the an
action to endear to his "couutrymen the true ' tu1 transportation thirty million six hundred and nine
principles of their Constitution, and promote a i lhUMDi tyur hundred and sixty-seTen miles. The
union of sentiment aud action equally auspicious lenf?tl1 of 8tniboat routes is fourteen thousand three
lo their happiness and safety.' Jackson held nundred nd J5 miles, and the annual transpor
ts at the action of the General Government ahouM i tio, three million four hundred and eleTen thousand
always be atrictlv confined t thanhil. . nme hundred nd ""ty-two milea. The mail service
at ways oe .trictJj confined to the sphere of ita n?liij iBimg tlucugheut the whele t-ooatry, and
appropriate duties, and justly and forcibly urged
that our Government is not to be maintained nor
mir dioii nreservea "OV mvasions 01 ioe nsnts
.
P"
tempting to make our General Government strong.
we make 5t wpat. Its true strength consists in
ionv;no. individuals and States as much as ros.,i-
i i .1 :.. Wcalf folt nni I :
i. m in iif iiijrirr. m uiatiuK ., m
.
pmressed
expressed my general views upon these subjects.
I need now only call attention to the necessity of
carrying into every department of the Govern
ment a system of rigid accountability, thorough
retrenchment and wise economy. With no ex
ceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppres
sive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such
a modification of our revenue laws as will be con
sistent with the public faith, and the legitimate
and necessary wants of 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 fiscal year ending the 3Uth June, 18G5. the
last 3-ear of the war, the public debt was increased
$941,902,537, and on the 31st of October, 18G5.
it amounted to $2,740,854,750. On the 3lst of
October, 1S0G, it had been reduced to $2,551,
310.006, the diminution, during a period of four
teen months, commencing September 1, 1805. and
ending October 31, I860, having been $206,379.
565. In the last annual report on the state of the
finances, it was estimated that during the three
quarters of the fiscal -ear ending the 30th of June
last, the debt would be increased $112,194,947.
During that period, however, it was reduced $31,
196.387. the receipts of the year having been
$89.905. 905 more, and the expenditures $200,
529,235 less than the estimates. Nothing could
more clearly indicate than these statesments the
extent and availability cf the national resources,
and the rapidity and safety with which, under our
form of government, great military and naval es
tablishments can be disbanded, and expenses re
duced from a war to a peace footing.
During the fiscal year ending the 30th of June.
1866. the receipts were $558,032,620, and the ex
penditures $520,750,940, leaving an available
surplus of $37,281,680. It is estimated that the
receipts for the fiscal year ending the 30th June,
1867, will be $475,061,386, and that the expendi
tures will reach the sum of $316,328,078. leaving
in the Treasury a surplus of $158.633 308. For
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1863, it is estima
ted that the receipts will amount to $436,000,000,
and that the expenditures will be $350,247,641
showing an excess of $85,752,356 in favor of the
Government. These estimated receipts may be
diminished by a reduction of excise and import
duties; but after all necessary reductions shall
have been made, the revenue of the present and
of following years will doubtless be sufficient to
cover all legitimate charges upon the Treasury,
and leave a large annual surplus to be applied to
the payment of the principal of the debt. There
seems now to be no good reason why taxes may
not be reduced as the country advances in popu
lation and wealth, and yet the debt be extinguished
within the next quarter of a century.
The report of the Secretary of War furnishes valuable
and important information iu reference to the operations
of his Department during the past year. Few volun
teers now remain in th service, and they are being dis
charged 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 to be furnished with breech-lc-ading
small arms. The military strength of the nation has
been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers, the
disposition of unserviceable or perishable 6tores, and
the retrenchment of expenditure. Sufficient war mate
rial to meet any emergency has been retained, and
frwin the disbanded volunteers standing ready to re
spond to the national call, large armies can be rapidly
orgauized. equipped and concentrated. Fortifications
ou the coasts and frontier have received, or are being
prepared for more powerful armaments; lake surveys
and harbor and river improvements are in course of en
ergetic prosecution. Preparations have been made for
the payment ofthe additional bounties authorized dur
ing the recent session of Congress, under such regula
tions as w ill prot- ct 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 have received arti
ficial limbs or other surgical apparatus; and forty-oue
national cemetries. containing the remains of 104,526
Union soldiers, have already been established. The
total estimate of military appropriations is $25,05,669.
It is stated iu the 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 hnudred and fifty-one guns. Of these, one hun
dred and fifteen vessels, earning one thousand and
twenty-nine guns, are in commission, distributed chiefly
among seven squadrons. The number of men in the
service' is thirteen thousand six hundred. Great activ
ity aDd vigilance have been displayed by all the squad
rons and their movements have been judiciously and
fficieutly arranged in such manner as would best pro
mote American commerce, and protect the rights and
interests of our countrymen' abioad. The vessels nn
employiMl are undergoing repairs, or are laid up until
their services may be required. Most of the iron-clad
fleet is at League Island, in the vicinity of Philadelphia,
a place which, until decisive action should be taken 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 public station should be pro-
viaeu ior uie iron-clad fleet. It is intended that these
Vt'8s?Js. shall be iu proper condition for any em. rgency,
arm it k ltir!.l'i. tla ...,K;n .f; i nnA Inland
and it is desirable that the bill accepting League Island
I for naval purposes by the House of Representatives at
its last session, should receive final action at an early
j period, iu order that there may be a suitable public sta-
ti in fiir tl.to ,.C . ..l.. 11 ... .... f
, .in, ui t:sei, as wen as a uhvv-iij ui
area sufficient for the wants ofthe service, on the Dela-
- rr. t . . . -
ware river. The r.aval Pension fund amounts to 1 1
750,000, having been increased $2,750,000 during the
year. The expenditures of the Department for the fiscal
year ending 30th June last were $4-!.324t526, and the
estimates for the coming year amount to $ ia.568,436.
Attention is invited to the coudition of our seamen, and
the importance of legislative measures for their relief
10 repon oi tne rostmastcr General presents a most
satis,actory condition of the postal service, and submits
recommendations which deserve the consideration of
Coll&rt.ss. The revenues of the Department for the
congress, i ne revenues ot the Department
yar ending June 30, 186, were $ 1 4V$Sb9J-6, and the
expenditures $15,352,079, showing an excess of the
latter of $905,093. In anticipation of this deficiency,
however, a special appropriation was made by Congress
the act approved July '26, 1C.H3. Including the
standing appropriation of $700,000 for free mail matter.
as a legitimate portion of the revenues vet reinainincr
"Hv aC",al -'''T-3. 1.r. r F1 year 13
only $bT,093 a sum within $51,141 of the amount
estimated in the annual report of JWH. The- decrease
of revenue comparvd with the previous year was one
and one-fifth per cent, and the increase of expenditures.
ntrmir nnncimllv tn thp ml.nnn,linl nf )!, ...il
vice in the South, was twelve per cent. On the 30th
of June last there were in operation six thousand nine
Hundred ana tinny n,au routes, with an aggregate
length of one hundred and eighty thousand nine hun-
its steady extension in the Southern States indicates
their conftantly improving condition. The growing
importance of the foreign service also merits attention.
The Post Office Department of Great Britain and our
own have aTeed upon a preliminary basis for a new
Postal Convention, which it is believed will proTe
eminently beneficial to the commercial interests of the
United States, inasmuch as it contemplates a reduction
ofthe international letter postage to one-half the exist
iijf rates; a reduction of postage with all other countries
toana from which correspondence is transmitted iiv the
British mail, or in closed mails through the United
Kingdom; the establishment of uniform and reasonable
charges for tlie sea aud territorial transit of correspon
dence in closed mails; and an allowance to each Post
Office Department of the right to use all mail commu
nications established under the authority of the other
for the dispatch of correspondence, either in open or I
closed mails, on the same terms as those applicable to '
the inhabitants of the country providing the means of ;
transmission. j
The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits j
the condition of those branches of the public service (
which are committed to his supervision During the i
last fiscal year, four million six hundred and twenty- j
nine thousand three hundred and tw elve acres of public
land were disposed of, one million eight hundred and
ninetv-two thousand five hundred and sixteen acres ot j
which were entered under the homestead act. tne
policy originally adopted relative to the pub'ic lands
has undergone essential modifications. Immediate rev
enue, aud not their rapid settlement, was the cardinal
feature of our land system. Long experience and ear
nest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the
early development of our agricultural resources, and
the diffusion of an energetic population over our vast
territory, are objects of far greater importance to the
national growth and prosperity than the proceeds ofthe
sale ofthe land to the highest bidder in open market
The pre-emption laws confer upon the pioneer who
complies with the terms they impose the privilege of
purchasing a limited portion of 'unoffert d lands" at
the minimum price. The homestead enactments relieve
the settler from the navment of purchase money, and
secure him a permanent home, upon the condition of
residence for a term of years. This liberal policy in
vites emigration from the old, and from the more crowd
ed portions of the new w orld. Its propitious results are
undoubted, and will be more signally manifested when
time shall have given to it a wider development.
Congress has made liberal grants of public lands to
corporations, in aid ofthe construction of railroads and
other internal improvements. Should this policy here
after prevail, more stringent provisions will be required
to secure a faithful application of the fund. The title
to the lands should not pass by patent or otherwise,
but remain iu the Government and subject to its con
trol until some portion of the road has been actually
built. Portions of them might then, from time to time,
be conveyed to the corporation, but never iu a greater
ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than
the completed parts bear to the entire length ofthe pro
jected improvement. This restriction w ould not oper
ate to the prejudice of any undertaking conceived in
good faith and executed with reasonable energy, as it
is the settled practice to withdraw fiom mailt. t the
lauds falling within the operation of such grants, and
thus to exclude the inception of a subsequent adverse
right. A breach ofthe conditions which Congress may
deem proper to impose should work a forfeiture of
claim to the lauds so withdrawn but uncouveyed, and
of little to the lauds conveyed which remain unsold.
Operations on the several lines ot the Pacific Railroad
have been prosecuted with unexampled vigor and suc
cess. Should no unforeseen causes of delay occur, it
is confidently anticipated that this great thoroughfare
will be completed before the expiration of the period
designated by Congress.
During the last fiscal year the amount paid to pen
sioners, including the expenses of disbursement, was
$13,459,190; and 50,177 names w ere added to the pen
sion rolls. The entire number of pensioners, June 30,
18;i6. was 120,7:22. This fact furnishes melancholy and
striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindicate the
constitutional authority of the Federal GeVernment, aud
to maintain inviolate the integrity ofthe Union. They
impose, upon us corresponding obligations. It is esti
mated that $33,000,000 will be required to meet the exi
gencies of this branch of the service during the next
fiscal year.
Treaties have been concluded with the Iudians who,
enticed into armed oppositiouto our Government at the
outbreak of the rebellion, have unconditionally sub
mitted to our authority, aud manifested an earnest de
sire for a renewal of friendly relations.
During the year ending September 30, lSf6, eight
thousand seven hundred and sixteen patents tor useful
inventions und designs were issued, and at that date
the balance in the Treasury to the credit of the Patent
fund was $8,297.
As a subject upon which depends an immense amount
ofthe production and commerce oi the country, I re
commend to Congress such legislation as may be neces
sary for the preservation' of the levees ofthe Mississippi
river. It is a matter of national importance that early
steps should be, taken not only to add to the efficiency
of these barriers against destructive inundations, but
for the removal of all ol.triu tions 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
w hich, from our earliest history, has been uniformly ac
corded to each Territory established from time to time
within our limits. It maiutains 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
District, w hose interests are thus confided to 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 aud effectual of enabling
them to make known their peculiar coudition and
wants, and of securing the local legislation adapted to
them. I therefore recommend the passage of a law
authorizing the electors of the District of Columbia to
choose a delegate, to be allowed the same rights and
privileges as a delegate representing a Territory. The
increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement
in the District are highly gratifying, and I trust that the
efforts of the municipal authorities to promote the pros
perity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient
and generous co-opeiation of Congress.
The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture re
views the operations of his Department during the past
year, and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to en
courage those States which, scourged by war. are now
earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic in
dustry. It is a subject of congratulation that no foreign com
binations against cur domestic peace and safety, or our
legitimate influence, among the nations, have been
formed or attempted. While sentiments of reconcilia
tion, loyalty, and patriotism have increased at home, a
more just consideration of our national character aud
rights has beeu manifested by foreign nations.
Tin; entire success of the Atlantic Telegraph between
the coast ol Ireland and the Province of Newfoundland,
is an achievement which has been justly celebrated in
both hemispheres as the opening of an era in the pro
gress of civilization. Theie is reason to expect that
equal success will attend, and even greater results fol
low, the enterprise for connecting the two Continents
through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of tele
graph between Kamschatda and tho Russian posses
sions iu America.
The resolution of Congress protesting against pardons
by foreign Governments of persons convicted of in fa
mous offences, on condition of emigration to our coun
try, has been communicated to the States w ith which
we maintain intercourse, and the practice, so justly the
subject of complain: on our part, has not been renewed.
The congratulations of Congress to the Emperor of j
Russia, upon his escape from attempted assassination, j
have been presented to that humane and enlightened
ruler, and received by him with expressions of grateful
appreciation. . j
Tae Executive, warned of an attempt by Spanish- ;
American ad venturers to induce the emigration of freed-
meu of the Uuited States to a foreign country, protested :
against the project as one which, if consummated, would
reduce them to a bondage even more oppressive than
that from which they have just been relieved. Assu
rance has bei-u received from the Government of the ;
Slate iu which the plan was matured, that the proceed- '.
ing will meet neither its encouragement nor approval. :
It is a question worthy of your consideration, whether ,
our laws upon tins subj- ct are adequate to the preven
tion or punishment of the crime thus meditated.
In the month of April last, as Congress is aware, a
friendly arrangement was made between the Emperor
of France and the President of the United States for the
withdrawal from Mexico of the French expeditionary
military forces. This withdrawal was to be effected in
three detachments, the first of which.it w as understood,
would leave Mexico in November, now past, the second
in March next, aud the third and last in November,
l3(i7. Immediately upon the comph tion of the evac
uation, the French Government was to assume the same
attitude of non-intervention, in regard to Mexico, as is
held by the Government of the Uuited States. Re
peated assurances have been given by the Emperor,
since that agreement, that he would complete the
promised evacuation within the period mentioned, or
sooner.
It was reasonably expected that the proceedings thus !
eosUnaplated wppid produce a eceis of great political
interest "in the Republic of Mexico. The newly ap
pointed Minister of the United States. Mr Campbell,
was therefore sent forward, on the 9th day of November
last, to assume his proper functions as Minister Pleni
potentiary of the United States to that Republic It
was also thought expedient that he should be attended
in the vicinity of Mexico by the Lieutenant General of
the Army of the Lulled states, wnn me iew oi ouiam
ing such information as might be important to deter
mine the course to be pursued by the United States in
re-eslablishing and maintaining necessary and proper
intercourse with the Republic of Mexico. Deeply in
terested in the cause of liberty and humauity.it seemed
au obvious duty on our part to exercise w hatever in
fluence we possessed for the restoration and permanent
establishment in that country of a domestic aud repub
lican form of government.
Such was the, condition of affairs in regard to Mexico,
when, on the r&id of November last, official information
was received from Paris that the Emperor of France
had some time before decided not to withdraw a de
tachment of his forces iu the mouth of November past,
according to euc-airement. but that this decision was
made with the purpose of withdrawing the whole of
tnose torce8 in tne ensuing spring- oi mis ueiermina
tion, however, the United States had not received any
intimation; and so soon as the information was received
by the Government, care was taken to make known its
dissent to the Emperor of France.
I cannot forego the hope that France will re-consider
the subject, and adopt some resolution in regard to the
evacuation of Mexico w hich will conform as nearly as
practicable with the existing engagement, and thus
meet the just expectations of the United States. The
papers relating to the subject will be laid before you.
It is believed that, with the evacution of Mexico by
the expeditionary forces, no subject for serious differ
ences between Fiance and the United States would re
main. The expressions of the Emperor and people of
t ranee warrant a hope that the traditionary hiendship
between the tw o countries might in that case be re
newed and permanently restored
A claim of a citizen of the United States for indem
nity for spoliations committed on the high seas by the
French authorities, iu the exercise of a belligerent
power against Mexico, has beeu met by the Govern
ment of France with a proposition to defer settlement
until a mutual convention for the adjustment of all
claims 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 suggestion is not deem
ed unreasonable, but it belongs to Congress to direct
the manner in which claims for indemnity by foreign
ers, as w ell as by citizens of the United States, arising
out ofthe late civil war, shall be adjudicated and de
termined. I have uo 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 towards au adjustment ofthe differences
between the United States and Great Britain, arising
out of the depredations upon our national commerce
and other trespasses committed during our civil w ar by
British subjects, in violation of internal law aud treaty
obligations. The delay, however, may be believed to
have resulted in no small degree from the domestic sit
uation of Great Britain. An entire change of ministry
occurred in that country during the last session of Par
liament. The attention ofthe new ministry was called
to the subject at an early day, aud there is some reason
to expect that it will now be considered iu a becoming
and friendly spirit. The importance of an early dispo
sition of the question cannot be exaggerated. What
ever might be the w ishes of the two Governments, it is
manifest that good-will aud friendship between the two
countries cannot be established until a reciprocity, shall
be restored between the respective nations
On the 0th of June last, in violation of our neutrality
laws, a military expedition and enterprise against the
British North American Colonies was projected and at
tempted to be carried on within the territory and juris
diction ofthe United States. Iu obedience to the obli
gation imposi'd upou the Executive by the Constitution,
to see that the laws are faithfully executed, all citizens
were warned, by proclamation, against taking part in
or aiding mch unlawful proceedings, and the proper
civil, military, and naval officers weie directed to take
all necessary measures for the enforcement ofthe laws.
The expedition failed, but it has not beeu without its
painful consequences. Some of our citizens who, it
was alleged, were engaged iu the expedition, were cap
tured, and have beeu brought to trial, as for a capital
offence, in the Province of Canada. Judgment and
sentence of death have been pronounced against some,
while others have been acquitted. Fully believing in
the maxim of government, that severity of civil punish
ment for misguided persons w ho have engaged in revo
lutionary attempts which have disastrously failed, is
unsound and unwise, such representations have been
made to. the British Government, iu behalf of the con
victed persons, as, being sustained by au enlightened
and humane judgment, will, it is hoped, induce iu their
cases an exercise of clemency, and a judicious amnesty
to all w ho were engaged in the movement Counsel
has been employed by lhe Government to defend citi
zens ofthe United States on trial for capital offences in
Canada; and a discontinuance of the piosecutious which
were instituted in the courts ot the U. States against
those w ho took part in the expedition has been directed
I have regard.-d the expeditiou as not only political
in its nature, nut as also in a great measure lorgeign
from the United States iu its causes, character, and ob
jects. The attempt was understood to be made in svm
pathy with an insurgent party in Irelaud.and, by strik
ing at a British Pioviuce on this Continent, was de
signed to aid in obtaining redress for political eric v.
ances which, it was assumed, the people of Ireland had
suffered at the hands ofthe British Government during
a period of several centuries. The persons engaged in
it were chiefly natives of that country, some of whom
had, while others had not, become citizens ofthe United
States under our general laws of naturalization- Com
plaints of misgoverument in Ireland continually en
gage tne attention ot the lintish nation, and so great an
agitation is now prevailing in Ireland that the British
Government have deemed it necessary to suspend the
w rit of habeas corpus in that country These circum
stances must necessarily modify the opinion which we
might otherwise have entertained in regard to an expe
dition expressly prohibited by our neutrality laws. So
long as those laws remain upon our statute-books, thev
should be faithfully executed, and if they operate harsh
ly, unjustly, or oppressively, Congress alone can apply
me remeuy. oy uieir moa.ncation or repeal.
Political and commercial interests of the United
States are not unlikely to be affected in some decree IfV
events which are transpiring in the eastern regions of
.1, . ..... i i
j-mope, uu me, nme seems to nave come when our
Govcrnnn nt ought to have a proper diplomatic represen
tation ill Oirvtf.
This Government has claimed for all persons not con
victed, or accused, or suspected of crime, an absolute
political right of self-expatriation, aud a choice of new
national allegiance. Must ofthe European States have
dissented from this principle, and have claimed aright
to hold such ot their subjects as have immigrated to.
and been naturalized in. the United States, and after
wards returned on transient visits to their native coun
tries, to the performance of military sei vice in like man
ner as resident subjects. Complaints arising from the
claim iu this respect made by foreign States, have here
tofore been matters of controversy between the United
States and some of the European Powers, aud the irri
tation conseqent upon the failure to settle this question
increased during the war in which Prussia, Italy, and
Austria were recently engaged.
While Great Britain lias never acknowledged the
right of expatriation, she has not practically insisted up
on it. t ranee has been equally forbearing; and Prus
sia has proposed a compromise, which, although evinc
ing incieaseu iioeramy, nas not ueen accepted by the
United States. Peace is now prevailing everywhere in
Europe, and the present seems to be a favorable time
for an assertion by Congress of the principle, so long
maintained by the Executive Department, that natural
ization by cue State fully exempts the native-born sub
ject of any other State from the performance of military
service under any foreign Government, so long as he
does not voluntarily renounce its rights and benefits.
Iu the performance of a duty imposed upon me by
the Constitution, I have thus submitted to the Repre
sentatives of the States and of the People such informa
tion of our domestic aud foreign affairs as the public
interests seem to require. Our Government is now un
dergoing its most trying ordeal, and my earnest prayer
is, that the peril may be successfully and finally passed,
without impairing its original strength and symmetry.
The interests if the nation are best to be promoted by
the revival of fraternal relations, the complete oblitera
tion of our past differences, and the reiuauguration of
all the pursuits of peace. Directing our efforts to the
early accomplishment of these great ends, let us en
deavor to preserve harmony between tl e co-ordinate
Departments of the Government, that each in its proper
sphere may cordially co-operate with the other in se
curing the maintenance v-f the Constitution, the preser
vation of the Union, and the perpetuity of our free in
stitutions. ANDREW JOHNSON.
WaSIIIXGTOX. December 3. lfcCfi.
Just Received,
50 Kegs Superior Whit Lead,
40 Boxes Cheese,
800 Bushels Corn,
2,000 Lbs. Castings,
For sale by HAMMOND k McLAUGBLI.
Dec 3, 180,
X.ARD FOR SALE
On Thursday, the 20th of December, I will tt a
Public Auction, on the premises 9 mile East nr
. . rt . - T i n' T 1 1 n . . -
i (jnar.oiie, my jua.i lab containing 200 acrti
of Land, well adapted to the cultivation of corn
cotton, wheat, &c. 75 acres are in cultivation, aj
' some of it fine meadow Und. There ia a Dwelt;,,.
and all necessary out-houses on the place u jj
good repair.
Also, for sale a first rate Daguerreaa Imtromtti.
Terms made known on day of sale.
SAM'L N. MORRISON
Dec 3, 1866 3tpd
Credit Sale.
On Wednesday, 19th December, 1866, I will mj
at Public Sale, at my Dwelling House, 5 miles North
of Charlotte, six head of horses and mules, two or
three wagons, about twenty head of cattle, tome fin
milch cows, bogs, sheep, corn, fodder, straw, bay
farming utensils, household and kitchen furLitur'
and various other articles too tedious to mention. '
Terms made known on day of sale.
J. S. MEAN'S.
Dec 3, 18C6. 3t
NOTICE.
I am authorized to give notice to all persons in
debted to R. HOUSTON JOHNSTON, that hU papers
must be settled. They have the opportunity until
the 1st day of January next of paying what they can
and making arrangements for the balance, with in
dulgence given when such satisfactory arrangements
are made at which time my mission will be endtii.
I am also authorized to say that all tual are cot
arranged with me by that time will be sued on.
W. B. WITHERS, Agent.
Dec 3, 1806 luipd
Administrator's Sale.
As Special Administrator, upon the estate of A.
J. Orr, dee'd, I will sell at Public Auctioo, on the
City Square, on WEDNESDAY", DEC. 19, 1866, the
perishable property of said Eiiate, consisting of
TWO HORSES in good condition, and other articles
of property. ROBERT D. JOHNSTON,
Dec 3, I8G6. Special Adm'r.
1YOTICE.
All the creditors of J. B. French, deceased, by
presenting their claims, against the said estate, to
the undersigned, can have them arranged for settle
ment. ROBT. D. JOHNSTON,
Dec 3, 1866 tf Atiorney.
WILSON. CALLAWAY 6c CO ,
Bankers and Commission Merchants,
Ao. 44 Broad Sheet, NEW TO UK.
R. T. Wilson, B. F. Wilson. J. M. Johnstos, New
York; Thos. II. Callaway, Clevelaud. Tenn.;
W. P. Oumk, Atlanta, Georgia.
MESSRS J. Y. BRYCE & CO., will make
liberal advances on Shipments lo our House.
Dec 3, 1866 6m
Stale of JV- Carolina, TIicklcnburs to.
Court of 'lea Jf Quarter Sessions Oct. Term, 1 866.
Louisa J Lowrie vs. William Treloar.
Attachment levied on one House and Lot iu the city
of Charlotte, iu Square 51, No. 69.
It appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that
Ihe defendant, William Treloar, resides beyond lie
limits of this State, it is therefore ordered by the
court that publication be made, for six weeks, in lhe
Western Democrat, a newspaper publUhed iu the
city of Charlotte, notifying aid defendant to be aud
appear ;it the next term of said court to be held for
the county of Mecklenburg, at the court house ia
Charlotte, on the 2d Monday in January next, and
show cause, if any he bath, why the House aud Lot
levied upon should not be ordered lo be sold.
Witness, Wm. Maxwell, Clerk of our said court
at office, the 2d Monday in October, A. D., 1866.
45-6t WM. MAXWELL, Clerk.
State r ft. Carolina 7I cklenbiirg Co.
Court of 1'leus J- Quarter Stusions Oct. Term, 1866.
W P Robinson vs. John II Allen Samuel VounU
vs. John II Allen.
Attachment levied on 1 brown Mule, 13 head of
Hogs, I Road Wagon, 10 Plow Shears, 7 head of
Sheep, 4 head of Cattle, 2 Axes, 4 pair Gears, I
Hoes, 4 Plows, I Bureau, I Book Case, 3 Tublei,
1 Cupboard, 3 Beds and Furniture, 1 Muaket, 1
Clock, Cooking Utensils, &c.
It appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that
the defendant, John II Allen, has removed beyond
the limits of the State, or so conceals himself that
the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon
him, it is ordered by the court that publication be
made, for six week iu the Western Democrat, a tirws
paper published in the city of Charlotte, notifying
the said defendant to be and appear at the next
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, to be held for
the county of Mecklenburg, at the court House in
Charlotte, on the 2d Monday in January next, then
and there to answer, plead or replevy, or judgment
final will be taken against him, and the property
levied upon condemned to plaintiffs use.
Witness, Wm Maxwell, Clerk of our said court t
office, the 2d Monday in October, A. D. 1866.
45-6t WM. MAXWELL, Clerk.
Stale of ft. Carolina, Slircklciiburg Co.
Court of Pleas $ Quarter Sessions Oct. Term, 1866.
Benjamin F Boone and wife Mollie E, and Henrietta
C Orr, vs, James I Orr, Executor of John Orr, de
ceased, and others.
Petition for an Account and Payment of Legacies.
It appearing lo the satisfaction of the court, that
the children of Caroline M Pharr, deceased, whose
names are unknown, defendants in ibis case, reside
beyond the limits of this Stale, it is therefore or
dered by the court that publication be mde, for
six successive weeks, iu the Western Democrat, a
newspaper published in the city of Charlotte, noti
fying said defendants to apprar at the next term of
this court to be held for the county of Mecklenburg,
at the court House in Charlotte, on the 2d Monday
in January next, then and there to plead, answer or
demur to the petition, or judgment, pro coufesso,
will be taken and the same heard exparte as to them.
Wi'ness, Wm Maxwell, Clerk of our said court at
office, the 2i Monday in October, A. D , 1866.
45-6t WM. MAXWELL, Clerk.
State of IV. Carolina, Tli'cKlciibtirs Co.
Court of rieas 3; Quarter Sessions Oct. Term, 18o6.
Wm Tiddy, Administrator of J R Tradenick, dee'd,
vs John U Wilson and wife Elizabeth and others,
Heirs at Law of J R Tradenick, dee'd.
Petition to Sell Land to Pay Debts.
It appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that
Martin Stevans and wife Jane, one of the heirs at
law of J R Tiadenick, dee'd, reside beyond the limits
of this Stiit". it is therefore ordered by the court
that publication be made, for six successive weeks,
in the Western Democrat, a newspaper published ia
the city of Charlotte, notifying the said Martin
Stevans and wife Jane, to appear at the next terra
of this court to be held for the county of Mecklen
burg, at the court House in Charlotte, on the 2d
Monday in January next, then and there to plead,
answer, or demur, or judgment, pro confesso, will
be taken, and the same heard exparte as to them.
Witness, Win Maxwell, Clerk of our said courl at
office in Charlotte, the 2d Monday in October, 18C6.
45-6t WM. MAXWELL, Clerk.
State of ft. Carolina, neck I en burg Co.
Court of J'Uas $ Quarter Sessions Oct. Term, 18G6.
Mary Wentz vs. the Heirs at Law of Daniel Wents
deceased.
Petition for Dower.
It appearing lo the satisfaction of the conrt, that
John N Went?.. Elinir. Willi urn Ann ami H f. BIS''k
and wife Malinda, three of the defendants in tin's
case, reside beyond the limits of this State, it i
therefore ordered by the court that publication be
made, for six successive weeks, in the Wesifa
Democrat, a newspaper published in tie city cf
Charloite, notifying said defendants to be and P
pear at the next Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessio01
to be held for the county of Mecklenburp, le
court House in Charlotte, on the 2d Monday m
January next, then and thereto plead, answer or
demur to the petition, or judgment, pro confesso,
will be taken and beard exparte as to them.
Witness, Wm Maxwell, Clerk of our said eoort ftS
office, the 2d Monday ia October, A- D.,
TNH. M JaWSU, Cltrk