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diff --git a/13012-h/13012-h.htm b/13012-h/13012-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..536681c --- /dev/null +++ b/13012-h/13012-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,30351 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<meta content="pg2html (binary v0.16)" + name="generator"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + A Compilation of the Messages and Papers Of The Presidents, + by James D. Richardson +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; } + p { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; } + hr { width: 50%; } + hr.full { width: 100%; } + .foot { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 85%; } + center { padding: 0.8em;} + .r { text-align: right; } + .q { margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; } + td { font-size: 80%; } + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13012 ***</div> + +<div style="height: 8em;"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h1> + A COMPILATION OF THE MESSAGES AND PAPERS OF THE PRESIDENTS +</h1> +<center><b> + BY JAMES D. RICHARDSON +</b><br> + A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE +</center> +<h2> + VOLUME VII +</h2> + +<hr class="full"> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Prefatory Note +</h2> +<p> + The election of General Grant to the Presidency by the people of the + United States was another instance illustrating the gratitude of a + republic to a successful soldier. But for the great civil war no one + supposes he would ever have been elevated to this exalted post. His + services in that heroic struggle were such as to win the highest + encomiums from his countrymen, and naturally at the first opportunity + after the closing of the war when a Chief Executive was to be chosen + they turned their eyes to the most conspicuous figure in that war and + made him President of the United States. This volume, the seventh of the + series, comprises his eight years and the four years of his successor, + Mr. Hayes. During this period of twelve years—that is, from March 4, + 1869, to March 4, 1881—the legislation for the restoration of the + Southern States to their original positions in the Union was enacted, + the reunion of the States was perfected, and all sections of the land + again given full and free representation in Congress. Much of the + bitterness engendered by the war, and which had been left alive at its + closing, and which was not diminished to any appreciable extent during + President Johnson's term, was largely assuaged during President Grant's + Administration, and under that of President Hayes was further softened + and almost entirely dissipated. +</p> +<p> + It will be seen that President Grant in his papers dwelt especially + upon the duty of paying the national debt in gold and returning to + specie payments; that he urged upon Congress a proposition to annex + Santo Domingo; that during his Administration the "Quaker Peace + Commission" was appointed to deal with the Indians, the fifteenth + amendment to the Constitution of the United States was proclaimed, the + treaty of Washington was negotiated, and, with a subsequent arbitration + at Geneva, a settlement was provided of the difficulties relating to the + Alabama claims and the fisheries; that in 1870 and frequently afterwards + he urged upon Congress the need of reform in the civil service. His + appeals secured the passage of the law of March 3, 1871, under which + he appointed a civil service commission. This commission framed rules, + which were approved by the President. They provided for open competitive + examination, and went into effect January 1, 1872; and out of these grew + the present civil-service rules. One of his most important papers was + the message vetoing the "inflation bill." +</p> +<p> + The closing months of his public life covered the stormy and exciting + period following the Presidential election of 1876, when the result as + between Mr. Tilden and Mr. Hayes was so long in doubt. There is very + little, however, in any Presidential paper of that period to indicate + the great peril to the country and the severe strain to which our + institutions were subjected in that memorable contest. +</p> +<p> + The Administration of Mr. Hayes, though it began amid exciting scenes + and an unprecedented situation which threatened disasters, was rather + marked by moderation and a sympathy with what he considered true reform. + Some of his vetoes are highly interesting, and indicate independence of + character and that he was not always controlled by mere party politics. + One of the most famous and best remembered of his messages is that + vetoing the Bland-Allison Act, which restored the legal-tender quality + to the silver dollar and provided for its limited coinage. +</p> +<p> + Other papers of interest are his message recommending the resumption of + specie payments; vetoes of a bill to restrict Chinese immigration, of + an Army appropriation bill, of a legislative, executive, and judicial + appropriation bill, and of the act known as the "funding act of 1881." + It was during Mr. Hayes's Administration, when the Forty-fifth Congress + met in extraordinary session on March 18, 1879, that for the first time + since the Congress that was chosen with Mr. Buchanan in 1856 the + Democratic party was in control of both Houses. +</p> +<p class="r"> + JAMES D. RICHARDSON, +</p> +<p> + FEBRUARY 22, 1898. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<hr> +<h2> + Ulysses S. Grant +</h2> +<h3> + March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1877 +</h3> +<hr> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Ulysses S. Grant +</h2> +<p> + Ulysses S. Grant was born at Point Pleasant, Clermont County, Ohio, + April 27, 1822. He was of Scotch ancestry, but his family had been + American in all its branches for several generations. Was a descendant + of Mathew Grant, who arrived at Dorchester, Mass., in May, 1630. His + father was Jesse R. Grant and his mother Hannah Simpson; they were + married in Clermont County, Ohio, in June, 1821. In the fall of 1823 his + parents removed to Georgetown, the county seat of Brown County, Ohio. + Ulysses, the eldest of six children, spent his boyhood in assisting his + father on the farm, which was more congenial than working in the tannery + of which his father was proprietor. From an early age until 17 years + old attended the subscription schools of Georgetown, except during + the winters of 1836-37 and 1838-39, which were spent at schools in + Maysville, Ky., and Ripley, Ohio. In the spring of 1839, at the age of + 17, was appointed to a cadetship in the Military Academy at West Point + by Thomas L. Hamer, a Member of Congress, and entered the Academy July + 1, 1839. The name given him at birth was Hiram Ulysses, but he was + always called by his middle name. Mr. Hamer, thinking Ulysses his first + name, and that his middle name was probably that of his mother's family, + inserted in the official appointment the name of Ulysses S. Grant. The + officials of the Academy were notified by Cadet Grant of the error, but + they did not feel authorized to correct it, and it was acquiesced in and + became the name by which he was always known. Graduated from the Academy + in 1843, twenty-first in a class of thirty-nine members. Was attached to + the Fourth United States Infantry as brevet second lieutenant July 1, + 1843; was appointed second lieutenant, Seventh Infantry, September 30, + 1845, and transferred to the Fourth Infantry November 15, 1845. During + the Mexican War (1846-1848) took part with his regiment in active + service, and was in all the battles fought by Generals Scott and Taylor + except that of Buena Vista. Was brevetted for gallant conduct at the + battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, but declined the honor. At + the battle of Monterey distinguished himself by volunteering to run the + gantlet and bring ammunition for the troops into the city. September 8, + 1847, was appointed brevet first lieutenant for gallant conduct at + Molino del Rey. Acted as regimental quartermaster April 1, 1847, to July + 23, 1848, and from November 17, 1848, to August 5, 1853. September 13, + 1847, was brevetted captain for gallant conduct at the battle of + Chapultepec, and on September 16 was appointed first lieutenant. At San + Cosme was mentioned in special orders by his commanders—regimental, + brigade, and division. After the Mexican War his regiment was sent to + Pascagoula, Miss., and afterwards to Sacketts Harbor, N.Y., and Detroit, + Mich. August 22, 1848, married Miss Julia Dent, of St. Louis, Mo. In + 1852 his regiment was sent to the Pacific Coast. August 5, 1853, was + appointed captain. Resigned July 31, 1854, and went to live on a farm + near St. Louis, but in 1858 gave up farming on account of his health, + and entered into the real-estate business in St. Louis. In May, 1860, + removed to Galena, Ill., and became a clerk in his father's store. + In April, 1861, after President Lincoln's call for troops, presided + at a public meeting in Galena, which resulted in the organization of a + company of volunteers, which he drilled and accompanied to Springfield, + Ill. Was employed by Governor Yates in the adjutant-general's office, + and appointed mustering officer. Offered his services to the National + Government in a letter written May 24, 1861, but no answer was ever + made to it. June 17, 1861, was appointed colonel of the Twenty-first + Illinois Volunteers, and served until August 7, when he was appointed + brigadier-general of volunteers by the President, his commission to date + from May 17, 1861. Was assigned September 1 to command the District + of Southeastern Missouri. September 4 established his headquarters at + Cairo, and on the 6th captured Paducah, Ky. February 2, 1862, advanced + from Cairo; on the 6th captured Fort Henry, and on the 16th Fort + Donelson. Soon afterwards was made a major-general of volunteers, his + commission dating from February 16. March 4 was relieved from his + command and ordered to remain at Fort Henry, but on the 13th was + restored. Commanded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862. + General Halleck on April 11 assumed command of the combined armies, and + General Grant became second in command during the advance upon and the + siege of Corinth. In July Halleck became general in chief of all the + armies, and General Grant was placed in command of the District of West + Tennessee. In September fought the battle of Iuka, Miss., and in October + the battle of Corinth. January 29, 1863, moved down the Mississippi + River and took command of the troops opposite Vicksburg. On March 29 + sent one corps of his army across the peninsula opposite Vicksburg, and + on April 16 ran the batteries with seven gunboats and three transports. + April 22 six other transports ran the batteries. His army was now below + Vicksburg, and on the 29th bombarded Grand Gulf. May 1 fought the battle + at Port Gibson, and on May 3 captured Grand Gulf. May 12 defeated the + Confederates at Raymond; and on the 14th captured Jackson, Miss. After + several engagements the Confederates were driven by him into Vicksburg, + when he began the siege of that city, which was surrendered July 4, + 1863. On the same day was commissioned a major-general in the United + States Army. In August went to New Orleans to confer with General Banks, + and while reviewing the troops there was injured by his horse falling on + him. About the middle of October was assigned to the command of the + Military Division of the Mississippi, which included Rosecran's army at + Chattanooga, Tenn. Arrived at Chattanooga October 23, and the next day + issued orders which resulted in the battle of Wauhatchie on the 29th. + Attacked the Confederates under General Bragg on November 23, and + after three days' fighting captured Missionary Ridge, whereupon the + Confederates retreated to Dalton, Ga. For his successes Congress, in + December, 1863, passed a resolution of thanks to him and the officers + and soldiers of his command, and presented him with a gold medal. The + bill restoring the grade of lieutenant-general became a law in February, + 1864, and on March 1 he was nominated for the position and was confirmed + the succeeding day. On March 12 assumed command of all the armies of the + United States, and immediately began the plan of campaign that kept all + of the armies in motion until the war ended. About May 4, 1864, this + campaign, the greatest of the war, began, and lasted until the surrender + of the Confederates in April, 1865. During this period there were fought + some of the bloodiest battles of the world. On April 9, 1865, General + Lee surrendered his army at Appomattox, Va., to General Grant, who then + displayed the greatest magnanimity to the Confederates, and won for + himself from his late enemies their warmest gratitude. His magnanimity + will always be remembered by the Confederate soldiers, and will stand + in history as long as nobility of character shall be appreciated by + mankind. On the closing of the war directed his attention to mustering + out of service the great army under his command and the disposal of the + enormous quantity of stores of the Government. In the discharge of his + duties visited different sections of the country and was received + everywhere with enthusiasm. The citizens of Philadelphia presented him + with a handsome residence in that city; his old neighbors in Galena gave + him a pretty home in their town; the people of New York presented to him + a check for $105,000. In November and December, 1865, traveled through + the Southern States, and made a report to the President upon the + conditions there. In May, 1866, submitted a plan to the Government for + the reorganization of the Regular Army of the United States, which + became the basis of its reorganization. July 25 Congress passed an act + creating the grade of general of the armies of the United States, + and on the same day he was appointed to this rank. August 12, 1867, was + appointed by President Johnson Secretary of War <i>ad interim</i>, which + position he held until January 14, 1868. At the national convention + of the Republican party which met in Chicago on May 20, 1868, was + unanimously nominated for President on the first call of States. His + letter of acceptance of that nomination was brief, and contained the + famous sentence, "Let us have peace." At the election in November was + chosen to be President, receiving 214 electoral votes, while Horatio + Seymour received 80. Was renominated by his party in national convention + in Philadelphia June 6, 1872, and at the election in November received + 286 electoral votes, against 66 which would have been cast for Horace + Greeley if he had lived. Retired from office March 4, 1877. After his + retirement made a journey into foreign countries, and was received with + great distinction and pomp by all the governments and peoples he + visited. An earnest effort was made to nominate him for a third term, + but it failed. By special act of Congress passed March 3, 1885, was + placed as general on the retired list of the Army. He died July 23, + 1885, at Mount McGregor, N.Y., and was buried at Riverside Park, New + York City, on the Hudson River. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS. +</h2> +<p> + <i>Citizens of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Your suffrages having elected me to the office of President of the + United States, I have, in conformity to the Constitution of our country, + taken the oath of office prescribed therein. I have taken this oath + without mental reservation and with the determination to do to the best + of my ability all that is required of me. The responsibilities of the + position I feel, but accept them without fear. The office has come to me + unsought; I commence its duties untrammeled. I bring to it a conscious + desire and determination to fill it to the best of my ability to the + satisfaction of the people. +</p> +<p> + On all leading questions agitating the public mind I will always express + my views to Congress and urge them according to my judgment, and when + I think it advisable will exercise the constitutional privilege of + interposing a veto to defeat measures which I oppose; but all laws will + be faithfully executed, whether they meet my approval or not. +</p> +<p> + I shall on all subjects have a policy to recommend, but none to enforce + against the will of the people. Laws are to govern all alike—those + opposed as well as those who favor them. I know no method to secure the + repeal of bad or obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent + execution. +</p> +<p> + The country having just emerged from a great rebellion, many + questions will come before it for settlement in the next four years + which preceding Administrations have never had to deal with. In meeting + these it is desirable that they should be approached calmly, without + prejudice, hate, or sectional pride, remembering that the greatest good + to the greatest number is the object to be attained. +</p> +<p> + This requires security of person, property, and free religious and + political opinion in every part of our common country, without regard + to local prejudice. All laws to secure these ends will receive my best + efforts for their enforcement. +</p> +<p> + A great debt has been contracted in securing to us and our posterity + the Union. The payment of this, principal and interest, as well as the + return to a specie basis as soon as it can be accomplished without + material detriment to the debtor class or to the country at large, + must be provided for. To protect the national honor, every dollar + of Government indebtedness should be paid in gold, unless otherwise + expressly stipulated in the contract. Let it be understood that no + repudiator of one farthing of our public debt will be trusted in public + place, and it will go far toward strengthening a credit which ought to + be the best in the world, and will ultimately enable us to replace the + debt with bonds bearing less interest than we now pay. To this should be + added a faithful collection of the revenue, a strict accountability to + the Treasury for every dollar collected, and the greatest practicable + retrenchment in expenditure in every department of Government. +</p> +<p> + When we compare the paying capacity of the country now, with the ten + States in poverty from the effects of war, but soon to emerge, I trust, + into greater prosperity than ever before, with its paying capacity + twenty-five years ago, and calculate what it probably will be + twenty-five years hence, who can doubt the feasibility of paying every + dollar then with more ease than we now pay for useless luxuries? Why, + it looks as though Providence had bestowed upon us a strong box in the + precious metals locked up in the sterile mountains of the far West, and + which we are now forging the key to unlock, to meet the very contingency + that is now upon us. +</p> +<p> + Ultimately it may be necessary to insure the facilities to reach these + riches, and it may be necessary also that the General Government should + give its aid to secure this access; but that should only be when a + dollar of obligation to pay secures precisely the same sort of dollar + to use now, and hot before. Whilst the question of specie payments is + in abeyance the prudent business man is careful about contracting debts + payable in the distant future. The nation should follow the same rule. + A prostrate commerce is to be rebuilt and all industries encouraged. +</p> +<p> + The young men of the country—those who from their age must be its + rulers twenty-five years hence—have a peculiar interest in maintaining + the national honor. A moment's reflection as to what will be our + commanding influence among the nations of the earth in their day, if + they are only true to themselves, should inspire them with national + pride. All divisions—geographical, political, and religious—can join + in this common sentiment. How the public debt is to be paid or specie + payments resumed is not so important as that a plan should be adopted + and acquiesced in. A united determination to do is worth more than + divided counsels upon the method of doing. Legislation upon this subject + may not be necessary now, nor even advisable, but it will be when the + civil law is more fully restored in all parts of the country and trade + resumes its wonted channels. +</p> +<p> + It will be my endeavor to execute all laws in good faith, to collect + all revenues assessed, and to have them properly accounted for and + economically disbursed. I will to the best of my ability appoint to + office those only who will carry out this design. +</p> +<p> + In regard to foreign policy, I would deal with nations as equitable law + requires individuals to deal with each other, and I would protect the + law-abiding citizen, whether of native or foreign birth, wherever his + rights are jeopardized or the flag of our country floats. I would + respect the rights of all nations, demanding equal respect for our own. + If others depart from this rule in their dealings with us, we may be + compelled to follow their precedent. +</p> +<p> + The proper treatment of the original occupants of this land—the + Indians—is one deserving of careful study. I will favor any course + toward them which tends to their civilization and ultimate citizenship. +</p> +<p> + The question of suffrage is one which is likely to agitate the public + so long as a portion of the citizens of the nation are excluded from + its privileges in any State. It seems to me very desirable that this + question should be settled now, and I entertain the hope and express + the desire that it may be by the ratification of the fifteenth article + of amendment to the Constitution. +</p> +<p> + In conclusion I ask patient forbearance one toward another throughout + the land, and a determined effort on the part of every citizen to do his + share toward cementing a happy union; and I ask the prayers of the + nation to Almighty God in behalf of this consummation. +</p> +<p> + MARCH 4, 1869. +</p> +<p> + [NOTE.—The Forty-first Congress, first session, met March 4, 1869, + in accordance with the act of January 22, 1867.] +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>March 6, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + Since the nomination and confirmation of Alexander T. Stewart to the + office of Secretary of the Treasury I find that by the eighth section + of the act of Congress approved September 2, 1789, it is provided as + follows, to wit: +</p> +<p class="q"> + <i>And be it further enacted</i>, That no person appointed to any office + instituted by this act shall, directly or indirectly, be concerned or + interested in carrying on the business of trade or commerce; or be + owner, in whole or in part, of any sea vessel; or purchase, by himself + or another in trust for him, any public lands or other public property; + or be concerned in the purchase or disposal of any public securities of + any State or of the United States; or take or apply to his own use any + emolument or gain for negotiating or transacting any business in the + said Department other than what shall be allowed by law; and if any + person shall offend against any of the prohibitions of this act he shall + be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor and forfeit to the United States + the penalty of $3,000, and shall upon conviction be removed from office + and forever thereafter incapable of holding any office under the United + States: <i>Provided</i>, That if any other person than a public prosecutor + shall give information of any such offense, upon which a prosecution and + conviction shall be had, one-half the aforesaid penalty of $3,000, when + recovered, shall be for the use of the person giving such information. +</p> +<p> + In view of these provisions and the fact that Mr. Stewart has been + unanimously confirmed by the Senate, I would ask that he be exempted by + joint resolution of the two Houses of Congress from the operations of + the same. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in compliance with its resolution of the 5th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State, communicating a list of + the public and private acts and resolutions passed at the third session + of the Fortieth Congress which have become laws, either by approval or + otherwise. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to request to be permitted to withdraw from the Senate + of the United States my message of the 6th instant, requesting the + passage of a joint resolution of the two Houses of Congress to relieve + the Secretary of the Treasury from the disabilities imposed by section 8 + of the act of Congress approved September 2, 1789. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 15, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I invite the attention of Congress to the accompanying communication<a href="#note-1"><small>1</small></a> + of this date, which I have received from the Secretary of the Interior. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 16, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 11th instant, + asking if the first installment due from the Government of Venezuela + pursuant to the convention of April 25, 1866, has been paid, I transmit + a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was + referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 24, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the + 1st instant, a report from the Secretary of State, together with + accompanying papers.<a href="#note-2"><small>2</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 29, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the request contained in the resolution of the Senate + of the 17th instant, in regard to certain correspondence<a href="#note-3"><small>3</small></a> between + James Buchanan, then President of the United States, and Lewis Cass, + Secretary of State, I transmit a report from the Department of State, + which is accompanied by a copy of the correspondence referred to. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 31, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the + 30th of January last, calling for the papers relative to the claim of + Owen Thorn and others against the British Government, I transmit a + report from the Secretary of State, together with copies of the papers + referred to in said resolution. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 3, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the + 28th of January last, requesting information concerning the destruction + during the late war by rebel vessels of certain merchant vessels of + the United States, and concerning the damages and claims resulting + therefrom, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the + tabular statement which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>April 5, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the constitutional action of the Senate, + certain articles of agreement made and concluded at the Kaw Indian + Agency, Kans., on the 13th ultimo, between the commissioners on the part + of the United States and certain chiefs or headmen of the Kansas or Kaw + tribe of Indians on behalf of said tribe, together with a letter from + the Secretary of the Interior, to which attention is invited. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 27th of May last, in + relation to the subject of claims against Great Britain, I transmit a + report from the Secretary of State and the papers which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>April 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + While I am aware that the time in which Congress proposes now to remain + in session is very brief, and that it is its desire, as far as is + consistent with the public interest, to avoid entering upon the general + business of legislation, there is one subject which concerns so deeply + the welfare of the country that I deem it my duty to bring it before + you. +</p> +<p> + I have no doubt that you will concur with me in the opinion that + it is desirable to restore the States which were engaged in the + rebellion to their proper relations to the Government and the country + at as early a period as the people of those States shall be found + willing to become peaceful and orderly communities and to adopt and + maintain such constitutions and laws as will effectually secure the + civil and political rights of all persons within their borders. + The authority of the United States, which has been vindicated and + established by its military power, must undoubtedly be asserted for the + absolute protection of all its citizens in the full enjoyment of the + freedom and security which is the object of a republican government; but + whenever the people of a rebellious State are ready to enter in good + faith upon the accomplishment of this object, in entire conformity with + the constitutional authority of Congress, it is certainly desirable that + all causes of irritation should be removed as promptly as possible, that + a more perfect union may be established and the country be restored to + peace and prosperity. +</p> +<p> + The convention of the people of Virginia which met in Richmond on + Tuesday, December 3, 1867, framed a constitution for that State, which + was adopted by the convention on the 17th of April, 1868, and I desire + respectfully to call the attention of Congress to the propriety of + providing by law for the holding of an election in that State at some + time during the months of May and June next, under the direction of + the military commander of that district, at which the question of the + adoption of that constitution shall be submitted to the citizens of + the State; and if this should seem desirable, I would recommend that a + separate vote be taken upon such parts as may be thought expedient, and + that at the same time and under the same authority there shall be an + election for the officers provided under such constitution, and that + the constitution, or such parts thereof as shall have been adopted by + the people, be submitted to Congress on the first Monday of December + next for its consideration, so that if the same is then approved the + necessary steps will have been taken for the restoration of the State + of Virginia to its proper relations to the Union. I am led to make this + recommendation from the confident hope and belief that the people of + that State are now ready to cooperate with the National Government in + bringing it again into such relations to the Union as it ought as soon + as possible to establish and maintain, and to give to all its people + those equal rights under the law which were asserted in the Declaration + of Independence in the words of one of the most illustrious of its sons. +</p> +<p> + I desire also to ask the consideration of Congress to the question + whether there is not just ground for believing that the constitution + framed by a convention of the people of Mississippi for that State, and + once rejected, might not be again submitted to the people of that State + in like manner, and with the probability of the same result. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATION. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the Senate + should be convened at 12 o'clock on the 12th day of April, 1869, to + receive and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the + part of the Executive: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, U.S. Grant, President of the United States, have + considered it to be my duty to issue this my proclamation, declaring + that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the United States + to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, in the city + of Washington, on the 12th day of April, 1869, at 12 o'clock noon on + that day, of which all who shall at that time be entitled to act as + members of that body are hereby required to take notice. +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, + the 8th day of April, A.D. 1869, and of the Independence of the United + States of America the ninety-third. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 16, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a convention between the United States and the Emperor of the French, + signed this day by the plenipotentiaries of the parties, for the mutual + protection of trade-marks of their respective citizens and subjects. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 21, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution adopted in + executive session on the 16th of February last, requesting copy of the + official correspondence of Mr. Buchanan during his residence at St. + Petersburg as minister of the United States, a report from the Secretary + of State, with the accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + In pursuance of the provisions of the act of Congress approved April + 10, 1869, I hereby designate the 6th day of July, 1869, as the time + for submitting the constitution passed by the convention which met in + Richmond, Va., on Tuesday, the 3d day of December, 1867, to the voters + of said State registered at the date of such submission, viz, July 6, + 1869, for ratification or rejection. +</p> +<p> + And I submit to a separate vote the fourth clause of section I of + article 3 of said constitution, which is in the following words: +</p> +<p class="q"> + Every person who has been a Senator or Representative in Congress, or + elector of President or Vice-President, or who held any office, civil + or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having + previously taken an oath as a member of Congress, or as an officer of + the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an + executive or judicial officer of any State, shall have engaged in + insurrection or rebellion against the same or given aid or comfort to + the enemies thereof. This clause shall include the following officers: + Governor, lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, auditor of public + accounts, second auditor, register of the land office, State treasurer, + attorney-general, sheriffs, sergeant of a city or town, commissioner + of the revenue, county surveyors, constables, overseers of the poor, + commissioner of the board of public works, judges of the supreme court, + judges of the circuit court, judges of the court of hustings, justices + of the county courts, mayor, recorder, alderman, councilmen of a city + or town, coroners, escheators, inspectors of tobacco, flour, etc., + clerks of the supreme, district, circuit, and county courts and of the + court of hustings, and attorneys for the Commonwealth: <i>Provided</i>, + That the legislature may, by a vote of three-fifths of both houses, + remove the disabilities incurred by this clause from any person + included therein, by a separate vote in each case. +</p> +<p> + And I also submit to a separate vote the seventh section of article 3 of + the said constitution, which is in the words following: +</p> +<p class="q"> + In addition to the foregoing oath of office, the governor, + lieutenant-governor, members of the general assembly, secretary of + state, auditor of public accounts, State treasurer, attorney-general, + and all persons elected to any convention to frame a constitution for + this State or to amend or revise this constitution in any manner, and + mayor and council of any city or town, shall, before they enter on the + duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following + oath or affirmation: <i>Provided</i>, The disabilities therein contained may + be individually removed by a three-fifths vote of the general assembly: +</p><p class="q"> + "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have never voluntarily borne + arms against the United States since I have been a citizen thereof; + that I have voluntarily given no aid, countenance, counsel, or + encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility thereto; that I + have never sought nor accepted nor attempted to exercise the functions + of any office whatever under any authority or pretended authority in + hostility to the United States; that I have not yielded a voluntary + support to any pretended government, authority, power, or constitution + within the United States hostile or inimical thereto. And I do further + swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and ability, I + will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against + all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and + allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without + any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and + faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to + enter. So help me God." +</p> +<p> + The above oath shall also be taken by all the city and county officers + before entering upon their duties, and by all other State officers not + included in the above provision. I direct the vote to be taken upon each + of the above-cited provisions alone, and upon the other portions of the + said constitution in the following manner, viz: +</p> +<p> + Each voter favoring the ratification of the constitution (excluding the + provisions above quoted) as framed by the convention of December 3, + 1867, shall express his judgment by voting for the constitution. +</p> +<p> + Each voter favoring the rejection of the constitution (excluding the + provisions above quoted) shall express his judgment by voting against + the constitution. +</p> +<p> + Each voter will be allowed to cast a separate ballot for or against + either or both of the provisions above quoted. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 14th day of May, A.D. 1869, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas the act of Congress approved June 25, 1868, constituted, on and + after that date, eight hours a day's work for all laborers, workmen, and + mechanics employed by or on behalf of the Government of the United + States, and repealed all acts and parts of acts inconsistent therewith: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby direct that from and after this date no reduction shall be made + in the wages paid by the Government by the day to such laborers, + workmen, and mechanics on account of such reduction of the hours of + labor. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 19th day of May, A.D. 1869, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas satisfactory evidence has been received by me from His + Majesty the Emperor of France, through the Count Faverney, his chargé + d'affaires, that on and after this date the discriminating duties + heretofore levied in French ports upon merchandise imported from the + countries of its origin in vessels of the United States are to be + discontinued and abolished: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, U.S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by an act of Congress + of the 7th day of January, 1824, and by an act in addition thereto of + the 24th day of May, 1828, do hereby declare and proclaim that on and + after this date, so long as merchandise imported from the countries of + its origin into French ports in vessels belonging to citizens of the + United States is admitted into French ports on the terms aforesaid, the + discriminating duties heretofore levied upon merchandise imported from + the countries of its origin into ports of the United States in French + vessels shall be, and are hereby, discontinued and abolished. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of June, A.D. 1869, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-third. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + In pursuance of the provisions of the act of Congress approved April + 10, 1869, I hereby designate Tuesday, the 30th day of November, 1869, + as the time for submitting the constitution adopted on the 15th day of + May, 1868, by the convention which met in Jackson, Miss., to the voters + of said State registered at the date of such submission, viz, November + 30, 1869. +</p> +<p> + And I submit to a separate vote that part of section 3 of Article VII of + said constitution which is in the following words: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That I am not disfranchised in any of the provisions of the acts known + as the reconstruction acts of the Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congress, + and that I admit the political and civil equality of all men. So help me + God: <i>Provided</i>, If Congress shall at any time remove the disabilities + of any person disfranchised in said reconstruction acts of the said + Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congress (and the legislature of this State + shall concur therein), then so much of this oath, and so much only, as + refers to the said reconstruction acts shall not be required of such + person so pardoned to entitle him to be registered. +</p> +<p> + And I further submit to a separate vote section 5 of the same article + of said constitution, which is in the following words: +</p> +<p class="q"> + No person shall be eligible to any office of profit or trust, civil or + military, in this State who, as a member of the legislature, voted for + the call of the convention that passed the ordinance of secession, or + who, as a delegate to any convention, voted for or signed any ordinance + of secession, or who gave voluntary aid, countenance, counsel, or + encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility to the United + States, or who accepted or attempted to exercise the functions of any + office, civil or military, under any authority or pretended government, + authority, power, or constitution within the United States hostile or + inimical thereto, except all persons who aided reconstruction by voting + for this convention or who have continuously advocated the assembling + of this convention and shall continuously and in good faith advocate + the acts of the same; but the legislature may remove such disability: + <i>Provided</i>, That nothing in this section, except voting for or signing + the ordinance of secession, shall be so construed as to exclude from + office the private soldier of the late so-called Confederate States + army. +</p> +<p> + And I further submit to a separate vote section 5 of Article XII of the + said constitution, which is in the following words: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The credit of the State shall not be pledged or loaned in aid of any + person, association, or corporation; nor shall the State hereafter + become a stockholder in any corporation or association. +</p> +<p> + And I further submit to a separate vote part of the oath of office + prescribed in section 26 of Article XII of the said constitution, which + is in the following words: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That I have never, as a member of any convention, voted for or signed + any ordinance of secession; that I have never, as a member of any State + legislature, voted for the call of any convention that passed any such + ordinance. +</p> +<p> + The above oath shall also be taken by all the city and county officers + before entering upon their duties, and by all other State officials not + included in the above provision. I direct the vote to be taken upon each + of the above-cited provisions alone, and upon the other portions of the + said constitution in the following manner, viz: +</p> +<p> + Each voter favoring the ratification of the constitution (excluding the + provisions above quoted), as adopted by the convention of May 15, 1868, + shall express his judgment by voting for the constitution. +</p> +<p> + Each voter favoring the rejection of the constitution (excluding the + provisions above quoted) shall express his judgment by voting against + the constitution. +</p> +<p> + Each voter will be allowed to cast a separate ballot for or against + either or both of the provisions above quoted. +</p> +<p> + It is understood that sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, + and 15 of Article XIII, under the head of "Ordinance," are considered + as forming no part of the said constitution. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 13th day of July, A.D. 1869, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + In pursuance of the provisions of the act of Congress approved April 10, + 1869, I hereby designate Tuesday, the 30th day of November, 1869, as the + time for submitting the constitution adopted by the convention which met + in Austin, Tex., on the 15th day of June, 1868, to the voters of said + State registered at the date of such submission, viz: +</p> +<p> + I direct the vote to be taken upon the said constitution in the + following manner, viz: +</p> +<p> + Each voter favoring the ratification of the constitution as adopted by + the convention of the 15th of June, 1868, shall express his judgment by + voting for the constitution. +</p> +<p> + Each voter favoring the rejection of the constitution shall express his + judgment by voting against the constitution. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 15th day of July, A.D. 1869, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + The year which is drawing to a close has been free from pestilence; + health has prevailed throughout the land; abundant crops reward the + labors of the husbandman; commerce and manufactures have successfully + prosecuted their peaceful paths; the mines and forests have yielded + liberally; the nation has increased in wealth and in strength; peace has + prevailed, and its blessings have advanced every interest of the people + in every part of the Union; harmony and fraternal intercourse restored + are obliterating the marks of past conflict and estrangement; burdens + have been lightened; means have been increased; civil and religious + liberty are secured to every inhabitant of the land, whose soil is trod + by none but freemen. +</p> +<p> + It becomes a people thus favored to make acknowledgment to the Supreme + Author from whom such blessings flow of their gratitude and their + dependence, to render praise and thanksgiving for the same, and devoutly + to implore a continuance of God's mercies. +</p> +<p> + Therefore I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + recommend that Thursday, the 18th day of November next, be observed as + a day of thanksgiving and of praise and of prayer to Almighty God, the + creator and the ruler of the universe; and I do further recommend to + all the people of the United States to assemble on that day in their + accustomed places of public worship and to unite in the homage and + praise due to the bountiful Father of All Mercies and in fervent prayer + for the continuance of the manifold blessings he has vouchsafed to us + as a people. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed, this 5th day of October, A.D. 1869, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by the proclamation of the President of the United States of the + 12th day of June last the levying of discriminating duties on + merchandise imported into the United States in French vessels from the + countries of its origin was discontinued; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas satisfactory information has since been received by me that the + levying of such duties on all merchandise imported into France in + vessels of the United States, whether from the countries of its origin + or from other countries, has been discontinued: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, U.S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by an act of Congress + of the 7th day of January, 1824, and by an act in addition thereto of + the 24th day of May, 1828, do hereby declare and proclaim that on and + after this date, so long as merchandise imported into France in vessels + of the United States, whether from the countries of its origin or from + other countries, shall be admitted into the ports of France on the terms + aforesaid, the discriminating duties heretofore levied upon merchandise + imported into the United States in French vessels, either from the + countries of its origin or from any other country, shall be, and are, + discontinued and abolished. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 20th day of November, A.D. 1869, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 10. +</center> + +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 5, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States directs that the following orders be + carried into execution as soon as practicable: +</p> +<p> + 1. The Department of the South will be commanded by Brigadier and Brevet + Major General A.H. Terry. +</p> +<p> + 2. Major-General G.G. Meade is assigned to command the Military Division + of the Atlantic, and will transfer his headquarters to Philadelphia, + Pa. He will turn over his present command temporarily to Brevet + Major-General T.H. Ruger, colonel Thirty-third Infantry, who is assigned + to duty according to his brevet of major-general while in the exercise + of this command. +</p> +<p> + 3. Major-General P.H. Sheridan is assigned to command the Department of + Louisiana, and will turn over the command of the Department of the + Missouri temporarily to the next senior officer. +</p> +<p> + 4. Major-General W.S. Hancock is assigned to command the Department of + Dakota. +</p> +<p> + 5. Brigadier and Brevet Major General E.R.S. Canby is assigned to + command the First Military District, and will proceed to his post as + soon as relieved by Brevet Major-General Reynolds. +</p> +<p> + 6. Brevet Major-General A.C. Gillem, colonel Twenty-fourth Infantry, + will turn over the command of the Fourth Military District to the next + senior officer and join his regiment. +</p> +<p> + 7. Brevet Major-General J.J. Reynolds, colonel Twenty-sixth Infantry, is + assigned to command the Fifth Military District, according to his brevet + of major-general. +</p> +<p> + 8. Brevet Major-General W.H. Emory, colonel Fifth Cavalry, is assigned + to command the Department of Washington, according to his brevet of + major-general. +</p> +<p> + By command of the General of the Army: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 11. +</center> +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 8, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + The following orders of the President of the United States are published + for the information and government of all concerned: +</p> +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + <i>Washington City, March 5, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + By direction of the President, General William T. Sherman will assume + command of the Army of the United States. +</p> +<p> + The chiefs of staff corps, departments, and bureaus will report to and + act under the immediate orders of the General Commanding the Army. +</p> +<p> + All official business which by law or regulations requires the action of + the President or Secretary of War will be submitted by the General of + the Army to the Secretary of War, and in general all orders from the +</p> +<p> + President or Secretary of War to any portion of the Army, line or staff, + will be transmitted through the General of the Army. +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.M. SCHOFIELD, <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> + By command of the General of the Army: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 55. +</center> +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + 6. By direction of the President, Brevet Major-General Adelbert Ames, + lieutenant-colonel Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, is hereby + assigned to command the Fourth Military District, according to his + brevet rank. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 18. +</center> + +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 16, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + By direction of the President of the United States, the following + changes are made in military divisions and department commands: +</p> +<p> + I. Lieutenant-General P.H. Sheridan is assigned to command the Military + Division of the Missouri. +</p> +<p> + II. Major-General H.W. Halleck is assigned to the command of the + Military Division of the South, to be composed of the Departments of + the South and Louisiana, of the Fourth Military District, and of the + States composing the present Department of the Cumberland; headquarters, + Louisville, Ky. Major-General Halleck will proceed to his new command as + soon as relieved by Major-General Thomas. +</p> +<p> + III. Major-General G.H. Thomas is assigned to command the Military + Division of the Pacific. +</p> +<p> + IV. Major-General J.M. Schofield is assigned to command the Department + of the Missouri. The State of Illinois and post of Fort Smith, Ark., are + transferred to this department. +</p> +<p> + V. Brigadier and Brevet Major General O.O. Howard is assigned to command + the Department of Louisiana. Until his arrival the senior officer, + Brevet Major-General J.A. Mower, will command, according to his brevet + of major-general. +</p> +<p> + VI. The Department of Washington will be discontinued and merged in the + Department of the East. The records will be sent to the Adjutant-General + of the Army. +</p> +<p> + VII. The First Military District will be added to the Military Division + of the Atlantic. +</p> +<p> + VIII. As soon as Major-General Thomas is ready to relinquish command of + the Department of the Cumberland, the department will be discontinued, + and the States composing it will be added to other departments, to be + hereafter designated. The records will be forwarded to the + Adjutant-General of the Army. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington City, March 26, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + By direction of the President, the order of the Secretary of War dated + War Department, March 5, 1869, and published in General Orders, No. 11, + Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-General's Office, dated March 8, + 1869, except so much as directs General W.T. Sherman to "assume command + of the Army of the United States," is hereby rescinded. +</p> +<p> + All official business which by law or regulations requires the action of + the President or Secretary of War will be submitted by the chiefs of + staff corps, departments, and bureaus to the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p> + All orders and instructions relating to military operations issued by + the President or Secretary of War will be issued through the General of + the Army. +</p> +<p class="r"> + JNO. A. RAWLINS, +<br> + <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 75. +</center> + +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 31, 1869</i>. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + 16. By direction of the President of the United States, Brevet + Major-General A.S. Webb, United States Army, is assigned to command the + First Military District, according to his brevet of major-general, until + the arrival of Brevet Major-General Canby to relieve him. He will + accordingly repair to Richmond, Va., without delay. +</p> +<p> + 17. By direction of the President, Brevet Major-General George Stoneman, + colonel Twenty-first United States Infantry, is hereby relieved from the + temporary command of the First Military District, and will accompany his + regiment to the Military Division of the Pacific. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., June 3, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + A commission of citizens having been appointed under the authority of + law to cooperate with the administrative departments in the management + of Indian affairs, consisting of William Welsh, of Philadelphia; John V. + Farwell, of Chicago; George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia; Robert Campbell, + St. Louis; W.E. Dodge, New York; E.S. Tobey, Boston; Felix R. Brunot, + Pittsburg; Nathan Bishop, New York, and Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, the + following regulations will till further directions control the action of + said commission and of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in matters coming + under their joint supervision: +</p> +<p> + 1. The commission will make its own organization and employ its own + clerical assistants, keeping its "necessary expenses of transportation, + subsistence, and clerk hire when actually engaged in said service" + within the amount appropriated therefor by Congress. +</p> +<p> + 2. The commission shall be furnished with full opportunity to inspect + the records of the Indian Office and to obtain full information as to + the conduct of all parts of the affairs thereof. +</p> +<p> + 3. They shall have full power to inspect, in person or by subcommittee, + the various Indian superintendencies and agencies in the Indian country, + to be present at payment of annuities, at consultations or councils with + the Indians, and when on the ground to advise superintendents and agents + in the performance of their duties. +</p> +<p> + 4. They are authorized to be present, in person or by subcommittee, at + purchases of goods for Indian purposes, and inspect said purchases, + advising the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in regard thereto. +</p> +<p> + 5. Whenever they shall deem it necessary or advisable that instructions + of superintendents or agents be changed or modified, they will + communicate such advice through the office of Commissioner of Indian + Affairs to the Secretary of the Interior, and in like manner their + advice as to changes in modes of purchasing goods or conducting the + affairs of the Indian Bureau proper. Complaints against superintendents + or agents or other officers will in the same manner be forwarded to the + Indian Bureau or Department of the Interior for action. +</p> +<p> + 6. The commission will at their board meetings determine upon the + recommendations to be made as to the plans of civilizing or dealing + with the Indians, and submit the same for action in the manner above + indicated, and all plans involving the expenditure of public money will + be acted upon by the Executive or the Secretary of the Interior before + expenditure is made under the same. +</p> +<p> + 7. The usual modes of accounting with the Treasury can not be changed, + and all expenditures, therefore, must be subject to the approvals now + required by law and the regulations of the Treasury Department, and all + vouchers must conform to the same laws and requirements and pass through + the ordinary channels. +</p> +<p> + 8. All the officers of the Government connected with the Indian service + are enjoined to afford every facility and opportunity to said commission + and their subcommittees in the performance of their duties, and to give + the most respectful heed to their advice within the limits of such + officers' positive instructions from their superiors; to allow such + commissioners full access to their records and accounts, and to + cooperate with them in the most earnest manner to the extent of their + proper powers in the general work of civilizing the Indians, protecting + them in their legal rights, and stimulating them to become industrious + citizens in permanent homes, instead of following a roving and savage + life. +</p> +<p> + 9. The commission will keep such records or minutes of their proceedings + as may be necessary to afford evidence of their action, and will provide + for the manner in which their communications with and advice to the + Government shall be made and authenticated. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [From the Daily Morning Chronicle, Washington, September 8, 1869.] +</center> +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington, September 7, 1869</i>. <a href="#note-4"><small>4</small></a> +</p> +<p> + It is my melancholy duty to inform you that the Hon. John A. Rawlins, + Secretary of War, departed this life at twelve minutes past 4 o'clock + on yesterday afternoon. In consequence of this afflicting event the + President directs that the Executive Departments of the Government + will be careful to manifest every observance of honor which custom has + established as appropriate to the memory of one so eminent as a public + functionary and so distinguished as a citizen. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [From the Daily Morning Chronicle, Washington, September 8, 1869.] +</center> +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington, September 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR:<a href="#note-5"><small>5</small></a> I have the honor to inform you that the President directs me to + communicate to you his order that in honor of the memory of the Hon. + John A. Rawlins, late Secretary of War, who died yesterday at twelve + minutes past 4 o'clock p.m., the Executive Departments shall be draped + in mourning for a period of thirty days, and that they be closed from + the morning of the 8th instant until after the obsequies of the deceased + shall have been solemnized. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington, September 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + The remains of the Hon. John A. Rawlins, late Secretary of War, will be + interred with military honors, under the direction of the General of the + Army, on Thursday, the 9th instant, at 10 o'clock a.m. The following + persons will officiate as pallbearers on the occasion: +</p> +<p> + Brevet Major-General Edward D. Townsend, Adjutant-General; Brevet + Major-General Randolph B. Marcy, Inspect or-General; Brevet + Major-General Joseph Holt, Judge-Advocate-General; Brevet Major-General + Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General; Brevet Major-General Amos B. + Eaton, Commissary-General; Brevet Major-General Joseph K. Barnes, + Surgeon-General; Brevet Major-General B.W. Brice, Paymaster-General; + Brevet Major-General A.A. Humphreys, Chief of Engineers; Brevet + Major-General Alexander B. Dyer, Chief of Ordnance; Brevet + Brigadier-General Albert J. Myer, Chief Signal Officer; Brevet + Major-General O.O. Howard; Brevet Major-General John E. Smith; Commodore + Melancton Smith, Chief Bureau Equipment; Brigadier-General Jacob Zeilin, + Marine Corps; Brigadier-General Giles A. Smith, Second Assistant + Postmaster-General; Hon. Sayles J. Bowen, mayor of Washington. +</p> +<p> + On the day of the funeral the customary number of guns will be fired + from all arsenals, forts, and navy-yards in the United States and from + the Military and Naval Academies. Flags will be kept at half-mast, + custom-houses closed, and all public work suspended during the day. +</p> +<p> + The General of the Army and heads of the several Executive Departments + will issue the orders necessary for carrying these directions into + effect. +</p> +<p> + By order of the President: +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH, <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 69. +</center> + +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, October 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. The following order of the President has been received from the War + Department: +</p> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, October 8, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + The painful duty devolves upon the President of announcing to the people + of the United States the death of one of his honored predecessors, + Franklin Pierce, which occurred at Concord early this morning. +</p> +<p> + Eminent in the public councils and universally beloved in private life, + his death will be mourned with a sorrow befitting the loss which his + country sustains in his decease. +</p> +<p> + As a mark of respect to his memory, it is ordered that the Executive + Mansion and the several Departments at Washington be draped in mourning, + and all business suspended on the day of the funeral. +</p> +<p> + It is further ordered that the War and Navy Departments cause suitable + military and naval honors to be paid on the occasion to the memory of + this illustrious citizen who has passed from us. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> + II. In compliance with the instructions of the President and of the + Secretary of War, on the day after the receipt of this order at each + military post the troops will be paraded at 10 o'clock a.m. and the + order read to them, after which all labors for the day will cease. +</p> +<p> + The national flag will be displayed at half-staff. +</p> +<p> + At dawn of day thirteen guns will be fired, and afterwards at intervals + of thirty minutes between the rising and setting sun a single gun, and + at the close of the day a national salute of thirty-seven guns. +</p> +<p> + The officers of the Army will wear crape on the left arm and on their + swords and the colors of the several regiments will be put in mourning + for the period of thirty days. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.C. KELTON, +<br> + <i>Assistant Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDER. +</center> +<p class="r"> + NAVY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, October 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + The death of ex-President Franklin Pierce is announced in the following + order of the President of the United States: +</p> +<center> + [For order see preceding page.] +</center> +<p> + In pursuance of the foregoing order, it is hereby directed that + twenty-one guns be fired, at intervals of one minute each, at the + several navy-yards and stations, on the day of the funeral where this + order may be received in time, otherwise on the day after its receipt, + commencing at noon, and also on board the flagships in each fleet. The + flags at the several navy-yards, naval stations, marine barracks, and + vessels in commission will be placed at half-mast from sunrise to sunset + on the day when the minute guns are fired. +</p> +<p> + All officers of the Navy and Marine Corps will wear the usual badge of + mourning attached to the sword hilt and on the left arm for thirty days. +</p> +<p class="r"> + GEO. M. ROBESON, <i>Secretary of the Navy</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + EXECUTIVE ORDER. +</h4> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>October 19, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + All communications in writing intended for the executive department + of this Government and relating to public business of whatever kind, + including suggestions for legislation, claims, contracts, employment, + appointments, and removals from office, and pardons, must be transmitted + through the Department to which the care of the subject-matter of the + communication properly belongs. Communications otherwise transmitted + will not receive attention. +</p> +<p> + By order of the President: +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH, <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., December 6, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In coming before you for the first time as Chief Magistrate of this + great nation, it is with gratitude to the Giver of All Good for the many + benefits we enjoy. We are blessed with peace at home, and are without + entangling alliances abroad to forebode trouble; with a territory + unsurpassed in fertility, of an area equal to the abundant support of + 500,000,000 people, and abounding in every variety of useful mineral in + quantity sufficient to supply the world for generations; with exuberant + crops; with a variety of climate adapted to the production of every + species of earth's riches and suited to the habits, tastes, and + requirements of every living thing; with a population of 40,000,000 free + people, all speaking one language; with facilities for every mortal to + acquire an education; with institutions closing to none the avenues to + fame or any blessing of fortune that may be coveted; with freedom of + the pulpit, the press, and the school; with a revenue flowing into the + National Treasury beyond the requirements of the Government. Happily, + harmony is being rapidly restored within our own borders. Manufactures + hitherto unknown in our country are springing up in all sections, + producing a degree of national independence unequaled by that of any + other power. +</p> +<p> + These blessings and countless others are intrusted to your care and + mine for safe-keeping for the brief period of our tenure of office. + In a short time we must, each of us, return to the ranks of the people, + who have conferred upon us our honors, and account to them for our + stewardship. I earnestly desire that neither you nor I may be condemned + by a free and enlightened constituency nor by our own consciences. +</p> +<p> + Emerging from a rebellion of gigantic magnitude, aided, as it was, + by the sympathies and assistance of nations with which we were at + peace, eleven States of the Union were, four years ago, left without + legal State governments. A national debt had been contracted; American + commerce was almost driven from the seas; the industry of one-half of + the country had been taken from the control of the capitalist and placed + where all labor rightfully belongs—in the keeping of the laborer. The + work of restoring State governments loyal to the Union, of protecting + and fostering free labor, and providing means for paying the interest + on the public debt has received ample attention from Congress. Although + your efforts have not met with the success in all particulars that might + have been desired, yet on the whole they have been more successful than + could have been reasonably anticipated. +</p> +<p> + Seven States which passed ordinances of secession have been fully + restored to their places in the Union. The eighth (Georgia) held an + election at which she ratified her constitution, republican in form, + elected a governor, Members of Congress, a State legislature, and all + other officers required. The governor was duly installed, and the + legislature met and performed all the acts then required of them by the + reconstruction acts of Congress. Subsequently, however, in violation of + the constitution which they had just ratified (as since decided by the + supreme court of the State), they unseated the colored members of the + legislature and admitted to seats some members who are disqualified by + the third clause of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution—an + article which they themselves had contributed to ratify. Under these + circumstances I would submit to you whether it would not be wise, + without delay, to enact a law authorizing the governor of Georgia to + convene the members originally elected to the legislature, requiring + each member to take the oath prescribed by the reconstruction acts, and + none to be admitted who are ineligible under the third clause of the + fourteenth amendment. +</p> +<p> + The freedmen, under the protection which they have received, are making + rapid progress in learning, and no complaints are heard of lack of + industry on their part where they receive fair remuneration for their + labor. The means provided for paying the interest on the public debt, + with all other expenses of Government, are more than ample. The loss + of our commerce is the only result of the late rebellion which has not + received sufficient attention from you. To this subject I call your + earnest attention. I will not now suggest plans by which this object may + be effected, but will, if necessary, make it the subject of a special + message during the session of Congress. +</p> +<p> + At the March term Congress by joint resolution authorized the Executive + to order elections in the States of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, to + submit to them the constitutions which each had previously, in convention, + framed, and submit the constitutions, either entire or in separate + parts, to be voted upon, at the discretion of the Executive. Under this + authority elections were called. In Virginia the election took place on + the 6th of July, 1869. The governor and lieutenant-governor elected + have been installed. The legislature met and did all required by this + resolution and by all the reconstruction acts of Congress, and abstained + from all doubtful authority. I recommend that her Senators and + Representatives be promptly admitted to their seats, and that the State + be fully restored to its place in the family of States. Elections were + called in Mississippi and Texas, to commence on the 30th of November, + 1869, and to last two days in Mississippi and four days in Texas. The + elections have taken place, but the result is not known. It is to be + hoped that the acts of the legislatures of these States, when they meet, + will be such as to receive your approval, and thus close the work of + reconstruction. +</p> +<p> + Among the evils growing out of the rebellion, and not yet referred to, + is that of an irredeemable currency. It is an evil which I hope will + receive your most earnest attention. It is a duty, and one of the + highest duties, of Government to secure to the citizen a medium of + exchange of fixed, unvarying value. This implies a return to a specie + basis, and no substitute for it can be devised. It should be commenced + now and reached at the earliest practicable moment consistent with a + fair regard to the interests of the debtor class. Immediate resumption, + if practicable, would not be desirable. It would compel the debtor class + to pay, beyond their contracts, the premium on gold at the date of their + purchase, and would bring bankruptcy and ruin to thousands. Fluctuation, + however, in the paper value of the measure of all values (gold) is + detrimental to the interests of trade. It makes the man of business an + involuntary gambler, for in all sales where future payment is to be made + both parties speculate as to what will be the value of the currency + to be paid and received. I earnestly recommend to you, then, such + legislation as will insure a gradual return to specie payments and put + an immediate stop to fluctuations in the value of currency. +</p> +<p> + The methods to secure the former of these results are as numerous as are + the speculators on political economy. To secure the latter I see but one + way, and that is to authorize the Treasury to redeem its own paper, at + a fixed price, whenever presented, and to withhold from circulation all + currency so redeemed until sold again for gold. +</p> +<p> + The vast resources of the nation, both developed and undeveloped, ought + to make our credit the best on earth. With a less burden of taxation + than the citizen has endured for six years past, the entire public debt + could be paid in ten years. But it is not desirable that the people + should be taxed to pay it in that time. Year by year the ability to pay + increases in a rapid ratio. But the burden of interest ought to be + reduced as rapidly as can be done without the violation of contract. + The public debt is represented in great part by bonds having from five + to twenty and from ten to forty years to run, bearing interest at the + rate of 6 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively. It is optional with the + Government to pay these bonds at any period after the expiration of the + least time mentioned upon their face. The time has already expired when + a great part of them may be taken up, and is rapidly approaching when + all may be. It is believed that all which are now due may be replaced by + bonds bearing a rate of interest not exceeding 4-1/2 per cent, and as + rapidly as the remainder become due that they may be replaced in the + same way. To accomplish this it may be necessary to authorize the + interest to be paid at either of three or four of the money centers + of Europe, or by any assistant treasurer of the United States, at + the option of the holder of the bond. I suggest this subject for the + consideration of Congress, and also, simultaneously with this, the + propriety of redeeming our currency, as before suggested, at its market + value at the time the law goes into effect, increasing the rate at which + currency shall be bought and sold from day to day or week to week, at + the same rate of interest as Government pays upon its bonds. +</p> +<p> + The subjects of tariff and internal taxation will necessarily receive + your attention. The revenues of the country are greater than the + requirements, and may with safety be reduced. But as the funding of + the debt in a 4 or a 4-1/2 per cent loan would reduce annual current + expenses largely, thus, after funding, justifying a greater reduction + of taxation than would be now expedient, I suggest postponement of this + question until the next meeting of Congress. +</p> +<p> + It may be advisable to modify taxation and tariff in instances where + unjust or burdensome discriminations are made by the present laws, but + a general revision of the laws regulating this subject I recommend the + postponement of for the present. I also suggest the renewal of the tax + on incomes, but at a reduced rate, say of 3 per cent, and this tax to + expire in three years. +</p> +<p> + With the funding of the national debt, as here suggested, I feel safe in + saying that taxes and the revenue from imports may be reduced safely + from sixty to eighty millions per annum at once, and may be still + further reduced from year to year, as the resources of the country are + developed. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Treasury shows the receipts of the + Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1869, to be $370,943,747, + and the expenditures, including interest, bounties, etc., to be + $321,490,597. The estimates for the ensuing year are more favorable to + the Government, and will no doubt show a much larger decrease of the + public debt. +</p> +<p> + The receipts in the Treasury beyond expenditures have exceeded + the amount necessary to place to the credit of the sinking fund, as + provided by law. To lock up the surplus in the Treasury and withhold it + from circulation would lead to such a contraction of the currency as to + cripple trade and seriously affect the prosperity of the country. Under + these circumstances the Secretary of the Treasury and myself heartily + concurred in the propriety of using all the surplus currency in the + Treasury in the purchase of Government bonds, thus reducing the + interest-bearing indebtedness of the country, and of submitting to + Congress the question of the disposition to be made of the bonds + so purchased. The bonds now held by the Treasury amount to about + seventy-five millions, including those belonging to the sinking fund. + I recommend that the whole be placed to the credit of the sinking fund. +</p> +<p> + Your attention is respectfully invited to the recommendations of the + Secretary of the Treasury for the creation of the office of commissioner + of customs revenue; for the increase of salaries to certain classes of + officials; the substitution of increased national-bank circulation to + replace the outstanding 3 per cent certificates; and most especially to + his recommendation for the repeal of laws allowing shares of fines, + penalties, forfeitures, etc., to officers of the Government or to + informers. +</p> +<p> + The office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue is one of the most + arduous and responsible under the Government. It falls but little, if + any, short of a Cabinet position in its importance and responsibilities. + I would ask for it, therefore, such legislation as in your judgment + will place the office upon a footing of dignity commensurate with its + importance and with the character and qualifications of the class of + men required to fill it properly. +</p> +<p> + As the United States is the freest of all nations, so, too, its people + sympathize with all people struggling for liberty and self-government; + but while so sympathizing it is due to our honor that we should abstain + from enforcing our views upon unwilling nations and from taking an + interested part, <i>without invitation</i>, in the quarrels between different + nations or between governments and their subjects. Our course should + always be in conformity with strict justice and law, international and + local. Such has been the policy of the Administration in dealing with + these questions. For more than a year a valuable province of Spain, and + a near neighbor of ours, in whom all our people can not but feel a deep + interest, has been struggling for independence and freedom. The people + and Government of the United States entertain the same warm feelings + and sympathies for the people of Cuba in their pending struggle that + they manifested throughout the previous struggles between Spain and + her former colonies in behalf of the latter. But the contest has at + no time assumed the conditions which amount to a war in the sense of + international law, or which would show the existence of a <i>de facto</i> + political organization of the insurgents sufficient to justify a + recognition of belligerency. +</p> +<p> + The principle is maintained, however, that this nation is its own judge + when to accord the rights of belligerency, either to a people struggling + to free themselves from a government they believe to be oppressive or to + independent nations at war with each other. +</p> +<p> + The United States have no disposition to interfere with the existing + relations of Spain to her colonial possessions on this continent. They + believe that in due time Spain and other European powers will find their + interest in terminating those relations and establishing their present + dependencies as independent powers—members of the family of nations. + These dependencies are no longer regarded as subject to transfer from + one European power to another. When the present relation of colonies + ceases, they are to become independent powers, exercising the right of + choice and of self-control in the determination of their future + condition and relations with other powers. +</p> +<p> + The United States, in order to put a stop to bloodshed in Cuba, and in + the interest of a neighboring people, proposed their good offices to + bring the existing contest to a termination. The offer, not being + accepted by Spain on a basis which we believed could be received by + Cuba, was withdrawn. It is hoped that the good offices of the United + States may yet prove advantageous for the settlement of this unhappy + strife. Meanwhile a number of illegal expeditions against Cuba have been + broken up. It has been the endeavor of the Administration to execute the + neutrality laws in good faith, no matter how unpleasant the task, made + so by the sufferings we have endured from lack of like good faith toward + us by other nations. +</p> +<p> + On the 26th of March last the United States schooner <i>Lizzie Major</i> was + arrested on the high seas by a Spanish frigate, and two passengers taken + from it and carried as prisoners to Cuba. Representations of these facts + were made to the Spanish Government as soon as official information of + them reached Washington. The two passengers were set at liberty, and the + Spanish Government assured the United States that the captain of the + frigate in making the capture had acted without law, that he had been + reprimanded for the irregularity of his conduct, and that the Spanish + authorities in Cuba would not sanction any act that could violate the + rights or treat with disrespect the sovereignty of this nation. +</p> +<p> + The question of the seizure of the brig <i>Mary Lowell</i> at one of + the Bahama Islands by Spanish authorities is now the subject of + correspondence between this Government and those of Spain and Great + Britain. +</p> +<p> + The Captain-General of Cuba about May last issued a proclamation + authorizing search to be made of vessels on the high seas. Immediate + remonstrance was made against this, whereupon the Captain-General issued + a new proclamation limiting the right of search to vessels of the United + States so far as authorized under the treaty of 1795. This proclamation, + however, was immediately withdrawn. +</p> +<p> + I have always felt that the most intimate relations should be cultivated + between the Republic of the United States and all independent nations on + this continent. It may be well worth considering whether new treaties + between us and them may not be profitably entered into, to secure more + intimate relations—friendly, commercial, and otherwise. +</p> +<p> + The subject of an interoceanic canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific + oceans through the Isthmus of Darien is one in which commerce is greatly + interested. Instructions have been given to our minister to the Republic + of the United States of Colombia to endeavor to obtain authority for a + survey by this Government, in order to determine the practicability of + such an undertaking, and a charter for the right of way to build, by + private enterprise, such a work, if the survey proves it to be + practicable. +</p> +<p> + In order to comply with the agreement of the United States as to a + mixed commission at Lima for the adjustment of claims, it became + necessary to send a commissioner and secretary to Lima in August last. + No appropriation having been made by Congress for this purpose, it is + now asked that one be made covering the past and future expenses of the + commission. +</p> +<p> + The good offices of the United States to bring about a peace between + Spain and the South American Republics with which she is at war having + been accepted by Spain, Peru, and Chile, a congress has been invited to + be held in Washington during the present winter. +</p> +<p> + A grant has been given to Europeans of an exclusive right of transit + over the territory of Nicaragua, to which Costa Rica has given its + assent, which, it is alleged, conflicts with vested rights of citizens + of the United States. The Department of State has now this subject under + consideration. +</p> +<p> + The minister of Peru having made representations that there was a state + of war between Peru and Spain, and that Spain was constructing, in and + near New York, thirty gunboats, which might be used by Spain in such a + way as to relieve the naval force at Cuba, so as to operate against + Peru, orders were given to prevent their departure. No further steps + having been taken by the representative of the Peruvian Government to + prevent the departure of these vessels, and I not feeling authorized to + detain the property of a nation with which we are at peace on a mere + Executive order, the matter has been referred to the courts to decide. +</p> +<p> + The conduct of the war between the allies and the Republic of Paraguay + has made the intercourse with that country so difficult that it has been + deemed advisable to withdraw our representative from there. +</p> +<p> + Toward the close of the last Administration a convention was + signed at London for the settlement of all outstanding claims between + Great Britain and the United States, which failed to receive the + advice and consent of the Senate to its ratification. The time and the + circumstances attending the negotiation of that treaty were unfavorable + to its acceptance by the people of the United States, and its provisions + were wholly inadequate for the settlement of the grave wrongs that had + been sustained by this Government, as well as by its citizens. The + injuries resulting to the United States by reason of the course adopted + by Great Britain during our late civil war—in the increased rates + of insurance; in the diminution of exports and imports, and other + obstructions to domestic industry and production; in its effect upon the + foreign commerce of the country; in the decrease and transfer to Great + Britain of our commercial marine; in the prolongation of the war and the + increased cost (both in treasure and in lives) of its suppression—could + not be adjusted and satisfied as ordinary commercial claims, which + continually arise between commercial nations; and yet the convention + treated them simply as such ordinary claims, from which they differ more + widely in the gravity of their character than in the magnitude of their + amount, great even as is that difference. Not a word was found in the + treaty, and not an inference could be drawn from it, to remove the sense + of the unfriendliness of the course of Great Britain in our struggle for + existence, which had so deeply and universally impressed itself upon the + people of this country. +</p> +<p> + Believing that a convention thus misconceived in its scope and + inadequate in its provisions would not have produced the hearty, cordial + settlement of pending questions, which alone is consistent with the + relations which I desire to have firmly established between the United + States and Great Britain, I regarded the action of the Senate in + rejecting the treaty to have been wisely taken in the interest of peace + and as a necessary step in the direction of a perfect and cordial + friendship between the two countries. A sensitive people, conscious of + their power, are more at ease under a great wrong wholly unatoned than + under the restraint of a settlement which satisfies neither their ideas + of justice nor their grave sense of the grievance they have sustained. + The rejection of the treaty was followed by a state of public feeling on + both sides which I thought not favorable to an immediate attempt at + renewed negotiations. I accordingly so instructed the minister of the + United States to Great Britain, and found that my views in this regard + were shared by Her Majesty's ministers. I hope that the time may soon + arrive when the two Governments can approach the solution of this + momentous question with an appreciation of what is due to the rights, + dignity, and honor of each, and with the determination not only to + remove the causes of complaint in the past, but to lay the foundation of + a broad principle of public law which will prevent future differences + and tend to firm and continued peace and friendship. +</p> +<p> + This is now the only grave question which the United States has with any + foreign nation. +</p> +<p> + The question of renewing a treaty for reciprocal trade between the + United States and the British Provinces on this continent has not been + favorably considered by the Administration. The advantages of such a + treaty would be wholly in favor of the British producer. Except, + possibly, a few engaged in the trade between the two sections, no + citizen of the United States would be benefited by reciprocity. Our + internal taxation would prove a protection to the British producer + almost equal to the protection which our manufacturers now receive from + the tariff. Some arrangement, however, for the regulation of commercial + intercourse between the United States and the Dominion of Canada may be + desirable. +</p> +<p> + The commission for adjusting the claims of the "Hudsons Bay and Puget + Sound Agricultural Company" upon the United States has terminated + its labors. The award of $650,000 has been made and all rights and + titles of the company on the territory of the United States have been + extinguished. Deeds for the property of the company have been delivered. + An appropriation by Congress to meet this sum is asked. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners for determining the northwestern land boundary between + the United States and the British possessions under the treaty of 1856 + have completed their labors, and the commission has been dissolved. +</p> +<p> + In conformity with the recommendation of Congress, a proposition was + early made to the British Government to abolish the mixed courts created + under the treaty of April 7, 1862, for the suppression of the slave + trade. The subject is still under negotiation. +</p> +<p> + It having come to my knowledge that a corporate company, organized under + British laws, proposed to land upon the shores of the United States and + to operate there a submarine cable, under a concession from His Majesty + the Emperor of the French of an exclusive right for twenty years of + telegraphic communication between the shores of France and the United + States, with the very objectionable feature of subjecting all messages + conveyed thereby to the scrutiny and control of the French Government, + I caused the French and British legations at Washington to be made + acquainted with the probable policy of Congress on this subject, as + foreshadowed by the bill which passed the Senate in March last. This + drew from the representatives of the company an agreement to accept as + the basis of their operations the provisions of that bill, or of such + other enactment on the subject as might be passed during the approaching + session of Congress; also, to use their influence to secure from the + French Government a modification of their concession, so as to permit + the landing upon French soil of any cable belonging to any company + incorporated by the authority of the United States or of any State in + the Union, and, on their part, not to oppose the establishment of any + such cable. In consideration of this agreement I directed the withdrawal + of all opposition by the United States authorities to the landing of the + cable and to the working of it until the meeting of Congress. I regret + to say that there has been no modification made in the company's + concession, nor, so far as I can learn, have they attempted to secure + one. Their concession excludes the capital and the citizens of the + United States from competition upon the shores of France. I recommend + legislation to protect the rights of citizens of the United States, + as well as the dignity and sovereignty of the nation, against such + an assumption. I shall also endeavor to secure, by negotiation, an + abandonment of the principle of monopolies in ocean telegraphic cables. + Copies of this correspondence are herewith furnished. +</p> +<p> + The unsettled political condition of other countries, less fortunate + than our own, sometimes induces their citizens to come to the United + States for the sole purpose of becoming naturalized. Having secured + this, they return to their native country and reside there, without + disclosing their change of allegiance. They accept official positions of + trust or honor, which can only be held by citizens of their native land; + they journey under passports describing them as such citizens; and it + is only when civil discord, after perhaps years of quiet, threatens + their persons or their property, or when their native state drafts them + into its military service, that the fact of their change of allegiance + is made known. They reside permanently away from the United States, + they contribute nothing to its revenues, they avoid the duties of + its citizenship, and they only make themselves known by a claim of + protection. I have directed the diplomatic and consular officers of the + United States to scrutinize carefully all such claims for protection. + The citizen of the United States, whether native or adopted, who + discharges his duty to his country, is entitled to its complete + protection. While I have a voice in the direction of affairs I shall not + consent to imperil this sacred right by conferring it upon fictitious or + fraudulent claimants. +</p> +<p> + On the accession of the present Administration it was found that the + minister for North Germany had made propositions for the negotiation + of a convention for the protection of emigrant passengers, to which no + response had been given. It was concluded that to be effectual all the + maritime powers engaged in the trade should join in such a measure. + Invitations have been extended to the cabinets of London, Paris, + Florence, Berlin, Brussels, The Hague, Copenhagen, and Stockholm to + empower their representatives at Washington to simultaneously enter + into negotiations and to conclude with the United States conventions + identical in form, making uniform regulations as to the construction of + the parts of vessels to be devoted to the use of emigrant passengers, as + to the quality and quantity of food, as to the medical treatment of the + sick, and as to the rules to be observed during the voyage, in order + to secure ventilation, to promote health, to prevent intrusion, and to + protect the females; and providing for the establishment of tribunals in + the several countries for enforcing such regulations by summary process. +</p> +<p> + Your attention is respectfully called to the law regulating the tariff + on Russian hemp, and to the question whether to fix the charges on + Russian hemp higher than they are fixed upon manila is not a violation + of our treaty with Russia placing her products upon the same footing + with those of the most favored nations. +</p> +<p> + Our manufactures are increasing with wonderful rapidity under the + encouragement which they now receive. With the improvements in machinery + already effected, and still increasing, causing machinery to take the + place of skilled labor to a large extent, our imports of many articles + must fall off largely within a very few years. Fortunately, too, + manufactures are not confined to a few localities, as formerly, and it + is to be hoped will become more and more diffused, making the interest + in them equal in all sections. They give employment and support to + hundreds of thousands of people at home, and retain with us the means + which otherwise would be shipped abroad. The extension of railroads in + Europe and the East is bringing into competition with our agricultural + products like products of other countries. Self-interest, if not + self-preservation, therefore dictates caution against disturbing any + industrial interest of the country. It teaches us also the necessity of + looking to other markets for the sale of our surplus. Our neighbors + south of us, and China and Japan, should receive our special attention. + It will be the endeavor of the Administration to cultivate such + relations with all these nations as to entitle us to their confidence + and make it their interest, as well as ours, to establish better + commercial relations. +</p> +<p> + Through the agency of a more enlightened policy than that heretofore + pursued toward China, largely due to the sagacity and efforts of one of + our own distinguished citizens, the world is about to commence largely + increased relations with that populous and hitherto exclusive nation. + As the United States have been the initiators in this new policy, so + they should be the most earnest in showing their good faith in making it + a success. In this connection I advise such legislation as will forever + preclude the enslavement of the Chinese upon our soil under the name + of coolies, and also prevent American vessels from engaging in the + transportation of coolies to any country tolerating the system. I also + recommend that the mission to China be raised to one of the first class. +</p> +<p> + On my assuming the responsible duties of Chief Magistrate of the United + States it was with the conviction that three things were essential to + its peace, prosperity, and fullest development. First among these is + strict integrity in fulfilling all our obligations; second, to secure + protection to the person and property of the citizen of the United + States in each and every portion of our common country, wherever he may + choose to move, without reference to original nationality, religion, + color, or politics, demanding of him only obedience to the laws and + proper respect for the rights of others; third, union of all the States, + with equal rights, indestructible by any constitutional means. +</p> +<p> + To secure the first of these, Congress has taken two essential steps: + First, in declaring by joint resolution that the public debt shall be + paid, principal and interest, in coin; and, second, by providing the + means for paying. Providing the means, however, could not secure the + object desired without a proper administration of the laws for the + collection of the revenues and an economical disbursement of them. + To this subject the Administration has most earnestly addressed + itself, with results, I hope, satisfactory to the country. There has + been no hesitation in changing officials in order to secure an efficient + execution of the laws, sometimes, too, when, in a mere party view, + undesirable political results were likely to follow; nor any hesitation + in sustaining efficient officials against remonstrances wholly + political. +</p> +<p> + It may be well to mention here the embarrassment possible to arise from + leaving on the statute books the so-called "tenure-of-office acts," and + to earnestly recommend their total repeal. It could not have been the + intention of the framers of the Constitution, when providing that + appointments made by the President should receive the consent of the + Senate, that the latter should have the power to retain in office + persons placed there by Federal appointment against the will of the + President. The law is inconsistent with a faithful and efficient + administration of the Government. What faith can an Executive put in + officials forced upon him, and those, too, whom he has suspended for + reason? How will such officials be likely to serve an Administration + which they know does not trust them? +</p> +<p> + For the second requisite to our growth and prosperity time and a firm + but humane administration of existing laws (amended from time to time as + they may prove ineffective or prove harsh and unnecessary) are probably + all that are required. +</p> +<p> + The third can not be attained by special legislation, but must be + regarded as fixed by the Constitution itself and gradually acquiesced in + by force of public opinion. +</p> +<p> + From the foundation of the Government to the present the management + of the original inhabitants of this continent—the Indians—has been + a subject of embarrassment and expense, and has been attended with + continuous robberies, murders, and wars. From my own experience upon + the frontiers and in Indian countries, I do not hold either legislation + or the conduct of the whites who come most in contact with the Indian + blameless for these hostilities. The past, however, can not be undone, + and the question must be met as we now find it. I have attempted a new + policy toward these wards of the nation (they can not be regarded in any + other light than as wards), with fair results so far as tried, and which + I hope will be attended ultimately with great success. The Society of + Friends is well known as having succeeded in living in peace with the + Indians in the early settlement of Pennsylvania, while their white + neighbors of other sects in other sections were constantly embroiled. + They are also known for their opposition to all strife, violence, + and war, and are generally noted for their strict integrity and fair + dealings. These considerations induced me to give the management of + a few reservations of Indians to them and to throw the burden of the + selection of agents upon the society itself. The result has proven most + satisfactory. It will De found more fully set forth in the report of the + Commissioner of Indian Affairs. For superintendents and Indian agents + not on the reservations, officers of the Army were selected. The reasons + for this are numerous. Where Indian agents are sent, there, or near + there, troops must be sent also. The agent and the commander of troops + are independent of each other, and are subject to orders from different + Departments of the Government. The army officer holds a position for + life; the agent, one at the will of the President. The former is + personally interested in living in harmony with the Indian and in + establishing a permanent peace, to the end that some portion of his life + may be spent within the limits of civilized society; the latter has no + such personal interest. Another reason is an economic one; and still + another, the hold which the Government has upon a life officer to secure + a faithful discharge of duties in carrying out a given policy. +</p> +<p> + The building of railroads, and the access thereby given to all the + agricultural and mineral regions of the country, is rapidly bringing + civilized settlements into contact with all the tribes of Indians. No + matter what ought to be the relations between such settlements and the + aborigines, the fact is they do not harmonize well, and one or the other + has to give way in the end. A system which looks to the extinction of a + race is too horrible for a nation to adopt without entailing upon itself + the wrath of all Christendom and engendering in the citizen a disregard + for human life and the rights of others, dangerous to society. I see no + substitute for such a system, except in placing all the Indians on large + reservations, as rapidly as it can be done, and giving them absolute + protection there. As soon as they are fitted for it they should be + induced to take their lands in severalty and to set up Territorial + governments for their own protection. For full details on this subject + I call your special attention to the reports of the Secretary of the + Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War shows the expenditures of the War + Department for the year ending June 30, 1869, to be $80,644,042, of + which $23,882,310 was disbursed in the payment of debts contracted + during the war, and is not chargeable to current army expenses. His + estimate of $34,531,031 for the expenses of the Army for the next fiscal + year is as low as it is believed can be relied on. The estimates of + bureau officers have been carefully scrutinized, and reduced wherever it + has been deemed practicable. If, however, the condition of the country + should be such by the beginning of the next fiscal year as to admit of a + greater concentration of troops, the appropriation asked for will not be + expended. +</p> +<p> + The appropriations estimated for river and harbor improvements and for + fortifications are submitted separately. Whatever amount Congress may + deem proper to appropriate for these purposes will be expended. +</p> +<p> + The recommendation of the General of the Army that appropriations be + made for the forts at Boston, Portland, New York, Philadelphia, New + Orleans, and San Francisco, if for no other, is concurred in. I also ask + your special attention to the recommendation of the general commanding + the Military Division of the Pacific for the sale of the seal islands of + St. Paul and St. George, Alaska Territory, and suggest that it either be + complied with or that legislation be had for the protection of the seal + fisheries from which a revenue should be derived. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War contains a synopsis of the reports of + the heads of bureaus, of the commanders of military divisions, and of + the districts of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, and the report of the + General of the Army in full. The recommendations therein contained have + been well considered, and are submitted for your action. I, however, + call special attention to the recommendation of the Chief of Ordnance + for the sale of arsenals and lands no longer of use to the Government; + also, to the recommendation of the Secretary of War that the act of 3d + March, 1869, prohibiting promotions and appointments in the staff corps + of the Army, be repealed. The extent of country to be garrisoned and the + number of military posts to be occupied is the same with a reduced Army + as with a large one. The number of staff officers required is more + dependent upon the latter than the former condition. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Navy accompanying this shows the + condition of the Navy when this Administration came into office and the + changes made since. Strenuous efforts have been made to place as many + vessels "in commission," or render them fit for service if required, as + possible, and to substitute the sail for steam while cruising, thus + materially reducing the expenses of the Navy and adding greatly to its + efficiency. Looking to our future, I recommend a liberal, though not + extravagant, policy toward this branch of the public service. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Postmaster-General furnishes a clear and comprehensive + exhibit of the operations of the postal service and of the financial + condition of the Post Office Department. The ordinary postal revenues + for the year ending the 30th of June, 1869, amounted to $18,344,510, and + the expenditures to $23,698,131, showing an excess of expenditures over + receipts of $5,353,620. The excess of expenditures over receipts for the + previous year amounted to $6,437,992. The increase of revenues for 1869 + over those of 1868 was $2,051,909, and the increase of expenditures was + $967,538. The increased revenue in 1869 exceeded the increased revenue + in 1868 by $996,336, and the increased expenditure in 1869 was + $2,527,570 less than the increased expenditure in 1868, showing by + comparison this gratifying feature of improvement, that while the + increase of expenditures over the increase of receipts in 1868 was + $2,439,535, the increase of receipts over the increase of expenditures + in 1869 was $1,084,371. +</p> +<p> + Your attention is respectfully called to the recommendations made by the + Postmaster-General for authority to change the rate of compensation to + the main trunk railroad lines for their services in carrying the mails; + for having post-route maps executed; for reorganizing and increasing the + efficiency of the special-agency service; for increase of the mail + service on the Pacific, and for establishing mail service, under the + flag of the Union, on the Atlantic; and most especially do I call your + attention to his recommendation for the total abolition of the franking + privilege. This is an abuse from which no one receives a commensurate + advantage; it reduces the receipts for postal service from 25 to 30 per + cent and largely increases the service to be performed. The method by + which postage should be paid upon public matter is set forth fully in + the report of the Postmaster-General. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Interior shows that the quantity of + public lands disposed of during the year ending the 30th of June, 1869, + was 7,666,152 acres, exceeding that of the preceding year by 1,010,409 + acres. Of this amount 2,899,544 acres were sold for cash and 2,737,365 + acres entered under the homestead laws. The remainder was granted to aid + in the construction of works of internal improvement, approved to the + States as swamp land, and located with warrants and scrip. The cash + receipts from all sources were $4,472,886, exceeding those of the + preceding year $2,840,140. +</p> +<p> + During the last fiscal year 23,196 names were added to the pension rolls + and 4,876 dropped therefrom, leaving at its close 187,963. The amount + paid to pensioners, including the compensation of disbursing agents, was + $28,422,884, an increase of $4,411,902 on that of the previous year. + The munificence of Congress has been conspicuously manifested in its + legislation for the soldiers and sailors who suffered in the recent + struggle to maintain "that unity of government which makes us one + people." The additions to the pension rolls of each successive year + since the conclusion of hostilities result in a great degree from the + repeated amendments of the act of the 14th of July, 1862, which extended + its provisions to cases not falling within its original scope. The large + outlay which is thus occasioned is further increased by the more liberal + allowance bestowed since that date upon those who in the line of duty + were wholly or permanently disabled. Public opinion has given an + emphatic sanction to these measures of Congress, and it will be conceded + that no part of our public burden is more cheerfully borne than that + which is imposed by this branch of the service. It necessitates for the + next fiscal year, in addition to the amount justly chargeable to the + naval pension fund, an appropriation of $30,000,000. +</p> +<p> + During the year ending the 30th of September, 1869, the Patent Office + issued 13,762 patents, and its receipts were $686,389, being $213,926 + more than the expenditures. +</p> +<p> + I would respectfully call your attention to the recommendation of the + Secretary of the Interior for uniting the duties of supervising the + education of freedmen with the other duties devolving upon the + Commissioner of Education. +</p> +<p> + If it is the desire of Congress to make the census which must be taken + during the year 1870 more complete and perfect than heretofore, I would + suggest early action upon any plan that may be agreed upon. As Congress + at the last session appointed a committee to take into consideration + such measures as might be deemed proper in reference to the census and + report a plan, I desist from saying more. +</p> +<p> + I recommend to your favorable consideration the claims of the + Agricultural Bureau for liberal appropriations. In a country so + diversified in climate and soil as ours, and with a population so + largely dependent upon agriculture, the benefits that can be conferred + by properly fostering this Bureau are incalculable. +</p> +<p> + I desire respectfully to call the attention of Congress to the + inadequate salaries of a number of the most important offices of the + Government. In this message I will not enumerate them, but will specify + only the justices of the Supreme Court. No change has been made in their + salaries for fifteen years. Within that time the labors of the court + have largely increased and the expenses of living have at least doubled. + During the same time Congress has twice found it necessary to increase + largely the compensation of its own members, and the duty which it owes + to another department of the Government deserves, and will undoubtedly + receive, its due consideration. +</p> +<p> + There are many subjects not alluded to in this message which might with + propriety be introduced, but I abstain, believing that your patriotism + and statesmanship will suggest the topics and the legislation most + conducive to the interests of the whole people. On my part I promise + a rigid adherence to the laws and their strict enforcement. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I submit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, an additional article to the convention of the 24th of + October, 1867, between the United States of America and His Majesty the + King of Denmark. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1869</i> +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I submit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States and His Hawaiian + Majesty, signed in this city on the 8th day of May last, providing for + the extension of the term for the exchange of the ratifications of the + convention for commercial reciprocity between the same parties, signed + on the 21st day of May, 1867. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I submit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a protocol, signed in this city on the 23d of October + last, to the convention upon the subject of claims between the United + States and the Mexican Republic, signed the 4th of July, 1868. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate, the accompanying copy + of a correspondence between the Secretary of State and the minister + of the United States at Berlin, in relation to the exchange of the + ratifications of the naturalization convention dated July 27, 1868, + between the United States and the Government of Wurtemberg, which was + not effected within the time named in the convention. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate, the accompanying copy + of a correspondence between the Secretary of State and the legation + of the United States at Brussels, in relation to the exchange of the + ratifications of the consular convention with Belgium signed on the 5th + of December, 1868, which was not effected within the time named in the + convention. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 7, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate a copy of a correspondence, a list of which is + hereto annexed, between the Secretary of State and the minister resident + of the United States at Constantinople, and invite its consideration of + the question as to the correct meaning of the fourth article of the + treaty of 1830 between the United States and Turkey. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>December 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 6th instant, + requesting reports of the military commander of the district of which + Georgia is a part in regard to the political and civil condition of that + State, the accompanying papers are submitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 9, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to a + resolution of the House of Representatives of yesterday, asking to be + informed what legislatures have ratified the proposed fifteenth + amendment of the Constitution of the United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 15, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit a further report from the Secretary of State in answer to the + resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th instant, making + known that official notice has been received at the Department of State + of the ratification by the legislature of the State of Alabama of the + amendment to the Constitution recently proposed by Congress as Article + XV. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 15, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 13th + instant, requesting a copy of official correspondence on the subject of + Cuba, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the + resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., December 15, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of December 9, 1869, requesting a copy + of the charges, testimony, findings, and sentence in the trial by + court-martial of Passed Assistant Surgeon Charles L. Green, United + States Navy, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of the + Navy, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., December 20, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I hereby request the return of such part of my message of December 9, in + response to Senate resolution of December 6, requesting the reports of + the military commander of the district of which Georgia is a part, to + wit, an anonymous letter purporting to be from "a Georgia woman." By + accident the paper got with those called for by the resolution, instead + of in the wastebasket, where it was intended it should go. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 20, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in relation to their resolution of the 8th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-6"><small>6</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 22, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 20th instant, in + relation to correspondence between the United States and Great Britain + concerning questions pending between the two countries since the + rejection of the claims convention by the Senate, I transmit a report + from the Secretary of State upon the subject and the papers by which it + was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 22, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 8th + instant, a report<a href="#note-7"><small>7</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 10, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to its + ratification, a convention between the United States and the Dominican + Republic for a lease to the former of the bay and peninsula of Samana. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 10, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to its + ratification, a treaty for the annexation of the Dominican Republic to + the United States, signed by the plenipotentiaries of the parties on the + 29th of November last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., January 10, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In response to the resolution of the Senate of December 9, 1869, + requesting the information in possession of the President or any of the + Departments relating to the action which has been had in the District of + Virginia under the act "authorizing the submission of the constitutions + of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas to a vote of the people, and + authorizing the election of State officers provided by the said + constitutions, and Members of Congress," approved April 10, 1869, I have + the honor to transmit herewith the reports of the Secretary of State, + the Secretary of War, and the Attorney-General, to whom, severally, the + resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., January 21, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution passed by the House of Representatives on + the 17th instant, requesting to be informed "under what act of Congress + or by other authority appropriations for the Navy are diverted to the + survey of the Isthmus of Darien," I transmit a report by the Secretary + of the Navy, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., January 29, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit to Congress a report, dated 29th instant, with + the accompanying papers,<a href="#note-8"><small>8</small></a> received from the Secretary of State, in + compliance with the requirements of the eighteenth section of the act + entitled "An act to regulate the diplomatic and consular systems of + the United States," approved August 18, 1856. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 1, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in compliance with its resolution of the 31st + ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, communicating information + in relation to the action of the legislature of the State of Mississippi + on the proposed fifteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United + States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 2, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th ultimo, I transmit a + report<a href="#note-9"><small>9</small></a> from the Secretary of State and the papers which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 4, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith lay before the Senate, for the consideration and action of + that body in connection with a treaty of December 4, 1868, with the + Seneca Nation of Indians, now pending, amendments to said treaty + proposed at a council of said Indians held at their council house on + the Catteraugus Reservation, in New York, on the 26th ultimo. +</p> +<p> + A letter of the Secretary of the Interior, of the 3d instant, + accompanies the papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 4, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + For the reasons stated in the accompanying communication from the + Secretary of the Interior, I respectfully request to withdraw the + treaties hereinafter mentioned, which are now pending before the Senate: +</p> +<p> + First. Treaty concluded with the Great and Little Osages May 27, 1868. +</p> +<p> + Second. Treaty concluded with the Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri and + Iowa tribes of Indians February 11, 1869. +</p> +<p> + Third. Treaty concluded with the Otoc and Missouria Indians February 13, + 1869. +</p> +<p> + Fourth. Treaty concluded with the Kansas or Kaw Indians March 13, 1869. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 8, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the + 3d instant, calling for the number of copies of the tributes of the + nations to Abraham Lincoln now in possession of the Department of + State, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the paper + which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 11, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives + requesting me to furnish any information which may have been received by + the Government in relation to the recent assault upon and reported + murder of one or more American citizens in Cuba, I communicate a report + from the Secretary of State, with the papers accompanying it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON CITY, <i>February 11, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + The papers in the case of Commander Jonathan Young, of the United States + Navy, show— +</p> +<p> + That when the naval promotions were made in 1866 the name of Commander + Jonathan Young was not included among them, and he was passed over, + while Commander George W. Young was not passed over; that among other + testimonials is one from Vice-Admiral D.D. Porter stating that + "Commander Jonathan Young was passed over by mistake; that he was + recommended for promotion, while Commander George W. Young was not + recommended for promotion, and by some singular mistake the latter was + promoted, while the former was passed over." +</p> +<p> + That eminent officers, formerly <i>junior</i> to Commander Young, but + promoted over his head, desire his restoration to his former position, + because they consider such restoration due to his character, ability, + and services. +</p> +<p> + In view, therefore, of these facts, and of the general good standing + of Commander Jonathan Young, and of his gallant and efficient services + during the war, and to remedy so far as is now possible what is believed + to have been a clerical error of the Department, which has worked to + his injury, the Department now recommends that he be restored to his + original standing upon the navy list. +</p> +<p> + For these reasons I nominate Commander Jonathan Young to be restored to + his original position, to take rank from the 25th July, 1866, and next + after Commander William T. Truxtun. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>February 11, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, requesting + information in regard to the proceedings had in the State of Georgia in + pursuance of the recent act of Congress entitled "An act to promote + the reconstruction of the State of Georgia," and in relation to the + organization of the legislature of that State since the passage of that + act, I herewith transmit the report of the Secretary of War, to whom the + resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 15, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In reply to a resolution of the Senate of the 9th instant, in relation + to the Central Branch, Union Pacific Railroad Company, I transmit a copy + of a letter addressed to me on the 27th ultimo by the Secretary of the + Interior. It contains all the information in my possession touching + the action of any of the Departments on the claim of that company to + continue and extend its road and to receive in aid of the construction + thereof lands and bonds from the United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 16, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th instant, asking + "how much of the appropriations heretofore made, amounting to $100,000, + to provide for the defense of certain suits now pending in the Court of + Claims, known as the cotton cases, has been expended, and to whom the + same has been paid; for what services rendered, and the amount paid to + each of said persons; and also the number of clerks in the Treasury + Department, and other persons, with their names, engaged or occupied + in the defense of said suits," I herewith transmit the report of the + Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 16, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the + 10th instant, I transmit a report<a href="#note-10"><small>10</small></a> from the Secretary of State, with + accompanying documents. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 17, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 24th + ultimo, the report from the Secretary of State, with accompaniments.<a href="#note-11"><small>11</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 18, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in further answer to their + resolution requesting information in relation to the recent assault upon + and reported murder of one or more American citizens in Cuba, a report + from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 19, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 11th instant, requesting + "any information which may have been received by the Government of the + recently reported engagement of Colonel Baker with the Indians,<a href="#note-12"><small>12</small></a> with + copies of all orders which led to the same," I transmit a report from + the Secretary of War, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., February 21, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their resolution + of the 7th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-13"><small>13</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 23, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 14th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-14"><small>14</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 24, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st instant, directing + the Secretary of State to furnish the Senate with copies of all + correspondence relating to the imprisonment of Mr. Davis Hatch by the + Dominican Government, I transmit a report of the Secretary of State upon + the subject. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 28, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 19th instant, + requesting to be informed "if any officer of the Government has, + contrary to the treaty of July 19, 1866, with the Cherokee Nation, + enforced or sought to enforce the payment of taxes by Cherokees on + products manufactured in the Cherokee Nation and sold within the Indian + Territory," I transmit a report from the Secretary of the Treasury, to + whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 28, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th + instant, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State upon the + subject,<a href="#note-15"><small>15</small></a> and the papers by which it was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 1, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to Congress a communication from the Secretary of State, with + the accompanying documents, relative to the claims of citizens of the + United States on the Government of Venezuela which were adjusted by the + commission provided for by the convention with that Republic of April + 25, 1866. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., March 3, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in response to the resolution of the House asking + for information in relation to the repairs of Spanish war vessels at the + docks of the United States, the report of the Secretary of the Navy, to + whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., March 8, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + Herewith I have the honor to transmit a communication from the Secretary + of the Interior, relative to the obligation of Congress to make the + necessary appropriations to carry out the Indian treaties made by what + is known as the Peace Commission of 1867. +</p> +<p> + The history of those treaties and the consequences of noncompliance with + them by the Government are so clearly set forth in this statement that + I deem it better to communicate it in full than to ask the necessary + appropriation in a shorter statement of the reasons for it. I earnestly + desire that if an Indian war becomes inevitable the Government of the + United States at least should not be responsible for it. Pains will be + taken, and force used if necessary, to prevent the departure of the + expeditions referred to by the Secretary of the Interior. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 10, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 4th instant, in + relation to the "Transcontinental, Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroad + Company," I transmit reports from the Secretary of State and the + Secretary of the Interior, with accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 10, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 28th + ultimo, a report<a href="#note-16"><small>16</small></a> from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., March 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In reply to your resolution of the 14th of February, requesting to be + informed whether I desire that any of the Indian treaties now pending + before you be considered confidentially, I have to inform you that there + are none of them which I object to having discussed in open session. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., March 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I would respectfully call your attention to a treaty now before you for + the acquisition of the Republic of St. Domingo, entered into between the + agents of the two Governments on the 29th of November, 1869, and by its + terms to be finally acted upon by the people of St. Domingo and the + Senate of the United States within four months from the date of signing + the treaty. The time for action expires on the 29th instant, a fact to + which I desire expressly to call your attention. I would also direct + your notice to the fact that the Government of St. Domingo has no agent + in the United States who is authorized to extend the time for further + deliberation upon its merits. +</p> +<p> + The people of St. Domingo have already, so far as their action can go, + ratified the treaty, and I express the earnest wish that you will not + permit it to expire by limitation. I also entertain the sincere hope + that your action may be favorable to the ratification of the treaty. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 15, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to a + resolution of the Senate of the 3d instant, asking to be informed what + States have ratified the amendment known as the fifteenth amendment to + the Constitution of the United States, so far as official notice thereof + has been transmitted to the Department of State, and that information + from time to time may be communicated to that body, as soon as + practicable, of such ratification hereafter by any State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., March 23, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In the Executive message of December 6, 1869, to Congress the importance + of taking steps to revive our drooping merchant marine was urged, and + a special message promised at a future day during the present session, + recommending more specifically plans to accomplish this result. Now that + the committee of the House of Representatives intrusted with the labor + of ascertaining "the cause of the decline of American commerce" has + completed its work and submitted its report to the legislative branch of + the Government, I deem this a fitting time to execute that promise. +</p> +<p> + The very able, calm, and exhaustive report of the committee points out + the grave wrongs which have produced the decline in our commerce. It is + a national humiliation that we are now compelled to pay from twenty to + thirty million dollars annually (exclusive of passage money, which we + should share with vessels of other nations) to foreigners for doing the + work which should be done by American vessels, American built, American + owned, and American manned. This is a direct drain upon the resources of + the country of just so much money, equal to casting it into the sea, so + far as this nation is concerned. +</p> +<p> + A nation of the vast and ever-increasing interior resources of the + United States, extending, as it does, from one to the other of the + great oceans of the world, with an industrious, intelligent, energetic + population, must one day possess its full share of the commerce of these + oceans, no matter what the cost. Delay will only increase this cost and + enhance the difficulty of attaining the result. +</p> +<p> + I therefore put in an earnest plea for early action in this matter, in + a way to secure the desired increase of American commerce. The advanced + period of the year and the fact that no contracts for shipbuilding will + probably be entered into until this question is settled by Congress, and + the further fact that if there should be much delay all large vessels + contracted for this year will fail of completion before winter sets in, + and will therefore be carried over for another year, induces me to + request your early consideration of this subject. +</p> +<p> + I regard it of such grave importance, affecting every interest of the + country to so great an extent, that any method which will gain the end + will secure a rich national blessing. Building ships and navigating them + utilizes vast capital at home; it employs thousands of workmen in their + construction and manning; it creates a home market for the products of + the farm and the shop; it diminishes the balance of trade against us + precisely to the extent of freights and passage money paid to American + vessels, and gives us a supremacy upon the seas of inestimable value in + case of foreign war. +</p> +<p> + Our Navy at the commencement of the late war consisted of less than 100 + vessels, of about 150,000 tons and a force of about 8,000 men. We drew + from the merchant marine, which had cost the Government nothing, but + which had been a source of national wealth, 600 vessels, exceeding + 1,000,000 tons, and about 70,000 men, to aid in the suppression of the + rebellion. +</p> +<p> + This statement demonstrates the value of the merchant marine as a means + of national defense in time of need. +</p> +<p> + The Committee on the Causes of the Reduction of American Tonnage, after + tracing the causes of its decline, submit two bills, which, if adopted, + they believe will restore to the nation its maritime power. Their report + shows with great minuteness the actual and comparative American tonnage + at the time of its greatest prosperity; the actual and comparative + decline since, together with the causes; and exhibits all other + statistics of material interest in reference to the subject. As the + report is before Congress, I will not recapitulate any of its + statistics, but refer only to the methods recommended by the committee + to give back to us our lost commerce. +</p> +<p> + As a general rule, when it can be adopted, I believe a direct money + subsidy is less liable to abuse than an indirect aid given to the same + enterprise. In this case, however, my opinion is that subsidies, while + they may be given to specified lines of steamers or other vessels, + should not be exclusively adopted, but, in addition to subsidizing very + desirable lines of ocean traffic, a general assistance should be given + in an effective way. I therefore commend to your favorable consideration + the two bills proposed by the committee and referred to in this message. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 25, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In reply to a Senate resolution of the 24th instant, requesting to + be furnished with a report, written by Captain Selfridge, upon the + resources and condition of things in the Dominican Republic, I have + to state that no such report has been received. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 25, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 15th ultimo, I transmit + a report, with accompanying paper,<a href="#note-17"><small>17</small></a> from the Secretary of the Navy, + to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 29, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In reply to your resolution of December 20, 1869, asking "whether any + citizens of the United States are imprisoned or detained in military + custody by officers of the Army of the United States, and, if any, to + furnish their names, date of arrest, the offenses charged, together + with a statement of what measures have been taken for the trial and + punishment of the offenders," I transmit herewith the report of the + Secretary of War, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 30, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + It is unusual to notify the two Houses of Congress by message of + the promulgation, by proclamation of the Secretary of State, of the + ratification of a constitutional amendment. In view, however, of the + vast importance of the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution, this day + declared a part of that revered instrument, I deem a departure from the + usual custom justifiable. A measure which makes at once 4,000,000 people + voters who were heretofore declared by the highest tribunal in the land + not citizens of the United States, nor eligible to become so (with the + assertion that "at the time of the Declaration of Independence the + opinion was fixed and universal in the civilized portion of the white + race, regarded as an axiom in morals as well as in politics, that black + men had no rights which the white man was bound to respect"), is indeed + a measure of grander importance than any other one act of the kind from + the foundation of our free Government to the present day. +</p> +<p> + Institutions like ours, in which all power is derived directly from the + people, must depend mainly upon their intelligence, patriotism, and + industry. I call the attention, therefore, of the newly enfranchised + race to the importance of their striving in every honorable manner to + make themselves worthy of their new privilege. To the race more favored + heretofore by our laws I would say, Withhold no legal privilege of + advancement to the new citizen. The framers of our Constitution firmly + believed that a republican government could not endure without + intelligence and education generally diffused among the people. The + Father of his Country, in his Farewell Address, uses this language: +</p> +<p> + Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the + general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a + government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public + opinion should be enlightened. +</p> +<p> + In his first annual message to Congress the same views are forcibly + presented, and are again urged in his eighth message. +</p> +<p> + I repeat that the adoption of the fifteenth amendment to the + Constitution completes the greatest civil change and constitutes the + most important event that has occurred since the nation came into life. + The change will be beneficial in proportion to the heed that is given to + the urgent recommendations of Washington. If these recommendations were + important then, with a population of but a few millions, how much more + important now, with a population of 40,000,000, and increasing in a + rapid ratio. I would therefore call upon Congress to take all the means + within their constitutional powers to promote and encourage popular + education throughout the country, and upon the people everywhere to see + to it that all who possess and exercise political rights shall have the + opportunity to acquire the knowledge which will make their share in the + Government a blessing and not a danger. By such means only can the + benefits contemplated by this amendment to the Constitution be secured. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + HAMILTON FISH, SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE UNITED STATES. +</center> +<p> + <i>To all to whom these presents may come, greeting:</i> +</p> +<p> + Know ye that the Congress of the United States, on or about the 27th + day of February, in the year 1869, passed a resolution in the words + and figures following, to wit: +</p> +<p> + A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United + States. +</p> +<p> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i> (<i>two-thirds of both Houses + concurring</i>), That the following article be proposed to the legislatures + of the several States as an amendment to the Constitution of the United + States, which, when ratified by three-fourths of said legislatures, + shall be valid as a part of the Constitution, viz; +</p> +<center> + ARTICLE XV. +</center> + +<p> + Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not +</p> +<p> + be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account + of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. +</p> +<p> + SEC. 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by + appropriate legislation. +</p> +<p> + And further, that it appears from official documents on file in this + Department that the amendment to the Constitution of the United States, + proposed as aforesaid, has been ratified by the legislatures of the + States of North Carolina, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, + Maine, Louisiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, + Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York, New Hampshire, + Nevada, Vermont, Virginia, Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Iowa, + Kansas, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Nebraska, and Texas; in all, + twenty-nine States; +</p> +<p> + And further, that the States whose legislatures have so ratified the + said proposed amendment constitute three-fourths of the whole number + of States in the United States; +</p> +<p> + And further, that it appears from an official document on file in this + Department that the legislature of the State of New York has since + passed resolutions claiming to withdraw the said ratification of the + said amendment, which had been made by the legislature of that State, + and of which official notice had been filed in this Department; +</p> +<p> + And further, that it appears from an official document on file in this + Department that the legislature of Georgia has by resolution ratified + the said proposed amendment: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of + the United States, by virtue and in pursuance of the second section of + the act of Congress approved the 20th day of April, in the year 1818, + entitled "An act to provide for the publication of the laws of the + United States, and for other purposes," do hereby certify that the + amendment aforesaid has become valid to all intents and purposes as + part of the Constitution of the United States. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the Department of State to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington this 30th day of March, A.D. 1870, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 31, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a treaty + between the United States and the United States of Colombia for the + construction of an interoceanic canal across the Isthmus of Panama or + Darien, signed at Bogota on the 26th of January last. +</p> +<p> + A copy of a dispatch of the 1st ultimo to the Secretary of State from + General Hurlbut, the United States minister at Bogota, relative to the + treaty, is also transmitted for the information of the Senate. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 31, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to Congress a further communication from the Secretary of + State, with the accompanying documents, relative to the claims of + citizens of the United States on the Government of Venezuela which were + adjusted by the commission provided for by the convention with that + Republic of April 25, 1866. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 31, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 7th + instant, relating to fisheries in British waters, I transmit a report + from the Secretary of State and the papers which accompanied it, and I + have to state that the commanding officer of the naval steamer ordered + to the fishing grounds will be instructed to give his attention, should + circumstances require it, to cases which may arise under any change + which may be made in the British laws affecting fisheries within British + jurisdiction, with a view to preventing, so far as it may be in his + power, infractions by citizens of the United States of the first article + of the treaty between the United States and Great Britain of 1818, the + laws in force relating to fisheries within British jurisdiction, or any + illegal interference with the pursuits of the fishermen of the United + States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 5, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 28th + ultimo, I transmit a report<a href="#note-18"><small>18</small></a> from the Secretary of State, to whom the + resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to your resolution of the 7th ultimo, requesting to be + furnished with a copy of orders, correspondence, reports of councils + with Indians by military and civil officers of the Government, in + possession of the Interior and War Departments, relating to difficulties + with the Cheyenne, Comanche, Arapahoe, Apache, and Kiowa tribes of + Indians during the year 1867, etc., I herewith transmit the reports + received from those Departments. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to Congress a report from the Secretary of State, relative + to results of the proceedings of the joint commission at Lima under the + convention between the United States and Peru of 4th of December, 1868, + and recommend that an appropriation be made to discharge the obligation + of the United States in the case of the claim of Esteban G. Montano, to + which the report refers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 20, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to your resolution of the 21st ultimo, requesting to be + informed "whether any portion of the military forces of the United + States has been sent into the counties of Bourbon, Crawford, and + Cherokee, in the State of Kansas, and, if so, when, what number, for + what purpose, and on whose procurement; and also whether they have been + required to erect there any winter quarters, forts, fortifications, or + earth-works, and, if so, what, for what purpose, and at whose expense, + and at what probable expense to the Government have all said acts been + done," I transmit herewith a report, dated 18th instant, from the + Secretary of War, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 26, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th + instant, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the + paper<a href="#note-19"><small>19</small></a> which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 26th ultimo, I transmit + a report from the Secretary of State and the papers<a href="#note-20"><small>20</small></a> by which it was + accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 21, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 18th + instant, calling for information relative to the passage of any English + or Canadian steamer through the canal of Sault Ste. Marie, a report from + the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 23, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In response to your resolution of the 12th instant, requesting + information "in relation to an organized band of persons at Cheyenne, in + the Territory of Wyoming, or vicinity, the number and designs of such + persons," I transmit herewith the reports of the Secretary of War and + the Secretary of the Interior, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 23, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their + resolution of the 5th instant, a report from the Secretary of State and + its accompanying papers.<a href="#note-21"><small>21</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 26, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the satisfaction of transmitting to the Senate, for consideration + with a view to its ratification, a convention between the United States + and Her Britannic Majesty, relative to naturalization, signed in London + on the 13th instant. +</p> +<p> + The convention is substantially the same as the protocol on the subject + signed by Mr. Reverdy Johnson and Lord Stanley on the 9th of October, + 1868, and approved by the Senate on the 13th April, 1869. +</p> +<p> + If the instrument should go into effect, it will relieve the parties + from a grievance which has hitherto been a cause of frequent annoyance + and sometimes of dangerous irritation. +</p> +<p> + A copy of Mr. Motley's dispatch on the subject and of the act of + Parliament of May 12, 1870, are also transmitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 28, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 24th instant, I + transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the document<a href="#note-22"><small>22</small></a> by + which it was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 31, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to its + ratification, an additional article to the treaty of the 29th of + November last, for the annexation of the Dominican Republic to the + United States, stipulating for an extension of the time for exchanging + the ratifications thereof, signed in this city on the 14th instant by + the plenipotentiaries of the parties. +</p> +<p> + It was my intention to have also negotiated with the plenipotentiary of + San Domingo amendments to the treaty of annexation to obviate objections + which may be urged against the treaty as it is now worded; but on + reflection I deem it better to submit to the Senate the propriety of + their amending the treaty as follows: First, to specify that the + obligations of this Government shall not exceed the $1,500,000 + stipulated in the treaty; secondly, to determine the manner of + appointing the agents to receive and disburse the same; thirdly, to + determine the class of creditors who shall take precedence in the + settlement of their claims; and, finally, to insert such amendments as + may suggest themselves to the minds of Senators to carry out in good + faith the conditions of the treaty submitted to the Senate of the United + States in January last, according to the spirit and intent of that + treaty. From the most reliable information I can obtain, the sum + specified in the treaty will pay every just claim against the Republic + of San Domingo and leave a balance sufficient to carry on a Territorial + government until such time as new laws for providing a Territorial + revenue can be enacted and put in force. +</p> +<p> + I feel an unusual anxiety for the ratification of this treaty, because + I believe it will redound greatly to the glory of the two countries + interested, to civilization, and to the extirpation of the institution + of slavery. +</p> +<p> + The doctrine promulgated by President Monroe has been adhered to by + all political parties, and I now deem it proper to assert the equally + important principle that hereafter no territory on this continent shall + be regarded as subject of transfer to a European power. +</p> +<p> + The Government of San Domingo has voluntarily sought this annexation. + It is a weak power, numbering probably less than 120,000 souls, and yet + possessing one of the richest territories under the sun, capable of + supporting a population of 10,000,000 people in luxury. The people of + San Domingo are not capable of maintaining themselves in their present + condition, and must look for outside support. +</p> +<p> + They yearn for the protection of our free institutions and laws, our + progress and civilization. Shall we refuse them? +</p> +<p> + I have information which I believe reliable that a European power stands + ready now to offer $2,000,000 for the possession of Samana Bay alone. + If refused by us, with what grace can we prevent a foreign power from + attempting to secure the prize? +</p> +<p> + The acquisition of San Domingo is desirable because of its geographical + position. It commands the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and the Isthmus + transit of commerce. It possesses the richest soil, best and most + capacious harbors, most salubrious climate, and the most valuable + products of the forests, mine, and soil of any of the West India + Islands. Its possession by us will in a few years build up a coastwise + commerce of immense magnitude, which will go far toward restoring to us + our lost merchant marine. It will give to us those articles which we + consume so largely and do not produce, thus equalizing our exports and + imports. +</p> +<p> + In case of foreign war it will give us command of all the islands + referred to, and thus prevent an enemy from ever again possessing + himself of rendezvous upon our very coast. +</p> +<p> + At present our coast trade between the States bordering on the Atlantic + and those bordering on the Gulf of Mexico is cut into by the Bahamas and + the Antilles. Twice we must, as it were, pass through foreign countries + to get by sea from Georgia to the west coast of Florida. +</p> +<p> + San Domingo, with a stable government, under which her immense resources + can be developed, will give remunerative wages to tens of thousands of + laborers not now on the island. +</p> +<p> + This labor will take advantage of every available means of + transportation to abandon the adjacent islands and seek the blessings of + freedom and its sequence—each inhabitant receiving the reward of his + own labor. Porto Rico and Cuba will have to abolish slavery, as a + measure of self-preservation to retain their laborers. +</p> +<p> + San Domingo will become a large consumer of the products of Northern + farms and manufactories. The cheap rate at which her citizens can be + furnished with food, tools, and machinery will make it necessary that + the contiguous islands should have the same advantages in order to + compete in the production of sugar, coffee, tobacco, tropical fruits, + etc. This will open to us a still wider market for our products. +</p> +<p> + The production of our own supply of these articles will cut off more + than one hundred millions of our annual imports, besides largely + increasing our exports. With such a picture it is easy to see how our + large debt abroad is ultimately to be extinguished. With a balance of + trade against us (including interest on bonds held by foreigners and + money spent by our citizens traveling in foreign lands) equal to the + entire yield of the precious metals in this country, it is not so easy + to see how this result is to be otherwise accomplished. +</p> +<p> + The acquisition of San Domingo is an adherence to the "Monroe doctrine;" + it is a measure of national protection; it is asserting our just claim + to a controlling influence over the great commercial traffic soon to + flow from east to west by the way of the Isthmus of Darien; it is to + build up our merchant marine; it is to furnish new markets for the + products of our farms, shops, and manufactories; it is to make slavery + insupportable in Cuba and Porto Rico at once and ultimately so in + Brazil; it is to settle the unhappy condition of Cuba, and end an + exterminating conflict; it is to provide honest means of paying our + honest debts, without overtaxing the people; it is to furnish our + citizens with the necessaries of everyday life at cheaper rates than + ever before; and it is, in fine, a rapid stride toward that greatness + which the intelligence, industry, and enterprise of the citizens of the + United States entitle this country to assume among nations. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C. June 2, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In reply to your resolution of the 1st instant, requesting, "in + confidence," any information in possession of the President "touching + any proposition, offer, or design of any foreign power to purchase or + obtain any part of the territory of San Domingo or any right to the + Bay of Samana," I transmit herewith a copy of a letter, dated 27th of + April, 1870. addressed to "Colonel J.W. Fabens, Dominican minister, + Washington," by "E. Herzberg Hartmount, Dominican consul-general in + London." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 3, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 18th + ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, with an accompanying + paper.<a href="#note-23"><small>23</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 3, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to its + ratification, an additional convention to the treaty of the 7th of + April, 1862, for the suppression of the African slave trade, which + additional convention was signed on this day in the city of Washington + by the plenipotentiaries of the high contracting parties. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 3d + instant, the accompanying report<a href="#note-24"><small>24</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 13, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In my annual message to Congress at the beginning of its present session + I referred to the contest which had then for more than a year existed in + the island of Cuba between a portion of its inhabitants and the + Government of Spain, and the feelings and sympathies of the people and + Government of the United States for the people of Cuba, as for all + peoples struggling for liberty and self-government, and said that "the + contest has at no time assumed the conditions which amount to war in the + sense of international law, or which would show the existence of a <i>de + facto</i> political organization of the insurgents sufficient to justify a + recognition of belligerency." +</p> +<p> + During the six months which have passed since the date of that message + the condition of the insurgents has not improved, and the insurrection + itself, although not subdued, exhibits no signs of advance, but seems to + be confined to an irregular system of hostilities, carried on by small + and illy armed bands of men, roaming without concentration through the + woods and the sparsely populated regions of the island, attacking from + ambush convoys and small bands of troops, burning plantations and the + estates of those not sympathizing with their cause. +</p> +<p> + But if the insurrection has not gained ground, it is equally true that + Spain has not suppressed it. Climate, disease, and the occasional bullet + have worked destruction among the soldiers of Spain; and although the + Spanish authorities have possession of every seaport and every town on + the island, they have not been able to subdue the hostile feeling which + has driven a considerable number of the native inhabitants of the island + to armed resistance against Spain, and still leads them to endure the + dangers and the privations of a roaming life of guerrilla warfare. +</p> +<p> + On either side the contest has been conducted, and is still carried on, + with a lamentable disregard of human life and of the rules and practices + which modern civilization has prescribed in mitigation of the necessary + horrors of war. The torch of Spaniard and of Cuban is alike busy in + carrying devastation over fertile regions; murderous and revengeful + decrees are issued and executed by both parties. Count Valmaseda and + Colonel Boet, on the part of Spain, have each startled humanity and + aroused the indignation of the civilized world by the execution, each, + of a score of prisoners at a time, while General Quesada, the Cuban + chief, coolly and with apparent unconsciousness of aught else than a + proper act, has admitted the slaughter, by his own deliberate order, + in one day, of upward of 650 prisoners of war. +</p> +<p> + A summary trial, with few, if any, escapes from conviction, followed by + immediate execution, is the fate of those arrested on either side on + suspicion of infidelity to the cause of the party making the arrest. +</p> +<p> + Whatever may be the sympathies of the people or of the Government of the + United States for the cause or objects for which a part of the people of + Cuba are understood to have put themselves in armed resistance to the + Government of Spain, there can be no just sympathy in a conflict carried + on by both parties alike in such barbarous violation of the rules of + civilized nations and with such continued outrage upon the plainest + principles of humanity. +</p> +<p> + We can not discriminate in our censure of their mode of conducting their + contest between the Spaniards and the Cubans. Each commit the same + atrocities and outrage alike the established rules of war. +</p> +<p> + The properties of many of our citizens have been destroyed or embargoed, + the lives of several have been sacrificed, and the liberty of others has + been restrained. In every case that has come to the knowledge of the + Government an early and earnest demand for reparation and indemnity has + been made, and most emphatic remonstrance has been presented against + the manner in which the strife is conducted and against the reckless + disregard of human life, the wanton destruction of material wealth, + and the cruel disregard of the established rules of civilized warfare. +</p> +<p> + I have, since the beginning of the present session of Congress, + communicated to the House of Representatives, upon their request, an + account of the steps which I had taken in the hope of bringing this sad + conflict to an end and of securing to the people of Cuba the blessings + and the right of independent self-government. The efforts thus made + failed, but not without an assurance from Spain that the good offices of + this Government might still avail for the objects to which they had been + addressed. +</p> +<p> + During the whole contest the remarkable exhibition has been made of + large numbers of Cubans escaping from the island and avoiding the risks + of war; congregating in this country, at a safe distance from the scene + of danger, and endeavoring to make war from our shores, to urge our + people into the fight which they avoid, and to embroil this Government + in complications and possible hostilities with Spain. It can scarce be + doubted that this last result is the real object of these parties, + although carefully covered under the deceptive and apparently plausible + demand for a mere recognition of belligerency. +</p> +<p> + It is stated on what I have reason to regard as good authority that + Cuban bonds have been prepared to a large amount, whose payment is made + dependent upon the recognition by the United States of either Cuban + belligerency or independence. The object of making their value thus + contingent upon the action of this Government is a subject for serious + reflection. +</p> +<p> + In determining the course to be adopted on the demand thus made for a + recognition of belligerency the liberal and peaceful principles adopted + by the Father of his Country and the eminent statesmen of his day, and + followed by succeeding Chief Magistrates and the men of their day, may + furnish a safe guide to those of us now charged with the direction and + control of the public safety. +</p> +<p> + From 1789 to 1815 the dominant thought of our statesmen was to keep + the United States out of the wars which were devastating Europe. The + discussion of measures of neutrality begins with the State papers of + Mr. Jefferson when Secretary of State. He shows that they are measures + of national right as well as of national duty; that misguided individual + citizens can not be tolerated in making war according to their own + caprice, passions, interests, or foreign sympathies; that the agents of + foreign governments, recognized or unrecognized, can not be permitted + to abuse our hospitality by usurping the functions of enlisting or + equipping military or naval forces within our territory. Washington + inaugurated the policy of neutrality and of absolute abstinence from + all foreign entangling alliances, which resulted, in 1794, in the first + municipal enactment for the observance of neutrality. +</p> +<p> + The duty of opposition to filibustering has been admitted by every + President. Washington encountered the efforts of Genèt and of the French + revolutionists; John Adams, the projects of Miranda; Jefferson, the + schemes of Aaron Burr. Madison and subsequent Presidents had to deal + with the question of foreign enlistment or equipment in the United + States, and since the days of John Quincy Adams it has been one of the + constant cares of Government in the United States to prevent piratical + expeditions against the feeble Spanish American Republics from leaving + our shores. In no country are men wanting for any enterprise that holds + out promise of adventure or of gain. +</p> +<p> + In the early days of our national existence the whole continent of + America (outside of the limits of the United States) and all its islands + were in colonial dependence upon European powers. +</p> +<p> + The revolutions which from 1810 spread almost simultaneously through all + the Spanish American continental colonies resulted in the establishment + of new States, like ourselves, of European origin, and interested in + excluding European politics and the questions of dynasty and of balances + of power from further influence in the New World. +</p> +<p> + The American policy of neutrality, important before, became doubly so + from the fact that it became applicable to the new Republics as well as + to the mother country. +</p> +<p> + It then devolved upon us to determine the great international question + at what time and under what circumstances to recognize a new power + as entitled to a place among the family of nations, as well as the + preliminary question of the attitude to be observed by this Government + toward the insurrectionary party pending the contest. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Monroe concisely expressed the rule which has controlled the action + of this Government with reference to revolting colonies pending their + struggle by saying: +</p> +<p class="q"> + As soon as the movement assumed such a steady and consistent form as + to make the success of the Provinces probable, the rights to which + they were entitled by the laws of nations as equal parties to a civil + war were extended to them. +</p> +<p> + The strict adherence to this rule of public policy has been one of + the highest honors of American statesmanship, and has secured to this + Government the confidence of the feeble powers on this continent, + which induces them to rely upon its friendship and absence of designs + of conquest and to look to the United States for example and moral + protection. It has given to this Government a position of prominence and + of influence which it should not abdicate, but which imposes upon it the + most delicate duties of right and of honor regarding American questions, + whether those questions affect emancipated colonies or colonies still + subject to European dominion. +</p> +<p> + The question of belligerency is one of fact, not to be decided by + sympathies for or prejudices against either party. The relations + between the parent state and the insurgents must amount in fact to + war in the sense of international law. Fighting, though fierce and + protracted, does not alone constitute war. There must be military forces + acting in accordance with the rules and customs of war, flags of truce, + cartels, exchange of prisoners, etc.; and to justify a recognition + of belligerency there must be, above all, a <i>de facto</i> political + organization of the insurgents sufficient in character and resources + to constitute it, if left to itself, a state among nations capable + of discharging the duties of a state and of meeting the just + responsibilities it may incur as such toward other powers in the + discharge of its national duties. +</p> +<p> + Applying the best information which I have been enabled to gather, + whether from official or unofficial sources, including the very + exaggerated statements which each party gives to all that may prejudice + the opposite or give credit to its own side of the question, I am unable + to see in the present condition of the contest in Cuba those elements + which are requisite to constitute war in the sense of international law. +</p> +<p> + The insurgents hold no town or city; have no established seat of + government; they have no prize courts; no organization for the receiving + and collecting of revenue; no seaport to which a prize may be carried or + through which access can be had by a foreign power to the limited + interior territory and mountain fastnesses which they occupy. The + existence of a legislature representing any popular constituency is more + than doubtful. +</p> +<p> + In the uncertainty that hangs around the entire insurrection there is no + palpable evidence of an election, of any delegated authority, or of any + government outside the limits of the camps occupied from day to day by + the roving companies of insurgent troops; there is no commerce, no + trade, either internal or foreign, no manufactures. +</p> +<p> + The late commander in chief of the insurgents, having recently come to + the United States, publicly declared that "all commercial intercourse or + trade with the exterior world has been utterly cut off;" and he further + added: "To-day we have not 10,000 arms in Cuba." +</p> +<p> + It is a well-established principle of public law that a recognition by + a foreign state of belligerent rights to insurgents under circumstances + such as now exist in Cuba, if not justified by necessity, is a + gratuitous demonstration of moral support to the rebellion. Such + necessity may yet hereafter arrive, but it has not yet arrived, nor is + its probability clearly to be seen. +</p> +<p> + If it be war between Spain and Cuba, and be so recognized, it is + our duty to provide for the consequences which may ensue in the + embarrassment to our commerce and the interference with our revenue. +</p> +<p> + If belligerency be recognized, the commercial marine of the United + States becomes liable to search and to seizure by the commissioned + cruisers of both parties; they become subject to the adjudication of + prize courts. +</p> +<p> + Our large coastwise trade between the Atlantic and the Gulf States and + between both and the Isthmus of Panama and the States of South America + (engaging the larger part of our commercial marine) passes of necessity + almost in sight of the island of Cuba. Under the treaty with Spain of + 1795, as well as by the law of nations, our vessels will be liable + to visit on the high seas. In case of belligerency the carrying of + contraband, which now is lawful, becomes liable to the risks of + seizure and condemnation. The parent Government becomes relieved from + responsibility for acts done in the insurgent territory, and acquires + the right to exercise against neutral commerce all the powers of a party + to a maritime war. To what consequences the exercise of those powers may + lead is a question which I desire to commend to the serious + consideration of Congress. +</p> +<p> + In view of the gravity of this question, I have deemed it my duty to + invite the attention of the war-making power of the country to all the + relations and bearings of the question in connection with the + declaration of neutrality and granting of belligerent rights. +</p> +<p> + There is not a <i>de facto</i> government in the island of Cuba sufficient to + execute law and maintain just relations with other nations. Spain has + not been able to suppress the opposition to Spanish rule on the island, + nor to award speedy justice to other nations, or citizens of other + nations, when their rights have been invaded. +</p> +<p> + There are serious complications growing out of the seizure of American + vessels upon the high seas, executing American citizens without proper + trial, and confiscating or embargoing the property of American citizens. + Solemn protests have been made against every infraction of the rights + either of individual citizens of the United States or the rights of our + flag upon the high seas, and all proper steps have been taken and are + being pressed for the proper reparation of every indignity complained + of. +</p> +<p> + The question of belligerency, however, which is to be decided upon + definite principles and according to ascertained facts, is entirely + different from and unconnected with the other questions of the manner in + which the strife is carried on on both sides and the treatment of our + citizens entitled to our protection. +</p> +<p> + The questions concern our own dignity and responsibility, and they have + been made, as I have said, the subjects of repeated communications with + Spain and of protests and demands for redress on our part. It is hoped + that these will not be disregarded, but should they be these questions + will be made the subject of a further communication to Congress. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 17, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th instant, requesting + the President "to communicate, in confidence, the instructions of the + Navy Department to the navy officers in command on the coast of Dominica + and Hayti, and the reports of such officers to the Navy Department, + from the commencement of the negotiation of the treaty with Dominica," + I herewith transmit the papers received from the Secretary of the Navy, + to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 25, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the 22d instant, requesting to be + furnished with "proposals received from any company or citizens of + the United States for constructing and placing iron steamships in + transatlantic service," I transmit herewith the only proposal of that + nature received by me. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 9, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolutions of the Senate of the 26th of May and of + the 14th of June last, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State + thereupon, and the papers<a href="#note-25"><small>25</small></a> by which it was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 12, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a convention between the United States and Austria, concerning the + rights, privileges, and immunities of consuls in the two countries, + signed at Washington on the 11th instant. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 13, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 8th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State and the papers<a href="#note-26"><small>26</small></a> which + accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 13, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to their resolution of the 8th instant, I transmit to the + Senate a report from the Secretary of State and the papers<a href="#note-27"><small>27</small></a> which + accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 7th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington, July 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the + Senate requesting the President "to institute an inquiry, by such means + as in his judgment shall be deemed proper, into the present condition + of the commercial relations between the United States and the Spanish + American States on this continent, and between those countries and other + nations, and to communicate to the Senate full and complete statements + regarding the same, together with such recommendations as he may think + necessary to promote the development and increase of our commerce with + those regions and to secure to the United States that proportionate + share of the trade of this continent to which their close relations of + geographical contiguity and political friendship with all the States + of America justly entitle them," has the honor to report: +</p> +<p> + The resolution justly regards the commercial and the political relations + of the United States with the American States of Spanish origin as + necessarily dependent upon each other. If the commerce of those + countries has been diverted from its natural connection with the United + States, the fact may probably be partly traced to political causes, + which have been swept away by the great civil convulsion in this + country. +</p> +<p> + For the just comprehension of the position of this Government in the + American political system, and for the causes which have failed to give + it hitherto the influence to which it is properly entitled by reason of + its democratic system and of the moderation and sense of justice which + have distinguished its foreign policy through successive Administrations + from the birth of the nation until now, it is necessary to make a brief + notice of such measures as affect our present relations to the other + parts of this continent. +</p> +<p> + The United States were the first of the European colonies in America to + arrive at maturity as a people and assume the position of an independent + republic. Since then important changes have taken place in various + nations and in every part of the world. Our own growth in power has been + not the least remarkable of all the great events of modern history. +</p> +<p> + When, at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, having conquered by + arms our right to exist as a sovereign state, that right was at length + recognized by treaties, we occupied only a narrow belt of land along the + Atlantic coast, hemmed in at the north, the west, and the south by the + possessions of European Governments, or by uncultivated wastes beyond + the Alleghanies, inhabited only by the aborigines. But in the very + infancy of the United States far-sighted statesmen saw and predicted + that, weak in population and apparently restricted in available + territory as the new Republic then was, it had within it the germs of + colossal grandeur, and would at no remote day occupy the continent of + America with its institutions, its authority, and its peaceful + influence. +</p> +<p> + That expectation has been thus far signally verified. The United States + entered at once into the occupation of their rightful possessions + westward to the banks of the Mississippi. Next, by the spontaneous + proffer of France, they acquired Louisiana and its territorial + extension, or right of extension, north to the line of the treaty + demarcation between France and Great Britain, and west to the Pacific + Ocean. Next, by amicable arrangement with Spain, they acquired the + Floridas, and complete southern maritime frontiers upon the Gulf of + Mexico. Then came the union with the independent State of Texas, + followed by the acquisitions of California and New Mexico, and then of + Arizona. Finally, Russia has ceded to us Alaska, and the continent of + North America has become independent of Europe, except so much of it as + continues to maintain political relations with Great Britain. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile, partly by natural increase and partly by voluntary + immigration from Europe, our population has risen from 3,000,000 to + nearly 40,000,000; the number of States and Territories united under + the Constitution has been augmented from thirteen to forty-seven; the + development of internal wealth and power has kept pace with political + expansion; we have occupied in part and peopled the vast interior of + the continent; we have bound the Pacific to the Atlantic by a chain of + intervening States and organized Territories; we have delivered the + Republic from the anomaly and the ignominy of domestic servitude; we + have constitutionally fixed the equality of all races and of all men + before the law; and we have established, at the cost of a great civil + war—a cost, however, not beyond the value of such a result—the + indissoluble national unity of the United States. +</p> +<p> + In all these marked stages of national progress, from the Declaration + of Independence to the recent amendments of the Constitution, it is + impossible not to perceive a providential series and succession of + events, intimately attached one to the other, and possessed of definite + character as a whole, whatever incidental departures from such + uniformity may have marked, or seemed to mark, our foreign policy under + the influence of temporary causes or of the conflicting opinions of + statesmen. +</p> +<p> + In the time of Washington, of the first Adams, of Jefferson, and of + Madison the condition of Europe, engaged in the gigantic wars of the + French Revolution and of the Empire, produced its series of public + questions and gave tone and color to our foreign policy. In the time of + Monroe, of the second Adams, and of Jackson, and subsequently thereto, + the independence of the Spanish and Portuguese colonies of America + produced its series of questions and its apparent modification of our + public policy. Domestic questions of territorial organization, of social + emancipation, and of national unity have also largely occupied the minds + and the attention of the later Administrations. +</p> +<p> + The treaties of alliance and guaranty with France, which contributed so + much to our independence, were one source of solicitude to the early + Administrations, which were endeavoring to protect our commerce from the + depredations and wrongs to which the maritime policy of England and the + reaction of that policy on France subjected it. For twenty years we + struggled in vain to accomplish this, and at last drifted into war. +</p> +<p> + The avoidance of entangling alliances, the characteristic feature of the + foreign policy of Washington, sprang from this condition of things. But + the entangling alliances which then existed were engagements made with + France as a part of the general contract under which aid was furnished + to us for the achievement of our independence. France was willing to + waive the letter of the obligation as to her West India possessions, but + demanded in its stead privileges in our ports which the Administration + was unwilling to concede. To make its refusal acceptable to a public + which sympathized with France, the Cabinet of General Washington + exaggerated the principle into a theory tending to national isolation. +</p> +<p> + The public measures designed to maintain unimpaired the domestic + sovereignty and the international neutrality of the United States + were independent of this policy, though apparently incidental to it. + The municipal laws enacted by Congress then and since have been but + declarations of the law of nations. They are essential to the + preservation of our national dignity and honor; they have for their + object to repress and punish all enterprises of private war, one of the + last relics of mediaeval barbarism; and they have descended to us from + the fathers of the Republic, supported and enforced by every succeeding + President of the United States. +</p> +<p> + The foreign policy of these early days was not a narrow one. During + this period we secured the evacuation by Great Britain of the country + wrongfully occupied by her on the Lakes; we acquired Louisiana; we + measured forces on the sea with France, and on the land and sea with + England; we set the example of resisting and chastising the piracies of + the Barbary States; we initiated in negotiations with Prussia the long + line of treaties for the liberalization of war and the promotion of + international intercourse; and we steadily demanded, and at length + obtained, indemnification from various governments for the losses we + had suffered by foreign spoliations in the wars of Europe. +</p> +<p> + To this point in our foreign policy we had arrived when the + revolutionary movements in Spanish and Portuguese America compelled a + modification of our relations with Europe, in consequence of the rise of + new and independent states in America. +</p> +<p> + The revolution which commenced in 1810, and extended through all the + Spanish American continental colonies, after vain efforts of repression + on the part of Spain, protracted through twenty years, terminated in + the establishment of the independent States of Mexico, Guatemala, San + Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, + Peru, Chile, Bolivia, the Argentine Republic, Uruguay, and Paraguay, + to which the Empire of Brazil came in time to be added. These events + necessarily enlarged the sphere of action of the United States, and + essentially modified our relations with Europe and our attitude to the + rest of this continent. +</p> +<p> + The new States were, like ourselves, revolted colonies. They continued + the precedent we had set, of separating from Europe. Their assumption of + independence was stimulated by our example. They professedly imitated + us, and copied our National Constitution, sometimes even to their + inconvenience. +</p> +<p> + The Spanish American colonies had not the same preparation for + independence that we had. Each of the British colonies possessed + complete local autonomy. Its formal transition from dependence to + independence consisted chiefly in expelling the British governor of the + colony and electing a governor of the State, from which to the organized + Union was but a step. All these conditions of success were wanting in + Spanish America, and hence many of the difficulties in their career + as independent states; and, further, while the revolution in British + America was the exclusive result of the march of opinion in the British + colonies, the simultaneous action of the separate Spanish colonies, + though showing a desire for independence, was principally produced by + the accident of the invasion of Spain by France. +</p> +<p> + The formation of these new sovereignties in America was important to us, + not only because of the cessation of colonial monopolies to that extent, + but because of the geographical relations to us held by so many new + nations, all, like ourselves, created from European stock and interested + in excluding European politics, dynastic questions, and balances of + power from further influence in the New World. +</p> +<p> + Thus the United States were forced into new lines of action, which, + though apparently in some respects conflicting, were really in harmony + with the line marked out by Washington. The avoidance of entangling + political alliances and the maintenance of our own independent + neutrality became doubly important from the fact that they became + applicable to the new Republics as well as to the mother country. + The duty of noninterference had been admitted by every President. + The question came up in the time of the first Adams, on the occasion + of the enlistment projects of Miranda. It appeared again under Jefferson + (anterior to the revolt of the Spanish colonies) in the schemes of Aaron + Burr. It was an ever-present question in the Administrations of Madison, + Monroe, and the younger Adams, in reference to the questions of foreign + enlistment or equipment in the United States, and when these new + Republics entered the family of nations, many of them very feeble, and + all too much subject to internal revolution and civil war, a strict + adherence to our previous policy and a strict enforcement of our laws + became essential to the preservation of friendly relations with them; + for since that time it has been one of the principal cares of those + intrusted with the administration of the Government to prevent piratical + expeditions against these sister Republics from leaving our ports. + And thus the changed condition of the New World made no change in the + traditional and peaceful policy of the United States in this respect. +</p> +<p> + In one respect, however, the advent of these new States in America did + compel an apparent change of foreign policy on our part. It devolved + upon us the determination of the great international question at what + time and under what circumstances to recognize a new power as entitled + to a place among the family of nations. There was but little of + precedent to guide us, except our own case. Something, indeed, could be + inferred from the historical origin of the Netherlands and Switzerland. + But our own case, carefully and conscientiously considered, was + sufficient to guide us to right conclusions. We maintained our position + of international friendship and of treaty obligations toward Spain, but + we did not consider that we were bound to wait for its recognition of + the new Republics before admitting them into treaty relations with us + as sovereign states. We held that it was for us to judge whether or + not they had attained to the condition of actual independence, and the + consequent right of recognition by us. We considered this question of + fact deliberately and coolly. We sent commissioners to Spanish America + to ascertain and report for our information concerning their actual + circumstances, and in the fullness of time we acknowledged their + independence; we exchanged diplomatic ministers, and made treaties of + amity with them, the earliest of which, negotiated by Mr. John Quincy + Adams, served as the model for the subsequent treaties with the Spanish + American Republics. We also, simultaneously therewith, exerted our good + offices with Spain to induce her to submit to the inevitable result and + herself to accept and acknowledge the independence of her late colonies. + We endeavored to induce Russia to join us in these representations. + In all this our action was positive, in the direction of promoting the + complete political separation of America from Europe. +</p> +<p> + A vast field was thus opened to the statesmen of the United States for + the peaceful introduction, the spread, and the permanent establishment + of the American ideas of republican government, of modification of the + laws of war, of liberalization of commerce, of religious freedom and + toleration, and of the emancipation of the New World from the dynastic + and balance of power controversies of Europe. +</p> +<p> + Mr. John Quincy Adams, beyond any other statesman of the time in this + country, had the knowledge and experience, both European and American, + the comprehension of thought and purpose, and the moral convictions + which peculiarly fitted him to introduce our country into this new field + and to lay the foundation of an American policy. The declaration known + as the Monroe doctrine, and the objects and purposes of the congress of + Panama, both supposed to have been largely inspired by Mr. Adams, have + influenced public events from that day to this as a principle of + government for this continent and its adjacent islands. +</p> +<p> + It was at the period of the congress of Aix-la-Chapelle and of + Laybach, when the "Holy Alliance" was combined to arrest all political + changes in Europe in the sense of liberty, when they were intervening + in southern Europe for the reestablishment of absolutism, and when they + were meditating interference to check the progress of free government + in America, that Mr. Monroe, in his annual message of December, 1823, + declared that the United States would consider any attempt to extend + the European system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to + our peace and safety. "With the existing colonies or dependencies of + any European power," he said, "we have not interfered and shall not + interfere; but with the governments who have declared their independence + and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great + consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view + any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in + any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light + than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United + States." +</p> +<p> + This declaration resolved the solution of the immediate question of the + independence of the Spanish American colonies, and is supposed to have + exercised some influence upon the course of the British cabinet in + regard to the absolutist schemes in Europe as well as in America. +</p> +<p> + It has also exercised a permanent influence on this continent. It was at + once invoked in consequence of the supposed peril of Cuba on the side of + Europe; it was applied to a similar danger threatening Yucatan; it was + embodied in the treaty of the United States and Great Britain as to + Central America; it produced the successful opposition of the United + States to the attempt of Great Britain to exercise dominion in Nicaragua + under the cover of the Mosquito Indians; and it operated in like manner + to prevent the establishment of a European dynasty in Mexico. +</p> +<p> + The United States stand solemnly committed by repeated declarations and + repeated acts to this doctrine, and its application to the affairs of + this continent. In his message to the two Houses of Congress at the + commencement of the present session the President, following the + teachings of all our history, said that the existing "dependencies are + no longer regarded as subject to transfer from one European power to + another. When the present relation of colonies ceases, they are to + become independent powers, exercising the right of choice and of + self-control in the determination of their future condition and + relations with other powers." +</p> +<p> + This policy is not a policy of aggression; but it opposes the creation + of European dominion on American soil, or its transfer to other European + powers, and it looks hopefully to the time when, by the voluntary + departure of European Governments from this continent and the adjacent + islands, America shall be wholly American. +</p> +<p> + It does not contemplate forcible intervention in any legitimate contest, + but it protests against permitting such a contest to result in the + increase of European power or influence; and it ever impels this + Government, as in the late contest between the South American Republics + and Spain, to interpose its good offices to secure an honorable peace. +</p> +<p> + The congress of Panama was planned by Bolivar to secure the union of + Spanish America against Spain. It had originally military as well as + political purposes. In the military objects the United States could take + no part; and, indeed, the necessity for such objects ceased when the + full effects of Mr. Monroe's declarations were felt. But the pacific + objects of the congress—the establishment of close and cordial + relations of amity, the creation of commercial intercourse, of + interchange of political thought, and of habits of good understanding + between the new Republics and the United States and their respective + citizens—might perhaps have been attained had the Administration of + that day received the united support of the country. Unhappily, they + were lost; the new States were removed from the sympathetic and + protecting influence of our example, and their commerce, which we might + then have secured, passed into other hands, unfriendly to the United + States. +</p> +<p> + In looking back upon the Panama congress from this length of time it is + easy to understand why the earnest and patriotic men who endeavored to + crystallize an American system for this continent failed. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Clay and Mr. Adams were far-sighted statesmen, but, unfortunately, + they struck against the rock of African slavery. One of the questions + proposed for discussion in the conference was "the consideration of + the means to be adopted for the entire abolition of the African slave + trade," to which proposition the committee of the United States Senate + of that day replied: "The United States have not certainly the right, + and ought never to feel the inclination, to dictate to others who may + differ with them upon this subject; nor do the committee see the + expediency of insulting other states with whom we are maintaining + relations of perfect amity by ascending the moral chair and proclaiming + from thence mere abstract principles, of the rectitude of which each + nation enjoys the perfect right of deciding for itself." The same + committee also alluded to the possibility that the condition of the + islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, still the possessions of Spain and + still slaveholding, might be made the subject of discussion and of + contemplated action by the Panama congress. "If ever the United States," + they said, "permit themselves to be associated with these nations in any + general congress assembled for the discussion of common plans in any way + affecting European interests, they will by such act not only deprive + themselves of the ability they now possess of rendering useful + assistance to the other American States, but also produce other effects + prejudicial to their own interests." +</p> +<p> + Thus the necessity at that day of preserving the great interest of the + Southern States in African slavery, and of preventing a change in the + character of labor in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, lost to the + United States the opportunity of giving a permanent direction to the + political and commercial connections of the newly enfranchised Spanish + American States, and their trade passed into hands unfriendly to the + United States, and has remained there ever since. +</p> +<p> + Events subsequent to that date have tended to place us in a position to + retrieve our mistakes, among which events may be particularly named the + suppression of the rebellion, the manifestation of our undeveloped and + unexpected military power, the retirement of the French from Mexico, and + the abolition of slavery in the United States. +</p> +<p> + There is good reason to believe that the latter fact has had an + important influence in our favor in Spanish America. It has caused us + to be regarded there with more sympathetic as well as more respectful + consideration. It has relieved those Republics from the fear of + filibusterism which had been formerly incited against Central America + and Mexico in the interest of slave extension, and it has produced + an impression of the stability of our institutions and of our public + strength sufficient to dissipate the fears of our friends or the hopes + of those who wish us ill. +</p> +<p> + Thus there exists in the Spanish American Republics confidence toward + the United States. On our side they find a feeling of cordial amity and + friendship, and a desire to cultivate and develop our common interests + on this continent. With some of these States our relations are more + intimate than with others, either by reason of closer similarity of + constitutional forms, of greater commercial intercourse, of proximity in + fact, or of the construction or contemplated construction of lines of + transit for our trade and commerce between the Atlantic and the Pacific. + With several of them we have peculiar treaty relations. The treaty of + 1846 between the United States and New Granada contains stipulations + of guaranty for the neutrality of that part of the Isthmus within the + present territory of Colombia, and for the protection of the rights + of sovereignty and property therein belonging to Colombia. Similar + stipulations appear in the treaty of 1867 with Nicaragua, and of July, + 1864, with Honduras. Those treaties (like the treaty of alliance made + with France in 1778 by Dr. Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee) + constitute <i>pro tanto</i> a true protective alliance between the United + States and each of those Republics. Provisions of like effect appear + in the treaty of April 19, 1850, between Great Britain and the United + States. +</p> +<p> + Brazil, with her imperial semblance and constitutional reality, has + always held relations of amity with us, which have been fortified by + the opening of her great rivers to commerce. It needs only that, in + emulation of Russia and the United States, she should emancipate her + slaves to place her in more complete sympathy with the rest of America. +</p> +<p> + It will not be presumptuous, after the foregoing sketch, to say, with + entire consideration for the sovereignty and national pride of the + Spanish American Republics, that the United States, by the priority + of their independence, by the stability of their institutions, by the + regard of their people for the forms of law, by their resources as a + government, by their naval power, by their commercial enterprise, by the + attractions which they offer to European immigration, by the prodigious + internal development of their resources and wealth, and by the + intellectual life of their population, occupy of necessity a prominent + position on this continent, which they neither can nor should abdicate, + which entitles them to a leading voice, and which imposes upon them + duties of right and of honor regarding American questions, whether those + questions affect emancipated colonies or colonies still subject to + European dominion. +</p> +<p> + The public questions which existed as to all European colonies prior to + and during the revolutions in the continental colonies of Spain and + Portugal still exist with reference to the European colonies which + remain; and they now return upon us in full force, as we watch events in + Cuba and Porto Rico. +</p> +<p> + Whatever may be the result of the pending contest in Cuba, it appears + to be the belief of some of the leading statesmen of Spain that the + relations which now exist between the island and the mother country can + not be long continued. It is understood that the resources for carrying + on the struggle have been supplied mainly from Cuba, by the aid of that + portion of the population which does not desire to see its political + destinies intrusted to the persons who direct the movements of the + insurgents; but it does not follow that its political relations with + Spain are to remain unchanged, or that even the party which is now + dominant in the island will wish to forever continue colonists. +</p> +<p> + These facts give reason to think that when the contest shall close, + Cuba, with her resources strained, but unexhausted (whatever may be + her political relations), will resume and continue her old commercial + relations with the United States; and it is not impossible that at some + day, not far distant when measured by the course of history, she will be + called upon to elect her position in the family of nations. +</p> +<p> + Although the resolution of the Senate does not in terms apply to the + islands of the Antilles, it is impossible to answer it without speaking + of them. They outlie the southern coast of the United States and guard + the approaches to the ports of Mexico, Venezuela, and the Isthmus, by + which we reach from the east the western coasts of Mexico and of the + Spanish States. The people of the Spanish islands speak the language + and share the traditions, customs, ideas, and religion of the Spanish + American States of the continent, and will probably, like them, become + at some time independent of the mother country. It would, therefore, + be unwise, while shaping a commercial policy for the continent, to + disregard the islands which lie so much nearer to our seaports. +</p> +<p> + With the Spanish islands of Cuba and Porto Rico we maintain, in spite of + their adverse legislation, a large commerce by reason of our necessities + and of their proximity. In the year ending June 30, 1869, we imported + from them merchandise valued at $65,609,274. During the same time we + sent them goods to the value only of $15,313,919. +</p> +<p> + The prohibitory duties forced upon them by the policy of Spain + shut out much that we might supply. Their tropical productions, for + instance, are too valuable to allow their lands to be given up to the + growth of breadstuffs; yet, instead of taking these articles from the + superabundant fields of their nearest neighbors, they are forced to + go to the distant plains of Spain. It will be for the interest of the + United States to shape its general policy so that this relation of + imports and exports shall be altered in Cuba when peace is restored + and its political condition is satisfactorily established. +</p> +<p> + With none of the other Spanish American States in North and South + America are our commercial relations what they should be. Our total + imports in the year ending June 30, 1869, from these countries were less + than $25,000,000 (or not one-half the amount from Cuba alone), and our + exports for the same time to them were only $17,850,313; and yet these + countries have an aggregate population nearly or quite as great as that + of the United States; they have republican forms of government, and they + profess to be, and probably really are, in political sympathy with us. +</p> +<p> + This Department is not able to give with entire accuracy the imports + and exports of Great Britain with the same countries during the + corresponding period. It is believed, however, the following figures + will be found to be not far from correct: Imports to Great Britain, + $42,820,942; exports from Great Britain, $40,682,102. +</p> +<p> + It thus appears that notwithstanding the greater distance which + the commerce has to travel in coming to and from Great Britain, + notwithstanding the political sympathy which ought naturally to exist + between republics, notwithstanding the American idea which has been + so prominently and so constantly put forward by the Government of the + United States, notwithstanding the acknowledged skill of American + manufacturers, notwithstanding the ready markets which the great cities + of the United States afford for the consumption of tropical productions, + the inhabitants of the Spanish American continent consume of the + products of Great Britain more than twice the quantity they take of + the products of the United States, and that they sell to us only + three-fifths of the amount they sell to Great Britain. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of State appends to this report the tables on which these + statements are founded. That their commerce with the United States is + not large may be partially explained by the fact that these States have + been subject to many successive revolutions since the failure of the + congress of Panama. These revolutions not only exhaust their resources + and burden them with debt, but they check emigration, prevent the flow + of foreign capital into the country, and stop the enterprise which needs + a stable government for its development. +</p> +<p> + These suggestions are, however, applicable to the British commerce as + well as to our own, and they do not explain why we, with the natural + advantages in our favor, fall so far behind. The Isthmus of Panama is + the common point where the commerce of the western coasts of Mexico and + South America meets. When it arrives there, why should it seek Liverpool + and London rather than New York? +</p> +<p> + The political causes which have operated to divert this commerce from us + the Secretary of State has endeavored to explain. A favorable time has + now come for removing them—for laying the foundation of an American + policy which shall bind in closer union the American Republics. Let + them understand that the United States do not covet their territories; + that our only desire is to see them peaceful, with free and stable + governments, increasing in wealth and population, and developing in the + lines in which their own traditions, customs, habits, laws, and modes + of thought will naturally take them. Let them feel that, as in 1826, + so now, this Government is ready to aid them to the full extent of its + constitutional power in any steps which they may take for their better + protection against anarchy. Let them be convinced that the United States + is prepared, in good faith and without ulterior purposes, to join them + in the development of a peaceful American commercial policy that may in + time include this continent and the West Indian Islands. Let this be + comprehended, and there will be no political reason why we may not + "secure to the United States that proportionate share of the trade of + this continent to which their close relations of geographical contiguity + and political friendship with all the States of America justly entitle + them." +</p> +<p> + It may not be enough to remove the political obstacles only. The + financial policy which the war made necessary may have operated + injuriously upon our commerce with these States. The resolution of the + Senate calls, on these points, for detailed information which is not + within the control of the Secretary of State, and for recommendations + for the future which he is not prepared to give without that + information. To fully answer the Senate's call, it would probably be + necessary to employ some competent agent, familiar with the Spanish + American States, to collate and arrange the information asked for. + For this there is no appropriation by Congress. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully submitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + <i>Commerce of the United States with the countries on this continent and + adjacent islands for the year ended June 30, 1860</i>. +</center> +<center> + [Compiled from the Annual Report on Commerce and Navigation.] +</center> + +<table summary="U.S. Commerce with various countries, year ended June 30, 1860." width="100%"> +<tr><td> Countries.</td><td align="right"> Imports. </td><td align="right">Exports. </td><td align="right">Reexports. </td><td align="right">Total exports. </td><td align="right">Total commerce.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Dominion of Canada </td><td align="right">$3,353,010 </td><td align="right">$18,188,613 </td><td align="right">$2,858,782 </td><td align="right">$21,047,395 </td><td align="right">$51,400,405</td></tr> +<tr><td> All other British possessions in North America </td><td align="right">1,737,304 </td><td align="right">2,703,173 </td><td align="right">446,664 </td><td align="right">3,149,837 </td><td align="right">4,887,141</td></tr> +<tr><td> British West Indies </td><td align="right">6,682,391 </td><td align="right">9,142,344 </td><td align="right">101,760 </td><td align="right">9,244,104 </td><td align="right">15,926,495</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td colspan="5"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Total </td><td align="right">38,772,705 </td><td align="right">30,034,130 </td><td align="right">3,407,206 </td><td align="right">33,441,336 </td><td align="right">72,214,041</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Cuba </td><td align="right">58,201,374 </td><td align="right">12,643,955 </td><td align="right">7,064,787 </td><td align="right">19,708,742 </td><td align="right">77,910,116</td></tr> +<tr><td> Porto Rico </td><td align="right">7,407,900 </td><td align="right">2,669,964 </td><td align="right">114,037 </td><td align="right">2,784,001 </td><td align="right">10,191,901</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td colspan="5"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Total </td><td align="right">65,609,274 </td><td align="right">15,313,919 </td><td align="right">7,178,824 </td><td align="right">22,492,743 </td><td align="right">88,102,017</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> French possessions in America </td><td align="right">696,952 </td><td align="right">1,174,056 </td><td align="right">45,514 </td><td align="right">1,219,570 </td><td align="right">1,916,522</td></tr> +<tr><td> Danish West Indies </td><td align="right">638,550 </td><td align="right">1,500,000 </td><td align="right">39,121 </td><td align="right">1,539,121 </td><td align="right">2,177,671</td></tr> +<tr><td> Dutch West Indies and Guiana </td><td align="right">999,099 </td><td align="right">926,051 </td><td align="right">29,595 </td><td align="right">955,646 </td><td align="right">1,954,745</td></tr> +<tr><td> Hayti and San Domingo </td><td align="right">729,632 </td><td align="right">1,349,438 </td><td align="right">129,462 </td><td align="right">1,478,900 </td><td align="right">2,208,532</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sandwich Islands </td><td align="right">1,298,065 </td><td align="right">700,962 </td><td align="right">86,665 </td><td align="right">787,627 </td><td align="right">2,085,712</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td colspan="5"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Total </td><td align="right">4,362,318 </td><td align="right">5,650,507 </td><td align="right">330,357 </td><td align="right">5,980,864 </td><td align="right">10,343,182</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Mexico </td><td align="right">7,232,006 </td><td align="right">3,836,699 </td><td align="right">1,047,408 </td><td align="right">4,884,107 </td><td align="right">12,116,113</td></tr> +<tr><td> Central American States </td><td align="right">733,296 </td><td align="right">1,324,336 </td><td align="right">52,146 </td><td align="right">1,376,482 </td><td align="right">2,109,778</td></tr> +<tr><td> Colombia </td><td align="right">5,291,706 </td><td align="right">4,900,075 </td><td align="right">180,267 </td><td align="right">5,080,342 </td><td align="right">10,372,048</td></tr> +<tr><td> Peru </td><td align="right">1,386,310 </td><td align="right">1,556,434 </td><td align="right">116,911 </td><td align="right">1,673,445 </td><td align="right">3,059,755</td></tr> +<tr><td> Chile </td><td align="right">1,186,982 </td><td align="right">1,969,580 </td><td align="right">115,905 </td><td align="right">2,085,485 </td><td align="right">3,272,467</td></tr> +<tr><td> Argentine Republic </td><td align="right">5,162,966 </td><td align="right">2,235,089 </td><td align="right">272,425 </td><td align="right">2,507,514 </td><td align="right">7,670,480</td></tr> +<tr><td> Uruguay </td><td align="right">1,472,608 </td><td align="right">835,112 </td><td align="right">58,270 </td><td align="right">894,382 </td><td align="right">2,366,990</td></tr> +<tr><td> Brazil </td><td align="right">24,912,450 </td><td align="right">5,910,565 </td><td align="right">158,514 </td><td align="right">6,069,079 </td><td align="right">30,981,529</td></tr> +<tr><td> Venezuela </td><td align="right">2,431,760 </td><td align="right">1,191,888 </td><td align="right">29,176 </td><td align="right">1,221,064 </td><td align="right">3,652,824</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td colspan="5"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Total </td><td align="right">49,810,084 </td><td align="right">23,760,878 </td><td align="right">2,031,022 </td><td align="right">25,791,900 </td><td align="right">75,601,984</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Grand total </td><td align="right">158,554,381 </td><td align="right">74,759,434 </td><td align="right">12,947,409 </td><td align="right">87,706,843 </td><td align="right">246,261,224</td></tr> +<tr><td></td><td colspan="5"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Total commerce of United States </td><td align="right">437,314,255 </td><td align="right">413,954,615 </td><td align="right">25,173,414 </td><td align="right">439,128,029 </td><td align="right">876,442,284</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="6"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +</table> + +<center> + <i>Imports and exports of Great Britain with Spanish America and some + of the West India Islands for parts of the years 1868 and 1869</i>. +</center> + +<table summary="Imports/Exports 1868-1869" width="100%"> +<tr><td></td><td align="right">Year.</td><td align="right">Imports.</td><td align="right">Exports.</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td> Cuba and Porto Rico </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right">£3,228,292 </td><td align="right"> £1,374,242</td></tr> +<tr><td> French possessions in America </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 4,252 </td><td align="right"> 3,002</td></tr> +<tr><td> Danish West Indies </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 295,102 </td><td align="right"> 9,211</td></tr> +<tr><td> Dutch West Indies and Guiana </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 148,882 </td><td align="right"> 4,444</td></tr> +<tr><td> Hayti and San Domingo </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 220,806 </td><td align="right"> 6,043</td></tr> +<tr><td> Sandwich Islands </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 33,336 </td><td align="right"> 917</td></tr> +<tr><td> Mexico </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 350,664 </td><td align="right"> 92,077</td></tr> +<tr><td> Central American States </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 939,827 </td><td align="right"> 173,611</td></tr> +<tr><td> Colombia </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right"> 971,396 </td><td align="right"> 2,500,039</td></tr> +<tr><td> Peru </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right"> 2,734,784 </td><td align="right"> 1,180,931</td></tr> +<tr><td> Chile </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right"> 3,211,174 </td><td align="right"> 1,596,905</td></tr> +<tr><td> Argentine Republic </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right"> 1,034,445 </td><td align="right"> 1,841,953</td></tr> +<tr><td> Uruguay </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right"> 535,015 </td><td align="right"> 1,009,425</td></tr> +<tr><td> Brazil </td><td align="right">1869 </td><td align="right"> 7,754,526 </td><td align="right"> 5,477,439</td></tr> +<tr><td> Venezuela </td><td align="right">1868 </td><td align="right"> 69,997 </td><td align="right"> 10,452</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="4"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +</table> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States and His Majesty the + King of Sweden and Norway, relative to the citizenship of natives of the + one country who may emigrate to the other. A protocol on the subject is + also herewith transmitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a + convention between the United States and the Republic of Salvador for + the surrender of fugitive criminals, signed at San Salvador on the 23d + day of May last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>July 15, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + Your attention is respectfully called to the necessity of passing an + Indian appropriation bill before the members of Congress separate. + Without such appropriation Indian hostilities are sure to ensue, and + with them suffering, loss of life, and expenditures vast as compared + with the amount asked for. +</p> +<p> + The latest intelligence from Europe indicates the imminence of a + war between France and North Germany. In view of this a sound policy + indicates the importance of some legislation tending to enlarge the + commercial marine of this country. The vessels of this country at the + present time are insufficient to meet the demand which the existence of + a war in Europe will impose upon the commerce of the United States, and + I submit to the consideration of Congress that the interests of the + country will be advanced by the opportunity afforded to our citizens to + purchase vessels of foreign construction for the foreign trade of the + country. An act to this effect may be limited in its duration to meet + the immediate exigency. +</p> +<p> + The foreign-mail service of the United States is in a large degree + dependent upon the Bremen and Hamburg lines of steamers. The Post-Office + Department has entered into contracts in writing with the two companies + above named, and with the Williams and Guion lines, respectively, for a + regular and continuous service of two years. The only arrangement that + could be made with the Inman and Cunard lines is temporary, and may be + broken off at any time. +</p> +<p> + The North German lines are first class in point of speed and equipment, + their steamers usually making the trip across the Atlantic in from + twenty-four to thirty-six hours in advance of the Williams and Guion + lines. +</p> +<p> + Should the North German steamers be blockaded or impeded by France, our + postal intercourse with foreign nations will be greatly embarrassed + unless Congress shall interpose for its relief. +</p> +<p> + I suggest to Congress the propriety of further postponing the time for + adjournment, with the view of considering the questions herein + communicated. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 15, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to their resolution of the 9th instant, I transmit a report<a href="#note-28"><small>28</small></a> + from the Secretary of State and the papers which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., January 11, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 273, entitled + "An act for the relief of Rollin White," for the reasons set forth in + the accompanying communication, dated December n, 1869, from the Chief + of Ordnance. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + ORDNANCE OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, December 11, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + Hon. W.W. BELKNAP, +<br> + <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR: In the year 1855 Rollin White obtained letters patent for + improvements in repeating pistols, in (among other things) extending the + chambers of the rotating cylinder through to the rear, so as to enable + the chambers to be charged at the rear by hand or by a self-acting + charger. +</p> +<p> + Some time afterwards, and prior to the breaking out of the rebellion, + he assigned this patent to Smith & Wesson, of Springfield, Mass., for + the sum of $500 in cash and their obligation to pay him 25 cents royalty + on each pistol manufactured under the patent, binding himself to apply + for and to use his influence to procure a renewal of the patent. He + afterwards surrendered this original patent and obtained a reissue + in three divisions. Two years before the expiration of the latter he + applied to the Commissioner of Patents for an extension, upon the + ground of insufficiency of compensation. The Commissioner rejected the + application for an extension, without assigning any reason, and the + patents expired by limitation on the 3d of April, 1869, and the + invention became public property. +</p> +<p> + On the 9th of April, 1869, a bill authorizing the Commissioner of + Patents to reconsider the application of Rollin White for extension of + his patents was introduced in the Senate and passed without debate. It + passed the House without debate on the 10th of April, but failed to + receive the signature of the Vice-President before Congress adjourned. + It is understood that it has now been signed by that officer, and only + awaits the approval of the President to become a law. +</p> +<p> + Unless the ends of justice require the extension of this patent, it + should not be renewed. So far as I have been able to ascertain, justice + to the Government and to the public forbids this patent from being + renewed. +</p> +<p> + The validity of the patent has been questioned for many years, and it is + understood that it was only affirmed by the Supreme Court by a tie vote, + four of the justices voting affirmatively and an equal number + negatively. +</p> +<p> + Its renewal is urged by Rollin White upon the ground that he has not + been sufficiently compensated for his invention. Rollin White has + received nearly $71,000 as royalty. Smith & Wesson, for the years 1862, + 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, and 1868, returned incomes amounting in + the aggregate to about $1,000,000. This was derived chiefly from the + manufacture of firearms under Rollin White's patent, that firm holding + the exclusive right to manufacture under it and being engaged almost + exclusively in their manufacture. +</p> +<p> + It is believed that the Government suffered inconvenience and + embarrassment enough during the war in consequence of the inability of + manufacturers to use this patent, and that its further extension will + operate prejudicially to its interest by compelling it to pay to parties + already well paid a large royalty for altering its revolvers to use + metallic cartridges. +</p> +<p> + For these reasons I respectfully request that you will call the + attention of the President of the United States to this subject before + he acts upon the bill which is now before him. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + A.B. DYER, +<br> + <i>Brevet Major-General, Chief of Ordnance</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 14, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith return without my approval Senate bill No. 476, "An act to + fix the status of certain Federal soldiers enlisting in the Union Army + from the States of Alabama and Florida," for the reasons embodied in the + following facts, which have been obtained from the office of the Second + Comptroller: +</p> +<p> + The First Regiment of Florida Cavalry, composed of six companies, was + organized from December, 1862, to August, 1864, to serve three years. + It was mustered out of service November 17, 1865, by reason of general + order from the War Department discharging all cavalry organizations east + of the Mississippi. +</p> +<p> + The men of this regiment enlisting prior to July 18, 1864, received $25 + advance bounty at muster-in, and the discharged soldiers and heirs of + those deceased have been paid the same bounty under act of July 22, + 1861, joint resolution of January 13, 1864, an act of July 28, 1866, + as men enlisted at the same time in other volunteer organizations. +</p> +<p> + The Second Regiment of Florida Cavalry, composed of seven companies, was + organized from December, 1863, to June, 1864, to serve three years. It + was mustered out November 29, 1865, by reason of the order discharging + cavalry organizations east of the Mississippi. Most of the men received + the $25 advance bounty at muster-in, and the discharged men and heirs of + deceased men have received bounty under the several acts of Congress + cited above, subject to the same conditions which apply to men who + enlisted at the same time in other volunteer organizations. +</p> +<p> + The First Alabama Cavalry was originally organized as a one-year + regiment from December, 1862, to September, 1863, and two companies + of three-years men (Companies I and K) were added to complete its + organization. These companies were formerly Companies D and E of the + First Middle Tennessee Cavalry. Prior to the expiration of the term + of the one-year men, the Adjutant-General of the Army, of date May 15, + 1863, authorized General Dodge to fill up this command, and in accordance + therewith the places of the companies discharged by reason of expiration + of term were filled by companies of men enlisted for three years. The + original companies, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and L, were organized from + December, 1862, to September 25, 1863, and were discharged by companies + from December 22, 1863, to September 28, 1864, in order as the term (one + year) of each company expired. Companies I and K, mustered in August, + 1862, to serve three years, were discharged in July, 1865, by reason + of expiration of term of service. As reorganized under the order above + mentioned, the regiment consisted of Companies A, B, C, D, E, and G, + organized from February 5, 1864, to October, 1864, to serve three years; + Companies F, L, and M, organized from December 28, 1863, to October 31, + 1864, to serve one and three years; Company H, organized in March and + April, 1865, to serve three years, and Companies I and K, of the old + organization described above. The men of the First Alabama Cavalry who + enlisted for three years have been paid bounty under the several acts + of Congress upon the same principles which apply to other three-years + volunteers. The one-year men enlisted prior to July 18, 1864, received + no bounty, but $100 bounty has been paid the proper heirs of the + one-year men of this organization who died in the service, in accordance + with the act of July 22, 1861, under which the regiment was originally + organized. +</p> +<p> + Some of the men of these organizations were erroneously paid by the Pay + Department at the time of their muster out of service, they having been + paid but $100, when they should have been allowed $300 under the joint + resolution of January 13, 1864. The balance of bounty due these men is + being paid by the proper accounting officers. It will be seen by + comparing the above statement with the act under consideration that the + effect of the act will be to give the one-year men of the First Alabama + Cavalry, nearly all of whom enlisted in 1862 and 1863, a bounty of $100 + each, or a proportionate part, according to the time served. It would + give each man of Companies I and K of the First Alabama Cavalry $100 + more bounty. The bounty of the other three-years men of the First + Alabama Cavalry, First Florida Cavalry, and Second Florida Cavalry, who + enlisted prior to December 25, 1863, and from April 1, 1864, to July 17, + 1864, inclusive, and who were discharged by reason of orders from the + War Department, will not be affected. +</p> +<p> + The men enlisting in these organizations under joint resolution of + January 13, 1864, receive under existing laws $100 more bounty than they + would be entitled to receive if the act under consideration becomes a + law. +</p> +<p> + In case of deceased men the working of the act is still more perplexing, + as the prescribed order of inheritance under the act of July 4, 1864, is + entirely different from that under all other acts. +</p> +<p> + A large proportion of the claims in case of the deceased men have been + settled, and the bounties have been paid fathers, mothers, brothers, + and sisters, the proper heirs under existing laws, which under this act + would go only to the widow, children, and widowed mother. Bounty has + also been paid to parents under act of July 28, 1866, which this act + would require to be paid to the widow, although she may have remarried. +</p> +<p> + Under the act of July 28, 1866, children of age are not entitled, but + this act makes them joint heirs with the minor children. +</p> +<p> + In case of the deceased one-year men, and the three-years men enlisted + under joint resolution of January 13, 1864, the effect of this act would + only be to change the prescribed order of inheritance. +</p> +<p> + In case of the three-years men enlisted under act of July 22, 1861, the + order of inheritance is changed by this act, and the heirs entitled + (widow, children, and widowed mother) will receive $100 more bounty than + they are now entitled to receive. +</p> +<p> + It may be well to state that November 14, 1864, the War Department gave + authority to enlist men who had deserted from the rebel army as recruits + for the First Alabama Cavalry, with the distinct understanding that they + were to receive no bounty. Such recruits have not been paid bounty, and + it may be a question whether the act under consideration would entitle + them to any. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas, pursuant to the first section of the act of Congress approved + the 11th day of June, 1864, entitled "An act to provide for the + execution of treaties between the United States and foreign nations + respecting consular jurisdiction over the crews of vessels of such + foreign nations in the waters and ports of the United States," it is + provided that before that act shall take effect as to the ships and + vessels of any particular nation having such treaty with the United + States the President of the United States shall have been satisfied that + similar provisions have been made for the execution of such treaty by + the other contracting party, and shall have issued his proclamation to + that effect, declaring that act to be in force as to such nation; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas due inquiry having been made and satisfactory answers having + been received that similar provisions are in force in France, Prussia + and the other States of the North German Union, and Italy: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the + United States of America, do hereby proclaim the same accordingly. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 10th day of February, A.D. 1870, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + ULYSSES S. GRANT, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<p> + <i>To all whom it may concern:</i> +</p> +<p> + An exequatur, bearing date the 17th day of June, 1865, having been + issued to Joaquin de Palma, recognizing him as vice-consul of Portugal + at Savannah, Ga., and declaring him free to exercise and enjoy such + functions, powers, and privileges as are allowed to vice-consuls by the + law of nations or by the laws of the United States and existing treaty + stipulations between the Government of Portugal and the United States; + but for satisfactory reasons it is deemed advisable that the said + Joaquin de Palma should no longer be permitted to continue in the + exercise of said functions, powers, and privileges: +</p> +<p> + These are therefore to declare that I no longer recognize the said + Joaquin de Palma as vice-consul of Portugal at Savannah, Ga., and will + not permit him to exercise or enjoy any of the functions, powers, or + privileges allowed to a consular officer of that nation; and that I do + hereby wholly revoke and annul the said exequatur heretofore given, and + do declare the same to be absolutely null and void from this day + forward. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent and + the seal of the United States of America to be hereunto affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand, at Washington, this 12th day of May, A.D. 1870, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas it has come to my knowledge that sundry illegal military + enterprises and expeditions are being set on foot within the territory + and jurisdiction of the United States with a view to carry on the same + from such territory and jurisdiction against the people and district of + the Dominion of Canada, within the dominions of Her Majesty the Queen of + the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with whom the United + States are at peace: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby admonish all good citizens of the United States and all persons + within the territory and jurisdiction of the United States against + aiding, countenancing, abetting, or taking part in such unlawful + proceedings; and I do hereby warn all persons that by committing such + illegal acts they will forfeit all right to the protection of the + Government or to its interference in their behalf to rescue them from + the consequences of their own acts; and I do hereby enjoin all officers + in the service of the United States to employ all their lawful authority + and power to prevent and defeat the aforesaid unlawful proceedings and + to arrest and bring to justice all persons who may be engaged therein. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 24th day of May, A.D. 1870, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-fourth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas a state of war unhappily exists between France on the one side + and the North German Confederation and its allies on the other side; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the United States are on terms of friendship and amity with all + the contending powers and with the persons inhabiting their several + dominions; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas great numbers of the citizens of the United States reside within + the territories or dominions of each of the said belligerents and carry + on commerce, trade, or other business or pursuits therein, protected by + the faith of treaties; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas great numbers of the subjects or citizens of each of the said + belligerents reside within the territory or jurisdiction of the United + States and carry on commerce, trade, or other business or pursuits + therein; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the laws of the United States, without interfering with the free + expression of opinion and sympathy, or with the open manufacture or sale + of arms or munitions of war, nevertheless impose upon all persons who + may be within their territory and jurisdiction the duty of an impartial + neutrality during the existence of the contest: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + in order to preserve the neutrality of the United States and of their + citizens and of persons within their territory and jurisdiction, and to + enforce their laws, and in order that all persons, being warned of the + general tenor of the laws and treaties of the United States in this + behalf and of the law of nations, may thus be prevented from an + unintentional violation of the same, do hereby declare and proclaim that + by the act passed on the 20th day of April, A.D. 1818, commonly known as + the "neutrality law," the following acts are forbidden to be done, under + severe penalties, within the territory and jurisdiction of the United + States, to wit: +</p> +<p> + 1. Accepting and exercising a commission to serve either of the said + belligerents, by land or by sea, against the other belligerent. +</p> +<p> + 2. Enlisting or entering into the service of either of the said + belligerents as a soldier or as a marine or seaman on board of any + vessel of war, letter of marque, or privateer. +</p> +<p> + 3. Hiring or retaining another person to enlist or enter himself in the + service of either of the said belligerents as a soldier or as a marine + or seaman on board of any vessel of war, letter of marque, or privateer. +</p> +<p> + 4. Hiring another person to go beyond the limits or jurisdiction of the + United States with intent to be enlisted as aforesaid. +</p> +<p> + 5. Hiring another person to go beyond the limits of the United States + with intent to be entered into service as aforesaid. +</p> +<p> + 6. Retaining another person to go beyond the limits of the United States + with intent to be enlisted as aforesaid. +</p> +<p> + 7. Retaining another person to go beyond the limits of the United States + with intent to be entered into service as aforesaid. (But the said act + is not to be construed to extend to a citizen or subject of either + belligerent who, being transiently within the United States, shall, on + board of any vessel of war which at the time of its arrival within the + United States was fitted and equipped as such vessel of war, enlist or + enter himself, or hire or retain another subject or citizen of the same + belligerent who is transiently within the United States to enlist or + enter himself, to serve such belligerent on board such vessel of war, + if the United States shall then be at peace with such belligerent.) +</p> +<p> + 8. Fitting out and arming, or attempting to fit out and arm, or + procuring to be fitted out and armed, or knowingly being concerned in + the furnishing, fitting out, or arming of any ship or vessel with intent + that such ship or vessel shall be employed in the service of either of + the said belligerents. +</p> +<p> + 9. Issuing or delivering a commission within the territory or + jurisdiction of the United States for any ship or vessel to the intent + that she may be employed as aforesaid. +</p> +<p> + 10. Increasing or augmenting, or procuring to be increased or augmented, + or knowingly being concerned in increasing or augmenting, the force of + any ship of war, cruiser, or other armed vessel which at the time of her + arrival within the United States was a ship of war, cruiser, or armed + vessel in the service of either of the said belligerents, or belonging + to the subjects or citizens of either, by adding to the number of guns + of such vessel, or by changing those on board of her for guns of a + larger caliber, or by the addition thereto of any equipment solely + applicable to war. +</p> +<p> + 11. Beginning or setting on foot or providing or preparing the means + for any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from the + territory or jurisdiction of the United States against the territories + or dominions of either of the said belligerents. +</p> +<p> + And I do further declare and proclaim that by the nineteenth article of + the treaty of amity and commerce which was concluded between His Majesty + the King of Prussia and the United States of America on the 11th day of + July, A.D. 1799, which article was revived by the treaty of May 1, A.D. + 1828, between the same parties, and is still in force, it was agreed + that "the vessels of war, public and private, of both parties shall + carry freely, wheresoever they please, the vessels and effects taken + from their enemies, without being obliged to pay any duties, charges, or + fees to officers of admiralty, of the customs, or any others; nor shall + such prizes be arrested, searched, or put under legal process when they + come to and enter the ports of the other party, but may freely be + carried out again at any time by their captors to the places expressed + in their commissions, which the commanding officer of such vessel shall + be obliged to show." +</p> +<p> + And I do further declare and proclaim that it has been officially + communicated to the Government of the United States by the envoy + extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the North German + Confederation at Washington that private property on the high seas will + be exempted from seizure by the ships of His Majesty the King of + Prussia, without regard to reciprocity. +</p> +<p> + And I do further declare and proclaim that it has been officially + communicated to the Government of the United States by the envoy + extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of + the French at Washington that orders have been given that in the conduct + of the war the commanders of the French forces on land and on the seas + shall scrupulously observe toward neutral powers the rules of + international law and that they shall strictly adhere to the principles + set forth in the declaration of the congress of Paris of the 16th of + April, 1856; that is to say: +</p> +<p> + First. That privateering is and remains abolished. +</p> +<p> + Second. That the neutral flag covers enemy's goods, with the exception + of contraband of war. +</p> +<p> + Third. That neutral goods, with the exception of contraband of war, are + not liable to capture under the enemy's flag. +</p> +<p> + Fourth. That blockades, in order to be binding, must be effective—that + is to say, maintained by a force sufficient really to prevent access to + the coast of the enemy; and that, although the United States have not + adhered to the declaration of 1856, the vessels of His Majesty will not + seize enemy's property found on board of a vessel of the United States, + provided that property is not contraband of war. +</p> +<p> + And I do further declare and proclaim that the statutes of the United + States and the law of nations alike require that no person within the + territory and jurisdiction of the United States shall take part, + directly or indirectly, in the said war, but shall remain at peace with + each of the said belligerents and shall maintain a strict and impartial + neutrality, and that whatever privileges shall be accorded to one + belligerent within the ports of the United States shall be in like + manner accorded to the other. +</p> +<p> + And I do hereby enjoin all the good citizens of the United States and + all persons residing or being within the territory or jurisdiction of + the United States to observe the laws thereof and to commit no act + contrary to the provisions of the said statutes or in violation of the + law of nations in that behalf. +</p> +<p> + And I do hereby warn all citizens of the United States and all persons + residing or being within their territory or jurisdiction that while the + free and full expression of sympathies in public and private is not + restricted by the laws of the United States, military forces in aid of + either belligerent can not lawfully be originated or organized within + their jurisdiction; and that while all persons may lawfully and without + restriction, by reason of the aforesaid state of war, manufacture and + sell within the United States arms and munitions of war and other + articles ordinarily known as "contraband of war," yet they can not carry + such articles upon the high seas for the use or service of either + belligerent, nor can they transport soldiers and officers of either, + or attempt to break any blockade which may be lawfully established and + maintained during the war, without incurring the risk of hostile capture + and the penalties denounced by the law of nations in that behalf. +</p> +<p> + And I do hereby give notice that all citizens of the United States + and others who may claim the protection of this Government who may + misconduct themselves in the premises will do so at their peril, and + that they can in no wise obtain any protection from the Government of + the United States against the consequences of their misconduct. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal + of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of August, A.D. 1870, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas on the 22d day of August, 1870, my proclamation was issued + enjoining neutrality in the present war between France and the North + German Confederation and its allies, and declaring, so far as then + seemed to be necessary, the respective rights and obligations of the + belligerent parties and of the citizens of the United States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas subsequent information gives reason to apprehend that armed + cruisers of the belligerents may be tempted to abuse the hospitality + accorded to them in the ports, harbors, roadsteads, and other waters of + the United States, by making such waters subservient to the purposes of + war: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, do hereby proclaim and declare that any frequenting and use of + the waters within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States by + the armed vessels of either belligerent, whether public ships or + privateers, for the purpose of preparing for hostile operations or as + posts of observation upon the ships of war or privateers or merchant + vessels of the other belligerent lying within or being about to enter + the jurisdiction of the United States, must be regarded as unfriendly + and offensive and in violation of that neutrality which it is the + determination of this Government to observe; and to the end that the + hazard and inconvenience of such apprehended practices may be avoided, I + further proclaim and declare that from and after the 12th day of October + instant, and during the continuance of the present hostilities between + France and the North German Confederation and its allies, no ship of war + or privateer of either belligerent shall be permitted to make use of any + port, harbor, roadstead, or other waters within the jurisdiction of the + United States as a station or place of resort for any warlike purpose or + for the purpose of obtaining any facilities of warlike equipment; and + no ship of war or privateer of either belligerent shall be permitted to + sail out of or leave any port, harbor, roadstead, or waters subject to + the jurisdiction of the United States from which a vessel of the other + belligerent (whether the same shall be a ship of war, a privateer, or a + merchant ship) shall have previously departed until after the expiration + of at least twenty-four hours from the departure of such last-mentioned + vessel beyond the jurisdiction of the United States. If any ship + of war or privateer of either belligerent shall, after the time this + notification takes effect, enter any port, harbor, roadstead, or waters + of the United States, such vessel shall be required to depart and to + put to sea within twenty-four hours after her entrance into such port, + harbor, roadstead, or waters, except in case of stress of weather or of + her requiring provisions or things necessary for the subsistence of her + crew or for repairs, in either of which cases the authorities of the + port or of the nearest port (as the case may be) shall require her to + put to sea as soon as possible after the expiration of such period of + twenty-four hours, without permitting her to take in supplies beyond + what may be necessary for her immediate use; and no such vessel which + may have been permitted to remain within the waters of the United States + for the purpose of repair shall continue within such port, harbor, + roadstead, or waters for a longer period than twenty-four hours after + her necessary repairs shall have been completed, unless within such + twenty-four hours a vessel, whether ship of war, privateer, or merchant + ship, of the other belligerent shall have departed therefrom, in which + case the time limited for the departure of such ship of war or privateer + shall be extended so far as may be necessary to secure an interval of + not less than twenty-four hours between such departure and that of any + ship of war, privateer, or merchant ship of the other belligerent which + may have previously quit the same port, harbor, roadstead, or waters. + No ship of war or privateer of either belligerent shall be detained in + any port, harbor, roadstead, or waters of the United States more than + twenty-four hours by reason of the successive departures from such + port, harbor, roadstead, or waters of more than one vessel of the other + belligerent. But if there be several vessels of each or either of the + two belligerents in the same port, harbor, roadstead, or waters, the + order of their departure therefrom shall be so arranged as to afford + the opportunity of leaving alternately to the vessels of the respective + belligerents and to cause the least detention consistent with the + objects of this proclamation. No ship of war or privateer of either + belligerent shall be permitted, while in any port, harbor, roadstead, + or waters within the jurisdiction of the United States, to take in any + supplies except provisions and such other things as may be requisite + for the subsistence of her crew, and except so much coal only as may be + sufficient to carry such vessel, if without sail power, to the nearest + European port of her own country, or, in case the vessel is rigged to go + under sail and may also be propelled by steam power, then with half the + quantity of coal which she would be entitled to receive if dependent + upon steam alone; and no coal shall be again supplied to any such ship + of war or privateer in the same or any other port, harbor, roadstead, or + waters of the United States, without special permission, until after the + expiration of three months from the time when such coal may have been + last supplied to her within the waters of the United States, unless such + ship of war or privateer shall, since last thus supplied, have entered a + European port of the Government to which she belongs. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal + of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 8th day of October, A.D. 1870, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas divers evil-disposed persons have at sundry times within the + territory or jurisdiction of the United States begun or set on foot, or + provided or prepared the means for, military expeditions or enterprises + to be carried on thence against the territories or dominions of powers + with whom the United States are at peace, by organizing bodies + pretending to have powers of government over portions of the territories + or dominions of powers with whom the United States are at peace, or, by + being or assuming to be members of such bodies, by levying or collecting + money for the purpose or for the alleged purpose of using the same in + carrying on military enterprises against such territories or dominions + by enlisting and organizing armed forces to be used against such powers, + and by fitting out, equipping, and arming vessels to transport such + organized armed forces to be employed in hostilities against such + powers; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is alleged and there is reason to apprehend that such + evil-disposed persons have also at sundry times within the territory and + jurisdiction of the United States violated the laws thereof by accepting + and exercising commissions to serve by land or by sea against powers + with whom the United States are at peace by enlisting themselves or + other persons to carry on war against such powers by fitting out and + arming vessels with intent that the same shall be employed to cruise or + commit hostilities against such powers, or by delivering commissions + within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States for such + vessels to the intent that they might be employed as aforesaid; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas such acts are in violation of the laws of the United States in + such case made and provided, and are done in disregard of the duties and + obligations which all persons residing or being within the territory or + jurisdiction of the United States owe thereto, and are condemned by all + right-minded and law-abiding citizens: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, do hereby declare and proclaim that all persons hereafter found + within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States committing any + of the aforerecited violations of law or any similar violations of the + sovereignty of the United States for which punishment is provided by + law will be rigorously prosecuted therefor, and, upon conviction and + sentence to punishment, will not be entitled to expect or receive the + clemency of the Executive to save them from the consequences of their + guilt; and I enjoin upon every officer of this Government, civil or + military or naval, to use all efforts in his power to arrest for trial + and punishment every such offender against the laws providing for the + performance of our sacred obligations to friendly powers. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of October, A.D. 1870, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas it behooves a people sensible of their dependence on the + Almighty publicly and collectively to acknowledge their gratitude for + his favors and mercies and humbly to beseech for their continuance; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the people of the United States during the year now about to end + have special cause to be thankful for general prosperity, abundant + harvests, exemption from pestilence, foreign war, and civil strife: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the + United States, concurring in any similar recommendations from chief + magistrates of States, do hereby recommend to all citizens to meet in + their respective places of worship on Thursday, the 24th day of November + next, there to give thanks for the bounty of God during the year about + to close and to supplicate for its continuance hereafter. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 21st day of October, A.D. 1870, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 83. +</center> + +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, December 24, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + Brevet Major-General A.H. Terry, in addition to his duties as commander + of the Department of the South, is, by order of the President of the + United States, appointed to exercise the duties of commanding general of + the District of Georgia, as defined by the act of Congress approved + December 22, 1869. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> +E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., December 24, 1869</i>. +</p> +<p> + The painful duty devolves upon the President of announcing to the people + of the United States the death of one of her most distinguished citizens + and faithful public servants, the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, which occurred + in this city at an early hour this morning. +</p> +<p> + He was distinguished in the councils of the nation during the entire + period of its recent struggle for national existence—first as + Attorney-General, then as Secretary of War: He was unceasing in his + labors, earnest and fearless in the assumption of responsibilities + necessary to his country's success, respected by all good men, and + feared by wrongdoers. In his death the bar, the bench, and the nation + sustain a great loss, which will be mourned by all. +</p> +<p> + As a mark of respect to his memory it is ordered that the Executive + Mansion and the several Departments at Washington be draped in mourning, + and that all business be suspended on the day of the funeral. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 1. +</center> +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, January 4, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + By direction of the President of the United States, so much of General + Orders, No. 103, dated Headquarters Third Military District (Department + of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama), Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1868, and + so much of General Orders, No. 55, dated Headquarters of the Army, + Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, July 28, 1868, as refers to the + State of Georgia is hereby countermanded. Brevet Major-General Terry + will until further orders exercise within that State the powers of the + commander of a military district, as provided by the act of March 2, + 1867, and the acts supplementary thereto, under his assignment by + General Orders, No. 83, dated Headquarters of the Army, + Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, December 24, 1869. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 11. +</center> +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, January 29, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. The Senators and Representatives from the State of Virginia having + been admitted to their respective Houses of Congress, the command known + as the First Military District has ceased to exist. +</p> +<p> + II. By direction of the President, the States of Maryland, Virginia, + West Virginia, and North Carolina will compose the Department of + Virginia, under the command of Brevet Major-General E.R.S. Canby, + headquarters at Richmond, Va., and will form a part of the Military + Division of the Atlantic. +</p> +<p> + III. Commanding officers of all posts and detachments now serving in the + limits of the new department will report to General Canby for + instructions. The companies of the Eighth Infantry now serving in the + State of North Carolina will be relieved as early as possible, and + report to Brevet Major-General A.H. Terry, commanding Department of the + South, for orders. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 25. +</center> +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, February 26, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. The Senators and Representatives from the State of Mississippi having + been admitted to their respective Houses of Congress, the command known + as the Fourth Military District has ceased to exist. +</p> +<p> + II. By direction of the President, the State of Mississippi is attached + to the Department of the Cumberland, and the officers and troops within + the late Fourth Military District will accordingly report to Brevet + Major-General Cooke, commanding the department. +</p> +<p> + III. The general commanding the late Fourth Military District will + complete the records of that district as soon as practicable and send + them to the Adjutant-General of the Army, except such military records + as should properly be retained at the headquarters of the department, + which he will send there. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 35. +</center> +<p class="r"> + HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 31, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. By order of the President of the United States, the State of + Texas having been admitted to representation in Congress, the command + heretofore known as the Fifth Military District will cease to exist, and + will hereafter constitute a separate military department, headquarters + Austin, Tex., Brevet Major-General J.J. Reynolds commanding. +</p> +<p> + II. The department known as the Department of Louisiana will be + broken up; the State of Louisiana is hereby added to the Department of + Texas, and the State of Arkansas to the Department of the Missouri. + The commanding general Department of the Missouri will, as soon as + convenient, relieve the garrison at Little Rock by a detachment from the + Sixth Infantry, and the commanding officer of the troops now in Arkansas + will report to General J.J. Reynolds for orders, to take effect as soon + as replaced. +</p> +<p> + III. The new Department of Texas will form a part of the Military + Division of the South. +</p> +<p> + By command of General Sherman: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SECOND ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 5, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + A year of peace and general prosperity to this nation has passed since + the last assembling of Congress. We have, through a kind Providence, + been blessed with abundant crops, and have been spared from + complications and war with foreign nations. In our midst comparative + harmony has been restored. It is to be regretted, however, that a free + exercise of the elective franchise has by violence and intimidation been + denied to citizens in exceptional cases in several of the States lately + in rebellion, and the verdict of the people has thereby been reversed. + The States of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas have been restored to + representation in our national councils. Georgia, the only State now + without representation, may confidently be expected to take her place + there also at the beginning of the new year, and then, let us hope, will + be completed the work of reconstruction. With an acquiescence on the + part of the whole people in the national obligation to pay the public + debt created as the price of our Union, the pensions to our disabled + soldiers and sailors and their widows and orphans, and in the changes to + the Constitution which have been made necessary by a great rebellion, + there is no reason why we should not advance in material prosperity and + happiness as no other nation ever did after so protracted and + devastating a war. +</p> +<p> + Soon after the existing war broke out in Europe the protection of the + United States minister in Paris was invoked in favor of North Germans + domiciled in French territory. Instructions were issued to grant + the protection. This has been followed by an extension of American + protection to citizens of Saxony, Hesse and Saxe-Coburg, Gotha, + Colombia, Portugal, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Chile, + Paraguay, and Venezuela in Paris. The charge was an onerous one, + requiring constant and severe labor, as well as the exercise of + patience, prudence, and good judgment. It has been performed to the + entire satisfaction of this Government, and, as I am officially + informed, equally so to the satisfaction of the Government of North + Germany. +</p> +<p> + As soon as I learned that a republic had been proclaimed at Paris and + that the people of France had acquiesced in the change, the minister + of the United States was directed by telegraph to recognize it and to + tender my congratulations and those of the people of the United States. + The reestablishment in France of a system of government disconnected + with the dynastic traditions of Europe appeared to be a proper subject + for the felicitations of Americans. Should the present struggle + result in attaching the hearts of the French to our simpler forms + of representative government, it will be a subject of still further + satisfaction to our people. While we make no effort to impose our + institutions upon the inhabitants of other countries, and while we + adhere to our traditional neutrality in civil contests elsewhere, we can + not be indifferent to the spread of American political ideas in a great + and highly civilized country like France. +</p> +<p> + We were asked by the new Government to use our good offices, jointly + with those of European powers, in the interests of peace. Answer was + made that the established policy and the true interests of the United + States forbade them to interfere in European questions jointly with + European powers. I ascertained, informally and unofficially, that the + Government of North Germany was not then disposed to listen to such + representations from any power, and though earnestly wishing to see the + blessings of peace restored to the belligerents, with all of whom the + United States are on terms of friendship, I declined on the part of this + Government to take a step which could only result in injury to our true + interests, without advancing the object for which our intervention was + invoked. Should the time come when the action of the United States + can hasten the return of peace by a single hour, that action will be + heartily taken. I deemed it prudent, in view of the number of persons + of German and French birth living in the United States, to issue, soon + after official notice of a state of war had been received from both + belligerents, a proclamation<a href="#note-29"><small>29</small></a> defining the duties of the United + States as a neutral and the obligations of persons residing within + their territory to observe their laws and the laws of nations. This + proclamation was followed by others,<a href="#note-30"><small>30</small></a> as circumstances seemed to call + for them. The people, thus acquainted in advance of their duties and + obligations, have assisted in preventing violations of the neutrality + of the United States. +</p> +<p> + It is not understood that the condition of the insurrection in Cuba has + materially changed since the close of the last session of Congress. In + an early stage of the contest the authorities of Spain inaugurated a + system of arbitrary arrests, of close confinement, and of military trial + and execution of persons suspected of complicity with the insurgents, + and of summary embargo of their properties, and sequestration of their + revenues by executive warrant. Such proceedings, so far as they affected + the persons or property of citizens of the United States, were in + violation of the provisions of the treaty of 1795 between the United + States and Spain. +</p> +<p> + Representations of injuries resulting to several persons claiming to be + citizens of the United States by reason of such violations were made to + the Spanish Government. From April, 1869, to June last the Spanish + minister at Washington had been clothed with a limited power to aid in + redressing such wrongs. That power was found to be withdrawn, "in view," + as it was said, "of the favorable situation in which the island of Cuba" + then "was," which, however, did not lead to a revocation or suspension + of the extraordinary and arbitrary functions exercised by the executive + power in Cuba, and we were obliged to make our complaints at Madrid. In + the negotiations thus opened, and still pending there, the United States + only claimed that for the future the rights secured to their citizens + by treaty should be respected in Cuba, and that as to the past a + joint tribunal should be established in the United States with full + jurisdiction over all such claims. Before such an impartial tribunal + each claimant would be required to prove his case. On the other hand, + Spain would be at liberty to traverse every material fact, and thus + complete equity would be done. A case which at one time threatened + seriously to affect the relations between the United States and Spain + has already been disposed of in this way. The claim of the owners of the + <i>Colonel Lloyd Aspinwall</i> for the illegal seizure and detention of that + vessel was referred to arbitration by mutual consent, and has resulted + in an award to the United States, for the owners, of the sum of + $19,702.50 in gold. Another and long-pending claim of like nature, that + of the whaleship <i>Canada</i>, has been disposed of by friendly arbitrament + during the present year. It was referred, by the joint consent of Brazil + and the United States, to the decision of Sir Edward Thornton, Her + Britannic Majesty's minister at Washington, who kindly undertook the + laborious task of examining the voluminous mass of correspondence and + testimony submitted by the two Governments, and awarded to the United + States the sum of $100,740.09 in gold, which has since been paid by the + Imperial Government. These recent examples show that the mode which the + United States have proposed to Spain for adjusting the pending claims is + just and feasible, and that it may be agreed to by either nation without + dishonor. It is to be hoped that this moderate demand may be acceded + to by Spain without further delay. Should the pending negotiations, + unfortunately and unexpectedly, be without result, it will then become + my duty to communicate that fact to Congress and invite its action on + the subject. +</p> +<p> + The long-deferred peace conference between Spain and the allied South + American Republics has been inaugurated in Washington under the auspices + of the United States. Pursuant to the recommendation contained in the + resolution of the House of Representatives of the 17th of December, + 1866, the executive department of the Government offered its friendly + offices for the promotion of peace and harmony between Spain and the + allied Republics. Hesitations and obstacles occurred to the acceptance + of the offer. Ultimately, however, a conference was arranged, and was + opened in this city on the 29th of October last, at which I authorized + the Secretary of State to preside. It was attended by the ministers of + Spain, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. In consequence of the absence of a + representative from Bolivia, the conference was adjourned until the + attendance of a plenipotentiary from that Republic could be secured or + other measures could be adopted toward compassing its objects. +</p> +<p> + The allied and other Republics of Spanish origin on this continent may + see in this fact a new proof of our sincere interest in their welfare, + of our desire to see them blessed with good governments, capable of + maintaining order and of preserving their respective territorial + integrity, and of our sincere wish to extend our own commercial and + social relations with them. The time is not probably far distant when, + in the natural course of events, the European political connection with + this continent will cease. Our policy should be shaped, in view of this + probability, so as to ally the commercial interests of the Spanish + American States more closely to our own, and thus give the United States + all the preeminence and all the advantage which Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, + and Mr. Clay contemplated when they proposed to join in the congress of + Panama. +</p> +<p> + During the last session of Congress a treaty for the annexation of the + Republic of San Domingo to the United States failed to receive the + requisite two-thirds vote of the Senate. I was thoroughly convinced then + that the best interests of this country, commercially and materially, + demanded its ratification. Time has only confirmed me in this view. + I now firmly believe that the moment it is known that the United States + have entirely abandoned the project of accepting as a part of its + territory the island of San Domingo a free port will be negotiated for + by European nations in the Bay of Samana. A large commercial city will + spring up, to which we will be tributary without receiving corresponding + benefits, and then will be seen the folly of our rejecting so great + a prize. The Government of San Domingo has voluntarily sought this + annexation. It is a weak power, numbering probably less than 120,000 + souls, and yet possessing one of the richest territories under the sun, + capable of supporting a population of 10,000,000 people in luxury. The + people of San Domingo are not capable of maintaining themselves in their + present condition, and must look for outside support. They yearn for + the protection of our free institutions and laws, our progress and + civilization. Shall we refuse them? +</p> +<p> + The acquisition of San Domingo is desirable because of its geographical + position. It commands the entrance to the Caribbean Sea and the Isthmus + transit of commerce. It possesses the richest soil, best and most + capacious harbors, most salubrious climate, and the most valuable + products of the forests, mine, and soil of any of the West India + Islands. Its possession by us will in a few years build up a coastwise + commerce of immense magnitude, which will go far toward restoring to us + our lost merchant marine. It will give to us those articles which we + consume so largely and do not produce, thus equalizing our exports and + imports. In case of foreign war it will give us command of all the + islands referred to, and thus prevent an enemy from ever again + possessing himself of rendezvous upon our very coast. At present our + coast trade between the States bordering on the Atlantic and those + bordering on the Gulf of Mexico is cut into by the Bahamas and the + Antilles, Twice we must, as it were, pass through foreign countries + to get by sea from Georgia to the west coast of Florida. +</p> +<p> + San Domingo, with a stable government, under which her immense resources + can be developed, will give remunerative wages to tens of thousands of + laborers not now upon the island. This labor will take advantage of + every available means of transportation to abandon the adjacent islands + and seek the blessings of freedom and its sequence—each inhabitant + receiving the reward of his own labor. Porto Rico and Cuba will have + to abolish slavery, as a measure of self-preservation, to retain their + laborers. +</p> +<p> + San Domingo will become a large consumer of the products of Northern + farms and manufactories. The cheap rate at which her citizens can be + furnished with food, tools, and machinery will make it necessary that + contiguous islands should have the same advantages in order to compete + in the production of sugar, coffee, tobacco, tropical fruits, etc. This + will open to us a still wider market for our products. The production + of our own supply of these articles will cut off more than one hundred + millions of our annual imports, besides largely increasing our exports. + With such a picture it is easy to see how our large debt abroad is + ultimately to be extinguished. With a balance of trade against us + (including interest on bonds held by foreigners and money spent by our + citizens traveling in foreign lands) equal to the entire yield of the + precious metals in this country, it is not so easy to see how this + result is to be otherwise accomplished. +</p> +<p> + The acquisition of San Domingo is an adherence to the "Monroe doctrine;" + it is a measure of national protection; it is asserting our just claim + to a controlling influence over the great commercial traffic soon to + flow from west to east by way of the Isthmus of Darien; it is to build + up our merchant marine; it is to furnish new markets for the products of + our farms, shops, and manufactories; it is to make slavery insupportable + in Cuba and Porto Rico at once, and ultimately so in Brazil; it is to + settle the unhappy condition of Cuba and end an exterminating conflict; + it is to provide honest means of paying our honest debts without + overtaxing the people; it is to furnish our citizens with the necessaries + of everyday life at cheaper rates than ever before; and it is, in fine, + a rapid stride toward that greatness which the intelligence, industry, + and enterprise of the citizens of the United States entitle this country + to assume among nations. +</p> +<p> + In view of the importance of this question, I earnestly urge upon + Congress early action expressive of its views as to the best means of + acquiring San Domingo. My suggestion is that by joint resolution of + the two Houses of Congress the Executive be authorized to appoint a + commission to negotiate a treaty with the authorities of San Domingo + for the acquisition of that island, and that an appropriation be made + to defray the expenses of such a commission. The question may then + be determined, either by the action of the Senate upon the treaty or + the joint action of the two Houses of Congress upon a resolution of + annexation, as in the case of the acquisition of Texas. So convinced am + I of the advantages to flow from the acquisition of San Domingo, and of + the great disadvantages—I might almost say calamities—to flow from + nonacquisition, that I believe the subject has only to be investigated + to be approved. +</p> +<p> + It is to be regretted that our representations in regard to the + injurious effects, especially upon the revenue of the United States, + of the policy of the Mexican Government in exempting from impost + duties a large tract of its territory on our borders have not only been + fruitless, but that it is even proposed in that country to extend the + limits within which the privilege adverted to has hitherto been enjoyed. + The expediency of taking into your serious consideration proper measures + for countervailing the policy referred to will, it is presumed, engage + your earnest attention. +</p> +<p> + It is the obvious interest, especially of neighboring nations, to + provide against impunity to those who may have committed high crimes + within their borders and who may have sought refuge abroad. For this + purpose extradition treaties have been concluded with several of the + Central American Republics, and others are in progress. +</p> +<p> + The sense of Congress is desired, as early as may be convenient, upon + the proceedings of the commission on claims against Venezuela, as + communicated in my messages of March 16, 1869, March 1, 1870, and March + 31, 1870. It has not been deemed advisable to distribute any of the + money which has been received from that Government until Congress shall + have acted on the subject. +</p> +<p> + The massacres of French and Russian residents at Tien-Tsin, under + circumstances of great barbarity, was supposed by some to have been + premeditated, and to indicate a purpose among the populace to + exterminate foreigners in the Chinese Empire. The evidence fails to + establish such a supposition, but shows a complicity between the local + authorities and the mob. The Government at Peking, however, seems to + have been disposed to fulfill its treaty obligations so far as it was + able to do so. Unfortunately, the news of the war between the German + States and France reached China soon after the massacre. It would appear + that the popular mind became possessed with the idea that this contest, + extending to Chinese waters, would neutralize the Christian influence + and power, and that the time was coming when the superstitious masses + might expel all foreigners and restore mandarin influence. Anticipating + trouble from this cause, I invited France and North Germany to make + an authorized suspension of hostilities in the East (where they were + temporarily suspended by act of the commanders), and to act together for + the future protection in China of the lives and properties of Americans + and Europeans. +</p> +<p> + Since the adjournment of Congress the ratifications of the treaty with + Great Britain for abolishing the mixed courts for the suppression of the + slave trade have been exchanged. It is believed that the slave trade is + now confined to the eastern coast of Africa, whence the slaves are taken + to Arabian markets. +</p> +<p> + The ratifications of the naturalization convention between Great Britain + and the United States have also been exchanged during the recess, and + thus a long-standing dispute between the two Governments has been + settled in accordance with the principles always contended for by the + United States. +</p> +<p> + In April last, while engaged in locating a military reservation near + Pembina, a corps of engineers discovered that the commonly received + boundary line between the United States and the British possessions + at that place is about 4,700 feet south of the true position of the + forty-ninth parallel, and that the line, when run on what is now + supposed to be the true position of that parallel, would leave the fort + of the Hudsons Bay Company at Pembina within the territory of the United + States. This information being communicated to the British Government, + I was requested to consent, and did consent, that the British occupation + of the fort of the Hudsons Bay Company should continue for the present. + I deem it important, however, that this part of the boundary line should + be definitely fixed by a joint commission of the two Governments, and + I submit herewith estimates of the expense of such a commission on the + part of the United States and recommend that an appropriation be made + for that purpose. The land boundary has already been fixed and marked + from the summit of the Rocky Mountains to the Georgian Bay. It should + now be in like manner marked from the Lake of the Woods to the summit + of the Rocky Mountains. +</p> +<p> + I regret to say that no conclusion has been reached for the adjustment + of the claims against Great Britain growing out of the course adopted + by that Government during the rebellion. The cabinet of London, so far + as its views have been expressed, does not appear to be willing to + concede that Her Majesty's Government was guilty of any negligence, + or did or permitted any act during the war by which the United States + has just cause of complaint. Our firm and unalterable convictions are + directly the reverse. I therefore recommend to Congress to authorize + the appointment of a commission to take proof of the amount and the + ownership of these several claims, on notice to the representative + of Her Majesty at Washington, and that authority be given for the + settlement of these claims by the United States, so that the Government + shall have the ownership of the private claims, as well as the + responsible control of all the demands against Great Britain. It can + not be necessary to add that whenever Her Majesty's Government shall + entertain a desire for a full and friendly adjustment of these claims + the United States will enter upon their consideration with an earnest + desire for a conclusion consistent with the honor and dignity of both + nations. +</p> +<p> + The course pursued by the Canadian authorities toward the fishermen + of the United States during the past season has not been marked by a + friendly feeling. By the first article of the convention of 1818 between + Great Britain and the United States it was agreed that the inhabitants + of the United States should have forever, in common with British + subjects, the right of taking fish in certain waters therein defined. + In the waters not included in the limits named in the convention (within + 3 miles of parts of the British coast) it has been the custom for many + years to give to intruding fishermen of the United States a reasonable + warning of their violation of the technical rights of Great Britain. + The Imperial Government is understood to have delegated the whole or a + share of its jurisdiction or control of these inshore fishing grounds + to the colonial authority known as the Dominion of Canada, and this + semi-independent but irresponsible agent has exercised its delegated + powers in an unfriendly way. Vessels have been seized without notice or + warning, in violation of the custom previously prevailing, and have been + taken into the colonial ports, their voyages broken up, and the vessels + condemned. There is reason to believe that this unfriendly and vexatious + treatment was designed to bear harshly upon the hardy fishermen of the + United States, with a view to political effect upon this Government. + The statutes of the Dominion of Canada assume a still broader and more + untenable jurisdiction over the vessels of the United States. They + authorize officers or persons to bring vessels hovering within 3 marine + miles of any of the coasts, bays, creeks, or harbors of Canada into + port, to search the cargo, to examine the master on oath touching the + cargo and voyage, and to inflict upon him a heavy pecuniary penalty if + true answers are not given; and if such a vessel is found "preparing + to fish" within 3 marine miles of any of such coasts, bays, creeks, or + harbors without a license, or after the expiration of the period named + in the last license granted to it, they provide that the vessel, + with her tackle, etc., shall be forfeited. It is not known that any + condemnations have been made under this statute. Should the authorities + of Canada attempt to enforce it, it will become my duty to take such + steps as may be necessary to protect the rights of the citizens of the + United States. +</p> +<p> + It has been claimed by Her Majesty's officers that the fishing vessels + of the United States have no right to enter the open ports of the + British possessions in North America, except for the purposes of shelter + and repairing damages, of purchasing wood and obtaining water; that they + have no right to enter at the British custom-houses or to trade there + except in the purchase of wood and water, and that they must depart + within twenty-four hours after notice to leave. It is not known that any + seizure of a fishing vessel carrying the flag of the United States has + been made under this claim. So far as the claim is founded on an alleged + construction of the convention of 1818, it can not be acquiesced in by + the United States. It is hoped that it will not be insisted on by Her + Majesty's Government. +</p> +<p> + During the conferences which preceded the negotiation of the convention + of 1818 the British commissioners proposed to expressly exclude the + fishermen of the United States from "the privilege of carrying on trade + with any of His Britannic Majesty's subjects residing within the limits + assigned for their use;" and also that it should not be "lawful for the + vessels of the United States engaged in said fishery to have on board + any goods, wares, or merchandise whatever, except such as may be + necessary for the prosecution of their voyages to and from the said + fishing grounds; and any vessel of the United States which shall + contravene this regulation may be seized, condemned, and confiscated, + with her cargo." +</p> +<p> + This proposition, which is identical with the construction now put + upon the language of the convention, was emphatically rejected by the + American commissioners, and thereupon was abandoned by the British + plenipotentiaries, and Article I, as it stands in the convention, was + substituted. +</p> +<p> + If, however, it be said that this claim is founded on provincial or + colonial statutes, and not upon the convention, this Government can not + but regard them as unfriendly, and in contravention of the spirit, if + not of the letter, of the treaty, for the faithful execution of which + the Imperial Government is alone responsible. +</p> +<p> + Anticipating that an attempt may possibly be made by the Canadian + authorities in the coming season to repeat their unneighborly acts + toward our fishermen, I recommend you to confer upon the Executive the + power to suspend by proclamation the operation of the laws authorizing + the transit of goods, wares, and merchandise in bond across the + territory of the United States to Canada, and, further, should such an + extreme measure become necessary, to suspend the operation of any laws + whereby the vessels of the Dominion of Canada are permitted to enter the + waters of the United States. +</p> +<p> + A like unfriendly disposition has been manifested on the part of Canada + in the maintenance of a claim of right to exclude the citizens of the + United States from the navigation of the St. Lawrence. This river + constitutes a natural outlet to the ocean for eight States, with an + aggregate population of about 17,600,000 inhabitants, and with an + aggregate tonnage of 661,367 tons upon the waters which discharge into + it. The foreign commerce of our ports on these waters is open to British + competition, and the major part of it is done in British bottoms. +</p> +<p> + If the American seamen be excluded from this natural avenue to the + ocean, the monopoly of the direct commerce of the lake ports with the + Atlantic would be in foreign hands, their vessels on transatlantic + voyages having an access to our lake ports which would be denied to + American vessels on similar voyages. To state such a proposition is + to refute its justice. +</p> +<p> + During the Administration of Mr. John Quincy Adams Mr. Clay unanswerably + demonstrated the natural right of the citizens of the United States to + the navigation of this river, claiming that the act of the congress of + Vienna in opening the Rhine and other rivers to all nations showed the + judgment of European jurists and statesmen that the inhabitants of a + country through which a navigable river passes have a natural right to + enjoy the navigation of that river to and into the sea, even though + passing through the territories of another power. This right does not + exclude the coequal right of the sovereign possessing the territory + through which the river debouches into the sea to make such regulations + relative to the police of the navigation as may be reasonably necessary; + but those regulations should be framed in a liberal spirit of comity, + and should not impose needless burdens upon the commerce which has the + right of transit. It has been found in practice more advantageous to + arrange these regulations by mutual agreement. The United States are + ready to make any reasonable arrangement as to the police of the St. + Lawrence which may be suggested by Great Britain. +</p> +<p> + If the claim made by Mr. Clay was just when the population of States + bordering on the shores of the Lakes was only 3,400,000, it now derives + greater force and equity from the increased population, wealth, + production, and tonnage of the States on the Canadian frontier. Since + Mr. Clay advanced his argument in behalf of our right the principle + for which he contended has been frequently, and by various nations, + recognized by law or by treaty, and has been extended to several other + great rivers. By the treaty concluded at Mayence in 1831 the Rhine was + declared free from the point where it is first navigable into the sea. + By the convention between Spain and Portugal concluded in 1835 the + navigation of the Douro throughout its whole extent was made free for + the subjects of both Crowns. In 1853 the Argentine Confederation by + treaty threw open the free navigation of the Parana and the Uruguay to + the merchant vessels of all nations. In 1856 the Crimean War was closed + by a treaty which provided for the free navigation of the Danube. + In 1858 Bolivia by treaty declared that it regarded the rivers Amazon + and La Plata, in accordance with fixed principles of national law, as + highways or channels opened by nature for the commerce of all nations. + In 1859 the Paraguay was made free by treaty, and in December, 1866, + the Emperor of Brazil by imperial decree declared the Amazon to be open + to the frontier of Brazil to the merchant ships of all nations. The + greatest living British authority on this subject, while asserting the + abstract right of the British claim, says: +</p> +<p class="q"> + It seems difficult to deny that Great Britain may ground her refusal + upon strict <i>law</i>, but it is equally difficult to deny, first, that in + so doing she exercises harshly an extreme and hard law; secondly, that + her conduct with respect to the navigation of the St. Lawrence is in + glaring and discreditable inconsistency with her conduct with respect + to the navigation of the Mississippi. On the ground that she possessed + a small domain in which the Mississippi took its rise, she insisted on + the right to navigate the entire volume of its waters. On the ground + that she possesses both banks of the St. Lawrence, where it disembogues + itself into the sea, she denies to the United States the right of + navigation, though about one-half of the waters of Lakes Ontario, Erie, + Huron, and Superior, and the whole of Lake Michigan, through which the + river flows, are the property of the United States. +</p> +<p> + The whole nation is interested in securing cheap transportation from + the agricultural States of the West to the Atlantic Seaboard. To the + citizens of those States it secures a greater return for their labor; to + the inhabitants of the seaboard it affords cheaper food; to the nation, + an increase in the annual surplus of wealth. It is hoped that the + Government of Great Britain will see the justice of abandoning the + narrow and inconsistent claim to which her Canadian Provinces have urged + her adherence. +</p> +<p> + Our depressed commerce is a subject to which I called your special + attention at the last session, and suggested that we will in the future + have to look more to the countries south of us, and to China and Japan, + for its revival. Our representatives to all these Governments have + exerted their influence to encourage trade between the United States and + the countries to which they are accredited. But the fact exists that the + carrying is done almost entirely in foreign bottoms, and while this + state of affairs exists we can not control our due share of the commerce + of the world; that between the Pacific States and China and Japan is + about all the carrying trade now conducted in American vessels. I would + recommend a liberal policy toward that line of American steamers—one + that will insure its success, and even increased usefulness. +</p> +<p> + The cost of building iron vessels, the only ones that can compete with + foreign ships in the carrying trade, is so much greater in the United + States than in foreign countries that without some assistance from the + Government they can not be successfully built here. There will be + several propositions laid before Congress in the course of the present + session looking to a remedy for this evil. Even if it should be at some + cost to the National Treasury, I hope such encouragement will be given + as will secure American shipping on the high seas and American + shipbuilding at home. +</p> +<p> + The condition of the archives at the Department of State calls for the + early action of Congress. The building now rented by that Department + is a frail structure, at an inconvenient distance from the Executive + Mansion and from the other Departments, is ill adapted to the purpose + for which it is used, has not capacity to accommodate the archives, and + is not fireproof. Its remote situation, its slender construction, and + the absence of a supply of water in the neighborhood leave but little + hope of safety for either the building or its contents in case of the + accident of a fire. Its destruction would involve the loss of the + rolls containing the original acts and resolutions of Congress, of the + historic records of the Revolution and of the Confederation, of the + whole series of diplomatic and consular archives since the adoption of + the Constitution, and of the many other valuable records and papers + left with that Department when it was the principal depository of the + governmental archives. I recommend an appropriation for the construction + of a building for the Department of State. +</p> +<p> + I recommend to your consideration the propriety of transferring to the + Department of the Interior, to which they seem more appropriately to + belong, all powers and duties in relation to the Territories with which + the Department of State is now charged by law or usage; and from the + Interior Department to the War Department the Pension Bureau, so far + as it regulates the payment of soldiers' pensions. I would further + recommend that the payment of naval pensions be transferred to one of + the bureaus of the Navy Department. +</p> +<p> + The estimates for the expenses of the Government for the next fiscal + year are $18,244,346.01 less than for the current one, but exceed the + appropriations for the present year for the same items $8,972,127.56. + In this estimate, however, is included $22,338,278.37 for public works + heretofore begun under Congressional provision, and of which only so + much is asked as Congress may choose to give. The appropriation for + the same works for the present fiscal year was $11,984,518.08. +</p> +<p> + The average value of gold, as compared with national currency, for the + whole of the year 1869 was about 134, and for eleven months of 1870 the + same relative value has been about 115. The approach to a specie basis + is very gratifying, but the fact can not be denied that the instability + of the value of our currency is prejudicial to our prosperity, and tends + to keep up prices, to the detriment of trade. The evils of a depreciated + and fluctuating currency are so great that now, when the premium on gold + has fallen so much, it would seem that the time has arrived when by wise + and prudent legislation Congress should look to a policy which would + place our currency at par with gold at no distant day. +</p> +<p> + The tax collected from the people has been reduced more than $80,000,000 + per annum. By steadiness in our present course there is no reason why in + a few short years the national taxgatherer may not disappear from the + door of the citizen almost entirely. With the revenue stamp dispensed + by postmasters in every community, a tax upon liquors of all sorts and + tobacco in all its forms, and by a wise adjustment of the tariff, which + will put a duty only upon those articles which we could dispense with, + known as luxuries, and on those which we use more of than we produce, + revenue enough may be raised after a few years of peace and consequent + reduction of indebtedness to fulfill all our obligations. A further + reduction of expenses, in addition to a reduction of interest account, + may be relied on to make this practicable. Revenue reform, if it means + this, has my hearty support. If it implies a collection of all the + revenue for the support of the Government, for the payment of principal + and interest of the public debt, pensions, etc., by directly taxing the + people, then I am against revenue reform, and confidently believe the + people are with me. If it means failure to provide the necessary means + to defray all the expenses of Government, and thereby repudiation of + the public debt and pensions, then I am still more opposed to such kind + of revenue reform. Revenue reform has not been defined by any of its + advocates to my knowledge, but seems to be accepted as something which + is to supply every man's wants without any cost or effort on his part. +</p> +<p> + A true revenue reform can not be made in a day, but must be the work + of national legislation and of time. As soon as the revenue can be + dispensed with, all duty should be removed from coffee, tea, and other + articles of universal use not produced by ourselves. The necessities of + the country compel us to collect revenue from our imports. An army of + assessors and collectors is not a pleasant sight to the citizen, but + that or a tariff for revenue is necessary. Such a tariff, so far as it + acts as an encouragement to home production, affords employment to labor + at living wages, in contrast to the pauper labor of the Old World, and + also in the development of home resources. +</p> +<p> + Under the act of Congress of the 15th day of July, 1870, the Army has + gradually been reduced, so that on the 1st day of January, 1871, the + number of commissioned officers and men will not exceed the number + contemplated by that law. +</p> +<p> + The War Department building is an old structure, not fireproof, and + entirely inadequate in dimensions to our present wants. Many thousands + of dollars are now paid annually for rent of private buildings to + accommodate the various bureaus of the Department. I recommend an + appropriation for a new War Department building, suited to the present + and growing wants of the nation. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War shows a very satisfactory reduction + in the expenses of the Army for the last fiscal year. For details you + are referred to his accompanying report. +</p> +<p> + The expenses of the Navy for the whole of the last year—i.e., + from December 1, 1869, the date of the last report—are less than + $19,000,000, or about $1,000,000 less than they were the previous year. + The expenses since the commencement of this fiscal year—i.e., since + July 1—show for the five months a decrease of over $2,400,000 from + those of the corresponding months last year. The estimates for the + current year were $28,205,671.37. Those for next year are $20,683,317, + with $955,100 additional for necessary permanent improvements. These + estimates are made closely for the mere maintenance of the naval + establishment as it now is, without much in the nature of permanent + improvement. The appropriations made for the last and current years were + evidently intended by Congress, and are sufficient only, to keep the + Navy on its present footing by the repairing and refitting of our old + ships. +</p> +<p> + This policy must, of course, gradually but surely destroy the Navy, and + it is in itself far from economical, as each year that it is pursued + the necessity for mere repairs in ships and navy-yards becomes more + imperative and more costly, and our current expenses are annually + increased for the mere repair of ships, many of which must soon become + unsafe and useless. I hope during the present session of Congress to be + able to submit to it a plan by which naval vessels can be built and + repairs made with great saving upon the present cost. +</p> +<p> + It can hardly be wise statesmanship in a Government which represents a + country with over 5,000 miles of coast line on both oceans, exclusive + of Alaska, and containing 40,000,000 progressive people, with relations + of every nature with almost every foreign country, to rest with such + inadequate means of enforcing any foreign policy, either of protection + or redress. Separated by the ocean from the nations of the Eastern + Continent, our Navy is our only means of direct protection to our + citizens abroad or for the enforcement of any foreign policy. +</p> +<p> + The accompanying report of the Postmaster-General shows a most + satisfactory working of that Department. With the adoption of the + recommendations contained therein, particularly those relating to a + reform in the franking privilege and the adoption of the "correspondence + cards," a self-sustaining postal system may speedily be looked for, and + at no distant day a further reduction of the rate of postage be + attained. +</p> +<p> + I recommend authorization by Congress to the Postmaster-General and + Attorney-General to issue all commissions to officials appointed through + their respective Departments. At present these commissions, where + appointments are Presidential, are issued by the State Department. + The law in all the Departments of Government, except those of the + Post-Office and of Justice, authorizes each to issue its own + commissions. +</p> +<p> + Always favoring practical reforms, I respectfully call your attention to + one abuse of long standing which I would like to see remedied by this + Congress. It is a reform in the civil service of the country. I would + have it go beyond the mere fixing of the tenure of office of clerks + and employees who do not require "the advice and consent of the Senate" + to make their appointments complete. I would have it govern, not the + tenure, but the manner of making all appointments. There is no duty + which so much embarrasses the Executive and heads of Departments as + that of appointments, nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor + imposed on Senators and Representatives as that of finding places for + constituents. The present system does not secure the best men, and often + not even fit men, for public place. The elevation and purification of + the civil service of the Government will be hailed with approval by the + whole people of the United States. +</p> +<p> + Reform in the management of Indian affairs has received the special + attention of the Administration from its inauguration to the present + day. The experiment of making it a missionary work was tried with a few + agencies given to the denomination of Friends, and has been found to + work most advantageously. All agencies and superintendencies not so + disposed of were given to officers of the Army. The act of Congress + reducing the Army renders army officers ineligible for civil positions. + Indian agencies being civil offices, I determined to give all the + agencies to such religious denominations as had heretofore established + missionaries among the Indians, and perhaps to some other denominations + who would undertake the work on the same terms—i.e. as a missionary + work. The societies selected are allowed to name their own agents, + subject to the approval of the Executive, and are expected to watch over + them and aid them as missionaries, to Christianize and civilize the + Indian, and to train him in the arts of peace. The Government watches + over the official acts of these agents, and requires of them as strict + an accountability as if they were appointed in any other manner. + I entertain the confident hope that the policy now pursued will in a + few years bring all the Indians upon reservations, where they will live + in houses, and have schoolhouses and churches, and will be pursuing + peaceful and self-sustaining avocations, and where they may be visited + by the law-abiding white man with the same impunity that he now visits + the civilized white settlements. I call your special attention to the + report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for full information on + this subject. +</p> +<p> + During the last fiscal year 8,095,413 acres of public land were disposed + of. Of this quantity 3,698,910.05 acres were taken under the homestead + law and 2,159,515.81 acres sold for cash. The remainder was located with + military warrants, college or Indian scrip, or applied in satisfaction + of grants to railroads or for other public uses. The entries under the + homestead law during the last year covered 961,545 acres more than those + during the preceding year. Surveys have been vigorously prosecuted to + the full extent of the means applicable to the purpose. The quantity of + land in market will amply supply the present demand. The claim of the + settler under the homestead or the preemption laws is not, however, + limited to lands subject to sale at private entry. Any unappropriated + surveyed public land may, to a limited amount, be acquired under the + former laws if the party entitled to enter under them will comply + with the requirements they prescribe in regard to the residence and + cultivation. The actual settler's preference right of purchase is even + broader, and extends to lands which were unsurveyed at the time of his + settlement. His right was formerly confined within much narrower limits, + and at one period of our history was conferred only by special statutes. + They were enacted from time to time to legalize what was then regarded + as an unauthorized intrusion upon the national domain. The opinion that + the public lands should be regarded chiefly as a source of revenue is no + longer maintained. The rapid settlement and successful cultivation of + them are now justly considered of more importance to our well-being than + is the fund which the sale of them would produce. The remarkable growth + and prosperity of our new States and Territories attest the wisdom + of the legislation which invites the tiller of the soil to secure a + permanent home on terms within the reach of all. The pioneer who incurs + the dangers and privations of a frontier life, and thus aids in laying + the foundation of new commonwealths, renders a signal service to his + country, and is entitled to its special favor and protection. These laws + secure that object and largely promote the general welfare. They should + therefore be cherished as a permanent feature of our land system. +</p> +<p> + Good faith requires us to give full effect to existing grants. The + time-honored and beneficent policy of setting apart certain sections + of public land for educational purposes in the new States should be + continued. When ample provision shall have been made for these objects, + I submit as a question worthy of serious consideration whether the + residue of our national domain should not be wholly disposed of under + the provisions of the homestead and preemption laws. +</p> +<p> + In addition to the swamp and overflowed lands granted to the States in + which they are situated, the lands taken under the agricultural-college + acts and for internal-improvement purposes under the act of September, + 1841, and the acts supplemental thereto, there had been conveyed up to + the close of the last fiscal year, by patent or other equivalent title, + to States and corporations 27,836,257.63 acres for railways, canals, and + wagon roads. It is estimated that an additional quantity of 174,735,523 + acres is still due under grants for like uses. The policy of thus aiding + the States in building works of internal improvement was inaugurated + more than forty years since in the grants to Indiana and Illinois, to + aid those States in opening canals to connect the waters of the Wabash + with those of Lake Erie and the waters of the Illinois with those of + Lake Michigan. It was followed, with some modifications, in the grant to + Illinois of alternate sections of public land within certain limits of + the Illinois Central Railway. Fourteen States and sundry corporations + have received similar subsidies in connection with railways completed + or in process of construction. As the reserved sections are rated + at the double minimum, the sale of them at the enhanced price has + thus in many instances indemnified the Treasury for the granted lands. + The construction of some of these thoroughfares has undoubtedly given a + vigorous impulse to the development of our resources and the settlement + of the more distant portions of the country. It may, however, be well + insisted that much of our legislation in this regard has been + characterized by indiscriminate and profuse liberality. The United + States should not loan their credit in aid of any enterprise undertaken + by States or corporations, nor grant lands in any instance, unless the + projected work is of acknowledged national importance. I am strongly + inclined to the opinion that it is inexpedient and unnecessary to bestow + subsidies of either description; but should Congress determine otherwise + I earnestly recommend that the right of settlers and of the public be + more effectually secured and protected by appropriate legislation. +</p> +<p> + During the year ending September 30, 1870, there were filed in the + Patent Office 19,411 applications for patents, 3,374 caveats, and 160 + applications for the extension of patents. Thirteen thousand six hundred + and twenty-two patents, including reissues and designs, were issued, + 1,010 extended, and 1,089 allowed, but not issued by reason of the + non-payment of the final fees. The receipts of the office during the + fiscal year were $136,304.29 in excess of its expenditures. +</p> +<p> + The work of the Census Bureau has been energetically prosecuted. The + preliminary report, containing much information of special value and + interest, will be ready for delivery during the present session. The + remaining volumes will be completed with all the dispatch consistent + with perfect accuracy in arranging and classifying the returns. We shall + thus at no distant day be furnished with an authentic record of our + condition and resources. It will, I doubt not, attest the growing + prosperity of the country, although during the decade which has just + closed it was so severely tried by the great war waged to maintain its + integrity and to secure and perpetuate our free institutions. +</p> +<p> + During the last fiscal year the sum paid to pensioners, including the + cost of disbursement, was $27,780,811.11, and 1,758 bounty-land warrants + were issued. At its close 198,686 names were on the pension rolls. +</p> +<p> + The labors of the Pension Office have been directed to the severe + scrutiny of the evidence submitted in favor of new claims and to the + discovery of fictitious claims which have been heretofore allowed. The + appropriation for the employment of special agents for the investigation + of frauds has been judiciously used, and the results obtained have been + of unquestionable benefit to the service. +</p> +<p> + The subjects of education and agriculture are of great interest to the + success of our republican institutions, happiness, and grandeur as a + nation. In the interest of one a bureau has been established in the + Interior Department—the Bureau of Education; and in the interest of + the other, a separate Department, that of Agriculture. I believe great + general good is to flow from the operations of both these Bureaus if + properly fostered. I can not commend to your careful consideration too + highly the reports of the Commissioners of Education and of Agriculture, + nor urge too strongly such liberal legislation as to secure their + efficiency. +</p> +<p> + In conclusion I would sum up the policy of the Administration to be a + thorough enforcement of every law; a faithful collection of every tax + provided for; economy in the disbursement of the same; a prompt payment + of every debt of the nation; a reduction of taxes as rapidly as the + requirements of the country will admit; reductions of taxation and + tariff, to be so arranged as to afford the greatest relief to the + greatest number; honest and fair dealings with all other peoples, to the + end that war, with all its blighting consequences, may be avoided, but + without surrendering any right or obligation due to us; a reform in the + treatment of Indians and in the whole civil service of the country; + and finally, in securing a pure, untrammeled ballot, where every man + entitled to cast a vote may do so, just once at each election, without + fear of molestation or proscription on account of his political faith, + nativity, or color. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + DECEMBER 6, 1870. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In pursuance of the provisions of the second section of an act approved + June 20, 1864, entitled "An act making appropriations for the consular + and diplomatic expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, + 1865, and for other purposes," I inform Congress that Louis W. Viollier, + a consular clerk, was, on the 26th day of September last, removed from + office for the following causes, namely: For disobedience of orders and + continued absence from duty after orders to proceed to his post. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit to Congress a report, dated the 5th instant, with + the accompanying papers,<a href="#note-31"><small>31</small></a> received from the Secretary of State, in + compliance with the requirements of the eighteenth section of the act + entitled "An act to regulate the diplomatic and consular systems of the + United States," approved August 18, 1856. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a convention for the surrender of criminals between the + United States of America and the Republic of Guatemala, signed on the + 11th day of October last, together with correspondence on the subject, + a list of which is given. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a convention for the extradition of criminals fugitives + from justice between the United States of America and the Republic of + Nicaragua, signed at the city of Nicaragua on the 5th day of June last, + together with correspondence upon the subject, of which a list is + annexed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a treaty for the extradition of criminals fugitives from + justice between the United States and the Republic of Peru, signed at + Lima on the 12th day of September last. As this treaty contains some + stipulations of an unusual character, the special attention of the + Senate is called to them. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between + the United States of America and the Republic of Peru, signed at the + city of Lima on the 6th day of September last, together with the + correspondence in relation thereto, a list of which is annexed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + Referring to my message of the 1st of February last, transmitting to + the Senate, for its consideration with a view to ratification, a treaty + between the United States and the United States of Colombia for the + construction of an interoceanic canal across the Isthmus of Panama or + Darien, signed at Bogota on the 26th of January last, I herewith submit + correspondence upon the subject between the Secretary of State and the + minister of the United States at Bogota, a list of which is hereto + appended. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to its resolution of the 1st of July, 1870, I transmit to the + House of Representatives a report<a href="#note-32"><small>32</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the 5th instant, I transmit to the Senate + a report<a href="#note-33"><small>33</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 12, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I submit to the Senate, for their consideration with a view to + ratification, a convention relating to naturalization between the United + States and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, signed at Vienna on the 20th of + September, 1870, which is accompanied by the papers mentioned in the + subjoined list. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 13, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of June 14, 1870, + a report from the Secretary of State and the papers<a href="#note-34"><small>34</small></a> by which it was + accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 15, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th + of April, 1869, I herewith transmit a report<a href="#note-35"><small>35</small></a> from the Secretary of + State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 15, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th + of January last, I herewith transmit a report<a href="#note-36"><small>36</small></a> from the Secretary of + State, with accompanying documents. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 19, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report<a href="#note-37"><small>37</small></a> of the Secretary of the Treasury, + made in compliance with section 2 of the act approved July n, 1870, + "making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic expenses of the + Government for the year ending June 30, 1871, and for other purposes." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 19, 1870</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives a report of the Secretary of + State and the papers<a href="#note-38"><small>38</small></a> by which it was accompanied, in answer to its + resolution of the 7th instant. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 4, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their + resolution of the 12th of December, 1870, a report from the Secretary of + State, with accompanying documents.<a href="#note-39"><small>39</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 9, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 5th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-40"><small>40</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 9, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their + resolution of the 5th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, + with the accompanying documents.<a href="#note-41"><small>41</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>January 9, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a treaty + of amity, commerce, and consular privileges between the United States + and the Republic of Salvador, signed at the city of San Salvador on the + 6th of December last. +</p> +<p> + A copy of the official correspondence relating to the instrument is also + herewith transmitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 11, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In view of a proclamation having been published in newspapers of the + United States purporting to emanate from Cabral, a chieftain who opposed + the constitutional authorities of the Republic of San Domingo, I deem it + but just to communicate to the Senate of the United States the views of + that chieftain and his followers, as voluntarily communicated by him + through the United States minister to the Republic of Hayti in June + last. It will be observed by the letter of Minister Bassett that Cabral + did not wish his views to be made public before the question of + annexation was disposed of, in a way to work prejudice to his interest. + But as the object which Cabral had already in view was to declare to + the treaty-making power of the United States his views and those of his + followers upon the subject of annexation of the Republic of San Domingo, + and as the Senate is a branch of that power, I deem it no breach of + confidence to communicate this letter to the Senate. I ask, however, + that it may be read in executive session and that the request of Cabral + be observed, so that in no case they shall be made public or used + against him until the question of annexation is disposed of. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 11, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in reply to the resolution of the House of + Representatives of the 5th instant, copies of the reports of Captain + George B. McClellan upon the Dominican Republic, made in the year 1854. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 13, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 16th of December, 1870, + requesting to be furnished with information relative to the organization + of disloyal persons in North Carolina having in view resistance of the + United States laws, denial of protection, and the enjoyment of the + rights and liberties secured under the United States, etc., I transmit + herewith abstracts of reports and other papers on file in the War + Department relative to outrages in North Carolina, and also, for the + information of the Senate, those relative to outrages in the other + Southern States. The original reports and papers are too voluminous to + be copied in season to be used by the present Congress, but are easily + accessible for reference, and copies of such papers can be furnished as + the Senate may deem necessary. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 16, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of 4th instant, + a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying documents, + relating to the proposed annexation of the Dominican portion of the + island of San Domingo. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 17, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to their resolution of the 16th of December, 1870, I herewith + transmit copies of certain reports received at the War Department + relative to disloyal organizations in the State of North Carolina, + intended to resist the laws or to deprive the citizens of the United + States of the protection of law or the enjoyment of their rights under + the Constitution of the United States. These reports are in addition to + the abstracts of those sent to the Senate on the 13th instant. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 24, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to your resolution of the 21st December, 1870, requesting the + President "to furnish the Senate with the amount of money expended by + the United States for freight and passage to the Pacific Coast by the + way of the Isthmus and Cape Horn during the twelve months now last + past," I herewith transmit reports from the Secretary of the Treasury, + of War, and of the Navy, to whom, respectively, the resolution was + referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 27, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the consideration of Congress, a report of the + Secretary of State and the papers which accompanied it, concerning + regulations for the consular courts of the United States in Japan. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 27, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a treaty + of friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United States and + the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, which was signed at Montevideo, it is + presumed, in the course of last month, though the precise date has + inadvertently been omitted. +</p> +<p> + A copy of the correspondence relating to the instrument is also herewith + transmitted. From this it will be seen that the treaty is substantially + the same as one between the same parties which has already been approved + by the Senate and ratified by the President of the United States, but + the ratifications of which have never been exchanged. If the Senate + should approve the new treaty, it is suggested that their resolution to + that effect should include authority to insert the precise date when + that shall have been ascertained. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 30, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith an official copy of the proceedings of the council + of Indian tribes held at Ocmulgee in December last, which resulted in + the adoption of a declaration of rights and a constitution for their + government, together with a copy of the report of the Commissioner of + Indian Affairs and the views of the Secretary of the Interior thereon. +</p> +<p> + It would seem highly desirable that the civilized Indians of the country + should be encouraged in establishing for themselves forms of Territorial + government compatible with the Constitution of the United States and + with the previous customs toward communities lying outside of State + limits. +</p> +<p> + I concur in the views expressed by the Secretary of the Interior, + that it would not be advisable to receive the new Territory with the + constitution precisely as it is now framed. As long as a Territorial + form of government is preserved, Congress should hold the power of + approving or disapproving of all legislative action of the Territory, + and the Executive should, with "the advice and consent of the Senate," + have the power to appoint the governor and judicial officers (and + possibly some others) of the Territory. +</p> +<p> + This is the first indication of the aborigines desiring to adopt + our form of government, and it is highly desirable that they become + self-sustaining, self-relying, Christianized, and civilized. If + successful in this their first attempt at Territorial government, we may + hope for a gradual concentration of other Indians in the new Territory. + I therefore recommend as close an adherence to their wishes as is + consistent with safety. +</p> +<p> + It might be well to limit the appointment of all Territorial officials + appointed by the Executive to native citizens of the Territory. If any + exception is made to this rule, I would recommend that it should be + limited to the judiciary. +</p> +<p> + It is confidently hoped that the policy now being pursued toward the + Indian will fit him for self-government and make him desire to settle + among people of his own race where he can enjoy the full privileges of + civil and enlightened government. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 7, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + The union of the States of Germany into a form of government similar in + many respects to that of the American Union is an event that can not + fail to touch deeply the sympathies of the people of the United States. +</p> +<p> + This union has been brought about by the long-continued, persistent + efforts of the people, with the deliberate approval of the governments + and people of twenty-four of the German States, through their regularly + constituted representatives. +</p> +<p> + In it the American people see an attempt to reproduce in Europe some + of the best features of our own Constitution, with such modifications + as the history and condition of Germany seem to require. The local + governments of the several members of the union are preserved, while + the power conferred upon the chief imparts strength for the purposes + of self-defense, without authority to enter upon wars of conquest and + ambition. +</p> +<p> + The cherished aspiration for national unity which for ages has + inspired the many millions of people speaking the same language, + inhabiting a contiguous and compact territory, but unnaturally separated + and divided by dynastic jealousies and the ambition of short-sighted + rulers, has been attained, and Germany now contains a population of + about 34,000,000, united, like our own, under one Government for its + relations with other powers, but retaining in its several members the + right and power of control of their local interests, habits, and + institutions. +</p> +<p> + The bringing of great masses of thoughtful and free people under a + single government must tend to make governments what alone they should + be—the representatives of the will and the organization of the power + of the people. +</p> +<p> + The adoption in Europe of the American system of union under the control + and direction of a free people, educated to self-restraint, can not fail + to extend popular institutions and to enlarge the peaceful influence of + American ideas. +</p> +<p> + The relations of the United States with Germany are intimate and + cordial. The commercial intercourse between the two countries is + extensive and is increasing from year to year; and the large number of + citizens and residents in the United States of German extraction and the + continued flow of emigration thence to this country have produced an + intimacy of personal and political intercourse approaching, if not equal + to, that with the country from which the founders of our Government + derived their origin. +</p> +<p> + The extent of these interests and the greatness of the German Union + seem to require that in the classification of the representatives of + this Government to foreign powers there should no longer be an apparent + undervaluation of the importance of the German mission, such as is + made in the difference between the compensation allowed by law to + the minister to Germany and those to Great Britain and France. There + would seem to be a great propriety in placing the representative + of this Government at Berlin on the same footing with that of its + representatives at London and Paris. The union of the several States of + Germany under one Government and the increasing commercial and personal + intercourse between the two countries will also add to the labors and + the responsibilities of the legation. +</p> +<p> + I therefore recommend that the salaries of the minister and of the + secretary of legation at Berlin be respectively increased to the same + amounts as are allowed to those at London and Paris. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 7, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to that part of your resolution of the 4th of January last + requesting copies of "instructions to the commander of our naval + squadron in the waters of the island [of San Domingo] since the + commencement of the late negotiations, with the reports and + correspondence of such commander," I herewith transmit a report, with + accompanying papers, received from the Secretary of the Navy. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 8, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith an extract of a paper addressed to the President, + the Secretary of the Interior, and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by + the committee of Friends on Indian affairs having charge of the northern + superintendency, in relation to a desire of certain Indian tribes to + sell a portion of the lands owned by them, with a view of locating on + other lands that they may be able to purchase, together with the report + of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs thereon and a letter of the + Secretary of the Interior Department approving the report of the + Commissioner. +</p> +<p> + I submit the draft of a bill which has been prepared, and which it is + believed will effect the object desired by the committee, and request + the consideration thereof by Congress. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 9, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate:</i> +</p> +<p> + The British minister accredited to this Government recently, in + compliance with instructions from his Government, submitted a proposal + for the appointment of a "joint high commission," to be composed of + members to be named by each Government, to hold its session at + Washington, and to treat and discuss the mode of settling the different + questions which have arisen out of the fisheries, as well as those which + affect the relations of the United States toward the British possessions + in North America. +</p> +<p> + I did not deem it expedient to agree to the proposal unless the + consideration of the questions growing out of the acts committed by + the vessels which have given rise to the claims known as the "Alabama + claims" were to be within the subject of discussion and settlement by + the commission. The British Government having assented to this, the + commission is expected shortly to meet. I therefore nominate as such + commissioners, jointly and separately, on the part of the United States: +</p> +<p> + Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State. +</p> +<p> + Robert C. Schenck, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to + Great Britain. +</p> +<p> + Samuel Nelson, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United + States. +</p> +<p> + Ebenezer R. Hoar, of Massachusetts. +</p> +<p> + George H. Williams, of Oregon. +</p> +<p> + I communicate herewith the correspondence which has passed on this + subject between the Secretary of State and the British minister. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 10, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I submit herewith, for the information of Congress, the second annual + report of the Board of Indian Commissioners to the Secretary of the + Interior. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 13, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the House of the 6th + instant, copies of the correspondence between the governor of the State + of California and the President of the United States in the month of + October, 1868, relative to the use of the military forces of the + National Government in preserving the peace at the approaching State + election. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 15, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have this day transmitted to the Senate the announcement that Senate + bill No. 218, "An act prescribing an oath of office to be taken by + persons who participated in the late rebellion, but who are not + disqualified from holding office by the fourteenth amendment to the + Constitution of the United States," has become a law in the manner + prescribed by the Constitution, without the signature of the President. +</p> +<p> + If this were a bill for the repeal of the "test oath" required of + persons "elected or appointed to offices of honor or trust," it would + meet my approval. The effect of the law, however, is to relieve from + taking a prescribed oath all those persons whom it was intended to + exclude from such offices and to require it from all others. By this + law the soldier who fought and bled for his country is to swear to + his loyalty before assuming official functions, while the general who + commanded hosts for the overthrow of his Government is admitted to place + without it. I can not affix my name to a law which discriminates against + the upholder of his Government. +</p> +<p> + I believe, however, that it is not wise policy to keep from office by an + oath those who are not disqualified by the Constitution, and who are the + choice of legal voters; but while relieving them from an oath which they + can not take, I recommend the release also of those to whom the oath has + no application. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 17, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to your resolution of the 19th of December last, requesting + the President "to furnish the Senate with the entire cost of + transportation of mails and freights of every description to the Pacific + Coast, also to all intermediate points west of the Missouri River, from + the annexation of California to July 1, 1864; and also the expenses of + the War Department and Indian Bureau during the same period in guarding + the overland route from the Missouri River to California against Indians + and Mormons, and the cost of the Indian service on the same line, + including in all cases freights and all other expenditures," I transmit + herewith reports received from the Secretary of the Interior, the + Secretary of War, and the Postmaster-General. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 27, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States and Great Britain, + concluded at Washington on the 23d instant, supplemental to the + convention between the two countries concluded May 13, 1870, concerning + the citizenship of citizens or subjects of either country emigrating to + the other. +</p> +<p> + The conclusion of the supplemental convention now submitted was found to + be expedient in view of the stipulation contained in Article II of the + before-named convention of May 13, 1870, that the two Governments should + agree upon the manner in which the renunciation within the periods + specified, by naturalized citizens and subjects of either country, of + their naturalization should be effected. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 3, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 2d + instant, a report of the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-42"><small>42</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 3, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of February + 1, 1871, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-43"><small>43</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 4, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith return without my approval House bill No. 1395, entitled "An + act for the relief of Charles Cooper, Goshorn A. Jones, Jerome Rowley, + William Hannegan, and John Hannegan," for the following reasons: +</p> +<p> + The act directs the discontinuance of an action at law said to be now + pending in the United States district court for the northern district + of Ohio for the enforcement of the bond executed by said parties to the + United States, whereas in fact no such suit is pending in the district + court, but such a suit is now pending in the circuit court of the United + States for the sixth circuit and northern district of Ohio. +</p> +<p> + Neither the body of said act nor the proviso requires the obligors in + said bond, who are released from all liability to the United States on + account thereof, to abandon or release their pretended claim against the + Government. +</p> +<p> + Since these parties have gone to Congress to ask relief from liability + for a large sum of money on account of the failure of the principals in + the bond to execute their contract, it is but just and proper that they + at the same time should abandon the claim heretofore asserted by them + against the Government growing out of the same transaction. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 7, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I hereby return without my approval Senate resolution No. 92, entitled + "A resolution for the relief of certain contractors for the construction + of vessels of war and steam machinery," for the following reasons: +</p> +<p> + The act of March 2, 1867 (14 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 424), directs + the Secretary of the Navy— +</p> +<p class="q"> + to investigate the claims of all contractors for building vessels of + war and steam machinery for the same under contracts made after the 1st + day of May, 1861, and prior to the 1st day of January, 1864; and said + investigation to be made upon the following basis: He shall ascertain + the additional cost which was necessarily incurred by each contractor + in the completion of his work by reason of any changes or alterations + in the plans and specifications required, and delays in the prosecution + of the work occasioned by the Government, which were not provided for + in the original contract; but no allowance for any advance in the price + of labor or material shall be considered unless such advance occurred + during the prolonged time for completing the work rendered necessary by + the delay resulting from the action of the Government aforesaid, and + then only when such advance could not have been avoided by the exercise + of ordinary prudence and diligence on the part of the contractor. * * * +</p> +<p> + The present joint resolution transfers the investigation to the Court of + Claims, and repeals "so much of said act as provides against considering + any allowance in favor of any such parties for any advance in the price + of labor or material, unless such advance could have been avoided + by the exercise of ordinary diligence and prudence on the part of the + contractor." It seems to me that the provision thus repealed is a very + reasonable one. It prevents the contractor from receiving any allowance + for an advance in the price of labor and material when he could have + avoided that advance by the exercise of ordinary prudence and diligence. + The effect of the repeal will be to relieve contractors from the + consequences of their own imprudence and negligence. I see no good + reason for thus relieving contractors who have not exercised ordinary + prudence and diligence in their business transactions. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 28, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith return without my approval House bill No. 2566, entitled + "An act for the relief of Henry Willman, late a private in the Third + Regiment of Indiana Cavalry," for the following reasons: +</p> +<p> + The records of the War Department show that Henry Willman was mustered + into the military service April 4, 1862, and that he was mounted on a + private horse. It appears from evidence presented by himself that his + horse died May 18, 1862; that he remounted himself on June 8, 1862, and + so continued mounted till October 1, 1862, when his horse was killed by + the enemy, and that he was not afterwards mounted upon a private horse. +</p> +<p> + Upon presenting a claim against the United States for the legal value + of the two horses lost by him in the public service, the claim, after + investigation, was allowed; but it being discovered that he had + erroneously been paid for the use and risk of a private horse from May + 18 to June 8, 1862, and from October 1, 1862, to April 30, 1864, during + which periods he had no horse in the public service, the amount so + overpaid was offset against his claim, leaving the latter fully + liquidated and the claimant indebted to the United States in an amount + not yet refunded. +</p> +<p> + The person named in the act is not, in law or equity, entitled to the + relief therein provided, and has no unsatisfied demands against the + United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATION. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas satisfactory evidence was given to me on the 17th day of this + month by the Government of Portugal that the discriminating duties + heretofore levied in the ports of Portugal on merchandise imported in + vessels of the United States into said ports from other countries than + those of which said merchandise was the growth, production, or + manufacture have been abolished: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by an act of Congress + of January 7, 1824, and by an act in addition thereto of May 24, 1828, + do hereby declare and proclaim that the discriminating duties heretofore + levied in ports of the United States upon merchandise imported in + Portuguese vessels from countries other than those of which such + merchandise is the growth, produce, or manufacture shall be, and are + hereby, suspended and discontinued, this suspension or discontinuance to + take effect on and after the said 17th day of this month and to continue + so long as the reciprocal exemption of merchandise belonging to citizens + of the United States from such discriminating duties shall be granted in + the ports of Portugal. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 25th day of February, A.D. 1871, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<center> + [NOTE.—The Forty-second Congress, first session, met March 4, 1871, in + accordance with the act of January 22, 1867.] +</center> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 17, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in compliance with its resolution of the + 14th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, making known that + official notice has been received at the Department of State of the + ratification by the legislature of one, and only one, additional + State—to wit, that of New Jersey—of the fifteenth amendment to the + Constitution of the United States since the 30th of March, 1870, the + date of his certificate that three-fourths of the whole number of States + in the United States had ratified that amendment and that it had become + valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution of the + United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>March 23, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + A condition of affairs now exists in some of the States of the Union + rendering life and property insecure and the carrying of the mails and + the collection of the revenue dangerous. The proof that such a condition + of affairs exists in some localities is now before the Senate. That + the power to correct these evils is beyond the control of the State + authorities I do not doubt; that the power of the Executive of the + United States, acting within the limits of existing laws, is sufficient + for present emergencies is not clear. +</p> +<p> + Therefore I urgently recommend such legislation as in the judgment of + Congress shall effectually secure life, liberty, and property and the + enforcement of law in all parts of the United States. +</p> +<p> + It may be expedient to provide that such law as shall be passed in + pursuance of this recommendation shall expire at the end of the next + session of Congress. +</p> +<p> + There is no other subject upon which I would recommend legislation + during the present session. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 28, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 16th instant, I + transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the papers<a href="#note-44"><small>44</small></a> which + accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 30, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for consideration with a view to its ratification, a treaty + of commerce and navigation between the United States and the Kingdom of + Italy, signed at Florence on the 26th of last month. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 31, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to your resolution of the 17th instant, requesting, "if not + incompatible with the public service, the report recently made by a + board of officers of the Engineer Department on the condition of the + Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Miss., with such remarks, suggestions, + or recommendations as may be made by the Chief Engineer of the Army," + I herewith transmit a report, dated 28th instant, with accompanying + papers, received from the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 5, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to submit herewith to the two Houses of Congress the + report of the commissioners appointed in pursuance of joint resolution + approved January 12, 1871. +</p> +<p> + It will be observed that this report more than sustains all that I have + heretofore said in regard to the productiveness and healthfulness of the + Republic of San Domingo, of the unanimity of the people for annexation + to the United States, and of their peaceable character. +</p> +<p> + It is due to the public, as it certainly is to myself, that I should + here give all the circumstances which first led to the negotiation of a + treaty for the annexation of the Republic of San Domingo to the United + States. +</p> +<p> + When I accepted the arduous and responsible position which I now hold, + I did not dream of instituting any steps for the acquisition of insular + possessions. I believed, however, that our institutions were broad + enough to extend over the entire continent as rapidly as other peoples + might desire to bring themselves under our protection. I believed + further that we should not permit any independent government within the + limits of North America to pass from a condition of independence to one + of ownership or protection under a European power. +</p> +<p> + Soon after my inauguration as President I was waited upon by an agent of + President Baez with a proposition to annex the Republic of San Domingo + to the United States. This gentleman represented the capacity of + the island, the desire of the people, and their character and habits + about as they have been described by the commissioners whose report + accompanies this message. He stated further that, being weak in numbers + and poor in purse, they were not capable of developing their great + resources; that the people had no incentive to industry on account of + lack of protection for their accumulations, and that if not accepted by + the United States—with institutions which they loved above those of any + other nation—they would be compelled to seek protection elsewhere. + To these statements I made no reply and gave no indication of what I + thought of the proposition. In the course of time I was waited upon by + a second gentleman from San Domingo, who made the same representations, + and who was received in like manner. +</p> +<p> + In view of the facts which had been laid before me, and with an earnest + desire to maintain the "Monroe doctrine," I believed that I would be + derelict in my duty if I did not take measures to ascertain the exact + wish of the Government and inhabitants of the Republic of San Domingo in + regard to annexation and communicate the information to the people of + the United States. Under the attending circumstances I felt that if I + turned a deaf ear to this appeal I might in the future be justly charged + with a flagrant neglect of the public interests and an utter disregard + of the welfare of a downtrodden race praying for the blessings of a free + and strong government and for protection in the enjoyment of the fruits + of their own industry. +</p> +<p> + Those opponents of annexation who have heretofore professed to be + preeminently the friends of the rights of man I believed would be my + most violent assailants if I neglected so clear a duty. Accordingly, + after having appointed a commissioner to visit the island, who declined + on account of sickness, I selected a second gentleman, in whose + capacity, judgment, and integrity I had, and have yet, the most + unbounded confidence. +</p> +<p> + He visited San Domingo, not to secure or hasten annexation, but, + unprejudiced and unbiased, to learn all the facts about the Government, + the people, and the resources of that Republic. He went certainly as + well prepared to make an unfavorable report as a favorable one, if the + facts warranted it. His report fully corroborated the views of previous + commissioners, and upon its receipt I felt that a sense of duty and a + due regard for our great national interests required me to negotiate a + treaty for the acquisition of the Republic of San Domingo. +</p> +<p> + As soon as it became publicly known that such a treaty had been + negotiated, the attention of the country was occupied with allegations + calculated to prejudice the merits of the case and with aspersions upon + those whose duty had connected them with it. Amid the public excitement + thus created the treaty failed to receive the requisite two-thirds vote + of the Senate, and was rejected; but whether the action of that body was + based wholly upon the merits of the treaty, or might not have been in + some degree influenced by such unfounded allegations, could not be known + by the people, because the debates of the Senate in secret session are + not published. +</p> +<p> + Under these circumstances I deemed it due to the office which I hold + and due to the character of the agents who had been charged with the + investigation that such proceedings should be had as would enable the + people to know the truth. A commission was therefore constituted, under + authority of Congress, consisting of gentlemen selected with special + reference to their high character and capacity for the laborious work + intrusted to them, who were instructed to visit the spot and report + upon the facts. Other eminent citizens were requested to accompany the + commission, in order that the people might have the benefit of their + views. Students of science and correspondents of the press, without + regard to political opinions, were invited to join the expedition, + and their numbers were limited only by the capacity of the vessel. +</p> +<p> + The mere rejection by the Senate of a treaty negotiated by the + President only indicates a difference of opinion between two coordinate + departments of the Government, without touching the character or + wounding the pride of either. But when such rejection takes place + simultaneously with charges openly made of corruption on the part of the + President or those employed by him the case is different. Indeed, in + such case the honor of the nation demands investigation. This has been + accomplished by the report of the commissioners herewith transmitted, + and which fully vindicates the purity of the motives and action of those + who represented the United States in the negotiation. +</p> +<p> + And now my task is finished, and with it ends all personal solicitude + upon the subject. My duty being done, yours begins; and I gladly hand + over the whole matter to the judgment of the American people and of + their representatives in Congress assembled. The facts will now be + spread before the country, and a decision rendered by that tribunal + whose convictions so seldom err, and against whose will I have no policy + to enforce. My opinion remains unchanged; indeed, it is confirmed by the + report that the interests of our country and of San Domingo alike invite + the annexation of that Republic. +</p> +<p> + In view of the difference of opinion upon this subject, I suggest that + no action be taken at the present session beyond the printing and + general dissemination of the report. Before the next session of Congress + the people will have considered the subject and formed an intelligent + opinion concerning it, to which opinion, deliberately made up, it will + be the duty of every department of the Government to give heed; and no + one will more cheerfully conform to it than myself. It is not only the + theory of our Constitution that the will of the people, constitutionally + expressed, is the supreme law, but I have ever believed that "all men + are wiser than any one man;" and if the people, upon a full presentation + of the facts, shall decide that the annexation of the Republic is not + desirable, every department of the Government ought to acquiesce in that + decision. +</p> +<p> + In again submitting to Congress a subject upon which public sentiment + has been divided, and which has been made the occasion of acrimonious + debates in Congress, as well as of unjust aspersions elsewhere, I may, + I trust, be indulged in a single remark. +</p> +<p> + No man could hope to perform duties so delicate and responsible as + pertain to the Presidential office without sometimes incurring the + hostility of those who deem their opinions and wishes treated with + insufficient consideration; and he who undertakes to conduct the affairs + of a great government as a faithful public servant, if sustained by the + approval of his own conscience, may rely with confidence upon the candor + and intelligence of a free people whose best interests he has striven to + subserve, and can bear with patience the censure of disappointed men. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 5, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit confidentially, for the information and consideration of the + Senate, a copy of a dispatch of the 25th of February last relative to + the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands, addressed to the Department of + State by Henry A. Pierce, minister resident of the United States at + Honolulu. Although I do not deem it advisable to express any opinion or + to make any recommendation in regard to the subject at this juncture, + the views of the Senate, if it should be deemed proper to express them, + would be very acceptable with reference to any future course which there + might be a disposition to adopt. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 11, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their resolution + of March 31, 1871, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + documents.<a href="#note-45"><small>45</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [The following messages were sent to the special session of the Senate + convened by proclamation (see pp. 133-134) of April 20, 1871.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 10, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a treaty between the United States and Great Britain for the settlement + of pending questions between the two countries, signed at Washington on + the 8th instant by the commissioners of the United States and Great + Britain, respectively. +</p> +<p> + Copies of the powers and instructions to the commissioners on the part + of the United States and the protocols of the conferences are also + transmitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 15, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 10th + instant, a report<a href="#note-46"><small>46</small></a> from the Secretary of State and the papers which + accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 17, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 15th instant, I transmit + herewith a report <a href="#note-47"><small>47</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States that the + United States shall protect every State in this Union, on application of + the legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature can not be + convened), against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that in + all cases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the laws + thereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, on + application of the legislature of such State, or of the executive (when + the legislature can not be convened), to call forth the militia of any + other State or States, or to employ such part of the land and naval + force as shall be judged necessary for the purpose of suppressing such + insurrection or of causing the laws to be duly executed; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas I have received information that combinations of armed men, + unauthorized by law, are now disturbing the peace and safety of the + citizens of the State of South Carolina and committing acts of violence + in said State of a character and to an extent which render the power of + the State and its officers unequal to the task of protecting life and + property and securing public order therein; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the legislature of said State is not now in session and can not + be convened in time to meet the present emergency, and the executive of + said State has therefore made application to me for such part of the + military force of the United States as may be necessary and adequate + to protect said State and the citizens thereof against the domestic + violence hereinbefore mentioned and to enforce the due execution of + the laws; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the laws of the United States require that whenever it may be + necessary, in the judgment of the President, to use the military force + for the purpose aforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command + such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective + abodes within a limited time: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby command the persons composing the unlawful combinations aforesaid + to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes within + twenty days from this date. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 24th day of March, A.D. 1871, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the Senate + should be convened at 12 o'clock on Wednesday, the 10th day of May next, + to receive and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the + part of the Executive: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + have considered it to be my duty to issue this my proclamation, + declaring that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the + United States to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, + in the city of Washington, on Wednesday, the 10th day of May next, at 12 + o'clock on that day, of which all who shall at that time be entitled to + act as members of that body are hereby required to take notice. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, + the 20th day of April, A.D. 1871, and of the Independence of the United + States of America the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION +</h4> +<p> + The act of Congress entitled "An act to enforce the provisions of + the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, + and for other purposes," approved April 20, A.D. 1871, being a law of + extraordinary public importance, I consider it my duty to issue this my + proclamation, calling the attention of the people of the United States + thereto enjoining upon all good citizens, and especially upon all public + officers, to be zealous in the enforcement thereof, and warning all + persons to abstain from committing any of the acts thereby prohibited. +</p> +<p> + This law of Congress applies to all parts of the United States and + will be enforced everywhere to the extent of the powers vested in the + Executive. But inasmuch as the necessity therefor is well known to have + been caused chiefly by persistent violations of the rights of citizens + of the United States by combinations of lawless and disaffected persons + in certain localities lately the theater of insurrection and military + conflict, I do particularly exhort the people of those parts of the + country to suppress all such combinations by their own voluntary efforts + through the agency of local laws and to maintain the rights of all + citizens of the United States and to secure to all such citizens the + equal protection of the laws. +</p> +<p> + Fully sensible of the responsibility imposed upon the Executive by the + act of Congress to which public attention is now called, and reluctant + to call into exercise any of the extraordinary powers thereby conferred + upon me except in cases of imperative necessity, I do, nevertheless, + deem it my duty to make known that I will not hesitate to exhaust the + powers thus vested in the Executive whenever and wherever it shall + become necessary to do so for the purpose of securing to all citizens + of the United States the peaceful enjoyment of the rights guaranteed + to them by the Constitution and laws. +</p> +<p> + It is my earnest wish that peace and cheerful obedience to law may + prevail throughout the land and that all traces of our late unhappy + civil strife may be speedily removed. These ends can be easily reached + by acquiescence in the results of the conflict, now written in our + Constitution, and by the due and proper enforcement of equal, just, and + impartial laws in every part of our country. +</p> +<p> + The failure of local communities to furnish such means for the + attainment of results so earnestly desired imposes upon the National + Government the duty of putting forth all its energies for the protection + of its citizens of every race and color and for the restoration of peace + and order throughout the entire country. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of May, A.D. 1871, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-fifth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas unlawful combinations and conspiracies have long existed and do + still exist in the State of South Carolina for the purpose of depriving + certain portions and classes of the people of that State of the rights, + privileges, immunities, and protection named in the Constitution of the + United States and secured by the act of Congress approved April 20, + 1871, entitled "An act to enforce the provisions of the fourteenth + amendment to the Constitution of the United States;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas in certain parts of said State, to wit, in the counties of + Spartanburg, York, Marion, Chester, Laurens, Newberry, Fairfield, + Lancaster, and Chesterfield, such combinations and conspiracies do + so obstruct and hinder the execution of the laws of said State and of + the United States as to deprive the people aforesaid of the rights, + privileges, immunities, and protection aforesaid and do oppose and + obstruct the laws of the United States and their due execution and + impede and obstruct the due course of justice under the same; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the constituted authorities of said State are unable to protect + the people aforesaid in such rights within the said counties; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the combinations and conspiracies aforesaid, within the counties + aforesaid, are organized and armed and are so numerous and powerful as + to be able to defy the constituted authorities of said State and of the + United States within the said State, and by reason of said causes the + conviction of such offenders and the preservation of the public peace + and safety have become impracticable in said counties: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States + of America, do hereby command all persons composing the unlawful + combinations and conspiracies aforesaid to disperse and to retire + peaceably to their homes within five days of the date hereof, and to + deliver either to the marshal of the United States for the district of + South Carolina, or to any of his deputies, or to any military officer of + the United States within said counties, all arms, ammunition, uniforms, + disguises, and other means and implements used, kept, possessed, or + controlled by them for carrying out the unlawful purposes for which the + combinations and conspiracies are organized. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 12th day of October, A.D. 1871, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to enforce the provisions + of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, + and for other purposes," approved the 20th day of April, A.D. 1871, + power is given to the President of the United States, when in his + judgment the public safety shall require it, to suspend the privileges + of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> in any State or part of a State whenever + combinations and conspiracies exist in such State or part of a State for + the purpose of depriving any portion or class of the people of such + State of the rights, privileges, immunities, and protection named in the + Constitution of the United States and secured by the act of Congress + aforesaid; and whenever such combinations and conspiracies do so + obstruct and hinder the execution of the laws of any such State and of + the United States as to deprive the people aforesaid of the rights, + privileges, immunities, and protection aforesaid, and do oppose and + obstruct the laws of the United States and their due execution, and + impede and obstruct the due course of justice under the same; and + whenever such combinations shall be organized and armed, and so numerous + and powerful as to be able by violence either to overthrow or to set at + defiance the constituted authorities of said State and of the United + States within such State; and whenever by reason of said causes the + conviction of such offenders and the preservation of the public peace + shall become in such State or part of a State impracticable; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas such unlawful combinations and conspiracies for the purposes + aforesaid are declared by the act of Congress aforesaid to be rebellion + against the Government of the United States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by said act of Congress it is provided that before the President + shall suspend the privileges of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> he shall + first have made proclamation commanding such insurgents to disperse; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas on the 12th day of the present month of October the President of + the United States did issue his proclamation, reciting therein, among + other things, that such combinations and conspiracies did then exist in + the counties of Spartanburg, York, Marion, Chester, Laurens, Newberry, + Fairfield, Lancaster, and Chesterfield, in the State of South Carolina, + and commanding thereby all persons composing such unlawful combinations + and conspiracies to disperse and retire peaceably to their homes within + five days from the date thereof, and to deliver either to the marshal of + the United States for the district of South Carolina, or to any of his + deputies, or to any military officer of the United States within said + counties, all arms, ammunition, uniforms, disguises, and other means and + implements used, kept, possessed, or controlled by them for carrying out + the unlawful purposes for which the said combinations and conspiracies + are organized; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the insurgents engaged in such unlawful combinations and + conspiracies within the counties aforesaid have not dispersed and + retired peaceably to their respective homes, and have not delivered to + the marshal of the United States, or to any of his deputies, or to any + military officer of the United States within said counties, all arms, + ammunition, uniforms, disguises, and other means and implements used, + kept, possessed, or controlled by them for carrying out the unlawful + purposes for which the combinations and conspiracies are organized, as + commanded by said proclamation, but do still persist in the unlawful + combinations and conspiracies aforesaid: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of + the United States and the act of Congress aforesaid, do hereby declare + that in my judgment the public safety especially requires that the + privileges of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> be suspended, to the end that + such rebellion may be overthrown, and do hereby suspend the privileges + of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> within the counties of Spartanburg, + York, Marion, Chester, Laurens, Newberry, Fairfield, Lancaster, and + Chesterfield, in said State of South Carolina, in respect to all persons + arrested by the marshal of the United States for the said district of + South Carolina, or by any of his deputies, or by any military officer of + the United States, or by any soldier or citizen acting under the orders + of said marshal, deputy, or such military officer within any one of said + counties, charged with any violation of the act of Congress aforesaid, + during the continuance of such rebellion. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 17th day of October, A.D. 1871, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + J.C. BANCROFT DAVIS,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + The process of the seasons has again enabled the husbandman to garner + the fruits of successful toil. Industry has been generally well + rewarded. We are at peace with all nations, and tranquillity, with few + exceptions, prevails at home. Within the past year we have in the main + been free from ills which elsewhere have afflicted our kind. If some of + us have had calamities, these should be an occasion for sympathy with + the sufferers, of resignation on their part to the will of the Most + High, and of rejoicing to the many who have been more favored. +</p> +<p> + I therefore recommend that on Thursday, the 30th day of November next, + the people meet in their respective places of worship and there make the + usual annual acknowledgments to Almighty God for the blessings He has + conferred upon them, for their merciful exemption from evils, and invoke + His protection and kindness for their less fortunate brethren, whom in + His wisdom He has deemed it best to chastise. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1871, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas in my proclamation of the 12th day of October, in the year 1871, + it was recited that certain unlawful combinations and conspiracies + existed in certain counties in the State of South Carolina for the + purpose of depriving certain portions and classes of the people of that + State of the rights, privileges, and immunities and protection named in + the Constitution of the United States and secured by the act of Congress + approved April 20, 1871, entitled "An act to enforce the provisions of + the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States," and + the persons composing such combinations and conspiracies were commanded + to disperse and to retire peaceably to their homes within five days from + said date; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by my proclamation of the 17th day of October, in the year 1871, + the privileges of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> were suspended in the + counties named in said proclamation; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the county of Marion was named in said proclamations as one of + the counties in which said unlawful combinations and conspiracies for + the purposes aforesaid existed, and in which the privileges of the writ + of <i>habeas corpus</i> were suspended; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has been ascertained that in said county of Marion said + combinations and conspiracies do not exist to the extent recited in said + proclamations; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has been ascertained that unlawful combinations and + conspiracies of the character and to the extent and for the purposes + described in said proclamations do exist in the county of Union in said + State: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States + of America, do hereby revoke, as to the said county of Marion, the + suspension of the privileges of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> directed + in my said proclamation of the 17th day of October, 1871. +</p> +<p> + And I do hereby command all persons in the said county of Union + composing the unlawful combinations and conspiracies aforesaid to + disperse and to retire peaceably to their homes within five days of the + date hereof, and to deliver either to the marshal of the United States + for the district of South Carolina, or to any of his deputies, or to any + military officer of the United States within said county, all arms, + ammunition, uniforms, disguises, and other means and implements used, + kept, possessed, or controlled by them for carrying out the unlawful + purposes for which the combinations and conspiracies are organized. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of November, A.D. 1871, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by an act of Congress entitled "An act to enforce the provisions + of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, + and for other purposes," approved the 20th day of April, A.D. 1871, + power is given to the President of the United States, when in his + judgment the public safety shall require it, to suspend the privileges + of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> in any State or part of a State whenever + combinations and conspiracies exist in such State or part of a State for + the purpose of depriving any portion or class of the people of such + State of the rights, privileges, immunities, and protection named in the + Constitution of the United States and secured by the act of Congress + aforesaid; and whenever such combinations and conspiracies do so + obstruct and hinder the execution of the laws of any such State and of + the United States as to deprive the people aforesaid of the rights, + privileges, immunities, and protection aforesaid, and do oppose and + obstruct the laws of the United States and their due execution, and + impede and obstruct the due course of justice under the same; and + whenever such combinations shall be organized and armed and so numerous + and powerful as to be able by violence either to overthrow or to set at + defiance the constituted authorities of said State and of the United + States within such State; and whenever by reason of said causes the + conviction of such offenders and the preservation of the public peace + shall become in such State or part of a State impracticable; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas such unlawful combinations and conspiracies for the purposes + aforesaid are declared by the act of Congress aforesaid to be rebellion + against the Government of the United States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by said act of Congress it is provided that before the President + shall suspend the privileges of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> he shall + first have made proclamation commanding such insurgents to disperse; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas on the 3d day of the present month of November the President + of the United States did issue his proclamation, reciting therein, + among other things, that such combinations and conspiracies did then + exist in the county of Union, in the State of South Carolina, and + commanding thereby all persons composing such unlawful combinations and + conspiracies to disperse and retire peaceably to their homes within five + days from the date thereof, and to deliver either to the marshal of + the United States for the district of South Carolina, or to any of his + deputies, or to any military officer of the United States within said + county, all arms, ammunition, uniforms, disguises, and other means and + implements used, kept, possessed, or controlled by them for carrying out + the unlawful purposes for which the said combinations and conspiracies + are organized; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the insurgents engaged in such unlawful combinations and + conspiracies within the county aforesaid have not dispersed and retired + peaceably to their respective homes, and have not delivered to the + marshal of the United States, or to any of his deputies, or to any + military officer of the United States within said county, all arms, + ammunition, uniforms, disguises, and other means and implements used, + kept, possessed, or controlled by them for carrying out the unlawful + purposes for which the combinations and conspiracies are organized, as + commanded by said proclamation, but do still persist in the unlawful + combinations and conspiracies aforesaid: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of + the United States and the act of Congress aforesaid, do hereby declare + that in my judgment the public safety especially requires that the + privileges of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> be suspended, to the end that + such rebellion may be overthrown, and do hereby suspend the privileges + of the writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> within the county of Union, in said State + of South Carolina, in respect to all persons arrested by the marshal of + the United States for the said district of South Carolina, or by any of + his deputies, or by any military officer of the United States, or by any + soldier or citizen acting under the orders of said marshal, deputy, or + such military officer within said county, charged with any violation of + the act of Congress aforesaid, during the continuance of such rebellion. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 10th day of November, A.D. 1871, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDER. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + EXECUTIVE ORDER. +</h4> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 31, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + The act of June 15, 1852, section 1 (10 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 10), + provides: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That whenever any officer of either of the Territories of the United + States shall be absent therefrom and from the duties of his office no + salary shall be paid him during the year in which such absence shall + occur, unless good cause therefor shall be shown to the President of + the United States, who shall officially certify his opinion of such + cause to the proper accounting officer of the Treasury, to be filed + in his office. +</p> +<p> + It has been the practice under this law for the Territorial officers who + have desired to be absent from their respective Territories to apply for + leaves to the head of the proper Department at Washington, and when such + leave has been given the required certificate of the President has been + granted as a matter of course. +</p> +<p> + The unusual number of applications for leave of absence which have + been lately made by Territorial officers has induced the President to + announce that he expects the gentlemen who hold those offices to stay in + their respective Territories and to attend strictly to their official + duties. They have been appointed for service in the Territory and for + the benefit and convenience of the Territorial population. He expects + them by their personal presence to identify themselves with the people + and acquire local information, without which their duties can not be + well performed. Frequent or long absence makes them in some degree + strangers, and therefore less acceptable to the people. Their absence, + no matter with what substitution, must often put the people to + inconvenience. Executive officers may be required for emergencies which + could not be foreseen. Judges should be at hand, not only when the + courts are in session, but for matters of bail, <i>habeas corpus</i>, orders + in equity, examination of persons charged with crime, and other similar + business, which often arises in vacation. +</p> +<p> + These and similar considerations no doubt induced Congress to pass the + law above quoted. +</p> +<p> + It is therefore directed that in future the heads of Departments shall + grant leaves of absence to Territorial officers only for reasons of the + most urgent character, and then only for the shortest possible time. +</p> +<p> + By order of the President: +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 4, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In addressing my third annual message to the law-making branch of the + Government it is gratifying to be able to state that during the past + year success has generally attended the effort to execute all laws found + upon the statute books. The policy has been not to inquire into the + wisdom of laws already enacted, but to learn their spirit and intent and + to enforce them accordingly. +</p> +<p> + The past year has, under a wise Providence, been one of general + prosperity to the nation. It has, however, been attended with more than + usual chastisements in the loss of life and property by storm and fire. + These disasters have served to call forth the best elements of human + nature in our country and to develop a friendship for us on the part + of foreign nations which goes far toward alleviating the distresses + occasioned by these calamities. The benevolent, who have so generously + shared their means with the victims of these misfortunes, will reap + their reward in the consciousness of having performed a noble act and + in receiving the grateful thanks of men, women, and children whose + sufferings they have relieved. +</p> +<p> + The relations of the United States with foreign powers continue to be + friendly. The year has been an eventful one in witnessing two great + nations, speaking one language and having one lineage, settling by + peaceful arbitration disputes of long standing and liable at any time to + bring those nations into bloody and costly conflict. An example has thus + been set which, if successful in its final issue, may be followed by + other civilized nations, and finally be the means of returning to + productive industry millions of men now maintained to settle the + disputes of nations by the bayonet and the broadside. +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a copy of the treaty alluded to, which has been + concluded since the adjournment of Congress with Her Britannic Majesty, + and a copy of the protocols of the conferences of the commissioners by + whom it was negotiated. This treaty provides methods for adjusting the + questions pending between the two nations. +</p> +<p> + Various questions are to be adjusted by arbitration. I recommend + Congress at an early day to make the necessary provision for the + tribunal at Geneva and for the several commissioners on the part of the + United States called for by the treaty. +</p> +<p> + His Majesty the King of Italy, the President of the Swiss Confederation, + and His Majesty the Emperor of Brazil have each consented, on the joint + request of the two powers, to name an arbiter for the tribunal at + Geneva. I have caused my thanks to be suitably expressed for the + readiness with which the joint request has been complied with, by the + appointment of gentlemen of eminence and learning to these important + positions. +</p> +<p> + His Majesty the Emperor of Germany has been pleased to comply with the + joint request of the two Governments, and has consented to act as the + arbitrator of the disputed water boundary between the United States and + Great Britain. +</p> +<p> + The contracting parties in the treaty have undertaken to regard as + between themselves certain principles of public law, for which the + United States have contended from the commencement of their history. + They have also agreed to bring those principles to the knowledge of the + other maritime powers and to invite them to accede to them. Negotiations + are going on as to the form of the note by which the invitation is to be + extended to the other powers. +</p> +<p> + I recommend the legislation necessary on the part of the United States + to bring into operation the articles of the treaty relating to the + fisheries and to the other matters touching the relations of the United + States toward the British North American possessions, to become + operative so soon as the proper legislation shall be had on the part of + Great Britain and its possessions. It is much to be desired that this + legislation may become operative before the fishermen of the United + States begin to make their arrangements for the coming season. +</p> +<p> + I have addressed a communication, of which a copy is transmitted + herewith, to the governors of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, + Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, urging upon the governments of those + States, respectively, the necessary action on their part to carry into + effect the object of the article of the treaty which contemplates the + use of the canals, on either side, connected with the navigation of the + lakes and rivers forming the boundary, on terms of equality, by the + inhabitants of both countries. It is hoped that the importance of the + object and the benefits to flow therefrom will secure the speedy + approval and legislative sanction of the States concerned. +</p> +<p> + I renew the recommendation for an appropriation for determining the true + position of the forty-ninth parallel of latitude where it forms the + boundary between the United States and the British North American + possessions, between the Lake of the Woods and the summit of the Rocky + Mountains. The early action of Congress on this recommendation would put + it in the power of the War Department to place a force in the field + during the next summer. +</p> +<p> + The resumption of diplomatic relations between France and Germany has + enabled me to give directions for the withdrawal of the protection + extended to Germans in France by the diplomatic and consular + representatives of the United States in that country. It is just to add + that the delicate duty of this protection has been performed by the + minister and the consul-general at Paris, and the various consuls in + France under the supervision of the latter, with great kindness as well + as with prudence and tact. Their course has received the commendation of + the German Government, and has wounded no susceptibility of the French. +</p> +<p> + The Government of the Emperor of Germany continues to manifest a + friendly feeling toward the United States, and a desire to harmonize + with the moderate and just policy which this Government maintains in + its relations with Asiatic powers, as well as with the South American + Republics. I have given assurances that the friendly feelings of that + Government are fully shared by the United States. +</p> +<p> + The ratifications of the consular and naturalization conventions with + the Austro-Hungarian Empire have been exchanged. +</p> +<p> + I have been officially informed of the annexation of the States of the + Church to the Kingdom of Italy, and the removal of the capital of that + Kingdom to Rome. In conformity with the established policy of the + United States, I have recognized this change. The ratifications of the + new treaty of commerce between the United States and Italy have been + exchanged. The two powers have agreed in this treaty that private + property at sea shall be exempt from capture in case of war between + the two powers. The United States have spared no opportunity of + incorporating this rule into the obligation of nations. +</p> +<p> + The Forty-first Congress, at its third session, made an appropriation + for the organization of a mixed commission for adjudicating upon the + claims of citizens of the United States against Spain growing out of + the insurrection in Cuba. That commission has since been organized. I + transmit herewith the correspondence relating to its formation and its + jurisdiction. It is to be hoped that this commission will afford the + claimants a complete remedy for their injuries. +</p> +<p> + It has been made the agreeable duty of the United States to preside over + a conference at Washington between the plenipotentiaries of Spain and + the allied South American Republics, which has resulted in an armistice, + with the reasonable assurance of a permanent peace. +</p> +<p> + The intimate friendly relations which have so long existed between the + United States and Russia continue undisturbed. The visit of the third + son of the Emperor is a proof that there is no desire on the part of his + Government to diminish the cordiality of those relations. The hospitable + reception which has been given to the Grand Duke is a proof that on our + side we share the wishes of that Government. The inexcusable course of + the Russian minister at Washington rendered it necessary to ask his + recall and to decline to longer receive that functionary as a diplomatic + representative. It was impossible, with self-respect or with a just + regard to the dignity of the country, to permit Mr. Catacazy to continue + to hold intercourse with this Government after his personal abuse of + Government officials, and during his persistent interferences, through + various means, with the relations between the United States and other + powers. In accordance with my wishes, this Government has been relieved + of further intercourse with Mr. Catacazy, and the management of the + affairs of the imperial legation has passed into the hands of a + gentleman entirely unobjectionable. +</p> +<p> + With Japan we continue to maintain intimate relations. The cabinet of + the Mikado has since the close of the last session of Congress selected + citizens of the United States to serve in offices of importance in + several departments of Government. I have reason to think that this + selection is due to an appreciation of the disinterestedness of the + policy which the United States have pursued toward Japan. It is our + desire to continue to maintain this disinterested and just policy with + China as well as Japan. The correspondence transmitted herewith shows + that there is no disposition on the part of this Government to swerve + from its established course. +</p> +<p> + Prompted by a desire to put an end to the barbarous treatment of our + shipwrecked sailors on the Korean coast, I instructed our minister at + Peking to endeavor to conclude a convention with Korea for securing the + safety and humane treatment of such mariners. +</p> +<p> + Admiral Rodgers was instructed to accompany him with a sufficient force + to protect him in case of need. +</p> +<p> + A small surveying party sent out, on reaching the coast was + treacherously attacked at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity was given + for explanation and apology for the insult. Neither came. A force was + then landed. After an arduous march over a rugged and difficult country, + the forts from which the outrages had been committed were reduced by a + gallant assault and were destroyed. Having thus punished the criminals, + and having vindicated the honor of the flag, the expedition returned, + finding it impracticable under the circumstances to conclude the desired + convention. I respectfully refer to the correspondence relating thereto, + herewith submitted, and leave the subject for such action as Congress + may see fit to take. +</p> +<p> + The Republic of Mexico has not yet repealed the very objectionable laws + establishing what is known as the "free zone" on the frontier of the + United States. It is hoped that this may yet be done, and also that more + stringent measures may be taken by that Republic for restraining lawless + persons on its frontiers. I hope that Mexico by its own action will soon + relieve this Government of the difficulties experienced from these + causes. +</p> +<p> + Our relations with the various Republics of Central and South America + continue, with one exception, to be cordial and friendly. +</p> +<p> + I recommend some action by Congress regarding the overdue installments + under the award of the Venezuelan Claims Commission of 1866. The + internal dissensions of this Government present no justification for the + absence of effort to meet their solemn treaty obligations. +</p> +<p> + The ratification of an extradition treaty with Nicaragua has been + exchanged. +</p> +<p> + It is a subject for congratulation that the great Empire of Brazil has + taken the initiatory step toward the abolition of slavery. Our relations + with that Empire, always cordial, will naturally be made more so by this + act. It is not too much to hope that the Government of Brazil may + hereafter find it for its interest, as well as intrinsically right, to + advance toward entire emancipation more rapidly than the present act + contemplates. +</p> +<p> + The true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to be found in the + elevation and education of its laborers. +</p> +<p> + It is a subject for regret that the reforms in this direction which were + voluntarily promised by the statesmen of Spain have not been carried out + in its West India colonies. The laws and regulations for the apparent + abolition of slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico leave most of the laborers + in bondage, with no hope of release until their lives become a burden to + their employers. +</p> +<p> + I desire to direct your attention to the fact that citizens of the + United States, or persons claiming to be citizens of the United States, + are large holders in foreign lands of this species of property, + forbidden by the fundamental law of their alleged country. I recommend + to Congress to provide by stringent legislation a suitable remedy + against the holding, owning, or dealing in slaves, or being interested + in slave property, in foreign lands, either as owners, hirers, or + mortgagors, by citizens of the United States. +</p> +<p> + It is to be regretted that the disturbed condition of the island of Cuba + continues to be a source of annoyance and of anxiety. The existence + of a protracted struggle in such close proximity to our own territory, + without apparent prospect of an early termination, can not be other than + an object of concern to a people who, while abstaining from interference + in the affairs of other powers, naturally desire to see every country in + the undisturbed enjoyment of peace, liberty, and the blessings of free + institutions. +</p> +<p> + Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have been instructed, in case it + should become necessary, to spare no effort to protect the lives and + property of <i>bona fide</i> American citizens and to maintain the dignity + of the flag. +</p> +<p> + It is hoped that all pending questions with Spain growing out of the + affairs in Cuba may be adjusted in the spirit of peace and conciliation + which has hitherto guided the two powers in their treatment of such + questions. +</p> +<p> + To give importance to and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic + relations with Japan and China, and to further aid in retaining the good + opinion of those peoples, and to secure to the United States its share + of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and the balance + of the commercial world, I earnestly recommend that an appropriation + be made to support at least four American youths in each of those + countries, to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers + there. Our representatives would not even then be placed upon an + equality with the representatives of Great Britain and of some other + powers. As now situated, our representatives in Japan and China have to + depend for interpreters and translators upon natives of those countries + who know our language imperfectly, or procure for the occasion the + services of employees in foreign business houses or the interpreters to + other foreign ministers. +</p> +<p> + I would also recommend liberal measures for the purpose of supporting + the American lines of steamers now plying between San Francisco and + Japan and China, and the Australian line—almost our only remaining + lines of ocean steamers—and of increasing their services. +</p> +<p> + The national debt has been reduced to the extent of $86,057,126.80 + during the year, and by the negotiation of national bonds at a lower + rate of interest the interest on the public debt has been so far + diminished that now the sum to be raised for the interest account is + nearly $17,000,000 less than on the 1st of March, 1869. It was highly + desirable that this rapid diminution should take place, both to + strengthen the credit of the country and to convince its citizens + of their entire ability to meet every dollar of liability without + bankrupting them. But in view of the accomplishment of these desirable + ends; of the rapid development of the resources of the country; its + increasing ability to meet large demands, and the amount already + paid, it is not desirable that the present resources of the country + should continue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid payment. + I therefore recommend a modification of both the tariff and + internal-tax law. I recommend that all taxes from internal sources + be abolished, except those collected from spirituous, vinous, and + malt liquors, tobacco in its various forms, and from stamps. +</p> +<p> + In readjusting the tariff I suggest that a careful estimate be made of + the amount of surplus revenue collected under the present laws, after + providing for the current expenses of the Government, the interest + account, and a sinking fund, and that this surplus be reduced in such a + manner as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest number. There + are many articles not produced at home, but which enter largely into + general consumption through articles which are manufactured at home, + such as medicines compounded, etc., etc., from which very little revenue + is derived, but which enter into general use. All such articles I + recommend to be placed on the "free list." Should a further reduction + prove advisable, I would then recommend that it be made upon those + articles which can best bear it without disturbing home production or + reducing the wages of American labor. +</p> +<p> + I have not entered into figures, because to do so would be to repeat + what will be laid before you in the report of the Secretary of the + Treasury. The present laws for collecting revenue pay collectors + of customs small salaries, but provide for moieties (shares in all + seizures), which, at principal ports of entry particularly, raise the + compensation of those officials to a large sum. It has always seemed + to me as if this system must at times work perniciously. It holds out + an inducement to dishonest men, should such get possession of those + offices, to be lax in their scrutiny of goods entered, to enable them + finally to make large seizures. Your attention is respectfully invited + to this subject. +</p> +<p> + Continued fluctuations in the value of gold, as compared with the + national currency, has a most damaging effect upon the increase and + development of the country, in keeping up prices of all articles + necessary in everyday life. It fosters a spirit of gambling, prejudicial + alike to national morals and the national finances. If the question + can be met as to how to get a fixed value to our currency, that value + constantly and uniformly approaching par with specie, a very desirable + object will be gained. +</p> +<p> + For the operations of the Army in the past year, the expense of + maintaining it, the estimate for the ensuing year, and for continuing + seacoast and other improvements conducted under the supervision of the + War Department, I refer you to the accompanying report of the Secretary + of War. +</p> +<p> + I call your attention to the provisions of the act of Congress approved + March 3, 1869, which discontinues promotions in the staff corps of the + Army until provided for by law. I recommend that the number of officers + in each grade in the staff corps be fixed, and that whenever the number + in any one grade falls below the number so fixed, that the vacancy may + be filled by promotion from the grade below. I also recommend that when + the office of chief of a corps becomes vacant the place may be filled by + selection from the corps in which the vacancy exists. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows an improvement in the + number and efficiency of the naval force, without material increase in + the expense of supporting it. This is due to the policy which has been + adopted, and is being extended as fast as our material will admit, of + using smaller vessels as cruisers on the several stations. By this means + we have been enabled to occupy at once a larger extent of cruising + grounds, to visit more frequently the ports where the presence of our + flag is desirable, and generally to discharge more efficiently the + appropriate duties of the Navy in time of peace, without exceeding the + number of men or the expenditure authorized by law. +</p> +<p> + During the past year the Navy has, in addition to its regular service, + supplied the men and officers for the vessels of the Coast Survey, and + has completed the surveys authorized by Congress of the isthmuses of + Darien and Tehuantepec, and, under like authority, has sent out an + expedition, completely furnished and equipped, to explore the unknown + ocean of the north. +</p> +<p> + The suggestions of the report as to the necessity for increasing and + improving the <i>matériel</i> of the Navy, and the plan recommended for + reducing the <i>personnel</i> of the service to a peace standard, by the + gradual abolition of certain grades of officers, the reduction of + others, and the employment of some in the service of the commercial + marine, are well considered and deserve the thoughtful attention of + Congress. +</p> +<p> + I also recommend that all promotions in the Navy above the rank of + captain be by selection instead of by seniority. This course will secure + in the higher grades greater efficiency and hold out an incentive to + young officers to improve themselves in the knowledge of their + profession. +</p> +<p> + The present cost of maintaining the Navy, its cost compared with that of + the preceding year, and the estimates for the ensuing year are contained + in the accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy. +</p> +<p> + The enlarged receipts of the Post-Office Department, as shown by the + accompanying report of the Postmaster-General, exhibit a gratifying + increase in that branch of the public service. It is the index of the + growth of education and of the prosperity of the people, two elements + highly conducive to the vigor and stability of republics. With a vast + territory like ours, much of it sparsely populated, but all requiring + the services of the mail, it is not at present to be expected that this + Department can be made self-sustaining. But a gradual approach to this + end from year to year is confidently relied on, and the day is not far + distant when the Post-Office Department of the Government will prove a + much greater blessing to the whole people than it is now. +</p> +<p> + The suggestions of the Postmaster-General for improvements in the + Department presided over by him are earnestly recommended to your + special attention. Especially do I recommend favorable consideration of + the plan for uniting the telegraphic system of the United States with + the postal system. It is believed that by such a course the cost of + telegraphing could be much reduced, and the service as well, if not + better, rendered. It would secure the further advantage of extending the + telegraph through portions of the country where private enterprise will + not construct it. Commerce, trade, and, above all, the efforts to bring + a people widely separated into a community of interest are always + benefited by a rapid intercommunication. Education, the groundwork of + republican institutions, is encouraged by increasing the facilities to + gather speedy news from all parts of the country. The desire to reap the + benefit of such improvements will stimulate education. I refer you to + the report of the Postmaster-General for full details of the operations + of last year and for comparative statements of results with former + years. +</p> +<p> + There has been imposed upon the executive branch of the Government the + execution of the act of Congress approved April 20, 1871, and commonly + known as the Kuklux law, in a portion of the State of South Carolina. + The necessity of the course pursued will be demonstrated by the report + of the Committee to Investigate Southern Outrages. Under the provisions + of the above act I issued a proclamation<a href="#note-48"><small>48</small></a> calling the attention of + the people of the United States to the same, and declaring my reluctance + to exercise any of the extraordinary powers thereby conferred upon me, + except in case of imperative necessity, but making known my purpose to + exercise such powers whenever it should become necessary to do so for + the purpose of securing to all citizens of the United States the + peaceful enjoyment of the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution + and the laws. +</p> +<p> + After the passage of this law information was received from time to time + that combinations of the character referred to in this law existed and + were powerful in many parts of the Southern States, particularly in + certain counties in the State of South Carolina. +</p> +<p> + Careful investigation was made, and it was ascertained that in nine + counties of that State such combinations were active and powerful, + embracing a sufficient portion of the citizens to control the local + authority, and having, among other things, the object of depriving + the emancipated class of the substantial benefits of freedom and of + preventing the free political action of those citizens who did not + sympathize with their own views. Among their operations were frequent + scourgings and occasional assassinations, generally perpetrated at night + by disguised persons, the victims in almost all cases being citizens of + different political sentiments from their own or freed persons who had + shown a disposition to claim equal rights with other citizens. Thousands + of inoffensive and well-disposed citizens were the sufferers by this + lawless violence. +</p> +<p> + Thereupon, on the 12th of October, 1871, a proclamation<a href="#note-49"><small>49</small></a> was issued, + in terms of the law, calling upon the members of those combinations to + disperse within five days and to deliver to the marshal or military + officers of the United States all arms, ammunition, uniforms, disguises, + and other means and implements used by them for carrying out their + unlawful purposes. +</p> +<p> + This warning not having been heeded, on the 17th of October another + proclamation<a href="#note-50"><small>50</small></a> was issued, suspending the privileges of the writ of + <i>habeas corpus</i> in nine counties in that State. +</p> +<p> + Direction was given that within the counties so designated persons + supposed, upon creditable information, to be members of such unlawful + combinations should be arrested by the military forces of the United + States and delivered to the marshal, to be dealt with according to law. + In two of said counties, York and Spartanburg, many arrests have been + made. At the last account the number of persons thus arrested was 168. + Several hundred, whose criminality was ascertained to be of an inferior + degree, were released for the present. These have generally made + confessions of their guilt. +</p> +<p> + Great caution has been exercised in making these arrests, and, + notwithstanding the large number, it is believed that no innocent person + is now in custody. The prisoners will be held for regular trial in the + judicial tribunals of the United States. +</p> +<p> + As soon as it appeared that the authorities of the United States were + about to take vigorous measures to enforce the law, many persons + absconded, and there is good ground for supposing that all of such + persons have violated the law. A full report of what has been done under + this law will be submitted to Congress by the Attorney-General. +</p> +<p> + In Utah there still remains a remnant of barbarism, repugnant to + civilization, to decency, and to the laws of the United States. + Territorial officers, however, have been found who are willing to + perform their duty in a spirit of equity and with a due sense of the + necessity of sustaining the majesty of the law. Neither polygamy nor + any other violation of existing statutes will be permitted within the + territory of the United States. It is not with the religion of the + self-styled Saints that we are now dealing, but with their practices. + They will be protected in the worship of God according to the dictates + of their consciences, but they will not be permitted to violate the laws + under the cloak of religion. +</p> +<p> + It may be advisable for Congress to consider what, in the execution of + the laws against polygamy, is to be the status of plural wives and their + offspring. The propriety of Congress passing an enabling act authorizing + the Territorial legislature of Utah to legitimize all children born + prior to a time fixed in the act might be justified by its humanity to + these innocent children. This is a suggestion only, and not a + recommendation. +</p> +<p> + The policy pursued toward the Indians has resulted favorably, so far + as can be judged from the limited time during which it has been in + operation. Through the exertions of the various societies of Christians + to whom has been intrusted the execution of the policy, and the board of + commissioners authorized by the law of April 10, 1869, many tribes of + Indians have been induced to settle upon reservations, to cultivate the + soil, to perform productive labor of various kinds, and to partially + accept civilization. They are being cared for in such a way, it is + hoped, as to induce those still pursuing their old habits of life to + embrace the only opportunity which is left them to avoid extermination. +</p> +<p> + I recommend liberal appropriations to carry out the Indian peace policy, + not only because it is humane, Christianlike, and economical, but + because it is right. +</p> +<p> + I recommend to your favorable consideration also the policy of granting + a Territorial government to the Indians in the Indian Territory west + of Arkansas and Missouri and south of Kansas. In doing so every right + guaranteed to the Indian by treaty should be secured. Such a course + might in time be the means of collecting most of the Indians now between + the Missouri and the Pacific and south of the British possessions into + one Territory or one State. The Secretary of the Interior has treated + upon this subject at length, and I commend to you his suggestions. +</p> +<p> + I renew my recommendation that the public lands be regarded as a + heritage to our children, to be disposed of only as required for + occupation and to actual settlers. Those already granted have been in + great part disposed of in such a way as to secure access to the balance + by the hardy settler who may wish to avail himself of them, but caution + should be exercised even in attaining so desirable an object. +</p> +<p> + Educational interest may well be served by the grant of the proceeds of + the sale of public lands to settlers. I do not wish to be understood as + recommending in the least degree a curtailment of what is being done by + the General Government for the encouragement of education. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Interior submitted with this will + give you all the information collected and prepared for publication in + regard to the census taken during the year 1870; the operations of the + Bureau of Education for the year; the Patent Office; the Pension Office; + the Land Office, and the Indian Bureau. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture gives the operations of + his Department for the year. As agriculture is the groundwork of our + prosperity, too much importance can not be attached to the labors of + this Department. It is in the hands of an able head, with able + assistants, all zealously devoted to introducing into the agricultural + productions of the nation all useful products adapted to any of the + various climates and soils of our vast territory, and to giving all + useful information as to the method of cultivation, the plants, cereals, + and other products adapted to particular localities. Quietly but surely + the Agricultural Bureau is working a great national good, and if + liberally supported the more widely its influence will be extended and + the less dependent we shall be upon the products of foreign countries. +</p> +<p> + The subject of compensation to the heads of bureaus and officials + holding positions of responsibility, and requiring ability and character + to fill properly, is one to which your attention is invited. But few of + the officials receive a compensation equal to the respectable support + of a family, while their duties are such as to involve millions of + interest. In private life services demand compensation equal to the + services rendered; a wise economy would dictate the same rule in the + Government service. +</p> +<p> + I have not given the estimates for the support of Government for the + ensuing year, nor the comparative statement between the expenditures + for the year just passed and the one just preceding, because all these + figures are contained in the accompanying reports or in those presented + directly to Congress. These estimates have my approval. +</p> +<p> + More than six years having elapsed since the last hostile gun was + fired between the armies then arrayed against each other—one for the + perpetuation, the other for the destruction, of the Union—it may well + be considered whether it is not now time that the disabilities imposed + by the fourteenth amendment should be removed. That amendment does not + exclude the ballot, but only imposes the disability to hold offices upon + certain classes. When the purity of the ballot is secure, majorities are + sure to elect officers reflecting the views of the majority. I do not + see the advantage or propriety of excluding men from office merely + because they were before the rebellion of standing and character + sufficient to be elected to positions requiring them to take oaths + to support the Constitution, and admitting to eligibility those + entertaining precisely the same views, but of less standing in their + communities. It may be said that the former violated an oath, while the + latter did not; the latter did not have it in their power to do so. + If they had taken this oath, it can not be doubted they would have + broken it as did the former class. If there are any great criminals, + distinguished above all others for the part they took in opposition to + the Government, they might, in the judgment of Congress, be excluded + from such an amnesty. +</p> +<p> + This subject is submitted for your careful consideration. +</p> +<p> + The condition of the Southern States is, unhappily, not such as all + true patriotic citizens would like to see. Social ostracism for + opinion's sake, personal violence or threats toward persons entertaining + political views opposed to those entertained by the majority of the old + citizens, prevents immigration and the flow of much-needed capital into + the States lately in rebellion. It will be a happy condition of the + country when the old citizens of these States will take an interest in + public affairs, promulgate ideas honestly entertained, vote for men + representing their views, and tolerate the same freedom of expression + and ballot in those entertaining different political convictions. +</p> +<p> + Under the provisions of the act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, + a Territorial government was organized in the District of Columbia. Its + results have thus far fully realized the expectations of its advocates. + Under the direction of the Territorial officers, a system of + improvements has been inaugurated by means of which Washington is + rapidly becoming a city worthy of the nation's capital. The citizens of + the District having voluntarily taxed themselves to a large amount for + the purpose of contributing to the adornment of the seat of Government, + I recommend liberal appropriations on the part of Congress, in order + that the Government may bear its just share of the expense of carrying + out a judicious system of improvements. +</p> +<p> + By the great fire in Chicago the most important of the Government + buildings in that city were consumed. Those burned had already become + inadequate to the wants of the Government in that growing city, and, + looking to the near future, were totally inadequate. I recommend, + therefore, that an appropriation be made immediately to purchase the + remainder of the square on which the burned buildings stood, provided it + can be purchased at a fair valuation, or provided that the legislature + of Illinois will pass a law authorizing its condemnation for Government + purposes; and also an appropriation of as much money as can properly be + expended toward the erection of new buildings during this fiscal year. +</p> +<p> + The number of immigrants ignorant of our laws, habits, etc., coming into + our country annually has become so great and the impositions practiced + upon them so numerous and flagrant that I suggest Congressional action + for their protection. It seems to me a fair subject of legislation by + Congress. I can not now state as fully as I desire the nature of the + complaints made by immigrants of the treatment they receive, but will + endeavor to do so during the session of Congress, particularly if the + subject should receive your attention. +</p> +<p> + It has been the aim of the Administration to enforce honesty and + efficiency in all public offices. Every public servant who has + violated the trust placed in him has been proceeded against with all the + rigor of the law. If bad men have secured places, it has been the fault + of the system established by law and custom for making appointments, + or the fault of those who recommend for Government positions persons + not sufficiently well known to them personally, or who give letters + indorsing the characters of office seekers without a proper sense + of the grave responsibility which such a course devolves upon them. + A civil-service reform which can correct this abuse is much desired. + In mercantile pursuits the business man who gives a letter of + recommendation to a friend to enable him to obtain credit from a + stranger is regarded as morally responsible for the integrity of his + friend and his ability to meet his obligations. A reformatory law which + would enforce this principle against all indorsers of persons for public + place would insure great caution in making recommendations. A salutary + lesson has been taught the careless and the dishonest public servant in + the great number of prosecutions and convictions of the last two years. +</p> +<p> + It is gratifying to notice the favorable change which is taking place + throughout the country in bringing to punishment those who have proven + recreant to the trusts confided to them and in elevating to public + office none but those who possess the confidence of the honest and the + virtuous, who, it will always be found, comprise the majority of the + community in which they live. +</p> +<p> + In my message to Congress one year ago I urgently recommended a + reform in the civil service of the country. In conformity with that + recommendation Congress, in the ninth section of "An act making + appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government, and for + other purposes," approved March 3, 1871, gave the necessary authority + to the Executive to inaugurate a civil-service reform, and placed upon + him the responsibility of doing so. Under the authority of said act I + convened a board of gentlemen eminently qualified for the work to devise + rules and regulations to effect the needed reform. Their labors are not + yet complete, but it is believed that they will succeed in devising a + plan that can be adopted to the great relief of the Executive, the heads + of Departments, and members of Congress, and which will redound to the + true interest of the public service. At all events, the experiment shall + have a fair trial. +</p> +<p> + I have thus hastily summed up the operations of the Government during + the last year, and made such suggestions as occur to me to be proper for + your consideration. I submit them with a confidence that your combined + action will be wise, statesmanlike, and in the best interests of the + whole country. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 4, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with section 2 of the act making appropriations for the + consular and diplomatic expenses of the Government for the year ending + June 30, 1871, approved July 11, 1870, I herewith transmit the names and + reports of and the amounts paid to consular agents of the United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 4, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith to Congress a report, dated November 8, 1871, + received from the Secretary of State, in compliance with the requirement + of the act of March 3, 1871, making appropriations, among other things, + for the increase of expenses and compensation of certain diplomatic + and consular officers of the United States on account of the late war + between France and Prussia. The expenditures therein mentioned have + been made on my approval. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 4, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit to Congress a report, dated the 4th instant, with + the accompanying papers,<a href="#note-51"><small>51</small></a> received from the Secretary of State, in + compliance with the requirements of the eighteenth section of the act + entitled "An act to regulate the diplomatic and consular systems of the + United States," approved August 18, 1856. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 5, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In pursuance of the provisions of the second section of the act approved + June 20, 1864, entitled "An act making appropriations for the consular + and diplomatic expenses of the Government for the year ending the 30th + of June, 1865, and for other purposes," I inform Congress that William + Heine, a consular clerk, was on the 30th of August last removed from + office for the following cause, viz: Insubordination, disobedience of + orders, and disrespectful conduct toward his superiors. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 6, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 5th + instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + papers.<a href="#note-52"><small>52</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 19, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In accordance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1871, + I convened a commission of eminent gentlemen to devise rules and + regulations for the purpose of reforming the civil service. Their labors + are now completed, and I transmit herewith their report,<a href="#note-53"><small>53</small></a> together + with the rules which they recommend for my action. These rules have been + adopted and will go into effect on the 1st day of January, 1872. +</p> +<p> + Under the law referred to, as I interpret it, the authority is already + invested in the Executive to enforce these regulations, with full power + to abridge, alter, or amend them, at his option, when changes may be + deemed advisable. +</p> +<p> + These views, together with the report of the commissioners, are + submitted for your careful consideration as to whether further + legislation may be necessary in order to carry out an effective and + beneficial civil-service reform. If left to me, without further + Congressional action, the rules prescribed by the commission, under the + reservation already mentioned, will be faithfully executed; but they are + not binding, without further legislation, upon my successors. +</p> +<p> + Being desirous of bringing this subject to the attention of Congress + before the approaching recess, I have not time to sufficiently examine + the accompanying report to enable me to suggest definite legislative + action to insure the support which may be necessary in order to give + a thorough trial to a policy long needed. +</p> +<p> + I ask for all the strength which Congress can give me to enable + me to carry out the reforms in the civil service recommended by the + commission, and adopted to take effect, as before stated, on January 1, + 1872. +</p> +<p> + The law which provides for the convening of a commission to devise + rules and regulations for reforming the civil service authorizes, + I think, the permanent organization of a primary board under whose + general direction all examinations of applicants for public office shall + be conducted. There is no appropriation to continue such a board beyond + the termination of its present labors. I therefore recommend that a + proper appropriation be made to continue the services of the present + board for another year, and in view of the fact that three members of + the board held positions in the public service, which precludes them + from receiving extra compensation, under existing laws, that they be + authorized to receive a fair compensation for extra services rendered + by them in the performance of this duty. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + RULES FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE. +</center> +<p> + 1. No person shall be admitted to any position in the civil service + within the appointment of the President or the heads of Departments who + is not a citizen of the United States; who shall not have furnished + satisfactory evidence in regard to character, health, and age, and who + shall not have passed a satisfactory examination in speaking, reading, + and writing the English language. +</p> +<p> + 2. An advisory board of suitable persons, to be employed by the + President under the ninth section of the act of March 3, 1871, entitled + "An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the + Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, and for other + purposes," shall, so far as practicable, group the positions in each + branch of the civil service according to the character of the duties to + be performed, and shall grade each group from lowest to highest for the + purpose of promotion within the group. Admission to the civil service + shall always be to the lowest grade of any group; and to such positions + as can not be grouped or graded admission shall be determined as + provided for the lowest grade. +</p> +<p> + 3. A vacancy occurring in the lowest grade of any group of offices shall + be filled, after due public notice, from all applicants who shall + present themselves, and who shall have furnished the evidence and + satisfied the preliminary examination already mentioned, and who shall + have passed a public competitive examination to test knowledge, ability, + and special qualifications for the performance of the duties of the + office. The board conducting such competitive examination shall prepare, + under the supervision of the Advisory Board, a list of the names of the + applicants in the order of their excellence as proved by such + examination, beginning with the highest, and shall then certify to the + nominating or appointing power, as the case may be, the names standing + at the head of such list, not exceeding three, and from the names thus + certified the appointment shall be made. +</p> +<p> + 4. A vacancy occurring in any grade of a group of offices above the + lowest shall be filled by a competitive examination of applicants from + the other grades of that group, and the list of names from which the + appointment is to be made shall be prepared and certified as provided + in the preceding rule; but if no such applicants are found competent + the appointment shall be made upon an examination of all applicants, + conducted in accordance with the provisions for admission to the lowest + grade. +</p> +<p> + 5. Applicants certified as otherwise qualified for appointment as + cashiers of collectors of customs, cashiers of assistant treasurers, + cashiers of postmasters, superintendents of money-order divisions in + post-offices, and such other custodians of large sums of money as may + hereafter be designated by the Advisory Board, and for whose pecuniary + fidelity another officer is responsible, shall, nevertheless, not be + appointed except with the approval of such other officer. +</p> +<p> + 6. Postmasters whose annual salary is less than $200 may be appointed + upon the written request of applicants, with such evidence of character + and fitness as shall be satisfactory to the head of the Department. +</p> +<p> + 7. The appointment of all persons entering the civil service in + accordance with these regulations, excepting persons appointed by the + President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, postmasters, + and persons appointed to any position in a foreign country, shall be + made for a probationary term of six months, during which the conduct and + capacity of such persons shall be tested; and if at the end of said + probationary term satisfactory proofs of their fitness shall have been + furnished by the board of examiners to the head of the Department in + which they shall have been employed during said term, they shall be + reappointed. +</p> +<p> + 8. The President will designate three persons in each Department of + the public service to serve as a board of examiners, which, under the + supervision of the Advisory Board and under regulations to be prescribed + by it, and at such times and places as it may determine, shall conduct, + personally or by persons approved by the Advisory Board, all + investigations and examinations for admission into said Departments or + for promotion therein. +</p> +<p> + 9. Any person who, after long and faithful service in a Department, + shall be incapacitated by mental or bodily infirmity for the efficient + discharge of the duties of his position may be appointed by the head of + the Department, at his discretion, to a position of less responsibility + in the same Department. +</p> +<p> + 10. Nothing in these rules shall prevent the appointment of aliens to + positions in the consular service which by reason of small compensation + or of other sufficient cause are, in the judgment of the appointing + power, necessarily so filled, nor the appointment of such persons within + the United States as are indispensable to a proper discharge of the + duties of certain positions, but who may not be familiar with the + English language or legally capable of naturalization. +</p> +<p> + 11. No head of a Department nor any subordinate officer of the + Government shall, as such officer, authorize or permit or assist in + levying any assessment of money for political purposes, under the form + of voluntary contributions or otherwise, upon any person employed under + his control, nor shall any such person pay any money so assessed. +</p> +<p> + 12. The Advisory Board shall at any time recommend to the President such + changes in these rules as it may consider necessary to secure the + greater efficiency of the civil service. +</p> +<p> + 13. From these rules are excepted the heads of Departments, Assistant + Secretaries of Departments, Assistant Attorneys-General, and First + Assistant Postmaster-General, Solicitor-General, Solicitor of the + Treasury, Naval Solicitor, Solicitor of Internal Revenue, examiner of + claims in the State Department, Treasurer of the United States, Register + of the Treasury, First and Second Comptrollers of the Treasury, judges + of the United States courts, district attorneys, private secretary of + the President, ambassadors and other public ministers, Superintendent + of the Coast Survey, Director of the Mint, governors of Territories, + special commissioners, special counsel, visiting and examining boards, + persons appointed to positions without compensation for services, + dispatch agents, and bearers of dispatches. +</p> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 20, 1871</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 6th + instant, requesting information in regard to certain measures with + reference to the Spanish West Indies, I transmit reports from the + Secretary of State and of the Navy, with the documents by which they + were accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 8, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 6th of + December, requesting to be informed if any further action is necessary + by Congress to secure the immediate temporary preservation of the + archives or public records now in the State Department, I transmit a + report and accompanying papers from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 9, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 19th of December + last, calling for certain correspondence relating to the subject of + international coinage not heretofore furnished, I transmit herewith a + report from the Secretary of State, with the papers which accompanied + it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 15, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States and His Majesty the + Emperor of Austria-Hungary, relative to the protection of trade-marks. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 15, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States and His Majesty the + Emperor of Germany, relative to the rights, privileges, and duties of + consuls and to the protection of trade-marks, signed at Berlin on the + 11th ultimo. +</p> +<p> + A copy of the dispatch of the 11th ultimo from Mr. Bancroft, which + accompanied the convention, is also transmitted for the information of + the Senate. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 16, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 16th of May last, + calling for papers, correspondence, and information relating to the case + of the ship <i>Hudson</i> and schooner <i>Washington</i><a href="#note-54"><small>54</small></a> I transmit reports + from the Secretaries of State and of the Navy and the papers by which + they were accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 30, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th + instant, calling for certain correspondence relating to the release of + the Fenian prisoner William G. Halpine, I transmit herewith a report of + the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 2, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to their resolution of the 16th + ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + papers.<a href="#note-55"><small>55</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 13, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution adopted by the Senate on the 19th of + December last, relative to questions with Spain growing out of affairs + in Cuba and to instructions to our naval commanders in Cuban waters, + I transmit reports from the Secretaries of State and of the Navy. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 13, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th instant, I transmit + a report from the Secretary of State and the copy of the case of the + United States presented to the tribunal of arbitration at Geneva, which + accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 23, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate, a preliminary + report of Dr. E.C. Wines, appointed under a joint resolution of Congress + of the 7th of March, 1871, as commissioner of the United States to the + international congress on the prevention and repression of crime, + including penal and reformatory treatment. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 11, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report,<a href="#note-56"><small>56</small></a> dated the 5th instant, received from + the Secretary of State, in compliance with the resolution of the House + of Representatives of the 28th of February ultimo. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 15, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor herewith to transmit to Congress a recommendation from + Hon. M.D. Leggett, Commissioner of Patents, for the reorganization of + his office, and also the letter of the Secretary of the Interior + accompanying it. +</p> +<p> + I concur with the Secretary of the Interior in the views expressed in + his letter, and recommend the careful consideration of Congress to the + subject of this communication, and action which will secure a more + efficient performance of the duties of the Patent Office than is + practicable under present legislation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 16, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report,<a href="#note-57"><small>57</small></a> dated the 16th instant, received from + the Secretary of State, in compliance with the resolution of the House + of Representatives of the 7th instant. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 19, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to its + ratification, a "general convention of friendship, commerce, and + extradition" between the United States and the Orange Free State, signed + at Bloemfontein on the 22d of December last by W.W. Edgcomb, consul of + the United States at Cape Town, acting on behalf of this Government, and + by Mr. F.K. Höhne on behalf of the Orange Free State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 20, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report,<a href="#note-58"><small>58</small></a> dated the 20th instant, received from + the Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the House + of Representatives of the 28th ultimo. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 23, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th + instant, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, with a list + of the newspapers<a href="#note-59"><small>59</small></a> which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 28, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their + resolution of the 19th instant, a report of the Secretary of State and + the papers<a href="#note-60"><small>60</small></a> which accompany the same. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 2, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 18th of January last, + relating to British light-house dues, I transmit herewith a report from + the Secretary of State and the documents which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 4, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 14th + of January last, I transmit herewith a report<a href="#note-61"><small>61</small></a> of the Secretary of + State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 19, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 25th + of January last, I have the honor to submit the following, accompanied + by the report of the Attorney-General, to whom the resolution was + referred: +</p> +<p> + Representations having been made to me that in certain portions of South + Carolina a condition of lawlessness and terror existed, I requested the + then Attorney-General (Akerman) to visit that State, and after personal + examination to report to me the facts in relation to the subject. + On the 16th of October last he addressed me a communication from South + Carolina, in which he stated that in the counties of Spartanburg, + York, Chester, Union, Laurens, Newberry, Fairfield, Lancaster, and + Chesterfield there were combinations for the purpose of preventing the + free political action of citizens who were friendly to the Constitution + and the Government of the United States, and of depriving emancipated + classes of the equal protection of the laws. +</p> +<p> + "These combinations embrace at least two-thirds of the active white men + of those counties, and have the sympathy and countenance of a majority + of the one-third. They are connected with similar combinations in other + counties and States, and no doubt are part of a grand system of criminal + associations pervading most of the Southern States. The members are + bound to obedience and secrecy by oaths which they are taught to regard + as of higher obligation than the lawful oaths taken before civil + magistrates. +</p> +<p> + "They are organized and armed. They effect their objects by personal + violence, often extending to murder. They terrify witnesses; they + control juries in the State courts, and sometimes in the courts of + the United States. Systematic perjury is one of the means by which + prosecutions of the members are defeated. From information given by + officers of the State and of the United States and by credible private + citizens I am justified in affirming that the instances of criminal + violence perpetrated by these combinations within the last twelve + months in the above-named counties could be reckoned by thousands." +</p> +<p> + I received information of a similar import from various other sources, + among which were the Joint Select Committee of Congress upon Southern + Outrages, the officers of the State, the military officers of the United + States on duty in South Carolina, the United States attorney and + marshal, and other civil officers of the Government, repentant and + abjuring members of those unlawful organizations, persons specially + employed by the Department of Justice to detect crimes against the + United States, and from other credible persons. +</p> +<p> + Most, if not all, of this information, except what I derived from the + Attorney-General, came to me orally, and was to the effect that said + counties were under the sway of powerful combinations, properly known as + "Kuklux Klans," the objects of which were by force and terror to prevent + all political action not in accord with the views of the members; to + deprive colored citizens of the right to bear arms and of the right to a + free ballot; to suppress schools in which colored children were taught, + and to reduce the colored people to a condition closely akin to that of + slavery; that these combinations were organized and armed, and had + rendered the local laws ineffectual to protect the classes whom they + desired to oppress; that they had perpetrated many murders and hundreds + of crimes of minor degree, all of which were unpunished; and that + witnesses could not safely testify against them unless the more active + members were placed under restraint. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 20, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the information of the House of Representatives, a + report from the Secretary of State and the copy of the counter case of + the United States in the matter of the claims against Great Britain, as + presented to the board of arbitration at Geneva, which accompanies it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<center> + [The same message was sent to the Senate.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 24, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the 22d instant, I transmit to the House + of Representatives a report from the Secretary of State, with the British + case<a href="#note-62"><small>62</small></a> and papers which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of yesterday, + I transmit a report of the Secretary of State and copies of the British + counter case,<a href="#note-63"><small>63</small></a> and the volumes of appendixes to the British case + which accompany it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> + APRIL 29, 1872. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 30, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith the annual report of the board + of public works of the District of Columbia, submitted to me for that + purpose by the governor of the Territory in accordance with section 37 + of "An act to provide a government for the District of Columbia," + approved February 21, 1871. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, D.C., <i>May 7, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th + of March last, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State and + the papers<a href="#note-64"><small>64</small></a> which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 7, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to its + ratification, a convention between the United States and the Republic + of Ecuador for the purpose of regulating the citizenship of persons who + emigrate from the one country to the other, which instrument was signed + in this city on the 6th instant. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 7, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith communicate to the Senate a report from the Acting Secretary + of the Interior of this date, in answer to the resolution of that body + adopted on the 23d ultimo, calling for information relative to the + recent affray at the court-house in Going Snake district, Indian + Territory. +</p> +<p> + In view of the feeling of hostility which exists between the Cherokees + and the United States authorities of the western district of Arkansas, + it seems to be necessary that Congress should adopt such measures as + will tend to allay that feeling and at the same time secure the + enforcement of the laws in that Territory. +</p> +<p> + I therefore concur with the Acting Secretary of the Interior in + suggesting the adoption of a pending bill for the erection of a judicial + district within the Indian Territory, as a measure which will afford the + most immediate remedy for the existing troubles. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<center> + [A similar message, dated May 10, was sent to the House of + Representatives, in answer to a resolution of that body of April 29.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 13, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith the correspondence which has recently taken place + respecting the differences of opinion which have arisen between this + Government and that of Great Britain with regard to the powers of the + tribunal of arbitration created under the treaty signed at Washington + May 8, 1871. +</p> +<p> + I respectfully invite the attention of the Senate to the proposed + article submitted by the British Government with the object of removing + the differences which seem to threaten the prosecution of the + arbitration, and request an expression by the Senate of their + disposition in regard to advising and consenting to the formal adoption + of an article such as is proposed by the British Government. +</p> +<p> + The Senate is aware that the consultation with that body in advance + of entering into agreements with foreign states has many precedents. + In the early days of the Republic General Washington repeatedly asked + their advice upon pending questions with such powers. The most important + recent precedent is that of the Oregon boundary treaty, in 1846. +</p> +<p> + The importance of the results hanging upon the present state of the + treaty with Great Britain leads me to follow these former precedents + and to desire the counsel of the Senate in advance of agreeing to the + proposal of Great Britain. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 14, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In my message to Congress at the beginning of its present session + allusion was made to the hardships and privations inflicted upon poor + immigrants on shipboard and upon arrival on our shores, and a suggestion + was made favoring national legislation for the purpose of effecting a + radical cure of the evil. +</p> +<p> + Promise was made that a special message on this subject would be + presented during the present session should information be received + which would warrant it. I now transmit to the two Houses of Congress + all that has been officially received since that time bearing upon the + subject, and recommend that such legislation be had as will secure, + first, such room and accommodation on shipboard as is necessary for + health and comfort, and such privacy and protection as not to compel + immigrants to be the unwilling witnesses to so much vice and misery; + and, second, legislation to protect them upon their arrival at our + seaports from the knaves who are ever ready to despoil them of the + little all which they are able to bring with them. Such legislation + will be in the interests of humanity, and seems to be fully justifiable. + The immigrant is not a citizen of any State or Territory upon his + arrival, but comes here to become a citizen of a great Republic, free + to change his residence at will, to enjoy the blessings of a protecting + Government, where all are equal before the law, and to add to the + national wealth by his industry. +</p> +<p> + On his arrival he does not know States or corporations, but confides + implicitly in the protecting arm of the great, free country of which + he has heard so much before leaving his native land. It is a source of + serious disappointment and discouragement to those who start with means + sufficient to support them comfortably until they can choose a residence + and begin employment for a comfortable support to find themselves + subject to ill treatment and every discomfort on their passage here, and + at the end of their journey seized upon by professed friends, claiming + legal right to take charge of them for their protection, who do not + leave them until all their resources are exhausted, when they are + abandoned in a strange land, surrounded by strangers, without employment + and ignorant of the means of securing it. Under the present system this + is the fate of thousands annually, the exposures on shipboard and the + treatment on landing driving thousands to lives of vice and shame who, + with proper humane treatment, might become useful and respectable + members of society. +</p> +<p> + I do not advise national legislation in affairs that should be regulated + by the States; but I see no subject more national in its character than + provision for the safety and welfare of the thousands who leave foreign + lands to become citizens of this Republic. +</p> +<p> + When their residence is chosen, they may then look to the laws of their + locality for protection and guidance. +</p> +<p> + The mass of immigrants arriving upon our shores, coming, as they do, on + vessels under foreign flags, makes treaties with the nations furnishing + these immigrants necessary for their complete protection. For more than + two years efforts have been made on our part to secure such treaties, + and there is now reasonable ground to hope for success. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 14, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 28th of March last, I + transmit herewith copies of the correspondence between the Department of + State and the consul of the United States at Bucharest relative to the + persecution and oppression of the Israelites in the Principality of + Roumania. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 15, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the information of the House of + Representatives, the correspondence which has recently taken place + respecting the differences of opinion which have arisen between this + Government and that of Great Britain with regard to the powers of the + tribunal of arbitration created under the treaty signed at Washington + May 8, 1871, and which has led to certain negotiations, still pending, + between the two Governments. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 17, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit to the Senate a communication of this date from + the Acting Secretary of the Interior, and the papers therein described, + containing information<a href="#note-65"><small>65</small></a> called for in the Senate resolution of the 23d + ultimo, which was answered in part on the 8th [7th] instant. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 21, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 14th + instant, requesting information in regard to the commerce between the + United States and certain British colonial possessions, I transmit a + report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it was + accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 22, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 20th + instant, requesting me to join the Italian Government in a protest + against the intolerant and cruel treatment of the Jews in Roumania, I + transmit a report from the Secretary of State relative to the subject. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 22, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration, an agreement between + the Great Chief of the island of Tutuila, one of the Samoan group, in + the South Pacific, and Commander R.W. Meade, commanding the United + States steamer <i>Narragansett</i>, bearing date the 17th of February last. + This instrument proposes to confer upon this Government the exclusive + privilege of establishing a naval station in the dominions of that chief + for the equivalent of protecting those dominions. +</p> +<p> + A copy of a letter of the 15th instant, and of its accompaniment, + addressed by the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State, + descriptive of Tutuila and of other islands of the group, and of a + letter in the nature of a protest from a person claiming to be consul + of the North German Confederation in that quarter, are also herewith + transmitted. No report has yet been received from Commander Meade on the + subject. Although he was without special instructions or authority to + enter into such agreement, the advantages of the concession which it + proposes to make are so great, in view of the advantageous position + of Tutuila, especially as a coaling station for steamers between San + Francisco and Australia, that I should not hesitate to recommend its + approval but for the protection on the part of the United States + which it seems to imply. With some modification of the obligation + of protection which the agreement imports, it is recommended to the + favorable consideration of the Senate. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 23, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution + of the Senate of March 12, requesting to be informed of "the amount + of money expended by the Government of the United States during the + last three years for telegraphing by ocean cables," reports from the + different Departments of the Government, to which the resolution was + referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 24, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with section 2 of the act approved July 11, 1870, entitled + "An act making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic expenses + of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1871, and for other + purposes," I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of D.B.R. + Keim, agent to examine consular affairs. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 28, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In further answer to the resolution of the 14th instant of the House of + Representatives, wherein information in regard to commerce between the + United States and certain British colonial possessions is requested, I + transmit a report from the Postmaster-General and the document by which + it was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 28, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 7th + instant, requesting copies of correspondence in regard to an extradition + treaty with Belgium, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and + the documents by which it was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 31, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to respectfully call the attention of Congress to an + act approved July 14, 1870, directing the Secretary of War to place at + the disposal of the President certain bronze ordnance, to aid in the + erection of an equestrian statue of the late General John A. Rawlins, + and to the facts that no appropriation of money to pay for the statue + is made by the resolution and no artist is named or party designated to + whom the ordnance is to be delivered. In view of the ambiguity of the + statute, I would recommend that Congress signify what action is desired + as to the selection of the artist, and that the necessary sum required + for the erection of the monument be appropriated. A board of officers + should also be named to designate the location of the monument. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 28, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I herewith return, for the further consideration of Congress, without + my approval, House bill No. 1550, "An act for the relief of the estate + of Dr. John F. Hanks," for the reason that the records of the Treasury + Department show that the current moneys taken by Colonel S.B. Holabird + from the Louisiana State Bank of New Orleans in the month of August, + 1862, were accounted for by that officer to the Treasury Department, + and the names of the depositors given, and that the name of Dr. John + F. Hanks does not appear among them. +</p> +<p> + It also appears from the records of the Treasury Department that among + the effects taken from the Louisiana State Bank of New Orleans was the + sum of $1,729 of Confederate money, and that the said sum stood upon + the books of said bank to the credit of J.F. Hanks. It is but justice, + however, to the executors of the estate of Dr. Hanks to state that there + is every reason to believe that the money deposited by Dr. Hanks in the + Louisiana State Bank was in current funds, and that when application was + made to Congress for the recovery of the same they believed, and had + evidence to satisfy them, that such funds had found their way into the + Treasury of the United States. There has unquestionably been a mistake + made, either by the officers of the Louisiana State Bank or the persons + engaged in removing the funds of that bank, by which the estate of Dr. + Hanks is loser to the amount of relief afforded by House bill No. 1550. +</p> +<p> + Accompanying this I send the statement furnished by the Secretary of the + Treasury of the funds covered into his Department, and accounted for + through it, arising from the seizure of funds of the Louisiana State + Bank of New Orleans in the month of August, 1862. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 1, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I return herewith, for the further consideration of Congress, House + bill No. 1867, "An act for the relief of James T. Johnston," without my + approval, for the reason that the records of the Treasury Department + show that the lot sold in the name of J.T. Johnston, situate on Prince + street, Alexandria, Va., for taxes due the United States, is numbered + 162, instead of 163, as represented in this bill. With the exception of + this discrepancy in the number of the lot there is no reason why the + bill should not receive my approval. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 10, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have received and taken into consideration the bill entitled "An act + for the relief of the children of John M. Baker, deceased," and, + pursuant to the duty required of me by the Constitution, I return the + same with my objections to the House of Representatives, in which it + originated. +</p> +<p> + The bill proposes to pay a sum of money to the children of John M. + Baker, deceased, late United States consul at Rio Janeiro, for services + of that person as acting chargé d'affaires of the United States + in the year 1834. So far as it can be ascertained it is apprehended + that the bill may have received the sanction of Congress through some + inadvertence, for upon inquiry at the proper Department it appears that + Mr. Baker never did act as chargé d'affaires of the United States at Rio + Janeiro, and that he was not authorized so to act, but, on the contrary, + was expressly forbidden to enter into diplomatic correspondence with the + Government of Brazil. +</p> +<p> + The letter of the 8th of February, 1854, a copy of which is annexed, + addressed by William L. Marcy, then Secretary of State, to James M. + Mason, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, + specifies objections to the claim, which it is believed have not since + diminished, and in which I fully concur. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 15, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I return without my approval an act entitled "An act granting a pension + to Abigail Ryan, widow of Thomas A. Ryan." The name of Mrs. Ryan is now + borne upon the pension rolls, pursuant to an act of Congress entitled + "An act for the relief of Mrs. Abigail Ryan," approved June 15, 1866 + (14 U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 590). +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 22, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I return herewith House resolution No. 622, entitled "An act granting + a pension to Richard B. Crawford," without my approval, for the reason + that said Crawford is now drawing a pension as a private soldier, the + wound on account of which he was pensioned having been received before + his promotion to a lieutenancy. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 14, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith the bill (S. 955) entitled + "An act granting a pension to Mary Ann Montgomery, widow of William + W. Montgomery, late captain in Texas Volunteers," without my approval, + inasmuch as the concluding phrase, "and in respect to her minor children + under 16 years of age," has obviously no meaning whatsoever. If it were + the intention of the framer of the bill that the pension thereby granted + should revert to said minor children upon the remarriage or death of the + widow, the phrase referred to should read as follows: "And in the event + of her remarriage or death, to her minor children under 16 years of + age." I therefore return the bill for proper action. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 1, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have examined the bill entitled "An act for the relief of J. Milton + Best," and, being unable to give it my approval, return the same to the + Senate, the House in which it originated, without my signature. +</p> +<p> + The bill appropriates the sum of $25,000 to compensate Dr. J. Milton + Best for the destruction of his dwelling house and its contents by order + of the commanding officer of the United States military forces at + Paducah, Ky., on the 26th day of March, 1864. It appears that this house + was one of a considerable number destroyed for the purpose of giving + open range to the guns of a United States fort. On the day preceding + the destruction the houses had been used as a cover for rebel troops + attacking the fort, and, apprehending a renewal of the attack, the + commanding officer caused the destruction of the houses. This, then, is + a claim for compensation on account of the ravages of war. It can not be + denied that the payment of this claim would invite the presentation of + demands for very large sums of money; and such is the supposed magnitude + of the claims that may be made against the Government for necessary and + unavoidable destruction of property by the Army that I deem it proper to + return this bill for reconsideration. +</p> +<p> + It is a general principle of both international and municipal law that + all property is held subject not only to be taken by the Government for + public uses, in which case, under the Constitution of the United States, + the owner is entitled to just compensation, but also subject to be + temporarily occupied, or even actually destroyed, in times of great + public danger, and when the public safety demands it; and in this latter + case governments do not admit a legal obligation on their part to + compensate the owner. The temporary occupation of, injuries to, and + destruction of property caused by actual and necessary military + operations are generally considered to fall within the last-mentioned + principle. If a government makes compensation under such circumstances, + it is a matter of bounty rather than of strict legal right. +</p> +<p> + If it be deemed proper to make compensation for such losses, I suggest + for the consideration of Congress whether it would not be better, by + general legislation, to provide some means for the ascertainment of the + damage in all similar cases, and thus save to claimants the expense, + inconvenience, and delay of attendance upon Congress, and at the same + time save the Government from the danger of having imposed upon it + fictitious or exaggerated claims supported wholly by <i>ex parte</i> proof. + If the claimant in this case ought to be paid, so ought all others + similarly situated; and that there are many such can not be doubted. + Besides, there are strong reasons for believing that the amount of + damage in this case has been greatly overestimated. If this be true, + it furnishes an illustration of the danger of trusting entirely to + <i>ex parte</i> testimony in such matters. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 7, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith Senate bill No. 569, an act entitled + "An act for the relief of Thomas B. Wallace, of Lexington, in the State + of Missouri," without my approval. +</p> +<p> + This claim, for which $11,250 are appropriated by this bill, is of the + same nature and character as the claim of Dr. J. Milton Best, which was + returned to the Senate on the 1st instant without my signature. +</p> +<p> + The same reasons which prompted the return of that bill for + reconsideration apply in this case, which also is a claim for + compensation on account of the ravages of war, and comes under the same + general principle of both international and municipal law, that all + property is held subject not only to be taken by the Government for + public uses, in which case, under the Constitution of the United States, + the owner is entitled to just compensation, but also subject to be + temporarily occupied, or even actually destroyed, in times of great + public danger, and when the public safety demands it; and in the latter + case governments do not admit a legal obligation on their part to + compensate the owner. +</p> +<p> + The temporary occupation of, injuries to, and destruction of property + caused by actual and necessary military operations are generally + considered to fall within the last-mentioned principle, and if a + government makes compensation under such circumstances it is a matter of + bounty rather than of strict legal right. If it be deemed proper to make + compensation for such losses, I renew my recommendation that provision + be made by general legislation for all similar cases. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas satisfactory information has been received by me, through Don + Mauricio Lopez Roberts, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary + of His Majesty the King of Spain, that the Government of that country + has abolished discriminating duties heretofore imposed on merchandise + imported from all other countries, excepting the islands of Cuba and + Porto Rico, into Spain and the adjacent islands in vessels of the United + States, said abolition to take effect from and after the 1st day of + January next: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by an act of Congress + of the 7th day of January, 1824, and by an act in addition thereto of + the 24th day of May, 1828, do hereby declare and proclaim that on and + after the said 1st day of January next, so long as merchandise imported + from any other country, excepting the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, + into the ports of Spain and the islands adjacent thereto in vessels + belonging to citizens of the United States shall be exempt from + discriminating duties, any such duties on merchandise imported into the + United States in Spanish vessels, excepting from the islands of Cuba and + Porto Rico, shall be discontinued and abolished. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 19th day of December, A.D. 1871, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas, pursuant to the first section of the act of Congress approved + the 11th day of June, 1864, entitled "An act to provide for the + execution of treaties between the United States and foreign nations + respecting consular jurisdiction over the crews of vessels of such + foreign nations in the waters and ports of the United States," it is + provided that before that act shall take effect as to the ships and + vessels of any particular nation having such treaty with the United + States the President of the United States shall have been satisfied that + similar provisions have been made for the execution of such treaty by + the other contracting party and shall have issued his proclamation to + that effect, declaring that act to be in force as to such nation; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas due inquiry having been made and a satisfactory answer having + been received that similar provisions are in force in the United + Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the + United States of America, do hereby proclaim the same accordingly. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 11th day of May, A.D. 1872, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas the act of Congress approved June 25, 1868, constituted, on and + after that date, eight hours a day's work for all laborers, workmen, and + mechanics employed by or on behalf of the Government of the United + States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas on the 19th day of May, A.D. 1869, by Executive proclamation it + was directed that from and after that date no reduction should be made + in the wages paid by the Government by the day to such laborers, + workmen, and mechanics on account of such reduction of the hours of + labor; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is now represented to me that the act of Congress and the + proclamation aforesaid have not been strictly observed by all officers + of the Government having charge of such laborers, workmen, and + mechanics: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby again call attention to the act of Congress aforesaid, and direct + all officers of the executive department of the Government having charge + of the employment and payment of laborers, workmen, or mechanics + employed by or on behalf of the Government of the United States to make + no reduction in the wages paid by the Government by the day to such + laborers, workmen, and mechanics on account of the reduction of the + hours of labor. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 11th day of May, A.D. 1872, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas the act of Congress approved May 22, 1872, removes all political + disabilities imposed by the third section of the fourteenth article of + amendments to the Constitution of the United States from all persons + whomsoever except Senators and Representatives of the Thirty-sixth and + Thirty-seventh Congresses and officers in the judicial, military, and + naval service of the United States, heads of Departments, and foreign + ministers of the United States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is represented to me that there are now pending in the + several circuit and district courts of the United States proceedings + by <i>quo warranto</i> under the fourteenth section of the act of Congress + approved May 31, 1870, to remove from office certain persons who are + alleged to hold said offices in violation of the provisions of said + article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and also + penal prosecutions against such persons under the fifteenth section of + the act of Congress aforesaid: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby direct all district attorneys having charge of such proceedings + and prosecutions to dismiss and discontinue the same, except as to + persons who may be embraced in the exceptions named in the act of + Congress first above cited. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 1st day of June, A.D. 1872, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-sixth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas satisfactory information has been received by me from His + Majesty the Emperor of Japan, through an official communication of + Mr. Arinori Mori, His Majesty's chargé d'affaires, under date of the + 2d instant, that no other or higher duties of tonnage or impost are + imposed or levied in the ports of the Empire of Japan upon vessels + wholly belonging to citizens of the United States or upon the produce, + manufactures, or merchandise imported in the same from the United States + or from any foreign country than are levied on Japanese ships and their + cargoes in the same ports under like circumstances: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by an act of Congress + of the 24th day of May, 1828, do hereby declare and proclaim that from + and after the said 2d instant, so long as vessels of the United States + and their cargoes shall be exempt from discriminating duties as + aforesaid, any such duties on Japanese vessels entering the ports of the + United States, or on the produce, manufactures, or merchandise imported + in such vessels, shall be discontinued and abolished. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, the 4th day of September, A.D. 1872, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + CHARLES HALE,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas the revolution of another year has again brought the time when + it is usual to look back upon the past and publicly to thank the + Almighty for His mercies and His blessings; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas if any one people has more occasion than another for such + thankfulness it is the citizens of the United States, whose Government + is their creature, subject to their behests; who have reserved to + themselves ample civil and religious freedom and equality before the + law; who during the last twelvemonth have enjoyed exemption from any + grievous or general calamity, and to whom prosperity in agriculture, + manufactures, and commerce has been vouchsafed: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, by these considerations, I recommend that on Thursday, + the 28th day of November next, the people meet in their respective + places of worship and there make their acknowledgments to God for His + kindness and bounty. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 11th day of October, A.D. 1872, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas upon information received by me from His Majesty the Emperor + of the French that discriminating duties before the date of said + information levied in French ports upon merchandise imported from + the countries of its origin in vessels of the United States were + discontinued and abolished, and in pursuance of the provisions of an + act of Congress of the 7th of January, 1824, and of an act in addition + thereto of the 24th of May, 1828, I did, on the 12th day of June, 1869, + issue my proclamation<a href="#note-66"><small>66</small></a> declaring that the discriminating duties before + that date levied upon merchandise imported from the countries of its + origin into ports of the United States in French vessels were thereby + discontinued and abolished; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas upon information subsequently received by me that the levying of + such duties on all merchandise imported into France in vessels of the + United States, whether from the country of its origin or from other + countries, had been discontinued, I did, on the 20th of November, 1869, + in pursuance of the provisions of the said acts of Congress and by the + authority in me vested thereby, issue my proclamation<a href="#note-67"><small>67</small></a> declaring that + the discriminating duties before that date levied upon merchandise + imported into the United States in French vessels, either from the + countries of its origin or from any other country, were thereby + discontinued and abolished; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by the provisions of the said acts of Congress of January 7, + 1824, and of the 24th of May, 1828, as well as by the terms of the said + proclamations of the 12th of June, 1869, and of the 20th of November, + 1869, the said suspension of discriminating duties upon merchandise + imported into the United States in French vessels was granted by the + United States on condition that, and to continue so long as, merchandise + imported into France in vessels of the United States should be admitted + into the ports of France on the same terms of exemption from the payment + of such discriminating duties; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas information has been received by me that by a law of the French + Republic passed on the 30th of January, 1872, and published on the 3d + of February, 1872, merchandise imported into France in vessels of the + United States from countries other than the United States is (with the + exception of certain articles enumerated in said law) subjected to + discriminating duties; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by the operation of said law of the French Republic of the + 30th of January, 1872, the exemption of French vessels and their cargoes + granted by the terms of the said proclamations of the 12th of June, + 1869, and of the 20th of November, 1869, in accordance with the + provisions of the acts of Congress aforesaid, has ceased to be + reciprocal on the part of France toward vessels owned by citizens of the + United States and their cargoes: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by an act of Congress + of the 7th day of January, 1824, and by an act in addition thereto of + the 24th day of May, 1828, do hereby declare and proclaim that on and + after this date the said suspension of the collection of discriminating + duties upon merchandise imported into the United States in French + vessels from countries other than France, provided for by my said + proclamations of the 12th day of June, 1869, and the 20th day of + November, 1869, shall cease and determine, and all the provisions of the + acts imposing discriminating foreign tonnage and import duties in the + United States are hereby revived, and shall henceforth be and remain in + full force as relates to goods and merchandise imported into the United + States in French vessels from countries other than France, so long as + any discriminating duties shall continue to be imposed by France upon + goods and merchandise imported into France in vessels of the United + States from countries other than the United States. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 30th day of October, A.D. 1872, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 16, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + The Advisory Board of the civil service, having completed the grouping + contemplated by the rules already adopted, have recommended certain + provisions for carrying the rules into effect. +</p> +<p> + The recommendations as herewith published are approved, and the + provisions will be enforced as rapidly as the proper arrangements can + be made; and the thirteenth of the rules adopted on the 19th day of + December last is amended to read as published herewith. +</p> +<p> + The utmost fidelity and diligence will be expected of all officers in + every branch of the public service. Political assessments, as they are + called, have been forbidden within the various Departments; and while + the right of all persons in official position to take part in politics + is acknowledged, and the elective franchise is recognized as a high + trust to be discharged by all entitled to its exercise, whether in the + employment of the Government or in private life, honesty and efficiency, + not political activity, will determine the tenure of office. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [For rules for the civil service promulgated by the President December + 19, 1871, see pp. 157-159.] +</center> + +<p class="q" style="text-align: center;"> + [Rule 13, as amended.] +</p><p class="q"> + 13. From these rules are excepted the heads of Departments, Assistant + Secretaries of Departments, Assistant Attorneys-General, Assistant + Postmasters-General, Solicitor-General, Solicitor of the Treasury, + Naval Solicitor, Solicitor of Internal Revenue, examiner of claims in + the State Department, Treasurer of the United States, Register of the + Treasury, First and Second Comptrollers of the Treasury, other heads of + bureaus in the several Departments, judges of the United States courts, + district attorneys, private secretary of the President, ambassadors and + other public ministers, Superintendent of the Coast Survey, Director + of the Mint, governors of Territories, special commissioners, special + counsel, visiting and examining boards, persons appointed to positions + without compensation for services, dispatch agents, and bearers of + dispatches. +</p><p class="q" style="text-align: center;"> + REGULATIONS AND CLASSIFICATION. +</p><p class="q"> + 1. No person will be appointed to any position in the civil service who + shall not have furnished satisfactory evidence of his fidelity to the + Union and the Constitution of the United States. +</p><p class="q"> + 2. The evidence in regard to character, health, age, and knowledge of + the English language required by the first rule shall be furnished in + writing, and if such evidence shall be satisfactory to the head of + the Department in which the appointment is to be made the applicant + shall be notified when and where to appear for examination; but when + the applicants are so numerous that the examination of all whose + preliminary papers are satisfactory is plainly impracticable, the head + of the Department shall select for examination a practicable number of + those who are apparently best qualified. +</p><p class="q"> + 3. Examinations to fill vacancies in any of the Executive Departments + in Washington shall be held not only at the city of Washington, but + also, when directed by the head of the Department in which the vacancy + may exist, in the several States, either at the capital or other + convenient place. +</p><p class="q"> + 4. The appointment of persons to be employed exclusively in the + secret service of the Government, also of persons to be employed as + translators, stenographers, or private secretaries, or to be designated + for secret service, to fill vacancies in clerkships in either of the + Executive Departments at Washington, may be excepted from the operation + of the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 5. When a vacancy occurs in a consular office of which the lawful + annual compensation is $3,000 or more, it will be filled, at the + discretion of the President, either by the transfer of some person + already in the service or by a new appointment, which may be excepted + from the operation of the rules. But if the vacancy occur in an + office of which the lawful annual compensation, by salary or by fees + ascertained by the last official returns, is more than $1,000 and less + than $3,000, and it is not filled by transfer, applications will be + addressed to the Secretary of State, inclosing proper certificates of + character, responsibility, and capacity, and the Secretary will notify + the applicant who upon investigation appears to be most suitable and + competent to attend for examination; and if he shall be found qualified + he will be nominated for confirmation, but if not found qualified, or + if his nomination be not confirmed by the Senate, the Secretary will + proceed in like manner with the other applicants who appear to him to + be qualified. If, however, no applicants under this regulation shall be + found suitable and qualified, the vacancy will be filled at discretion. + The appointment of commercial agents and of consuls whose annual + compensation is $1,000 or less (if derived from fees, the amount to be + ascertained by the last official returns), of vice-consuls, deputy + consuls, and of consular agents and other officers who are appointed + upon the nomination of the principal officer, and for whom he is + responsible upon his official bond, may be, until otherwise ordered, + excepted from the operation of the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 6. When a vacancy occurs in the office of collector of the customs, + naval officer, appraiser, or surveyor of the customs in the customs + districts of New York, Boston and Charlestown, Baltimore, San + Francisco, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Vermont (Burlington), Oswego, + Niagara, Buffalo Creek, Champlain, Portland and Falmouth, Corpus + Christi, Oswegatchie, Mobile, Brazos de Santiago (Brownsville), Texas + (Galveston, etc.), Savannah, Charleston, Chicago, or Detroit, the + Secretary of the Treasury shall ascertain if any of the subordinates in + the customs districts in which such vacancy occurs are suitable persons + qualified to discharge efficiently the duties of the office to be + filled; and if such persons be found he shall certify to the President + the name or names of those subordinates, not exceeding three, who in + his judgment are best qualified for the position, from which the + President will make the nomination to fill the vacancy; but if no such + subordinate be found qualified, or if the nomination be not confirmed, + the nomination will be made at the discretion of the President. + Vacancies occurring in such positions in the customs service in the + said districts as are included in the subjoined classification will + be filled in accordance with the rules. Appointments to all other + positions in the customs service in said districts may be, until + otherwise ordered, excepted from the operation of the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 7. When a vacancy occurs in the office of collector, appraiser, + surveyor, or other chief officer in any customs district not specified + in the preceding regulation, applications in writing from any + subordinate or subordinates in the customs service of the district, + or from other person or persons residing within the said district, + may be addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury, inclosing proper + certificates of character, responsibility, and capacity; and if any + of the subordinates so applying shall be found suitable and qualified, + the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best qualified shall + be certified by the board of examiners to the Secretary, and from + this list the nomination or appointment will be made; but if no such + subordinate be found qualified, the said board shall certify to the + Secretary the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best qualified + among the other applicants, and from this list the nomination or + appointment will be made. If, however, no applicants under this + regulation shall be found suitable and qualified, the vacancy will + be filled at discretion. Appointments to all other positions in the + customs service in said districts may be, until otherwise ordered, + excepted from the operation of the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 8. When a vacancy occurs in the office of postmaster in cities having, + according to the census of 1870, a population of 20,000 or more, the + Postmaster-General shall ascertain if any of the subordinates in such + office are suitable persons qualified to discharge efficiently the + duties of postmaster, and if such are found he shall certify to the + President the name or names of those subordinates, not exceeding three + in number, who in his judgment are best qualified for the position, + from which list the President will make the nomination to fill the + vacancy; but if no such subordinate be found so qualified, or if the + nomination be not confirmed by the Senate, the nomination will be + made at the discretion of the President. Vacancies occurring in such + positions in the said post-office as are included in the subjoined + classification will be filled in accordance with the rules. + Appointments to all other positions in the said post-offices may be, + until otherwise ordered, excepted from the operation of the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 9. When a vacancy occurs in the office of postmaster of a class + not otherwise provided for, applications for the position from any + subordinate or subordinates in the office, or from other persons + residing within the delivery of the office, may be addressed to the + Postmaster-General, inclosing proper certificates of character, + responsibility, and capacity; and if any of the subordinates so + applying shall be found suitable and qualified, the name or names of + the best qualified, not exceeding three, shall be certified by the + board of examiners to the Postmaster-General, and from them the + nomination or appointment shall be made; but if no subordinate be + found qualified, the said board shall certify to the Postmaster-General + the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best qualified among the + other applicants, and from them the nomination or appointment shall be + made. If, however, no applicants under this regulation shall be found + suitable and qualified, the vacancy will be filled at discretion. + Appointments to all other positions in the said post-offices may be, + until otherwise ordered, excepted from the operation of the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 10. Special agents of the Post-Office Department shall be appointed by + the Postmaster-General at discretion from persons already in the postal + service, and who shall have served therein for a period of not less + than one year immediately preceding the appointment; but if no person + within the service shall, in the judgment of the Postmaster-General, + be suitable and qualified, the appointment shall be made from all + applicants under the rules. +</p><p class="q"> + 11. Mail-route messengers shall be appointed in the manner provided for + the appointment of postmasters whose annual salary is less than $200. +</p><p class="q"> + 12. When a vacancy occurs in the office of register or receiver of + the land office, or of pension agent, applications in writing from + residents in the district in which the vacancy occurs may be addressed + to the Secretary of the Interior, inclosing proper certificates of + character, responsibility, and capacity; and if any of the applicants + shall be found suitable and qualified, the name or names, not exceeding + three, of the best qualified shall be certified by the board of + examiners to the Secretary, and from this list the nomination will be + made. If, however, no applicants under this regulation shall be found + suitable and qualified, the nomination will be made at discretion. +</p><p class="q"> + 13. When a vacancy occurs in the office of United States marshal, + applications in writing from residents in the district in which the + vacancy occurs may be addressed to the Attorney-General of the United + States, inclosing proper certificates of character, responsibility, + and capacity; and if any of the applicants shall be found suitable + and qualified, the name or names, not exceeding three, of the best + qualified shall be certified by the board of examiners to the + Attorney-General, and from this list the nomination will be made. + If, however, no applicants under this regulation shall be found + suitable and qualified, the nomination will be made at discretion. +</p><p class="q"> + 14. Appointments to fill vacancies occurring in offices in the several + Territories, excepting those of judges of the United States courts, + Indian agents, and superintendents, will be made from suitable and + qualified persons domiciled in the Territory in which the vacancy + occurs, if any such are found. +</p><p class="q"> + 15. It shall be the duty of the examining board in each of the + Departments to report to the Advisory Board such modifications in the + rules and regulations as in the judgment of such examining board are + required for appointments to certain positions to which, by reason of + distance, or of difficult access, or of other sufficient cause, the + rules and regulations can not be applied with advantage; and if the + reason for such modifications shall be satisfactory to the Advisory + Board, said board will recommend them for approval. +</p><p class="q"> + 16. Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prevent the + reappointment at discretion of the incumbents of any office the term of + which is fixed by law, and when such reappointment is made no vacancy + within the meaning of the rules shall be deemed to have occurred. +</p><p class="q"> + 17. Appointments to all positions in the civil service not included in + the subjoined classification, nor otherwise specially provided for by + the rules and regulations, may, until otherwise ordered, be excepted + from the operation of the rules. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., May 27, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR:<a href="#note-68"><small>68</small></a> The President directs me to say that the several Departments of + the Government will be closed on the 30th instant, in order to enable + the employees of the Government to participate, in connection with the + Grand Army of the Republic, in the decoration of the graves of the + soldiers who fell during the rebellion. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + HORACE PORTER,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington, October 11, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + The undersigned is charged by the President with the painful duty of + announcing to the people of the United States the death of an + illustrious citizen. +</p> +<p> + William Henry Seward, distinguished for faithful and eminent service + in varied public trusts during a long series of years, died at Auburn, + in the State of New York, yesterday, October 10. Charged with the + administration of the Department of State at a most critical period in + the history of the nation, Mr. Seward brought to the duties of that + office exalted patriotism, unwearied industry, and consummate ability. + A grateful nation will cherish his name, his fame, and his memory. +</p> +<p> + The several Executive Departments will cause appropriate honors to be + rendered to the memory of the deceased statesman at home and abroad. +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 2, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In transmitting to you this my fourth annual message it is with + thankfulness to the Giver of All Good that as a nation we have been + blessed for the past year with peace at home, peace abroad, and a + general prosperity vouchsafed to but few peoples. +</p> +<p> + With the exception of the recent devastating fire which swept from the + earth with a breath, as it were, millions of accumulated wealth in the + city of Boston, there has been no overshadowing calamity within the year + to record. It is gratifying to note how, like their fellow-citizens + of the city of Chicago under similar circumstances a year earlier, + the citizens of Boston are rallying under their misfortunes, and the + prospect that their energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles + and show the same prosperity soon that they would had no disaster + befallen them. Otherwise we have been free from pestilence, war, and + calamities, which often overtake nations; and, as far as human judgment + can penetrate the future, no cause seems to exist to threaten our + present peace. +</p> +<p> + When Congress adjourned in June last, a question had been raised + by Great Britain, and was then pending, which for a time seriously + imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration of the grave + differences between this Government and that of Her Britannic Majesty, + which by the treaty of Washington had been referred to the tribunal of + arbitration which had met at Geneva, in Switzerland. +</p> +<p> + The arbitrators, however, disposed of the question which had jeoparded + the whole of the treaty and threatened to involve the two nations + in most unhappy relations toward each other in a manner entirely + satisfactory to this Government and in accordance with the views and + the policy which it had maintained. +</p> +<p> + The tribunal, which had convened at Geneva in December, concluded its + laborious session on the 14th day of September last, on which day, + having availed itself of the discretionary power given to it by the + treaty to award a sum in gross, it made its decision, whereby it awarded + the sum of $15,500,000 in gold as the indemnity to be paid by Great + Britain to the United States for the satisfaction of all the claims + referred to its consideration. +</p> +<p> + This decision happily disposes of a long-standing difference between + the two Governments, and, in connection with another award, made by the + German Emperor under a reference to him by the same treaty, leaves these + two Governments without a shadow upon the friendly relations which it is + my sincere hope may forever remain equally unclouded. +</p> +<p> + The report of the agent of the United States appointed to attend the + Geneva tribunal, accompanied by the protocols of the proceedings of the + arbitrators, the arguments of the counsel of both Governments, the award + of the tribunal, and the opinions given by the several arbitrators, is + transmitted herewith. +</p> +<p> + I have caused to be communicated to the heads of the three friendly + powers who complied with the joint request made to them under the treaty + the thanks of this Government for the appointment of arbitrators made by + them respectively, and also my thanks to the eminent personages named by + them, and my appreciation of the dignity, patience, impartiality, and + great ability with which they discharged their arduous and high + functions. +</p> +<p> + Her Majesty's Government has communicated to me the appreciation by + Her Majesty of the ability and indefatigable industry displayed by Mr. + Adams, the arbitrator named on the part of this Government during the + protracted inquiries and discussions of the tribunal. I cordially unite + with Her Majesty in this appreciation. +</p> +<p> + It is due to the agent of the United States before the tribunal to + record my high appreciation of the marked ability, unwearied patience, + and the prudence and discretion with which he has conducted the very + responsible and delicate duties committed to him, as it is also due to + the learned and eminent counsel who attended the tribunal on the part of + this Government to express my sense of the talents and wisdom which they + brought to bear in the attainment of the result so happily reached. +</p> +<p> + It will be the province of Congress to provide for the distribution + among those who may be entitled to it of their respective shares of + the money to be paid. Although the sum awarded is not payable until + a year from the date of the award, it is deemed advisable that no time + be lost in making a proper examination of the several cases in which + indemnification may be due. I consequently recommend the creation of + a board of commissioners for the purpose. +</p> +<p> + By the thirty-fourth article of the treaty of Washington the respective + claims of the United States and of Great Britain in their construction + of the treaty of the 15th of June, 1846, defining the boundary line + between their respective territories, were submitted to the arbitration + and award of His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, to decide which of + those claims is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the + treaty of 1846. +</p> +<p> + His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, having been pleased to undertake the + arbitration, has the earnest thanks of this Government and of the people + of the United States for the labor, pains, and care which he has devoted + to the consideration of this long-pending difference. I have caused an + expression of my thanks to be communicated to His Majesty. Mr. Bancroft, + the representative of this Government at Berlin, conducted the case and + prepared the statement on the part of the United States with the ability + that his past services justified the public in expecting at his hands. + As a member of the Cabinet at the date of the treaty which has given + rise to the discussion between the two Governments, as the minister to + Great Britain when the construction now pronounced unfounded was first + advanced, and as the agent and representative of the Government to + present the case and to receive the award, he has been associated with + the question in all of its phases, and in every stage has manifested a + patriotic zeal and earnestness in maintenance of the claim of the United + States. He is entitled to much credit for the success which has attended + the submission. +</p> +<p> + After a patient investigation of the case and of the statements of each + party, His Majesty the Emperor, on the 21st day of October last, signed + his award in writing, decreeing that the claim of the Government of the + United States, that the boundary line between the territories of Her + Britannic Majesty and the United States should be drawn through the + Haro Channel, is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the + treaty concluded on the 15th of June, 1846, between the Governments of + Her Britannic Majesty and of the United States. +</p> +<p> + Copies of the "case" presented on behalf of each Government, and of + the "statement in reply" of each, and a translation of the award, are + transmitted herewith. +</p> +<p> + This award confirms the United States in their claim to the important + archipelago of islands lying between the continent and Vancouvers + Island, which for more than twenty-six years (ever since the + ratification of the treaty) Great Britain has contested, and leaves us, + for the first time in the history of the United States as a nation, + without a question of disputed boundary between our territory and the + possessions of Great Britain on this continent. +</p> +<p> + It is my grateful duty to acknowledge the prompt, spontaneous action of + Her Majesty's Government in giving effect to the award. In anticipation + of any request from this Government, and before the reception in the + United States of the award signed by the Emperor, Her Majesty had given + instructions for the removal of her troops which had been stationed + there and for the cessation of all exercise or claim of jurisdiction, so + as to leave the United States in the exclusive possession of the lately + disputed territory. I am gratified to be able to announce that the + orders for the removal of the troops have been executed, and that the + military joint occupation of San Juan has ceased. The islands are now in + the exclusive possession of the United States. +</p> +<p> + It now becomes necessary to complete the survey and determination of + that portion of the boundary line (through the Haro Channel) upon which + the commission which determined the remaining part of the line were + unable to agree. I recommend the appointment of a commission to act + jointly with one which may be named by Her Majesty for that purpose. +</p> +<p> + Experience of the difficulties attending the determination of our + admitted line of boundary, after the occupation of the territory and + its settlement by those owing allegiance to the respective Governments, + points to the importance of establishing, by natural objects or other + monuments, the actual line between the territory acquired by purchase + from Russia and the adjoining possessions of Her Britannic Majesty. + The region is now so sparsely occupied that no conflicting interests + of individuals or of jurisdiction are likely to interfere to the delay + or embarrassment of the actual location of the line. If deferred until + population shall enter and occupy the territory, some trivial contest of + neighbors may again array the two Governments in antagonism. I therefore + recommend the appointment of a commission, to act jointly with one that + may be appointed on the part of Great Britain, to determine the line + between our Territory of Alaska and the conterminous possessions of + Great Britain. +</p> +<p> + In my last annual message I recommended the legislation necessary on the + part of the United States to bring into operation the articles of the + treaty of Washington of May 8, 1871, relating to the fisheries and to + other matters touching the relations of the United States toward the + British North American possessions, to become operative so soon as the + proper legislation should be had on the part of Great Britain and its + possessions. +</p> +<p> + That legislation on the part of Great Britain and its possessions had + not then been had, and during the session of Congress a question was + raised which for the time raised a doubt whether any action by Congress + in the direction indicated would become important. This question has + since been disposed of, and I have received notice that the Imperial + Parliament and the legislatures of the provincial governments have + passed laws to carry the provisions of the treaty on the matters + referred to into operation. I therefore recommend your early adoption + of the legislation in the same direction necessary on the part of this + Government. +</p> +<p> + The joint commission for determining the boundary line between the + United States and the British possessions between the Lake of the Woods + and the Rocky Mountains has organized and entered upon its work. It is + desirable that the force be increased, in order that the completion of + the survey and determination of the line may be the sooner attained. + To this end I recommend that a sufficient appropriation be made. +</p> +<p> + With France, our earliest ally; Russia, the constant and steady friend + of the United States; Germany, with whose Government and people we have + so many causes of friendship and so many common sympathies, and the + other powers of Europe, our relations are maintained on the most + friendly terms. +</p> +<p> + Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the + ratifications of a treaty with the Austro-Hungarian Empire relating + to naturalization; also of a treaty with the German Empire respecting + consuls and trade-marks; also of a treaty with Sweden and Norway + relating to naturalization; all of which treaties have been duly + proclaimed. +</p> +<p> + Congress at its last session having made an appropriation to defray + the expense of commissioners on the part of the United States to the + International Statistical Congress at St. Petersburg, the persons + appointed in that character proceeded to their destination and attended + the sessions of the congress. Their report shall in due season be laid + before you. This congress meets at intervals of about three years, and + has held its sessions in several of the countries of Europe. I submit + to your consideration the propriety of extending an invitation to the + congress to hold its next meeting in the United States. The Centennial + Celebration to be held in 1876 would afford an appropriate occasion for + such meeting. +</p> +<p> + Preparations are making for the international exposition to be held + during the next year in Vienna, on a scale of very great magnitude. + The tendency of these expositions is in the direction of advanced + civilization, and of the elevation of industry and of labor, and of the + increase of human happiness, as well as of greater intercourse and good + will between nations. As this exposition is to be the first which will + have been held in eastern Europe, it is believed that American inventors + and manufacturers will be ready to avail themselves of the opportunity + for the presentation of their productions if encouraged by proper aid + and protection. +</p> +<p> + At the last session of Congress authority was given for the appointment + of one or more agents to represent this Government at the exposition. + The authority thus given has been exercised, but, in the absence of any + appropriation, there is danger that the important benefits which the + occasion offers will in a large degree be lost to citizens of the United + States. I commend the subject strongly to your consideration, and + recommend that an adequate appropriation be made for the purpose. +</p> +<p> + To further aid American exhibitors at the Vienna Exposition, I would + recommend, in addition to an appropriation of money, that the Secretary + of the Navy be authorized to fit up two naval vessels to transport + between our Atlantic cities and Trieste, or the most convenient port to + Vienna, and back, their articles for exhibition. +</p> +<p> + Since your last session the President of the Mexican Republic, + distinguished by his high character and by his services to his country, + has died. His temporary successor has now been elected with great + unanimity by the people—a proof of confidence on their part in his + patriotism and wisdom which it is believed will be confirmed by the + results of his administration. It is particularly desirable that nothing + should be left undone by the Government of either Republic to strengthen + their relations as neighbors and friends. +</p> +<p> + It is much to be regretted that many lawless acts continue to disturb + the quiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and + that of Mexico, and that complaints of wrongs to American citizens in + various parts of the country are made. The revolutionary condition in + which the neighboring Republic has so long been involved has in some + degree contributed to this disturbance. It is to be hoped that with a + more settled rule of order through the Republic, which may be expected + from the present Government, the acts of which just complaint is made + will cease. +</p> +<p> + The proceedings of the commission under the convention with Mexico of + the 4th of July, 1868, on the subject of claims, have, unfortunately, + been checked by an obstacle, for the removal of which measures have been + taken by the two Governments which it is believed will prove successful. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners appointed, pursuant to the joint resolution of + Congress of the 7th of May last, to inquire into depredations on the + Texan frontier have diligently made investigations in that quarter. + Their report upon the subject will be communicated to you. Their + researches were necessarily incomplete, partly on account of the limited + appropriation made by Congress. Mexico, on the part of that Government, + has appointed a similar commission to investigate these outrages. It + is not announced officially, but the press of that country states that + the fullest investigation is desired, and that the cooperation of all + parties concerned is invited to secure that end. I therefore recommend + that a special appropriation be made at the earliest day practicable, to + enable the commissioners on the part of the United States to return to + their labors without delay. +</p> +<p> + It is with regret that I have again to announce a continuance of + the disturbed condition of the island of Cuba. No advance toward the + pacification of the discontented part of the population has been made. + While the insurrection has gained no advantages and exhibits no more of + the elements of power or of the prospects of ultimate success than were + exhibited a year ago, Spain, on the other hand, has not succeeded in + its repression, and the parties stand apparently in the same relative + attitude which they have occupied for a long time past. +</p> +<p> + This contest has lasted now for more than four years. Were its scene at + a distance from our neighborhood, we might be indifferent to its result, + although humanity could not be unmoved by many of its incidents wherever + they might occur. It is, however, at our door. +</p> +<p> + I can not doubt that the continued maintenance of slavery in Cuba + is among the strongest inducements to the continuance of this strife. + A terrible wrong is the natural cause of a terrible evil. The abolition + of slavery and the introduction of other reforms in the administration + of government in Cuba could not fail to advance the restoration of peace + and order. It is greatly to be hoped that the present liberal Government + of Spain will voluntarily adopt this view. +</p> +<p> + The law of emancipation, which was passed more than two years since, has + remained unexecuted in the absence of regulations for its enforcement. + It was but a feeble step toward emancipation, but it was the recognition + of right, and was hailed as such, and exhibited Spain in harmony with + sentiments of humanity and of justice and in sympathy with the other + powers of the Christian and civilized world. +</p> +<p> + Within the past few weeks the regulations for carrying out the law of + emancipation have been announced, giving evidence of the sincerity of + intention of the present Government to carry into effect the law of + 1870. I have not failed to urge the consideration of the wisdom, the + policy, and the justice of a more effective system for the abolition + of the great evil which oppresses a race and continues a bloody and + destructive contest close to our border, as well as the expediency + and the justice of conceding reforms of which the propriety is not + questioned. +</p> +<p> + Deeply impressed with the conviction that the continuance of slavery + is one of the most active causes of the continuance of the unhappy + condition in Cuba, I regret to believe that citizens of the United + States, or those claiming to be such, are large holders in Cuba of what + is there claimed as property, but which is forbidden and denounced by + the laws of the United States. They are thus, in defiance of the spirit + of our own laws, contributing to the continuance of this distressing and + sickening contest. In my last annual message I referred to this subject, + and I again recommend such legislation as may be proper to denounce, + and, if not prevent, at least to discourage American citizens from + holding or dealing in slaves. +</p> +<p> + It is gratifying to announce that the ratifications of the convention + concluded under the auspices of this Government between Spain on the one + part and the allied Republics of the Pacific on the other, providing for + an armistice, have been exchanged. A copy of the instrument is herewith + submitted. It is hoped that this may be followed by a permanent peace + between the same parties. +</p> +<p> + The differences which at one time threatened the maintenance of peace + between Brazil and the Argentine Republic it is hoped are in the way of + satisfactory adjustment. +</p> +<p> + With these States, as with the Republics of Central and of South + America, we continue to maintain the most friendly relations. +</p> +<p> + It is with regret, however, I announce that the Government of + Venezuela has made no further payments on account of the awards under + the convention of the 25th of April, 1866. That Republic is understood + to be now almost, if not quite, tranquilized. It is hoped, therefore, + that it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its + debt to the United States, which, having originated in injuries to + our citizens by Venezuelan authorities, and having been acknowledged, + pursuant to a treaty, in the most solemn form known among nations, + would seem to deserve a preference over debts of a different origin and + contracted in a different manner. This subject is again recommended to + the attention of Congress for such action as may be deemed proper. +</p> +<p> + Our treaty relations with Japan remain unchanged. An imposing embassy + from that interesting and progressive nation visited this country during + the year that is passing, but, being unprovided with powers for the + signing of a convention in this country, no conclusion in that direction + was reached. It is hoped, however, that the interchange of opinions + which took place during their stay in this country has led to a mutual + appreciation of the interests which may be promoted when the revision of + the existing treaty shall be undertaken. +</p> +<p> + In this connection I renew my recommendation of one year ago, that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + To give importance to and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic + relations with Japan and China, and to further aid in retaining the + good opinion of those peoples, and to secure to the United States its + share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and the + balance of the commercial world, an appropriation be made to support at + least four American youths in each of those countries, to serve as a + part of the official family of our ministers there. Our representatives + would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representatives + of Great Britain and of some other powers. As now situated, our + representatives in Japan and China have to depend for interpreters and + translators upon natives of those countries, who know our language + imperfectly, or procure for the occasion the services of employees in + foreign business houses or the interpreters to other foreign ministers. +</p> +<p> + I renew the recommendation made on a previous occasion, of the transfer + to the Department of the Interior, to which they seem more appropriately + to belong, of all the powers and duties in relation to the Territories + with which the Department of State is now charged by law or by custom. +</p> +<p> + Congress from the beginning of the Government has wisely made provision + for the relief of distressed seamen in foreign countries. No similar + provision, however, has hitherto been made for the relief of citizens + in distress abroad other than seamen. It is understood to be customary + with other governments to authorize consuls to extend such relief + to their citizens or subjects in certain cases. A similar authority + and an appropriation to carry it into effect are recommended in the + case of citizens of the United States destitute or sick under such + circumstances. It is well known that such citizens resort to foreign + countries in great numbers. Though most of them are able to bear the + expenses incident to locomotion, there are some who, through accident or + otherwise, become penniless, and have no friends at home able to succor + them. Persons in this situation must either perish, cast themselves upon + the charity of foreigners, or be relieved at the private charge of our + own officers, who usually, even with the most benevolent dispositions, + have nothing to spare for such purposes. +</p> +<p> + Should the authority and appropriation asked for be granted, care will + be taken so to carry the beneficence of Congress into effect that it + shall not be unnecessarily or unworthily bestowed. +</p> +<center> + TREASURY. +</center> +<p> + The moneys received and covered into the Treasury during the fiscal year + ended June 30, 1872, were: +</p> + +<table summary="" width="100%"> <tr><td> From customs </td><td +align="right">$216,370,286.77</td></tr> <tr><td> From sales of public +lands </td><td align="right">2,575,714.19</td></tr> <tr><td> From +internal revenue </td><td align="right">130,642,177.72</td></tr> +<tr><td> From tax on national-bank circulation, etc. </td><td +align="right">6,523,396.39</td></tr> <tr><td> From Pacific railway +companies </td><td align="right">749,861.87</td></tr> <tr><td> From +customs fines, etc. </td><td align="right">1,136,442.34</td></tr> +<tr><td> From fees—consular, patent, land, etc. </td><td +align="right">2,284,095.92</td></tr> <tr><td> From miscellaneous sources +</td><td align="right">4,412,254.71</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td +align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> Total ordinary +receipts </td><td align="right">374,694,229.91</td></tr> <tr><td> From +premium on sales of coin </td><td align="right">9,412,637.65</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> +Total net receipts </td><td align="right">374,106,867.56</td></tr> +<tr><td> Balance in Treasury June 30, 1871 (including $18,228.35 +received from "unavailable") </td><td +align="right">109,935,705.59</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td +align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> Total available cash +</td><td align="right">484,042,573.15</td></tr> </table> + +<p> + The net expenditures by warrants during the same period were: +</p> + +<table summary="" width="100%"> <tr><td colspan="2"> For civil expenses +</td><td align="right" width="20%">$16,187,059.20</td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"> For foreign intercourse </td><td +align="right">1,859,369.14</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> For Indians +</td><td align="right">7,061,728.82</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> For +pensions </td><td align="right">28,533,402.76</td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"> For military establishment, including fortifications, river +and harbor improvements, and arsenals </td><td +align="right">35,372,157.20</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> For naval +establishment, including vessels and machinery and improvements at +navy-yards </td><td align="right">21,249,809.99</td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"> For miscellaneous civil, including public buildings, +light-houses, and collecting the revenue </td><td +align="right">42,958,329.08</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> For interest +on the public debt </td><td align="right">117,357,839.72</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"></td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> Total, exclusive of principal and premium on the +public debt </td><td align="right">270,559,695.91</td></tr> <tr><td> For +premium on bonds purchased </td><td align="right" +width="20%">$6,958,266.76 <tr><td> For redemption of the public debt +</td><td align="right">99,960,253.54 <tr><td></td><td> <hr +class="full"></td><td align="right">106,918,520.30</td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"></td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"> Total net disbursements </td><td +align="right">377,478,216.21</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> Balance in +Treasury June 30, 1872 </td><td align="right">106,564,356.94</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"></td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> Total </td><td +align="right">484,042,573.15</td></tr> </table> + +<p> + From the foregoing statement it appears that the net reduction of the + principal of the debt during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, was + $99,960,253.54. +</p> +<p> + The source of this reduction is as follows: +</p> + +<table summary="" width="100%"> <tr><td> Net ordinary receipts during +the year </td><td align="right">$364,694,229.91</td></tr> <tr><td> Net +ordinary expenditures, including interest on the public debt </td><td +align="right">270,559,695.91</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td +align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> Leaving surplus +revenue </td><td align="right">94,134,534.00</td></tr> <tr><td> Add +amount received from premium on sales of gold, in excess of the premium +paid on bonds purchased </td><td align="right">2,454,370.89</td></tr> +<tr><td> Add the amount of the reduction of the cash balance at the +close of the year, accompanied with same at commencement of the year +</td><td align="right">3,371,348.65</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td +align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> Total </td><td +align="right">99,960,253.54</td></tr> </table> + +<p> + This statement treats solely of the principal of the public debt. +</p> +<p> + By the monthly statement of the public debt, which adds together the + principal, interest due and unpaid, and interest accrued to date, not + due, and deducts the cash in the Treasury as ascertained on the day + of publication, the reduction was $100,544,491.28. +</p> +<p> + The source of this reduction is as follows: +</p> + +<table summary="" width="100%"> <tr><td> Reduction in principal account +</td><td align="right">$99,960,003.54</td></tr> <tr><td> Reduction in +unpaid-interest account </td><td align="right">3,330,952.96</td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> +</td><td align="right">103,290,956.50</td></tr> <tr><td> Reduction in +cash on hand </td><td align="right">2,746,465.22</td></tr> <tr><td> +</td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td +align="right">100,544,491.28</td></tr> </table> + +<p> + On the basis of the last table the statements show a reduction of the + public debt from the 1st of March, 1869, to the present time as follows: +</p> + +<table summary="" width="100%"> <tr><td> From March 1, 1869, to March 1, +1870 </td><td align="right">$87,134,782.84</td></tr> <tr><td> From March +1, 1870, to March 1, 1871 </td><td +align="right">117,619,630.25</td></tr> <tr><td> From March 1, 1871, to +March 1, 1872 </td><td align="right">94,895,348.94</td></tr> <tr><td> +From March 1, 1872, to November 1, 1872 (eight months)</td><td +align="right">64,047,237.84</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td +align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> Total </td><td +align="right">363,696,999.87</td></tr> </table> + +<p> + With the great reduction of taxation by the acts of Congress at its last + session, the expenditure of the Government in collecting the revenue + will be much reduced for the next fiscal year. It is very doubtful, + however, whether any further reduction of so vexatious a burden upon any + people will be practicable for the present. At all events, as a measure + of justice to the holders of the nation's certificates of indebtedness, + I would recommend that no more legislation be had on this subject, + unless it be to correct errors of omission or commission in the present + laws, until sufficient time has elapsed to prove that it can be done and + still leave sufficient revenue to meet current expenses of Government, + pay interest on the public debt, and provide for the sinking fund + established by law. The preservation of our national credit is of the + highest importance; next in importance to this comes a solemn duty to + provide a national currency of fixed, unvarying value as compared with + gold, and as soon as practicable, having due regard for the interests of + the debtor class and the vicissitudes of trade and commerce, convertible + into gold at par. +</p> +<center> + WAR DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War shows the expenditures of + the War Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, to be + $35,799,991.82, and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, to be + $35,372,157.20, showing a reduction in favor of the last fiscal year + of $427,834.62. +</p> +<p> + The estimates for military appropriations for the next fiscal year, + ending June 30, 1874, are $33,801,378.78. +</p> +<p> + The estimates of the Chief of Engineers are submitted separately for + fortifications, river and harbor improvements, and for public buildings + and grounds and the Washington Aqueduct. +</p> +<p> + The affairs of the Freedmen's Bureau have all been transferred to the + War Department, and regulations have been put into execution for the + speedy payment of bounty, pay, etc., due colored soldiers, properly + coming under that Bureau. All war accounts, for money and property, + prior to 1871 have been examined and transmitted to the Treasury for + final settlement. +</p> +<p> + During the fiscal year there has been paid for transportation on + railroads $1,300,000, of which $800,857 was over the Pacific railroads; + for transportation by water $626,373.52, and by stage $48,975.84; for + the purchase of transportation animals, wagons, hire of teamsters, etc., + $924,650.64. +</p> +<p> + About $370,000 have been collected from Southern railroads during the + year, leaving about $4,000,000 still due. +</p> +<p> + The Quartermaster has examined and transmitted to the accounting + officers for settlement $367,172.72 of claims by loyal citizens for + quartermaster stores taken during the war. +</p> +<p> + Subsistence supplies to the amount of $89,048.12 have been issued to + Indians. +</p> +<p> + The annual average mean strength of the Army was 24,101 white and 2,494 + colored soldiers. The total deaths for the year reported were 367 white + and 54 colored. +</p> +<p> + The distribution of the Medical and Surgical History of the War is yet + to be ordered by Congress. +</p> +<p> + There exists an absolute necessity for a medical corps of the full + number established by act of Congress of July 28, 1866, there being now + fifty-nine vacancies, and the number of successful candidates rarely + exceeds eight or ten in any one year. +</p> +<p> + The river and harbor improvements have been carried on with energy + and economy. Though many are only partially completed, the results + have saved to commerce many times the amount expended. The increase + of commerce, with greater depths of channels, greater security in + navigation, and the saving of time, adds millions to the wealth of + the country and increases the resources of the Government. +</p> +<p> + The bridge across the Mississippi River at Rock Island has been + completed, and the proper site has been determined upon for the bridge + at La Crosse. +</p> +<p> + The able and exhaustive report made by the commission appointed to + investigate the Sutro Tunnel has been transmitted to Congress. +</p> +<p> + The observations and reports of the Signal Office have been continued. + Stations have been maintained at each of the principal lake, seaport, + and river cities. Ten additional stations have been established in the + United States, and arrangements have been made for an exchange of + reports with Canada, and a similar exchange of observations is + contemplated with the West India Islands. +</p> +<p> + The favorable attention of Congress is invited to the following + recommendations of the Secretary of War: +</p> +<p> + A discontinuance of the appointment of extra lieutenants to serve as + adjutants and quartermasters; the adoption of a code providing specific + penalties for well-defined offenses, so that the inequality of sentences + adjudged by courts-martial may be adjusted; the consolidation of + accounts under which expenditures are made, as a measure of economy; + a reappropriation of the money for the construction of a depot at + San Antonio, the title to the site being now perfected; a special act + placing the cemetery at the City of Mexico on the same basis as other + national cemeteries; authority to purchase sites for military posts in + Texas; the appointment of commissary sergeants from noncommissioned + officers, as a measure for securing the better care and protection + of supplies; an appropriation for the publication of the catalogue + and tables of the anatomical section of the Army Medical Museum; a + reappropriation of the amount for the manufacture of breech-loading + arms, should the selection be so delayed by the board of officers as to + leave the former appropriation unexpended at the close of the fiscal + year; the sale of such arsenals east of the Mississippi as can be + spared, and the proceeds applied to the establishment of one large + arsenal of construction and repair upon the Atlantic Coast and the + purchase of a suitable site for a proving and experimental ground for + heavy ordnance; the abrogation of laws which deprive inventors in the + United States service from deriving any benefit from their inventions; + the repeal of the law prohibiting promotions in the staff corps; a + continuance of the work upon coast defenses; the repeal of the seventh + section of the act of July 13, 1866, taking from engineer soldiers the + per diem granted to other troops; a limitation of time for presentation + of old War claims for subsistence supplies under act of July 4, 1864; + and a modification in the mode of the selection of cadets for the + Military Academy, in order to enhance the usefulness of the Academy, + which is impaired by reason of the large amount of time necessarily + expended in giving new cadets a thorough knowledge of the more + elementary branches of learning, which they should acquire before + entering the Academy. Also an appropriation for philosophical apparatus + and an increase in the numbers and pay of the Military Academy band. +</p> +<p> + The attention of Congress will be called during its present session to + various enterprises for the more certain and cheaper transportation of + the constantly increasing surplus of Western and Southern products to + the Atlantic Seaboard. The subject is one that will force itself upon + the legislative branch of the Government sooner or later, and I suggest, + therefore, that immediate steps be taken to gain all available + information to insure equable and just legislation. +</p> +<p> + One route to connect the Mississippi Valley with the Atlantic, at + Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga., by water, by the way of the Ohio + and Tennessee rivers, and canals and slack-water navigation to the + Savannah and Ocmulgee rivers, has been surveyed, and report made by an + accomplished engineer officer of the Army. Second and third new routes + will be proposed for the consideration of Congress, namely, by an + extension of the Kanawha and James River Canal to the Ohio, and by + extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. +</p> +<p> + I am not prepared to recommend Government aid to these or other + enterprises until it is clearly shown that they are not only of national + interest, but that when completed they will be of a value commensurate + with their cost. +</p> +<p> + That production increases more rapidly than the means of transportation + in our country has been demonstrated by past experience. That the + unprecedented growth in population and products of the whole country + will require additional facilities—and cheaper ones for the more bulky + articles of commerce to reach tide water and a market will be demanded + in the near future—is equally demonstrable. I would therefore suggest + either a committee or a commission to be authorized to consider this + whole question, and to report to Congress at some future day for its + better guidance in legislating on this important subject. +</p> +<p> + The railroads of the country have been rapidly extended during the last + few years to meet the growing demands of producers, and reflect much + credit upon the capitalists and managers engaged in their construction. +</p> +<p> + In addition to these, a project to facilitate commerce by the building + of a ship canal around Niagara Falls, on the United States side, which + has been agitated for many years, will no doubt be called to your + attention at this session. +</p> +<p> + Looking to the great future growth of the country and the increasing + demands of commerce, it might be well while on this subject not only + to have examined and reported upon the various practicable routes for + connecting the Mississippi with tide water on the Atlantic, but the + feasibility of an almost continuous landlocked navigation from Maine to + the Gulf of Mexico. Such a route along our coast would be of great value + at all times, and of inestimable value in case of a foreign war. Nature + has provided the greater part of this route, and the obstacles to + overcome are easily within the skill of the engineer. +</p> +<p> + I have not alluded to this subject with the view of having any further + expenditure of public money at this time than may be necessary to + procure and place all the necessary information before Congress in an + authentic form, to enable it hereafter, if deemed practicable and + worthy, to legislate on the subject without delay. +</p> +<center> + NAVY DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Navy herewith accompanying explains + fully the condition of that branch of the public service, its wants and + deficiencies, expenses incurred during the past year, and appropriations + for the same. It also gives a complete history of the services of the + Navy for the past year in addition to its regular service. +</p> +<p> + It is evident that unless early steps are taken to preserve our Navy in + a very few years the United States will be the weakest nation upon the + ocean, of all great powers. With an energetic, progressive, business + people like ours, penetrating and forming business relations with every + part of the known world, a navy strong enough to command the respect of + our flag abroad is necessary for the full protection of their rights. +</p> +<p> + I recommend careful consideration by Congress of the recommendations + made by the Secretary of the Navy. +</p> +<center> + POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + The accompanying report of the Postmaster-General furnishes a full and + satisfactory exhibit of the operations of the Post-Office Department + during the year. The ordinary revenues of the Department for the + fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, amounted to $21,915,426.37, and the + expenditures to $26,658,192.31. Compared with the previous fiscal year + the increase of revenue was $1,878,330.95, or 9.37 per cent, and the + increase of expenditures $2,268,088.23, or 9.29 per cent. Adding to the + ordinary revenues the annual appropriation of $700,000 for free matter + and the amounts paid to the subsidized mail steamship lines from special + appropriations, the deficiency paid out of the General Treasury was + $3,317,765.94, an excess of $389,707.28 over the deficiency for the + year 1871. +</p> +<p> + Other interesting statistical information relating to our rapidly + extending postal service is furnished in this report. The total length + of railroad mail routes on the 30th of June, 1872, was 57,911 miles, + 8,077 additional miles of such service having been put into operation + during the year. Eight new lines of railway post-offices have been + established, with an aggregate length of 2,909 miles. The number of + letters exchanged in the mails with foreign countries was 24,362,500, an + increase of 4,066,502, or 20 per cent, Over the number in 1871; and the + postage thereon amounted to $1,871,257.25. The total weight of the mails + exchanged with European countries exceeded 820 tons. The cost of the + United States transatlantic mail steamship service was $220,301.70. + The total cost of the United States ocean steamship service, including + the amounts paid to the subsidized lines of mail steamers, was + $1,027,020.97. +</p> +<p> + The following are the only steamship lines now receiving subsidies for + mail service under special acts of Congress: The Pacific Mail Steamship + Company receive $500,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between + San Francisco, Japan, and China, which will be increased to $1,000,000 + per annum for a semimonthly mail on and after October 1, 1873; the + United States and Brazil Mail Steamship Company receive $150,000 per + annum for conveying a monthly mail between New York and Rio de Janeiro, + Brazil; and the California, Oregon and Mexican Steamship Company receive + $75,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between San Francisco and + Honolulu (Hawaiian Islands), making the total amount of mail steamship + subsidies at present $725,000 per annum. +</p> +<p> + Our postal communications with all parts of the civilized world have + been placed upon a most advantageous footing by the improved postal + conventions and arrangements recently concluded with the leading + commercial countries of Europe and America, and the gratifying statement + is made that with the conclusion of a satisfactory convention with + France, the details of which have been definitely agreed to by the head + of the French postal department, subject to the approval of the minister + of finance, little remains to be accomplished by treaty for some time to + come with respect either to reduction of rates or improved facilities of + postal intercourse. +</p> +<p> + Your favorable consideration is respectfully invited to the + recommendations made by the Postmaster-General for an increase of + service from monthly to semimonthly trips on the mail steamship route + to Brazil; for a subsidy in aid of the establishment of an American line + of mail steamers between San Francisco, New Zealand, and Australia; for + the establishment of post-office savings banks, and for the increase of + the salaries of the heads of bureaus. I have heretofore recommended the + abolition of the franking privilege, and see no reason now for changing + my views on that subject. It not having been favorably regarded by + Congress, however, I now suggest a modification of that privilege to + correct its glaring and costly abuses. I would recommend also the + appointment of a committee or commission to take into consideration the + best method (equitable to private corporations who have invested their + time and capital in the establishment of telegraph lines) of acquiring + the title to all telegraph lines now in operation, and of connecting + this service with the postal service of the nation. It is not probable + that this subject could receive the proper consideration during the + limits of a short session of Congress, but it may be initiated, so that + future action may be fair to the Government and to private parties + concerned. +</p> +<p> + There are but three lines of ocean steamers—namely, the Pacific + Mail Steamship Company, between San Francisco, China, and Japan, with + provision made for semimonthly service after October 1, 1873; the United + States and Brazil line, monthly; and the California, New Zealand, and + Australian line, monthly—plying between the United States and foreign + ports, and owned and operated under our flag. I earnestly recommend that + such liberal contracts for carrying the mails be authorized with these + lines as will insure their continuance. +</p> +<p> + If the expediency of extending the aid of Government to lines of + steamers which hitherto have not received it should be deemed worthy of + the consideration of Congress, political and commercial objects make it + advisable to bestow such aid on a line under our flag between Panama and + the western South American ports. By this means much trade now diverted + to other countries might be brought to us, to the mutual advantage of + this country and those lying in that quarter of the continent of + America. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Treasury will show an alarming + falling off in our carrying trade for the last ten or twelve years, and + even for the past year. I do not believe that public treasure can be + better expended in the interest of the whole people than in trying to + recover this trade. An expenditure of $5,000,000 per annum for the next + five years, if it would restore to us our proportion of the carrying + trade of the world, would be profitably expended. +</p> +<p> + The price of labor in Europe has so much enhanced within the last few + years that the cost of building and operating ocean steamers in the + United States is not so much greater than in Europe; and I believe the + time has arrived for Congress to take this subject into serious + consideration. +</p> +<center> + DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. +</center> +<p> + Detailed statements of the disbursements through the Department of + Justice will be furnished by the report of the Attorney-General, and + though these have been somewhat increased by the recent acts of Congress + "to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the + several States of the Union," and "to enforce the provisions of the + fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States," and the + amendments thereto, I can not question the necessity and salutary effect + of those enactments. Reckless and lawless men, I regret to say, have + associated themselves together in some localities to deprive other + citizens of those rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution of + the United States, and to that end have committed deeds of blood and + violence; but the prosecution and punishment of many of these persons + have tended greatly to the repression of such disorders. I do not doubt + that a great majority of the people in all parts of the country favor + the full enjoyment by all classes of persons of those rights to which + they are entitled under the Constitution and laws, and I invoke the + aid and influence of all good citizens to prevent organizations whose + objects are by unlawful means to interfere with those rights. I look + with confidence to the time, not far distant, when the obvious + advantages of good order and peace will induce an abandonment of all + combinations prohibited by the acts referred to, and when it will be + unnecessary to carry on prosecutions or inflict punishment to protect + citizens from the lawless doings of such combinations. +</p> +<p> + Applications have been made to me to pardon persons convicted of a + violation of said acts, upon the ground that clemency in such cases + would tend to tranquilize the public mind, and to test the virtue of + that policy I am disposed, as far as my sense of justice will permit, + to give to these applications a favorable consideration; but any + action thereon is not to be construed as indicating any change in + my determination to enforce with vigor such acts so long as the + conspiracies and combinations therein named disturb the peace of + the country. +</p> +<p> + It is much to be regretted, and is regretted by no one more than myself, + that a necessity has ever existed to execute the "enforcement act." No + one can desire more than I that the necessity of applying it may never + again be demanded. +</p> +<center> + INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + The Secretary of the Interior reports satisfactory improvement and + progress in each of the several bureaus under the control of the + Interior Department. They are all in excellent condition. The work which + in some of them for some years has been in arrears has been brought down + to a recent date, and in all the current business is being promptly + dispatched. +</p> +<center> + INDIANS. +</center> +<p> + The policy which was adopted at the beginning of this Administration + with regard to the management of the Indians has been as successful + as its most ardent friends anticipated within so short a time. It has + reduced the expense of their management; decreased their forays upon + the white settlements; tended to give the largest opportunity for + the extension of the great railways through the public domain and the + pushing of settlements into more remote districts of the country, and at + the same time improved the condition of the Indians. The policy will be + maintained without any change excepting such as further experience may + show to be necessary to render it more efficient. +</p> +<p> + The subject of converting the so-called Indian Territory south of Kansas + into a home for the Indian, and erecting therein a Territorial form of + government, is one of great importance as a complement of the existing + Indian policy. The question of removal to that Territory has within the + past year been presented to many of the tribes resident upon other and + less desirable portions of the public domain, and has generally been + received by them with favor. As a preliminary step to the organization + of such a Territory, it will be necessary to confine the Indians now + resident therein to farms of proper size, which should be secured to + them in fee; the residue to be used for the settlement of other friendly + Indians. Efforts will be made in the immediate future to induce the + removal of as many peaceably disposed Indians to the Indian Territory as + can be settled properly without disturbing the harmony of those already + there. There is no other location now available where a people who are + endeavoring to acquire a knowledge of pastoral and agricultural pursuits + can be as well accommodated as upon the unoccupied lands in the Indian + Territory. A Territorial government should, however, protect the Indians + from the inroads of whites for a term of years, until they become + sufficiently advanced in the arts and civilization to guard their own + rights, and from the disposal of the lands held by them for the same + period. +</p> +<center> + LANDS. +</center> +<p> + During the last fiscal year there were disposed of out of the public + lands 11,864,975 acres, a quantity greater by 1,099,270 acres than was + disposed of the previous year. Of this amount 1,370,320 acres were + sold for cash, 389,460 acres located with military warrants, 4,671,332 + acres taken for homesteads, 693,613 acres located with college scrip, + 3,554,887 acres granted to railroads, 465,347 acres granted to wagon + roads, 714,255 acres given to States as swamp land, 5,760 acres located + by Indian scrip. The cash receipts from all sources in the Land Office + amounted to $3,218,100. During the same period 22,016,608 acres of + the public lands were surveyed, which, added to the quantity before + surveyed, amounts to 583,364,780 acres, leaving 1,257,633,628 acres + of the public lands still unsurveyed. +</p> +<p> + The reports from the subordinates of the Land Office contain interesting + information in regard to their respective districts. They uniformly + mention the fruitfulness of the soil during the past season and the + increased yields of all kinds of produce. Even in those States and + Territories where mining is the principal business agricultural products + have exceeded the local demand, and liberal shipments have been made to + distant points. +</p> +<center> + PATENTS. +</center> +<p> + During the year ending September 30, 1872, there were issued from the + Patent Office 13,626 patents, 233 extensions, and 556 certificates and + registries of trade-marks. During the same time 19,587 applications for + patents, including reissues and designs, have been received and 3,100 + caveats filed. The fees received during the same period amounted to + $700,954.86, and the total expenditures to $623,553.90, making the net + receipts over the expenditures $77,400.96. +</p> +<p> + Since 1836 200,000 applications for patents have been filed and + about 133,000 patents issued. The office is being conducted under the + same laws and general organization as were adopted at its original + inauguration, when only from 100 to 500 applications were made per + annum. The Commissioner shows that the office has outgrown the original + plan, and that a new organization has become necessary. This subject was + presented to Congress in a special communication in February last, with + my approval and the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, and the + suggestions contained in said communication were embraced in the bill + that was reported to the House by the Committee on Patents at the last + session. The subject of the reorganization of the Patent Office, as + contemplated by the bill referred to, is one of such importance to the + industrial interests of the country that I commend it to the attention + of Congress. +</p> +<p> + The Commissioner also treats the subject of the separation of the + Patent Office from the Department of the Interior. This subject is also + embraced in the bill heretofore referred to. The Commissioner complains + of the want of room for the model gallery and for the working force and + necessary files of the office. It is impossible to transact the business + of the office properly without more room in which to arrange files and + drawings, that must be consulted hourly in the transaction of business. + The whole of the Patent Office building will soon be needed, if it is + not already, for the accommodation of the business of the Patent Office. +</p> +<center> + PENSIONS. +</center> +<p> + The amount paid for pensions in the last fiscal year was $30,169,340, an + amount larger by $3,708,434 than was paid during the preceding year. Of + this amount $2,313,409 were paid under the act of Congress of February + 17, 1871, to survivors of the War of 1812. The annual increase of + pensions by the legislation of Congress has more than kept pace with the + natural yearly losses from the rolls. The act of Congress of June 8, + 1872, has added an estimated amount of $750,000 per annum to the rolls, + without increasing the number of pensioners. We can not, therefore, look + for any substantial decrease in the expenditures of this Department for + some time to come, or so long as Congress continues to so change the + rates of pension. +</p> +<p> + The whole number of soldiers enlisted in the War of the Rebellion was + 2,688,523. The total number of claims for invalid pensions is 176,000, + being but 6 per cent of the whole number of enlisted men. The total + number of claims on hand at the beginning of the year was 91,689; the + number received during the year was 26,574; the number disposed of was + 39,178, making a net gain of 12,604. The number of claims now on file + is 79,085. +</p> +<p> + On the 30th of June, 1872, there were on the rolls the names of 95,405 + invalid military pensioners, 113,518 widows, orphans, and dependent + relatives, making an aggregate of 208,923 army pensioners. At the same + time there were on the rolls the names of 1,449 navy pensioners and + 1,730 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives, making the whole number + of naval pensioners 3,179. There have been received since the passage of + the act to provide pensions for the survivors of the War of 1812 36,551 + applications, prior to June 30, 1872. Of these there were allowed during + the last fiscal year 20,126 claims; 4,845 were rejected during the year, + leaving 11,580 claims pending at that date. The number of pensions of + all classes granted during the last fiscal year was 33,838. During that + period there were dropped from the rolls, for various causes, 9,104 + names, leaving a grand total of 232,229 pensioners on the rolls on the + 30th of June, 1872. +</p> +<p> + It is thought that the claims for pensions on account of the War of 1812 + will all be disposed of by the 1st of May, 1873. It is estimated that + $30,480,000 will be required for the pension service during the next + fiscal year. +</p> +<center> + THE CENSUS. +</center> +<p> + The Ninth Census is about completed. Its early completion is a subject + of congratulation, inasmuch as the use to be made of the statistics + therein contained depends very greatly on the promptitude of + publication. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of the Interior recommends that a census be taken in 1875, + which recommendation should receive the early attention of Congress. The + interval at present established between the Federal census is so long + that the information obtained at the decennial period as to the material + condition, wants, and resources of the nation is of little practical + value after the expiration of the first half of that period. It would + probably obviate the constitutional provision regarding the decennial + census if a census taken in 1875 should be divested of all political + character and no reapportionment of Congressional representation be made + under it. Such a census, coming, as it would, in the last year of the + first century of our national existence, would furnish a noble monument + of the progress of the United States during that century. +</p> +<center> + EDUCATION. +</center> +<p> + The rapidly increasing interest in education is a most encouraging + feature in the current history of the country, and it is no doubt true + that this is due in a great measure to the efforts of the Bureau of + Education. That office is continually receiving evidences, which + abundantly prove its efficiency, from the various institutions of + learning and educators of all kinds throughout the country. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner contains a vast amount of educational + details of great interest. The bill now pending before Congress, + providing for the appropriation of the net proceeds of the sales of + public lands for educational purposes, to aid the States in the general + education of their rising generation, is a measure of such great + importance to our real progress and is so unanimously approved by the + leading friends of education that I commend it to the favorable + attention of Congress. +</p> +<center> + TERRITORIES. +</center> +<p> + Affairs in the Territories are generally satisfactory. The energy + and business capacity of the pioneers who are settling up the vast + domains not yet incorporated into States are keeping pace in internal + improvements and civil government with the older communities. In but one + of them (Utah) is the condition of affairs unsatisfactory, except so far + as the quiet of the citizen may be disturbed by real or imaginary danger + of Indian hostilities. It has seemed to be the policy of the legislature + of Utah to evade all responsibility to the Government of the United + States, and even to hold a position in hostility to it. +</p> +<p> + I recommend a careful revision of the present laws of the Territory by + Congress, and the enactment of such a law (the one proposed in Congress + at its last session, for instance, or something similar to it) as will + secure peace, the equality of all citizens before the law, and the + ultimate extinguishment of polygamy. +</p> +<p> + Since the establishment of a Territorial government for the District of + Columbia the improvement of the condition of the city of Washington and + surroundings and the increased prosperity of the citizens are observable + to the most casual visitor. The nation, being a large owner of property + in the city, should bear, with the citizens of the District, its just + share of the expense of these improvements. +</p> +<p> + I recommend, therefore, an appropriation to reimburse the citizens for + the work done by them along and in front of public grounds during the + past year, and liberal appropriations in order that the improvements and + embellishments of the public buildings and grounds may keep pace with + the improvements made by the Territorial authorities. +</p> +<center> + AGRICULTURE. +</center> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture gives a very full and + interesting account of the several divisions of that Department—the + horticultural, agricultural, statistical, entomological, and + chemical—and the benefits conferred by each upon the agricultural + interests of the country. The whole report is a complete history, in + detail, of the workings of that Department in all its branches, showing + the manner in which the farmer, merchant, and miner is informed, and + the extent to which he is aided in his pursuits. +</p> +<p> + The Commissioner makes one recommendation—that measures be taken by + Congress to protect and induce the planting of forests—and suggests + that no part of the public lands should be disposed of without the + condition that one-tenth of it should be reserved in timber where it + exists, and where it does not exist inducements should be offered for + planting it. +</p> +<center> + CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. +</center> +<p> + In accordance with the terms of the act of Congress approved March 3, + 1871, providing for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of + American independence, a commission has been organized, consisting of + two members from each of the States and Territories. This commission + has held two sessions, and has made satisfactory progress in the + organization and in the initiatory steps necessary for carrying out + the provisions of the act, and for executing also the provisions of + the act of June 1, 1872, creating a centennial board of finance. + A preliminary report of progress has been received from the president + of the commission, and is herewith transmitted. It will be the duty + of the commission at your coming session to transmit a full report of + the progress made, and to lay before you the details relating to the + exhibition of American and foreign arts, products, and manufactures, + which by the terms of the act is to be held under the auspices of the + Government of the United States in the city of Philadelphia in the + year 1876. +</p> +<p> + This celebration will be looked forward to by American citizens with + great interest, as marking a century of greater progress and prosperity + than is recorded in the history of any other nation, and as serving a + further good purpose in bringing together on our soil peoples of all + the commercial nations of the earth in a manner calculated to insure + international good feeling. +</p> +<center> + CIVIL SERVICE. +</center> +<p> + An earnest desire has been felt to correct abuses which have grown + up in the civil service of the country through the defective method + of making appointments to office. Heretofore Federal offices have been + regarded too much as the reward of political services. Under authority + of Congress rules have been established to regulate the tenure of office + and the mode of appointments. It can not be expected that any system + of rules can be entirely effective and prove a perfect remedy for the + existing evils until they have been thoroughly tested by actual practice + and amended according to the requirements of the service. During my + term of office it shall be my earnest endeavor to so apply the rules + as to secure the greatest possible reform in the civil service of the + Government, but it will require the direct action of Congress to render + the enforcement of the system binding upon my successors; and I hope + that the experience of the past year, together with appropriate + legislation by Congress, may reach a satisfactory solution of this + question and secure to the public service for all time a practical + method of obtaining faithful and efficient officers and employees. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 2, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report, dated the 2d instant, received from the + Secretary of State, supplementary to the report submitted by him under + date of the 8th of November, 1871, with reference to the expenditures + authorized by the fourth and fifth paragraphs of the act of March 3, + 1871, and by the act of May 18, 1872, making appropriations for the + increased expenses and compensation for extraordinary services of + certain diplomatic and consular officers of the United States by reason + of the late war between France and Prussia. These expenditures have been + made on my approval. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 3, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith to Congress a report, dated the 2d instant, with + the accompanying papers,<a href="#note-69"><small>69</small></a> received from the Secretary of State, in + compliance with the requirements of the eighteenth section of the act + entitled "An act to regulate the diplomatic and consular systems of + the United States," approved August 18, 1856. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 3, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States of America and the + United States of Mexico, signed in this city on the 27th ultimo, further + extending the time fixed by the convention between the same parties of + the 4th of July, 1868, for the duration of the joint commission on the + subject of claims. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 3, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, a treaty between the United States of America and the + Republic of Ecuador, providing for the mutual surrender of fugitive + criminals, signed at Quito on the 28th of June last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 3, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States and His Majesty + the King of Denmark, relating to naturalization. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 9, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, I transmit + herewith a report<a href="#note-70"><small>70</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 12, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with section 2 of the act making appropriations for the + consular and diplomatic expenses of the Government for the year ended + June 30, 1871, and for other purposes, I herewith transmit a report + received from the Secretary of the Treasury, giving the name of, the + report made by, and the amount paid to the single consular agent of + the United States.<a href="#note-71"><small>71</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 16, 1872</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit to Congress a report from the Secretary of State, accompanied + by that of the commissioners for inquiring into depredations upon the + frontier of the State of Texas, appointed pursuant to the joint + resolution of the 7th of May last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 5, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention for the surrender of criminals between the + United States of America and the Republic of Honduras, which was signed + at Comayagua on the 4th day of June, 1873. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 13, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to resolution of the House of Representatives of the 16th + of December last, calling for information relative to the condition of + affairs in Louisiana, and what, if any, action has been taken in regard + thereto, I herewith transmit the report of the Attorney-General and the + papers by which it is accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 22, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith to the Senate, for its consideration with a view to + ratification, an additional article to the treaty between the United + States and Her Britannic Majesty of the 8th of May, 1871. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 31, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In compliance with section 2 of the act approved July 11, 1870, entitled + "An act making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic expenses + of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1871, and for other + purposes," I have the honor to submit herewith a letter of the Secretary + of the Treasury relative to the consular agent<a href="#note-72"><small>72</small></a> appointed under + authority of said act, together with the amounts paid such agent, and to + transmit the report of the said agent upon the consular service of the + United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 8, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 29th + of January, requesting information in relation to the case of Bernhard + Bernstein,<a href="#note-73"><small>73</small></a> I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State + upon that subject, with accompanying documents. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 13, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State and + accompanying papers.<a href="#note-74"><small>74</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 14, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I consider it my duty to call the attention of Congress to the condition + of affairs in the Territory of Utah, and to the dangers likely to arise + if it continues during the coming recess, from a threatened conflict + between the Federal and Territorial authorities. +</p> +<p> + No discussion is necessary in regard to the general policy of Congress + respecting the Territories of the United States, and I only wish now to + refer to so much of that policy as concerns their judicial affairs and + the enforcement of law within their borders. +</p> +<p> + No material differences are found in respect to these matters in the + organic acts of the Territories, but an examination of them will show + that it has been the invariable policy of Congress to place and keep + their civil and criminal jurisdiction, with certain limited exceptions, + in the hands of persons nominated by the President and confirmed by the + Senate, and that the general administration of justice should be as + prescribed by Congressional enactment. Sometimes the power given to the + Territorial legislatures has been somewhat larger and sometimes somewhat + smaller than the powers generally conferred. Never, however, have powers + been given to a Territorial legislature inconsistent with the idea that + the general judicature of the Territory was to be under the direct + supervision of the National Government. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, the organic law creating the Territory of Utah, passed + September 9, 1850, provided for the appointment of a supreme court, the + judges of which are judges of the district courts, a clerk, marshal, and + an attorney, and to these Federal officers is confided jurisdiction in + all important matters; but, as decided recently by the Supreme Court, + the act requires jurors to serve in these courts to be selected in such + manner as the Territorial legislature sees fit to prescribe. It has + undoubtedly been the desire of Congress, so far as the same might be + compatible with the supervisory control of the Territorial government, + to leave the minor details connected with the administration of law to + regulation by local authority; but such a desire ought not to govern + when the effect will be, owing to the peculiar circumstances of the + case, to produce a conflict between the Federal and the Territorial + authorities, or to impede the enforcement of law, or in any way to + endanger the peace and good order of the Territory. +</p> +<p> + Evidently it was never intended to intrust the Territorial legislature + with power which would enable it, by creating judicatures of its + own or increasing the jurisdiction of courts appointed by Territorial + authority, although recognized by Congress, to take the administration + of the law out of the hands of the judges appointed by the President + or to interfere with their action. +</p> +<p> + Several years of unhappy experience make it apparent that in both of + these respects the Territory of Utah requires special legislation by + Congress. +</p> +<p> + Public opinion in that Territory, produced by circumstances too + notorious to require further notice, makes it necessary, in my opinion, + in order to prevent the miscarriage of justice and to maintain + the supremacy of the laws of the United States and of the Federal + Government, to provide that the selection of grand and petit jurors for + the district courts, if not put under the control of Federal officers, + shall be placed in the hands of persons entirely independent of those + who are determined not to enforce any act of Congress obnoxious to them, + and also to pass some act which shall deprive the probate courts, or any + court created by the Territorial legislature, of any power to interfere + with or impede the action of the courts held by the United States + judges. +</p> +<p> + I am convinced that so long as Congress leaves the selection of jurors + to the local authorities it will be futile to make any effort to enforce + laws not acceptable to a majority of the people of the Territory, or + which interfere with local prejudices or provide for the punishment of + polygamy or any of its affiliated vices or crimes. +</p> +<p> + I presume that Congress, in passing upon the subject, will provide all + reasonable and proper safeguards to secure honest and impartial jurors, + whose verdicts will command confidence and be a guaranty of equal + protection to all good and law-abiding citizens, and at the same time + make it understood that crime can not be committed with impunity. +</p> +<p> + I have before said that while the laws creating the several Territories + have generally contained uniform provisions in respect to the judiciary, + yet Congress has occasionally varied these provisions in minor details, + as the circumstances of the Territory affected seemed to demand; + and in creating the Territory of Utah Congress evidently thought that + circumstances there might require judicial remedies not necessary in + other Territories, for by section 9 of the act creating that Territory + it is provided that a writ of error may be brought from the decision + of any judge of the supreme or district court of the Territory to the + Supreme Court of the United States upon any writ of <i>habeas corpus</i> + involving the question of personal freedom—a provision never inserted + in any other Territorial act except that creating the Territory of + New Mexico. +</p> +<p> + This extraordinary provision shows that Congress intended to mold + the organic law to the peculiar necessities of the Territory, and the + legislation which I now recommend is in full harmony with the precedent + thus established. +</p> +<p> + I am advised that United States courts in Utah have been greatly + embarrassed by the action of the Territorial legislature in + conferring criminal jurisdiction and the power to issue writs of <i>habeas + corpus</i> on the probate courts in the Territory, and by their consequent + interference with the administration of justice. Manifestly the + legislature of the Territory can not give to any court whatever the + power to discharge by <i>habeas corpus</i> persons held by or under process + from the courts created by Congress, but complaint is made that persons + so held have been discharged in that way by the probate courts. I can + not doubt that Congress will agree with me that such a state of things + ought not longer to be tolerated, and that no class of persons anywhere + should be allowed to treat the laws of the United States with open + defiance and contempt. +</p> +<p> + Apprehensions are entertained that if Congress adjourns without any + action upon this subject turbulence and disorder will follow, rendering + military interference necessary—a result I should greatly deprecate; + and in view of this and other obvious considerations, I earnestly + recommend that Congress, at the present session, pass some act which + will enable the district courts of Utah to proceed with independence + and efficiency in the administration of law and justice. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 17, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 14th instant, adopted + in executive session, requiring of the Secretary of State information + touching the business before the late mixed commission on claims under + the convention with Mexico, I transmit a report from the Secretary of + State and the papers by which it was accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 24, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + In my annual message to Congress at the opening of the second session of + the present Congress, in December, 1871, I recommended the legislation + necessary on the part of the United States to bring into operation the + articles of the treaty of Washington of May 8, 1871, relative to the + fisheries and to other matters touching the relations of the United + States toward the British North American possessions, to become + operative so soon as the proper legislation should be had on the part of + Great Britain and its possessions. That legislation on the part of Great + Britain and its possessions had not then been had. +</p> +<p> + Having, prior to the meeting of Congress in December last, received + official information of the consideration by Great Britain and its + possessions of the legislation necessary on their part to bring those + articles into operation, I communicated that fact to Congress in my + annual message at the opening of the present session, and renewed the + recommendation for your early adoption of the legislation in the same + direction necessary on the part of this Government. +</p> +<p> + The near approach of the end of the session induces me again to urgently + call your attention to the importance of this legislation on the part of + Congress. +</p> +<p> + It will be remembered that the treaty of Washington resulted from an + overture on the part of Great Britain to treat with reference to the + fisheries on the coast of Her Majesty's possessions in North America + and other questions between them affecting the relations of the United + States toward these possessions. To this overture a reply was made on + the part of this Government that while appreciating the importance of + a friendly and complete understanding between the two Governments with + reference to the subject specially suggested by the British Government, + it was thought that the removal of the differences growing out of + what were generically known as the Alabama claims was essential to + the restoration of cordial and amicable relations between the two + Governments, and the assent of this Government to treat on the subject + of the fisheries was made dependent on the assent of Great Britain + to allow the joint commission which it had prepared on the questions + suggested by that Government to treat also and settle the differences + growing out of the Alabama claims. +</p> +<p> + Great Britain assented to this, and the treaty of Washington proposed + a settlement of both classes of questions. +</p> +<p> + Those relating to the Alabama claims and to the northwestern water + boundary, commonly known as the San Juan question, have been disposed + of in pursuance of the terms of the treaty. +</p> +<p> + Those relating to the fisheries were made by the terms of the treaty to + depend upon the legislation which the constitutions of the respective + Governments made necessary to carry those provisions into effect. +</p> +<p> + Great Britain and her possessions have on their part enacted the + necessary legislation. +</p> +<p> + This Government is now enjoying the advantages of those provisions of + the treaty which were the result of the condition of its assent to treat + upon the questions which Great Britain had submitted. +</p> +<p> + The tribunal at Geneva has made an award in favor of the United States + on the Alabama claims, and His Majesty the Emperor of Germany has + decided in favor of the contention of the United States on the + northwestern boundary line. +</p> +<p> + I can not urge too strongly the importance of your early consideration + of the legislation that may be necessary on the part of this Government. +</p> +<p> + In addition to the claim that Great Britain may have upon the good faith + of this Government to consider the legislation necessary in connection + with the questions which that Government presented as the subject of a + negotiation which has resulted so favorably to this Government upon the + other questions in which the United States felt so much interest, it is + of importance that the rights of the American fishermen, as provided + for under the treaty, should be determined before the now approaching + fishing season opens, and that the serious difficulties to the fishing + interests and the grave questions between the two Governments that may + arise therefrom be averted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 25, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + Your attention is respectfully invited to the condition of affairs in + the State of Louisiana. +</p> +<p> + Grave complications have grown out of the election there on the 6th of + November last, chiefly attributable, it is believed, to an organized + attempt on the part of those controlling the election officers and + returns to defeat in that election the will of a majority of the + electors of the State. Different persons are claiming the executive + offices, two bodies are claiming to be the legislative assembly of the + State, and the confusion and uncertainty produced in this way fall with + paralyzing effect upon all its interests. +</p> +<p> + Controversy arose as soon as the election occurred over its proceedings + and results, but I declined to interfere until suit involving this + controversy to some extent was brought in the circuit court of the + United States under and by virtue of the act of May 31, 1870, entitled + "An act to enforce the right of citizens of the United States to vote + in the several States of the Union, and for other purposes." +</p> +<p> + Finding that resistance was made to judicial process in that suit, + without any opportunity, and, in my judgment, without any right, to + review the judgment of the court upon the jurisdictional or other + questions arising in the case, I directed the United States marshal to + enforce such process and to use, if necessary, troops for that purpose, + in accordance with the thirteenth section of said act, which provides + that "it shall be lawful for the President of the United States to + employ such part of the land or naval forces of the United States or of + the militia as shall be necessary to aid in the execution of judicial + process under this act." +</p> +<p> + Two bodies of persons claimed to be the returning board for the State, + and the circuit court in that case decided that the one to which Lynch + belonged, usually designated by his name, was the lawful returning + board; and this decision has been repeatedly affirmed by the district + and supreme courts of the State. Having no opportunity or power to + canvass the votes, and the exigencies of the case demanding an immediate + decision, I conceived it to be my duty to recognize those persons as + elected who received and held their credentials to office from what then + appeared to me to be, and has since been decided by the supreme court + of the State to be, the legal returning board. +</p> +<p> + Conformably to the decisions of this board, a full set of State officers + has been installed and a legislative assembly organized, constituting, + if not a <i>de jure</i>, at least a <i>de facto</i> government, which, since + some time in December last, has had possession of the offices and been + exercising the usual powers of government; but opposed to this has been + another government claiming to control the affairs of the State, and + which has to some extent been <i>pro forma</i> organized. +</p> +<p> + Recent investigation into said election has developed so many frauds + and forgeries as to make it doubtful what candidates received a majority + of the votes actually cast, and in view of these facts a variety of + action has been proposed. I have no specific recommendation to make + upon the subject, but if there is any practicable way of removing these + difficulties by legislation, then I earnestly request that such action + may be taken at the present session of Congress. +</p> +<p> + It seems advisable that I should state now what course I shall feel + bound to pursue in reference to the matter in the event of no action by + Congress at this time. Subject to any satisfactory arrangement that may + be made by the parties to the controversy, which of all things is the + most desirable, it will be my duty, so far as it may be necessary for + me to act, to adhere to that government heretofore recognized by me. + To judge of the election and qualifications of its members is the + exclusive province of the Senate, as it is also the exclusive province + of the House to judge of the election and qualifications of its members; + but as to State offices, filled and held under State laws, the decisions + of the State judicial tribunals, it seems to me, ought to be respected. +</p> +<p> + I am extremely anxious to avoid any appearance of undue interference + in State affairs, and if Congress differs from me as to what ought + to be done I respectfully urge its immediate decision to that effect; + otherwise I shall feel obliged, as far as I can by the exercise of + legitimate authority, to put an end to the unhappy controversy which + disturbs the peace and prostrates the business of Louisiana, by the + recognition and support of that government which is recognized and + upheld by the courts of the State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 6, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I return herewith, for the further consideration of Congress, House bill + No. 2291, entitled "An act for the relief of Edmund Jussen," to which + I have not appended my approval, for the following reasons: +</p> +<p> + The bill directs the accounting officers to transfer from Mr. Jussen's + account to that of his successor all indebtedness arising from the + loss or destruction or nontaking of warehouse bonds on certain spirits + destroyed by fire. This provision would be wholly ineffective in so far + as it proposes to increase the liability of Mr. Jussen's successor, he + having been appointed subsequently to the destruction of the spirits. + It might operate to relieve Mr. Jussen, but it seems probable that + he is already relieved by the act of May 27, 1872, passed since the + introduction of this bill. That act provides for the rebatement of taxes + on distilled spirits destroyed by fire, except in cases where the owners + of such spirits may be indemnified against tax by a valid claim of + insurance. The relief of the taxpayers of course includes the relief + of collectors from liability caused by failure to take bonds. It does + not appear whether there was any insurance in this case. If not, the + applicant is already relieved; but if there was an insurance the effect + of this bill, if it became a law, might be to except Mr. Jussen from the + operation of the general rule established by the proviso of the act of + May 27, 1872. If such exception be proper, it should not be confined to + an individual case, but extended to all. If there was an insurance, this + bill would relieve Mr, Jussen from the liability with which it is very + doubtful if his successor could be legally charged, or with which he + ought to be charged. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 22, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I herewith return to the House of Representatives, in which it + originated, H.R. No. 630, entitled "An act in relation to new trials + in the Court of Claims," without my approval. +</p> +<p> + The object of the bill is to reduce from two years to six months the + time in which a new trial, upon motion of the United States, may be + granted in the Court of Claims. +</p> +<p> + Great difficulties are now experienced in contesting fraudulent and + unjust claims against the Government prosecuted in said court, and the + effect of this bill, if it becomes a law, will be to increase those + difficulties. Persons sue in this court generally with the advantage + of a personal knowledge of the circumstances of the case, and are + prompted by personal interest to activity in its preparation for trial, + which consists sometimes in the production of false testimony and the + suppression of the truth, while the United States are dependent for + defense upon such inquiries as the officers of the Government, generally + strangers to the transaction, are enabled to make, not infrequently in + remote parts of the country and among those not averse to depredations + upon the National Treasury. Instances have occurred where the existing + opportunities for a new trial have enabled the Government to discover + and defeat claims that ought not to have been allowed, after judgments + thereon had been rendered by the Court of Claims. +</p> +<p> + By referring to the act which it is proposed to modify it will be seen + that the payment of judgments recovered is not necessarily suspended + for two years; but where the proofs are doubtful or suspicious the + Government may appeal to the Supreme Court, and in the meantime may + avail itself of any discovery or revelation of new evidence touching + the facts of the case. +</p> +<p> + I fail to see the necessity or advantages of the proposed change in + the law, and whatever may be the purposes of the bill, its effect, + if passed, I am apprehensive will be to facilitate the prosecution of + fraudulent claims against the United States. Believing that justice can + and will be done to honest claimants in the Court of Claims as the law + now stands, and believing also that the proposed change in the law will + remove a valuable safeguard to the Treasury, I must for these reasons + respectfully withhold my assent to the bill. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 29, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith Senate bill No. 490, entitled + "An act for the relief of the East Tennessee University," without + my approval. +</p> +<p> + This claim, for which $18,500 are appropriated out of the moneys of the + United States, arises in part for the destruction of property by troops + in time of war, and therefore the same objections attach to it as were + expressed in my message of June 1, 1872, returning the Senate bill + awarding $25,000 to J. Milton Best. +</p> +<p> + If the precedent is once established that the Government is liable for + the ravages of war, the end of demands upon the public Treasury can not + be forecast. +</p> +<p> + The loyalty of the people of the section in which the university + is located, under circumstances of personal danger and trials, thus + entitling them to the most favorable construction of the obligation of + the Government toward them, is admitted, and nothing but regard for my + duty to the whole people, in opposing a principle which, if allowed, + will entail greater burdens upon the whole than the relief which will be + afforded to a part by allowing this bill to become a law, could induce + me to return it with objections. +</p> +<p> + Recognizing the claims of these citizens to sympathy and the most + favorable consideration of their claims by the Government, I would + heartily favor a donation of the amount appropriated by this bill for + their relief. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 8, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives:</i> +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith House bill (H.R. 2852) entitled + "An act for the relief of James A. McCullah, late collector of the fifth + district of Missouri," without my approval, for the following reasons: +</p> +<p> + It is provided in section 34 of the act of June 30, 1864, as amended by + the act of July 13, 1866, that it shall be proved to the satisfaction + of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue that due diligence was used by + the collector, who shall certify the facts to the First Comptroller. + This bill, should it become a law, clearly excuses Mr. McCullah, late + collector, from showing that he used due diligence for the collection + of the tax in question while the lists remained in his hands. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 11, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States:</i> +</p> +<p> + I return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 161, entitled + "An act for the relief of those suffering from the destruction of salt + works near Manchester, Ky., pursuant to the order of Major-General + Carlos Buell." +</p> +<p> + All the objections made by me to the bill for the relief of J. Milton + Best, and also of the East Tennessee University, apply with equal force + to this bill. +</p> +<p> + According to the official report of Brigadier-General Craft, by whose + immediate command the property in question was destroyed, there was a + large rebel force in the neighborhood, who were using the salt works and + had carried away a considerable quantity of salt, and were preparing to + take more as soon as the necessary transportation could be procured; and + he further states "that the leaders of the rebellion calculated upon + their supply of salt to come from these works," and that in his opinion + their destruction was a military necessity. I understand him to say, in + effect, that the salt works were captured from the rebels; that it was + impracticable to hold them, and that they were demolished so as to be of + no further use to the enemy. +</p> +<p> + I can not agree that the owners of property destroyed under such + circumstances are entitled to compensation therefor from the United + States. Whatever other view may be taken of the subject, it is + incontrovertible that these salt works were destroyed by the Union Army + while engaged in regular military operations, and that the sole object + of their destruction was to weaken, cripple, or defeat the armies of the + so-called Southern Confederacy. +</p> +<p> + I am greatly apprehensive that the allowance of this claim could and + would be construed into the recognition of a principle binding the + United States to pay for all property which their military forces + destroyed in the late war for the Union. No liability by the Government + to pay for property destroyed by the Union forces in conducting a battle + or siege has yet been claimed, but the precedent proposed by this bill + leads directly and strongly in that direction, for it is difficult upon + any ground of reason or justice to distinguish between a case of that + kind and the one under consideration. Had General Craft and his command + destroyed the salt works by shelling out the enemy found in their actual + occupancy, the case would not have been different in principle from the + one presented in this bill. What possible difference can it make in + the rights of owners or the obligations of the Government whether the + destruction was in driving the enemy out or in keeping them out of the + possession of the salt works? +</p> +<p> + This bill does not present a case where private property is taken for + public use in any sense of the Constitution. It was not taken from the + owners, but from the enemy; and it was not then used by the Government, + but destroyed. Its destruction was one of the casualties of war, and, + though not happening in actual conflict, was perhaps as disastrous to + the rebels as would have been a victory in battle. +</p> +<p> + Owners of property destroyed to prevent the spread of a conflagration, + as a general rule, are not entitled to compensation therefor; and for + reasons equally strong the necessary destruction of property found in + the hands of the public enemy, and constituting a part of their military + supplies, does not entitle the owner to indemnity from the Government + for damages to him in that way. +</p> +<p> + I fully appreciate the hardship of the case, and would be glad if my + convictions of duty allowed me to join in the proposed relief; but I can + not consent to the doctrine which is found in this bill, as it seems to + me, by which the National Treasury is exposed to all claims for property + injured or destroyed by the armies of the United States in the late + protracted and destructive war in this country. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATION. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the Senate + should be convened at 12 o'clock on the 4th of March next, to receive + and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the part of the + Executive: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + have considered it to be my duty to issue this my proclamation, + declaring that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the + United States to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, + in the city of Washington, on the 4th day of March next, at 12 o'clock + at noon on that day, of which all who shall at that time be entitled to + act as members of that body are hereby required to take notice. +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, + the 21st day of February, A.D. 1873, and of the Independence of the + United States of America the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + EXECUTIVE ORDER. +</h4> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 17, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has been brought to the notice of the President of the United + States that many persons holding civil office by appointment from him or + otherwise under the Constitution and laws of the United States, while + holding such Federal positions, accept offices under the authority of + the States and Territories in which they reside, or of municipal + corporations under the charters and ordinances of such corporations, + thereby assuming the duties of the State, Territorial, or municipal + office at the same time that they are charged with the duties of the + civil office held under Federal authority; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is believed that, with few exceptions, the holding of two + such offices by the same person is incompatible with a due and faithful + discharge of the duties of either office; that it frequently gives rise + to great inconvenience, and often results in detriment to the public + service, and, moreover, is not in harmony with the genius of the + Government: +</p> +<p> + In view of the premises, therefore, the President has deemed it proper + thus and hereby to give public notice that from and after the 4th day + of March, A.D. 1873 (except as herein specified), persons holding any + Federal civil office by appointment under the Constitution and laws of + the United States will be expected, while holding such office, not to + accept or hold any office under any State or Territorial government + or under the charter or ordinances of any municipal corporation; and + further, that the acceptance or continued holding of any such State, + Territorial, or municipal office, whether elective or by appointment, + by any person holding civil office as aforesaid under the Government + of the United States, other than judicial offices under the Constitution + of the United States, will be deemed a vacation of the Federal office + held by such person, and will be taken to be and will be treated as a + resignation by such Federal officer of his commission or appointment + in the service of the United States. +</p> +<p> + The offices of justices of the peace, of notaries public, and of + commissioners to take the acknowledgment of deeds, of bail, or to + administer oaths shall not be deemed within the purview of this order, + and are excepted from its operation and may be held by Federal officers. +</p> +<p> + The appointment of deputy marshal of the United States may be conferred + upon sheriffs or deputy sheriffs; and deputy postmasters the emoluments + of whose office do not exceed $600 per annum are also excepted from the + operations of this order, and may accept and hold appointments under + State, Territorial, or municipal authority, provided die same be found + not to interfere with the discharge of their duties as postmaster. +</p> +<p> + Heads of Departments and other officers of the Government who have the + appointment of subordinate officers are required to take notice of this + order, and to see to the enforcement of its provisions and terms within + the sphere of their respective Departments or offices and as relates to + the several persons holding appointments under them, respectively. +</p> +<p> + By order of the President: +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH, +<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF STATE, <i>Washington, January 28, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + Inquiries having been made from various quarters as to the application + of the Executive order issued on the 17th January, relating to the + holding of State or municipal offices by persons holding civil offices + under the Federal Government, the President directs the following reply + to be made: +</p> +<p> + It has been asked whether the order prohibits a Federal officer from + holding also the office of an alderman or of a common councilman in a + city, or of a town councilman of a town or village, or of appointments + under city, town, or village governments. By some it has been suggested + that there may be distinction made in case the office be with or without + salary or compensation. The city or town offices of the description + referred to, by whatever names they may be locally known, whether held + by election or by appointment, and whether with or without salary or + compensation, are of the class which the Executive order intends not + to be held by persons holding Federal offices. +</p> +<p> + It has been asked whether the order prohibits Federal officers from + holding positions on boards of education, school committees, public + libraries, religious or eleemosynary institutions incorporated or + established or sustained by State or municipal authority. Positions and + service on such boards or committees and professorships in colleges are + not regarded as "offices" within the contemplation of the Executive + order, but as employments or service in which all good citizens may be + engaged without incompatibility, and in many cases without necessary + interference with any position which they may hold under the Federal + Government. Officers of the Federal Government may therefore engage in + such service, provided the attention required by such employment does + not interfere with the regular and efficient discharge of the duties of + their office under the Federal Government. The head of the Department + under whom the Federal office is held will in all cases be the sole + judge whether or not the employment does thus interfere. +</p> +<p> + The question has also been asked with regard to officers of the + State militia. Congress having exercised the power conferred by the + Constitution to provide for organizing the militia, which is liable to + be called forth to be employed in the service of the United States, and + is thus in some sense under the control of the General Government, and + is, moreover, of the greatest value to the public, the Executive order + of the 17th January is not considered as prohibiting Federal officers + from being officers of the militia in the States and Territories. +</p> +<p> + It has been asked whether the order prohibits persons holding office + under the Federal Government being members of local or municipal fire + departments; also whether it applies to mechanics employed by the day + in the armories, arsenals, and navy-yards, etc., of the United States. + Unpaid service in local or municipal fire departments is not regarded as + an office within the intent of the Executive order, and may be performed + by Federal officers, provided it does not interfere with the regular and + efficient discharge of the duties of the Federal office, of which the + head of the Department under which the office is held will in each case + be the judge. Employment by the day as mechanics and laborers in the + armories, arsenals, navy-yards, etc., does not constitute an office of + any kind, and those thus employed are not within the contemplation of + the Executive order. Master workmen and others who hold appointments + from the Government or from any Department, whether for a fixed time + or at the pleasure of the appointing power, are embraced within the + operation of the order. +</p> +<p> + By order of the President: +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH, +<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SECOND INAUGURAL ADDRESS. +</h2> +<p> + FELLOW-CITIZENS: Under Providence I have been called a second time to + act as Executive over this great nation. It has been my endeavor in the + past to maintain all the laws, and, so far as lay in my power, to act + for the best interests of the whole people. My best efforts will be + given in the same direction in the future, aided, I trust, by my four + years' experience in the office. +</p> +<p> + When my first term of the office of Chief Executive began, the country + had not recovered from the effects of a great internal revolution, and + three of the former States of the Union had not been restored to their + Federal relations. +</p> +<p> + It seemed to me wise that no new questions should be raised so long as + that condition of affairs existed. Therefore the past four years, so far + as I could control events, have been consumed in the effort to restore + harmony, public credit, commerce, and all the arts of peace and + progress. It is my firm conviction that the civilized world is tending + toward republicanism, or government by the people through their chosen + representatives, and that our own great Republic is destined to be the + guiding star to all others. +</p> +<p> + Under our Republic we support an army less than that of any European + power of any standing and a navy less than that of either of at least + five of them. There could be no extension of territory on the continent + which would call for an increase of this force, but rather might such + extension enable us to diminish it. +</p> +<p> + The theory of government changes with general progress. Now that the + telegraph is made available for communicating thought, together with + rapid transit by steam, all parts of a continent are made contiguous for + all purposes of government, and communication between the extreme limits + of the country made easier than it was throughout the old thirteen + States at the beginning of our national existence. +</p> +<p> + The effects of the late civil strife have been to free the slave and + make him a citizen. Yet he is not possessed of the civil rights which + citizenship should carry with it. This is wrong, and should be + corrected. To this correction I stand committed, so far as Executive + influence can avail. +</p> +<p> + Social equality is not a subject to be legislated upon, nor shall I ask + that anything be done to advance the social status of the colored man, + except to give him a fair chance to develop what there is good in him, + give him access to the schools, and when he travels let him feel assured + that his conduct will regulate the treatment and fare he will receive. +</p> +<p> + The States lately at war with the General Government are now happily + rehabilitated, and no Executive control is exercised in any one of them + that would not be exercised in any other State under like circumstances. +</p> +<p> + In the first year of the past Administration the proposition came up for + the admission of Santo Domingo as a Territory of the Union. It was not + a question of my seeking, but was a proposition from the people of Santo + Domingo, and which I entertained. I believe now, as I did then, that + it was for the best interest of this country, for the people of Santo + Domingo, and all concerned that the proposition should be received + favorably. It was, however, rejected constitutionally, and therefore + the subject was never brought up again by me. +</p> +<p> + In future, while I hold my present office, the subject of acquisition of + territory must have the support of the people before I will recommend + any proposition looking to such acquisition. I say here, however, that + I do not share in the apprehension held by many as to the danger of + governments becoming weakened and destroyed by reason of their extension + of territory. Commerce, education, and rapid transit of thought and + matter by telegraph and steam have changed all this. Rather do I believe + that our Great Maker is preparing the world, in His own good time, to + become one nation, speaking one language, and when armies and navies + will be no longer required. +</p> +<p> + My efforts in the future will be directed to the restoration of good + feeling between the different sections of our common country; to the + restoration of our currency to a fixed value as compared with the + world's standard of values—gold—and, if possible, to a par with it; + to the construction of cheap routes of transit throughout the land, to + the end that the products of all may find a market and leave a living + remuneration to the producer; to the maintenance of friendly relations + with all our neighbors and with distant nations; to the reestablishment + of our commerce and share in the carrying trade upon the ocean; to the + encouragement of such manufacturing industries as can be economically + pursued in this country, to the end that the exports of home products + and industries may pay for our imports—the only sure method of + returning to and permanently maintaining a specie basis; to the + elevation of labor; and, by a humane course, to bring the aborigines of + the country under the benign influences of education and civilization. + It is either this or war of extermination. Wars of extermination, + engaged in by people pursuing commerce and all industrial pursuits, + are expensive even against the weakest people, and are demoralizing + and wicked. Our superiority of strength and advantages of civilization + should make us lenient toward the Indian. The wrong inflicted upon him + should be taken into account and the balance placed to his credit. The + moral view of the question should be considered and the question asked, + Can not the Indian be made a useful and productive member of society by + proper teaching and treatment? If the effort is made in good faith, we + will stand better before the civilized nations of the earth and in our + own consciences for having made it. +</p> +<p> + All these things are not to be accomplished by one individual, but they + will receive my support and such recommendations to Congress as will in + my judgment best serve to carry them into effect. I beg your support and + encouragement. +</p> +<p> + It has been, and is, my earnest desire to correct abuses that have grown + up in the civil service of the country. To secure this reformation rules + regulating methods of appointment and promotions were established and + have been tried. My efforts for such reformation shall be continued to + the best of my judgment. The spirit of the rules adopted will be + maintained. +</p> +<p> + I acknowledge before this assemblage, representing, as it does, every + section of our country, the obligation I am under to my countrymen for + the great honor they have conferred on me by returning me to the highest + office within their gift, and the further obligation resting on me to + render to them the best services within my power. This I promise, + looking forward with the greatest anxiety to the day when I shall be + released from responsibilities that at times are almost overwhelming, + and from which I have scarcely had a respite since the eventful firing + upon Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, to the present day. My services were + then tendered and accepted under the first call for troops growing out + of that event. +</p> +<p> + I did not ask for place or position, and was entirely without influence + or the acquaintance of persons of influence, but was resolved to perform + my part in a struggle threatening the very existence of the nation. + I performed a conscientious duty, without asking promotion or command, + and without a revengeful feeling toward any section or individual. +</p> +<p> + Notwithstanding this, throughout the war, and from my candidacy for my + present office in 1868 to the close of the last Presidential campaign, + I have been the subject of abuse and slander scarcely ever equaled in + political history, which to-day I feel that I can afford to disregard + in view of your verdict, which I gratefully accept as my vindication. +</p> +<p> + MARCH 4, 1873. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas, under the pretense that William P. Kellogg, the present + executive of Louisiana, and the officers associated with him in the + State administration were not duly elected, certain turbulent and + disorderly persons have combined together with force and arms to resist + the laws and constituted authorities of said State; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has been duly certified by the proper local authorities and + judicially determined by the inferior and supreme courts of said State + that said officers are entitled to hold their offices, respectively, and + execute and discharge the functions thereof; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas Congress, at its late session, upon a due consideration of the + subject, tacitly recognized the said executive and his associates, then + as now in office, by refusing to take any action with respect thereto; + and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States that the + United States shall protect every State in this Union, on application of + the legislature, or of the executive when the legislature can not be + convened, against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that in all + cases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the laws + thereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, on + application of the legislature of such State, or of the executive when + the legislature can not be convened, to call forth the militia of any + other State or States, or to employ such part of the land and naval + forces as shall be judged necessary, for the purpose of suppressing + such insurrection or causing the laws to be duly executed; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the legislature of said State is not now in session, and can not + be convened in time to meet the present emergency, and the executive of + said State, under section 4 of Article IV of the Constitution of the + United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof, has therefore + made application to me for such part of the military force of the United + States as may be necessary and adequate to protect said State and the + citizens thereof against domestic violence and to enforce the due + execution of the laws; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is required that whenever it may be necessary, in the + judgment of the President, to use the military force for the purpose + aforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command such insurgents + to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes within a + limited time: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + do hereby make proclamation and command said turbulent and disorderly + persons to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes + within twenty days from this date, and hereafter to submit themselves to + the laws and constituted authorities of said State; and I invoke the aid + and cooperation of all good citizens thereof to uphold law and preserve + the public peace. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of May, A.D. 1873, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + J.C. BANCROFT DAVIS,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by the thirty-third article of a treaty concluded at Washington + on the 8th day of May, 1871, between the United States and Her Britannic + Majesty it was provided that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX of this treaty shall + take effect as soon as the laws required to carry them into operation + shall have been passed by the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain, + by the parliament of Canada, and by the legislature of Prince Edwards + Island on the one hand, and by the Congress of the United States on + the other. +</p> +<p> + And whereas by the first section of an act entitled "An act to carry + into effect the provisions of the treaty between the United States and + Great Britain signed in the city of Washington the 8th day of May, 1871, + relating to the fisheries," it is provided— +</p> +<p class="q"> + That whenever the President of the United States shall receive + satisfactory evidence that the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain, the + parliament of Canada, and the legislature of Prince Edwards Island have + passed laws on their part to give full effect to the provisions of the + treaty between the United States and Great Britain signed at the city + of Washington on the 8th day of May, 1871, as contained in articles + eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, and article thirtieth of said + treaty, he is hereby authorized to issue his proclamation declaring that + he has such evidence. +</p> +<p> + And whereas the Secretary of State of the United States and Her + Britannic Majesty's envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary at + Washington have recorded in a protocol a conference held by them at the + Department of State, in Washington, on the 7th day of June, 1873, in the + following language: +</p> +<p class="q" style="text-align: center;"> + PROTOCOL OF A CONFERENCE HELD AT WASHINGTON ON THE 7TH DAY OF JUNE, 1873. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Whereas it is provided by Article XXXIII of the treaty between Her + Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland + and the United States of America signed at Washington on the 8th of + May, 1871, as follows: +</p><p class="q" style="text-align: center;"> + "Article XXXIII. +<p class="q"> + "The foregoing Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX of this + treaty shall take effect as soon as the laws required to carry them into + operation shall have been passed by the Imperial Parliament of Great + Britain, by the parliament of Canada, and by the legislature of Prince + Edwards Island on the one hand, and by the Congress of the United States + on the other. Such assent having been given, the said articles shall + remain in force for the period of ten years from the date at which they + may come into operation, and, further, until the expiration of two years + after either of the high contracting parties shall have given notice + to the other of its wish to terminate the same; each of the high + contracting parties being at liberty to give such notice to the other at + the end of the said period of ten years or at any time afterwards;" and +<p class="q"> + Whereas, in accordance with the stipulations of the above-recited + article, an act was passed by the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain + in the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth years of the reign of Queen + Victoria, intituled "An act to carry into effect a treaty between Her + Majesty and the United States of America;" and +<p class="q"> + Whereas an act was passed by the senate and house of commons of Canada + in the fifth session of the first parliament held in the thirty-fifth + year of Her Majesty's reign and assented to in Her Majesty's name by + the Governor-General on the 14th day of June, 1872, intituled "An act + relating to the treaty of Washington, 1871;" and +<p class="q"> + Whereas an act was passed by the legislature of Prince Edwards Island + and assented to by the lieutenant-governor of that colony on the 29th + day of June, 1872, intituled "An act relating to the treaty of + Washington, 1871;" and +<p class="q"> + Whereas an act was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of + the United States of America in Congress assembled, and approved on the + 1st day of March, 1873, by the President of the United States, intituled + "An act to carry into effect the provisions of the treaty between the + United States and Great Britain signed in the city of Washington the + 8th day of May, 1871, relating to fisheries:" +<p class="q"> + The undersigned, Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the United + States, and the Right Hon. Sir Edward Thornton, one of Her Majesty's + most honorable privy council, knight commander of the most honorable + Order of the Bath, Her Britannic Majesty's envoy extraordinary and + minister plenipotentiary to the United States of America, duly + authorized for this purpose by their respective Governments, having + met together at Washington, and having found that the laws required + to carry the Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX of + the treaty aforesaid into operation have been passed by the Imperial + Parliament of Great Britain, by the parliament of Canada, and by the + legislature of Prince Edwards Island on the one part, and by the + Congress of the United States on the other, hereby declare that + Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX of the treaty + between Her Britannic Majesty and the United States of America of + the 8th of May, 1871, will take effect on the 1st day of July next. +<p class="q"> + In witness whereof the undersigned have signed this protocol and have + hereunto affixed their seals. +<p class="q"> + Done in duplicate at Washington, this 7th day of June, 1873. +<p class="q" style="text-align: right;"> + [SEAL.] (Signed) HAMILTON FISH.<br> + [SEAL.] (Signed) EDWD. THORNTON. +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, in pursuance of the premises, do hereby declare that I have + received satisfactory evidence that the Imperial Parliament of Great + Britain, the parliament of Canada, and the legislature of Prince Edwards + Island have passed laws on their part to give full effect to the + provisions of the said treaty as contained in articles eighteenth to + twenty-fifth, inclusive, and article thirtieth of said treaty. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 1st day of July, A.D. 1873, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by the act of Congress approved March 3, 1871, providing for a + national celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the + independence of the United States by the holding of an International + Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine in + the city of Philadelphia in the year 1876, it is provided as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That whenever the President shall be informed by the governor of the + State of Pennsylvania that provision has been made for the erection of + suitable buildings for the purpose, and for the exclusive control by + the commission herein provided for of the proposed exhibition, the + President shall, through the Department of State, make proclamation of + the same, setting forth the time at which the exhibition will open and + the place at which it will be held; and he shall communicate to the + diplomatic representatives of all nations copies of the same, together + with such regulations as may be adopted by the commissioners, for + publication in their respective countries. +</p> +<p> + And whereas his excellency the governor of the said State of + Pennsylvania did, on the 24th day of June, 1873, inform me that + provision has been made for the erection of said buildings and for the + exclusive control by the commission provided for in the said act of the + proposed exhibition; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the president of the United States Centennial Commission has + officially informed me of the dates fixed for the opening and closing of + the said exhibition and the place at which it is to be held: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the + United States, in conformity with the provisions of the act of Congress + aforesaid, do hereby declare and proclaim that there will be held at the + city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, an International + Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine, to + be opened on the 19th day of April, A.D. 1876, and to be closed on the + 19th day of October, in the same year. +</p> +<p> + And in the interest of peace, civilization, and domestic and + international friendship and intercourse, I commend the celebration and + exhibition to the people of the United States, and in behalf of this + Government and people I cordially commend them to all nations who may be + pleased to take part therein. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 3d day of July, 1873, and of the + Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas satisfactory evidence was given me on the 13th day of September + current by the Marquis de Noailles, envoy extraordinary and minister + plenipotentiary from the French Republic, that on and after the 1st day + of October next merchandise imported into France in vessels of the + United States, from whatever country, will be subject to no other duties + or imposts than those which shall be collected upon merchandise imported + into France from countries of its origin or from any other country in + French vessels: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States + of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, do hereby + declare and proclaim that on and after the 1st day of October next, + so long as merchandise imported into France in vessels of the United + States, whether from the countries of its origin or from other + countries, shall be admitted into the ports of France on the terms + aforesaid, the discriminating duties heretofore levied upon merchandise + imported into the United States in French vessels, either from the + countries of its origin or from any other country, shall be and are + discontinued and abolished. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 22d day of September, A.D. 1873, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the + ninety-eighth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + J.C. BANCROFT DAVIS,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + The approaching close of another year brings with it the occasion for + renewed thanksgiving and acknowledgment to the Almighty Ruler of the + Universe for the unnumbered mercies which He has bestowed upon us. +</p> +<p> + Abundant harvests have been among the rewards of industry. With local + exceptions, health has been among the many blessings enjoyed. + Tranquillity at home and peace with other nations have prevailed. +</p> +<p> + Frugal industry is regaining its merited recognition and its merited + rewards. +</p> +<p> + Gradually but, under the providence of God, surely, as we trust, the + nation is recovering from the lingering results of a dreadful civil + strife. +</p> +<p> + For these and all the other mercies vouchsafed it becomes us as a + people to return heartfelt and grateful acknowledgments, and with our + thanksgiving for blessings we may unite prayers for the cessation of + local and temporary sufferings. +</p> +<p> + I therefore recommend that on Thursday, the 27th day of November next, + the people meet in their respective places of worship to make their + acknowledgments to Almighty God for His bounties and His protection, + and to offer to Him prayers for their continuance. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 14th day of October, A.D. 1873, and + of the Independence of the United States the ninety-eighth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 14, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + In consequence of the peculiar and confidential relations which from + the nature of the service must exist and be maintained between the + Department of State and its clerks, rules 2,3, and 4 of the rules and + regulations for the civil service promulgated by the President 19th of + December, 1871, as amended by the Executive order 16th of April, 1872, + shall in their application to that Department be modified as follows, + namely: +</p> +<p> + Vacancies occurring in any grade of consulates or clerkships in the + Department may be filled either by transfer from some other grade or + service—clerical, consular, or diplomatic—under the Department of + State, or by the appointment of some person who has previously served + under the Department of State to its satisfaction, or by the appointment + of some person who has made application to the Secretary of State, with + proper certificates of character, responsibility, and capacity, in the + manner provided for applications for consulates of which the lawful + annual compensation is more than $1,000 and less than $3,000, and who + has on examination been found qualified for the position. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [From the New-York Daily Tribune, May 10, 1873.] +</center> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 9, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + The President announces with deep regret the death of the Hon. Salmon + P. Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, who closed a life of long + public service, in the city of New York, on the 7th instant, having + filled the offices of Senator of the United States, governor of Ohio, + Secretary of the Treasury, and crowning a long career in the exalted + position of Chief Justice of the United States. The President directs + that the public offices in Washington be closed on Saturday, the 10th + instant, the day of his funeral, and that they be draped in mourning for + the period of thirty days, and that the flags be displayed at half-mast + on the public buildings and forts and on the national vessels on the day + of the funeral, in honor of the memory of the illustrious dead. +</p> +<p> + By order of the President: +</p> +<p class="r"> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., May 21, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR:<a href="#note-75"><small>75</small></a> The President directs me to say that the several Departments of + the Government will be closed on the 30th instant, in order to enable + the employees of the Government to participate, in connection with the + Grand Army of the Republic, in the decoration of the graves of the + soldiers who fell during the rebellion. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + O.E. BABCOCK, +<br> + <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>August 5, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + The Civil Service Commission, at its session at Washington which + terminated June 4, 1873, recommended certain further rules to be + prescribed by the President for the government of the civil service of + the United States. These rules as herewith published are approved, and + their provisions will be enforced as rapidly as the proper arrangements + can be made. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + FURTHER RULES FOR PROMOTING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE + UNITED STATES. +</center> +<p> + <i>Rule 1</i>.—It being essential to the public welfare to maintain in the + Executive the exercise of the power of nomination and appointment vested + by the Constitution, and thereby to secure that measure of independence + and separate responsibility which is contemplated by that instrument; + and it being needful, in making such nominations and appointments, that + the appointing power should obtain and in the proper Department preserve + the evidence of fitness in reference to which all such nominations and + appointments should be made: Therefore recommendations concerning any + nomination or appointment to office or place in the civil service can + not be considered unless made in writing, signed by the person making + them, setting forth the character of the person recommended and his + qualifications for the office in reference to which the recommendation + is made; nor, when the recommendation is by a person holding an office + or station in or under the Government of the United States, can such + written recommendation, except when made in response to a written + request by the officer making the appointment, or in the discharge of an + official duty imposed by the Constitution or the laws, be considered as + entitled to any greater weight than if made by such person as a private + individual. But this rule shall not apply to recommendations made by + officers as to their own subordinates. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 2</i>.—While it is not the purpose of the rules and regulations + prescribed for the government of the civil service either to restrict + the power of removal or to extend the tenure of service, such power + will not be exercised arbitrarily, and therefore applications must + not be entertained by any authority having the duty of nomination or + appointment for the removal of any person in the civil service, nor will + any person be removed for the mere purpose of making a place for any + other person. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 3</i>.—To prevent any misapprehension in the public mind in regard + to the functions of the members of the Civil Service Commission and of + the members of any board of examiners, it is declared not to be any part + of the duty or authority of any such member to act upon, take part in, + or in any way entertain any recommendation, application, or question + concerning appointments or removals in respect of the civil service, + otherwise than in the strict discharge of their respective duties as + prescribed by the rules and regulations; and for the same purpose it is + further declared that the functions of the members of said Commission as + to the matters aforesaid extend only to the question of the proper rules + and regulations to be made and to supervising their application, and + that the functions of the examiners as to said matters extend only to + preparing for, conducting, rating, and making reports concerning + examinations required to be made under such rules and regulations. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 4</i>.—The grouping heretofore made for the Executive Departments at + Washington is hereby modified by striking out the words "female clerks, + copyists, and counters, at $900 a year," these places being below the + grade of clerkships of class 1; and all applicants for such positions + shall be examined in (1) penmanship, (2) copying, (3) elements of + English grammar, chiefly orthography, and (4) fundamental rules of + arithmetic, except that mere counters may be examined only in the + fundamental rules of arithmetic and as to their facility in counting + money; and those found competent by such examination shall be reported + in the order of their excellence as eligible for appointment, and + selections may be made by the appointing power, at discretion, from the + list of those so reported, being at liberty to give preference to such + as may be justly regarded as having the highest claims to public + consideration by reason of loss of support or of property occasioned by + the death or disability of any person in the defense of the Union in war + or in other public service of the Government. And in the notices of the + examination of females to fill vacancies among those last mentioned it + shall be stated as follows: "That from among all those who shall pass a + satisfactory examination the head of the Department will be at liberty + to select such persons for the vacancies as may be justly regarded as + having the highest claims to public consideration." +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 5</i>.—The notices to appear at any examinations other than those + referred to in the fourth rule of this series, so far as practicable and + necessary to prevent misapprehension, shall advise female applicants to + whom they may be sent of any limitation which the law or the necessities + of the public service impose upon such applicants entering the vacancies + for which the examinations are to take place. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 6</i>.—That it shall be the duty of the respective boards of + examiners, on the written request of heads of Departments, to hold + examinations in anticipation of vacancies, as well as to fill vacancies, + and to prepare lists showing the results of competition, so that when + any such vacancy may happen there shall be those thus shown to be + eligible to nomination or appointment, from whom the proper selection + shall be made according to the provisions of the rules and regulations + relating to competitive examination; and examinations upon like request + shall be held in reference to vacancies to be filled under the fourth + rule of this series. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 7.</i>—Applicants for appointment as cashiers of collectors of + customs, cashiers of assistant treasurers, cashiers of postmasters, + superintendents of money-order divisions in post-offices, and other + custodians of large sums of public money for whose fidelity another + officer has given official bonds may be appointed at discretion; but + this rule shall not apply to any appointment to a position grouped below + the grade of assistant teller. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 8</i>.—In cases of defalcation or embezzlement of public money, or + other emergency calling for immediate action, where the public service + would be materially injured unless the vacancy is promptly filled + without resorting to the methods of selection and appointment prescribed + by the rules and regulations, or when a vacancy happens at a place + remote and difficult of access and the methods prescribed for filling + it can not be applied without causing delay injurious to the public + service, the appointment may be made at discretion; but this rule shall + not apply to any place which is provided to be filled under the rules of + competitive examination. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 9</i>.—For the purpose of bringing the examinations for the civil + service as near to the residences of those desiring to be examined as + the appropriation at the command of the President will warrant, and for + the further purpose of facilitating as far as practicable the making of + selections for such service equably from the several portions of the + Union, while at the same time preserving the principle of promoting + merit as tested by fair competition, it is provided as follows: +</p> +<p> + (1) That the several States and Territories are grouped into five + divisions, to be designated as civil-service districts, the said + districts to be numbered consecutively from one to five, as follows: +</p> +<p> + I. The first district embraces the States of Maine, New Hampshire, + Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York; and the + examinations therein shall be held alternately at the city of New York + and the city of Boston, but first at the city of New York. +</p> +<p> + II. The second district embraces the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, + Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and the + District of Columbia; and the examinations therein shall be held at + Washington. +</p> +<p> + III. The third district embraces the States of Ohio, Michigan, + Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky; and the examinations therein shall be + held alternately at Cincinnati and Detroit, but first at Cincinnati. +</p> +<p> + IV. The fourth district embraces the States of Illinois, Missouri, + Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, California, and Oregon, and + also all the Territories except New Mexico and the District of Columbia; + and the examinations therein shall be held at St. Louis. +</p> +<p> + V. The fifth district embraces the States of South Carolina, Georgia, + Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and + Tennessee, together with the Territory of New Mexico; and the + examinations therein shall be held alternately at the city of Savannah + and the city of Memphis, but first at the city of Savannah. +</p> +<p> + (2) That in each of said districts examinations for admission to the + civil service at Washington shall be conducted as hereinafter provided; + and those whose residence is within any such district at the time of + filing the application for examination shall be regarded as belonging to + such district in reference both to competition and to appointments; and + each district shall be treated as a sphere of competition, and those so + residing therein, wherever examined, shall be regarded as competing only + with each other; but a person residing in any district may be allowed or + notified to be examined in any other district. +</p> +<p> + (3) All applications for examination for service at Washington must be + addressed to the head of the Department at that city which the applicant + desires to enter, and be in conformity to the previous rules and + regulations so far as the same are not modified by this series; and + every such application must be dated, must give the town or municipality + as well as the State or Territory where the applicant has his legal + residence, and also his post-office address. +</p> +<p> + (4) Each of the heads of Departments will cause to be kept in permanent + form a register of all such applicants for his Department, to be called + a "Register of applicants," and will cause such applications to be + preserved on file for convenient reference. +</p> +<p> + (5) The provisions of the former rules and regulations in reference to + the examining boards in the Departments and in the other local offices + in the various cities, so far as consistent herewith, are continued + until otherwise ordered. +</p> +<p> + (6) The President will employ or designate a suitable person to be chief + examiner, whose duty it will be, subject to the supervision of the Civil + Service Commission, to promote uniformity in preparing for, conducting, + reporting, and grading the examinations by said boards at Washington, + and to prepare for, attend, supervise, and report the examinations + herein provided to be held elsewhere than at Washington. +</p> +<p> + (7) The several heads of Departments must also cause to be made in + permanent form and to be preserved a "Record of persons eligible for + appointment," arranging under separate headings those resident in each + separate district, wherein shall be entered the names of the persons who + have been examined within twelve months now last past, and who are still + eligible to nomination or appointment; and to such record must from time + to time be added the names of those persons who shall hereafter pass an + examination which shall show them to be so eligible for nomination or + appointment. And such "Record of persons eligible for appointment" shall + be so kept and the names therein be so classified that all those whose + residences appearing as aforesaid to be in the same districts shall be + tabulated together, so as to show their relative excellence in each said + district, except that the names of all those examined under the fourth + rule of this series shall be separately entered upon the "Record of + persons eligible for appointment" for each Department, so as to show + where they reside. +</p> +<p> + (8) That the officer having the power of making nomination or + appointment may resort for that purpose to those so entered in the + "Record of persons eligible for appointment" as residing in either of + said civil-service districts; but (except in respect of those examined + under said rule 4) the method of competition heretofore provided must be + regarded as applying among those so registered as residing in any such + district, and as requiring the nomination and appointment to be made + from some one of the three persons graded as the highest on some one of + said five several arrangements of persons so eligible. +</p> +<p> + (9) At a reasonable time before any examination is to take place each + head of Department will furnish the chief examiner with a list of those + to be examined, and ten days before any examination is to take place in + any said district, elsewhere than at Washington, notice shall be sent by + mail by such chief examiner to all such applicants residing or allowed + to be examined in such district, stating the time and place of such + examination and the other matters of which the rules and regulations + require notice to be given. +</p> +<p> + (10) For the purpose of the examinations last mentioned the said chief + examiner shall receive from the several heads of Departments at + Washington and from the head of any local office which may request to + have any examinations made of persons for said offices the names of + those who are to be examined at any place outside of Washington, and + shall make a list of the same, showing the date of the filing of each + application, which he shall produce at the place of examination; and the + examination shall be held of all those on such list who shall duly + appear and submit thereto, provided the number be not so great, in the + opinion of the examining board, as to render the examination of the + whole impracticable, in which event only a reasonable number, to be + selected in the order of the date of the filing of their applications, + need be examined. +</p> +<p> + (11) For each place outside of Washington where such examination is to + be held the President will designate persons, to be, when practicable, + suitable officers of the United States, who, together with such chief + examiner, or some substituted departmental examiner from Washington to + be sent in his place when such chief examiner can not attend, shall + constitute the board for such examination; and by said persons, or a + majority thereof, of whom such chief examiner or said substitute shall + be one, such examinations shall be held and certified in a uniform + manner; and the time occupied by each person examined shall be noted on + the examination papers. The questions to be put to those examined as + applicants through the request of either head of Department or head of + local office shall be such as may be provided and as might be put if all + such examinations were, or were to be, conducted under the rules and + regulations by the examining boards of any such Department in Washington + or by any such local board. +</p> +<p> + (12) The chief examiner or his substitute shall make reports to each + Department and local office separately in respect of all such persons + as either said head of Department or of a local office requested to be + examined, and said reports, respectively, shall be accompanied by the + examination papers of those so separately reported; and the board of + examiners in each Department or local office shall make up and state the + excellence of each person so reported as examined, and such excellence, + being not below the minimum grade of 70 per cent, shall be duly entered + in the "Record of persons eligible for appointment" in the proper + district or local office. +</p> +<p> + (13) The district examinations herein provided for shall be held + not more than twice in any one year in the same district, except + in Washington, where an examination may be held in respect of each + Department as frequently as the head of such Department, subject to the + approval of the President, may direct; and all persons so examined in + Washington, wherever they may reside, shall be entered on the "Record + of persons eligible for appointment" equally as if examined elsewhere. +</p> +<p> + (14) Whenever the entry of the name of any person has been on the + "Record of persons eligible for appointment" during eighteen consecutive + months, such entry shall be marked "Time expired," and such name shall + not again be placed thereon except as the result of another examination. +</p> +<p> + (15) Persons who may be required to be examined for any custom-house, + post-office, or other local office or place of service other than + Washington may be notified by the head of such office to appear and be + examined at any examination provided for under this rule; and the result + of such examination shall be reported by the chief examiner or his + substitute to the proper examining board for such office or place, or to + the head of the local office; and such board shall enter the name, with + the proper indication of the grade of excellence, among those who are to + compete at any such place or office, and from whom selection, on the + basis of competition, shall be made. +</p> +<p> + (16) But where the result of any examination aforesaid shall show the + excellence of any such applicant to be below the minimum grade of 70 per + cent (on the basis of l00 as perfect), the only entry thereof to be made + in registers of the Department or of local office shall be of the words + "Not eligible," which shall be written against the name of such person + in the register of applicants; and such applicant shall not be again + examined for any Department or office within six months of the date of + the former examination. +</p> +<p> + (17) The provisions of this rule do not apply to examinations + for promotion, nor do they apply to the State Department, in which + examinations will be conducted under the provisions of the Executive + order of March 14, 1873. +</p> +<p> + (18) Subject to the other provisions of this rule, the times of holding + the examinations herein provided for in the first, third, fourth, and + fifth districts, respectively, shall be fixed by the chief examiner + after consultation with the heads of Departments at Washington. One + examination, however, shall be held in each of the last-mentioned + districts prior to the 1st day of November next, and the chief examiner + shall on or before that date make a report in writing to the Civil + Service Commission, setting forth generally the facts in regard to the + examinations referred to in this rule and appropriate suggestions for + increasing their usefulness. +</p> +<p> + <i>Rule 10</i>.—So many of the persons employed by the President under the + ninth section of the act of March 3, 1871, as are referred to in the + opinion of the Attorney-General of the date of August 31, 1871, under + the name of the Civil Service Commission, and are still in such + employment, together with the successors of those who have resigned, + and their successors, shall hereafter be regarded as composing and shall + be designated as "The Civil Service Commission;" and the use of the + designation "Advisory Board," as referring to such persons, will be + hereafter discontinued. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 102. +</center> +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, October 10, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States commands it to be made known that all + soldiers who have deserted their colors, and who shall, on or before the + 1st day of January, 1874, surrender themselves at any military station, + shall receive a full pardon, only forfeiting the pay and allowances due + them at the time of desertion, and shall be restored to duty without + trial or punishment on condition that they faithfully serve through the + term of their enlistment. +</p> +<p> + By order of the Secretary of War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND, +<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + FIFTH ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 1, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + The year that has passed since the submission of my last message to + Congress has, especially during the latter part of it, been an eventful + one to the country. In the midst of great national prosperity a + financial crisis has occurred that has brought low fortunes of gigantic + proportions; political partisanship has almost ceased to exist, + especially in the agricultural regions; and, finally, the capture upon + the high seas of a vessel bearing our flag has for a time threatened the + most serious consequences, and has agitated the public mind from one end + of the country to the other. But this, happily, now is in the course of + satisfactory adjustment, honorable to both nations concerned. +</p> +<p> + The relations of the United States, however, with most of the other + powers continue to be friendly and cordial. With France, Germany, + Russia, Italy, and the minor European powers; with Brazil and most of + the South American Republics, and with Japan, nothing has occurred + during the year to demand special notice. The correspondence between the + Department of State and various diplomatic representatives in or from + those countries is transmitted herewith. +</p> +<p> + In executing the will of Congress, as expressed in its joint resolution + of the 14th of February last, and in accordance with the provisions of + the resolution, a number of "practical artisans," of "scientific men," + and of "honorary commissioners" were authorized to attend the exposition + at Vienna as commissioners on the part of the United States. It is + believed that we have obtained the object which Congress had in view + when it passed the joint resolution—"in order to enable the people of + the United States to participate in the advantages of the International + Exhibition of the Products of Agriculture, Manufactures, and the Fine + Arts to be held at Vienna." I take pleasure in adding that the American + exhibitors have received a gratifying number of diplomas and of medals. +</p> +<p> + During the exposition a conference was held at Vienna for the purpose of + consultation on the systems prevailing in different countries for the + protection of inventions. I authorized a representative from the Patent + Office to be present at Vienna at the time when this conference was to + take place, in order to aid as far as he might in securing any possible + additional protection to American inventors in Europe. The report of + this agent will be laid before Congress. +</p> +<p> + It is my pleasant duty to announce to Congress that the Emperor + of China, on attaining his majority, received the diplomatic + representatives of the Western powers in person. An account of these + ceremonies and of the interesting discussions which preceded them will + be found in the documents transmitted herewith. The accompanying papers + show that some advance, although slight, has been made during the past + year toward the suppression of the infamous Chinese cooly trade. I + recommend Congress to inquire whether additional legislation be not + needed on this subject. +</p> +<p> + The money awarded to the United States by the tribunal of arbitration at + Geneva was paid by Her Majesty's Government a few days in advance of the + time when it would have become payable according to the terms of the + treaty. In compliance with the provisions of the act of March 3, 1873, + it was at once paid into the Treasury, and used to redeem, so far as it + might, the public debt of the United States; and the amount so redeemed + was invested in a 5 per cent registered bond of the United States for + $15,500,000, which is now held by the Secretary of State, subject to the + future disposition of Congress. +</p> +<p> + I renew my recommendation, made at the opening of the last session of + Congress, that a commission be created for the purpose of auditing and + determining the amounts of the several "direct losses growing out of + the destruction of vessels and their cargoes" by the <i>Alabama</i>, the + <i>Florida</i>, or the <i>Shenandoah</i> after leaving Melbourne, for which + the sufferers have received no equivalent or compensation, and of + ascertaining the names of the persons entitled to receive compensation + for the same, making the computations upon the basis indicated by the + tribunal of arbitration at Geneva; and that payment of such losses be + authorized to an extent not to exceed the awards of the tribunal at + Geneva. +</p> +<p> + By an act approved on the 14th day of February last Congress made + provision for completing, jointly with an officer or commissioner + to be named by Her Britannic Majesty, the determination of so much + of the boundary line between the territory of the United States + and the possessions of Great Britain as was left uncompleted by the + commissioners appointed under the act of Congress of August 11, 1856. + Under the provisions of this act the northwest water boundary of the + United States has been determined and marked in accordance with the + award of the Emperor of Germany. A protocol and a copy of the map upon + which the line was thus marked are contained in the papers submitted + herewith. +</p> +<p> + I also transmit a copy of the report of the commissioner for marking the + northern boundary between the United States and the British possessions + west of the Lake of the Woods, of the operations of the commission + during the past season. Surveys have been made to a point 497 miles west + of the Lake of the Woods, leaving about 350 miles to be surveyed, the + field work of which can be completed during the next season. +</p> +<p> + The mixed commission organized under the provisions of the treaty of + Washington for settling and determining the claims of citizens of either + power against the other arising out of acts committed against their + persons or property during the period between April 13, 1861, and April + 9, 1865, made its final award on the 25th day of September last. It was + awarded that the Government of the United States should pay to the + Government of Her Britannic Majesty, within twelve months from the date + of the award, the sum of $1,929,819 in gold. The commission disallowed + or dismissed all other claims of British subjects against the United + States. The amount of the claims presented by the British Government, + but disallowed or dismissed, is understood to be about $93,000,000. It + also disallowed all the claims of citizens of the United States against + Great Britain which were referred to it. +</p> +<p> + I recommend the early passage of an act appropriating the amount + necessary to pay this award against the United States. +</p> +<p> + I have caused to be communicated to the Government of the King of Italy + the thanks of this Government for the eminent services rendered by + Count Corti as the third commissioner on this commission. With dignity, + learning, and impartiality he discharged duties requiring great labor + and constant patience, to the satisfaction, I believe, of both + Governments. I recommend legislation to create a special court, to + consist of three judges, who shall be empowered to hear and determine + all claims of aliens upon the United States arising out of acts + committed against their persons or property during the insurrection. + The recent reference under the treaty of Washington was confined to + claims of British subjects arising during the period named in the + treaty; but it is understood that there are other British claims of a + similar nature, arising after the 9th of April, 1865, and it is known + that other claims of a like nature are advanced by citizens or subjects + of other powers. It is desirable to have these claims also examined and + disposed of. +</p> +<p> + Official information being received from the Dutch Government of a state + of war between the King of the Netherlands and the Sultan of Acheen, the + officers of the United States who were near the seat of the war were + instructed to observe an impartial neutrality. It is believed that they + have done so. +</p> +<p> + The joint commission under the convention with Mexico of 1868, having + again been legally prolonged, has resumed its business, which, it + is hoped, may be brought to an early conclusion. The distinguished + representative of Her Britannic Majesty at Washington has kindly + consented, with the approval of his Government, to assume the arduous + and responsible duties of umpire in this commission, and to lend the + weight of his character and name to such decisions as may not receive + the acquiescence of both the arbitrators appointed by the respective + Governments. +</p> +<p> + The commissioners appointed pursuant to the authority of Congress to + examine into the nature and extent of the forays by trespassers from + that country upon the herds of Texas have made a report, which will be + submitted for your consideration. +</p> +<p> + The Venezuelan Government has been apprised of the sense of Congress in + regard to the awards of the joint commission under the convention of + 25th April, 1866, as expressed in the act of the 25th of February last. +</p> +<p> + It is apprehended that that Government does not realize the character of + its obligations under that convention. As there is reason to believe, + however, that its hesitancy in recognizing them springs, in part at + least, from real difficulty in discharging them in connection with its + obligations to other governments, the expediency of further forbearance + on our part is believed to be worthy of your consideration. +</p> +<p> + The Ottoman Government and that of Egypt have latterly shown a + disposition to relieve foreign consuls of the judicial powers which + heretofore they have exercised in the Turkish dominions, by organizing + other tribunals. As Congress, however, has by law provided for the + discharge of judicial functions by consuls of the United States in that + quarter under the treaty of 1830, I have not felt at liberty formally + to accept the proposed change without the assent of Congress, whose + decision upon the subject at as early a period as may be convenient is + earnestly requested. +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the consideration and determination of + Congress, an application of the Republic of Santo Domingo to this + Government to exercise a protectorate over that Republic. +</p> +<p> + Since the adjournment of Congress the following treaties with foreign + powers have been proclaimed: A naturalization convention with Denmark; a + convention with Mexico for renewing the Claims Commission; a convention + of friendship, commerce, and extradition with the Orange Free State, and + a naturalization convention with Ecuador. +</p> +<p> + I renew the recommendation made in my message of December, 1870, that + Congress authorize the Postmaster-General to issue all commissions to + officials appointed through his Department. +</p> +<p> + I invite the earnest attention of Congress to the existing laws of the + United States respecting expatriation and the election of nationality + by individuals. Many citizens of the United States reside permanently + abroad with their families. Under the provisions of the act approved + February 10, 1855, the children of such persons are to be deemed and + taken to be citizens of the United States, but the rights of citizenship + are not to descend to persons whose fathers never resided in the United + States. +</p> +<p> + It thus happens that persons who have never resided within the United + States have been enabled to put forward a pretension to the protection + of the United States against the claim to military service of the + government under whose protection they were born and have been reared. + In some cases even naturalized citizens of the United States have + returned to the land of their birth, with intent to remain there, and + their children, the issue of a marriage contracted there after their + return, and who have never been in the United States, have laid claim to + our protection when the lapse of many years had imposed upon them the + duty of military service to the only government which had ever known + them personally. +</p> +<p> + Until the year 1868 it was left, embarrassed by conflicting opinions of + courts and of jurists, to determine how far the doctrine of perpetual + allegiance derived from our former colonial relations with Great Britain + was applicable to American citizens. Congress then wisely swept these + doubts away by enacting that— +</p> +<p> + Any declaration, instruction, opinion, order, or decision of any officer + of this Government which denies, restricts, impairs, or questions the + right of expatriation is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of + this Government. +</p> +<p> + But Congress did not indicate in that statute, nor has it since done so, + what acts are to be deemed to work expatriation. For my own guidance + in determining such questions I required (under the provisions of the + Constitution) the opinion in writing of the principal officer in each + of the Executive Departments upon certain questions relating to this + subject. The result satisfies me that further legislation has become + necessary. I therefore commend the subject to the careful consideration + of Congress, and I transmit herewith copies of the several opinions of + the principal officers of the Executive Departments, together with other + correspondence and pertinent information on the same subject. +</p> +<p> + The United States, who led the way in the overthrow of the feudal + doctrine of perpetual allegiance, are among the last to indicate how + their own citizens may elect another nationality. The papers submitted + herewith indicate what is necessary to place us on a par with other + leading nations in liberality of legislation on this international + question. We have already in our treaties assented to the principles + which would need to be embodied in laws intended to accomplish such + results. We have agreed that citizens of the United States may cease to + be citizens and may voluntarily render allegiance to other powers. We + have agreed that residence in a foreign land without intent to return, + shall of itself work expatriation. We have agreed in some instances upon + the length of time necessary for such continued residence to work a + presumption of such intent. I invite Congress now to mark out and define + when and how expatriation can be accomplished; to regulate by law the + condition of American women marrying foreigners; to fix the status of + children born in a foreign country of American parents residing more or + less permanently abroad, and to make rules for determining such other + kindred points as may seem best to Congress. +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the request of Congress, I transmitted to the + American minister at Madrid, with instructions to present it to the + Spanish Government, the joint resolution approved on the 3d of March + last, tendering to the people of Spain, in the name and on the behalf of + the American people, the congratulations of Congress upon the efforts to + consolidate in Spain the principles of universal liberty in a republican + form of government. +</p> +<p> + The existence of this new Republic was inaugurated by striking the + fetters from the slaves in Porto Rico. This beneficent measure was + followed by the release of several thousand persons illegally held as + slaves in Cuba. Next, the Captain-General of that colony was deprived of + the power to set aside the orders of his superiors at Madrid, which had + pertained to the office since 1825. The sequestered estates of American + citizens, which had been the cause of long and fruitless correspondence, + were ordered to be restored to their owners. All these liberal steps + were taken in the face of a violent opposition directed by the + reactionary slaveholders of Havana, who are vainly striving to stay the + march of ideas which has terminated slavery in Christendom, Cuba only + excepted. Unhappily, however, this baneful influence has thus far + succeeded in defeating the efforts of all liberal-minded men in Spain to + abolish slavery in Cuba, and in preventing the promised reform in that + island. The struggle for political supremacy continues there. +</p> +<p> + The proslavery and aristocratic party in Cuba is gradually arraigning + itself in more and more open hostility and defiance of the home + government, while it still maintains a political connection with the + Republic in the peninsula; and although usurping and defying the + authority of the home government whenever such usurpation or defiance + tends in the direction of oppression or of the maintenance of abuses, + it is still a power in Madrid, and is recognized by the Government. + Thus an element more dangerous to continued colonial relations between + Cuba and Spain than that which inspired the insurrection at Yara—an + element opposed to granting any relief from misrule and abuse, with + no aspirations after freedom, commanding no sympathies in generous + breasts, aiming to rivet still stronger the shackles of slavery and + oppression—has seized many of the emblems of power in Cuba, and, + under professions of loyalty to the mother country, is exhausting the + resources of the island, and is doing acts which are at variance with + those principles of justice, of liberality, and of right which give + nobility of character to a republic. In the interests of humanity, + of civilization, and of progress, it is to be hoped that this evil + influence may be soon averted. +</p> +<p> + The steamer <i>Virginius</i> was on the 26th day of September, 1870, duly + registered at the port of New York as a part of the commercial marine + of the United States. On the 4th of October, 1870, having received the + certificate of her register in the usual legal form, she sailed from + the port of New York and has not since been within the territorial + jurisdiction of the United States. On the 31st day of October last, + while sailing under the flag of the United States on the high seas, she + was forcibly seized by the Spanish gunboat <i>Tornado</i>, and was carried + into the port of Santiago de Cuba, where fifty-three of her passengers + and crew were inhumanly, and, so far at least as relates to those who + were citizens of the United States, without due process of law, put to + death. +</p> +<p> + It is a well-established principle, asserted by the United States from + the beginning of their national independence, recognized by Great + Britain and other maritime powers, and stated by the Senate in a + resolution passed unanimously on the 16th of June, 1858, that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + American vessels on the high seas in time of peace, bearing the + American flag, remain under the jurisdiction of the country to which + they belong, and therefore any visitation, molestation, or detention + of such vessel by force, or by the exhibition of force, on the part + of a foreign power is in derogation of the sovereignty of the United + States. +</p> +<p> + In accordance with this principle, the restoration of the <i>Virginius</i> + and the surrender of the survivors of her passengers and crew, and a due + reparation to the flag, and the punishment of the authorities who had + been guilty of the illegal acts of violence, were demanded. The Spanish + Government has recognized the justice of the demand, and has arranged + for the immediate delivery of the vessel, and for the surrender of the + survivors of the passengers and crew, and for a salute to the flag, and + for proceedings looking to the punishment of those who may be proved to + have been guilty of illegal acts of violence toward citizens of the + United States, and also toward indemnifying those who may be shown to be + entitled to indemnity. A copy of a protocol of a conference between the + Secretary of State and the Spanish minister, in which the terms of this + arrangement were agreed to, is transmitted herewith. +</p> +<p> + The correspondence on this subject with the legation of the United + States in Madrid was conducted in cipher and by cable, and needs the + verification of the actual text of the correspondence. It has seemed + to me to be due to the importance of the case not to submit this + correspondence until the accurate text can be received by mail. It is + expected shortly, and will be submitted when received. +</p> +<p> + In taking leave of this subject for the present I wish to renew the + expression of my conviction that the existence of African slavery in + Cuba is a principal cause of the lamentable condition of the island. + I do not doubt that Congress shares with me the hope that it will + soon be made to disappear, and that peace and prosperity may follow + its abolition. +</p> +<p> + The embargoing of American estates in Cuba, cruelty to American citizens + detected in no act of hostility to the Spanish Government, the murdering + of prisoners taken with arms in their hands, and, finally, the capture + upon the high seas of a vessel sailing under the United States flag + and bearing a United States registry have culminated in an outburst + of indignation that has seemed for a time to threaten war. Pending + negotiations between the United States and the Government of Spain on + the subject of this capture, I have authorized the Secretary of the + Navy to put our Navy on a war footing, to the extent, at least, of the + entire annual appropriation for that branch of the service, trusting + to Congress and the public opinion of the American people to justify + my action. +</p> +<p> + Assuming from the action of the last Congress in appointing a Committee + on Privileges and Elections to prepare and report to this Congress a + constitutional amendment to provide a better method of electing the + President and Vice-President of the United States, and also from the + necessity of such an amendment, that there will be submitted to the + State legislatures for ratification such an improvement in our + Constitution, I suggest two others for your consideration: +</p> +<p> + First. To authorize the Executive to approve of so much of any measure + passing the two Houses of Congress as his judgment may dictate, without + approving the whole, the disapproved portion or portions to be subjected + to the same rules as now, to wit, to be referred back to the House in + which the measure or measures originated, and, if passed by a two-thirds + vote of the two Houses, then to become a law without the approval of the + President. I would add to this a provision that there should be no + legislation by Congress during the last twenty-four hours of its + sitting, except upon vetoes, in order to give the Executive an + opportunity to examine and approve or disapprove bills understandingly. +</p> +<p> + Second. To provide by amendment that when an extra session of Congress + is convened by Executive proclamation legislation during the continuance + of such extra session shall be confined to such subjects as the + Executive may bring before it from time to time in writing. +</p> +<p> + The advantages to be gained by these two amendments are too obvious for + me to comment upon them. One session in each year is provided for by the + Constitution, in which there are no restrictions as to the subjects of + legislation by Congress. If more are required, it is always in the power + of Congress, during their term of office, to provide for sessions at any + time. The first of these amendments would protect the public against the + many abuses and waste of public moneys which creep into appropriation + bills and other important measures passing during the expiring hours of + Congress, to which otherwise due consideration can not be given. +</p> +<center> + TREASURY DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + The receipts of the Government from all sources for the last fiscal + year were $333,738,204, and expenditures on all accounts $290,345,245, + thus showing an excess of receipts over expenditures of $43,392,959. + But it is not probable that this favorable exhibit will be shown for the + present fiscal year. Indeed, it is very doubtful whether, except with + great economy on the part of Congress in making appropriations and the + same economy in administering the various Departments of Government, + the revenues will not fall short of meeting actual expenses, including + interest on the public debt. +</p> +<p> + I commend to Congress such economy, and point out two sources where it + seems to me it might commence, to wit, in the appropriations for public + buildings in the many cities where work has not yet been commenced; in + the appropriations for river and harbor improvement in those localities + where the improvements are of but little benefit to general commerce, + and for fortifications. +</p> +<p> + There is a still more fruitful source of expenditure, which I will point + out later in this message. I refer to the easy method of manufacturing + claims for losses incurred in suppressing the late rebellion. +</p> +<p> + I would not be understood here as opposing the erection of good, + substantial, and even ornamental buildings by the Government wherever + such buildings are needed. In fact, I approve of the Government owning + its own buildings in all sections of the country, and hope the day is + not far distant when it will not only possess them, but will erect + in the capital suitable residences for all persons who now receive + commutation for quarters or rent at Government expense, and for the + Cabinet, thus setting an example to the States which may induce them to + erect buildings for their Senators. But I would have this work conducted + at a time when the revenues of the country would abundantly justify it. +</p> +<p> + The revenues have materially fallen off for the first five months of + the present fiscal year from what they were expected to produce, owing + to the general panic now prevailing, which commenced about the middle + of September last. The full effect of this disaster, if it should not + prove a "blessing in disguise," is yet to be demonstrated. In either + event it is your duty to heed the lesson and to provide by wise and + well-considered legislation, as far as it lies in your power, against + its recurrence, and to take advantage of all benefits that may have + accrued. +</p> +<p> + My own judgment is that, however much individuals may have suffered, one + long step has been taken toward specie payments; that we can never have + permanent prosperity until a specie basis is reached; and that a specie + basis can not be reached and maintained until our exports, exclusive + of gold, pay for our imports, interest due abroad, and other specie + obligations, or so nearly so as to leave an appreciable accumulation + of the precious metals in the country from the products of our mines. +</p> +<p> + The development of the mines of precious metals during the past year and + the prospective development of them for years to come are gratifying in + their results. Could but one-half of the gold extracted from the mines + be retained at home, our advance toward specie payments would be rapid. +</p> +<p> + To increase our exports sufficient currency is required to keep all the + industries of the country employed. Without this national as well as + individual bankruptcy must ensue. Undue inflation, on the other hand, + while it might give temporary relief, would only lead to inflation + of prices, the impossibility of competing in our own markets for the + products of home skill and labor, and repeated renewals of present + experiences. Elasticity to our circulating medium, therefore, and just + enough of it to transact the legitimate business of the country and to + keep all industries employed, is what is most to be desired. The exact + medium is specie, the recognized medium of exchange the world over. That + obtained, we shall have a currency of an exact degree of elasticity. + If there be too much of it for the legitimate purposes of trade and + commerce, it will flow out of the country. If too little, the reverse + will result. To hold what we have and to appreciate our currency to that + standard is the problem deserving of the most serious consideration of + Congress. +</p> +<p> + The experience of the present panic has proven that the currency of the + country, based, as it is, upon the credit of the country, is the best + that has ever been devised. Usually in times of such trials currency + has become worthless, or so much depreciated in value as to inflate the + values of all the necessaries of life as compared with the currency. + Everyone holding it has been anxious to dispose of it on any terms. + Now we witness the reverse. Holders of currency hoard it as they did + gold in former experiences of a like nature. +</p> +<p> + It is patent to the most casual observer that much more currency, or + money, is required to transact the legitimate trade of the country + during the fall and winter months, when the vast crops are being + removed, than during the balance of the year. With our present system + the amount in the country remains the same throughout the entire year, + resulting in an accumulation of all the surplus capital of the country + in a few centers when not employed in the moving of crops, tempted + there by the offer of interest on call loans. Interest being paid, + this surplus capital must earn this interest paid with a profit. Being + subject to "call," it can not be loaned, only in part at best, to the + merchant or manufacturer for a fixed term. Hence, no matter how much + currency there might be in the country, it would be absorbed, prices + keeping pace with the volume, and panics, stringency, and disasters + would ever be recurring with the autumn. Elasticity in our monetary + system, therefore, is the object to be attained first, and next to that, + as far as possible, a prevention of the use of other people's money in + stock and other species of speculation. To prevent the latter it seems + to me that one great step would be taken by prohibiting the national + banks from paying interest on deposits, by requiring them to hold their + reserves in their own vaults, and by forcing them into resumption, + though it would only be in legal-tender notes. For this purpose I would + suggest the establishment of clearing houses for your consideration. +</p> +<p> + To secure the former many plans have been suggested, most, if not all, + of which look to me more like inflation on the one hand, or compelling + the Government, on the other, to pay interest, without corresponding + benefits, upon the surplus funds of the country during the seasons when + otherwise unemployed. +</p> +<p> + I submit for your consideration whether this difficulty might not be + overcome by authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue at any + time to national banks of issue any amount of their own notes below + a fixed percentage of their issue (say 40 per cent), upon the banks' + depositing with the Treasurer of the United States an amount of + Government bonds equal to the amount of notes demanded, the banks to + forfeit to the Government, say, 4 per cent of the interest accruing on + the bonds so pledged during the time they remain with the Treasurer + as security for the increased circulation, the bonds so pledged to be + redeemable by the banks at their pleasure, either in whole or in part, + by returning their own bills for cancellation to an amount equal + to the face of the bonds withdrawn. I would further suggest for your + consideration the propriety of authorizing national banks to diminish + their standing issue at pleasure, by returning for cancellation their + own bills and withdrawing so many United States bonds as are pledged + for the bills returned. +</p> +<p> + In view of the great actual contraction that has taken place in the + currency and the comparative contraction continuously going on, due + to the increase of population, increase of manufactories and all the + industries, I do not believe there is too much of it now for the dullest + period of the year. Indeed, if clearing houses should be established, + thus forcing redemption, it is a question for your consideration whether + banking should not be made free, retaining all the safeguards now + required to secure bill holders. In any modification of the present + laws regulating national banks, as a further step toward preparing + for resumption of specie payments, I invite your attention to a + consideration of the propriety of exacting from them the retention as a + part of their reserve either the whole or a part of the gold interest + accruing upon the bonds pledged as security for their issue. I have not + reflected enough on the bearing this might have in producing a scarcity + of coin with which to pay duties on imports to give it my positive + recommendation. But your attention is invited to the subject. +</p> +<p> + During the last four years the currency has been contracted, directly, + by the withdrawal of 3 per cent certificates, compound-interest notes, + and "seven-thirty" bonds outstanding on the 4th of March, 1869, all of + which took the place of legal-tenders in the bank reserves to the extent + of $63,000,000. +</p> +<p> + During the same period there has been a much larger comparative + contraction of the currency. The population of the country has largely + increased. More than 25,000 miles of railroad have been built, requiring + the active use of capital to operate them. Millions of acres of land + have been opened to cultivation, requiring capital to move the products. + Manufactories have multiplied beyond all precedent in the same period + of time, requiring capital weekly for the payment of wages and for + the purchase of material; and probably the largest of all comparative + contraction arises from the organizing of free labor in the South. Now + every laborer there receives his wages, and, for want of savings banks, + the greater part of such wages is carried in the pocket or hoarded until + required for use. +</p> +<p> + These suggestions are thrown out for your consideration, without any + recommendation that they shall be adopted literally, but hoping that + the best method may be arrived at to secure such an elasticity of the + currency as will keep employed all the industries of the country and + prevent such an inflation as will put off indefinitely the resumption + of specie payments, an object so devoutly to be wished for by all, + and by none more earnestly than the class of people most directly + interested—those who "earn their bread by the sweat of their brow." + The decisions of Congress on this subject will have the hearty support + of the Executive. +</p> +<p> + In previous messages I have called attention to the decline in American + shipbuilding and recommended such legislation as would secure to us our + proportion of the carrying trade. Stimulated by high rates and abundance + of freight, the progress for the last year in shipbuilding has been very + satisfactory. There has been an increase of about 3 per cent in the + amount transported in American vessels over the amount of last year. + With the reduced cost of material which has taken place, it may + reasonably be hoped that this progress will be maintained, and even + increased. However, as we pay about $80,000,000 per annum to foreign + vessels for the transportation to a market of our surplus products, thus + increasing the balance of trade against us to this amount, the subject + is one worthy of your serious consideration. +</p> +<p> + "Cheap transportation" is a subject that has attracted the attention of + both producers and consumers for the past few years, and has contributed + to, if it has not been the direct cause of, the recent panic and + stringency. +</p> +<p> + As Congress, at its last session, appointed a special committee to + investigate this whole subject during the vacation and report at this + session, I have nothing to recommend until their report is read. +</p> +<p> + There is one work, however, of a national character, in which the + greater portion of the East and the West, the North and the South, are + equally interested, to which I will invite your attention. +</p> +<p> + The State of New York has a canal connecting Lake Erie with tide water + on the Hudson River. The State of Illinois has a similar work connecting + Lake Michigan with navigable water on the Illinois River, thus making + water communication inland between the East and the West and South. + These great artificial water courses are the property of the States + through which they pass, and pay toll to those States. Would it not be + wise statesmanship to pledge these States that if they will open these + canals for the passage of large vessels the General Government will look + after and keep in navigable condition the great public highways with + which they connect, to wit, the Overslaugh on the Hudson, the St. Clair + Flats, and the Illinois and Mississippi rivers? This would be a national + work; one of great value to the producers of the West and South in + giving them cheap transportation for their produce to the seaboard and + a market, and to the consumers in the East in giving them cheaper food, + particularly of those articles of food which do not find a foreign + market, and the prices of which, therefore, are not regulated by foreign + demands. The advantages of such a work are too obvious for argument. + I submit the subject to you, therefore, without further comment. +</p> +<p> + In attempting to regain our lost commerce and carrying trade I have + heretofore called attention to the States south of us offering a field + where much might be accomplished. To further this object I suggest + that a small appropriation be made, accompanied with authority for the + Secretary of the Navy to fit out a naval vessel to ascend the Amazon + River to the mouth of the Madeira; thence to explore that river and its + tributaries into Bolivia, and to report to Congress at its next session, + or as soon as practicable, the accessibility of the country by water, + its resources, and the population so reached. Such an exploration would + cost but little; it can do no harm, and may result in establishing a + trade of value to both nations. +</p> +<p> + In further connection with the Treasury Department I would recommend + a revision and codification of the tariff laws and the opening of more + mints for coming money, with authority to coin for such nations as may + apply. +</p> +<center> + WAR DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + The attention of Congress is invited to the recommendations contained + in the report of the Secretary of War herewith accompanying. +</p> +<p> + The apparent great cost of supporting the Army is fully explained by + this report, and I hope will receive your attention. +</p> +<p> + While inviting your general attention to all the recommendations made by + the Secretary of War, there are two which I would especially invite you + to consider: First, the importance of preparing for war in time of peace + by providing proper armament for our seacoast defenses. Proper armament + is of vastly more importance than fortifications. The latter can be + supplied very speedily for temporary purposes when needed; the former + can not. The second is the necessity of reopening promotion in the staff + corps of the Army. Particularly is this necessity felt in the Medical, + Pay, and Ordnance departments. +</p> +<p> + At this time it is necessary to employ "contract surgeons" to supply the + necessary medical attendance required by the Army. +</p> +<p> + With the present force of the Pay Department it is now difficult to make + the payments to troops provided for by law. Long delays in payments are + productive of desertions and other demoralization, and the law prohibits + the payment of troops by other than regular army paymasters. +</p> +<p> + There are now sixteen vacancies in the Ordnance Department, thus leaving + that branch of the service without sufficient officers to conduct the + business of the different arsenals on a large scale if ever required. +</p> +<center> + NAVY DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + During the past year our Navy has been depleted by the sale of some + vessels no longer fit for naval service and by the condemnation of + others not yet disposed of. This, however, has been more than + compensated for by the repair of six of the old wooden ships and by the + building of eight new sloops of war, authorized by the last Congress. + The building of these latter has occurred at a doubly fortunate time. + They are about being completed at a time when they may possibly be much + needed, and the work upon them has not only given direct employment + to thousands of men, but has no doubt been the means of keeping open + establishments for other work at a time of great financial distress. +</p> +<p> + Since the commencement of the last month, however, the distressing + occurrences which have taken place in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, + almost on our very seaboard, while they illustrate most forcibly the + necessity always existing that a nation situated like ours should + maintain in a state of possible efficiency a navy adequate to its + responsibilities, has at the same time demanded that all the effective + force we really have shall be put in immediate readiness for warlike + service. This has been and is being done promptly and effectively, and + I am assured that all the available ships and every authorized man of + the American Navy will be ready for whatever action is required for + the safety of our citizens or the maintenance of our honor. This, of + course, will require the expenditure in a short time of some of the + appropriations which were calculated to extend through the fiscal year, + but Congress will, I doubt not, understand and appreciate the emergency, + and will provide adequately not only for the present preparation, but + for the future maintenance of our naval force. The Secretary of the Navy + has during the past year been quietly putting some of our most effective + monitors in condition for service, and thus the exigency finds us in a + much better condition for work than we could possibly have been without + his action. +</p> +<center> + POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT. +</center> +<p> + A complete exhibit is presented in the accompanying report of the + Postmaster-General of the operations of the Post-Office Department + during the year. The ordinary postal revenues for the fiscal year ended + June 30, 1873, amounted to $22,996,741.57, and the expenditures of + all kinds to $29,084,945.67. The increase of revenues over 1872 was + $1,081,315.20, and the increase of expenditures $2,426,753.36. +</p> +<p> + Independent of the payments made from special appropriations for mail + steamship lines, the amount drawn from the General Treasury to meet + deficiencies was $5,265,475. The constant and rapid extension of our + postal service, particularly upon railways, and the improved facilities + for the collection, transmission, distribution, and delivery of the + mails which are constantly being provided account for the increased + expenditures of this popular branch of the public service. +</p> +<p> + The total number of post-offices in operation on June 30, 1873, was + 33,244, a net increase of 1,381 over the number reported the preceding + year. The number of Presidential offices was 1,363, an increase of 163 + during the year. The total length of railroad mail routes at the close + of the year was 63,457 miles, an increase of 5,546 miles over the year + 1872. Fifty-nine railway post-office lines were in operation June 30, + 1873, extending over 14,866 miles of railroad routes and performing an + aggregate service of 34,925 miles daily. +</p> +<p> + The number of letters exchanged with foreign countries was 27,459,185, + an increase of 3,096,685 over the previous year, and the postage thereon + amounted to $2,021,310.86. The total weight of correspondence exchanged + in the mails with European countries exceeded 912 tens, an increase of + 92 tons over the previous year. The total cost of the United States + ocean steamship service, including $725,000 paid from special + appropriations to subsidized lines of mail steamers, was $1,047,271.35. +</p> +<p> + New or additional postal conventions have been concluded with Sweden, + Norway, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Newfoundland, and Japan, reducing + postage rates on correspondence exchanged with those countries; and + further efforts have been made to conclude a satisfactory postal + convention with France, but without success. +</p> +<p> + I invite the favorable consideration of Congress to the suggestions + and recommendations of the Postmaster-General for an extension of the + free-delivery system in all cities having a population of not less than + 10,000; for the prepayment of postage on newspapers and other printed + matter of the second class; for a uniform postage and limit of weight on + miscellaneous matter; for adjusting the compensation of all postmasters + not appointed by the President, by the old method of commissions on the + actual receipts of the office, instead of the present mode of fixing + the salary in advance upon special returns; and especially do I urge + favorable action by Congress on the important recommendations of the + Postmaster-General for the establishment of United States postal savings + depositories. +</p> +<p> + Your attention is also again called to a consideration of the question + of postal telegraphs and the arguments adduced in support thereof, in + the hope that you may take such action in connection therewith as in + your judgment will most contribute to the best interests of the country. +</p> +<center> + DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. +</center> +<p> + Affairs in Utah require your early and special attention. The Supreme + Court of the United States, in the case of Clinton <i>vs</i>. Englebrecht, + decided that the United States marshal of that Territory could not + lawfully summon jurors for the district courts; and those courts hold + that the Territorial marshal can not lawfully perform that duty, because + he is elected by the legislative assembly, and not appointed as provided + for in the act organizing the Territory. All proceedings at law are + practically abolished by these decisions, and there have been but few or + no jury trials in the district courts of that Territory since the last + session of Congress. Property is left without protection by the courts, + and crimes go unpunished. To prevent anarchy there it is absolutely + necessary that Congress provide the courts with some mode of obtaining + jurors, and I recommend legislation to that end, and also that the + probate courts of the Territory, now assuming to issue writs of + injunction and <i>habeas corpus</i> and to try criminal cases and questions + as to land titles, be denied all jurisdiction not possessed ordinarily + by courts of that description. +</p> +<p> + I have become impressed with the belief that the act approved March 2, + 1867, entitled "An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy + throughout the United States," is productive of more evil than good at + this time. Many considerations might be urged for its total repeal, but, + if this is not considered advisable, I think it will not be seriously + questioned that those portions of said act providing for what is called + involuntary bankruptcy operate to increase the financial embarrassments + of the country. Careful and prudent men very often become involved in + debt in the transaction of their business, and though they may possess + ample property, if it could be made available for that purpose, to meet + all their liabilities, yet, on account of the extraordinary scarcity + of money, they may be unable to meet all their pecuniary obligations + as they become due, in consequence of which they are liable to be + prostrated in their business by proceedings in bankruptcy at the + instance of unrelenting creditors. People are now so easily alarmed as + to monetary matters that the mere filing of a petition in bankruptcy + by an unfriendly creditor will necessarily embarrass, and oftentimes + accomplish the financial ruin, of a responsible business man. Those who + otherwise might make lawful and just arrangements to relieve themselves + from difficulties produced by the present stringency in money are + prevented by their constant exposure to attack and disappointment by + proceedings against them in bankruptcy, and, besides, the law is made + use of in many cases by obdurate creditors to frighten or force debtors + into a compliance with their wishes and into acts of injustice to other + creditors and to themselves. I recommend that so much of said act as + provides for involuntary bankruptcy on account of the suspension of + payment be repealed. +</p> +<p> + Your careful attention is invited to the subject of claims against the + Government and to the facilities afforded by existing laws for their + prosecution. Each of the Departments of State, Treasury, and War has + demands for many millions of dollars upon its files, and they are + rapidly accumulating. To these may be added those now pending before + Congress, the Court of Claims, and the Southern Claims Commission, + making in the aggregate an immense sum. Most of these grow out of the + rebellion, and are intended to indemnify persons on both sides for + their losses during the war; and not a few of them are fabricated and + supported by false testimony. Projects are on foot, it is believed, to + induce Congress to provide for new classes of claims, and to revive old + ones through the repeal or modification of the statute of limitations, + by which they are now barred. I presume these schemes, if proposed, will + be received with little favor by Congress, and I recommend that persons + having claims against the United States cognizable by any tribunal or + Department thereof be required to present them at an early day, and that + legislation be directed as far as practicable to the defeat of unfounded + and unjust demands upon the Government; and I would suggest, as a means + of preventing fraud, that witnesses be called upon to appear in person + to testify before those tribunals having said claims before them for + adjudication. Probably the largest saving to the National Treasury can + be secured by timely legislation on these subjects of any of the + economic measures that will be proposed. +</p> +<p> + You will be advised of the operations of the Department of Justice by + the report of the Attorney-General, and I invite your attention to the + amendments of existing laws suggested by him, with the view of reducing + the expenses of that Department. +</p> +<center> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. +</center> +<p> + The policy inaugurated toward the Indians at the beginning of the + last Administration has been steadily pursued, and, I believe, with + beneficial results. It will be continued with only such modifications + as time and experience may demonstrate as necessary. +</p> +<p> + With the encroachment of civilization upon the Indian reservations and + hunting grounds, disturbances have taken place between the Indians and + whites during the past year, and probably will continue to do so until + each race appreciates that the other has rights which must be respected. +</p> +<p> + The policy has been to collect the Indians as rapidly as possible on + reservations, and as far as practicable within what is known as the + Indian Territory, and to teach them the arts of civilization and + self-support. Where found off their reservations, and endangering the + peace and safety of the whites, they have been punished, and will + continue to be for like offenses. +</p> +<p> + The Indian Territory south of Kansas and west of Arkansas is sufficient + in area and agricultural resources to support all the Indians east of + the Rocky Mountains. In time, no doubt, all of them, except a few who + may elect to make their homes among white people, will be collected + there. As a preparatory step for this consummation, I am now satisfied + that a Territorial form of government should be given them, which will + secure the treaty rights of the original settlers and protect their + homesteads from alienation for a period of twenty years. +</p> +<p> + The operations of the Patent Office are growing to such a magnitude and + the accumulation of material is becoming so great that the necessity of + more room is becoming more obvious day by day. I respectfully invite + your attention to the reports of the Secretary of the Interior and + Commissioner of Patents on this subject. +</p> +<p> + The business of the General Land Office exhibits a material increase + in all its branches during the last fiscal year. During that time + there were disposed of out of the public lands 13,030,606 acres, being + an amount greater by 1,165,631 acres than was disposed of during the + preceding year. Of the amount disposed of, 1,626,266 acres were sold for + cash, 214,940 acres were located with military land warrants, 3,793,612 + acres were taken for homesteads, 653,446 acres were located with + agricultural-college scrip, 6,083,536 acres were certified by railroads, + 76,576 acres were granted to wagon roads, 238,548 acres were approved + to States as swamp lands, 138,681 acres were certified for agricultural + colleges, common schools, universities, and seminaries, 190,775 acres + were approved to States for internal improvements, and 14,222 acres + were located with Indian scrip. The cash receipts during the same time + were $3,408,515.50, being $190,415.50 in excess of the receipts of the + previous year. During the year 30,488,132 acres of public land were + surveyed, an increase over the amount surveyed the previous year of + 1,037,193 acres, and, added to the area previously surveyed, aggregates + 616,554,895 acres which have been surveyed, leaving 1,218,443,505 acres + of the public land still unsurveyed. +</p> +<p> + The increased and steadily increasing facilities for reaching our + unoccupied public domain and for the transportation of surplus products + enlarge the available field for desirable homestead locations, thus + stimulating settlement and extending year by year in a gradually + increasing ratio the area of occupation and cultivation. +</p> +<p> + The expressed desire of the representatives of a large colony of + citizens of Russia to emigrate to this country, as is understood, with + the consent of their Government, if certain concessions can be made to + enable them to settle in a compact colony, is of great interest, as + going to show the light in which our institutions are regarded by an + industrious, intelligent, and wealthy people, desirous of enjoying civil + and religious liberty; and the acquisition of so large an immigration of + citizens of a superior class would without doubt be of substantial + benefit to the country. I invite attention to the suggestion of the + Secretary of the Interior in this behalf. +</p> +<p> + There was paid during the last fiscal year for pensions, including the + expense of disbursement, $29,185,289.62, being an amount less by + $984,050.98 than was expended for the same purpose the preceding year. + Although this statement of expenditures would indicate a material + reduction in amount compared with the preceding year, it is believed + that the changes in the pension laws at the last session of Congress + will absorb that amount the current year. At the close of the last + fiscal year there were on the pension rolls 99,804 invalid military + pensioners and 112,088 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives of + deceased soldiers, making a total of that class of 211,892; 18,266 + survivors of the War of 1812 and 5,053 widows of soldiers of that war + pensioned under the act of Congress of February 14, 1871, making a total + of that class of 23,319; 1,430 invalid navy pensioners and 1,770 widows, + orphans, and dependent relatives of deceased officers, sailors, and + marines of the Navy, making a total of navy pensioners of 3,200, and + a grand total of pensioners of all classes of 238,411, showing a net + increase during the last fiscal year of 6,182. During the last year the + names of 16,405 pensioners were added to the rolls, and 10,223 names + were dropped therefrom for various causes. +</p> +<p> + The system adopted for the detection of frauds against the Government in + the matter of pensions has been productive of satisfactory results, but + legislation is needed to provide, if possible, against the perpetration + of such frauds in future. +</p> +<p> + The evidently increasing interest in the cause of education is a most + encouraging feature in the general progress and prosperity of the + country, and the Bureau of Education is earnest in its efforts to give + proper direction to the new appliances and increased facilities which + are being offered to aid the educators of the country in their great + work. +</p> +<p> + The Ninth Census has been completed, the report thereof published + and distributed, and the working force of the Bureau disbanded. The + Secretary of the Interior renews his recommendation for a census to be + taken in 1875, to which subject the attention of Congress is invited. + The original suggestion in that behalf has met with the general approval + of the country; and even if it be not deemed advisable at present to + provide for a regular quinquennial census, a census taken in 1875, + the report of which could be completed and published before the one + hundredth anniversary of our national independence, would be especially + interesting and valuable, as showing the progress of the country during + the first century of our national existence. It is believed, however, + that a regular census every five years would be of substantial benefit + to the country, inasmuch as our growth hitherto has been so rapid that + the results of the decennial census are necessarily unreliable as a + basis of estimates for the latter years of a decennial period. +</p> +<center> + DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. +</center> +<p> + Under the very efficient management of the governor and the board of + public works of this District the city of Washington is rapidly assuming + the appearance of a capital of which the nation may well be proud. + From being a most unsightly place three years ago, disagreeable to + pass through in summer in consequence of the dust arising from unpaved + streets, and almost impassable in the winter from the mud, it is now one + of the most sightly cities in the country, and can boast of being the + best paved. +</p> +<p> + The work has been done systematically, the plans, grades, location of + sewers, water and gas mains being determined upon before the work was + commenced, thus securing permanency when completed. I question whether + so much has ever been accomplished before in any American city for the + same expenditures. The Government having large reservations in the + city, and the nation at large having an interest in their capital, + I recommend a liberal policy toward the District of Columbia, and that + the Government should bear its just share of the expense of these + improvements. Every citizen visiting the capital feels a pride in its + growing beauty, and that he too is part owner in the investments made + here. +</p> +<p> + I would suggest to Congress the propriety of promoting the establishment + in this District of an institution of learning, or university of the + highest class, by the donation of lands. There is no place better suited + for such an institution than the national capital. There is no other + place in which every citizen is so directly interested. +</p> +<center> + CIVIL-SERVICE REFORM. +</center> +<p> + In three successive messages to Congress I have called attention to the + subject of "civil-service reform." +</p> +<p> + Action has been taken so far as to authorize the appointment of a board + to devise rules governing methods of making appointments and promotions, + but there never has been any action making these rules, or any rules, + binding, or even entitled to observance, where persons desire the + appointment of a friend or the removal of an official who may be + disagreeable to them. +</p> +<p> + To have any rules effective they must have the acquiescence of Congress + as well as of the Executive. I commend, therefore, the subject to your + attention, and suggest that a special committee of Congress might confer + with the Civil-Service Board during the present session for the purpose + of devising such rules as can be maintained, and which will secure the + services of honest and capable officials, and which will also protect + them in a degree of independence while in office. +</p> +<p> + Proper rules will protect Congress, as well as the Executive, from much + needless persecution, and will prove of great value to the public at + large. +</p> +<p> + I would recommend for your favorable consideration the passage of an + enabling act for the admission of Colorado as a State in the Union. + It possesses all the elements of a prosperous State, agricultural and + mineral, and, I believe, has a population now to justify such admission. + In connection with this I would also recommend the encouragement of a + canal for purposes of irrigation from the eastern slope of the Rocky + Mountains to the Missouri River. As a rule I am opposed to further + donations of public lands for internal improvements owned and controlled + by private corporations, but in this instance I would make an exception. + Between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains there is an arid belt + of public land from 300 to 500 miles in width, perfectly valueless for + the occupation of man, for the want of sufficient rain to secure the + growth of any product. An irrigating canal would make productive a belt + as wide as the supply of water could be made to spread over across this + entire country, and would secure a cordon of settlements connecting the + present population of the mountain and mining regions with that of the + older States. All the land reclaimed would be clear gain. If alternate + sections are retained by the Government, I would suggest that the + retained sections be thrown open to entry under the homestead laws, + or sold to actual settlers for a very low price. +</p> +<p> + I renew my previous recommendation to Congress for general amnesty. The + number engaged in the late rebellion yet laboring under disabilities is + very small, but enough to keep up a constant irritation. No possible + danger can accrue to the Government by restoring them to eligibility to + hold office. +</p> +<p> + I suggest for your consideration the enactment of a law to better secure + the civil rights which freedom should secure, but has not effectually + secured, to the enfranchised slave. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 2, 1873</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit to Congress a report, dated the 2d instant, with + accompanying papers,<a href="#note-76"><small>76</small></a> received from the Secretary of State, in + compliance with the requirements of the sixteenth and eighteenth + sections of the act entitled "An act to regulate the diplomatic and + consular systems of the United States," approved August 18, 1856. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 5, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention for the surrender of criminals between the + United States of America and the Republic of Honduras, which was signed + at Comayagua on the 4th day of June, 1873. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 5, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In my annual message of December last I gave reason to expect that when + the full and accurate text of the correspondence relating to the steamer + <i>Virginius</i>, which had been telegraphed in cipher, should be received + the papers concerning the capture of the vessel, the execution of a part + of its passengers and crew, and the restoration of the ship and the + survivors would be transmitted to Congress. +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the expectations then held out, I now transmit the + papers and correspondence on that subject. +</p> +<p> + On the 26th day of September, 1870, the <i>Virginius</i> was registered in + the custom-house at New York as the property of a citizen of the United + States, he having first made oath, as required by law, that he was "the + true and only owner of the said vessel, and that there was no subject or + citizen of any foreign prince or state, directly or indirectly, by way + of trust, confidence, or otherwise, interested therein." +</p> +<p> + Having complied with the requisites of the statute in that behalf, she + cleared in the usual way for the port of Curaçoa, and on or about the + 4th day of October, 1870, sailed for that port. It is not disputed that + she made the voyage according to her clearance, nor that from that day + to this she has not returned within the territorial jurisdiction of the + United States. It is also understood that she preserved her American + papers, and that when within foreign ports she made the practice of + putting forth a claim to American nationality, which was recognized by + the authorities at such ports. +</p> +<p> + When, therefore, she left the port of Kingston, in October last, under + the flag of the United States, she would appear to have had, as against + all powers except the United States, the right to fly that flag and to + claim its protection, as enjoyed by all regularly documented vessels + registered as part of our commercial marine. +</p> +<p> + No state of war existed conferring upon a maritime power the right to + molest and detain upon the high seas a documented vessel, and it can not + be pretended that the <i>Virginius</i> had placed herself without the pale of + all law by acts of piracy against the human race. +</p> +<p> + If her papers were irregular or fraudulent, the offense was one against + the laws of the United States, justiciable only in their tribunals. +</p> +<p> + When, therefore, it became known that the <i>Virginius</i> had been captured + on the high seas by a Spanish man-of-war; that the American flag had + been hauled down by the captors; that the vessel had been carried to a + Spanish port, and that Spanish tribunals were taking jurisdiction over + the persons of those found on her, and exercising that jurisdiction upon + American citizens, not only in violation of the rules of international + law, but in contravention of the provisions of the treaty of 1795, + I directed a demand to be made upon Spain for the restoration of the + vessel and for the return of the survivors to the protection of the + United States, for a salute to the flag, and for the punishment of the + offending parties. +</p> +<p> + The principles upon which these demands rested could not be seriously + questioned, but it was suggested by the Spanish Government that there + were grave doubts whether the <i>Virginius</i> was entitled to the character + given her by her papers, and that therefore it might be proper for the + United States, after the surrender of the vessel and the survivors, to + dispense with the salute to the flag, should such fact be established to + their satisfaction. +</p> +<p> + This seemed to be reasonable and just. I therefore assented to it, on + the assurance that Spain would then declare that no insult to the flag + of the United States had been intended. +</p> +<p> + I also authorized an agreement to be made that should it be shown to the + satisfaction of this Government that the <i>Virginius</i> was improperly + bearing the flag proceedings should be instituted in our courts for the + punishment of the offense committed against the United States. On her + part Spain undertook to proceed against those who had offended the + sovereignty of the United States, or who had violated their treaty + rights. +</p> +<p> + The surrender of the vessel and the survivors to the jurisdiction of the + tribunals of the United States was an admission of the principles upon + which our demands had been founded. I therefore had no hesitation in + agreeing to the arrangement finally made between the two Governments—an + arrangement which was moderate and just, and calculated to cement the + good relations which have so long existed between Spain and the United + States. +</p> +<p> + Under this agreement the <i>Virginius</i>, with the American flag flying, was + delivered to the Navy of the United States at Bahia Honda, in the island + of Cuba, on the 16th ultimo. She was then in an unseaworthy condition. + In the passage to New York she encountered one of the most tempestuous + of our winter storms. At the risk of their lives the officers and crew + placed in charge of her attempted to keep her afloat. Their efforts were + unavailing, and she sank off Cape Fear. The prisoners who survived the + massacres were surrendered at Santiago de Cuba on the 18th ultimo, and + reached the port of New York in safety. +</p> +<p> + The evidence submitted on the part of Spain to establish the fact that + the <i>Virginius</i> at the time of her capture was improperly bearing the + flag of the United States is transmitted herewith, together with the + opinion of the Attorney-General thereon and a copy of the note of the + Spanish minister, expressing on behalf of his Government a disclaimer + of an intent of indignity to the flag of the United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 5, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States of America and the + Republic of Salvador, which was signed at San Salvador on the 12th of + May last, stipulating for an extension of the period for exchanging the + ratifications of the treaty of amity, commerce, and consular privileges + concluded between the two countries on the 6th December, 1870. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 5, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a convention between the United States of America and + the Republic of Salvador, which was signed at San Salvador on the + 12th of May last, for an extension of the period for exchanging the + ratifications of the treaty for the extradition of criminals concluded + between the two countries on the 23d of May, 1870. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 6, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate an "agreement," signed at Lima on the 5th of + June last by Mr. Francis Thomas, envoy extraordinary and minister + plenipotentiary of the United States, and Mr. José de la Riva Aguero, + minister for foreign affairs of Peru, providing for an extension of the + time for the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty of friendship, + commerce, and navigation and the treaty of extradition between the + United States and Peru of the 6th and 12th of September, 1870, + respectively. The limit of the proposed extension is to be nine months + from the time when the Senate of the United States may approve thereof. + The expediency of this approval is consequently submitted to the + consideration of the Senate. The instruments themselves were approved by + that body on the 31st of March, 1871, and they were ratified by me in + order that our ratifications might be ready for exchange for those of + Peru. The omission of the latter seasonably to perform that act is + understood to have been occasioned solely by the delay in the meeting + of the Congress of that Republic, whose sanction, pursuant to its + constitution, was necessary. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, January 7, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In reply to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th + of last December, requesting a revision of the estimates for the + expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1875, I + have the honor to transmit herewith amended estimates and replies from + the several Departments. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In compliance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1873, entitled + "An act to authorize inquiries into the causes of steam-boiler + explosions," I directed the Secretaries of the Treasury and Navy + Departments to create a commission to conduct the experiments and + collect the information contemplated by the act. Such a commission was + created, and I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the result + of their labors to the present time. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 13, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Since nominating the Hon. Caleb Gushing for Chief Justice of the Supreme + Court of the United States information has reached me which induces me + to withdraw him from nomination as the highest judicial officer of the + Government, and I do therefore hereby withdraw said nomination. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 19, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th instant, requesting + information "relative to any unauthorized occupation or invasion of or + encroachment upon the Indian Territory, so called, by individuals or + bodies of men, in violation of treaty stipulations," I have the honor to + submit herewith the reply of the Secretary of the Interior, to whom the + resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 27, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to its + ratification, a protocol relative to a claim on the Government of Chile + in the case of the ship <i>Good Return</i>. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 6, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their + resolution of the 16th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, + with accompanying papers.<a href="#note-77"><small>77</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 6, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a copy of a communication, dated the 22d ultimo, + received from the governor of the State of New York, in which it is + announced that, in accordance with the invitation of Congress as + expressed in the act approved July 2, 1864, that State now presents for + acceptance a bronze statue of George Clinton, deceased, one of its + distinguished citizens. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, February 9, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the Secretary of the + Department of the Interior, to whom was referred the resolution of the + House of Representatives of January 7, requesting "a statement of the + extent and nature of the contracts, purchases, and expenditures for the + Indian service made since July 1, 1873, setting forth which, if any, + of them were made or entered into without conference with the Board + of Indian Commissioners appointed by the President, and the extent and + description of contracts and vouchers objected to by said board, stating + to what extent payments have been made thereon against their + remonstrance." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, February 10, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith reports from the Secretaries of + the War Department and Department of the Interior, to whom were referred + the resolutions of the House of Representatives of the 7th of January + last, requesting "copies of all the correspondence between the different + Departments of the Government and the peace commissioners during the war + with the Modoc Indians in southern Oregon and northern California during + the years 1872 and 1873; also copies of all the correspondence with and + orders issued to the military authorities engaged in said war up to the + period of the removal of said Modoc Indians from the States of Oregon + and California." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 17, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a communication from the Secretary of State and + accompanying papers.<a href="#note-78"><small>78</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 19, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a memorial upon the "cultivation + of timber and the preservation of forests," and a draft of a joint + resolution prepared by the American Association for the Advancement of + Science, together with a communication from the Commissioner of the + General Land Office upon the same subject. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, February 25, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor herewith to submit the report of the Centennial + Commissioners, and to add a word in the way of recommendation. +</p> +<p> + There have now been international expositions held by three of the great + powers of Europe. It seems fitting that the one hundredth anniversary of + our independence should be marked by an event that will display to the + world the growth and progress of a nation devoted to freedom and to the + pursuit of fame, fortune, and honors by the lowest citizen as well as + the highest. A failure in this enterprise would be deplorable. Success + can be assured by arousing public opinion to the importance of the + occasion. +</p> +<p> + To secure this end, in my judgment, Congressional legislation is + necessary to make the exposition both national and international. +</p> +<p> + The benefits to be derived from a successful international exposition + are manifold. It will necessarily be accompanied by expenses beyond the + receipts from the exposition itself, but they will be compensated for + many fold by the commingling of people from all sections of our own + country; by bringing together the people of different nationalities; by + bringing into juxtaposition, for ready examination, our own and foreign + skill and progress in manufactures, agriculture, art, science, and + civilization. +</p> +<p> + The selection of the site for the exposition seems to me appropriate, + from the fact that one hundred years before the date fixed for the + exposition the Declaration of Independence, which launched us into the + galaxy of nations as an independent people, emanated from the same spot. +</p> +<p> + We have much in our varied climate, soil, mineral products, and skill of + which advantage can be taken by other nationalities to their profit. + In return they will bring to our shores works of their skill and + familiarize our people with them, to the mutual advantage of all + parties. +</p> +<p> + Let us have a complete success in our Centennial Exposition or suppress + it in its infancy, acknowledging our inability to give it the + international character to which our self-esteem aspires. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., March 4, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith replies from the several + Departments, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives + of the 16th of January last, requesting a list of all expenses incurred + by the various Departments for transportation of any matter which before + the abolition of the franking privilege was carried in the mails. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 20, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate and with a view + to its ratification, a convention concluded between the United States + and Belgium on the 19th March, 1874, concerning extradition. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 23, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the board of + commissioners on the irrigation of the San Joaquin, Tulare, and + Sacramento valleys, of the State of California, and also the original + maps accompanying said report. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 18, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + Herewith I transmit the report of the Civil Service Commission + authorized by the act of Congress of March 3, 1871, and invite your + special attention thereto. +</p> +<p> + If sustained by Congress, I have no doubt the rules can, after the + experience gained, be so improved and enforced as to still more + materially benefit the public service and relieve the Executive, members + of Congress, and the heads of Departments from influences prejudicial to + good administration. +</p> +<p> + The rules, as they have heretofore been enforced, have resulted + beneficially, as is shown by the opinions of the members of the Cabinet + and their subordinates in the Departments, and in that opinion I concur; + but rules applicable to officers who are to be appointed by and with the + advice and consent of the Senate are in great measure impracticable, + except in so far as they may be sustained by the action of that body. + This must necessarily remain so unless the direct sanction of the Senate + is given to the rules. +</p> +<p> + I advise for the present only such appropriation as may be adequate to + continue the work in its present form, and would leave to the future + to determine whether the direct sanction of Congress should be given + to rules that may, perhaps, be devised for regulating the method of + selection of appointees, or a portion of them, who need to be confirmed + by the Senate. +</p> +<p> + The same amount appropriated last year would be adequate for the coming + year, but I think the public interest would be promoted by authority + in the Executive for allowing a small compensation for special service + performed beyond usual office hours, under the act of 1871, to persons + already in the service of the Government. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>April 21, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith to the Senate and House of Representatives a + communication from the Secretary of State and the report by which it is + accompanied, upon Samoan or Navigators Islands. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 23, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith the papers called for by the resolution of the House + of Representatives of the 20th instant, requesting all correspondence by + telegraph or otherwise between the persons claiming to be governor of + Arkansas and myself relating to the troubles in that State, together + with copies of any order or directions given by me or under my direction + to the military officer in charge of the garrison or in command of the + United States troops at Little Rock. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 28, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith additional correspondence received + since my communication of the 23d instant, in reply to the resolution of + the House of Representatives of the 20th instant, requesting copies of + correspondence between persons claiming to be governor of Arkansas and + myself relating to troubles in that State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 30, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In pursuance of the resolution of the House of Representatives of + the 15th instant, requesting to be informed "what geographical and + geological surveys under different Departments and branches of the + Government are operating in the same and contiguous areas of territory + west of the Mississippi River, and whether it be not practicable to + consolidate them under one Department or to define the geographical + limits to be embraced by each," I have the honor to transmit herewith + the views of the officers of the War and Interior Departments on the + subjects named in the said resolution, and invite attention thereto. +</p> +<p> + Where surveys are made with the view of sectionizing the public lands, + preparatory to opening them for settlement or entry, there is no + question but such surveys and all work connected therewith should be + under the direct control of the Interior Department or the Commissioner + of the General Land Office, subject to the supervision of the Secretary + of the Interior. But where the object is to complete the map of the + country; to determine the geographical, astronomical, geodetic, + topographic, hydrographic, meteorological, geological, and mineralogical + features of the country—in other words, to collect full information of + the unexplored or but partially known portions of the country—it seems + to me a matter of no importance as to which Department of the Government + should have control of the work. The conditions which should control + this subject are, in my judgment, first, which Department is prepared + to do the work best; second, which can do it the most expeditiously + and economically. +</p> +<p> + As the country to be explored is occupied in great part by uncivilized + Indians, all parties engaged in the work at hand must be supplied with + escorts from the Army, thus placing a large portion of the expense upon + the War Department; and as the Engineer Corps of the Army is composed of + scientific gentlemen, educated and practiced for just the kind of work + to be done, and as they are under pay whether employed in this work or + not, it would seem that the second condition named would be more fully + complied with by employing them to do the work. There is but little + doubt that they will accomplish it as promptly and as well, and much + more economically. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 19, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the House of + Representatives of the 9th instant, a report<a href="#note-79"><small>79</small></a> from the Secretary of + State, with accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 25, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 15th instant, I have + the honor to transmit herewith "all papers and correspondence relating + to the troubles in the State of Arkansas not heretofore communicated to + either House of Congress." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 25, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit, in response to the resolution of the + Senate of the 18th instant, requesting "the answers in full received + by the Civil Service Commission in reply to their circular addressed + to the various heads of Departments and bureaus requesting a report as + to the operation and effect of the civil-service rules in the several + Departments and offices," a copy of a letter received from the chairman + of the Civil Service Commission, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 26, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, and + accompanying it copies of all papers on file or on record in the + Department of State respecting the claim on Brazil concerning the + <i>Caroline</i>. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 26, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate and House of Representatives a + communication from the Secretary of State and a copy of the report of + the commissioners to inquire into depredations on the frontiers of Texas, + by which it is accompanied. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 15, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + ratification, a declaration respecting trade-marks between the United + States and the Emperor of Russia, concluded and signed at St. Petersburg + on the 16/28 day of March last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 18, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + The plenipotentiaries of Her Britannic Majesty at Washington have + submitted to the Secretary of State, for my consideration, a draft of a + treaty for the reciprocal regulation of the commerce and trade between + the United States and Canada, with provisions for the enlargement of the + Canadian canals and for their use by United States vessels on terms of + equality with British vessels. I transmit herewith a report from the + Secretary of State, with a copy of the draft thus proposed. +</p> +<p> + I am of the opinion that a proper treaty for such purposes would result + beneficially for the United States. It would not only open or enlarge + markets for our products, but it would increase the facilities of + transportation from the grain-growing States of the West to the + seaboard. +</p> +<p> + The proposed draft has many features to commend it to our favorable + consideration; but whether it makes all the concessions which could + justly be required of Great Britain, or whether it calls for more + concessions from the United States than we should yield, I am not + prepared to say. +</p> +<p> + Among its provisions are articles proposing to dispense with the + arbitration respecting the fisheries, which was provided for by the + treaty of Washington, in the event of the conclusion and ratification of + a treaty and the passage of all the necessary legislation to enforce it. +</p> +<p> + These provisions, as well as other considerations, make it desirable + that this subject should receive attention before the close of the + present session. I therefore express an earnest wish that the Senate may + be able to consider and determine before the adjournment of Congress + whether it will give its constitutional concurrence to the conclusion of + a treaty with Great Britain for the purposes already named, either in + such form as is proposed by the British plenipotentiaries or in such + other more acceptable form as the Senate may prefer. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 18, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State and its + accompanying papers.<a href="#note-80"><small>80</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, June 20, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I respectfully invite the attention of Congress to one feature of the + bill entitled "An act for the government of the District of Columbia, + and for other purposes." Provision is therein made for the payment of + the debts of the District in bonds to be issued by the sinking-fund + commissioners, running fifty years and bearing interest at the rate of + 3.65 per cent per annum, with the payment of the principal and interest + guaranteed by the United States. +</p> +<p> + The government by which these debts were created is abolished, and no + other provision seems to be made for their payment. Judging from the + transactions in other bonds, there are good grounds, in my opinion, for + the apprehension that bonds bearing this rate of interest when issued + will be worth much less than their equivalent in the current money of + the United States. This appears to me to be unjust to those to whom + these bonds are to be paid, and, to the extent of the difference between + their face and real value, looks like repudiating the debts of the + District. My opinion is that to require creditors of the District of + Columbia to receive these bonds at par when it is apparent that to be + converted into money they must be sold at a large discount will not only + prove greatly injurious to the credit of the District, but will reflect + unfavorably upon the credit and good faith of the United States. +</p> +<p> + I would recommend, therefore, that provision be made at the present + session of Congress to increase the interest upon these bonds, so that + when sold they will bring an equivalent in money, and that the Secretary + of the Treasury be authorized to negotiate the sale of these bonds at + not less than par and pay the proceeds thereof to those who may be + ascertained to have valid claims against the District of Columbia. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, April 10, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to herewith return to you without my approval House + bill No. 1224, entitled "An act for the relief of William H. Denniston, + late an acting second lieutenant, Seventieth New York Volunteers," + for the reasons set forth in the accompanying letter of the Secretary + of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, D.C., April 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return House bill No. 1224, "for the relief of + William H. Denniston, late an acting second lieutenant, Seventieth New + York Volunteers," with the remark that the name of William H. Denniston, + as an officer or private, is not borne on any rolls of the Seventieth + New York Volunteers on file in the Department. Of this fact the + Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives was + informed by letter from the Adjutant-General's Office dated December + 19, 1873. +</p> +<p> + No vacancy existed in Company D (the company claimed) of this regiment + for a second lieutenant during the period claimed, Second Lieutenant + J.B. Zeigler having filled that position to May 6, 1862, and Second + Lieutenant James Stevenson from that date to June 25, 1862. On + regimental return for July, 1862, Edward Shields is reported promoted + second lieutenant June 15, 1862. +</p> +<p> + There is no evidence in the Department that he actually served as a + second lieutenant for the time covered by the bill herewith, and it is + therefore respectfully recommended that the bill be returned to the + House of Representatives without approval. +</p> +<p> + When the records of the War Department, prepared under laws and + regulations having in view the establishment and preservation of data + necessary to the protection of the public interests as well as that of + the claimants, fail to show service, it is a subject of importance to + legalize a claim wherein the military department of the Government + has not seen the order under which the alleged service may have been + claimed. A precedent of the kind is beyond doubt an injury to the public + interest, and will tend to other special acts of relief under which + thousands of muster rolls certified at the date, under the Articles of + War, as exhibiting the true state of the command will be invalidated, + and large appropriations of money will be required to settle claims the + justness of which can not always be determined at a date so remote from + their origin. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + WM. W. BELKNAP, +<br> + <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 22, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Herewith I return Senate bill No. 617, entitled "An act to fix the + amount of United States notes and the circulation of national banks, + and for other purposes," without my approval. +</p> +<p> + In doing so I must express my regret at not being able to give my assent + to a measure which has received the sanction of a majority of the + legislators chosen by the people to make laws for their guidance, and + I have studiously sought to find sufficient arguments to justify such + assent, but unsuccessfully. +</p> +<p> + Practically it is a question whether the measure under discussion would + give an additional dollar to the irredeemable paper currency of the + country or not, and whether by requiring three-fourths of the reserve to + be retained by the banks and prohibiting interest to be received on the + balance it might not prove a contraction. +</p> +<p> + But the fact can not be concealed that theoretically the bill increases + the paper circulation $100,000,000, less only the amount of reserves + restrained from circulation by the provision of the second section. The + measure has been supported on the theory that it would give increased + circulation. It is a fair inference, therefore, that if in practice the + measure should fail to create the abundance of circulation expected of + it the friends of the measure, particularly those out of Congress, would + clamor for such inflation as would give the expected relief. +</p> +<p> + The theory, in my belief, is a departure from true principles of + finance, national interest, national obligations to creditors, + Congressional promises, party pledges (on the part of both political + parties), and of personal views and promises made by me in every annual + message sent to Congress and in each inaugural address. +</p> +<p> + In my annual message to Congress in December, 1869, the following + passages appear: +</p> +<p class="q"> + Among the evils growing out of the rebellion, and not yet referred to, + is that of an irredeemable currency. It is an evil which I hope will + receive your most earnest attention. It is a duty, and one of the + highest duties, of Government to secure to the citizen a medium of + exchange of fixed, unvarying value. This implies a return to a specie + basis, and no substitute for it can be devised. It should be commenced + now and reached at the earliest practicable moment consistent with a + fair regard to the interests of the debtor class. Immediate resumption, + if practicable, would not be desirable. It would compel the debtor + class to pay, beyond their contracts, the premium on gold at the date + of their purchase, and would bring bankruptcy and ruin to thousands. + Fluctuation, however, in the paper value of the measure of all values + (gold) is detrimental to the interests of trade. It makes the man of + business an involuntary gambler, for in all sales where future payment + is to be made both parties speculate as to what will be the value of + the currency to be paid and received. I earnestly recommend to you, + then, such legislation as will insure a gradual return to specie + payments and put an immediate stop to fluctuations in the value of + currency. +</p> +<p> + I still adhere to the views then expressed. +</p> +<p> + As early as December 4, 1865, the House of Representatives passed a + resolution, by a vote of 144 yeas to 6 nays, concurring "in the views + of the Secretary of the Treasury in relation to the necessity of a + contraction of the currency, with a view to as early a resumption of + specie payments as the business interests of the country will permit," + and pledging "cooperative action to this end as speedily as possible." +</p> +<p> + The first act passed by the Forty-first Congress, [approved] on the 18th + day of March, 1869, was as follows: +</p> +<p class="q" style="text-align: center;"> + AN ACT to strengthen the public credit. +</p><p class="q"> + <i>Be it enacted, etc.</i>, That in order to remove any doubt as to the + purpose of the Government to discharge all just obligations to the + public creditors, and to settle conflicting questions and + interpretations of the law by virtue of which such obligations have + been contracted, it is hereby provided and declared that the faith of + the United States is solemnly pledged to the payment in coin or its + equivalent of all the obligations of the United States not bearing + interest, known as United States notes, and all the interest-bearing + obligations of the United States, except in cases where the law + authorizing the issue of any such obligation has expressly provided that + the same may be paid in lawful money or in other currency than gold and + silver; but none of the said interest-bearing obligations not already + due shall be redeemed or paid before maturity unless at such time United + States notes shall be convertible into coin at the option of the holder, + or unless at such time bonds of the United States bearing a lower rate + of interest than the bonds to be redeemed can be sold at par in coin. + And the United States also solemnly pledges its faith to make provision + at the earliest practicable period for the redemption of the United + States notes in coin. +</p> +<p> + This act still remains as a continuing pledge of the faith of the United + States "to make provision at the earliest practicable period for the + redemption of the United States notes in coin." +</p> +<p> + A declaration contained in the act of June 30, 1864, created an + obligation that the total amount of United States notes issued or + to be issued should never exceed $400,000,000. The amount in actual + circulation was actually reduced to $356,000,000, at which point + Congress passed the act of February 4, 1868, suspending the further + reduction of the currency. The forty-four millions have ever been + regarded as a reserve, to be used only in case of emergency, such as + has occurred on several occasions, and must occur when from any cause + revenues suddenly fall below expenditures; and such a reserve is + necessary, because the fractional currency, amounting to fifty millions, + is redeemable in legal tender on call. +</p> +<p> + It may be said that such a return of fractional currency for redemption + is impossible; but let steps be taken for a return to a specie basis and + it will be found that silver will take the place of fractional currency + as rapidly as it can be supplied, when the premium on gold reaches a + sufficiently low point. With the amount of United States notes to be + issued permanently fixed within proper limits and the Treasury so + strengthened as to be able to redeem them in coin on demand it will then + be safe to inaugurate a system of free banking with such provisions as + to make compulsory redemption of the circulating notes of the banks in + coin, or in United States notes, themselves redeemable and made + equivalent to coin. +</p> +<p> + As a measure preparatory to free banking, and for placing the Government + in a condition to redeem its notes in coin "at the earliest practicable + period," the revenues of the country should be increased so as to pay + current expenses, provide for the sinking fund required by law, and also + a surplus to be retained in the Treasury in gold. +</p> +<p> + I am not a believer in any artificial method of making paper money equal + to coin when the coin is not owned or held ready to redeem the promises + to pay, for paper money is nothing more than promises to pay, and is + valuable exactly in proportion to the amount of coin that it can be + converted into. While coin is not used as a circulating medium, or the + currency of the country is not convertible into it at par, it becomes an + article of commerce as much as any other product. The surplus will seek + a foreign market as will any other surplus. The balance of trade has + nothing to do with the question. Duties on imports being required in + coin creates a limited demand for gold. About enough to satisfy that + demand remains in the country. To increase this supply I see no way open + but by the Government hoarding through the means above given, and + possibly by requiring the national banks to aid. +</p> +<p> + It is claimed by the advocates of the measure herewith returned that + there is an unequal distribution of the banking capital of the country. + I was disposed to give great weight to this view of the question at + first, but on reflection it will be remembered that there still remains + $4,000,000 of authorized bank-note circulation assigned to States having + less than their quota not yet taken. In addition to this the States + having less than their quota of bank circulation have the option of + twenty-five millions more to be taken from those States having more than + their proportion. When this is all taken up, or when specie payments are + fully restored or are in rapid process of restoration, will be the time + to consider the question of "more currency." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 12, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return herewith without my signature House bill No. 1331, entitled + "An act for the relief of Joab Spencer and James R. Mead for supplies + furnished the Kansas tribe of Indians." I withheld my approval of said + bill for reasons which satisfy me the claim should not be allowed for + the entire amount stated in the bill, and which are set forth in the + letter of the Secretary of the Interior of the 7th instant, a copy of + which, with the accompanying papers, is herewith transmitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, +<br> + <i>Washington, D.C., May 7, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith engrossed bill H.R. 1331, + entitled "An act for the relief of Joab Spencer and James R. Mead for + supplies furnished the Kansas tribe of Indians," and to state that + said bill was the subject of a report made to the Department by the + Commissioner of Indian Affairs on the 11th ultimo, with which he + submitted letters from Enoch Hoag, superintendent of Indian affairs, + and Mahlon Stubbs, Indian agent, representing that the justness and + correctness of the claim of Spencer & Mead had not been established, and + suggesting that further proceedings in the premises be deferred until a + thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances of the case could + be had. +</p> +<p> + The suggestion of the Indian agent received the concurrence of the + Commissioner of Indian Affairs and the approval of this Department, and + on the 17th ultimo the attention of Congress was invited to the subject + in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by + the Secretary of the Interior. At the latter date the bill appears to + have been pending in the Senate, of which fact this Department at that + time was not informed. +</p> +<p> + On the 5th instant the engrossed bill (H.R. No. 1331) was received by + reference from the Executive Office, and forwarded to the Commissioner + of Indian Affairs for a further report on the subject, and on the 6th + instant that officer returned said bill to this Department with a letter + presenting his views in relation to the matter and suggesting that the + rights of the Indians and of Messrs. Spencer & Mead would be fully + protected by a modification of the bill authorizing the Secretary of the + Interior to pay such amount of their claim as might be found to be due. + The suggestion meets the approval of this Department. +</p> +<p> + Copies of the papers connected with this claim are herewith + submitted.<a href="#note-81"><small>81</small></a> I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient + servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + B.R. COWEN, +<br> + <i>Acting Secretary</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas certain turbulent and disorderly persons, pretending that + Elisha Baxter, the present executive of Arkansas, was not elected, have + combined together with force and arms to resist his authority as such + executive and other authorities of said State; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas said Elisha Baxter has been declared duly elected by the general + assembly of said State, as provided in the constitution thereof, and has + for a long period been exercising the functions of said office, into + which he was inducted according to the constitution and laws of said + State, and ought by its citizens to be considered as the lawful + executive thereof; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States that the + United States shall protect every State in the Union, on application of + the legislature, or of the executive when the legislature can not be + convened, against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas said Elisha Baxter, under section 4 of Article IV of the + Constitution of the United States and the laws passed in pursuance + thereof, has heretofore made application to me to protect said State + and the citizens thereof against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the general assembly of said State was convened in extra + session at the capital thereof on the 11th instant, pursuant to a call + made by said Elisha Baxter, and both houses thereof have passed a joint + resolution also applying to me to protect the State against domestic + violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that in + all cases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the laws + thereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, on + application of the legislature of such State, or of the executive when + the legislature can not be convened, to employ such part of the land and + naval forces as shall be judged necessary for the purpose of suppressing + such insurrection or causing the laws to be duly executed; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is required that whenever it may be necessary, in the + judgment of the President, to use the military force for the purpose + aforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command such insurgents + to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes within a + limited time: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + do hereby make proclamation and command all turbulent and disorderly + persons to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes + within ten days from this date, and hereafter to submit themselves + to the lawful authority of said executive and the other constituted + authorities of said State; and I invoke the aid and cooperation of + all good citizens thereof to uphold law and preserve public peace. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 15th day of May, A.D. 1874, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-eighth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by the thirty-third article of a treaty concluded at Washington + on the 8th day of May, 1871, between the United States and Her Britannic + Majesty, it was provided that— +</p> +<p> + Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX of this treaty shall + take effect as soon as the laws required to carry them into operation + shall have been passed by the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain, + by the parliament of Canada, and by the legislature of Prince Edwards + Island on the one hand, and by the Congress of the United States on + the other. +</p> +<p> + And whereas it is provided by Article XXXII of the treaty aforesaid + that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + The provisions and stipulations of Articles XVIII to XXV of this + treaty, inclusive, shall extend to the colony of Newfoundland so far + as they are applicable. But if the Imperial Parliament, the legislature + of Newfoundland, or the Congress of the United States shall not embrace + the colony of Newfoundland in their laws enacted for carrying the + foregoing articles into effect, then this article shall be of no + effect; but the omission to make provision by law to give it effect, by + either of the legislative bodies aforesaid, shall not in any way impair + any other articles of this treaty. +</p> +<p> + And whereas by the second section of an act entitled "An act to carry + into effect the provisions of the treaty between the United States and + Great Britain signed in the city of Washington the 8th day of May, + 1871, relating to the fisheries," it is provided— +</p> +<p class="q"> + That whenever the colony of Newfoundland shall give its consent to the + application of the stipulations and provisions of the said articles + eighteenth to twenty-fifth of said treaty, inclusive, to that colony, + and the legislature thereof and the Imperial Parliament shall pass the + necessary laws for that purpose, the above-enumerated articles, being + the produce of the fisheries of the colony of Newfoundland, shall be + admitted into the United States free of duty from and after the date + of a proclamation by the President of the United States declaring that + he has satisfactory evidence that the said colony of Newfoundland has + consented, in a due and proper manner, to have the provisions of the + said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, of the said treaty + extended to it, and to allow the United States the full benefits of + all the stipulations therein contained, and shall be so admitted free + of duty so long as the said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, + inclusive, and article thirtieth of said treaty shall remain in force + according to the terms and conditions of article thirty-third of said + treaty. +</p> +<p> + And whereas the Secretary of State of the United States and Her + Britannic Majesty's envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary at + Washington have recorded in a protocol of a conference held by them at + the Department of State in Washington on the 28th day of May, 1874, in + the following language: +</p> +<center> + PROTOCOL OF A CONFERENCE HELD AT WASHINGTON ON THE 28TH DAY OF MAY, + 1874. +</center> +<p> + Whereas it is provided by Article XXXII of the treaty between the + United States of America and Her Majesty the Queen of the United + Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland signed at Washington on the + 8th of May, 1871, as follows: +</p> +<center> + "ARTICLE XXXII. +</center> +<p> + "It is further agreed that the provisions and stipulations of Articles + XVIII to XXV of this treaty, inclusive, shall extend to the colony + of Newfoundland so far as they are applicable. But if the Imperial + Parliament, the legislature of Newfoundland, or the Congress of the + United States shall not embrace the colony of Newfoundland in their + laws enacted for carrying the foregoing articles into effect, then this + article shall be of no effect; but the omission to make provision by + law to give it effect, by either of the legislative bodies aforesaid, + shall not in any way impair any other articles of this treaty;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas an act was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of + the United States of America in Congress assembled, and approved on the + 1st day of March, 1873, by the President of the United States, entitled + "An act to carry into effect the provisions of the treaty between the + United States and Great Britain signed in the city of Washington the + 8th of May, 1871, relating to fisheries," by which act it is provided: +</p> +<p> + "SEC. 2. That whenever the colony of Newfoundland shall give its + consent to the application of the stipulations and provisions of the + said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth of said treaty, inclusive, to + that colony, and the legislature thereof and the Imperial Parliament + shall pass the necessary laws for that purpose, the above-enumerated + articles, being the produce of the fisheries of the colony of + Newfoundland, shall be admitted into the United States free of duty + from and after the date of a proclamation by the President of the + United States declaring that he has satisfactory evidence that the said + colony of Newfoundland has consented, in a due and proper manner, to + have the provisions of the said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, + inclusive, of the said treaty extended to it, and to allow the United + States the full benefits of all the stipulations therein contained, + and shall be so admitted free of duty so long as the said articles + eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, and article thirtieth of said + treaty shall remain in force according to the terms and conditions of + article thirty-third of said treaty;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas an act was passed by the governor, legislative council, and + assembly of Newfoundland, in legislative session convened, in the + thirty-seventh year of Her Majesty's reign, and assented to by Her + Majesty on the 12th day of May, 1874, intituled "An act to carry into + effect the provisions of the treaty of Washington as far as they relate + to this colony:" +</p> +<p> + The undersigned, Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the United + States, and the Right Hon. Sir Edward Thornton, one of Her Majesty's + most honorable privy council, knight commander of the most honorable + Order of the Bath, Her Britannic Majesty's envoy extraordinary and + minister plenipotentiary to the United States of America, duly + authorized for this purpose by their respective Governments, having met + together at Washington, and having found that the laws required to + carry the Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Articles XXX and XXXII + of the treaty aforesaid into operation have been passed by the Congress + of the United States on the one part, and by the Imperial Parliament of + Great Britain, by the parliament of Canada, and by the legislature of + Prince Edwards Island and the legislature of Newfoundland on the other, + hereby declare that Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX + of the treaty between the United States of America and Her Britannic + Majesty shall take effect in accordance with Article XXXIII of said + treaty between the citizens of the United States of America and Her + Majesty's subjects in the colony of Newfoundland on the 1st day of + June next. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof the undersigned have signed this protocol and have + hereunto affixed their seals. +</p> +<p> + Done in duplicate at Washington, this 28th day of May, 1874. +</p> +<p class="r"> + [SEAL.] HAMILTON FISH. +<br> + [SEAL.] EDWD. THORNTON. +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, in pursuance of the premises, do hereby declare that I have + received satisfactory evidence that the Imperial Parliament of Great + Britain and the legislature of Newfoundland have passed laws on their + part to give full effect to the provisions of the said treaty as + contained in articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, and + article thirtieth of said treaty. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 29th day of May, A.D. 1874, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-eighth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas it has been satisfactorily represented to me that turbulent + and disorderly persons have combined together with force and arms to + overthrow the State government of Louisiana and to resist the laws and + constituted authorities of said State; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States + that the United States shall protect every State in this Union, + on application of the legislature, or of the executive when the + legislature can not be convened, against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that in all + cases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the laws + thereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, on + application of the legislature of such State, or of the executive when + the legislature can not be convened, to call forth the militia of any + other State or States, or to employ such part of the land and naval + forces as shall be judged necessary, for the purpose of suppressing + such insurrection or causing the laws to be duly executed; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the legislature of said State is not now in session and can not + be convened in time to meet the present emergency, and the executive of + said State, under section 4 of Article IV of the Constitution of the + United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof, has therefore + made application to me for such part of the military force of the + United States as may be necessary and adequate to protect said State + and the citizens thereof against domestic violence and to enforce the + due execution of the laws; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is required that whenever it may be necessary, in the + judgment of the President, to use the military force for the purpose + aforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command such insurgents + to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes within a + limited time: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + do hereby make proclamation and command said turbulent and disorderly + persons to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes + within five days from this date, and hereafter to submit themselves to + the laws and constituted authorities of said State; and I invoke the + aid and cooperation of all good citizens thereof to uphold law and + preserve the public peace. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 15th day of September, A.D. 1874, + and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-ninth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + We are reminded by the changing seasons that it is time to pause in our + daily avocations and offer thanks to Almighty God for the mercies and + abundance of the year which is drawing to a close. +</p> +<p> + The blessings of free government continue to be vouchsafed to us; the + earth has responded to the labor of the husbandman; the land has been + free from pestilence; internal order is being maintained, and peace + with other powers has prevailed. +</p> +<p> + It is fitting that at stated periods we should cease from our + accustomed pursuits and from the turmoil of our daily lives and unite + in thankfulness for the blessings of the past and in the cultivation of + kindly feelings toward each other. +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, recognizing these considerations, I, Ulysses S. Grant, + President of the United States, do recommend to all citizens to + assemble in their respective places of worship on Thursday, the 26th + day of November next, and express their thanks for the mercy and favor + of Almighty God, and, laying aside all political contentions and all + secular occupations, to observe such day as a day of rest, + thanksgiving, and praise. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of October, A.D. 1874, + and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-ninth. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas, pursuant to the second section of the act of Congress approved + the 23d of March last, entitled "An act to authorize the President to + accept for citizens of the United States the jurisdiction of certain + tribunals in the Ottoman dominions and Egypt, established or to be + established under the authority of the Sublime Porte and of the + Government of Egypt," the President is authorized, for the benefit of + American citizens residing in the Turkish dominions, to accept the + recent law of the Ottoman Porte ceding the right of foreigners + possessing immovable property in said dominions; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas, pursuant to the authority thus in me vested, I have authorized + George H. Boker, accredited as minister resident of the United States + to the Ottoman Porte, to sign on behalf of this Government the protocol + accepting the law aforesaid of the said Ottoman Porte, which protocol + and law are, word for word, as follows: +</p> +<center> + [Translation.] +</center> +<p> + The United States of America and His Majesty the Sultan being desirous + to establish by a special act the agreement entered upon between them + regarding the admission of American citizens to the right of holding + real estate granted to foreigners by the law promulgated on the 7th of + Sepher, 1284 (January 18, 1867), have authorized: +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States of America, George H. Boker, + minister resident of the United States of America near the Sublime + Porte, and +</p> +<p> + His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, His Excellency A. Aarifi Pasha, his + minister of foreign affairs, to sign the protocol which follows: +</p> +<center> + PROTOCOL. +</center> +<p> + The law granting foreigners the right of holding real estate does not + interfere with the immunities specified by the treaties, and which will + continue to protect the person and the movable property of foreigners + who may become owners of real estate. +</p> +<p> + As the exercise of this right of possessing real property may induce + foreigners to establish themselves in larger numbers in the Ottoman + Empire, the Imperial Government thinks it proper to anticipate and to + prevent the difficulties to which the application of this law may give + rise in certain localities. Such is the object of the arrangements + which follow: +</p> +<p> + The domicile of any person residing upon the Ottoman soil being + inviolable, and as no one can enter it without the consent of the + owner, except by virtue of orders emanating from competent authority + and with the assistance of the magistrate or functionary invested with + the necessary powers, the residence of foreigners is inviolable on the + same principle, in conformity with the treaties, and the agents of the + public force can not enter it without the assistance of the consul or + of the delegate of the consul of the power on which the foreigner + depends. +</p> +<p> + By residence we understand the house of inhabitation and its + dependencies; that is to say, the outhouses, courts, gardens, and + neighboring inclosures, to the exclusion of all other parts of the + property. +</p> +<p> + In the localities distant by less than nine hours' journey from the + consular residence, the agents of the public force can not enter the + residence of a foreigner without the assistance of a consul, as was + before said. +</p> +<p> + On his part the consul is bound to give his immediate assistance to the + local authority so as not to let six hours elapse between the moment + which he may be informed and the moment of his departure or the + departure of his delegate, so that the action of the authorities may + never be suspended more than twenty-four hours. +</p> +<p> + In the localities distant by nine hours or more than nine hours of + travel from the residence of the consular agent, the agents of the + public force may, on the request of the local authority, and with the + assistance of three members of the council of the elders of the commune, + enter into the residence of a foreigner without being assisted by the + consular agent, but only in case of urgency and for the search and the + proof of the crime of murder, of attempt at murder, of incendiarism, of + armed robbery either with infraction or by night in an inhabited house, + of armed rebellion, and of the fabrication of counterfeit money; and + this entry may be made whether the crime was committed by a foreigner or + by an Ottoman subject, and whether it took place in the residence of a + foreigner or not in his residence, or in any other place. +</p> +<p> + These regulations are not applicable but to the parts of the real estate + which constitute the residence, as it has been heretofore defined. +</p> +<p> + Beyond the residence the action of the police shall be exercised freely + and without reserve; but in case a person charged with crime or offense + should be arrested, and the accused shall be a foreigner, the immunities + attached to his person shall be observed in respect to him. +</p> +<p> + The functionary or the officer charged with the accomplishment of a + domiciliary visit in the exceptional circumstances determined before, + and the members of the council of elders who shall assist him, will be + obliged to make out a <i>procès verbal</i> of the domiciliary visit and to + communicate it immediately to the superior authority under whose + jurisdiction they are, and the latter shall transmit it to the nearest + consular agent without delay. +</p> +<p> + A special regulation will be promulgated by the Sublime Porte to + determine the mode of action of the local police in the several cases + provided heretofore. +</p> +<p> + In localities more distant than nine hours' travel from the residence + of the consular agent, in which the law of the judicial organization + of the <i>velayet</i> may be in force, foreigners shall be tried without the + assistance of the consular delegate by the council of elders fulfilling + the function of justices of the peace, and by the tribunal of the + canton, as well for actions not exceeding 1,000 piasters as for offenses + entailing a fine of 500 piasters only at the maximum. +</p> +<p> + Foreigners shall have in any case the right of appeal to the tribunal of + the arrondissement against the judgments issued as above stated, and the + appeal shall be followed and judged with the assistance of the consul in + conformity with the treaties. +</p> +<p> + The appeal shall always suspend the execution of a sentence. +</p> +<p> + In all cases the forcible execution of the judgments, issued on the + conditions determined heretofore, shall not take place without the + cooperation of the consul or of his delegate. +</p> +<p> + The Imperial Government will enact a law which shall determine the rules + of procedure to be observed by the parties in the application of the + preceding regulations. +</p> +<p> + Foreigners, in whatever locality they may be, may freely submit + themselves to the jurisdiction of the council of elders or of the + tribunal of the canton without the assistance of the consul in cases + which do not exceed the competency of these councils or tribunals, + reserving always the right of appeal before the tribunal of the + arrondissement, where the case may be brought and tried with the + assistance of the consul or his delegate. +</p> +<p> + The consent of a foreigner to be tried as above stated, without the + assistance of his consul, shall always be given in writing and in + advance of all procedure. +</p> +<p> + It is well understood that all these restrictions do not concern cases + which have for their object questions of real estate, which shall be + tried and determined under the conditions established by the law. +</p> +<p> + The right of defense and the publicity of the hearings shall be assured + in all cases to foreigners who may appear before the Ottoman tribunals, + as well as to Ottoman subjects. +</p> +<p> + The preceding dispositions shall remain in force until the revision of + the ancient treaties, a revision which the Sublime Porte reserves to + itself the right to bring about hereafter by an understanding between it + and the friendly powers. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof the respective plenipotentiaries have signed the + protocol and have affixed thereto their seals. +</p> +<p> + Done at Constantinople the 11th of August, 1874. +</p> +<p class="r"> + [SEAL.] (Signed) A. AARIFI. +<br> + [SEAL.] (Signed) GEO. H. BOKER. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [Translation.] +</center> +<center> + LAW CONCEDING TO FOREIGNERS THE RIGHT OF HOLDING REAL ESTATE IN THE + OTTOMAN EMPIRE. +</center> +<p> + Imperial Rescript.—Let it be done in conformity with the contents. + 7 Sepher, 1284 (January 18, 1867). +</p> +<p> + With the object of developing the prosperity of the country, to put an + end to the difficulties, to the abuses, and to the uncertainties which + have arisen on the subject of the right of foreigners to hold property + in the Ottoman Empire, and to complete, in accordance with a precise + regulation, the safeguards which are due to financial interests and to + administrative action, the following legislative enactments have been + promulgated by the order of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan: +</p> +<p> + ARTICLE I. Foreigners are admitted by the same privilege as Ottoman + subjects, and without any other restriction, to enjoy the right of + holding real estate, whether in the city or the country, throughout the + Empire, with the exception of the Province of the Hédjaz, by submitting + themselves to the laws and the regulations which govern Ottoman subjects + as is hereafter stated. +</p> +<p> + This arrangement does not concern subjects of Ottoman birth who have + changed their nationality, who shall be governed in this matter by a + special law. +</p> +<p> + ART. II. Foreigners, proprietors of real estate in town or in country, + are in consequence placed upon terms of equality with Ottoman subjects + in all things that concern their landed property. +</p> +<p> + The legal effect of this equality is— +</p> +<p> + First. To oblige them to conform to all the laws and regulations of the + police or of the municipality which govern at present or may govern + hereafter the enjoyment, the transmission, the alienation, and the + hypothecation of landed property. +</p> +<p> + Second. To pay all charges and taxes, under whatever form or + denomination they may be, that are levied, or may be levied hereafter, + upon city or country property. +</p> +<p> + Third. To render them directly amenable to the Ottoman civil tribunals + in all questions relating to landed property and in all real actions, + whether as plaintiffs or as defendants, even when either party is a + foreigner. In short, they are in all things to hold real estate by the + same title, on the same condition, and under the same forms as Ottoman + owners, and without being able to avail themselves of their personal + nationality, except under the reserve of the immunities attached to + their persons and their movable goods, according to the treaties. +</p> +<p> + ART. III. In case of the bankruptcy of a foreigner possessing real + estate, the assignees of the bankrupt may apply to the authorities and + to the Ottoman civil tribunals requiring the sale of the real estate + possessed by the bankrupt, and which by its nature and according to law + is responsible for the debts of the owner. +</p> +<p> + The same course shall be followed when a foreigner shall have obtained + against another foreigner owning real estate a judgment of condemnation + before a foreign tribunal. +</p> +<p> + For the execution of this judgment against the real estate of his debtor + he shall apply to the competent Ottoman authorities in order to obtain + the sale of that real estate which is responsible for the debts of the + owner; and this judgment shall be executed by the Ottoman authorities + and tribunals only after they have decided that the real estate of which + the sale is required really belongs to the category of that property + which may be sold for the payment of debt. +</p> +<p> + ART. IV. Foreigners have the privilege to dispose, by donation or by + testament, of that real estate of which such disposition is permitted + by law. +</p> +<p> + As to that real estate of which they may not have disposed or of which + the law does not permit them to dispose by gift or testament, its + succession shall be governed in accordance with Ottoman law. +</p> +<p> + ART. V. All foreigners shall enjoy the privileges of the present law as + soon as the powers on which they depend shall agree to the arrangements + proposed by the Sublime Porte for the exercise of the right to hold real + estate. +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the + United States of America, have caused the said protocol and law to be + made public for the information and guidance of citizens of the United + States. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 29th day of October, A.D. 1874, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-ninth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + EXECUTIVE ORDER. +</h4> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 23, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has been brought to the notice of the President of the United + States that in the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and + Products of the Soil and Mine to be held in the city of Philadelphia + in the year 1876 for the purpose of celebrating the one hundredth + anniversary of the independence of the United States it is desirable + that from the Executive Departments of the Government of the United + States in which there may be articles suitable for the purpose intended + there should appear such articles and materials as will, when presented + in a collective exhibition, illustrate the functions and administrative + faculties of the Government in time of peace and its resources as a war + power, and thereby serve to demonstrate the nature of our institutions + and their adaptations to the wants of the people: +</p> +<p> + Now, for the purpose of securing a complete and harmonious arrangement + of the articles and materials designed to be exhibited from the + Executive Departments of the Government, it is ordered that a board + to be composed of one person to be named by the head of each of the + Executive Departments which may have articles and materials to be + exhibited, and also of one person to be named in behalf of the + Smithsonian Institution and one to be named in behalf of the Department + of Agriculture, be charged with the preparation, arrangement, and + safe-keeping of such articles and materials as the heads of the several + Departments and the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Director of the + Smithsonian Institution may respectively decide shall be embraced in the + collection; that one of the persons thus named, to be designated by the + President, shall be chairman of such board, and that the board appoint + from their own number such other officers as they may think necessary; + and that the said board when organized be authorized, under the + direction of the President, to confer with the executive officers of the + Centennial Exhibition in relation to such matters connected with the + subject as may pertain to the respective Departments having articles + and materials on exhibition; and that the names of the persons thus + selected by the heads of the several Departments, the Commissioner of + Agriculture, and the Director of the Smithsonian Institution shall be + submitted to the President for designation. +</p> +<p><br> +By order of the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 22. +</center> +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, March 9, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. The following order has been received from the President of the + United States: +</p> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, March 9, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + It is with deep regret that the President announces to the people of + the United States the death of Millard Fillmore, one of his honored + predecessors, who died at Buffalo, N.Y., last evening. +</p> +<p> + The long-continued and useful public service and eminent purity of + character of the deceased ex-President will be remembered beyond the + days of mourning in which a nation will be thrown by the event which + is thus announced. +</p> +<p> + As a mark of respect to his memory, it is ordered that the Executive + Mansion and the several Departments at Washington be draped in mourning + until the close of the day on which the funeral shall take place, and + that all business be suspended on the day of the funeral. +</p> +<p> + It is further ordered that the War and Navy Departments cause suitable + military and naval honors to be paid on the occasion to the memory of + the eminent citizen whose life is now closed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<p> + II. In compliance with the President's instructions, the troops will be + paraded at 10 o'clock a.m. on the day after the receipt of this order at + each military post, when the order will be read to them, and the labors + of that day will thereafter cease. +</p> +<p> + The national flag will be displayed at half-staff. +</p> +<p> + At dawn of day thirteen guns will be fired, and afterwards at intervals + of thirty minutes between the rising and setting sun a single gun, and + at the close of the day a national salute of thirty-seven guns. +</p> +<p> + The officers of the Army will wear crape on the left arm and on their + swords and the colors of the several regiments will be put in mourning + for the period of thirty days. +</p> +<p><br> +By order of the Secretary of War:<br> + E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> + <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + SPECIAL ORDER. +</center> +<p class="r"> + NAVY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, March 9, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States announces the death of ex-President + Millard Fillmore in the following order: +</p> +<center> + [For order see preceding page.] +</center> +<p> + In pursuance of the foregoing order, it is hereby directed that the + ensign at each naval station and of each vessel of the United States + Navy in commission be hoisted at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, and + that a gun be fired at intervals of every half hour from sunrise to + sunset at each naval station and on board of flagships and of vessels + acting singly, on Thursday, the 12th instant, the day of the funeral, + where this order may be received in time, otherwise on the day after + its receipt. +</p> +<p> + The officers of the Navy and Marine Corps will wear the usual badge of + mourning attached to the sword hilt and on the left arm for the period + of thirty days. +</p> +<p class="r"> + GEO. M. ROBESON, +<br> + <i>Secretary of the Navy</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, D.C., May 27, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR:<a href="#note-82"><small>82</small></a> The President directs me to say that the several Departments of + the Government will be closed on the 30th instant, in order to enable + the employees to participate in the decoration of the graves of the + soldiers who fell during the rebellion. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + O.E. BABCOCK,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 29, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + The Civil Service Commission, at its sessions at Washington, having + recommended certain rules<a href="#note-83"><small>83</small></a> to be prescribed by the President for the + government of the Light-House Service of the United States, these rules + as herewith published are approved, and their provisions will be + enforced by the proper officers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + AUGUST 31, 1874. +</p> +<p> + It appearing to me from their trial at Washington and at the city of New + York that the further extension of the civil-service rules will promote + the efficiency of the public service, it is ordered that such rules be, + and they are hereby, extended to the several Federal offices at the city + and in the customs district of Boston, and that the proper measures be + taken for carrying this order into effect. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SIXTH ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 7, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + Since the convening of Congress one year ago the nation has undergone a + prostration in business and industries such as has not been witnessed + with us for many years. Speculation as to the causes for this + prostration might be indulged in without profit, because as many + theories would be advanced as there would be independent writers—those + who expressed their own views without borrowing—upon the subject. + Without indulging in theories as to the cause of this prostration, + therefore, I will call your attention only to the fact, and to some + plain questions as to which it would seem there should be no + disagreement. +</p> +<p> + During this prostration two essential elements of prosperity have been + most abundant—labor and capital. Both have been largely unemployed. + Where security has been undoubted, capital has been attainable at + very moderate rates. Where labor has been wanted, it has been found + in abundance, at cheap rates compared with what—of necessaries and + comforts of life—could be purchased with the wages demanded. Two great + elements of prosperity, therefore, have not been denied us. A third + might be added: Our soil and climate are unequaled, within the limits + of any contiguous territory under one nationality, for its variety of + products to feed and clothe a people and in the amount of surplus to + spare to feed less favored peoples. Therefore, with these facts in view, + it seems to me that wise statesmanship, at this session of Congress, + would dictate legislation ignoring the past; directing in proper + channels these great elements of prosperity to any people. Debt, debt + abroad, is the only element that can, with always a sound currency, + enter into our affairs to cause any continued depression in the + industries and prosperity of our people. +</p> +<p> + A great conflict for national existence made necessary, for + temporary purposes, the raising of large sums of money from whatever + source attainable. It made it necessary, in the wisdom of Congress—and + I do not doubt their wisdom in the premises, regarding the necessity + of the times—to devise a system of national currency which it proved + to be impossible to keep on a par with the recognized currency of + the civilized world. This begot a spirit of speculation involving an + extravagance and luxury not required for the happiness or prosperity + of a people, and involving, both directly and indirectly, foreign + indebtedness. The currency, being of fluctuating value, and therefore + unsafe to hold for legitimate transactions requiring money, became a + subject of speculation within itself. These two causes, however, have + involved us in a foreign indebtedness, contracted in good faith by + borrower and lender, which should be paid in coin, and according to the + bond agreed upon when the debt was contracted—gold or its equivalent. + The good faith of the Government can not be violated toward creditors + without national disgrace. But our commerce should be encouraged; + American shipbuilding and carrying capacity increased; foreign markets + sought for products of the soil and manufactories, to the end that + we may be able to pay these debts. Where a new market can be created + for the sale of our products, either of the soil, the mine, or the + manufactory, a new means is discovered of utilizing our idle capital and + labor to the advantage of the whole people. But, in my judgment, the + first step toward accomplishing this object is to secure a currency of + fixed, stable value; a currency good wherever civilization reigns; one + which, if it becomes superabundant with one people, will find a market + with some other; a currency which has as its basis the labor necessary + to produce it, which will give to it its value. Gold and silver are + now the recognized medium of exchange the civilized world over, and to + this we should return with the least practicable delay. In view of the + pledges of the American Congress when our present legal-tender system + was adopted, and debt contracted, there should be no delay—certainly + no unnecessary delay—in fixing by legislation a method by which we + will return to specie. To the accomplishment of this end I invite your + special attention. I believe firmly that there can be no prosperous + and permanent revival of business and industries until a policy is + adopted—with legislation to carry it out—looking to a return to a + specie basis. It is easy to conceive that the debtor and speculative + classes may think it of value to them to make so-called money abundant + until they can throw a portion of their burdens upon others. But even + these, I believe, would be disappointed in the result if a course should + be pursued which will keep in doubt the value of the legal-tender medium + of exchange. A revival of productive industry is needed by all classes; + by none more than the holders of property, of whatever sort, with debts + to liquidate from realization upon its sale. But admitting that these + two classes of citizens are to be benefited by expansion, would it be + honest to give it? Would not the general loss be too great to justify + such relief? Would it not be just as honest and prudent to authorize + each debtor to issue his own legal-tenders to the extent of his + liabilities? Than to do this, would it not be safer, for fear of + overissues by unscrupulous creditors, to say that all debt obligations + are obliterated in the United States, and now we commence anew, each + possessing all he has at the time free from incumbrance? These + propositions are too absurd to be entertained for a moment by thinking + or honest people. Yet every delay in preparation for final resumption + partakes of this dishonesty, and is only less in degree as the hope is + held out that a convenient season will at last arrive for the good work + of redeeming our pledges to commence. It will never come, in my opinion, + except by positive action by Congress, or by national disasters which + will destroy, for a time at least, the credit of the individual and the + State at large. A sound currency might be reached by total bankruptcy + and discredit of the integrity of the nation and of individuals. + I believe it is in the power of Congress at this session to devise such + legislation as will renew confidence, revive all the industries, start + us on a career of prosperity to last for many years and to save the + credit of the nation and of the people. Steps toward the return to a + specie basis are the great requisites to this devoutly to be sought + for end. There are others which I may touch upon hereafter. +</p> +<p> + A nation dealing in a currency below that of specie in value labors + under two great disadvantages: First, having no use for the world's + acknowledged medium of exchange, gold and silver, these are driven out + of the country because there is no need for their use; second, the + medium of exchange in use being of a fluctuating value—for, after all, + it is only worth just what it will purchase of gold and silver, metals + having an intrinsic value just in proportion to the honest labor it + takes to produce them—a larger margin must be allowed for profit by the + manufacturer and producer. It is months from the date of production to + the date of realization. Interest upon capital must be charged, and + risk of fluctuation in the value of that which is to be received in + payment added. Hence high prices, acting as a protection to the foreign + producer, who receives nothing in exchange for the products of his skill + and labor except a currency good, at a stable value, the world over. + It seems to me that nothing is clearer than that the greater part of + the burden of existing prostration, for the want of a sound financial + system, falls upon the working man, who must after all produce the + wealth, and the salaried man, who superintends and conducts business. + The burden falls upon them in two ways—by the deprivation of employment + and by the decreased purchasing power of their salaries. It is the duty + of Congress to devise the method of correcting the evils which are + acknowledged to exist, and not mine. But I will venture to suggest two + or three things which seem to me as absolutely necessary to a return to + specie payments, the first great requisite in a return to prosperity. + The legal-tender clause to the law authorizing the issue of currency + by the National Government should be repealed, to take effect as to + all contracts entered into after a day fixed in the repealing act—not + to apply, however, to payments of salaries by Government, or for other + expenditures now provided by law to be paid in currency, in the interval + pending between repeal and final resumption. Provision should be made + by which the Secretary of the Treasury can obtain gold as it may become + necessary from time to time from the date when specie redemption + commences. To this might and should be added a revenue sufficiently in + excess of expenses to insure an accumulation of gold in the Treasury + to sustain permanent redemption. +</p> +<p> + I commend this subject to your careful consideration, believing that a + favorable solution is attainable, and if reached by this Congress that + the present and future generations will ever gratefully remember it as + their deliverer from a thraldom of evil and disgrace. +</p> +<p> + With resumption, free banking may be authorized with safety, giving the + same full protection to bill holders which they have under existing + laws. Indeed, I would regard free banking as essential. It would give + proper elasticity to the currency. As more currency should be required + for the transaction of legitimate business, new banks would be started, + and in turn banks would wind up their business when it was found that + there was a superabundance of currency. The experience and judgment of + the people can best decide just how much currency is required for the + transaction of the business of the country. It is unsafe to leave the + settlement of this question to Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury, + or the Executive. Congress should make the regulation under which banks + may exist, but should not make banking a monopoly by limiting the amount + of redeemable paper currency that shall be authorized. Such importance + do I attach to this subject, and so earnestly do I commend it to your + attention, that I give it prominence by introducing it at the beginning + of this message. +</p> +<p> + During the past year nothing has occurred to disturb the general + friendly and cordial relations of the United States with other powers. +</p> +<p> + The correspondence submitted herewith between this Government and its + diplomatic representatives, as also with the representatives of other + countries, shows a satisfactory condition of all questions between the + United States and the most of those countries, and with few exceptions, + to which reference is hereafter made, the absence of any points of + difference to be adjusted. +</p> +<p> + The notice directed by the resolution of Congress of June 17, 1874, + to be given to terminate the convention of July 17, 1858, between + the United States and Belgium has been given, and the treaty will + accordingly terminate on the 1st day of July, 1875. This convention + secured to certain Belgian vessels entering the ports of the United + States exceptional privileges which are not accorded to our own vessels. + Other features of the convention have proved satisfactory, and have + tended to the cultivation of mutually beneficial commercial intercourse + and friendly relations between the two countries. I hope that + negotiations which have been invited will result in the celebration + of another treaty which may tend to the interests of both countries. +</p> +<p> + Our relations with China continue to be friendly. During the past year + the fear of hostilities between China and Japan, growing out of the + landing of an armed force upon the island of Formosa by the latter, + has occasioned uneasiness. It is earnestly hoped, however, that the + difficulties arising from this cause will be adjusted, and that the + advance of civilization in these Empires may not be retarded by a state + of war. In consequence of the part taken by certain citizens of the + United States in this expedition, our representatives in those countries + have been instructed to impress upon the Governments of China and Japan + the firm intention of this country to maintain strict neutrality in the + event of hostilities, and to carefully prevent any infraction of law on + the part of our citizens. +</p> +<p> + In connection with this subject I call the attention of Congress to + a generally conceded fact—that the great proportion of the Chinese + immigrants who come to our shores do not come voluntarily, to make their + homes with us and their labor productive of general prosperity, but come + under contracts with headmen, who own them almost absolutely. In a worse + form does this apply to Chinese women. Hardly a perceptible percentage + of them perform any honorable labor, but they are brought for shameful + purposes, to the disgrace of the communities where settled and to the + great demoralization of the youth of those localities. If this evil + practice can be legislated against, it will be my pleasure as well + as duty to enforce any regulation to secure so desirable an end. +</p> +<p> + It is hoped that negotiations between the Government of Japan and the + treaty powers, looking to the further opening of the Empire and to the + removal of various restrictions upon trade and travel, may soon produce + the results desired, which can not fail to inure to the benefit of all + the parties. Having on previous occasions submitted to the consideration + of Congress the propriety of the release of the Japanese Government from + the further payment of the indemnity under the convention of October 22, + 1864, and as no action had been taken thereon, it became my duty to + regard the obligations of the convention as in force; and as the other + powers interested had received their portion of the indemnity in full, + the minister of the United States in Japan has, in behalf of this + Government, received the remainder of the amount due to the United + States under the convention of Simonosaki. I submit the propriety of + applying the income of a part, if not of the whole, of this fund to the + education in the Japanese language of a number of young men to be under + obligations to serve the Government for a specified time as interpreters + at the legation and the consulates in Japan. A limited number of + Japanese youths might at the same time be educated in our own + vernacular, and mutual benefits would result to both Governments. + The importance of having our own citizens, competent and familiar with + the language of Japan, to act as interpreters and in other capacities + connected with the legation and the consulates in that country can not + readily be overestimated. +</p> +<p> + The amount awarded to the Government of Great Britain by the mixed + commission organized under the provisions of the treaty of Washington in + settlement of the claims of British subjects arising from acts committed + between April 13, 1861, and April 9, 1865, became payable, under the + terms of the treaty, within the past year, and was paid upon the 21st + day of September, 1874. In this connection I renew my recommendation, + made at the opening of the last session of Congress, that a special + court be created to hear and determine all claims of aliens against + the United States arising from acts committed against their persons or + property during the insurrection. It appears equitable that opportunity + should be offered to citizens of other states to present their claims, + as well as to those British subjects whose claims were not admissible + under the late commission, to the early decision of some competent + tribunal. To this end I recommend the necessary legislation to organize + a court to dispose of all claims of aliens of the nature referred to in + an equitable and satisfactory manner, and to relieve Congress and the + Departments from the consideration of these questions. +</p> +<p> + The legislation necessary to extend to the colony of Newfoundland + certain articles of the treaty of Washington of the 8th day of May, + 1871, having been had, a protocol to that effect was signed in behalf of + the United States and of Great Britain on the 28th day of May last, and + was duly proclaimed on the following day. A copy of the proclamation<a href="#note-84"><small>84</small></a> + is submitted herewith. +</p> +<p> + A copy of the report of the commissioner appointed under the act of + March 19, 1872, for surveying and marking the boundary between the + United States and the British possessions from the Lake of the Woods to + the summit of the Rocky Mountains is herewith transmitted. I am happy + to announce that the field work of the commission has been completed, + and the entire line from the northwest corner of the Lake of the Woods + to the summit of the Rocky Mountains has been run and marked upon + the surface of the earth. It is believed that the amount remaining + unexpended of the appropriation made at the last session of Congress + will be sufficient to complete the office work. I recommend that the + authority of Congress be given to the use of the unexpended balance of + the appropriation in the completion of the work of the commission in + making its report and preparing the necessary maps. +</p> +<p> + The court known as the Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims, created + by an act of Congress of the last session, has organized and commenced + its work, and it is to be hoped that the claims admissible under the + provisions of the act may be speedily ascertained and paid. +</p> +<p> + It has been deemed advisable to exercise the discretion conferred upon + the Executive at the last session by accepting the conditions required + by the Government of Turkey for the privilege of allowing citizens of + the United States to hold real estate in the former country, and by + assenting to a certain change in the jurisdiction of courts in the + latter. A copy of the proclamation<a href="#note-85"><small>85</small></a> upon these subjects is herewith + communicated. +</p> +<p> + There has been no material change in our relations with the independent + States of this hemisphere which were formerly under the dominion of + Spain. Marauding on the frontiers between Mexico and Texas still + frequently takes place, despite the vigilance of the civil and military + authorities in that quarter. The difficulty of checking such trespasses + along the course of a river of such length as the Rio Grande, and so + often fordable, is obvious. It is hoped that the efforts of this + Government will be seconded by those of Mexico to the effectual + suppression of these acts of wrong. +</p> +<p> + From a report upon the condition of the business before the American and + Mexican Joint Claims Commission, made by the agent on the part of the + United States, and dated October 28, 1874, it appears that of the 1,017 + claims filed on the part of citizens of the United States, 483 had been + finally decided and 75 were in the hands of the umpire, leaving 462 to + be disposed of; and of the 998 claims filed against the United States, + 726 had been finally decided, 1 was before the umpire, and 271 remained + to be disposed of. Since the date of such report other claims have been + disposed of, reducing somewhat the number still pending; and others have + been passed upon by the arbitrators. It has become apparent, in view of + these figures and of the fact that the work devolving on the umpire is + particularly laborious, that the commission will be unable to dispose of + the entire number of claims pending prior to the 1st day of February, + 1875—the date fixed for its expiration. Negotiations are pending + looking to the securing of the results of the decisions which have been + reached and to a further extension of the commission for a limited time, + which it is confidently hoped will suffice to bring all the business now + before it to a final close. +</p> +<p> + The strife in the Argentine Republic is to be deplored, both on account + of the parties thereto and from the probable effects on the interests of + those engaged in the trade to that quarter, of whom the United States + are among the principal. As yet, so far as I am aware, there has been no + violation of our neutrality rights, which, as well as our duties in that + respect, it shall be my endeavor to maintain and observe. +</p> +<p> + It is with regret I announce that no further payment has been received + from the Government of Venezuela on account of awards in favor of + citizens of the United States. Hopes have been entertained that if that + Republic could escape both foreign and civil war for a few years its + great natural resources would enable it to honor its obligations. Though + it is now understood to be at peace with other countries, a serious + insurrection is reported to be in progress in an important region of + that Republic. This may be taken advantage of as another reason to delay + the payment of the dues of our citizens. +</p> +<p> + The deplorable strife in Cuba continues without any marked change + in the relative advantages of the contending forces. The insurrection + continues, but Spain has gained no superiority. Six years of strife give + to the insurrection a significance which can not be denied. Its duration + and the tenacity of its adherence, together with the absence of + manifested power of suppression on the part of Spain, can not be + controverted, and may make some positive steps on the part of other + powers a matter of self-necessity. I had confidently hoped at this + time to be able to announce the arrangement of some of the important + questions between this Government and that of Spain, but the + negotiations have been protracted. The unhappy intestine dissensions of + Spain command our profound sympathy, and must be accepted as perhaps + a cause of some delay. An early settlement, in part at least, of the + questions between the Governments is hoped. In the meantime, awaiting + the results of immediately pending negotiations, I defer a further and + fuller communication on the subject of the relations of this country + and Spain. +</p> +<p> + I have again to call the attention of Congress to the unsatisfactory + condition of the existing laws with reference to expatriation and the + election of nationality. Formerly, amid conflicting opinions and + decisions, it was difficult to exactly determine how far the doctrine of + perpetual allegiance was applicable to citizens of the United States. + Congress by the act of the 27th of July, 1868, asserted the abstract + right of expatriation as a fundamental principle of this Government. + Notwithstanding such assertion and the necessity of frequent application + of the principle, no legislation has been had defining what acts or + formalities shall work expatriation or when a citizen shall be deemed + to have renounced or to have lost his citizenship. The importance of + such definition is obvious. The representatives of the United States in + foreign countries are continually called upon to lend their aid and the + protection of the United States to persons concerning the good faith or + the reality of whose citizenship there is at least great question. + In some cases the provisions of the treaties furnish some guide; in + others it seems left to the person claiming the benefits of citizenship, + while living in a foreign country, contributing in no manner to the + performance of the duties of a citizen of the United States, and without + intention at any time to return and undertake those duties, to use the + claims to citizenship of the United States simply as a shield from the + performance of the obligations of a citizen elsewhere. +</p> +<p> + The status of children born of American parents residing in a foreign + country, of American women who have married aliens, of American citizens + residing abroad where such question is not regulated by treaty, are all + sources of frequent difficulty and discussion. Legislation on these + and similar questions, and particularly defining when and under what + circumstances expatriation can be accomplished or is to be presumed, is + especially needed. In this connection I earnestly call the attention of + Congress to the difficulties arising from fraudulent naturalization. + The United States wisely, freely, and liberally offers its citizenship + to all who may come in good faith to reside within its limits on their + complying with certain prescribed reasonable and simple formalities and + conditions. Among the highest duties of the Government is that to afford + firm, sufficient, and equal protection to all its citizens, whether + native born or naturalized. Care should be taken that a right carrying + with it such support from the Government should not be fraudulently + obtained, and should be bestowed only upon full proof of a compliance + with the law; and yet frequent instances are brought to the attention + of the Government of illegal and fraudulent naturalization and of the + unauthorized use of certificates thus improperly obtained. In some cases + the fraudulent character of the naturalization has appeared upon the + face of the certificate itself; in others examination discloses that the + holder had not complied with the law, and in others certificates have + been obtained where the persons holding them not only were not entitled + to be naturalized, but had not even been within the United States at the + time of the pretended naturalization. Instances of each of these classes + of fraud are discovered at our legations, where the certificates of + naturalization are presented either for the purpose of obtaining + passports or in demanding the protection of the legation. When the fraud + is apparent on the face of such certificates, they are taken up by the + representatives of the Government and forwarded to the Department of + State. But even then the record of the court in which the fraudulent + naturalization occurred remains, and duplicate certificates are readily + obtainable. Upon the presentation of these for the issue of passports or + in demanding protection of the Government, the fraud sometimes escapes + notice, and such certificates are not infrequently used in transactions + of business to the deception and injury of innocent parties. Without + placing any additional obstacles in the way of the obtainment of + citizenship by the worthy and well-intentioned foreigner who comes in + good faith to cast his lot with ours, I earnestly recommend further + legislation to punish fraudulent naturalization and to secure the ready + cancellation of the record of every naturalization made in fraud. +</p> +<p> + Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the + ratification of treaties of extradition with Belgium, Ecuador, Peru, and + Salvador; also of a treaty of commerce and navigation with Peru, and one + of commerce and consular privileges with Salvador; all of which have + been duly proclaimed, as has also a declaration with Russia with + reference to trade-marks. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Treasury, which by law is made + directly to Congress, and forms no part of this message, will show the + receipts and expenditures of the Government for the last fiscal year, + the amount received from each source of revenue, and the amount paid + out for each of the Departments of Government, It will be observed from + this report that the amount of receipts over expenditures has been but + $2,344,882.30 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, and that for the + current fiscal year the estimated receipts over expenditures will not + much exceed $9,000,000. In view of the large national debt existing and + the obligation to add 1 per cent per annum to the sinking fund, a sum + amounting now to over $34,000,000 per annum, I submit whether revenues + should not be increased or expenditures diminished to reach this amount + of surplus. Not to provide for the sinking fund is a partial failure + to comply with the contracts and obligations of the Government. At the + last session of Congress a very considerable reduction was made in rates + of taxation and in the number of articles submitted to taxation; the + question may well be asked, whether or not, in some instances, unwisely. + In connection with this subject, too, I venture the opinion that the + means of collecting the revenue, especially from imports, have been so + embarrassed by legislation as to make it questionable whether or not + large amounts are not lost by failure to collect, to the direct loss of + the Treasury and to the prejudice of the interests of honest importers + and taxpayers. +</p> +<p> + The Secretary of the Treasury in his report favors legislation looking + to an early return to specie payments, thus supporting views previously + expressed in this message. He also recommends economy in appropriations; + calls attention to the loss of revenue from repealing the tax on tea and + coffee, without benefit to the consumer; recommends an increase of 10 + cents a gallon on whisky, and, further, that no modification be made in + the banking and currency bill passed at the last session of Congress, + unless modification should become necessary by reason of the adoption + of measures for returning to specie payments. In these recommendations + I cordially join. +</p> +<p> + I would suggest to Congress the propriety of readjusting the tariff so + as to increase the revenue, and at the same time decrease the number of + articles upon which duties are levied. Those articles which enter into + our manufactures and are not produced at home, it seems to me, should + be entered free. Those articles of manufacture which we produce a + constituent part of, but do not produce the whole, that part which we + do not produce should enter free also. I will instance fine wool, dyes, + etc. These articles must be imported to form a part of the manufacture + of the higher grades of woolen goods. Chemicals used as dyes, compounded + in medicines, and used in various ways in manufactures come under this + class. The introduction free of duty of such wools as we do not produce + would stimulate the manufacture of goods requiring the use of those we + do produce, and therefore would be a benefit to home production. There + are many articles entering into "home manufactures" which we do not + produce ourselves the tariff upon which increases the cost of producing + the manufactured article. All corrections in this regard are in the + direction of bringing labor and capital in harmony with each other + and of supplying one of the elements of prosperity so much needed. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War herewith attached, and forming a part + of this message, gives all the information concerning the operations, + wants, and necessities of the Army, and contains many suggestions and + recommendations which I commend to your special attention. +</p> +<p> + There is no class of Government employees who are harder worked than the + Army—officers and men; none who perform their tasks more cheerfully and + efficiently and under circumstances of greater privations and hardships. +</p> +<p> + Legislation is desirable to render more efficient this branch of the + public service. All the recommendations of the Secretary of War I regard + as judicious, and I especially commend to your attention the following: + The consolidation of Government arsenals; the restoration of mileage to + officers traveling under orders; the exemption of money received from + the sale of subsistence stores from being covered into the Treasury; the + use of appropriations for the purchase of subsistence stores without + waiting for the beginning of the fiscal year for which the appropriation + is made; for additional appropriations for the collection of torpedo + material; for increased appropriations for the manufacture of arms; for + relieving the various States from indebtedness for arms charged to them + during the rebellion; for dropping officers from the rolls of the Army + without trial for the offense of drawing pay more than once for the same + period; for the discouragement of the plan to pay soldiers by check, + and for the establishment of a professorship of rhetoric and English + literature at West Point. The reasons for these recommendations are + obvious, and are set forth sufficiently in the reports attached. I also + recommend that the status of the staff corps of the Army be fixed, + where this has not already been done, so that promotions may be made + and vacancies filled as they occur in each grade when reduced below + the number to be fixed by law. The necessity for such legislation is + specially felt now in the Pay Department. The number of officers in that + department is below the number adequate to the performance of the duties + required of them by law. +</p> +<p> + The efficiency of the Navy has been largely increased during the last + year. Under the impulse of the foreign complications which threatened + us at the commencement of the last session of Congress, most of our + efficient wooden ships were put in condition for immediate service, and + the repairs of our ironclad fleet were pushed with the utmost vigor. + The result is that most of these are now in an effective state and need + only to be manned and put in commission to go at once into service. +</p> +<p> + Some of the new sloops authorized by Congress are already in commission, + and most of the remainder are launched and wait only the completion of + their machinery to enable them to take their places as part of our + effective force. +</p> +<p> + Two iron torpedo ships have been completed during the last year, and + four of our large double-turreted ironclads are now undergoing repairs. + When these are finished, everything that is useful of our Navy, as now + authorized, will be in condition for service, and with the advance in + the science of torpedo warfare the American Navy, comparatively small as + it is, will be found at any time powerful for the purposes of a peaceful + nation. +</p> +<p> + Much has been accomplished during the year in aid of science and to + increase the sum of general knowledge and further the interests of + commerce and civilization. Extensive and much-needed soundings have been + made for hydrographic purposes and to fix the proper routes of ocean + telegraphs. Further surveys of the great Isthmus have been undertaken + and completed, and two vessels of the Navy are now employed, in + conjunction with those of England, France, Germany, and Russia, in + observations connected with the transit of Venus, so useful and + interesting to the scientific world. +</p> +<p> + The estimates for this branch of the public service do not differ + materially from those of last year, those for the general support of + the service being somewhat less and those for permanent improvements + at the various stations rather larger than the corresponding estimate + made a year ago. The regular maintenance and a steady increase in the + efficiency of this most important arm in proportion to the growth of + our maritime intercourse and interests is recommended to the attention + of Congress. +</p> +<p> + The use of the Navy in time of peace might be further utilized by a + direct authorization of the employment of naval vessels in explorations + and surveys of the supposed navigable waters of other nationalities + on this continent, especially the tributaries of the two great rivers + of South America, the Orinoco and the Amazon. Nothing prevents, + under existing laws, such exploration, except that expenditures + must be made in such expeditions beyond those usually provided for + in the appropriations. The field designated is unquestionably one + of interest and one capable of large development of commercial + interests—advantageous to the peoples reached and to those who + may establish relations with them. +</p> +<p> + Education of the people entitled to exercise the right of franchise + I regard essential to general prosperity everywhere, and especially so + in republics, where birth, education, or previous condition does not + enter into account in giving suffrage. Next to the public school, the + post-office is the great agent of education over our vast territory. The + rapidity with which new sections are being settled, thus increasing the + carrying of mails in a more rapid ratio than the increase of receipts, + is not alarming. The report of the Postmaster-General herewith attached + shows that there was an increase of revenue in his Department in 1873 + over the previous year of $1,674,411, and an increase of cost of + carrying the mails and paying employees of $3,041,468.91. The report of + the Postmaster-General gives interesting statistics of his Department, + and compares them with the corresponding statistics of a year ago, + showing a growth in every branch of the Department. +</p> +<p> + A postal convention has been concluded with New South Wales, an exchange + of postal cards established with Switzerland, and the negotiations + pending for several years past with France have been terminated in a + convention with that country, which went into effect last August. +</p> +<p> + An international postal congress was convened in Berne, Switzerland, in + September last, at which the United States was represented by an officer + of the Post-Office Department of much experience and of qualification + for the position. A convention for the establishment of an international + postal union was agreed upon and signed by the delegates of the + countries represented, subject to the approval of the proper authorities + of those countries. +</p> +<p> + I respectfully direct your attention to the report of the + Postmaster-General and to his suggestions in regard to an equitable + adjustment of the question of compensation to railroads for carrying the + mails. +</p> +<p> + Your attention will be drawn to the unsettled condition of affairs in + some of the Southern States. +</p> +<p> + On the 14th of September last the governor of Louisiana called upon me, + as provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States, to aid in + suppressing domestic violence in that State. This call was made in view + of a proclamation issued on that day by D.B. Penn, claiming that he + was elected lieutenant-governor in 1872, and calling upon the militia + of the State to arm, assemble, and drive from power the usurpers, as + he designated the officers of the State government. On the next day I + issued my proclamation<a href="#note-86"><small>86</small></a> commanding the insurgents to disperse within + five days from the date thereof, and subsequently learned that on that + day they had taken forcible possession of the statehouse. Steps were + taken by me to support the existing and recognized State government, but + before the expiration of the five days the insurrectionary movement was + practically abandoned, and the officers of the State government, with + some minor exceptions, resumed their powers and duties. Considering + that the present State administration of Louisiana has been the only + government in that State for nearly two years; that it has been tacitly + acknowledged and acquiesced in as such by Congress, and more than once + expressly recognized by me, I regarded it as my clear duty, when legally + called upon for that purpose, to prevent its overthrow by an armed mob + under pretense of fraud and irregularity in the election of 1872. I have + heretofore called the attention of Congress to this subject, stating + that on account of the frauds and forgeries committed at said election, + and because it appears that the returns thereof were never legally + canvassed, it was impossible to tell thereby who were chosen; but from + the best sources of information at my command I have always believed + that the present State officers received a majority of the legal votes + actually cast at that election. I repeat what I said in my special + message of February 23, 1873, that in the event of no action by Congress + I must continue to recognize the government heretofore recognized by me. +</p> +<p> + I regret to say that with preparations for the late election decided + indications appeared in some localities in the Southern States of a + determination, by acts of violence and intimidation, to deprive citizens + of the freedom of the ballot because of their political opinions. Bands + of men, masked and armed, made their appearance; White Leagues and other + societies were formed; large quantities of arms and ammunition were + imported and distributed to these organizations; military drills, with + menacing demonstrations, were held, and with all these murders enough + were committed to spread terror among those whose political action + was to be suppressed, if possible, by these intolerant and criminal + proceedings. In some places colored laborers were compelled to vote + according to the wishes of their employers, under threats of discharge + if they acted otherwise; and there are too many instances in which, when + these threats were disregarded, they were remorselessly executed by + those who made them. I understand that the fifteenth amendment to the + Constitution was made to prevent this and a like state of things, and + the act of May 31, 1870, with amendments, was passed to enforce its + provisions, the object of both being to guarantee to all citizens the + right to vote and to protect them in the free enjoyment of that right. + Enjoined by the Constitution "to take care that the laws be faithfully + executed," and convinced by undoubted evidence that violations of said + act had been committed and that a widespread and flagrant disregard of + it was contemplated, the proper officers were instructed to prosecute + the offenders, and troops were stationed at convenient points to aid + these officers, if necessary, in the performance of their official + duties. Complaints are made of this interference by Federal authority; + but if said amendment and act do not provide for such interference under + the circumstances as above stated, then they are without meaning, force, + or effect, and the whole scheme of colored enfranchisement is worse than + mockery and little better than a crime. Possibly Congress may find it + due to truth and justice to ascertain, by means of a committee, whether + the alleged wrongs to colored citizens for political purposes are real + or the reports thereof were manufactured for the occasion. +</p> +<p> + The whole number of troops in the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, + Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, + Mississippi, Maryland, and Virginia at the time of the election was + 4,082. This embraces the garrisons of all the forts from the Delaware + to the Gulf of Mexico. +</p> +<p> + Another trouble has arisen in Arkansas. Article 13 of the constitution + of that State (which was adopted in 1868, and upon the approval of + which by Congress the State was restored to representation as one of + the States of the Union) provides in effect that before any amendments + proposed to this constitution shall become a part thereof they shall be + passed by two successive assemblies and then submitted to and ratified + by a majority of the electors of the State voting thereon. On the 11th + of May, 1874, the governor convened an extra session of the general + assembly of the State, which on the 18th of the same month passed an act + providing for a convention to frame a new constitution. Pursuant to this + act, and at an election held on the 30th of June, 1874, the convention + was approved, and delegates were chosen thereto, who assembled on the + 14th of last July and framed a new constitution, the schedule of which + provided for the election of an entire new set of State officers in a + manner contrary to the then existing election laws of the State. On + the 13th of October, 1874, this constitution, as therein provided, was + submitted to the people for their approval or rejection, and according + to the election returns was approved by a large majority of those + qualified to vote thereon; and at the same election persons were chosen + to fill all the State, county, and township offices. The governor + elected in 1872 for the term of four years turned over his office + to the governor chosen under the new constitution, whereupon the + lieutenant-governor, also elected in 1872 for a term of four years, + claiming to act as governor, and alleging that said proceedings by which + the new constitution was made and a new set of officers elected were + unconstitutional, illegal, and void, called upon me, as provided in + section 4, Article IV, of the Constitution, to protect the State against + domestic violence. As Congress is now investigating the political + affairs of Arkansas, I have declined to interfere. +</p> +<p> + The whole subject of Executive interference with the affairs of + a State is repugnant to public opinion, to the feelings of those who, + from their official capacity, must be used in such interposition, and to + him or those who must direct. Unless most clearly on the side of law, + such interference becomes a crime; with the law to support it, it is + condemned without a hearing. I desire, therefore, that all necessity + for Executive direction in local affairs may become unnecessary and + obsolete. I invite the attention, not of Congress, but of the people of + the United States, to the causes and effects of these unhappy questions. + Is there not a disposition on one side to magnify wrongs and outrages, + and on the other side to belittle them or justify them? If public + opinion could be directed to a correct survey of what is and to rebuking + wrong and aiding the proper authorities in punishing it, a better state + of feeling would be inculcated, and the sooner we would have that peace + which would leave the States free indeed to regulate their own domestic + affairs. I believe on the part of our citizens of the Southern + States—the better part of them—there is a disposition to be law + abiding, and to do no violence either to individuals or to the laws + existing. But do they do right in ignoring the existence of violence + and bloodshed in resistance to constituted authority? I sympathize + with their prostrate condition, and would do all in my power to + relieve them, acknowledging that in some instances they have had most + trying governments to live under, and very oppressive ones in the + way of taxation for nominal improvements, not giving benefits equal + to the hardships imposed. But can they proclaim themselves entirely + irresponsible for this condition? They can not. Violence has been + rampant in some localities, and has either been justified or denied by + those who could have prevented it. The theory is even raised that there + is to be no further interference on the part of the General Government + to protect citizens within a State where the State authorities fail to + give protection. This is a great mistake. While I remain Executive all + the laws of Congress and the provisions of the Constitution, including + the recent amendments added thereto, will be enforced with rigor, but + with regret that they should have added one jot or tittle to Executive + duties or powers. Let there be fairness in the discussion of Southern + questions, the advocates of both or all political parties giving honest, + truthful reports of occurrences, condemning the wrong and upholding the + right, and soon all will be well. Under existing conditions the negro + votes the Republican ticket because he knows his friends are of that + party. Many a good citizen votes the opposite, not because he agrees + with the great principles of state which separate parties, but because, + generally, he is opposed to negro rule. This is a most delusive cry. + Treat the negro as a citizen and a voter, as he is and must remain, and + soon parties will be divided, not on the color line, but on principle. + Then we shall have no complaint of sectional interference. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Attorney-General contains valuable recommendations + relating to the administration of justice in the courts of the United + States, to which I invite your attention. +</p> +<p> + I respectfully suggest to Congress the propriety of increasing the + number of judicial districts in the United States to eleven (the present + number being nine) and the creation of two additional judgeships. The + territory to be traversed by the circuit judges is so great and the + business of the courts so steadily increasing that it is growing more + and more impossible for them to keep up with the business requiring + their attention. Whether this would involve the necessity of adding two + more justices of the Supreme Court to the present number I submit to the + judgment of Congress. +</p> +<p> + The attention of Congress is invited to the report of the Secretary + of the Interior and to the legislation asked for by him. The domestic + interests of the people are more intimately connected with this + Department than with either of the other Departments of Government. + Its duties have been added to from time to time until they have become + so onerous that without the most perfect system and order it will be + impossible for any Secretary of the Interior to keep trace of all + official transactions having his sanction and done in his name, and + for which he is held personally responsible. +</p> +<p> + The policy adopted for the management of Indian affairs, known as the + peace policy, has been adhered to with most beneficial results. It is + confidently hoped that a few years more will relieve our frontiers from + danger of Indian depredations. +</p> +<p> + I commend the recommendation of the Secretary for the extension + of the homestead laws to the Indians and for some sort of Territorial + government for the Indian Territory. A great majority of the Indians + occupying this Territory are believed yet to be incapable of maintaining + their rights against the more civilized and enlightened white man. Any + Territorial form of government given them, therefore, should protect + them in their homes and property for a period of at least twenty years, + and before its final adoption should be ratified by a majority of those + affected. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Interior herewith attached gives much + interesting statistical information, which I abstain from giving an + abstract of, but refer you to the report itself. +</p> +<p> + The act of Congress providing the oath which pensioners must + subscribe to before drawing their pensions cuts off from this bounty + a few survivors of the War of 1812 residing in the Southern States. + I recommend the restoration of this bounty to all such. The number of + persons whose names would thus be restored to the list of pensioners is + not large. They are all old persons, who could have taken no part in the + rebellion, and the services for which they were awarded pensions were in + defense of the whole country. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture herewith contains + suggestions of much interest to the general public, and refers to the + approaching Centennial and the part his Department is ready to take + in it. I feel that the nation at large is interested in having this + exposition a success, and commend to Congress such action as will secure + a greater general interest in it. Already many foreign nations have + signified their intention to be represented at it, and it may be + expected that every civilized nation will be represented. +</p> +<p> + The rules adopted to improve the civil service of the Government have + been adhered to as closely as has been practicable with the opposition + with which they meet. The effect, I believe, has been beneficial on + the whole, and has tended to the elevation of the service. But it is + impracticable to maintain them without direct and positive support of + Congress. Generally the support which this reform receives is from + those who give it their support only to find fault when the rules are + apparently departed from. Removals from office without preferring + charges against parties removed are frequently cited as departures from + the rules adopted, and the retention of those against whom charges are + made by irresponsible persons and without good grounds is also often + condemned as a violation of them. Under these circumstances, therefore, + I announce that if Congress adjourns without positive legislation on + the subject of "civil-service reform" I will regard such action as a + disapproval of the system, and will abandon it, except so far as to + require examinations for certain appointees, to determine their + fitness. Competitive examinations will be abandoned. +</p> +<p> + The gentlemen who have given their services, without compensation, as + members of the board to devise rules and regulations for the government + of the civil service of the country have shown much zeal and earnestness + in their work, and to them, as well as to myself, it will be a source + of mortification if it is to be thrown away. But I repeat that it is + impossible to carry this system to a successful issue without general + approval and assistance and positive law to support it. +</p> +<p> + I have stated that three elements of prosperity to the nation—capital, + labor, skilled and unskilled, and products of the soil—still remain + with us. To direct the employment of these is a problem deserving the + most serious attention of Congress. If employment can be given to all + the labor offering itself, prosperity necessarily follows. I have + expressed the opinion, and repeat it, that the first requisite to the + accomplishment of this end is the substitution of a sound currency + in place of one of a fluctuating value. This secured, there are many + interests that might be fostered to the great profit of both labor and + capital. How to induce capital to employ labor is the question. The + subject of cheap transportation has occupied the attention of Congress. + Much new light on this question will without doubt be given by the + committee appointed by the last Congress to investigate and report upon + this subject. +</p> +<p> + A revival of shipbuilding, and particularly of iron steamship building, + is of vast importance to our national prosperity. The United States + is now paying over $100,000,000 per annum for freights and passage on + foreign ships—to be carried abroad and expended in the employment + and support of other peoples—beyond a fair percentage of what should + go to foreign vessels, estimating on the tonnage and travel of each + respectively. It is to be regretted that this disparity in the carrying + trade exists, and to correct it I would be willing to see a great + departure from the usual course of Government in supporting what might + usually be termed private enterprise. I would not suggest as a remedy + direct subsidy to American steamship lines, but I would suggest the + direct offer of ample compensation for carrying the mails between + Atlantic Seaboard cities and the Continent on American-owned and + American-built steamers, and would extend this liberality to vessels + carrying the mails to South American States and to Central America and + Mexico, and would pursue the same policy from our Pacific seaports to + foreign seaports on the Pacific. It might be demanded that vessels built + for this service should come up to a standard fixed by legislation in + tonnage, speed, and all other qualities, looking to the possibility of + Government requiring them at some time for war purposes. The right also + of taking possession of them in such emergency should be guarded. +</p> +<p> + I offer these suggestions, believing them worthy of consideration, in + all seriousness, affecting all sections and all interests alike. If + anything better can be done to direct the country into a course of + general prosperity, no one will be more ready than I to second the plan. +</p> +<p> + Forwarded herewith will be found the report of the commissioners + appointed under an act of Congress approved June 20, 1874, to wind up + the affairs of the District government. It will be seen from the report + that the net debt of the District of Columbia, less securities on hand + and available, is: +</p> + +<table summary="" width="100%"> <tr><td colspan="2"> Bonded debt issued +prior to July 1, 1874 </td><td align="right" +width="20%">$8,883,940.43</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> 3.65 bonds, act +of Congress June 20, 1874 </td><td align="right">2,088,168.73</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"> Certificates of the board of audit </td><td +align="right">4,770,558.45</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td><td +align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> </td><td +align="right">15,742,667.61</td></tr> <tr><td> Less special-improvement +assessments (chargeable to private property) in excess of any demand +against such assessments </td><td align="right" +width="20%">$1,614,054.37</td></tr> <tr><td> Less Chesapeake and Ohio +Canal bonds </td><td align="right">75,000.00</td></tr> <tr><td> And +Washington and Alexandria Railroad bonds </td><td +align="right">59,000.00</td></tr> <tr><td> </td><td align="right"><hr +class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td> In the hands of the commissioners of +the sinking fund </td><td align="right">1,748,054.37</td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"> </td><td align="right"><hr class="full"></td></tr> <tr><td +colspan="2"> Leaving actual debt, less said assets </td><td +align="right">13,994,613.24</td></tr> </table> + +<p> + In addition to this there are claims preferred against the government of + the District amounting, in the estimated aggregate reported by the board + of audit, to $3,147,787.48, of which the greater part will probably be + rejected. This sum can with no more propriety be included in the debt + account of the District government than can the thousands of claims + against the General Government be included as a portion of the national + debt. But the aggregate sum thus stated includes something more than the + funded debt chargeable exclusively to the District of Columbia. The act + of Congress of June 20, 1874, contemplates an apportionment between the + United States Government and the District of Columbia in respect of the + payment of the principal and interest of the 3.65 bonds. Therefore in + computing with precision the bonded debt of the District the aggregate + sums above stated as respects 3.65 bonds now issued, the outstanding + certificates of the board of audit, and the unadjusted claims pending + before that board should be reduced to the extent of the amount to be + apportioned to the United States Government in the manner indicated in + the act of Congress of June 20, 1874. +</p> +<p> + I especially invite your attention to the recommendations of the + commissioners of the sinking fund relative to the ambiguity of the act + of June 20, 1874, the interest on the District bonds, and the + consolidation of the indebtedness of the District. +</p> +<p> + I feel much indebted to the gentlemen who consented to leave their + private affairs and come from a distance to attend to the business of + this District, and for the able and satisfactory manner in which it has + been conducted. I am sure their services will be equally appreciated by + the entire country. +</p> +<p> + It will be seen from the accompanying full report of the board of health + that the sanitary condition of the District is very satisfactory. +</p> +<p> + In my opinion the District of Columbia should be regarded as the grounds + of the national capital, in which the entire people are interested. I do + not allude to this to urge generous appropriations to the District, but + to draw the attention of Congress, in framing a law for the government + of the District, to the magnificent scale on which the city was planned + by the founders of the Government; the manner in which, for ornamental + purposes, the reservations, streets, and avenues were laid out, and the + proportion of the property actually possessed by the General Government. + I think the proportion of the expenses of the government and + improvements to be borne by the General Government, the cities of + Washington and Georgetown, and the county should be carefully and + equitably defined. +</p> +<p> + In accordance with section 3, act approved June 23, 1874, I appointed a + board to make a survey of the mouth of the Mississippi River with a view + to determine the best method of obtaining and maintaining a depth of + water sufficient for the purposes of commerce, etc.; and in accordance + with an act entitled "An act to provide for the appointment of a + commission of engineers to investigate and report a permanent plan for + the reclamation of the alluvial basin of the Mississippi River subject + to inundation," I appointed a commission of engineers. Neither board has + yet completed its labors. When their reports are received, they will be + forwarded to Congress without delay. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 3d of February, 1873, + I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, together with + the papers<a href="#note-87"><small>87</small></a> which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a convention between the United States of America and the Ottoman + Empire, relative to the extradition of criminals fugitives from justice, + signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at Constantinople on the + 11th of August last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a convention concluded between the United States of America and the + Mexican Republic on the 20th of November last, for further extending the + time for the duration of the joint commission respecting claims, + originally fixed by the convention between the United States and Mexico + signed on the 4th of July, 1868, and extended by those of the 19th of + April, 1871, and 27th of November, 1872, between the same parties. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a convention between the United States of America and the Ottoman + Empire, relative to the naturalization of citizens and subjects of the + two countries, signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at + Constantinople on the 11th of August last. A copy of the correspondence + which accompanied the convention on the subject is herewith transmitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 8, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report, dated the 8th instant, with accompanying + papers,<a href="#note-88"><small>88</small></a> from the Secretary of State, in compliance with the + requirements of section 208 of the Revised Statutes of the United + States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 22, 1874</i>. +</p> +<p> + The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, + a memorial<a href="#note-89"><small>89</small></a> forwarded to me by a convention of colored citizens + assembled in the city of Montgomery, Ala., on the 2d of this month. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 5, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st December last, + requesting the return of its resolution of the 17th of the same month, + advising and consenting to the appointment of J.C.S. Colby to be consul + of the United States at Chin-Kiang, I have the honor to state that + Mr. Colby's commission was signed on the 17th day of December, and + upon inquiry at the Department of State it was found that it had been + forwarded to him by mail before the receipt of the resolution of recall. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 12, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In accordance with the requirements of the joint resolution approved + March 25, 1874, authorizing an inquiry into and report upon the causes + of epidemic cholera, I have the honor to transmit herewith reports upon + the subject from the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 13, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to make the following answer to a Senate resolution of + the 8th instant, asking for information as to any interference by any + military officer or any part of the Army of the United States with the + organization or proceedings of the general assembly of the State of + Louisiana, or either branch thereof; and also inquiring in regard to the + existence of armed organizations in that State hostile to the government + thereof and intent on overturning such government by force. +</p> +<p> + To say that lawlessness, turbulence, and bloodshed have characterized + the political affairs of that State since its reorganization under the + reconstruction acts is only to repeat what has become well known as a + part of its unhappy history; but it may be proper here to refer to the + election of 1868, by which the Republican vote of the State, through + fraud and violence, was reduced to a few thousands, and the bloody riots + of 1866 and 1868, to show that the disorders there are not due to any + recent causes or to any late action of the Federal authorities. +</p> +<p> + Preparatory to the election of 1872 a shameful and undisguised + conspiracy was formed to carry that election against the Republicans, + without regard to law or right, and to that end the most glaring frauds + and forgeries were committed in the returns, after many colored citizens + had been denied registration and others deterred by fear from casting + their ballots. +</p> +<p> + When the time came for a final canvass of the votes, in view of the + foregoing facts William P. Kellogg, the Republican candidate for + governor, brought suit upon the equity side of the United States circuit + court for Louisiana, and against Warmoth and others, who had obtained + possession of the returns of the election, representing that several + thousand voters of the State had been deprived of the elective franchise + on account of their color, and praying that steps might be taken to + have said votes counted and for general relief. To enable the court to + inquire as to the truth of these allegations, a temporary restraining + order was issued against the defendants, which was at once wholly + disregarded and treated with contempt by those to whom it was directed. + These proceedings have been widely denounced as an unwarrantable + interference by the Federal judiciary with the election of State + officers; but it is to be remembered that by the fifteenth amendment to + the Constitution of the United States the political equality of colored + citizens is secured, and under the second section of that amendment, + providing that Congress shall have power to enforce its provisions by + appropriate legislation, an act was passed on the 31st of May, 1870, + and amended in 1871, the object of which was to prevent the denial + or abridgment of suffrage to citizens on account of race, color, or + previous condition of servitude; and it has been held by all the Federal + judges before whom the question has arisen, including Justice Strong, of + the Supreme Court, that the protection afforded by this amendment and + these acts extends to State as well as other elections. That it is the + duty of the Federal courts to enforce the provisions of the Constitution + of the United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof is too + clear for controversy. +</p> +<p> + Section 15 of said act, after numerous provisions therein to prevent an + evasion of the fifteenth amendment, provides that the jurisdiction of + the circuit court of the United States shall extend to all cases in + law or equity arising under the provisions of said act and of the act + amendatory thereof. Congress seems to have contemplated equitable as + well as legal proceedings to prevent the denial of suffrage to colored + citizens; and it may be safely asserted that if Kellogg's bill in the + above-named case did not present a case for the equitable interposition + of the court, that no such case can arise under the act. That the courts + of the United States have the right to interfere in various ways with + State elections so as to maintain political equality and rights therein, + irrespective of race or color, is comparatively a new, and to some seems + to be a startling, idea, but it results as clearly from the fifteenth + amendment to the Constitution and the acts that have been passed to + enforce that amendment as the abrogation of State laws upholding slavery + results from the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution. While the + jurisdiction of the court in the case of Kellogg <i>vs</i>. Warmoth and + others is clear to my mind, it seems that some of the orders made by the + judge in that and the kindred case of Antoine were illegal. But while + they are so held and considered, it is not to be forgotten that the + mandate of his court had been contemptuously defied, and they were made + while wild scenes of anarchy were sweeping away all restraint of law + and order. Doubtless the judge of this court made grave mistakes; but + the law allows the chancellor great latitude, not only in punishing + those who contemn his orders and injunctions, but in preventing the + consummation of the wrong which he has judicially forbidden. Whatever + may be said or thought of those matters, it was only made known to me + that process of the United States court was resisted, and as said act + especially provides for the use of the Army and Navy when necessary to + enforce judicial process arising thereunder, I considered it my duty + to see that such process was executed according to the judgment of + the court. +</p> +<p> + Resulting from these proceedings, through various controversies and + complications, a State administration was organized with William P. + Kellogg as governor, which, in the discharge of my duty under section 4, + Article IV, of the Constitution, I have recognized as the government of + the State. +</p> +<p> + It has been bitterly and persistently alleged that Kellogg was not + elected. Whether he was or not is not altogether certain, nor is it any + more certain that his competitor, McEnery, was chosen. The election + was a gigantic fraud, and there are no reliable returns of its result. + Kellogg obtained possession of the office, and in my opinion has more + right to it than his competitor. +</p> +<p> + On the 20th of February, 1873, the Committee on Privileges and Elections + of the Senate made a report in which they say they were satisfied by + testimony that the manipulation of the election machinery by Warmoth and + others was equivalent to 20,000 votes; and they add that to recognize + the McEnery government "would be recognizing a government based upon + fraud, in defiance of the wishes and intention of the voters of the + State." Assuming the correctness of the statements in this report (and + they seem to have been generally accepted by the country), the great + crime in Louisiana, about which so much has been said, is that one is + holding the office of governor who was cheated out of 20,000 votes, + against another whose title to the office is undoubtedly based on fraud + and in defiance of the wishes and intentions of the voters of the State. +</p> +<p> + Misinformed and misjudging as to the nature and extent of this report, + the supporters of McEnery proceeded to displace by force in some + counties of the State the appointees of Governor Kellogg, and on the + 13th of April, in an effort of that kind, a butchery of citizens was + committed at Colfax, which in bloodthirstiness and barbarity is hardly + surpassed by any acts of savage warfare. +</p> +<p> + To put this matter beyond controversy I quote from the charge of Judge + Woods, of the United States circuit court, to the jury in the case of + The United States <i>vs</i>. Cruikshank and others, in New Orleans in March, + 1874. He said: +</p> +<p> + In the case on trial there are many facts not in controversy. I proceed + to state some of them in the presence and hearing of counsel on both + sides; and if I state as a conceded fact any matter that is disputed, + they can correct me. +</p> +<p> + After stating the origin of the difficulty, which grew out of an attempt + of white persons to drive the parish judge and sheriff, appointees of + Kellogg, from office, and their attempted protection by colored persons, + which led to some fighting, in which quite a number of negroes were + killed, the judge states: +</p> +<p> + Most of those who were not killed were taken prisoners. Fifteen or + sixteen of the blacks had lifted the boards and taken refuge under the + floor of the court-house. They were all captured. About thirty-seven men + were taken prisoners. The number is not definitely fixed. They were kept + under guard until dark. They were led out, two by two, and shot. Most of + the men were shot to death. A few were wounded, not mortally, and by + pretending to be dead were afterwards, during the night, able to make + their escape. Among them was the Levi Nelson named in the indictment. +</p> +<p> + The dead bodies of the negroes killed in this affair were left unburied + until Tuesday, April 15, when they were buried by a deputy marshal and + an officer of the militia from New Orleans. These persons found + fifty-nine dead bodies. They showed pistol-shot wounds, the great + majority in the head, and most of them in the back of the head. In + addition to the fifty-nine dead bodies found, some charred remains of + dead bodies were discovered near the court-house. Six dead bodies were + found under a warehouse, all shot in the head but one or two, which were + shot in the breast. +</p> +<p> + The only white men injured from the beginning of these troubles to their + close were Hadnot and Harris. The court-house and its contents were + entirely consumed. +</p> +<p> + There is no evidence that anyone in the crowd of whites bore any lawful + warrant for the arrest of any of the blacks. There is no evidence that + either Nash or Cazabat, after the affair, ever demanded their offices, + to which they had set up claim, but Register continued to act as parish + judge and Shaw as sheriff. +</p> +<p> + These are facts in this case as I understand them to be admitted. +</p> +<p> + To hold the people of Louisiana generally responsible for these + atrocities would not be just, but it is a lamentable fact that + insuperable obstructions were thrown in the way of punishing these + murderers; and the so-called conservative papers of the State not only + justified the massacre, but denounced as Federal tyranny and despotism + the attempt of the United States officers to bring them to justice. + Fierce denunciations ring through the country about office holding and + election matters in Louisiana, while every one of the Colfax miscreants + goes unwhipped of justice, and no way can be found in this boasted land + of civilization and Christianity to punish the perpetrators of this + bloody and monstrous crime. +</p> +<p> + Not unlike this was the massacre in August last. Several Northern young + men of capital and enterprise had started the little and flourishing + town of Coushatta. Some of them were Republicans and officeholders under + Kellogg. They were therefore doomed to death. Six of them were seized + and carried away from their homes and murdered in cold blood. No one has + been punished, and the conservative press of the State denounced all + efforts to that end and boldly justified the crime. +</p> +<p> + Many murders of a like character have been committed in individual + cases, which can not here be detailed. For example, T.S. Crawford, + judge, and P.H. Harris, district attorney, of the twelfth judicial + district of the State, on their way to court were shot from their horses + by men in ambush on the 8th of October, 1873; and the widow of the + former, in a communication to the Department of Justice, tells a piteous + tale of the persecutions of her husband because he was a Union man, and + of the efforts made to screen those who had committed a crime which, to + use her own language, "left two widows and nine orphans desolate." +</p> +<p> + To say that the murder of a negro or a white Republican is not + considered a crime in Louisiana would probably be unjust to a great part + of the people, but it is true that a great number of such murders have + been committed and no one has been punished therefor; and manifestly, + as to them, the spirit of hatred and violence is stronger than law. +</p> +<p> + Representations were made to me that the presence of troops in Louisiana + was unnecessary and irritating to the people, and that there was no + danger of public disturbance if they were taken away. Consequently early + in last summer the troops were all withdrawn from the State, with the + exception of a small garrison at New Orleans Barracks. It was claimed + that a comparative state of quiet had supervened. Political excitement + as to Louisiana affairs seemed to be dying out. But the November + election was approaching, and it was necessary for party purposes that + the flame should be rekindled. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, on the 14th of September D.P. Penn, claiming that he was + elected lieutenant-governor in 1872, issued an inflammatory proclamation + calling upon the militia of the State to arm, assemble, and drive from + power the usurpers, as he designated the officers of the State. The + White Leagues, armed and ready for the conflict, promptly responded. +</p> +<p> + On the same day the governor made a formal requisition upon me, pursuant + to the act of 1795 and section 4, Article IV, of the Constitution, + to aid in suppressing domestic violence. On the next day I issued my + proclamation<a href="#note-90"><small>90</small></a> commanding the insurgents to disperse within five days + from the date thereof; but before the proclamation was published in New + Orleans the organized and armed forces recognizing a usurping governor + had taken forcible possession of the statehouse and temporarily + subverted the government. Twenty or more people were killed, including a + number of the police of the city. The streets of the city were stained + with blood. All that was desired in the way of excitement had been + accomplished, and, in view of the steps taken to repress it, the + revolution is apparently, though it is believed not really, abandoned, + and the cry of Federal usurpation and tyranny in Louisiana was renewed + with redoubled energy. Troops had been sent to the State under this + requisition of the governor, and as other disturbances seemed imminent + they were allowed to remain there to render the executive such aid as + might become necessary to enforce the laws of the State and repress the + continued violence which seemed inevitable the moment Federal support + should be withdrawn. +</p> +<p> + Prior to, and with a view to, the late election in Louisiana white men + associated themselves together in armed bodies called "White Leagues," + and at the same time threats were made in the Democratic journals of the + State that the election should be carried against the Republicans at all + hazards, which very naturally greatly alarmed the colored voters. By + section 8 of the act of February 28, 1871, it is made the duty of United + States marshals and their deputies at polls where votes are cast for + Representatives in Congress to keep the peace and prevent any violations + of the so-called enforcement acts and other offenses against the laws of + the United States; and upon a requisition of the marshal of Louisiana, + and in view of said armed organizations and other portentous + circumstances, I caused detachments of troops to be stationed in various + localities in the State, to aid him in the performance of his official + duties. That there was intimidation of Republican voters at the + election, notwithstanding these precautions, admits of no doubt. + The following are specimens of the means used: +</p> +<p> + On the 14th of October eighty persons signed and published the following + at Shreveport: +</p> +<p class="q"> + We, the undersigned, merchants of the city of Shreveport, in obedience + to a request of the Shreveport Campaign Club, agree to use every + endeavor to get our employees to vote the People's ticket at the + ensuing election, and in the event of their refusal so to do, or in + case they vote the Radical ticket, to refuse to employ them at the + expiration of their present contracts. +</p> +<p> + On the same day another large body of persons published in the same + place a paper in which they used the following language: +</p> +<p class="q"> + We, the undersigned, merchants of the city of Shreveport, alive to the + great importance of securing good and honest government to the State, + do agree and pledge ourselves not to advance any supplies or money to + any planter the coming year who will give employment or rent lands to + laborers who vote the Radical ticket in the coming election. +</p> +<p> + I have no information of the proceedings of the returning board for said + election which may not be found in its report, which has been published; + but it is a matter of public information that a great part of the time + taken to canvass the votes was consumed by the arguments of lawyers, + several of whom represented each party before the board. I have no + evidence that the proceedings of this board were not in accordance with + the law under which they acted. Whether in excluding from their count + certain returns they were right or wrong is a question that depends upon + the evidence they had before them; but it is very clear that the law + gives them the power, if they choose to exercise it, of deciding that + way, and, <i>prima facie</i>, the persons whom they return as elected are + entitled to the offices for which they were candidates. +</p> +<p> + Respecting the alleged interference by the military with the + organization of the legislature of Louisiana on the 4th instant, + I have no knowledge or information which has not been received by + me since that time and published. My first information was from the + papers of the morning of the 5th of January. I did not know that any + such thing was anticipated, and no orders nor suggestions were ever + given to any military officer in that State upon that subject prior + to the occurrence. I am well aware that any military interference by + the officers or troops of the United States with the organization of + the State legislature or any of its proceedings, or with any civil + department of the Government, is repugnant to our ideas of government. + I can conceive of no case, not involving rebellion or insurrection, + where such interference by authority of the General Government ought to + be permitted or can be justified. But there are circumstances connected + with the late legislative imbroglio in Louisiana which seem to exempt + the military from any intentional wrong in that matter. Knowing that + they had been placed in Louisiana to prevent domestic violence and aid + in the enforcement of the State laws, the officers and troops of the + United States may well have supposed that it was their duty to act + when called upon by the governor for that purpose. +</p> +<p> + Each branch of a legislative assembly is the judge of the election + and qualifications of its own members; but if a mob or a body of + unauthorized persons seize and hold the legislative hall in a tumultuous + and riotous manner, and so prevent any organization by those legally + returned as elected, it might become the duty of the State executive to + interpose, if requested by a majority of the members elect, to suppress + the disturbance and enable the persons elected to organize the house. +</p> +<p> + Any exercise of this power would only be justifiable under most + extraordinary circumstances, and it would then be the duty of the + governor to call upon the constabulary or, if necessary, the military + force of the State. But with reference to Louisiana, it is to be borne + in mind that any attempt by the governor to use the police force of that + State at this time would have undoubtedly precipitated a bloody conflict + with the White League, as it did on the 14th of September. +</p> +<p> + There is no doubt but that the presence of the United States troops upon + that occasion prevented bloodshed and the loss of life. Both parties + appear to have relied upon them as conservators of the public peace. +</p> +<p> + The first call was made by the Democrats, to remove persons obnoxious + to them from the legislative halls; and the second was from the + Republicans, to remove persons who had usurped seats in the legislature + without legal certificates authorizing them to seats, and in sufficient + number to change the majority. +</p> +<p> + Nobody was disturbed by the military who had a legal right at that time + to occupy a seat in the legislature. That the Democratic minority of the + house undertook to seize its organization by fraud and violence; that in + this attempt they trampled under foot law; that they undertook to make + persons not returned as elected members, so as to create a majority; + that they acted under a preconcerted plan, and under false pretenses + introduced into the hall a body of men to support their pretensions by + force if necessary, and that conflict, disorder, and riotous proceedings + followed are facts that seem to be well established; and I am credibly + informed that these violent proceedings were a part of a premeditated + plan to have the house organized in this way, recognize what has been + called the McEnery senate, then to depose Governor Kellogg, and so + revolutionize the State government. +</p> +<p> + Whether it was wrong for the governor, at the request of the majority of + the members returned as elected to the house, to use such means as were + in his power to defeat these lawless and revolutionary proceedings is + perhaps a debatable question; but it is quite certain that there would + have been no trouble if those who now complain of illegal interference + had allowed the house to be organized in a lawful and regular manner. + When those who inaugurate disorder and anarchy disavow such proceedings, + it will be time enough to condemn those who by such means as they have + prevent the success of their lawless and desperate schemes. +</p> +<p> + Lieutenant-General Sheridan was requested by me to go to Louisiana + to observe and report the situation there, and, if in his opinion + necessary, to assume the command, which he did on the 4th instant, after + the legislative disturbances had occurred, at 9 o'clock p.m., a number + of hours after the disturbances. No party motives nor prejudices can + reasonably be imputed to him; but honestly convinced by what he has seen + and heard there, he has characterized the leaders of the White Leagues + in severe terms and suggested summary modes of procedure against them, + which, though they can not be adopted, would, if legal, soon put an + end to the troubles and disorders in that State. General Sheridan was + looking at facts, and possibly, not thinking of proceedings which would + be the only proper ones to pursue in time of peace, thought more of the + utterly lawless condition of society surrounding him at the time of his + dispatch and of what would prove a sure remedy. He never proposed to do + an illegal act nor expressed determination to proceed beyond what the + law in the future might authorize for the punishment of the atrocities + which have been committed, and the commission of which can not be + successfully denied. It is a deplorable fact that political crimes and + murders have been committed in Louisiana which have gone unpunished, + and which have been justified or apologized for, which must rest as a + reproach upon the State and country long after the present generation + has passed away. +</p> +<p> + I have no desire to have United States troops interfere in the domestic + concerns of Louisiana or any other State. +</p> +<p> + On the 9th of December last Governor Kellogg telegraphed to me his + apprehensions that the White League intended to make another attack upon + the statehouse, to which, on the same day, I made the following answer, + since which no communication has been sent to him: +</p> +<p class="q"> + Your dispatch of this date just received. It is exceedingly unpalatable + to use troops in anticipation of danger. Let the State authorities be + right, and then proceed with their duties without apprehension of + danger. If they are then molested, the question will be determined + whether the United States is able to maintain law and order within its + limits or not. +</p> +<p> + I have deplored the necessity which seemed to make it my duty under the + Constitution and laws to direct such interference. I have always refused + except where it seemed to be my imperative duty to act in such a manner + under the Constitution and laws of the United States. I have repeatedly + and earnestly entreated the people of the South to live together in + peace and obey the laws; and nothing would give me greater pleasure than + to see reconciliation and tranquillity everywhere prevail, and thereby + remove all necessity for the presence of troops among them. I regret, + however, to say that this state of things does not exist, nor does its + existence seem to be desired, in some localities; and as to those it may + be proper for me to say that to the extent that Congress has conferred + power upon me to prevent it neither Kuklux Klans, White Leagues, nor + any other association using arms and violence to execute their unlawful + purposes can be permitted in that way to govern any part of this + country; nor can I see with indifference Union men or Republicans + ostracized, persecuted, and murdered on account of their opinions, + as they now are in some localities. +</p> +<p> + I have heretofore urged the case of Louisiana upon the attention of + Congress, and I can not but think that its inaction has produced great + evil. +</p> +<p> + To summarize: In September last an armed, organized body of men, in the + support of candidates who had been put in nomination for the offices of + governor and lieutenant-governor at the November election in 1872, and + who had been declared not elected by the board of canvassers, recognized + by all the courts to which the question had been submitted, undertook to + subvert and overthrow the State government that had been recognized by + me in accordance with previous precedents. The recognized governor was + driven from the statehouse, and but for his finding shelter in the + United States custom-house, in the capital of the State of which he was + governor, it is scarcely to be doubted that he would have been killed. +</p> +<p> + From the statehouse, before he had been driven to the custom-house, a + call was made, in accordance with the fourth section, fourth article, + of the Constitution of the United States, for the aid of the General + Government to suppress domestic violence. Under those circumstances, and + in accordance with my sworn duties, my proclamation<a href="#note-91"><small>91</small></a> of the 15th of + September, 1874, was issued. This served to reinstate Governor Kellogg + to his position nominally, but it can not be claimed that the insurgents + have to this day surrendered to the State authorities the arms belonging + to the State, or that they have in any sense disarmed. On the contrary, + it is known that the same armed organizations that existed on the 14th + of September, 1874, in opposition to the recognized State government, + still retain their organization, equipments, and commanders, and can + be called out at any hour to resist the State government. Under these + circumstances the same military force has been continued in Louisiana + as was sent there under the first call, and under the same general + instructions. I repeat that the task assumed by the troops is not a + pleasant one to them; that the Army is not composed of lawyers, capable + of judging at a moment's notice of just how far they can go in the + maintenance of law and order, and that it was impossible to give + specific instructions providing for all possible contingencies that + might arise. The troops were bound to act upon the judgment of the + commanding officer upon each sudden contingency that arose, or wait + instructions which could only reach them after the threatened wrongs + had been committed which they were called on to prevent. It should be + recollected, too, that upon my recognition of the Kellogg government + I reported the fact, with the grounds of recognition, to Congress, and + asked that body to take action in the matter; otherwise I should regard + their silence as an acquiescence in my course. No action has been taken + by that body, and I have maintained the position then marked out. +</p> +<p> + If error has been committed by the Army in these matters, it has always + been on the side of the preservation of good order, the maintenance of + law, and the protection of life. Their bearing reflects credit upon the + soldiers, and if wrong has resulted the blame is with the turbulent + element surrounding them. +</p> +<p> + I now earnestly ask that such action be taken by Congress as to leave my + duties perfectly clear in dealing with the affairs of Louisiana, giving + assurance at the same time that whatever may be done by that body in the + premises will be executed according to the spirit and letter of the law, + without fear or favor. +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit copies of documents containing more specific + information as to the subject-matter of the resolution. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 14, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Senate bill No. 1044, "to provide for the resumption of specie + payments," is before me, and this day receives my signature of approval. +</p> +<p> + I venture upon this unusual method of conveying the notice of approval + to the "House in which the measure originated" because of its great + importance to the country at large and in order to suggest further + legislation which seems to me essential to make this law effective. +</p> +<p> + It is a subject of congratulation that a measure has become law which + fixes a date when specie resumption shall commence and implies an + obligation on the part of Congress, if in its power, to give such + legislation as may prove necessary to redeem this promise. +</p> +<p> + To this end I respectfully call your attention to a few suggestions: +</p> +<p> + First. The necessity of an increased revenue to carry out the obligation + of adding to the sinking fund annually 1 per cent of the public debt, + amounting now to about $34,000,000 per annum, and to carry out the + promises of this measure to redeem, under certain contingencies, eighty + millions of the present legal-tenders, and, without contingency, the + fractional currency now in circulation. +</p> +<p> + How to increase the surplus revenue is for Congress to devise, but + I will venture to suggest that the duty on tea and coffee might be + restored without permanently enhancing the cost to the consumers, and + that the 10 per cent horizontal reduction of the tariff on articles + specified in the law of June 6, 1872, be repealed. The supply of tea and + coffee already on hand in the United States would in all probability be + advanced in price by adopting this measure. But it is known that the + adoption of free entry to those articles of necessity did not cheapen + them, but merely added to the profits of the countries producing them, + or of the middlemen in those countries, who have the exclusive trade + in them. +</p> +<p> + Second. The first section of the bill now under consideration provides + that the fractional currency shall be redeemed in silver coin as rapidly + as practicable. There is no provision preventing the fluctuation in the + value of the paper currency. With gold at a premium of anything over 10 + per cent above the currency in use, it is probable, almost certain, that + silver would be bought up for exportation as fast as it was put out, or + until change would become so scarce as to make the premium on it equal + to the premium on gold, or sufficiently high to make it no longer + profitable to buy for export, thereby causing a direct loss to the + community at large and great embarrassment to trade. +</p> +<p> + As the present law commands final resumption on the 1st day of January, + 1879, and as the gold receipts by the Treasury are larger than the + gold payments and the currency receipts are smaller than the currency + payments, thereby making monthly sales of gold necessary to meet current + currency expenses, it occurs to me that these difficulties might be + remedied by authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to redeem + legal-tender notes, whenever presented in sums of not less than $100 and + multiples thereof, at a premium for gold of 10 per cent, less interest + at the rate of 2-1/2 per cent per annum from the 1st day of January, + 1875, to the date of putting this law into operation, and diminishing + this premium at the same rate until final resumption, changing the + rate of premium demanded from time to time as the interest amounts to + one-quarter of 1 per cent. I suggest this rate of interest because it + would bring currency at par with gold at the date fixed by law for final + resumption. I suggest 10 per cent as the demand premium at the beginning + because I believe this rate would insure the retention of silver in the + country for change. +</p> +<p> + The provisions of the third section of the act will prevent combinations + being made to exhaust the Treasury of coin. +</p> +<p> + With such a law it is presumable that no gold would be called for not + required for legitimate business purposes. When large amounts of coin + should be drawn from the Treasury, correspondingly large amounts of + currency would be withdrawn from circulation, thus causing a sufficient + stringency in currency to stop the outward flow of coin. +</p> +<p> + The advantages of a currency of a fixed known value would also be + reached. In my opinion, by the enactment of such a law business and + industries would revive and the beginning of prosperity on a firm basis + would be reached. +</p> +<p> + Other means of increasing revenue than those suggested should probably + be devised, and also other legislation. +</p> +<p> + In fact, to carry out the first section of the act another mint becomes + a necessity. With the present facilities for coinage, it would take a + period probably beyond that fixed by law for final specie resumption to + coin the silver necessary to transact the business of the country. +</p> +<p> + There are now smelting furnaces, for extracting the silver and gold from + the ores brought from the mountain territories, in Chicago, St. Louis, + and Omaha—three in the former city—and as much of the change required + will be wanted in the Mississippi Valley States, and as the metals to be + coined come from west of those States, and, as I understand, the charges + for transportation of bullion from either of the cities named to the + mint in Philadelphia or to New York City amount to $4 for each $1,000 + worth, with an equal expense for transportation back, it would seem a + fair argument in favor of adopting one or more of those cities as the + place or places for the establishment of new coining facilities. +</p> +<p> + I have ventured upon this subject with great diffidence, because it is + so unusual to approve a measure—as I most heartily do this, even if + no further legislation is attainable at this time—and to announce the + fact by message. But I do so because I feel that it is a subject of + such vital importance to the whole country that it should receive the + attention of and be discussed by Congress and the people through the + press, and in every way, to the end that the best and most satisfactory + course may be reached of executing what I deem most beneficial + legislation on a most vital question to the interests and prosperity + of the nation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 20, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a report from a board composed of + one person named by the head of each Executive Department and of the + Department of Agriculture and Smithsonian Institution, for the purpose + of securing a complete and harmonious arrangement of the articles and + materials designed to be exhibited from the Executive Departments of the + Government at the international exhibition to be held in the city of + Philadelphia in the year 1876 for the purpose of celebrating the one + hundredth anniversary of the independence of the United States. The + report gives a statement of what is proposed to be exhibited by each + Department, together with an estimate of the expense which will have + to be incurred. Submitting to Congress the estimate made by the board, + I recommend that Congress make a suitable appropriation to enable the + different Departments to make a complete and creditable showing of the + articles and materials designed to be exhibited by the Government, and + which will undoubtedly form one of the most interesting features of + the exhibition. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 20, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In my annual message of December 1, 1873, while inviting general + attention to all the recommendations made by the Secretary of War, + your special consideration was invited to "the importance of preparing + for war in time of peace by providing proper armament for our + seacoast defenses. Proper armament is of vastly more importance than + fortifications. The latter can be supplied very speedily for temporary + purposes when needed; the former can not." +</p> +<p> + These views gain increased strength and pertinence as the years roll + by, and I have now again the honor to call special attention to the + condition of the "armament of our fortifications" and the absolute + necessity for immediate provision by Congress for the procurement of + heavy cannon. The large expenditures required to supply the number of + guns for our forts is the strongest argument that can be adduced for a + liberal annual appropriation for their gradual accumulation. In time of + war such preparations can not be made; cannon can not be purchased in + open market nor manufactured at short notice; they must be the product + of years of experience and labor. +</p> +<p> + I herewith enclose copies of a report of the Chief of Ordnance and of + a board of ordnance officers on the trial of an 8-inch rifle converted + from a 10-inch smooth-bore, which shows very conclusively an economical + means of utilizing these useless smooth-bores and making them into + 8-inch rifles, capable of piercing 7 inches of iron. The 1,294 10-inch + Rodman guns should, in my opinion, be so utilized, and the appropriation + requested by the Chief of Ordnance of $250,000 to commence these + conversions is urgently recommended. +</p> +<p> + While convinced of the economy and necessity of these conversions, the + determination of the best and most economical method of providing guns + of still larger caliber should no longer be delayed. The experience + of other nations, based on the new conditions of defense brought + prominently forward by the introduction of ironclads into every navy + afloat, demands heavier metal and rifle guns of not less than 12 inches + in caliber. These enormous masses, hurling a shot of 700 pounds, can + alone meet many of the requirements of the national defenses. They must + be provided, and experiments on a large scale can alone give the data + necessary for the determination of the question. A suitable proving + ground, with all the facilities and conveniences referred to by the + Chief of Ordnance, with a liberal annual appropriation, is an undoubted + necessity. +</p> +<p> + The guns now ready for trial can not be experimented with without funds, + and the estimate of $250,000 for the purpose is deemed reasonable and is + strongly recommended. +</p> +<p> + The constant appeals for legislation on the "armament of fortifications" + ought no longer to be disregarded if Congress desires in peace to + prepare the important material without which future wars must inevitably + lead to disaster. +</p> +<p> + This subject is submitted with the hope that the consideration it + deserves may be given it at the present session. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 25, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the commission of + engineers appointed in compliance with the act of Congress approved June + 22, 1874, to investigate and report a permanent plan for the reclamation + of the alluvial basin of the Mississippi River subject to inundation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 26, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, + a report of the progress made to this date by the United States + Centennial Commission appointed in accordance with the requirements of + the act approved June 1, 1872. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 1, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a treaty concluded on the 30th ultimo between this Government and His + Hawaiian Majesty, on the subject of commercial reciprocity. I also + transmit, for the information of the Senate, the papers mentioned in the + subjoined list, relating to the commerce between the United States and + the Hawaiian Islands. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 1, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to lay before Congress a communication of the Secretary + of War relative to the action taken in issuing certain supplies to the + suffering people in Kansas and Nebraska, in consequence of the drought + and grasshopper plague, and to respectfully request that such action be + approved. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 8, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Herewith I have the honor to send, in accordance with the resolution of + the Senate of the 3d instant, all the information in my possession not + heretofore furnished relating to affairs in the State of Arkansas. +</p> +<p> + I will venture to express the opinion that all the testimony shows that + in the election of 1872 Joseph Brooks was lawfully elected governor of + that State; that he has been unlawfully deprived of the possession of + his office since that time; that in 1874 the constitution of the State + was by violence, intimidation, and revolutionary proceedings overthrown + and a new constitution adopted and a new State government established. +</p> +<p> + These proceedings, if permitted to stand, practically ignore all + rights of minorities in all the States. Also, what is there to prevent + each of the States recently readmitted to Federal relations on certain + conditions changing their constitutions and violating their pledges if + this action in Arkansas is acquiesced in? +</p> +<p> + I respectfully submit whether a precedent so dangerous to the stability + of State government, if not of the National Government also, should be + recognized by Congress. I earnestly ask that Congress will take definite + action in this matter to relieve the Executive from acting upon + questions which should be decided by the legislative branch of the + Government. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 19, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + Under the requirements of section 6 of the "act for the government of + the District of Columbia, and for other purposes," approved June 20, + 1874, I have the honor to submit herewith the report of the board of + audit upon the amount equitably chargeable to the street-railroad + companies pursuant to the charters of said companies or the acts of + Congress relating thereto, together with the reasons therefor. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 30, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith House bill No. 4462, entitled + "An act for the relief of Alexander Burtch," from which I withhold + my approval for the reasons given in the accompanying letter of the + Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT,<br> <i>Washington City, January 28, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return House bill No. 4462, "for the relief of + Alexander Burtch." +</p> +<p> + It appears from the records of this office that Alexander Burtch, + Company H, First Indiana Artillery, enlisted July 24, 1861, for three + years, reenlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864, and deserted at Fort + Gaines, Ala., September 25, 1865, and was a deserter at large at date + of muster-out of his company, January 10, 1866. +</p> +<p> + This Department emphatically objects to this bill becoming a law upon + the ground of its great injustice to every soldier who served honorably + until his services were no longer required by the Government. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + WM. W. BELKNAP, +<br> + <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 12, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith House bill No. 2352, entitled + "An act granting a pension to Lewis Hinely," from which I withhold + my approval for the reasons given in the accompanying letter of the + Secretary of the Interior. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington, February 11, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith House bill No. 2352, "granting + a pension to Lewis Hinely." +</p> +<p> + I am informed by the Commissioner of Pensions that the act does not + designate the person for whose benefit it was passed. His true name, as + verified by his own signature to papers on file in the Pension Office, + is Louis Heinlig, and as there were several soldiers in the company and + regiment named in the act whose names are similar to that specified + therein, a correction appears to be necessary in order that the + beneficiary of the act may be properly identified should the bill + become a law. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + C. DELANO,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 3, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>:<a href="#note-92"><small>92</small></a> +</p> +<p> + House bill No. 3341<a href="#note-93"><small>93</small></a> is herewith returned without my approval, for + the reasons, first, that it appropriates from the Treasury a large sum + of money at a time when the revenue is insufficient for current wants + and this proposed further drain on the Treasury. The issue of bonds, + authorized by the bill to a very large and indefinite amount, would + seriously embarrass the refunding operations now progressing, whereby + the interest of the bonded debt of the United States is being largely + reduced. Second, I do not believe that any considerable portion of the + ex-soldiers who, it is supposed, will be beneficiaries of this + appropriation are applicants for it, but, rather, it would result more + in a measure for the relief of claim agents and middlemen who would + intervene to collect or discount the bounties granted by it. The passage + of this bill at this time is inconsistent with the measures of economy + now demanded by the necessities of the country. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [The following messages were sent to the special session of the Senate + convened by proclamation (see p. 324) of February 17, 1875.] +</center> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 8, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I nominate in the Medical Department, Army of the United States, + Benjamin F. Pope, assistant surgeon, to rank from May 14, 1867. +</p> +<p> + Note.—October 5, 1870, Assistant Surgeon B.F. Pope, United States Army, + applied for discharge to date December 31, 1870, under section 3, act of + July 15, 1870. +</p> +<p> + By letter from the Adjutant-General's Office, War Department, November + 2, 1870, he was informed he could not be discharged as requested, as the + President had decided staff officers did not come under the provisions + of the act. +</p> +<p> + Subsequently the President decided that staff officers who applied and + could be spared could go out under the act. Accordingly, Assistant + Surgeon Pope was discharged, on his original application, to date + December 31, 1870, by special order of that date, this because time did + not permit to communicate with him, and the belief that his desire to + leave the service was unchanged. +</p> +<p> + He drew a year's pay and mileage under the order, came to Washington, + and on May 19, 1871, applied for revocation of the order of discharge on + the ground that, having been officially notified of disapproval, he had + made arrangements to remain in service. Forwarded by the Surgeon-General + recommended. Disapproved by the Secretary of War May 23, 1871. +</p> +<p> + June 17, 1871, the order of discharge was revoked. Assistant-Surgeon + Pope then refunded the year's pay and mileage and drew pay for + continuous service. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 9, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution + of Congress approved on the 17th of June last, due notice was, on the + 1st day of July last, given to the Government of Belgium, through + the minister of the United States at Brussels, of the desire of this + Government to terminate the treaty between the United States and His + Majesty the King of the Belgians of the 17th of July, 1858. It being + deemed advisable, however, that another instrument, with provisions more + consonant with the interests of this country, should be entered into + with that Government, I directed that negotiations should be set on + foot for the purpose. They have resulted in the treaty<a href="#note-94"><small>94</small></a> between + the same parties of the 8th instant, which is now transmitted for + the consideration of the Senate with a view to its ratification. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 15, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 12th of March instant, + I herewith transmit a report<a href="#note-95"><small>95</small></a> from the Secretary of State, with + accompanying correspondence. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 17, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith communications from the + Secretaries of War and the Interior, in answer to the resolution of the + Senate of the 15th instant, requesting "any information in my possession + in regard to the proposed emigration to the Black Hills country, in the + Sioux Indian Reservation; whether such emigration is with the consent of + the Indian tribes holding said country under the treaty of February 24, + 1869, and, if not, what measures will be taken in relation to the same." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States that the + United States shall protect every State in the Union, on application of + the legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature can not be + convened), against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided by the laws of the United States that in all + cases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the laws + thereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, on + application of the legislature of such State, or of the executive (when + the legislature can not be convened), to call forth the militia of any + other State or States, or to employ such part of the land and naval + force as shall be judged necessary, for the purpose of suppressing + such insurrection or of causing the laws to be duly executed; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the legislature of the State of Mississippi, now in session, + have represented to me, in a concurrent resolution of that body, that + several of the legally elected officers of Warren County, in said State, + are prevented from executing the duties of their respective offices by + force and violence; that the public buildings and records of said county + have been taken into the possession of and are now held by lawless and + unauthorized persons; that many peaceable citizens of said county have + been killed, and others have been compelled to abandon and remain away + from their homes and families; that illegal and riotous seizures and + imprisonments have been made by such lawless persons; and, further, + that a large number of armed men from adjacent States have invaded + Mississippi to aid such lawless persons, and are still ready to give + them such aid; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is further represented as aforesaid by said legislature that + the courts of said county can not be held, and that the governor of said + State has no sufficient force at his command to execute the laws thereof + in said county and suppress said violence without causing a conflict of + races and endangering life and property to an alarming extent; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the said legislature as aforesaid have made application to me + for such part of the military force of the United States as may be + necessary and adequate to protect said State and the citizens thereof + against the domestic violence hereinbefore mentioned and to enforce the + due execution of the laws; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the laws of the United States require that whenever it may be + necessary, in the judgment of the President, to use the military force + for the purposes aforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command + such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective + abodes within a limited time: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby command said disorderly and turbulent persons to disperse and + retire peaceably to their respective abodes within five days from the + date hereof, and that they refrain from forcible resistance to the laws + and submit themselves peaceably to the lawful authorities of said county + and State. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 21st day of December, A.D. 1874, + and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-ninth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the Senate + should be convened at 12 o'clock on the 5th day of March next to receive + and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the part of the + Executive: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + have considered it to be my duty to issue this my proclamation, + declaring that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the + United States to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, + in the city of Washington, on the 5th day of March next, at 12 o'clock + at noon on that day, of which all who shall at that time be entitled to + act as members of that body are hereby required to take notice. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, + the 17th day of February, A.D. 1875, and of the Independence of the + United States of America the ninety-ninth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by the eighth section of the act of Congress entitled "An act + for the creation of a court for the adjudication and disposition of + certain moneys received into the Treasury under an award made by the + tribunal of arbitration constituted by virtue of the first article of + the treaty concluded at Washington the 8th of May, A.D. 1871, between + the United States of America and the Queen of Great Britain," approved + June 23, 1874, it is provided— +</p> +<p class="q"> + That the judges of the court created by this act shall convene in + the city of Washington as soon as conveniently may be after their + appointment; and the said court shall exist for one year from the + date of its first convening and organizing; and should it be found + impracticable to complete the work of the said court before the + expiration of the said one year, the President may by proclamation + extend the time of the duration thereof to a period not more than six + months beyond the expiration of the said one year; and in such case + all the provisions of this act shall be taken and held to be the same + as though the continuance of the said court had been originally fixed + by this act at the limit to which it may be thus extended. +</p> +<p> + And whereas it has been made satisfactorily to appear to me that the + said court convened on the 22d of July, 1874, and that a large portion + of the business of said court still remains undisposed of, and that it + is found impracticable to complete the work of the said court before the + expiration of the said one year from its first convening and organizing: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the + United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the + provisions of the said eighth section of the act of Congress aforesaid, + do hereby extend the time of the duration of said "Court of + Commissioners of Alabama Claims" for a period of six months from and + after the 22d day of July, A.D. 1875. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and have caused the + seal of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 2d day of June, A.D. 1875, and of + the Independence of the United States the ninety-ninth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + In accordance with a practice at once wise and beautiful, we have been + accustomed, as the year is drawing to a close, to devote an occasion to + the humble expression of our thanks to Almighty God for the ceaseless + and distinguished benefits bestowed upon us as a nation and for His + mercies and protection during the closing year. +</p> +<p> + Amid the rich and free enjoyment of all our advantages, we should not + forget the source from whence they are derived and the extent of our + obligation to the Father of All Mercies. +</p> +<p> + We have full reason to renew our thanks to Almighty God for favors + bestowed upon us during the past year. +</p> +<p> + By His continuing mercy civil and religious liberty have been + maintained, peace has reigned within our borders, labor and enterprise + have produced their merited rewards; and to His watchful providence we + are indebted for security from pestilence and other national calamity. +</p> +<p> + Apart from national blessings, each individual among us has occasion to + thoughtfully recall and devoutly recognize the favors and protection + which he has enjoyed. +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + do recommend that on Thursday, the 25th day of November, the people of + the United States, abstaining from all secular pursuits and from their + accustomed avocations, do assemble in their respective places of + worship, and, in such form as may seem most appropriate in their own + hearts, offer to Almighty God their acknowledgments and thanks for all + His mercies and their humble prayers for a continuance of His divine + favor. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of October, A.D. 1875, and + of the Independence of the United States the one hundredth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 9, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + In order to carry out the provisions of the fifth section of the act + of Congress entitled "An act making appropriations for sundry civil + expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, + and for other purposes," approved March 3, 1875, the board heretofore + appointed to take charge of the articles and materials to be exhibited + by the several Executive Departments, the Smithsonian Institution, and + the Agricultural Department at the International Exhibition of 1876 is + hereby continued under the following regulations and distribution of + duties, viz: +</p> +<p> + The funds appropriated by the above-named section will be drawn from + the Treasury upon the requisition of the chairman of the board, and be + disbursed as are other public moneys under the existing laws relating + to disbursing officers. +</p> +<p> + An officer of the Army will be detailed by the Secretary of War as + disbursing officer of the board. +</p> +<p> + Each representative of an Executive Department and the representatives + of the Smithsonian Institution, of the Agricultural Department, and + the United States Commissioner of Food Fishes will have charge of the + matters pertaining to his respective Department, subject to the general + advisement of the board; and all bills will be paid by the disbursing + officer upon vouchers certified by such representative and countersigned + by the chairman of the board. +</p> +<p> + The disbursing officer will render monthly accounts current of all + advances to and disbursements by him to the First Auditor of the + Treasury for audit and settlement in the same manner as are other + accounts of disbursing officers of the Government. +</p> +<p> + Each representative will be held responsible to the head of his + respective Department for all public property of the United States + furnished by the head of such Department or otherwise coming to his + hands for the purposes of the exhibition, and will render proper + accounts of the same to such head of Department until the property + is returned. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT, +<br> + <i>President United States</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + TREASURY DEPARTMENT, <i>March 9, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + The BOARD OF EXAMINERS, +<br> + <i>Treasury Department</i>: +</p> +<p> + By direction of the President, the rules and regulations known as the + civil-service rules, etc., governing appointments and promotions under + the Treasury Department are hereby abolished, and hereafter all + appointments will be made as provided for by section 164, Revised + Statutes, enacted June 22, 1874. +</p> +<p> + You are instructed and directed to transfer all books, papers, records, + and public property in your possession to the chief clerk of the + Department, and notify all sub-boards of the promulgation of this order. +</p> +<p> + The clerks and other employees now on duty under the direction of the + board of examiners will report to the chief clerk for assignment to + duty. I am, very respectfully, +</p> +<p class="r"> + B.H. BRISTOW,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<center> + [A similar order was, by direction of the President, issued by the heads + of the other Executive Departments.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 25, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + In pursuance of the fourth section of the act entitled "An act + making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government + for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes," + approved March 3, 1875, a board is hereby appointed, to consist of + Lieutenant-Colonel T.T.S. Laidley, Ordnance Department, United States + Army, president of the board; Commander L.A. Beardslee, United States + Navy; Lieutenant-Colonel Q.A. Gillmore, Engineer Department, United + States Army; David Smith, Chief Engineer, United States Navy; W. Sooy + Smith, civil engineer; A.S. Holly, civil engineer; R.H. Thurston, + civil engineer, who will convene at the Watertown Arsenal, Mass., + on April 15, 1875, or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the purpose + of determining by actual tests the strength and value of all kinds of + iron, steel, and other metals which may be submitted to them or by them + procured, and to prepare tables which will exhibit the strength and + value of said materials for constructive and mechanical purposes, and + to provide for the building of a suitable machine for establishing such + tests, the machine to be set up and maintained at the Watertown Arsenal. +</p> +<p> + The funds appropriated for the purposes of these tests will be disbursed + under the Ordnance Department of the Army, and the board will receive + instructions from and make its report to the Chief of Ordnance. +</p> +<p> + Mr. R.H. Thurston, civil engineer, is designated as secretary of the + board, at an annual compensation of $1,200. +</p> +<p> + Actual traveling expenses, as provided by law, will be allowed the + members of the board. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 24, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR:<a href="#note-96"><small>96</small></a> The President directs me to say that the several Departments of + the Government will be closed on Saturday, the 29th instant, in order to + enable the employees to participate in the decoration of the graves of + the soldiers who fell during the rebellion. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + O.E. BABCOCK,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + TREASURY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, D.C., July 3, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To Collectors of Customs</i>: +</p> +<p> + The importation of breech-loading rifles, and fixed ammunition suitable + therefor, into the Territory of Alaska, and the shipment of such rifles + or ammunition to any port or place in the Territory of Alaska, are + hereby forbidden, and collectors of customs are instructed to refuse + clearance of any vessel having on board any such arms or ammunition + destined for any port or place in said Territory. +</p> +<p> + If, however, any vessel intends to touch or trade at a port in Alaska + Territory or to pass within the waters thereof, but shall be ultimately + destined for some port or place not within the limits of said Territory, + and shall have on board any such firearms or ammunition, the master or + chief officer thereof will be required to execute and deliver to the + collector of customs at the port of clearance a good and sufficient + bond, with two sureties, in double the value of such merchandise, + conditioned that such arms or ammunition, or any part thereof, shall not + be landed or disposed of within the Territory of Alaska. Such bond shall + be taken for such time as the collector shall deem proper, and may be + satisfied upon proofs similar to those required to satisfy ordinary + export bonds, showing that such arms have been landed at some foreign + port; or, if such merchandise is landed at any port of the United States + not within the limits of the Territory of Alaska, the bond may be + satisfied upon production of a certificate to that effect from the + collector of the port where it is so landed. +</p> +<p class="r"> + CHAS. F. CONANT,<br> <i>Acting Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> + Approved: +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT,<br> <i>President</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 27, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + In conformity to provisions contained in the river and harbor act + approved March 3, 1875, granting to James B. Eads and his associates + authority to use, for the construction of jetties at the mouth of the + Mississippi River, any materials on the public lands of the United + States that shall be suitable for and may be needed in said works, under + such regulations as the Secretary of War shall prescribe, it is hereby + ordered and directed— +</p> +<p> + 1. That the general supervision of all matters properly appertaining to + the grant therein made is placed in the officer of engineers, Major C.B. + Comstock, detailed by the Secretary of War, under the provisions of the + said act, to report to him "the depth of water and width of channel + secured and maintained from time to time in said channel, together with + such other information as the Secretary of War may direct." +</p> +<p> + 2. <i>Protection of the interests of the United States so far as the + taking of material is concerned</i>.—Said Eads and his associates shall, + prior to taking material from any public lands, obtain authority to do + so from the Secretary of War, their applications specifying the kinds + and amounts of material they wish to take from each subdivision of the + public lands; and they shall at once cease from such taking on being + notified that the authority is withdrawn. +</p> +<p> + 3. <i>Protection of the interests of the United States so far as + structures are concerned.</i>—Said Eads and his associates and contractors + are authorized to erect, at their own expense, such shops, dwellings, + storehouses, and wharves on the military reservation at the mouth of the + Mississippi as may be necessary for the prosecution of the work, and + shall furnish a list and plan showing the location of the same to the + Secretary of War; but these shall be erected in such a way and at such + places as not unnecessarily to interfere with navigation or any other + interest in which the United States is concerned, whereof the Secretary + of War shall be the judge. At his direction any such structure shall be + at once removed. +</p> +<p> + 4. <i>Protection of James B. Eads's interests</i>.—No person save said Eads + and his contractors shall erect any building, tent, or other habitation + on the military reservation at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Any + person so doing may be summarily ejected by the United States marshal or + his deputy. But as authority has already been given to James B. Eads by + the Secretary of War to collect the material aforesaid until he should + be furnished with the regulations as now herein given, the said Eads is + authorized to continue collecting materials under that authority until + the 1st day of September, 1875, after which time these regulations will + go into effect. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 73. +</center> +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, August 2, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. The following order has been received from the President of the + United States: +</p> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, July 31, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + It becomes the painful duty of the President to announce to the people + of the United States the death of Andrew Johnson, the last survivor of + his honored predecessors, which occurred in Carter County, East + Tennessee, at an early hour this morning. +</p> +<p> + The solemnity of the occasion which called him to the Presidency, with + the varied nature and length of his public services, will cause him to + be long remembered and occasion mourning for the death of a + distinguished public servant. +</p> +<p> + As a mark of respect for the memory of the deceased, it is ordered that + the Executive Mansion and several Departments of the Government at + Washington be draped in mourning until the close of the day designated + for his funeral, and that all public business be suspended on that day. +</p> +<p> + It is further ordered that the War and Navy Departments cause suitable + honors to be paid on the occasion to the memory of the illustrious dead. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN L. CADWALADER,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> + II. In compliance with the President's instructions, the troops will be + paraded at 10 o'clock a.m. on the day after the receipt of this order at + each military post, when the order will be read to them, and the labors + of that day will thereafter cease. +</p> +<p> + The national flag will be displayed at half-staff. +</p> +<p> + At dawn of day thirteen guns will be fired, and afterwards at intervals + of thirty minutes, between the rising and setting sun a single gun, and + at the close of the day a national salute of thirty-seven guns. +</p> +<p> + The officers of the Army will wear crape on the left arm and on their + swords and the colors of the several regiments will be put in mourning + for the period of thirty days. +</p> +<p> + By order of the Secretary of War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + SPECIAL ORDER. +</center> +<p class="r"> + NAVY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, August 2, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States announces the death of ex-President + Andrew Johnson in the following order: +</p> +<center> + [For order see preceding page.] +</center> +<p> + In pursuance of the foregoing order, it is hereby directed that the + ensign at each naval station and of each vessel of the United States + Navy in commission be hoisted at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, and + that a gun be fired at intervals of every half hour from sunrise to + sunset at each naval station and on board of flagships and of vessels + acting singly, on Tuesday, the 3d instant, the day of the funeral, where + this order may be received in time, otherwise on the day after its + receipt. +</p> +<p> + The officers of the Navy and Marine Corps will wear the usual badge of + mourning attached to the sword hilt and on the left arm for the period + of thirty days. +</p> +<p class="r"> + DANIEL AMMEN,<br> <i>Acting Secretary of the Navy</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + GENERAL ORDERS, No. 97. +</center> +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, November 22, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + I. The following order announces the decease of Henry Wilson, + Vice-President of the United States: +</p> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, November 22, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + It is with profound sorrow that the President has to announce to the + people of the United States the death of the Vice-President, Henry + Wilson, who died in the Capitol of the nation this morning. +</p> +<p> + The eminent station of the deceased, his high character, his long career + in the service of his State and of the Union, his devotion to the cause + of freedom, and the ability which he brought to the discharge of every + duty stand conspicuous and are indelibly impressed on the hearts and + affections of the American people. +</p> +<p> + In testimony of respect for this distinguished citizen and faithful + public servant the various Departments of the Government will be closed + on the day of the funeral, and the Executive Mansion and all the + Executive Departments in Washington will be draped with badges of + mourning for thirty days. +</p> +<p> + The Secretaries of War and of the Navy will issue orders that + appropriate military and naval honors be rendered to the memory of one + whose virtues and services will long be borne in recollection by a + grateful nation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<p> + II. On the day next succeeding the receipt of this order at each + military post the troops will be paraded at 10 o'clock a. m. and this + order read to them. +</p> +<p> + The national flag will be displayed at half-staff. +</p> +<p> + At dawn of day thirteen guns will be fired. Commencing at 12 o'clock + noon seventeen minute guns will be fired, and at the close of the day + the national salute of thirty-seven guns. +</p> +<p> + The usual badge of mourning will be worn by officers of the Army and the + colors of the several regiments will be put in mourning for the period + of three months. +</p> +<p> + By order of the Secretary of War: +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + SPECIAL ORDER. +</center> +<p class="r"> + NAVY DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington, November 23, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + The President of the United States announces the death of Vice-President + Henry Wilson in the following order: +</p> +<center> + [For order see preceding page.] +</center> +<p> + In pursuance of the foregoing order, it is hereby directed that upon the + day following the receipt of this the ensign at each United States naval + station and of each United States naval vessel in commission be hoisted + at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, and that thirteen guns be fired at + sunrise, nineteen minute guns at meridian, and a national salute at + sunset at each United States naval station and on board flagships and + vessels acting singly, at home or abroad. +</p> +<p> + The officers of the Navy and Marine Corps will wear the usual badge of + mourning for three months. +</p> +<p class="r"> + GEO. M. ROBESON, <i>Secretary of the Navy</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SEVENTH ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 7, 1875</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In submitting my seventh annual message to Congress, in this centennial + year of our national existence as a free and independent people, it + affords me great pleasure to recur to the advancement that has been made + from the time of the colonies, one hundred years ago. We were then a + people numbering only 3,000,000. Now we number more than 40,000,000. + Then industries were confined almost exclusively to the tillage of the + soil. Now manufactories absorb much of the labor of the country. +</p> +<p> + Our liberties remain unimpaired; the bondmen have been freed from + slavery; we have become possessed of the respect, if not the friendship, + of all civilized nations. Our progress has been great in all the + arts—in science, agriculture, commerce, navigation, mining, mechanics, + law, medicine, etc,: and in general education the progress is likewise + encouraging. Our thirteen States have become thirty-eight, including + Colorado (which has taken the initiatory steps to become a State), and + eight Territories, including the Indian Territory and Alaska, and + excluding Colorado, making a territory extending from the Atlantic to + the Pacific. On the south we have extended to the Gulf of Mexico, and + in the west from the Mississippi to the Pacific. +</p> +<p> + One hundred years ago the cotton gin, the steamship, the railroad, the + telegraph, the reaping, sewing, and modern printing machines, and + numerous other inventions of scarcely less value to our business and + happiness were entirely unknown. +</p> +<p> + In 1776 manufactories scarcely existed even in name in all this vast + territory. In 1870 more than 2,000,000 persons were employed in + manufactories, producing more than $2,100,000,000 of products in amount + annually, nearly equal to our national debt. From nearly the whole of + the population of 1776 being engaged in the one occupation of + agriculture, in 1870 so numerous and diversified had become the + occupation of our people that less than 6,000,000 out of more than + 40,000,000 were so engaged. The extraordinary effect produced in our + country by a resort to diversified occupations has built a market for + the products of fertile lands distant from the seaboard and the markets + of the world. +</p> +<p> + The American system of locating various and extensive manufactories + next to the plow and the pasture, and adding connecting railroads + and steamboats, has produced in our distant interior country a result + noticeable by the intelligent portions of all commercial nations. The + ingenuity and skill of American mechanics have been demonstrated at + home and abroad in a manner most flattering to their pride. But for the + extraordinary genius and ability of our mechanics, the achievements of + our agriculturists, manufacturers, and transporters throughout the + country would have been impossible of attainment. +</p> +<p> + The progress of the miner has also been great. Of coal our production + was small; now many millions of tons are mined annually. So with iron, + which formed scarcely an appreciable part of our products half a century + ago, we now produce more than the world consumed at the beginning of + our national existence. Lead, zinc, and copper, from being articles + of import, we may expect to be large exporters of in the near future. + The development of gold and silver mines in the United States and + Territories has not only been remarkable, but has had a large influence + upon the business of all commercial nations. Our merchants in the last + hundred years have had a success and have established a reputation for + enterprise, sagacity, progress, and integrity unsurpassed by peoples of + older nationalities. This "good name" is not confined to their homes, + but goes out upon every sea and into every port where commerce enters. + With equal pride we can point to our progress in all of the learned + professions. +</p> +<p> + As we are now about to enter upon our second centennial—commencing our + manhood as a nation—it is well to look back upon the past and study + what will be best to preserve and advance our future greatness. From the + fall of Adam for his transgression to the present day no nation has ever + been free from threatened danger to its prosperity and happiness. We + should look to the dangers threatening us, and remedy them so far as + lies in our power. We are a republic whereof one man is as good as + another before the law. Under such a form of government it is of the + greatest importance that all should be possessed of education and + intelligence enough to cast a vote with a right understanding of + its meaning. A large association of ignorant men can not for any + considerable period oppose a successful resistance to tyranny and + oppression from the educated few, but will inevitably sink into + acquiescence to the will of intelligence, whether directed by the + demagogue or by priestcraft. Hence the education of the masses becomes + of the first necessity for the preservation of our institutions. They + are worth preserving, because they have secured the greatest good to + the greatest proportion of the population of any form of government yet + devised. All other forms of government approach it just in proportion + to the general diffusion of education and independence of thought and + action. As the primary step, therefore, to our advancement in all that + has marked our progress in the past century, I suggest for your earnest + consideration, and most earnestly recommend it, that a constitutional + amendment be submitted to the legislatures of the several States for + ratification, making it the duty of each of the several States to + establish and forever maintain free public schools adequate to the + education of all the children in the rudimentary branches within their + respective limits, irrespective of sex, color, birthplace, or religions; + forbidding the teaching in said schools of religious, atheistic, or + pagan tenets; and prohibiting the granting of any school funds or school + taxes, or any part thereof, either by legislative, municipal, or other + authority, for the benefit or in aid, directly or indirectly, of any + religious sect or denomination, or in aid or for the benefit of any + other object of any nature or kind whatever. +</p> +<p> + In connection with this important question I would also call your + attention to the importance of correcting an evil that, if permitted to + continue, will probably lead to great trouble in our land before the + close of the nineteenth century. It is the accumulation of vast amounts + of untaxed church property. +</p> +<p> + In 1850, I believe, the church property of the United States which paid + no tax, municipal or State, amounted to about $83,000,000. In 1860 the + amount had doubled; in 1875 it is about $1,000,000,000. By 1900, without + check, it is safe to say this property will reach a sum exceeding + $3,000,000,000. So vast a sum, receiving all the protection and benefits + of Government without bearing its proportion of the burdens and expenses + of the same, will not be looked upon acquiescently by those who have + to pay the taxes. In a growing country, where real estate enhances so + rapidly with time, as in the United States, there is scarcely a limit to + the wealth that may be acquired by corporations, religious or otherwise, + if allowed to retain real estate without taxation. The contemplation of + so vast a property as here alluded to, without taxation, may lead to + sequestration without constitutional authority and through blood. +</p> +<p> + I would suggest the taxation of all property equally, whether church + or corporation, exempting only the last resting place of the dead and + possibly, with proper restrictions, church edifices. +</p> +<p> + Our relations with most of the foreign powers continue on a satisfactory + and friendly footing. +</p> +<p> + Increased intercourse, the extension of commerce, and the cultivation + of mutual interests have steadily improved our relations with the large + majority of the powers of the world, rendering practicable the peaceful + solution of questions which from time to time necessarily arise, leaving + few which demand extended or particular notice. +</p> +<p> + The correspondence of the Department of State with our diplomatic + representatives abroad is transmitted herewith. +</p> +<p> + I am happy to announce the passage of an act by the General Cortes + of Portugal, proclaimed since the adjournment of Congress, for the + abolition of servitude in the Portuguese colonies. It is to be hoped + that such legislation may be another step toward the great consummation + to be reached, when no man shall be permitted, directly or indirectly, + under any guise, excuse, or form of law, to hold his fellow-man in + bondage. I am of opinion also that it is the duty of the United States, + as contributing toward that end, and required by the spirit of the age + in which we live, to provide by suitable legislation that no citizen of + the United States shall hold slaves as property in any other country or + be interested therein. +</p> +<p> + Chile has made reparation in the case of the whale ship <i>Good Return</i>, + seized without sufficient cause upward of forty years ago. Though she + had hitherto denied her accountability, the denial was never acquiesced + in by this Government, and the justice of the claim has been so + earnestly contended for that it has been gratifying that she should have + at last acknowledged it. +</p> +<p> + The arbitrator in the case of the United States steamer <i>Montijo</i>, for + the seizure and detention of which the Government of the United States + of Colombia was held accountable, has decided in favor of the claim. + This decision has settled a question which had been pending for several + years, and which, while it continued open, might more or less disturb + the good understanding which it is desirable should be maintained + between the two Republics. +</p> +<p> + A reciprocity treaty with the King of the Hawaiian Islands was concluded + some months since. As it contains a stipulation that it shall not take + effect until Congress shall enact the proper legislation for that + purpose, copies of the instrument are herewith submitted, in order that, + if such should be the pleasure of Congress, the necessary legislation + upon the subject may be adopted. +</p> +<p> + In March last an arrangement was made, through Mr. Cushing, our minister + in Madrid, with the Spanish Government for the payment by the latter to + the United States of the sum of $80,000 in coin, for the purpose of the + relief of the families or persons of the ship's company and certain + passengers of the <i>Virginius</i>. This sum was to have been paid in three + installments at two months each. It is due to the Spanish Government + that I should state that the payments were fully and spontaneously + anticipated by that Government, and that the whole amount was paid + within but a few days more than two months from the date of the + agreement, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. In pursuance of the + terms of the adjustment, I have directed the distribution of the amount + among the parties entitled thereto, including the ship's company and + such of the passengers as were American citizens. Payments are made + accordingly, on the application by the parties entitled thereto. +</p> +<p> + The past year has furnished no evidence of an approaching termination + of the ruinous conflict which has been raging for seven years in the + neighboring island of Cuba. The same disregard of the laws of civilized + warfare and of the just demands of humanity which has heretofore called + forth expressions of condemnation from the nations of Christendom has + continued to blacken the sad scene. Desolation, ruin, and pillage are + pervading the rich fields of one of the most fertile and productive + regions of the earth, and the incendiary's torch, firing plantations and + valuable factories and buildings, is the agent marking the alternate + advance or retreat of contending parties. +</p> +<p> + The protracted continuance of this strife seriously affects the + interests of all commercial nations, but those of the United States + more than others, by reason of close proximity, its larger trade and + intercourse with Cuba, and the frequent and intimate personal and social + relations which have grown up between its citizens and those of the + island. Moreover, the property of our citizens in Cuba is large, and is + rendered insecure and depreciated in value and in capacity of production + by the continuance of the strife and the unnatural mode of its conduct. + The same is true, differing only in degree, with respect to the + interests and people of other nations; and the absence of any reasonable + assurance of a near termination of the conflict must of necessity soon + compel the States thus suffering to consider what the interests of their + own people and their duty toward themselves may demand. +</p> +<p> + I have hoped that Spain would be enabled to establish peace in her + colony, to afford security to the property and the interests of our + citizens, and allow legitimate scope to trade and commerce and the + natural productions of the island. Because of this hope, and from an + extreme reluctance to interfere in the most remote manner in the affairs + of another and a friendly nation, especially of one whose sympathy and + friendship in the struggling infancy of our own existence must ever be + remembered with gratitude, I have patiently and anxiously waited the + progress of events. Our own civil conflict is too recent for us not to + consider the difficulties which surround a government distracted by a + dynastic rebellion at home at the same time that it has to cope with a + separate insurrection in a distant colony. But whatever causes may have + produced the situation which so grievously affects our interests, it + exists, with all its attendant evils operating directly upon this + country and its people. Thus far all the efforts of Spain have proved + abortive, and time has marked no improvement in the situation. The armed + bands of either side now occupy nearly the same ground as in the past, + with the difference, from time to time, of more lives sacrificed, more + property destroyed, and wider extents of fertile and productive fields + and more and more of valuable property constantly wantonly sacrificed + to the incendiary's torch. +</p> +<p> + In contests of this nature, where a considerable body of people who have + attempted to free themselves of the control of the superior government + have reached such point in occupation of territory, in power, and in + general organization as to constitute in fact a body politic; having a + government in substance as well as in name; possessed of the elements + of stability and equipped with the machinery for the administration of + internal policy and the execution of its laws; prepared and able to + administer justice at home, as well as in its dealings with other + powers, it is within the province of those other powers to recognize its + existence as a new and independent nation. In such cases other nations + simply deal with an actually existing condition of things, and recognize + as one of the powers of the earth that body politic which, possessing + the necessary elements, has in fact become a new power. In a word, the + creation of a new state is a fact. +</p> +<p> + To establish the condition of things essential to the recognition of + this fact there must be a people occupying a known territory, united + under some known and defined form of government, acknowledged by those + subject thereto, in which the functions of government are administered + by usual methods, competent to mete out justice to citizens and + strangers, to afford remedies for public and for private wrongs, and + able to assume the correlative international obligations and capable of + performing the corresponding international duties resulting from its + acquisition of the rights of sovereignty. A power should exist complete + in its organization, ready to take and able to maintain its place among + the nations of the earth. +</p> +<p> + While conscious that the insurrection in Cuba has shown a strength and + endurance which make it at least doubtful whether it be in the power + of Spain to subdue it, it seems unquestionable that no such civil + organization exists which may be recognized as an independent government + capable of performing its international obligations and entitled to be + treated as one of the powers of the earth. A recognition under such + circumstances would be inconsistent with the facts, and would compel the + power granting it soon to support by force the government to which it + had really given its only claim of existence. In my judgment the United + States should adhere to the policy and the principles which have + heretofore been its sure and safe guides in like contests between + revolted colonies and their mother country, and, acting only upon the + clearest evidence, should avoid any possibility of suspicion or of + imputation. +</p> +<p> + A recognition of the independence of Cuba being, in my opinion, + impracticable and indefensible, the question which next presents itself + is that of the recognition of belligerent rights in the parties to the + contest. In a former message to Congress I had occasion to consider this + question, and reached the conclusion that the conflict in Cuba, dreadful + and devastating as were its incidents, did not rise to the fearful + dignity of war. Regarding it now, after this lapse of time, I am unable + to see that any notable success or any marked or real advance on the + part of the insurgents has essentially changed the character of the + contest. It has acquired greater age, but not greater or more formidable + proportions. It is possible that the acts of foreign powers, and even + acts of Spain herself, of this very nature, might be pointed to in + defense of such recognition. But now, as in its past-history, the United + States should carefully avoid the false lights which might lead it into + the mazes of doubtful law and of questionable propriety, and adhere + rigidly and sternly to the rule, which has been its guide, of doing only + that which is right and honest and of good report. The question of + according or of withholding rights of belligerency must be judged in + every case in view of the particular attending facts. Unless justified + by necessity, it is always, and justly, regarded as an unfriendly act + and a gratuitous demonstration of moral support to the rebellion. It is + necessary, and it is required, when the interests and rights of another + government or of its people are so far affected by a pending civil + conflict as to require a definition of its relations to the parties + thereto. But this conflict must be one which will be recognized in the + sense of international law as war. Belligerence, too, is a fact. The + mere existence of contending armed bodies and their occasional conflicts + do not constitute war in the sense referred to. Applying to the existing + condition of affairs in Cuba the tests recognized by publicists and + writers on international law, and which have been observed by nations + of dignity, honesty, and power when free from sensitive or selfish and + unworthy motives, I fail to find in the insurrection the existence of + such a substantial political organization, real, palpable, and manifest + to the world, having the forms and capable of the ordinary functions of + government coward its own people and to other states, with courts for + the administration of justice, with a local habitation, possessing such + organization of force, such material, such occupation of territory, + as to take the contest out of the category of a mere rebellious + insurrection or occasional skirmishes and place it on the terrible + footing of war, to which a recognition of belligerency would aim to + elevate it. The contest, moreover, is solely on land; the insurrection + has not possessed itself of a single seaport whence it may send forth + its flag, nor has it any means of communication with foreign powers + except through the military lines of its adversaries. No apprehension + of any of those sudden and difficult complications which a war upon + the ocean is apt to precipitate upon the vessels, both commercial and + national, and upon the consular officers of other powers calls for the + definition of their relations to the parties to the contest. Considered + as a question of expediency, I regard the accordance of belligerent + rights still to be as unwise and premature as I regard it to be, at + present, indefensible as a measure of right. Such recognition entails + upon the country according the rights which flow from it difficult + and complicated duties, and requires the exaction from the contending + parties of the strict observance of their rights and obligations; + it confers the right of search upon the high seas by vessels of both + parties; it would subject the carrying of arms and munitions of war, + which now may be transported freely and without interruption in the + vessels of the United States, to detention and to possible seizure; + it would give rise to countless vexatious questions, would release the + parent Government from responsibility for acts done by the insurgents, + and would invest Spain with the right to exercise the supervision + recognized by our treaty of 1795 over our commerce on the high seas, + a very large part of which, in its traffic between the Atlantic and + the Gulf States and between all of them and the States on the Pacific, + passes through the waters which wash the shores of Cuba. The exercise of + this supervision could scarce fail to lead, if not to abuses, certainly + to collisions perilous to the peaceful relations of the two States. + There can be little doubt to what result such supervision would before + long draw this nation. It would be unworthy of the United States to + inaugurate the possibilities of such result by measures of questionable + right or expediency or by any indirection. Apart from any question + of theoretical right, I am satisfied that while the accordance of + belligerent rights to the insurgents in Cuba might give them a hope and + an inducement to protract the struggle, it would be but a delusive hope, + and would not remove the evils which this Government and its people are + experiencing, but would draw the United States into complications which + it has waited long and already suffered much to avoid. The recognition + of independence or of belligerency being thus, in my judgment, equally + inadmissible, it remains to consider what course shall be adopted should + the conflict not soon be brought to an end by acts of the parties + themselves, and should the evils which result therefrom, affecting all + nations, and particularly the United States, continue. In such event + I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to assume the + responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously consider the + only remaining measures possible—mediation and intervention. Owing, + perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating the island from the + peninsula, the want of harmony and of personal sympathy between the + inhabitants of the colony and those sent thither to rule them, and want + of adaptation of the ancient colonial system of Europe to the present + times and to the ideas which the events of the past century have + developed, the contending parties appear to have within themselves + no depository of common confidence to suggest wisdom when passion and + excitement have their sway and to assume the part of peacemaker. In this + view in the earlier days of the contest the good offices of the United + States as a mediator were tendered in good faith, without any selfish + purpose, in the interest of humanity and in sincere friendship for both + parties, but were at the time declined by Spain, with the declaration, + nevertheless, that at a future time they would be indispensable. No + intimation has been received that in the opinion of Spain that time has + been reached. And yet the strife continues, with all its dread horrors + and all its injuries to the interests of the United States and of other + nations. Each party seems quite capable of working great injury and + damage to the other, as well as to all the relations and interests + dependent on the existence of peace in the island; but they seem + incapable of reaching any adjustment, and both have thus far failed of + achieving any success whereby one party shall possess and control the + island to the exclusion of the other. Under these circumstances the + agency of others, either by mediation or by intervention, seems to be + the only alternative which must, sooner or later, be invoked for the + termination of the strife. At the same time, while thus impressed I do + not at this time recommend the adoption of any measure of intervention. + I shall be ready at all times, and as the equal friend of both parties, + to respond to a suggestion that the good offices of the United States + will be acceptable to aid in bringing about a peace honorable to both. + It is due to Spain, so far as this Government is concerned, that the + agency of a third power, to which I have adverted, shall be adopted only + as a last expedient. Had it been the desire of the United States to + interfere in the affairs of Cuba, repeated opportunities for so doing + have been presented within the last few years; but we have remained + passive, and have performed our whole duty and all international + obligations to Spain with friendship, fairness, and fidelity, and with + a spirit of patience and forbearance which negatives every possible + suggestion of desire to interfere or to add to the difficulties with + which she has been surrounded. +</p> +<p> + The Government of Spain has recently submitted to our minister at + Madrid certain proposals which it is hoped may be found to be the basis, + if not the actual submission, of terms to meet the requirements of the + particular griefs of which this Government has felt itself entitled to + complain. These proposals have not yet reached me in their full text. + On their arrival they will be taken into careful examination, and may, + I hope, lead to a satisfactory adjustment of the questions to which + they refer and remove the possibility of future occurrences such as + have given rise to our just complaints. +</p> +<p> + It is understood also that renewed efforts are being made to introduce + reforms in the internal administration of the island. Persuaded, + however, that a proper regard for the interests of the United States and + of its citizens entitles it to relief from the strain to which it has + been subjected by the difficulties of the questions and the wrongs and + losses which arise from the contest in Cuba, and that the interests of + humanity itself demand the cessation of the strife before the whole + island shall be laid waste and larger sacrifices of life be made, I + shall feel it my duty, should my hopes of a satisfactory adjustment and + of the early restoration of peace and the removal of future causes of + complaint be, unhappily, disappointed, to make a further communication + to Congress at some period not far remote, and during the present + session, recommending what may then seem to me to be necessary. +</p> +<p> + The free zone, so called, several years since established by the Mexican + Government in certain of the States of that Republic adjacent to our + frontier, remains in full operation. It has always been materially + injurious to honest traffic, for it operates as an incentive to traders + in Mexico to supply without customs charges the wants of inhabitants on + this side of the line, and prevents the same wants from being supplied + by merchants of the United States, thereby to a considerable extent + defrauding our revenue and checking honest commercial enterprise. +</p> +<p> + Depredations by armed bands from Mexico on the people of Texas near + the frontier continue. Though the main object of these incursions is + robbery, they frequently result in the murder of unarmed and peaceably + disposed persons, and in some instances even the United States + post-offices and mail communications have been attacked. Renewed + remonstrances upon this subject have been addressed to the Mexican + Government, but without much apparent effect. The military force of this + Government disposable for service in that quarter is quite inadequate to + effectually guard the line, even at those points where the incursions + are usually made. An experiment of an armed vessel on the Rio Grande for + that purpose is on trial, and it is hoped that, if not thwarted by the + shallowness of the river and other natural obstacles, it may materially + contribute to the protection of the herdsmen of Texas. +</p> +<p> + The proceedings of the joint commission under the convention between + the United States and Mexico of the 4th of July, 1868, on the subject of + claims, will soon be brought to a close. The result of those proceedings + will then be communicated to Congress. +</p> +<p> + I am happy to announce that the Government of Venezuela has, upon + further consideration, practically abandoned its objection to pay + to the United States that share of its revenue which some years + since it allotted toward the extinguishment of the claims of foreigners + generally. In thus reconsidering its determination that Government has + shown a just sense of self-respect which can not fail to reflect credit + upon it in the eyes of all disinterested persons elsewhere. It is to be + regretted, however, that its payments on account of claims of citizens + of the United States are still so meager in amount, and that the + stipulations of the treaty in regard to the sums to be paid and the + periods when those payments were to take place should have been so + signally disregarded. +</p> +<p> + Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the + ratification of a treaty of commerce and navigation with Belgium, and + of conventions with the Mexican Republic for the further extension of + the joint commission respecting claims; with the Hawaiian Islands for + commercial reciprocity, and with the Ottoman Empire for extradition; all + of which have been duly proclaimed. +</p> +<p> + The Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims has prosecuted its + important duties very assiduously and very satisfactorily. It convened + and was organized on the 22d day of July, 1874, and by the terms of the + act under which it was created was to exist for one year from that date. + The act provided, however, that should it be found impracticable to + complete the work of the court before the expiration of the year the + President might by proclamation extend the time of its duration to a + period not more than six months beyond the expiration of the one year. +</p> +<p> + Having received satisfactory evidence that it would be impracticable + to complete the work within the time originally fixed, I issued a + proclamation<a href="#note-97"><small>97</small></a> (a copy of which is presented herewith) extending the + time of duration of the court for a period of six months from and after + the 22d day of July last. +</p> +<p> + A report made through the clerk of the court (communicated herewith) + shows the condition of the calendar on the 1st of November last and the + large amount of work which has been accomplished. One thousand three + hundred and eighty-two claims have been presented, of which 682 had been + disposed of at the date of the report. I am informed that 170 cases were + decided during the month of November. Arguments are being made and + decisions given in the remaining cases with all the dispatch consistent + with the proper consideration of the questions submitted. Many of these + claims are in behalf of mariners, or depend on the evidence of mariners, + whose absence has delayed the taking or the return of the necessary + evidence. +</p> +<p> + It is represented to me that it will be impracticable for the court to + finally dispose of all the cases before it within the present limit of + its duration. Justice to the parties claimant, who have been at large + expense in preparing their claims and obtaining the evidence in their + support, suggests a short extension, to enable the court to dispose of + all of the claims which have been presented. +</p> +<p> + I recommend the legislation which may be deemed proper to enable the + court to complete the work before it. +</p> +<p> + I recommend that some suitable provision be made, by the creation of + a special court or by conferring the necessary jurisdiction upon some + appropriate tribunal, for the consideration and determination of the + claims of aliens against the Government of the United States which have + arisen within some reasonable limitation of time, or which may hereafter + arise, excluding all claims barred by treaty provisions or otherwise. It + has been found impossible to give proper consideration to these claims + by the Executive Departments of the Government. Such a tribunal would + afford an opportunity to aliens other than British subjects to present + their claims on account of acts committed against their persons or + property during the rebellion, as also to those subjects of Great + Britain whose claims, having arisen subsequent to the 9th day of April, + 1865, could not be presented to the late commission organized pursuant + to the provisions of the treaty of Washington. +</p> +<p> + The electric telegraph has become an essential and indispensable agent + in the transmission of business and social messages. Its operation on + land, and within the limit of particular states, is necessarily under + the control of the jurisdiction within which it operates. The lines on + the high seas, however, are not subject to the particular control of any + one government. +</p> +<p> + In 1869 a concession was granted by the French Government to a company + which proposed to lay a cable from the shores of France to the United + States. At that time there was a telegraphic connection between the + United States and the continent of Europe (through the possessions + of Great Britain at either end of the line), under the control of an + association which had, at large outlay of capital and at great risk, + demonstrated the practicability of maintaining such means of + communication. The cost of correspondence by this agency was great, + possibly not too large at the time for a proper remuneration for so + hazardous and so costly an enterprise. It was, however, a heavy charge + upon a means of communication which the progress in the social and + commercial intercourse of the world found to be a necessity, and the + obtaining of this French concession showed that other capital than that + already invested was ready to enter into competition, with assurance of + adequate return for their outlay. Impressed with the conviction that the + interests, not only of the people of the United States, but of the world + at large, demanded, or would demand, the multiplication of such means + of communication between separated continents, I was desirous that the + proposed connection should be made; but certain provisions of this + concession were deemed by me to be objectionable, particularly one + which gave for a long term of years the exclusive right of telegraphic + communication by submarine cable between the shores of France and the + United States. I could not concede that any power should claim the right + to land a cable on the shores of the United States and at the same time + deny to the United States, or to its citizens or grantees, an equal + right to land a cable on its shores. The right to control the conditions + for the laying of a cable within the jurisdictional waters of the United + States, to connect our shores with those of any foreign state, pertains + exclusively to the Government of the United States, under such + limitations and conditions as Congress may impose. In the absence of + legislation by Congress I was unwilling, on the one hand, to yield to + a foreign state the right to say that its grantees might land on our + shores while it denied a similar right to our people to land on its + shores, and, on the other hand, I was reluctant to deny to the great + interests of the world and of civilization the facilities of such + communication as were proposed. I therefore withheld any resistance + to the landing of the cable on condition that the offensive monopoly + feature of the concession be abandoned, and that the right of any cable + which may be established by authority of this Government to land upon + French territory and to connect with French land lines and enjoy all the + necessary facilities or privileges incident to the use thereof upon as + favorable terms as any other company be conceded. As the result thereof + the company in question renounced the exclusive privilege, and the + representative of France was informed that, understanding this + relinquishment to be construed as granting the entire reciprocity and + equal facilities which had been demanded, the opposition to the landing + of the cable was withdrawn. The cable, under this French concession, + was landed in the month of July, 1869, and has been an efficient and + valuable agent of communication between this country and the other + continent. It soon passed under the control, however, of those who + had the management of the cable connecting Great Britain with this + continent, and thus whatever benefit to the public might have ensued + from competition between the two lines was lost, leaving only the + greater facilities of an additional line and the additional security in + case of accident to one of them. But these increased facilities and this + additional security, together with the control of the combined capital + of the two companies, gave also greater power to prevent the future + construction of other lines and to limit the control of telegraphic + communication between the two continents to those possessing the lines + already laid. Within a few months past a cable has been laid, known as + the United States Direct Cable Company, connecting the United States + directly with Great Britain. As soon as this cable was reported to be + laid and in working order the rates of the then existing consolidated + companies were greatly reduced. Soon, however, a break was announced in + this new cable, and immediately the rates of the other line, which had + been reduced, were again raised. This cable being now repaired, the + rates appear not to be reduced by either line from those formerly + charged by the consolidated companies. +</p> +<p> + There is reason to believe that large amounts of capital, both at home + and abroad, are ready to seek profitable investment in the advancement + of this useful and most civilizing means of intercourse and + correspondence. They await, however, the assurance of the means and + conditions on which they may safely be made tributary to the general + good. +</p> +<p> + As these cable telegraph lines connect separate states, there are + questions as to their organization and control which probably can be + best, if not solely, settled by conventions between the respective + states. In the absence, however, of international conventions on the + subject, municipal legislation may secure many points which appear to me + important, if not indispensable for the protection of the public against + the extortions which may result from a monopoly of the right of + operating cable telegrams or from a combination between several lines: +</p> +<p> + I. No line should be allowed to land on the shores of the United States + under the concession from another power which does not admit the right + of any other line or lines, formed in the United States, to land and + freely connect with and operate through its land lines. +</p> +<p> + II. No line should be allowed to land on the shores of the United States + which is not, by treaty stipulation with the government from whose + shores it proceeds, or by prohibition in its charter, or otherwise to + the satisfaction of this Government, prohibited from consolidating or + amalgamating with any other cable telegraph line, or combining therewith + for the purpose of regulating and maintaining the cost of telegraphing. +</p> +<p> + III. All lines should be bound to give precedence in the transmission of + the official messages of the governments of the two countries between + which it may be laid. +</p> +<p> + IV. A power should be reserved to the two governments, either conjointly + or to each, as regards the messages dispatched from its shores, to fix a + limit to the charges to be demanded for the transmission of messages. +</p> +<p> + I present this subject to the earnest consideration of Congress. +</p> +<p> + In the meantime, and unless Congress otherwise direct, I shall not + oppose the landing of any telegraphic cable which complies with and + assents to the points above enumerated, but will feel it my duty to + prevent the landing of any which does not conform to the first and + second points as stated, and which will not stipulate to concede to this + Government the precedence in the transmission of its official messages + and will not enter into a satisfactory arrangement with regard to its + charges. +</p> +<p> + Among the pressing and important subjects to which, in my opinion, + the attention of Congress should be directed are those relating to + fraudulent naturalization and expatriation. +</p> +<p> + The United States, with great liberality, offers its citizenship + to all who in good faith comply with the requirements of law. These + requirements are as simple and upon as favorable terms to the emigrant + as the high privilege to which he is admitted can or should permit. + I do not propose any additional requirements to those which the law now + demands; but the very simplicity and the want of unnecessary formality + in our law have made fraudulent naturalization not infrequent, to + the discredit and injury of all honest citizens, whether native or + naturalized. Cases of this character are continually being brought to + the notice of the Government by our representatives abroad, and also + those of persons resident in other countries, most frequently those who, + if they have remained in this country long enough to entitle them to + become naturalized, have generally not much overpassed that period, + and have returned to the country of their origin, where they reside, + avoiding all duties to the United States by their absence, and claiming + to be exempt from all duties to the country of their nativity and of + their residence by reason of their alleged naturalization. It is due to + this Government itself and to the great mass of the naturalized citizens + who entirely, both in name and in fact, become citizens of the United + States that the high privilege of citizenship of the United States + should not be held by fraud or in derogation of the laws and of the good + name of every honest citizen. On many occasions it has been brought to + the knowledge of the Government that certificates of naturalization are + held and protection or interference claimed by parties who admit that + not only they were not within the United States at the time of the + pretended naturalization, but that they have never resided in the United + States; in others the certificate and record of the court show on their + face that the person claiming to be naturalized had not resided the + required time in the United States; in others it is admitted upon + examination that the requirements of law have not been complied with; + in some cases, even, such certificates have been matter of purchase. + These are not isolated cases, arising at rare intervals, but of common + occurrence, and which are reported from all quarters of the globe. Such + occurrences can not, and do not, fail to reflect upon the Government + and injure all honest citizens. Such a fraud being discovered, however, + there is no practicable means within the control of the Government + by which the record of naturalization can be vacated; and should the + certificate be taken up, as it usually is, by the diplomatic and + consular representatives of the Government to whom it may have been + presented, there is nothing to prevent the person claiming to have been + naturalized from obtaining a new certificate from the court in place of + that which has been taken from him. +</p> +<p> + The evil has become so great and of such frequent occurrence that I can + not too earnestly recommend that some effective measures be adopted to + provide a proper remedy and means for the vacating of any record thus + fraudulently made, and of punishing the guilty parties to the + transaction. +</p> +<p> + In this connection I refer also to the question of expatriation and the + election of nationality. +</p> +<p> + The United States was foremost in upholding the right of expatriation, + and was principally instrumental in overthrowing the doctrine of + perpetual allegiance. Congress has declared the right of expatriation + to be a natural and inherent right of all people; but while many other + nations have enacted laws providing what formalities shall be necessary + to work a change of allegiance, the United States has enacted no + provisions of law and has in no respect marked out how and when + expatriation may be accomplished by its citizens. Instances are brought + to the attention of the Government where citizens of the United States, + either naturalized or native born, have formally become citizens or + subjects of foreign powers, but who, nevertheless, in the absence + of any provisions of legislation on this question, when involved in + difficulties or when it seems to be their interest, claim to be citizens + of the United States and demand the intervention of a Government which + they have long since abandoned and to which for years they have rendered + no service nor held themselves in any way amenable. +</p> +<p> + In other cases naturalized citizens, immediately after + naturalization, have returned to their native country; have become + engaged in business; have accepted offices or pursuits inconsistent with + American citizenship, and evidence no intent to return to the United + States until called upon to discharge some duty to the country where + they are residing, when at once they assert their citizenship and call + upon the representatives of the Government to aid them in their unjust + pretensions. It is but justice to all <i>bona fide</i> citizens that no doubt + should exist on such questions, and that Congress should determine by + enactment of law how expatriation may be accomplished and change of + citizenship be established. +</p> +<p> + I also invite your attention to the necessity of regulating by law the + status of American women who may marry foreigners, and of defining more + fully that of children born in a foreign country of American parents + who may reside abroad; and also of some further provision regulating + or giving legal effect to marriages of American citizens contracted in + foreign countries. The correspondence submitted herewith shows a few + of the constantly occurring questions on these points presented to the + consideration of the Government. There are few subjects to engage the + attention of Congress on which more delicate relations or more important + interests are dependent. +</p> +<p> + In the month of July last the building erected for the Department + of State was taken possession of and occupied by that Department. + I am happy to announce that the archives and valuable papers of the + Government in the custody of that Department are now safely deposited + and properly cared for. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Treasury shows the receipts + from customs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, to have + been $163,103,833.69, and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1875, + to have been $157,167,722.35, a decrease for the last fiscal year of + $5,936,111.34. Receipts from internal revenue for the year ending the + 30th of June, 1874, were $102,409,784.90, and for the year ending June + 30, 1875, $110,007,493.58; increase, $7,597,708.68. +</p> +<p> + The report also shows a complete history of the workings of the + Department for the last year, and contains recommendations for reforms + and for legislation which I concur in, but can not comment on so fully + as I should like to do if space would permit, but will confine myself + to a few suggestions which I look upon as vital to the best interests + of the whole people—coining within the purview of "Treasury;" I mean + specie resumption. Too much stress can not be laid upon this question, + and I hope Congress may be induced, at the earliest day practicable, + to insure the consummation of the act of the last Congress, at its + last session, to bring about specie resumption "on and after the 1st of + January, 1879," at furthest. It would be a great blessing if this could + be consummated even at an earlier day. +</p> +<p> + Nothing seems to me more certain than that a full, healthy, and + permanent reaction can not take place in favor of the industries and + financial welfare of the country until we return to a measure of values + recognized throughout the civilized world. While we use a currency not + equivalent to this standard the world's recognized standard, specie, + becomes a commodity like the products of the soil, the surplus seeking + a market wherever there is a demand for it. +</p> +<p> + Under our present system we should want none, nor would we have any, + were it not that customs dues must be paid in coin and because of the + pledge to pay interest on the public debt in coin. The yield of precious + metals would flow out for the purchase of foreign productions and leave + the United States "hewers of wood and drawers of water," because of + wiser legislation on the subject of finance by the nations with whom + we have dealings. I am not prepared to say that I can suggest the best + legislation to secure the end most heartily recommended. It will be a + source of great gratification to me to be able to approve any measure + of Congress looking effectively toward securing "resumption." +</p> +<p> + Unlimited inflation would probably bring about specie payments more + speedily than any legislation looking to redemption of the legal-tenders + in coin; but it would be at the expense of honor. The legal-tenders + would have no value beyond settling present liabilities, or, properly + speaking, repudiating them. They would buy nothing after debts were all + settled. +</p> +<p> + There are a few measures which seem to me important in this connection + and which I commend to your earnest consideration: +</p> +<p> + A repeal of so much of the legal-tender act as makes these notes + receivable for debts contracted after a date to be fixed in the act + itself, say not later than the 1st of January, 1877. We should then have + quotations at real values, not fictitious ones. Gold would no longer be + at a premium, but currency at a discount. A healthy reaction would set + in at once, and with it a desire to make the currency equal to what it + purports to be. The merchants, manufacturers, and tradesmen of every + calling could do business on a fair margin of profit, the money to be + received having an unvarying value. Laborers and all classes who work + for stipulated pay or salary would receive more for their income, + because extra profits would no longer be charged by the capitalists to + compensate for the risk of a downward fluctuation in the value of the + currency. +</p> +<p> + Second. That the Secretary of the Treasury be authorized to redeem, say, + not to exceed $2,000,000 monthly of legal-tender notes, by issuing in + their stead a long bond, bearing interest at the rate of 3.65 per cent + per annum, of denominations ranging from $50 up to $1,000 each. This + would in time reduce the legal-tender notes to a volume that could be + kept afloat without demanding redemption in large sums suddenly. +</p> +<p> + Third. That additional power be given to the Secretary of the Treasury + to accumulate gold for final redemption, either by increasing revenue, + curtailing expenses, or both (it is preferable to do both); and I + recommend that reduction of expenditures be made wherever it can be done + without impairing Government obligations or crippling the due execution + thereof. One measure for increasing the revenue—and the only one I + think of—is the restoration of the duty on tea and coffee. These duties + would add probably $18,000,000 to the present amount received from + imports, and would in no way increase the prices paid for those articles + by the consumers. +</p> +<p> + These articles are the products of countries collecting revenue from + exports, and as we, the largest consumers, reduce the duties they + proportionately increase them. With this addition to the revenue, many + duties now collected, and which give but an insignificant return for the + cost of collection, might be remitted, and to the direct advantage of + consumers at home. +</p> +<p> + I would mention those articles which enter into manufactures of all + sorts. All duty paid upon such articles goes directly to the cost of the + article when manufactured here, and must be paid for by the consumers. + These duties not only come from the consumers at home, but act as a + protection to foreign manufacturers of the same completed articles in + our own and distant markets. +</p> +<p> + I will suggest or mention another subject bearing upon the problem of + "how to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to accumulate balances." + It is to devise some better method of verifying claims against the + Government than at present exists through the Court of Claims, + especially those claims growing out of the late war. Nothing is more + certain than that a very large percentage of the amounts passed and + paid are either wholly fraudulent or are far in excess of the real + losses sustained. The large amount of losses proven—on good testimony + according to existing laws, by affidavits of fictitious or unscrupulous + persons—to have been sustained on small farms and plantations are not + only far beyond the possible yield of those places for any one year, + but, as everyone knows who has had experience in tilling the soil and + who has visited the scenes of these spoliations, are in many instances + more than the individual claimants were ever worth, including their + personal and real estate. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Attorney-General, which will be submitted to Congress + at an early day, will contain a detailed history of awards made and of + claims pending of the class here referred to. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War, accompanying this message, gives a + detailed account of Army operations for the year just passed, expenses + for maintenance, etc., with recommendations for legislation to which I + respectfully invite your attention. To some of these I invite special + attention: +</p> +<p> + First. The necessity of making $300,000 of the appropriation for the + Subsistence Department available before the beginning of the next fiscal + year. Without this provision troops at points distant from supply + production must either go without food or existing laws must be + violated. It is not attended with cost to the Treasury. +</p> +<p> + Second. His recommendation for the enactment of a system of annuities + for the families of deceased officers by voluntary deductions from the + monthly pay of officers. This again is not attended with burden upon the + Treasury, and would for the future relieve much distress which every old + army officer has witnessed in the past—of officers dying suddenly or + being killed, leaving families without even the means of reaching their + friends, if fortunate enough to have friends to aid them. +</p> +<p> + Third. The repeal of the law abolishing mileage, and a return to the old + system. +</p> +<p> + Fourth. The trial with torpedoes under the Corps of Engineers, and + appropriation for the same. Should war ever occur between the United + States and any maritime power, torpedoes will be among if not the most + effective and cheapest auxiliary for the defense of harbors, and also in + aggressive operations, that we can have. Hence it is advisable to learn + by experiment their best construction and application, as well as + effect. +</p> +<p> + Fifth. A permanent organization for the Signal-Service Corps. This + service has now become a necessity of peace as well as war, under the + advancement made by the present able management. +</p> +<p> + Sixth. A renewal of the appropriation for compiling the official records + of the war, etc. +</p> +<p> + The condition of our Navy at this time is a subject of satisfaction. + It does not contain, it is true, any of the powerful cruising ironclads + which make so much of the maritime strength of some other nations, but + neither our continental situation nor our foreign policy requires that + we should have a large number of ships of this character, while this + situation and the nature of our ports combine to make those of other + nations little dangerous to us under any circumstances. +</p> +<p> + Our Navy does contain, however, a considerable number of ironclads of + the monitor class, which, though not properly cruisers, are powerful and + effective for harbor defense and for operations near our own shores. + Of these all the single-turreted ones, fifteen in number, have been + substantially rebuilt, their rotten wooden beams replaced with iron, + their hulls strengthened, and their engines and machinery thoroughly + repaired, so that they are now in the most efficient condition and ready + for sea as soon as they can be manned and put in commission. +</p> +<p> + The five double-turreted ironclads belonging to our Navy, by far the + most powerful of our ships for fighting purposes, are also in hand + undergoing complete repairs, and could be ready for sea in periods + varying from four to six months. With these completed according to the + present design and our two iron torpedo boats now ready, our ironclad + fleet will be, for the purposes of defense at home, equal to any force + that can readily be brought against it. +</p> +<p> + Of our wooden navy also cruisers of various sizes, to the number of + about forty, including those now in commission, are in the Atlantic, and + could be ready for duty as fast as men could be enlisted for those not + already in commission. Of these, one-third are in effect new ships, and + though some of the remainder need considerable repairs to their boilers + and machinery, they all are, or can readily be made, effective. +</p> +<p> + This constitutes a fleet of more than fifty war ships, of which fifteen + are ironclad, now in hand on the Atlantic coast. The Navy has been + brought to this condition by a judicious and practical application of + what could be spared from the current appropriations of the last few + years and from that made to meet the possible emergency of two years + ago. It has been done quietly, without proclamation or display, and + though it has necessarily straitened the Department in its ordinary + expenditure, and, as far as the ironclads are concerned, has added + nothing to the cruising force of the Navy, yet the result is not the + less satisfactory because it is to be found in a great increase of real + rather than apparent force. The expenses incurred in the maintenance of + an effective naval force in all its branches are necessarily large, but + such force is essential to our position, relations, and character, and + affects seriously the weight of our principles and policy throughout the + whole sphere of national responsibilities. +</p> +<p> + The estimates for the regular support of this branch of the service for + the next year amount to a little less in the aggregate than those made + for the current year; but some additional appropriations are asked for + objects not included in the ordinary maintenance of the Navy, but + believed to be of pressing importance at this time. It would, in my + opinion, be wise at once to afford sufficient means for the immediate + completion of the five double-turreted monitors now undergoing repairs, + which must otherwise advance slowly, and only as money can be spared + from current expenses. Supplemented by these, our Navy, armed with the + destructive weapons of modern warfare, manned by our seamen, and in + charge of our instructed officers, will present a force powerful for + the home purposes of a responsible though peaceful nation. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Postmaster-General herewith transmitted gives a full + history of the workings of the Department for the year just past. It + will be observed that the deficiency to be supplied from the General + Treasury is increased over the amount required for the preceding year. + In a country so vast in area as the United States, with large portions + sparsely settled, it must be expected that this important service will + be more or less a burden upon the Treasury for many years to come. But + there is no branch of the public service which interests the whole + people more than that of cheap and rapid transmission of the mails to + every inhabited part of our territory. Next to the free school, the + post-office is the great educator of the people, and it may well receive + the support of the General Government. +</p> +<p> + The subsidy of $150,000 per annum given to vessels of the United States + for carrying the mails between New York and Rio de Janeiro having ceased + on the 30th day of September last, we are without direct mail facilities + with the South American States. This is greatly to be regretted, and + I do not hesitate to recommend the authorization of a renewal of that + contract, and also that the service may be increased from monthly to + semi-monthly trips. The commercial advantages to be gained by a direct + line of American steamers to the South American States will far outweigh + the expense of the service. +</p> +<p> + By act of Congress approved March 3, 1875, almost all matter, whether + properly mail matter or not, may be sent any distance through the mails, + in packages not exceeding 4 pounds in weight, for the sum of 16 cents + per pound. So far as the transmission of real mail matter goes, this + would seem entirely proper; but I suggest that the law be so amended as + to exclude from the mails merchandise of all descriptions, and limit + this transportation to articles enumerated, and which may be classed as + mail matter proper. +</p> +<p> + The discovery of gold in the Black Hills, a portion of the Sioux + Reservation, has had the effect to induce a large emigration of miners + to that point. Thus far the effort to protect the treaty rights of the + Indians to that section has been successful, but the next year will + certainly witness a large increase of such emigration. The negotiations + for the relinquishment of the gold fields having failed, it will be + necessary for Congress to adopt some measures to relieve the + embarrassment growing out of the causes named. The Secretary of the + Interior suggests that the supplies now appropriated for the sustenance + of that people, being no longer obligatory under the treaty of 1868, but + simply a gratuity, may be issued or withheld at his discretion. +</p> +<p> + The condition of the Indian Territory, to which I have referred in + several of my former annual messages, remains practically unchanged. + The Secretary of the Interior has taken measures to obtain a full report + of the condition of that Territory, and will make it the subject of a + special report at an early day. It may then be necessary to make some + further recommendation in regard to legislation for the government of + that Territory. +</p> +<p> + The steady growth and increase of the business of the Patent Office + indicates in some measure the progress of the industrial activity of the + country. The receipts of the office are in excess of its expenditures, + and the office generally is in a prosperous and satisfactory condition. +</p> +<p> + The report of the General Land Office shows that there were 2,459,601 + acres less disposed of during this than during the last year. More than + one-half of this decrease was in lands disposed of under the homestead + and timber-culture laws. The cause of this decrease is supposed to be + found in the grasshopper scourge and the droughts which prevailed so + extensively in some of the frontier States and Territories during that + time as to discourage and deter entries by actual settlers. The cash + receipts were less by $690,322.23 than during the preceding year. +</p> +<p> + The entire surveyed area of the public domain is 680,253,094 acres, of + which 26,077,531 acres were surveyed during the past year, leaving + 1,154,471,762 acres still unsurveyed. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner presents many interesting suggestions in + regard to the management and disposition of the public domain and the + modification of existing laws, the apparent importance of which should + insure for them the careful consideration of Congress. +</p> +<p> + The number of pensioners still continues to decrease, the highest number + having been reached during the year ending June 30, 1873. During the + last year 11,557 names were added to the rolls, and 12,977 were dropped + therefrom, showing a net decrease of 1,420. But while the number of + pensioners has decreased, the annual amount due on the pension rolls has + increased $44,733.13. This is caused by the greatly increased average + rate of pensions, which, by the liberal legislation of Congress, has + increased from $90.26 in 1872 to $103.91 in 1875 to each invalid + pensioner, an increase in the average rate of 15 per cent in the three + years. During the year ending June 30, 1875, there was paid on account + of pensions, including the expenses of disbursement, $29,683,116, being + $910,632 less than was paid the preceding year. This reduction in amount + of expenditures was produced by the decrease in the amount of arrearages + due on allowed claims and on pensions the rate of which was increased by + the legislation of the preceding session of Congress. At the close of + the last fiscal year there were on the pension rolls 234,821 persons, of + whom 210,363 were army pensioners, 105,478 being invalids and 104,885 + widows and dependent relatives; 3,420 were navy pensioners, of whom + 1,636 were invalids and 1,784 widows and dependent relatives; 21,038 + were pensioners of the War of 1812, 15,875 of whom were survivors and + 5,163 were widows. +</p> +<p> + It is estimated that $29,535,000 will be required for the payment of + pensions for the next fiscal year, an amount $965,000 less than the + estimate for the present year. +</p> +<p> + The geological explorations have been prosecuted with energy during the + year, covering an area of about 40,000 square miles in the Territories + of Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, developing the agricultural and + mineral resources and furnishing interesting scientific and + topographical details of that region. +</p> +<p> + The method for the treatment of the Indians adopted at the beginning + of my first term has been steadily pursued, and with satisfactory and + encouraging results. It has been productive of evident improvement in + the condition of that race, and will be continued, with only such + modifications as further experience may indicate to be necessary. +</p> +<p> + The board heretofore appointed to take charge of the articles and + materials pertaining to the War, the Navy, the Treasury, the Interior, + and the Post-Office Departments, and the Department of Agriculture, + the Smithsonian Institution, and the Commission of Food Fishes, to be + contributed, under the legislation of last session, to the international + exhibition to be held at Philadelphia during the centennial year 1876, + has been diligent in the discharge of the duties which have devolved + upon it; and the preparations so far made with the means at command + give assurance that the governmental contribution will be made one of + the marked characteristics of the exhibition. The board has observed + commendable economy in the matter of the erection of a building for + the governmental exhibit, the expense of which it is estimated will not + exceed, say, $80,000. This amount has been withdrawn, under the law, + from the appropriations of five of the principal Departments, which + leaves some of those Departments without sufficient means to render + their respective practical exhibits complete and satisfactory. The + exhibition being an international one, and the Government being a + voluntary contributor, it is my opinion that its contribution should be + of a character, in quality and extent, to sustain the dignity and credit + of so distinguished a contributor. The advantages to the country of a + creditable display are, in an international point of view, of the first + importance, while an indifferent or uncreditable participation by the + Government would be humiliating to the patriotic feelings of our people + themselves. I commend the estimates of the board for the necessary + additional appropriations to the favorable consideration of Congress. +</p> +<p> + The powers of Europe almost without exception, many of the South + American States, and even the more distant Eastern powers have + manifested their friendly sentiments toward the United States and the + interest of the world in our progress by taking steps to join with us + in celebrating the centennial of the nation, and I strongly recommend + that a more national importance be given to this exhibition by such + legislation and by such appropriation as will insure its success. Its + value in bringing to our shores innumerable useful works of art and + skill, the commingling of the citizens of foreign countries and our + own, and the interchange of ideas and manufactures will far exceed any + pecuniary outlay we may make. +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, + together with the reports of the Commissioners, the board of audit, + and the board of health of the District of Columbia, to all of which + I invite your attention. +</p> +<p> + The Bureau of Agriculture has accomplished much in disseminating useful + knowledge to the agriculturist, and also in introducing new and useful + productions adapted to our soil and climate, and is worthy of the + continued encouragement of the Government. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner of Education, which accompanies the + report of the Secretary of the Interior, shows a gratifying progress in + educational matters. +</p> +<p> + In nearly every annual message that I have had the honor of transmitting + to Congress I have called attention to the anomalous, not to say + scandalous, condition of affairs existing in the Territory of Utah, and + have asked for definite legislation to correct it. That polygamy should + exist in a free, enlightened, and Christian country, without the power + to punish so flagrant a crime against decency and morality, seems + preposterous. True, there is no law to sustain this unnatural vice; but + what is needed is a law to punish it as a crime, and at the same time to + fix the status of the innocent children, the offspring of this system, + and of the possibly innocent plural wives. But as an institution + polygamy should be banished from the land. +</p> +<p> + While this is being done I invite the attention of Congress to another, + though perhaps no less an evil—the importation of Chinese women, but + few of whom are brought to our shores to pursue honorable or useful + occupations. +</p> +<p> + Observations while visiting the Territories of Wyoming, Utah, and + Colorado during the past autumn convinced me that existing laws + regulating the disposition of public lands, timber, etc., and probably + the mining laws themselves, are very defective and should be carefully + amended, and at an early day. Territory where cultivation of the soil + can only be followed by irrigation, and where irrigation is not + practicable the lands can only be used as pasturage, and this only where + stock can reach water (to quench its thirst), can not be governed by the + same laws as to entries as lands every acre of which is an independent + estate by itself. +</p> +<p> + Land must be held in larger quantities to justify the expense of + conducting water upon it to make it fruitful, or to justify utilizing + it as pasturage. The timber in most of the Territories is principally + confined to the mountain regions, which are held for entry in small + quantities only, and as mineral lands. The timber is the property of the + United States, for the disposal of which there is now no adequate law. + The settler must become a consumer of this timber, whether he lives upon + the plain or engages in working the mines. Hence every man becomes + either a trespasser himself or knowingly a patron of trespassers. +</p> +<p> + My opportunities for observation were not sufficient to justify me in + recommending specific legislation on these subjects, but I do recommend + that a joint committee of the two Houses of Congress, sufficiently large + to be divided into subcommittees, be organized to visit all the mining + States and Territories during the coming summer, and that the committee + shall report to Congress at the next session such laws or amendments + to laws as it may deem necessary to secure the best interests of the + Government and the people of these Territories, who are doing so much + for their development. +</p> +<p> + I am sure the citizens occupying the territory described do not wish to + be trespassers, nor will they be if legal ways are provided for them to + become owners of these actual necessities of their position. +</p> +<p> + As this will be the last annual message which I shall have the honor of + transmitting to Congress before my successor is chosen, I will repeat or + recapitulate the questions which I deem of vital importance which may be + legislated upon and settled at this session: +</p> +<p> + First. That the States shall be required to afford the opportunity of a + good common-school education to every child within their limits. +</p> +<p> + Second. No sectarian tenets shall ever be taught in any school supported + in whole or in part by the State, nation, or by the proceeds of any tax + levied upon any community. Make education compulsory so far as to + deprive all persons who can not read and write from becoming voters + after the year 1890, disfranchising none, however, on grounds of + illiteracy who may be voters at the time this amendment takes effect. +</p> +<p> + Third. Declare church and state forever separate and distinct, but each + free within their proper spheres; and that all church property shall + bear its own proportion of taxation. +</p> +<p> + Fourth. Drive out licensed immorality, such as polygamy and the + importation of women for illegitimate purposes. To recur again to the + centennial year, it would seem as though now, as we are about to begin + the second century of our national existence, would be a most fitting + time for these reforms. +</p> +<p> + Fifth. Enact such laws as will insure a speedy return to a sound + currency, such as will command the respect of the world. +</p> +<p> + Believing that these views will commend themselves to the great + majority of the right-thinking and patriotic citizens of the United + States, I submit the rest to Congress. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 6, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In reply to the resolution of the Senate of the 27th of February last, + requesting the President to institute inquiries as to the proper place + for the establishment of a branch mint at some point in the Western + States or in the Mississippi Valley, I transmit herewith the report, and + accompanying papers, of the Director of the Mint, who was charged with + the duty of making the inquiries called for by said resolution. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 21, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the House of Representatives, in answer to their + resolution of the 17th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, + with accompanying documents.<a href="#note-98"><small>98</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 25, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 22d + of January instant, I herewith transmit a report<a href="#note-99"><small>99</small></a> from the Secretary + of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 3, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 19th of January + instant, requesting the examination, with a view to ascertaining their + suitableness for the purposes of a mint, of the building and grounds + situated in Columbus, Ohio, known as the "Capital University," and + proposed to be donated to the United States by F. Michel, of said city, + I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of the Director of the + Mint, accompanied by a diagram of the building and lot. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the 6th of January of the House of + Representatives, requesting to be informed "of the number of Indian + agents, regular and special, clerks, and other employees in the Indian + service, except those on duty in the office of the Secretary of the + Interior, and the amounts paid to each as salaries and expenses," I have + the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a report, dated the 31st + ultimo, from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, together with the + statements therein referred to. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 8, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to the resolution<a href="#note-100"><small>100</small></a> of that body + of the 18th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, with + accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 28, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I lay before you herewith a communication from the Secretary of the + Interior, of date 26th instant, upon the subject of the deficiency of + supplies at the Red Cloud Agency, Nebr. +</p> +<p> + This matter has already been presented to you by the Secretary, and the + House of Representatives has requested an investigation by a military + officer of the cause of this deficiency. I have taken proper steps to + comply with this request of the House, but the present need of supplies + is not disputed. A prolonged delay in furnishing provisions to these + Indians will cause great distress and be likely to provoke raids on + white settlements, and possibly lead to general outbreak and + hostilities. +</p> +<p> + I therefore deem it proper to invite your attention to the importance of + early and favorable action upon the estimates heretofore and herewith + submitted. +</p> +<p> + These estimates and the views of the Secretary in regard to this + emergency meet with my full concurrence, and I recommend that the + appropriations asked for be made at the earliest day practicable. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 3, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the + 21st ultimo, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, + and accompanying papers,<a href="#note-101"><small>101</small></a> together with a report from the Secretary + of the Treasury. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 6, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 7th of January last, + requesting a "statement of the number of military arrests made in the + Territory of Alaska during the past five years, together with the date + of each, the charge on which made in each case, the names of the persons + arrested, and the period and character of the imprisonment of each in + that Territory before trial or surrender to the civil authorities for + trial," I have the honor to submit herewith the report of the Acting + Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 10, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a metric convention between the United States and certain foreign + governments, signed at Paris on the 20th of May, 1875, by Mr. E.B. + Washburne, the minister of the United States at that capital, acting on + behalf of this Government, and by the representatives acting on behalf + of the foreign powers therein mentioned. +</p> +<p> + A copy of certain papers on the subject, mentioned in the subjoined + list, is also transmitted for the information of the Senate. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>March 22, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution<a href="#note-102"><small>102</small></a> of the House of Representatives of the 23d + of February ultimo, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State + and the papers which accompany it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 23, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the + 3d of February last, requesting the President "to require a competent, + experienced military officer of the United States to execute the duties + of an Indian agent so far as to repair to the Red Cloud Agency, and, in + his discretion, other Sioux agencies, with instructions to inquire into + the causes of" the exhaustion of the appropriation for the subsistence + and support of the Sioux Indians for the present fiscal year; "as also + his opinion as to whether any further and what amount should be + appropriated for the subsistence and support of said Indians for the + remainder of the current fiscal year," I have the honor to transmit + herewith the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Merritt, of the Ninth Cavalry, + who was charged by the Secretary of War with the duty of making the + inquiries called for by said resolution. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 24, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In further answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 7th of January + last, requesting to be furnished "with a statement of the number of + military arrests made in the Territory of Alaska during the past five + years, together with the date of each, the charge on which made in each + case, the names of the persons arrested, and the period and character of + the imprisonment of each in that Territory before trial or surrender to + the civil authorities for trial," I have the honor to transmit herewith + the report of the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 27, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In further answer to the resolution of the House of the 6th of January + last, with regard to certain expenditures and employees in the Indian + service, except those on duty in the office of the Secretary of the + Interior, etc., I have the honor to transmit to you a supplementary + report received from the Secretary of the Interior, respecting and + explaining a clerical error to be found in that portion of the statement + of the Interior Department which relates to the expenditures of the + Board of Indian Commissioners, and to ask its consideration in + connection with the papers which accompanied my message of the 3d of + February last. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 27, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a communication received from + the chairman of the board on behalf of the United States Executive + Departments, containing in detail the operations of the board and + setting forth the present embarrassments under which it is now laboring + in the endeavor to conduct the participation of the Government in the + Centennial Exhibition, and showing very clearly the necessity of + additional funds to carry out the undertaking in a creditable manner. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 3, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, a + communication from the Secretary of the Interior of this date, upon the + urgent necessities of the Pawnee Indians. +</p> +<p> + This tribe has recently been removed to the Indian Territory, and is + without means of subsistence except as supplied by the Government. Its + members have evinced a disposition to become self-supporting, and it + is believed that only temporary aid will be required by them. The sums + advanced by the United States for this purpose it is expected will be + refunded from the proceeds of the sale of the Pawnee Reservation in + Nebraska. +</p> +<p> + The present destitute condition of these Indians would seem to call + for immediate relief, and I recommend the subject to your early and + favorable consideration. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 6, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In further answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 7th of January + last (partial answers having been transmitted on the 6th and 24th + ultimo), calling for a statement of "the number of military arrests in + the Territory of Alaska during the past five years," etc., I have the + honor to submit herewith a report, with accompanying papers, received + from the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 19, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith to Congress the final report + of the board of audit constituted by section 6 of the "act for the + government of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes," + approved June 20, 1874, and abolished by the joint resolution approved + March 14, 1876, and to call your attention to the statements therein + presented. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 1, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the information of Congress, a report of + the president of the Centennial Commission upon the ceremonies to be + observed at the opening of the exhibition on the 10th instant. It will + be observed that an invitation is therein extended to Senators and + Representatives to be present on that occasion. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<center> + [The same message was sent to the House of Representatives.] +</center> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 1, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate with a view to + its ratification by that body, a treaty between the United States and + Mexico, concluded on the 29th ultimo. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 1, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the House of + Representatives of 15th March last, a report<a href="#note-103"><small>103</small></a> from the + Secretary of State and accompanying papers. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 4, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have given very attentive consideration to a resolution of the House + of Representatives passed on the 3d of April, requesting the President + of the United States to inform the House whether any executive offices + acts, or duties, and, if any, what, have within a specified period been + performed at a distance from the seat of Government established by law, + etc. +</p> +<p> + I have never hesitated and shall not hesitate to communicate to + Congress, and to either branch thereof, all the information which the + Constitution makes it the duty of the President to give, or which my + judgment may suggest to me or a request from either House may indicate + to me will be useful in the discharge of the appropriate duties confided + to them. I fail, however, to find in the Constitution of the United + States the authority given to the House of Representatives (one branch + of the Congress, in which is vested the legislative power of the + Government) to require of the Executive, an independent branch of the + Government, coordinate with the Senate and House of Representatives, + an account of his discharge of his appropriate and purely executive + offices, acts, and duties, either as to when, where, or how performed. +</p> +<p> + What the House of Representatives may require as a right in its demand + upon the Executive for information is limited to what is necessary for + the proper discharge of its powers of legislation or of impeachment. +</p> +<p> + The inquiry in the resolution of the House as to where executive acts + have within the last seven years been performed and at what distance + from any particular spot or for how long a period at any one time, etc., + does not necessarily belong to the province of legislation. It does not + profess to be asked for that object. +</p> +<p> + If this information be sought through an inquiry of the President as to + his executive acts in view or in aid of the power of impeachment vested + in the House, it is asked in derogation of an inherent natural right, + recognized in this country by a constitutional guaranty which protects + every citizen, the President as well as the humblest in the land, from + being made a witness against himself. +</p> +<p> + During the time that I have had the honor to occupy the position of + President of this Government it has been, and while I continue to occupy + that position it will continue to be, my earnest endeavor to recognize + and to respect the several trusts and duties and powers of the + coordinate branches of the Government, not encroaching upon them nor + allowing encroachments upon the proper powers of the office which the + people of the United States have confided to me, but aiming to preserve + in their proper relations the several powers and functions of each of + the coordinate branches of the Government, agreeably to the Constitution + and in accordance with the solemn oath which I have taken to "preserve, + protect, and defend" that instrument. +</p> +<p> + In maintenance of the rights secured by the Constitution to the + executive branch of the Government I am compelled to decline any + specific or detailed answer to the request of the House for information + as to "any executive offices, acts, or duties, and, if any, what, have + been performed at a distance from the seat of Government established by + law, and for how long a period at any one time and in what part of the + United States." +</p> +<p> + If, however, the House of Representatives desires to know whether during + the period of upward of seven years during which I have held the office + of President of the United States I have been absent from the seat of + Government, and whether during that period I have performed or have + neglected to perform the duties of my office, I freely inform the House + that from the time of my entrance upon my office I have been in the + habit, as were all of my predecessors (with the exception of one, who + lived only one month after assuming the duties of his office, and one + whose continued presence in Washington was necessary from the existence + at the time of a powerful rebellion), of absenting myself at times from + the seat of Government, and that during such absences I did not neglect + or forego the obligations or the duties of my office, but continued to + discharge all of the executive offices, acts, and duties which were + required of me as the President of the United States. I am not aware + that a failure occurred in any one instance of my exercising the + functions and powers of my office in every case requiring their + discharge, or of my exercising all necessary executive acts, in whatever + part of the United States I may at the time have been. Fortunately, the + rapidity of travel and of mail communication and the facility of almost + instantaneous correspondence with the offices at the seat of Government, + which the telegraph affords to the President in whatever section of the + Union he may be, enable him in these days to maintain as constant and + almost as quick intercourse with the Departments at Washington as may be + maintained while he remains at the capital. +</p> +<p> + The necessity of the performance of executive acts by the President of + the United States exists and is devolved upon him, wherever he may be + within the United States, during his term of office by the Constitution + of the United States. +</p> +<p> + His civil powers are no more limited or capable of limitation as to the + place where they shall be exercised than are those which he might be + required to discharge in his capacity of Commander in Chief of the Army + and Navy, which latter powers it is evident he might be called upon to + exercise, possibly, even without the limits of the United States. Had + the efforts of those recently in rebellion against the Government been + successful in driving a late President of the United States from + Washington, it is manifest that he must have discharged his functions, + both civil and military, elsewhere than in the place named by law as the + seat of Government. +</p> +<p> + No act of Congress can limit, suspend, or confine this constitutional + duty. I am not aware of the existence of any act of Congress which + assumes thus to limit or restrict the exercise of the functions of the + Executive. Were there such acts, I should nevertheless recognize the + superior authority of the Constitution, and should exercise the powers + required thereby of the President. +</p> +<p> + The act to which reference is made in the resolution of the House + relates to the establishing of the seat of Government and the providing + of suitable buildings and removal thereto of the offices attached to the + Government, etc. It was not understood at its date and by General + Washington to confine the President in the discharge of his duties and + powers to actual presence at the seat of Government. On the 30th of + March, 1791, shortly after the passage of the act referred to, General + Washington issued an Executive proclamation having reference to the + subject of this very act from Georgetown, a place remote from + Philadelphia, which then was the seat of Government, where the act + referred to directed that "all offices attached to the seat of + Government" should for the time remain. +</p> +<p> + That none of his successors have entertained the idea that their + executive offices could be performed only at the seat of Government is + evidenced by the hundreds upon hundreds of such acts performed by my + predecessors in unbroken line from Washington to Lincoln, a memorandum + of the general nature and character of some of which acts is submitted + herewith; and no question has ever been raised as to the validity of + those acts or as to the right and propriety of the Executive to exercise + the powers of his office in any part of the United States. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> + <i>Memorandum of absences of the Presidents of the United States from the + national capital during each of the several Administrations, and of + public and executive acts performed during the time of such absences</i>. +</p> +<p> + President Washington was frequently absent from the capital; he appears + to have been thus absent at least one hundred and eighty-one days during + his term. +</p> +<p> + During his several absences he discharged official and executive duties; + among them— +</p> +<p> + In March, 1791, he issued a proclamation, dated at Georgetown, in + reference to running the boundary for the territory of the permanent + seat of the Government. +</p> +<p> + From Mount Vernon he signed an official letter to the Emperor of + Morocco, and from the same place the commission of Oliver Wolcott as + Comptroller of the Treasury and the proclamation respecting the whisky + insurrection in Pennsylvania; also various sea letters, the proclamation + of the treaty of 1795 between the United States and Spain, the Executive + order of August 4, 1792, relative to the duties on distilled spirits, + etc. +</p> +<p> + When at Germantown he signed the commission of John Breckenridge as + attorney of the United States for Kentucky, and that of engineer of the + United States Mint. +</p> +<p> + He proposed to have Mr. Yrujo officially presented, as envoy + extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from Spain, to him at Mount + Vernon; but although Mr. Yrujo went there for the purpose, the ceremony + of presentation was prevented by Mr. Yrujo's having accidentally left + his credentials. +</p> +<p> + President John Adams was absent from the capital during his term of + four years, on various occasions, three hundred and eighty-five days. + He discharged official duties and performed the most solemn public acts + at Quincy in the same manner as when at the seat of Government. In 1797 + (August 25) he forwarded to the Secretary of State a number of passports + which he had signed at Quincy. He issued at Quincy commissions to + numerous officers of various grades, civil and military. On the 28th of + September, 1797, he forwarded to the Secretary of State a commission for + a justice of the Supreme Court, signed in blank at Quincy, instructing + the Secretary to fill it with the name of John Marshall if he would + accept, and, if not, Bushrod Washington. He issued a proclamation + opening trade with certain ports of St. Domingo, and signed warrants + for the execution of two soldiers and for a pardon. +</p> +<p> + President Jefferson was absent from the seat of Government during + his two terms of office seven hundred and ninety-six days, more than + one-fourth of the whole official period. During his absence he signed + and issued from Monticello seventy-five commissions, one letter to the + Emperor of Russia, and nine letters of credence to diplomatic agents of + the United States accredited to other governments. +</p> +<p> + President Madison was absent from the seat of Government during his two + Presidential terms six hundred and thirty-seven days. He signed and + issued from Montpelier during his absence from the capital seventy-one + commissions, one proclamation, and nine letters of credence to + ministers, accrediting them to foreign governments, and, as it appears, + transacted generally all the necessary routine business incident to the + Executive office. +</p> +<p> + President Monroe was absent from the capital during his Presidential + service of eight years seven hundred and eight days, independent of + the year 1824 and the two months of 1825, for which period no data + are found. He transacted public business wherever he happened to be, + sometimes at his farm in Virginia, again at his summer resort on the + Chesapeake, and sometimes while traveling. He signed and issued from + these several places, away from the capital, numerous commissions to + civil officers of the Government, exequaturs to foreign consuls, letters + of credence, two letters to sovereigns, and thirty-seven pardons. +</p> +<p> + President John Q. Adams was absent from the capital during his + Presidential term of four years two hundred and twenty-two days. During + such absence he performed official and public acts, signing and issuing + commissions, exequaturs, pardons, proclamations, etc. Referring to his + absence in August and September, 1827, Mr. Adams, in his memoirs, volume + 8, page 75, says: "I left with him [the chief clerk] some blank + signatures, to be used when necessary for proclamations, remission of + penalties, and commissions of consuls, taking of him a receipt for the + number and kind of blanks left with him, with directions to return to me + when I came back all the signed blanks remaining unused and to keep and + give me an account of all those that shall have been disposed of. This + has been my constant practice with respect to signed blanks of this + description. I do the same with regard to patents and land grants." +</p> +<p> + President Jackson was absent from the capital during his Presidential + service of eight years five hundred and two days. He also performed + executive duties and public acts while absent. He appears to have signed + and issued while absent from the capital very many public papers, + embracing commissions, letters of credence, exequaturs, pardons, and + among them four Executive proclamations. On the 26th of June, 1833, he + addressed a letter from Boston to Mr. Duane, Secretary of the Treasury, + giving his views at large on the removal of the "deposits" from the + United States Bank and placing them in the State banks, directing that + the change, with all its arrangements, should be, if possible, completed + by the 15th September following, and recommending that Amos Kendall + should be appointed an agent of the Treasury Department to make the + necessary arrangements with the State banks. Soon after, September 23, + a paper signed by the President and purporting to have been read to the + Cabinet was published in the newspapers of the day. Early in the next + session of Congress a resolution passed the Senate inquiring of the + President whether the paper was genuine or not and if it was published + by his authority, and requesting that a copy be laid before that body. + The President replied, avowing the genuineness of the paper and that it + was published by his authority, but declined to furnish a copy to the + Senate on the ground that it was purely executive business, and that the + request of the Senate was an undue interference with the independence of + the Executive, a coordinate branch of the Government. In January, 1837 + (26th), he refused the privilege to a committee under a resolution of + the House of Representatives to make a general investigation of the + Executive Departments without specific charges, on the ground, among + others, that the use of the books, papers, etc., of the Departments for + such purpose would interfere with the discharge of the public duties + devolving upon the heads of the different Departments, and necessarily + disarrange and retard the public business. +</p> +<p> + President Van Buren was absent from the capital during his Presidential + term one hundred and thirty-one days. He discharged executive duties + and performed official and public acts during these absences. Among the + papers signed by President Van Buren during his absence from the seat of + Government are commissions (one of these being for a United States judge + of a district court), pardons, etc. +</p> +<p> + President Tyler was absent from the capital during his Presidential term + one hundred and sixty-three days, and performed public acts and duties + during such absences, signing public papers and documents to the number + of twenty-eight, in which were included commissions, exequaturs, letters + of credence, pardons, and one proclamation making public the treaty of + 1842 between the United States and Ecuador. +</p> +<p> + President Polk was absent from the capital during his Presidential term + thirty-seven days, and appears to have signed but two official public + papers during such absence. +</p> +<p> + President Taylor was absent from the capital during the time he served + as President thirty-one days, and while absent signed two commissions, + three "full powers," two exequaturs, and the proclamation of August 11, + 1849, relative to a threatened invasion of Cuba or some of the Provinces + of Mexico. +</p> +<p> + President Fillmore was absent from the capital during the time he served + as President sixty days. During such absence he signed pardons, + commissions, exequaturs, etc. +</p> +<p> + President Pierce was absent from the capital in all during his + Presidential term fifty-seven days. The several periods of absence which + make up this aggregate were each brief, and it does not appear that + during these absences the President signed any public official + documents, except one pardon. +</p> +<p> + President Buchanan was absent from the capital during his Presidential + term fifty-seven days, and the official papers which he is shown to have + signed during such absence are three exequaturs and one letter of + credence. +</p> +<p> + In addition to the public documents and papers executed by the several + Presidents during their absences from the seat of Government, constant + official correspondence was maintained by each with the heads of the + different Executive Departments. +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 15, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 10th + ultimo, I transmit herewith a report and accompanying papers upon the + subject<a href="#note-104"><small>104</small></a> from the Secretary of State. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 16, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 5th + instant, requesting information as to payments by the Government of + Venezuela on account of claims of citizens of the United States under + the convention of the 25th of April, 1866, I transmit a report from the + Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 19, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 27th + March last, a report<a href="#note-105"><small>105</small></a> from the Secretary of State and an accompanying + paper. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>May 31, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, in answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives + of the 22d instant, a report of the Secretary of State, with its + accompanying papers<a href="#note-106"><small>106</small></a>. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 7, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I herewith transmit the report of the board appointed to test iron, + steel, and other metals, in accordance with the provisions of section 4 + of "An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the + Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, and for other + purposes," approved March 3, 1875. +</p> +<p> + This board is to determine by actual tests the strength and value of all + metals, and to prepare tables which will exhibit their strength and + value for all constructions. +</p> +<p> + The accompanying memorials and resolutions of scientific associations, + colleges, and schools strongly advocate the continuation of this board, + which is national in its character and general in its investigations. +</p> +<p> + The board asks for an appropriation of $50,000 for the ensuing year, and + that any unexpended balances remaining on hand on the 30th of June, + 1876, may be reappropriated. +</p> +<p> + This recommendation is submitted for favorable action, in the belief + that the labors of the board will, in the benefits accruing to important + industrial interests, more than repay to the country at large any money + that may be so expended. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 10, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the House of + Representatives of the 30th day of March last, a report from the + Secretary of State, with accompanying papers, which presents the + correspondence and condition of the question<a href="#note-107"><small>107</small></a> up to the day of + its date. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 26th April ultimo, + I herewith transmit a report<a href="#note-108"><small>108</small></a> from the Secretary of State, with + accompanying documents. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 17, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + The near approach of a new fiscal year and the failure of Congress + up to this time to provide the necessary means to continue all the + functions of Government make it my duty to call your attention to the + embarrassments that must ensue if the fiscal year is allowed to close + without remedial action on your part. +</p> +<p> + Article I, section 9, of the Constitution declares: +</p> +<p class="q"> + No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of + appropriations made by law. +</p> +<p> + To insure economy of expenditure and security of the public treasure + Congress has from time to time enacted laws to restrain the use of + public moneys, except for the specific purpose for which appropriated + and within the time for which appropriated; and to prevent contracting + debts in anticipation of appropriate appropriations, Revised Statutes, + section 3679, provides: +</p> +<p class="q"> + No Department of the Government shall expend in any one fiscal year any + sum in excess of appropriations made by Congress for that fiscal year, + or involve the Government in any contract for the future payment of + money in excess of such appropriations. +</p> +<p> + Section 3732 provides: +</p> +<p class="q"> + No contract or purchase on behalf of the United States shall be made + unless the same is authorized by law or is under an appropriation + adequate to its fulfillment, except in the War and Navy Departments, + for clothing, subsistence, forage, fuel, quarters, or transportation, + which, however, shall not exceed the necessities of the current year. +</p> +<p> + Section 3678, as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + All sums appropriated for the various branches of expenditure in the + public service shall be applied solely to the objects for which they + are respectively made, and for no others. +</p> +<p> + Section 3690, that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + All balances of appropriations contained in the annual appropriation + bills, and made specifically for the service of any fiscal year, and + remaining unexpended at the expiration of such fiscal year, shall only + be applied to the payment of expenses properly incurred during that year + or to the fulfillment of contracts properly made within that year; and + balances not needed for such purposes shall be carried to the surplus + fund. This section, however, shall not apply to appropriations known as + permanent or indefinite appropriations. +</p> +<p> + The effect of the laws quoted, taken in connection with the + constitutional provision referred to, is, as above stated, to prohibit + any outlay of public money toward defraying even the current and + necessary expenses of Government after the expiration of the year for + which appropriated, excepting when those expenses are provided for by + some permanent appropriation, and excepting in the War and Navy + Departments, under section 3732. +</p> +<p> + The number of permanent appropriations are very limited, and cover but + few of the necessary expenditures of the Government. They are nearly + all, if not quite all, embraced in sections 3687, 3688, and 3689 of + the Revised Statutes. That contained in section 3687 is applicable to + <i>expenses of collecting the revenue from customs</i>, that in section 3688 + to the payment of interest on the <i>public debt</i>, and that in section + 3689 to various objects too numerous to detail here. +</p> +<p> + It will be observed that while section 3679, quoted above, provides + that <i>no</i> Department shall in any one fiscal year involve the Government + in any contract for the future payment of money in excess of the + appropriation for that year, section 3732, also quoted above, confers, + by clear implication, upon the heads of the War and Navy Departments + full authority, even in the absence of any appropriation, to purchase + or contract for clothing, subsistence, forage, fuel, quarters, or + transportation not exceeding the necessities of the current year. The + latter provision is special and exceptional in its character, and is to + be regarded as excluded from the operation of the former more general + one. But if any of the appropriation bills above enumerated should fail + to be matured before the expiration of the current fiscal year, the + Government would be greatly embarrassed for want of the necessary + funds to carry on the service. Precluded from expending money not + appropriated, the Departments would have to suspend the service so + far as the appropriations for it should have failed to be made. +</p> +<p> + A careful examination of this subject will demonstrate the embarrassed + condition all branches of the Government will be in, and especially the + executive, if there should be a failure to pass the necessary + appropriation bills before the 1st of July, or otherwise provide. +</p> +<p> + I commend this subject most earnestly to your consideration, and urge + that some measure be speedily adopted to avert the evils which would + result from nonaction by Congress. I will venture the suggestion, by + way of remedy, that a joint resolution, properly guarded, might be + passed through the two Houses of Congress, extending the provisions + of all appropriations for the present fiscal year to the next in + all cases where there is a failure on the 1st of July to supply such + appropriation; each appropriation so extended to hold good until + Congress shall have passed a corresponding appropriation applicable to + the new fiscal year, when all moneys expended under laws enacted for + this fiscal year shall be deducted from the corresponding appropriation + for the next. +</p> +<p> + To make my ideas on this subject more clear, I have caused to be drawn + up a joint resolution embodying them more fully. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="q"> + JOINT RESOLUTION to provide for defraying temporarily the ordinary and + necessary expenses of the public service. +</p><p class="q"> + Whereas the ordinary and necessary expenses of the public service in its + various branches, comprising among others the expenses which especially + pertain to the legislative, executive, and judicial departments of the + Government, to the consular and diplomatic service, to the postal + service, to the support of the Army, and to the maintenance of the Navy, + are generally met by annual appropriations which expire at the end of + the current fiscal year; and +</p><p class="q"> + Whereas no public funds will be available to defray these expenses as + the same shall accrue after that period unless appropriations shall have + been previously made therefor by law; and +</p><p class="q"> + Whereas, to avoid the great embarrassment to the public service that + might otherwise ensue, it is expedient to make provision for defraying + temporarily such of these expenses as would be unprovided for in case + some one of the usual annual appropriation bills designed to provide + therefor should fail to be matured by the end of the fiscal year now + current: Therefore, +</p><p class="q"> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That in case any of the + following appropriation bills for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877, + shall not have passed by the commencement of such year, so that the + funds to be appropriated thereby may then be available for + expenditure—that is to say, the bill providing for the legislative, + executive, and judicial expenses; the bill providing for the consular + and diplomatic expenses; the bill providing for the service of the + Post-Office Department; the bill providing for the support of the Army, + and the bill providing for the naval service—the appropriation act for + the current fiscal year corresponding in its general description and + object to such appropriation bill shall extend to the fiscal year next + ensuing until such appropriation bill is enacted and takes effect, to + the end that the provisions of such appropriation act which apply to the + ordinary and necessary expenses of the public service for the current + fiscal year shall in like manner be applicable to similar expenses which + may accrue during the period intervening between the end of the current + fiscal year and the time when such appropriation bill for the next + ensuing fiscal year shall be enacted and take effect. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>June 20, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + By the tenth article of the treaty between the United States and + Great Britain signed in Washington on the 9th day of August, 1842, it + was agreed that the two Governments should, upon mutual requisitions + respectively made, deliver up to justice all persons who, being + charged with certain crimes therein enumerated, committed within the + jurisdiction of either, should seek an asylum or be found within the + territories of the other. +</p> +<p> + The only condition or limitation contained in the treaty to the + reciprocal obligation thus to deliver up the fugitive was that it should + be done only upon such evidence of criminality as, according to the laws + of the place where the fugitive or person so charged should be found, + would justify his apprehension and commitment for trial if the crime or + offense had there been committed. +</p> +<p> + In the month of February last a requisition was duly made, in + pursuance of the provisions of the treaty, by this Government upon that + of Great Britain for the surrender of one Ezra D. Winslow, charged with + extensive forgeries and the utterance of forged paper, committed within + the jurisdiction of the United States, who had sought an asylum + and was found within the territories of Her Britannic Majesty and was + apprehended in London. The evidence of the criminality of the fugitive + was duly furnished and heard, and, being found sufficient to justify his + apprehension and commitment for trial if the crimes had been committed + in Great Britain, he was held and committed for extradition. +</p> +<p> + Her Majesty's Government, however, did not deliver up the fugitive + in accordance with the terms of the treaty, notwithstanding every + requirement thereof had been met on the part of the United States, but, + instead of surrendering the fugitive, demanded certain assurances or + stipulations not mentioned in the treaty, but foreign to its provisions, + as a condition of the performance by Great Britain of her obligations + under the treaty. +</p> +<p> + In a recent communication to the House of Representatives, and in answer + to a call from that body for information on this case, I submitted the + correspondence which has passed between the two Governments with + reference thereto. It will be found in Executive Document No. 173 of the + House of Representatives of the present session, and I respectfully + refer thereto for more detailed information bearing on the question. +</p> +<p> + It appears from the correspondence that the British Government bases its + refusal to surrender the fugitive and its demand for stipulations or + assurances from this Government on the requirements of a purely domestic + enactment of the British Parliament, passed in the year 1870. +</p> +<p> + This act was brought to the notice of this Government shortly after + its enactment, and Her Majesty's Government was advised that the + United States understood it as giving continued effect to the existing + engagements under the treaty of 1842 for the extradition of criminals; + and with this knowledge on its part, and without dissent from the + declared views of the United States as to the unchanged nature of the + reciprocal rights and obligations of the two powers under the treaty, + Great Britain has continued to make requisitions and to grant surrenders + in numerous instances, without suggestion that it was contemplated to + depart from the practice under the treaty which has obtained for more + than thirty years, until now, for the first time, in this case of + Winslow, it is assumed that under this act of Parliament Her Majesty may + require a stipulation or agreement not provided for in the treaty as a + condition to the observance by her Government of its treaty obligations + toward this country. +</p> +<p> + This I have felt it my duty emphatically to repel. +</p> +<p> + In addition to the case of Winslow, requisition was also made by this + Government on that of Great Britain for the surrender of Charles J. + Brent, also charged with forgery, committed in the United States, and + found in Great Britain. The evidence of criminality was duly heard and + the fugitive committed for extradition. +</p> +<p> + A similar stipulation to that demanded in Winslow's case was also asked + in Brent's, and was likewise refused. +</p> +<p> + It is with extreme regret that I am now called upon to announce to + you that Her Majesty's Government has finally released both of these + fugitives, Winslow and Brent, and set them at liberty, thus omitting to + comply with the provisions and requirements of the treaty under which + the extradition of fugitive criminals is made between the two + Governments. +</p> +<p> + The position thus taken by the British Government, if adhered to, can + not but be regarded as the abrogation and annulment of the article of + the treaty on extradition. +</p> +<p> + Under these circumstances it will not, in my judgment, comport with the + dignity or self-respect of this Government to make demands upon that + Government for the surrender of fugitive criminals, nor to entertain any + requisition of that character from that Government under the treaty. +</p> +<p> + It will be a cause of deep regret if a treaty which has been thus far + beneficial in its practical operation, which has worked so well and + so efficiently, and which, notwithstanding the exciting and at times + violent political disturbances of which both countries have been the + scene during its existence, has given rise to no complaints on the part + of either Government against either its spirit or its provisions, should + be abruptly terminated. +</p> +<p> + It has tended to the protection of society and to the general interests + of both countries. Its violation or annulment would be a retrograde step + in international intercourse. +</p> +<p> + I have been anxious and have made the effort to enlarge its scope and + to make a new treaty which would be a still more efficient agent for + the punishment and prevention of crime. At the same time, I have felt + it my duty to decline to entertain a proposition made by Great Britain, + pending its refusal to execute the existing treaty, to amend it by + practically conceding by treaty the identical conditions which that + Government demands under its act of Parliament. In addition to the + impossibility of the United States entering upon negotiations under + the menace of an intended violation or a refusal to execute the terms + of an existing treaty I deemed it inadvisable to treat of only the one + amendment proposed by Great Britain while the United States desires an + enlargement of the list of crimes for which extradition may be asked, + and other improvements which experience has shown might be embodied in + a new treaty. +</p> +<p> + It is for the wisdom of Congress to determine whether the article + of the treaty relating to extradition is to be any longer regarded as + obligatory on the Government of the United States or as forming part + of the supreme law of the land. Should the attitude of the British + Government remain unchanged, I shall not, without an expression of the + wish of Congress that I should do so, take any action either in making + or granting requisitions for the surrender of fugitive criminals under + the treaty of 1842. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully submitted. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 8, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a report<a href="#note-109"><small>109</small></a> from General W.T. + Sherman [J.D. Cameron, Secretary of War], together with the most + recent reports received from Brigadier-General A.H. Terry, as a response + to the resolution of the Senate of the 7th instant, a copy of which is + attached to this message. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 13, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to a resolution of the House of + Representatives of the 1st ultimo, a report<a href="#note-110"><small>110</small></a> from the Secretary of + State upon the subject. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>July 19, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, in answer to the + resolution of the House of Representatives of the 1st of April last, on + the subject of commercial intercourse with Mexico and Central America. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 31, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + The act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the + Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877, is so defective + in what it omits to provide for that I can not announce its approval + without at the same time pointing out what seems to me to be its + defects. It makes but inadequate provision for the service at best, + and in some instances fails to make any provision whatever. +</p> +<p> + Notably among the first class is the reduction in the ordinary annual + appropriations for the Revenue-Cutter Service, to the prejudice of the + customs revenue. +</p> +<p> + The same may be said of the Signal Service, as also the failure to + provide for the increased expense devolved upon the mints and assay + offices by recent legislation, and thus tending to defeat the objects of + that legislation. +</p> +<p> + Of this class also are public buildings, for the protection, + preservation, and completion of which there is no adequate + appropriation, while the sum of $100,000 only is appropriated for the + repairs of the different navy yards and stations and the preservation of + the same, the ordinary and customary appropriations for which are not + less than $1,000,000. +</p> +<p> + A similar reduction is made in the expenses for armories and arsenals. +</p> +<p> + The provision for the ordinary judicial expenses is much less than the + estimated amount for that important service, the actual expenditures of + the last fiscal year, and the certain demands of the current year. +</p> +<p> + The provision for the expenses of the surveys of public lands is less + than one-half of the usual appropriation for that service and what are + understood to be its actual demands. +</p> +<p> + Reduction in the expenditures for light-houses, beacons, and fog + stations is also made in similar proportion. +</p> +<p> + Of the class for which no appropriation is made, among the most + noticeable, perhaps, is that portion of the general expenses of the + District of Columbia on behalf of the United States, as appropriated in + former years, and the judgments of the Court of Claims. The failure to + make a reasonable contribution to the expenses of the nation's capital + is an apparent dereliction on the part of the United States and rank + injustice to the people here who bear the burdens, while to refuse or + neglect to provide for the payment of solemn judgments of its own courts + is apparently to repudiate. Of a different character, but as prejudicial + to the Treasury, is the omission to make provision to enable the + Secretary of the Treasury to have the rebel archives and records of + captured and abandoned property examined and information furnished + therefrom for the use of the Government. +</p> +<p> + Finally, without further specification of detail, it may be said that + the act which in its title purports to make provision for a diverse and + greatly extended civil service unhappily appropriates an amount not more + than 65 per cent of its ordinary demands. +</p> +<p> + The legislative department establishes and defines the service, and + devolves upon the Executive Departments the obligation of submitting + annually the needful estimates of expenses of such service. Congress + properly exacts implicit obedience to the requirements of the law + in the administration of the public service and rigid accountability + in the expenditures therefor. It is submitted that a corresponding + responsibility and obligation rest upon it to make the adequate + appropriations to render possible such administration and tolerable such + exaction. Anything short of an ample provision for a specified service + is necessarily fraught with disaster to the public interests and is a + positive injustice to those charged with its execution. +</p> +<p> + To appropriate and to execute are corresponding obligations and duties, + and the adequacy of the former is the necessary measure of the + efficiency of the execution. +</p> +<p> + In this eighth month of the present session of Congress—nearly one + month of the fiscal year to which this appropriation applies having + passed—I do not feel warranted in vetoing an absolutely necessary + appropriation bill; but in signing it I deem it a duty to show where + the responsibility belongs for whatever embarrassments may arise in + the execution of the trust confided to me. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 31, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In response to the resolution of the Senate of July 20, 1876, calling + upon the President to communicate to the Senate, if in his opinion not + incompatible with the public interest, any information in regard to the + slaughter of American citizens at Hamburg, S.C., I have the honor to + submit the following inclosures, to wit: +</p> +<p> + No. 1. Letter of the 22d of July, 1876, from Governor D.H. Chamberlain, + of South Carolina, to me. +</p> +<p> + No. 2. My reply thereto. +</p> +<p> + No. 3. Report of Hon. William Stone, attorney-general of South Carolina. +</p> +<p> + No. 4. Report of General H.W. Purvis, adjutant and inspector general of + South Carolina. +</p> +<p> + No. 5. Copy of evidence taken before a coroner's jury investigating + facts relating to the Hamburg massacre. +</p> +<p> + No. 6. Printed copy of statement by M.C. Butler, of South Carolina. +</p> +<p> + No. 7. Printed letter from the same to the editors of the Journal of + Commerce. +</p> +<p> + No. 8. Copy of letter from Governor Chamberlain to the Hon. T.J. + Robertson. +</p> +<p> + No. 9. An address to the American people by the colored citizens of + Charleston, S.C. +</p> +<p> + No. 10. An address by a committee appointed at a convention of leading + representatives of Columbia, S.C. +</p> +<p> + No. 11. Copy of letter of July 15, 1876, from the district attorney of + Mississippi to the Attorney-General of the United States. +</p> +<p> + No. 12. Letter from same to same. +</p> +<p> + No. 13. Copy of report of a grand jury lately in session in Oxford, + Miss. +</p> +<p> + These inclosures embrace all the information in my possession touching + the late disgraceful and brutal slaughter of unoffending men at the town + of Hamburg, S.C. My letter to Governor Chamberlain contains all the + comments I wish to make on the subject. As allusion is made in that + letter to the condition of other States, and particularly to Louisiana + and Mississippi, I have added to the inclosures letters and testimony in + regard to the lawless condition of a portion of the people of the latter + State. +</p> +<p> + In regard to Louisiana affairs, murders and massacres of innocent men + for opinion's sake or on account of color have been of too recent date + and of too frequent occurrence to require recapitulation or testimony + here. All are familiar with their horrible details, the only wonder + being that so many justify them or apologize for them. +</p> +<p> + But recently a committee of the Senate of the United States visited the + State of Mississippi to take testimony on the subject of frauds and + violence in elections. Their report has not yet been made public, but I + await its forthcoming with a feeling of confidence that it will fully + sustain all that I have stated relating to fraud and violence in the + State of Mississippi. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 11, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a telegram of the 5th of August instant from + Lieutenant-General Sheridan to General Sherman, a letter of the 11th of + the present month from General Sherman to the Secretary of War, and a + letter from the latter of the same date to me, all setting forth the + possible needs of the Army in consequence of existing hostilities. +</p> +<p> + I would strongly urge upon Congress the necessity for making some + provision for a contingency which may arise during the vacation—for + more troops in the Indian country than it is now possible to send. +</p> +<p> + It would seem to me to be much more economical and better to authorize + an increase of the present cavalry force by 2,500 privates, but if this + is not deemed advisable, then that the President be authorized to call + out not exceeding five regiments, 1,000 strong each, of volunteers, to + serve for a period not exceeding six months. +</p> +<p> + Should this latter authority be given, I would not order out any + volunteers unless in my opinion, based upon reports from the scene of + war, I deemed it absolutely necessary, and then only the smallest number + considered sufficient to meet the emergency. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In affixing my signature to the river and harbor bill, No. 3822, + I deem it my duty to announce to the House of Representatives my + objections to some features of the bill, and the reason I sign it. + If it was obligatory upon the Executive to expend all the money + appropriated by Congress, I should return the river and harbor bill + with my objections, notwithstanding the great inconvenience to the + public interests resulting therefrom and the loss of expenditures from + previous Congresses upon incompleted works. Without enumerating, many + appropriations are made for works of purely private or local interest, + in no sense national. I can not give my sanction to these, and will take + care that during my term of office no public money shall be expended + upon them. +</p> +<p> + There is very great necessity for economy of expenditures at this + time, growing out of the loss of revenue likely to arise from a + deficiency of appropriations to insure a thorough collection of the + same. The reduction of revenue districts, diminution of special agents, + and total abolition of supervisors may result in great falling off of + the revenue. It may be a question to consider whether any expenditure + can be authorized under the river and harbor appropriation further than + to protect works already done and paid for. Under no circumstances will + I allow expenditures upon works not clearly national. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In announcing, as I do, that I have attached my signature of official + approval to the "Act making appropriations for the consular and + diplomatic service of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1877, + and for other purposes," it is my duty to call attention to a provision + in the act directing that notice be sent to certain of the diplomatic + and consular officers of the Government "to close their offices." +</p> +<p> + In the literal sense of this direction it would be an invasion of the + constitutional prerogatives and duty of the Executive. +</p> +<p> + By the Constitution the President "shall have power, by and with the + advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds + of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and, by and with + the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint, ambassadors, other + public ministers, and consuls," etc. +</p> +<p> + It is within the power of Congress to grant or withhold appropriation + of money for the payment of salaries and expenses of the foreign + representatives of the Government. +</p> +<p> + In the early days of the Government a sum in gross was appropriated, + leaving it to the Executive to determine the grade of the officers and + the countries to which they should be sent. +</p> +<p> + Latterly, for very many years, specific sums have been appropriated + for designated missions or employments, and as a rule the omission by + Congress to make an appropriation for any specific port has heretofore + been accepted as an indication of a wish on the part of Congress which + the executive branch of the Government respected and complied with. +</p> +<p> + In calling attention to the passage which I have indicated I assume that + the intention of the provision is only to exercise the constitutional + prerogative of Congress over the expenditures of the Government and to + fix a time at which the compensation of certain diplomatic and consular + officers shall cease, and not to invade the constitutional rights of the + Executive, which I should be compelled to resist; and my present object + is not to discuss or dispute the wisdom of failing to appropriate for + several offices, but to guard against the construction that might + possibly be placed on the language used, as implying a right in the + legislative branch to direct the closing or discontinuing of any of the + diplomatic or consular offices of the Government. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<center> + [For message of August 15, 1876, withdrawing objections to Senate bill + No. 779, see p. 388.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>August 15, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, in answer to its resolution of the 24th + ultimo, a report from the Secretary of State, with its accompanying + statement.<a href="#note-111"><small>111</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 3, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith without my approval House bill No. + 1561, entitled "An act transferring the custody of certain Indian trust + funds from the Secretary of the Interior to the Treasurer of the United + States," for the reasons set forth in the accompanying communication + from the Secretary of the Interior. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington, February 7, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 29th ultimo, + transmitting House bill No. 1561 and requesting this Department to + report whether any objections to its becoming a law are known to exist. +</p> +<p> + In reply I have the honor to state that I am fearful that the act is not + sufficiently definite in terms to accomplish the end desired, namely, + the mere transfer of the custody of said trust funds, enabling this + Department to receive the interest from the custodian and apply it as + heretofore without the intervention of Congress. The nature of the + guardianship and control over the Indians exercised by me as Secretary + and trustee is such as to require this Department to keep an account of + the funds to their credit or held in trust for them, and to receive the + interest on their trust funds promptly when due. I am fearful that this + bill may not allow me to do so, and to guard against any danger of + embarrassment in the transaction of this business I inclose a draft of + a bill<a href="#note-112"><small>112</small></a> which, if substituted for the one already passed, will, it is + believed, obviate the difficulties which may arise if the present bill + should become a law. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + Z. CHANDLER,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 27, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith without my approval the bill (H.R. + No. 83) entitled "An act for the relief of James A. Hile, of Lewis + County, Mo.," for the reasons set forth in the accompanying + communication of the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT,<br> <i>Washington City, March 25, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return act H.R. 83, with the following report + from the Adjutant-General: +</p> +<p> + "It appears from the records of this office that James A. Hile, private + Company F, Twenty-first Missouri Volunteers, enlisted July 15, 1861; + deserted June 14, 1862; returned August 2, 1862; was restored to duty + by special order No. 38, headquarters District of Columbus, Department + of Tennessee, dated Columbus, Ky., February 26, 1863. He reenlisted + February 28, 1864, as a veteran volunteer; was tried by general + court-martial for absence without leave from November 25, 1864, to + December 13, 1864, and sentenced to forfeit all pay and allowances for + time absent by general order No. 48, headquarters Second Division, + Sixteenth Army Corps, dated May 22, 1865. +</p> +<p> + "On the muster-out roll of company dated April 19, 1866, he is reported, + 'Deserted March 1, 1866, at Bladen Springs, Ala.' +</p> +<p> + "This man, in his application to this office for discharge, stated under + oath (affidavit dated July 27, 1870) that he left his command without + leave and returned to his home February 28, 1866, having previously + applied for a furlough, which was refused. +</p> +<p> + "This man, according to his own statement under oath, did desert as + reported, and if this bill becomes a law it will be an injustice to + every soldier who served honorably with his command until his services + were no longer required by the Government, in addition to falsifying + the record, as the bill directs the record shall be made to show he + is <i>no deserter</i>. +</p> +<p> + "This is only one of many similar cases." +</p> +<p> + The remarks of the Adjutant-General adverse to the passage of the bill + are concurred in. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + ALPHONSO TAFT,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>March 31, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reasons set forth in the accompanying communication from the + Secretary of the Treasury, I have the honor to return herewith without + my approval Senate bill No. 489, entitled "An act for the relief of + G.B. Tyler and E.H. Luckett, assignees of William T. Cheatham." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + TREASURY DEPARTMENT, <i>March 30, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT: +</p> +<p> + Referring to the letter of the 25th instant, written by your direction, + transmitting Senate bill No. 489, "for the relief of G.B. Tyler and B.H. + Luckett, assignees of William T. Cheatham," and requesting my opinion as + to the propriety of its approval by you, I have to say that there are no + data on file in the Department, so far as I can learn, which indicate + that the amount it is proposed by this bill to refund to the assignees + of Mr. Cheatham was wrongfully collected or that the amount should be + refunded. +</p> +<p> + The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in his report to me in reference + to the matter, says: +</p> +<p> + "The reimbursement to the United States by said Cheatham of the salary + paid to this storekeeper by the collector of internal revenue for the + months of December, 1869, and January, 1870, was in accordance with the + provisions of joint resolution of March 29, 1869 (16 U.S. Statutes at + Large, p. 52), and there appears to be no reason for the refunding by + the United States to the assignees of said Cheatham the salary of this + storekeeper that would not apply with equal force to similar payments by + all other distillers who were operating their distilleries or had + spirits in their warehouses at that time." +</p> +<p> + The facts above stated are considered by this office valid and serious + objections to the approval of this bill, and they would have been + communicated to the Congressional committee before the passage of the + bill had they called the attention of this office to the subject. +</p> +<p> + The bill is herewith returned. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + B.H. BRISTOW,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>April 18, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Herewith I return Senate bill No. 172, entitled "An act fixing the + salary of the President of the United States," without my approval. +</p> +<p> + I am constrained to this course from a sense of duty to my successors in + office, to myself, and to what is due to the dignity of the position of + Chief Magistrate of a nation of more than 40,000,000 people. +</p> +<p> + When the salary of the President of the United States, pursuant to the + Constitution, was fixed at $25,000 per annum, we were a nation of but + 3,000,000 people, poor from a long and exhaustive war, without commerce + or manufactures, with but few wants and those cheaply supplied. The + salary must then have been deemed small for the responsibilities and + dignity of the position, but justifiably so from the impoverished + condition of the Treasury and the simplicity it was desired to cultivate + in the Republic. +</p> +<p> + The salary of Congressmen under the Constitution was first fixed at + $6 per day for the time actually in session—an average of about one + hundred and twenty days to each session—or $720 per year, or less than + one-thirtieth of the salary of the President. +</p> +<p> + Congress have legislated upon their own salaries from time to time + since, until finally it reached $5,000 per annum, or one-fifth that of + the President, before the salary of the latter was increased. +</p> +<p> + No one having a knowledge of the cost of living at the national capital + will contend that the present salary of Congressmen is too high, unless + it is the intention to make the office one entirely of honor, when the + salary should be abolished—a proposition repugnant to our republican + ideas and institutions. +</p> +<p> + I do not believe the citizens of this Republic desire their public + servants to serve them without a fair compensation for their services. + Twenty-five thousand dollars does not defray the expenses of the + Executive for one year, or has not in my experience. It is not now + one-fifth in value of what it was at the time of the adoption of the + Constitution in supplying demands and wants. +</p> +<p> + Having no personal interest in this matter, I have felt myself free to + return this bill to the House in which it originated with my objections, + believing that in doing so I meet the wishes and judgment of the great + majority of those who indirectly pay all the salaries and other expenses + of Government. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>May 26, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return herewith without my approval House bill No. 1922, entitled + "An act providing for the recording of deeds, mortgages, and other + conveyances affecting real estate in the District of Columbia." +</p> +<p> + The objection to affixing my signature to this bill may be found in + the communication addressed to me by the Attorney-General, and which + accompanies this message. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,<br> <i>Washington, May 23, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: In reply to your note of the 19th instant, in which you request + me to report whether there are objections to your approval of "An act + providing for the recording of deeds, mortgages, and other conveyances + affecting real estate in the District of Columbia," being House bill No. + 1922, I have the honor to state that the bill seems to me objectionable + because of indefiniteness and uncertainty as to the time which it + purports to fix when deeds of trust, mortgages, etc., shall take effect + and be valid as to creditors and subsequent purchasers for valuable + consideration without notice. Although there is no constitutional + objection to the act, yet for the reason above stated I hesitate to + advise its approval. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + EDWARDS PIERREPONT,<br> <i>Attorney-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 9, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 165, entitled + "An act for the relief of Michael W. Brock, of Meigs County, Tenn., + late a private in Company D, Tenth Tennessee Volunteers." +</p> +<p> + The objection to affixing my signature to this bill may be found in the + indorsement (which accompanies this message) by the Adjutant-General of + the Army. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, June 8, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p> + The records of this office show that Michael W. Brock, Company D, Tenth + Tennessee Volunteers, deserted November 24, 1864, due United States for + horse and horse equipments, carbine, saber, and pistol, all complete. +</p> +<p> + He presented satisfactory evidence of his having left the service by + proper authority, and the charge of desertion has been removed and the + soldier furnished an honorable discharge. +</p> +<p> + No evidence has been presented to this office to establish that he was + erroneously charged with Government property. +</p> +<p> + If satisfactory evidence is furnished showing conclusively that this + soldier was erroneously charged with Government property, taken at time + of his reported desertion, the charge will be removed, and in that case + the inclosed act for his relief will be unnecessary. +</p> +<p class="r"> + ED TOWNSEND,<br> <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>June 30, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 692, entitled + "An act to amend chapter 166 of the laws of the second session of the + Forty-third Congress." +</p> +<p> + The objections to affixing my signature to this bill may be found in the + report, which accompanies this message, of the Chief of Engineers of the + Army to the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington City, June 28, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT: +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith Senate bill No. 692, "to amend + chapter 166 of the laws of the second session of the Forty-third + Congress," and beg to invite your attention to the report of the Chief + of Engineers dated the 27th instant, copy inclosed, and for the reasons + stated in said report it is believed the bill should not become a law. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, <i>June 27, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully returned to the honorable the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p> + "An act to aid in the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, in + the State of Wisconsin," approved March 3, 1875, contains the following + clause: +</p> +<p> + "In case any lands or other property is now or shall be flowed or + injured by means of any part of the works of said improvement heretofore + or hereafter constructed, for which compensation is now or shall become + legally owing, and in the opinion of the officer in charge it is not + prudent that the dam or dams be lowered, the amount of such compensation + may be ascertained in like manner," etc. +</p> +<p> + The dams referred to in the above clause are at the outlets of Lake + Winnebago, known as the Neenah or Menasha channels of the Lower Fox + River. +</p> +<p> + The officer of the Department of Justice appointed under the provisions + of the act referred to to represent the interests of the United States + in legal proceedings "for flowage damages hereinbefore described," + acting apparently under the assumption that because the dams in question + had not been lowered it was the opinion of the officer in charge that + they should not be lowered, has had such surveys, investigations, etc., + made as were deemed necessary by him to protect the interests of the + United States, and under this action it is understood that, at the + instance of claimants, judges of the circuit court have appointed + commissioners to decide on the amount of compensation due, and the + judges have fixed the rate of compensation the commissioners are to + receive. These commissioners are not appointed at the instance of the + United States. +</p> +<p> + In this way the awards for damages have already been made to the amount + of $70,000, and ultimately a much larger sum will be claimed to be due + from the United States. +</p> +<p> + The officer of engineers in charge of the improvement of the Fox and + Wisconsin rivers reports that the dams which have occasioned the flowage + were not constructed by the canal companies, and are not at all + necessary for the purposes of navigation, and so far as that is + concerned could not only be lowered, but entirely dispensed with. +</p> +<p> + They were built by private parties solely for their own use and profit + and for water-power purposes, and have raised the water level and + caused the flowage, for which they should be held liable. +</p> +<p> + In view of the preceding facts, and for the additional reason that the + subject of the liability of the United States is now being investigated + by the Department of Justice, it is respectfully suggested that the + inclosed act to amend chapter 166 of the laws of the second session of + the Forty-third Congress (S. 692) should not become a law. +</p> +<p class="r"> + A.A. HUMPHREYS, +<br> + <i>Brigadier-General and Chief of Engineers</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 11, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reasons set forth in the accompanying report of the Secretary of + War, I have the honor to return herewith without my approval House bill + No. 1337, entitled "An act for the relief of Nelson Tiffany." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>June 7, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return House bill No. 1337, "for the relief of + Nelson Tiffany." +</p> +<p> + The Adjutant-General, to whom the bill was referred, reports as follows: +</p> +<p> + "Nelson Tiffany, private, Company A, Twenty-fifth Massachusetts + Volunteers, deserted October 10, 1864, and remained absent until April + 25, 1865, when he surrendered under the President's proclamation, + thereby acknowledging his desertion. +</p> +<p> + "If this bill becomes a law, it will not only falsify the records of + this Department, but will be an injustice to every man who served + honorably during the War of the Rebellion." +</p> +<hr> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 13, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reasons stated in the accompanying report by the Commissioner of + Pensions to the Secretary of the Interior, I have the honor to return + without my approval House bill No. 11, entitled "An act granting a + pension to Eliza Jane Blumer." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington July 8, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith a bill (H.R. 11) entitled + "An act granting a pension to Eliza Jane Blumer," and to invite your + attention to the inclosed copy of a communication addressed to me on the + 7th instant by the Commissioner of Pensions, relating to said bill. +</p> +<p> + In the opinion of this Department the misdescription of the soldier in + the bill is of such a character as would render it difficult, if not + impossible, to carry the provisions of the bill into effect should it + become a law. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + CHAS. T. GORHAM,<br> <i>Acting Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington, D.C., July 7, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The HONORABLE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith engrossed House bill No. 11, + giving to Eliza Jane Blumer a pension as a widow of Henry A. Blumer, + private of Company A, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, with the + suggestion that if the bill is intended to pension Eliza Blumer, whose + application, No. 46382, on file in this office, has been rejected, + it should designate the soldier as of Company B of said regiment, it + failing to appear from the records of the War Department that he served + in any other company than that last named. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p> + J.A. BENTLEY, <i>Commissioner</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>July 20, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith without my approval House bill No. + 2684, entitled "An act to amend sections 3946, 3951, and 3954 of the + Revised Statutes." +</p> +<p> + It is the judgment of the Postmaster-General, whose report accompanies + this message, that if this bill should become a law in its present form + it would fail to give effect to its provisions. The remedial suggestions + in his report are respectfully recommended to your attention, +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT,<br> <i>Washington, D.C., July 19, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, +<Br> + <i>Washington, D.C.</i> +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith House bill No. 2684, "to amend + sections 3946, 3951, and 3954 of the Revised Statutes," with the + following objections thereto: +</p> +<p> + The sections of the Revised Statutes which this bill proposes to amend + were substantially repealed by the twelfth section of the act entitled + "An act making appropriations for the service of the Post-Office + Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1875, and for other + purposes," approved June 23, 1874. The sections of the Revised Statutes + numbered as indicated in the bill were enacted as sections 246 and 251 + of the "act to revise, consolidate, and amend the statutes relating to + the Post-Office Department," approved June 8, 1872. These sections were + subsequently embodied in the revision of the statutes. +</p> +<p> + If the accompanying bill should become a law in its present form, it + would, in my judgment, fail to give effect to its provisions. The bill + is a very important one for the service of the Post-Office Department. + Efforts have been made for four or five years past to induce Congress to + pass just such a law. To break up the vicious system of straw bidding, + this bill would be very valuable, and I regret exceedingly that a + mistake should have been made in the title and enacting clause which + will render its provisions inoperative. +</p> +<p> + I therefore suggest that the attention of the House in which it + originated shall be called to the defects in the bill explained above; + and to enable that body to understand very fully what, in my judgment, + would be required to perfect it, I would suggest that the title should + read "A bill to amend subsections 246 and 251 of section 12 of an + act entitled 'An act making appropriations for the service of the + Post-Office Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1875, and for + other purposes,' approved June 23, 1874, and also to amend section 3954 + of the Revised Statutes," and that the enacting clause of the bill + should be changed in conformity therewith. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + JAS. N. TYNER,<br> <i>Postmaster-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reason stated in the accompanying communication, submitted to me + by the Secretary of War, I have the honor to return herewith without my + approval House bill No. 36, entitled "An act to restore the name of + Captain Edward S. Meyer to the active list of the Army." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT,<br> <i>Washington, D.C., August 4, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return House bill No. 36, "to restore the name + of Captain Edward S. Meyer to the active list of the Army," and beg to + invite your attention to the inclosed report of the Adjutant-General of + this date, stating objections to the approval of the bill. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, <i>August 4, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p> + Edward S. Meyer served as a private in the Fourth Ohio Volunteers (three + months) from May 4, 1861, to August 18, 1861. He again enlisted as + private, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteers, September 10, 1861; was promoted + first lieutenant November 1, 1861, and resigned September 27, 1862. He + was commissioned captain, One hundred and seventh Ohio Volunteers, + November 11, 1862; was wounded at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863, + and discharged for physical disability January 1, 1865. He was again + mustered into service February 8, 1865, as major, Fifth United States + Veteran Volunteers (Hancock's Corps), and mustered out March 20, 1866. + Was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier-general of + volunteers March 13, 1865. +</p> +<p> + He was appointed captain, Thirty-fifth United States Infantry, July 28, + 1866; became unassigned August 12, 1869; assigned to Nineteenth Infantry + August 5, 1870, and transferred to Ninth Cavalry January 1, 1871. + Retired August 24, 1872. +</p> +<p> + July 8, 1869, Captain Meyer applied for retirement on account of wounds + received at Chancellorsville May 2, 1863, by which he was incapacitated + for active service. No action was then had on the request, pending + action by Congress reducing the Army. +</p> +<p> + October 6, 1869, he asked to be placed on waiting orders, being unfit + for duty, and no possibility of improvement without going North. He was + accordingly relieved from duty and ordered home to await orders. +</p> +<p> + December 18, 1869, he called on the Secretary of War and asked to be + assigned to duty. +</p> +<p> + January 4, 1870, he again applied to be assigned to duty with some + regiment on the frontier, stating that his wound had healed, etc., + and asking to withdraw his previous request for retirement. This was + accompanied by a similar request from his father, Mr. S. Meyer, of Ohio. +</p> +<p> + July 29, 1870, he applied the third time to withdraw application for + retirement and to be assigned to duty. On January 1, 1871, in accordance + with his repeated requests to be assigned to duty, he was assigned to + the Ninth Cavalry, serving in Texas. He joined the regiment, and on + March 4, 1872, he renewed his former request to be ordered before a + retiring board, stating that he found his injuries would not allow him + to remain on duty on the frontier; that his disability was constantly + increasing, etc. The medical director of the department approved the + request, and added that Captain Meyer's wounds certainly unfitted him + for service on the frontier. +</p> +<p> + April 13, 1872, Senator Sherman joined in requesting retirement of + Captain Meyer. He was ordered before the retiring board and on August + 20, 1872, was examined. +</p> +<p> + The board found Captain Meyer "incapacitated for active service, and + that said incapacity results from a gunshot wound received in his lower + jaw at the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863," when captain + in One hundred and seventh Ohio Volunteers. He was retired in accordance + with the finding. +</p> +<p> + March 21 and December 6, 1873, Captain Meyer asked restoration to active + service and reappointment as a captain of cavalry, which application was + disapproved by the General of the Army. +</p> +<p> + Pending the action on the bill before Congress no reports were called + for as to the official facts of record in the War Department, and no + evidence has been filed in this office showing that he has sufficiently + recovered. +</p> +<p> + The absence of such evidence and the fact that after one assignment to + active duty he has failed to be sufficiently recovered are submitted as + objections why the bill should not be approved. +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 15, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I herewith return House bill No. 4085 without my approval. The repeal of + the clause in the original bill for paving Pennsylvania avenue fixing + the time for the completion of the work by December 1, 1876, is + objectionable in this, that it fixes no date when the work is to be + completed. +</p> +<p> + Experience shows that where contractors have unlimited time to complete + any given work they consult their own convenience, and not the public + good. Should Congress deem it proper to amend the present bill in such + manner as to fix the date for the completion of the work to be done by + any date between December 1 and the close of my official term, it will + receive my approval. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 15, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reasons stated in the accompanying communication, submitted to + me by the Acting Secretary of the Interior, I have the honor to return + herewith without my approval Senate bill No. 779, entitled "An act to + provide for the sale of a portion of the reservation of the confederated + Otoe and Missouria and the Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri tribes of + Indians, in the States of Kansas and Nebraska." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington, D.C., August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith the bill (S. No. 779) entitled + "An act to provide for the sale of a portion of the reservation of the + confederated Otoe and Missouria and the Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri + tribes of Indians, in the States of Kansas and Nebraska," and to invite + your attention to the inclosed copy of a letter this day addressed to me + by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, stating that the bill, in his + opinion, should not become a law. +</p> +<p> + I fully concur in the opinion expressed by the Commissioner, and for the + reasons stated in his letter do not feel at liberty to recommend your + approval of the bill. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your + obedient servant, +</p> +<p> + CHAS. T. GORHAM, <i>Acting Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, +<br> + OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, +<br> + <i>Washington, D.C., August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The HONORABLE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith, in accordance with your verbal + request, a bill entitled "An act to provide for the sale of a portion of + the reservation of the confederated Otoe and Missouria and the Sacs and + Foxes of the Missouri tribes of Indians, in the States of Kansas and + Nebraska," with my views thereon, the same having passed both Houses of + Congress and now awaits the approval of the President. +</p> +<p> + Your attention is respectfully invited to the act of June 10, 1872 (17 + U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 391), which provides for the sale of these + reservations, or a portion of them. The whole of both these reservations + has been surveyed, a portion in accordance with this act of Congress and + the remainder with a view to the allotment of lands to the Indians. +</p> +<p> + The second section of the bill provides for the appraisement of the + whole reservation, while the third section authorizes the sale of a + portion not exceeding 120,000 acres, a portion of which is in Kansas. +</p> +<p> + The bill authorizes the sale of that portion lying in Kansas through the + land office located at Beatrice, Nebr. No provision is made for the + relief of such Indians, if any there be, who may have settled upon the + portion authorized to be sold, and who may have made improvements + thereon. Moreover, in fulfillment of treaty obligations, the assent of + the Indians to the operations of the whole bill, and not simply to the + first section, should be required, as in the case of the Menominees (16 + U.S. Statutes at Large, p. 410). In my opinion, this bill should not + receive the approval of the President. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.Q. SMITH,<br> <i>Commissioner</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [The Senate proceeded, as the Constitution prescribes, to reconsider + the said bill returned by the President of the United States with his + objections, and pending the question, Shall the bill pass, the + objections of the President of the United States to the contrary + notwithstanding? the following message was received:] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 15, 1876</i>, +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Upon further investigation I am convinced that my message of this date, + withholding my signature from Senate bill No. 779, entitled "An act to + provide for the sale of a portion of the reservation of the confederated + Otoe and Missouria and the Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri tribes of + Indians, in the States of Kansas and Nebraska," was premature, and I + request, therefore, that the bill may be returned, in order that I may + affix my signature to it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [A motion to refer the last message to the Committee on Privileges + and Elections was, after debate, determined in the negative; and the + question recurring, Shall the bill pass, the objections of the President of + the United States to the contrary notwithstanding? it was determined in + the affirmative—yeas 36, nays 0.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>August 15, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reasons presented in the accompanying communications, submitted + by the Secretary of War, I have the honor to return herewith without my + approval Senate bill No. 561, entitled "An act for the relief of Major + Junius T. Turner." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT,<br> <i>Washington City, August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return Senate bill 561, "for the relief of + Major Junius T. Turner," with copy of the report of the Adjutant-General + of this date, stating objections to the approval of the bill. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>August 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p> + The following objections exist to this bill becoming a law: +</p> +<p> + The bill as passed both Houses awards "such sum as shall equal the + travel pay of a captain of volunteers from Washington, D.C., to San + Francisco, Cal.," whereas at the date of the discharge of Junius T. + Turner he was a private of Company B, California Battalion, Second + Massachusetts Cavalry, and not a commissioned officer. +</p> +<p> + Aside from this, under the established regulations and rulings of the + Treasury and War Departments, "a soldier, on receiving and accepting + a commission as a company officer, is not entitled to traveling + allowances." A departure from this rule, heretofore adhered to, would + open up a very wide field for similar claims. +</p> +<p> + Private Junius T. Turner, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, was discharged + by way of favor March 28, 1864, to accept promotion as second + lieutenant, Third Maryland Cavalry, and was mustered as of that grade in + said regiment March 29, 1864. +</p> +<p> + He was honorably discharged September 7, 1865, as captain, Third + Maryland Cavalry, as set forth in the inclosed official copy of a + letter<a href="#note-113"><small>113</small></a> from this office, dated June 7, 1876, to Hon. C.D. MacDougall, + M.C., of Committee on Military Affairs, House of Representatives. +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [The Senate proceeded, as the Constitution prescribes, to reconsider + the said bill returned by the President of the United States with + his objections, and pending the question, Shall the bill pass, the + objections of the President of the United States to the contrary + notwithstanding? it was ordered that the message be referred to the + Committee on Military Affairs. At the next (second) session of the + Forty-fourth Congress the following message was received:] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 12, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + On the eve of the adjournment of the last session of Congress I returned + to the Senate bill No. 561, entitled "An act for the relief of Major + Junius T. Turner," with my objections to its becoming a law. I now + desire to withdraw those objections, as I am satisfied they were made + under a misapprehension of the facts. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [This message was also referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, + which committee, on February 13, 1877, reported to the Senate a + recommendation that the bill do pass, the objections of the President of + the United States to the contrary notwithstanding. No action was taken.] +</center> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATIONS. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by the first section of an act entitled "An act to authorize the + President to accept for citizens of the United States the jurisdiction + of certain tribunals in the Ottoman dominions and Egypt, established or + to be established under the authority of the Sublime Porte and of the + Government of Egypt," approved March 23, 1874, it was enacted as + follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + That whenever the President of the United States shall receive + satisfactory information that the Ottoman Government or that of Egypt + has organized other tribunals on a basis likely to secure to citizens of + the United States in their domains the same impartial justice which they + now enjoy there under the judicial functions exercised by the minister, + consuls, and other functionaries of the United States pursuant to the + act of Congress approved the 22d of June, 1860, entitled "An act to + carry into effect provisions of the treaties between the United States, + China, Persia, and other countries giving certain judicial powers to + ministers and consuls or other functionaries of the United States in + those countries, and for other purposes," he is hereby authorized to + suspend the operations of said acts as to the dominions in which such + tribunals may be organized so far as the jurisdiction of said tribunals + may embrace matters now cognizable by the minister, consuls, or other + functionaries of the United States in said dominions, and to notify the + Government of the Sublime Porte, or that of Egypt, or either of them, + that the United States during such suspension will, as aforesaid, accept + for their citizens the jurisdiction of the tribunals aforesaid over + citizens of the United States which has heretofore been exercised by the + minister, consuls, or other functionaries of the United States. +</p> +<p> + And whereas satisfactory information has been received by me that the + Government of Egypt has organized other tribunals on a basis likely + to secure to citizens of the United States in the dominions subject + to such Government the impartial justice which they now enjoy there + under the judicial functions exercised by the minister, consul, or other + functionaries of the United States pursuant to the said act of Congress + approved June 22, 1860: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, by virtue of the power and authority conferred upon me by the + said act approved March 23, 1874, do hereby suspend during the pleasure + of the President the operation of the said act approved June 22, 1860, + as to the said dominions subject to the Government of Egypt in which + such tribunals have been organized, so far as the jurisdiction of said + tribunals may embrace matters now cognizable by the minister, consuls, + or other functionaries of the United States in said dominions, except + as to cases actually commenced before the date hereof. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of March, A.D. 1876, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundredth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas a joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives of + the United States was duly approved on the 13th day of March last, which + resolution is as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + <i>Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the + United States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That it be, and is + hereby, recommended by the Senate and House of Representatives to + the people of the several States that they assemble in their several + counties or towns on the approaching centennial anniversary of our + national independence, and that they cause to have delivered on such + day an historical sketch of said county or town from its formation, + and that a copy of said sketch may be filed, in print or manuscript, + in the clerk's office of said county, and an additional copy, in print + or manuscript, be filed in the office of the Librarian of Congress, + to the intent that a complete record may thus be obtained of the + progress of our institutions during the first centennial of their + existence. +</p> +<p> + And whereas it is deemed proper that such recommendation be brought to + the notice and knowledge of the people of the United States: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, do + hereby declare and make known the same, in the hope that the object of + such resolution may meet the approval of the people of the United States + and that proper steps may be taken to carry the same into effect. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the 25th day of May, + A.D. 1876, and of the Independence of the United States the one + hundredth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + The centennial anniversary of the day on which the people of the United + States declared their right to a separate and equal station among the + powers of the earth seems to demand an exceptional observance. +</p> +<p> + The founders of the Government, at its birth and in its feebleness, + invoked the blessings and the protection of a Divine Providence, and + the thirteen colonies and three millions of people have expanded into + a nation of strength and numbers commanding the position which then was + asserted and for which fervent prayers were then offered. +</p> +<p> + It seems fitting that on the occurrence of the hundredth anniversary of + our existence as a nation a grateful acknowledgment should be made to + Almighty God for the protection and the bounties which He has vouchsafed + to our beloved country. +</p> +<p> + I therefore invite the good people of the United States, on the + approaching 4th day of July, in addition to the usual observances with + which they are accustomed to greet the return of the day, further, + in such manner and at such time as in their respective localities and + religious associations may be most convenient, to mark its recurrence + by some public religious and devout thanksgiving to Almighty God for + the blessings which have been bestowed upon us as a nation during the + century of our existence, and humbly to invoke a continuance of His + favor and of His protection. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 26th day of June, A.D. 1876, and of + the Independence of the United States of America the one hundredth. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas the Congress of the United States did, by an act approved on the + 3d day of March, 1875, authorize the inhabitants of the Territory of + Colorado to form for themselves out of said Territory a State government + with the name of the State of Colorado, and for the admission of such + State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States upon + certain conditions in said act specified; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it was provided by said act of Congress that the convention + elected by the people of said Territory to frame a State constitution + should, when assembled for that purpose and after organization, declare + on behalf of the people that they adopt the Constitution of the United + States, and should also provide by an ordinance, irrevocable without + the consent of the United States and the people of said State, that + perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured and that no + inhabitant of said State shall ever be molested in person or property + on account of his or her mode of religious worship, and that the people + inhabiting said Territory do agree and declare that they forever + disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying + within said Territory and that the same shall be and remain at the + sole and entire disposition of the United States, and that the lands + belonging to citizens of the United States residing without the said + State shall never be taxed higher than the lands belonging to residents + thereof, and that no taxes shall be imposed by the State on lands or + property therein belonging to or which may hereafter be purchased by + the United States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it was further provided by said act that the constitution + thus formed for the people of the Territory of Colorado should, by an + ordinance of the convention forming the same, be submitted to the people + of said Territory for ratification or rejection at an election to be + held in the month of July, 1876, at which election the lawful voters + of said new State should vote directly for or against the proposed + constitution, and the returns of said election should be made to the + acting governor of the Territory, who, with the chief justice and United + States attorney of said Territory, or any two of them, should canvass + the same, and, if a majority of legal votes should be cast for said + constitution in said proposed State the said acting governor should + certify the same to the President of the United States, together with + a copy of said constitution and ordinances, whereupon it should be the + duty of the President of the United States to issue his proclamation + declaring the State admitted into the Union on an equal footing with + the original States, without any further action whatever on the part + of Congress; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it has been certified to me by the acting governor of said + Territory of Colorado that within the time prescribed by said act of + Congress a constitution for said proposed State has been adopted and the + same ratified by a majority of the legal voters of said proposed new + State, in accordance with the conditions prescribed by said act of + Congress; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas a duly authenticated copy of said constitution and of the + declaration and ordinance required by said act has been received by me: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of + America, do, in accordance with the provisions of the act of Congress + aforesaid, declare and proclaim the fact that the fundamental conditions + imposed by Congress on the State of Colorado to entitle that State to + admission to the Union have been ratified and accepted, and that the + admission of the said State into the Union is now complete. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the + seal of the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 1st day of August, A.D. 1876, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and + first. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas by Article V of a convention concluded at Washington upon the + 30th day of January, 1875, between the United States of America and His + Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands it was provided as follows, + viz: +</p> +<p class="q"> + The present convention shall take effect as soon as it shall have been + approved and proclaimed by His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands + and shall have been ratified and duly proclaimed on the part of the + Government of the United States, but not until a law to carry it into + operation shall have been passed by the Congress of the United States + of America. Such assent having been given and the ratifications of + the convention having been exchanged as provided in Article VI, the + convention shall remain in force for seven years from the date at which + it may come into operation, and, further, until the expiration of twelve + months after either of the high contracting parties shall give notice + to the other of its wish to terminate the same, each of the high + contracting parties being at liberty to give such notice to the other + at the end of the said term of seven years or at any time thereafter. +</p> +<p> + And whereas such convention has been approved and proclaimed by His + Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands and has been ratified and duly + proclaimed on the part of the United States, and a law to carry the same + into operation has been passed by the Congress of the United States, and + the ratifications of the convention have been exchanged as provided in + Article VI thereof; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the Acting Secretary of State of the United States and His + Majesty's envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary at Washington + have recorded in a protocol a conference held by them at Washington on + the 9th day of September, 1876, in the following language: +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided by Article V of the convention between the United + States of America and His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands + concerning commercial reciprocity, signed at Washington on the 30th day + of January, 1875, as follows: +</p> +<p> + "Art. V. The present convention shall take effect as soon as it shall + have been approved and proclaimed by His Majesty the King of the + Hawaiian Islands and shall have been ratified and duly proclaimed on + the part of the Government of the United States, but not until the law + to carry it into operation shall have been passed by the Congress of + the United States of America. Such assent having been given and the + ratifications of the convention having been exchanged as provided in + Article VI, the convention shall remain in force for seven years from + the date at which it may come into operation, and, further, until the + expiration of twelve months after either of the high contracting parties + shall give notice to the other of its wish to terminate the same, each + of the high contracting parties being at liberty to give such notice to + the other at the end of the said term of seven years or at any time + thereafter;" and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the said convention has been approved and proclaimed by His + Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands, and has been ratified and duly + proclaimed on the part of the Government of the United States; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas an act was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of + the United States of America in Congress assembled, entitled "An act to + carry into effect a convention between the United States of America and + His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands signed on the 30th day of + January, 1875," which was approved on the 15th day of August, in the + year 1876; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas an act was passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Hawaiian + Islands entitled "An act to carry into effect a convention between His + Majesty the King and the United States of America signed at Washington + on the 30th day of January; 1875," which was duly approved on the 18th + day of July, in the year 1876; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the ratifications of the said convention have been exchanged as + provided in Article VI: +</p> +<p> + The undersigned, William Hunter, Acting Secretary of State of the + United States of America, and the Hon. Elisha H. Allen, chief justice + of the supreme court, chancellor of the Kingdom, member of the privy + council of state, and His Majesty's envoy extraordinary and minister + plenipotentiary to the United States of America, duly authorized for + this purpose by their respective Governments, have met together at + Washington, and, having found the said convention has been approved and + proclaimed by His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands and has been + ratified and duly proclaimed on the part of the Government of the United + States, and that the laws required to carry the said treaty into + operation have been passed by the Congress of the United States of + America on the one part and by the Legislative Assembly of the Hawaiian + Islands on the other, hereby declare that the convention aforesaid, + concluded between the United States of America and His Majesty the King + of the Hawaiian Islands on the 30th day of January, 1875, will take + effect on the date hereof. +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States + of America, in pursuance of the premises, do declare that the said + convention has been approved and proclaimed by His Majesty the King + of the Hawaiian Islands and been ratified and duly proclaimed on the + part of the Government of the United States, and that the necessary + legislation has been passed to carry the same into effect, and that the + ratifications of the convention have been exchanged as provided in + Article VI. +</p> +<p> + In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done in the city of Washington, this 9th day of September, A.D. 1876, + and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred + and first. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + W. HUNTER,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas it has been satisfactorily shown to me that insurrection and + domestic violence exist in several counties of the State of South + Carolina, and that certain combinations of men against law exist in + many counties of said State known as "rifle clubs," who ride up and + down by day and night in arms, murdering some peaceable citizens and + intimidating others, which combinations, though forbidden by the laws of + the State, can not be controlled or suppressed by the ordinary course of + justice; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States that the + United States shall protect every State in this Union, on application of + the legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature can not be + convened), against domestic violence; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas by laws in pursuance of the above it is provided (in the laws of + the United States) that in all cases of insurrection in any State or of + obstruction to the laws thereof it shall be lawful for the President of + the United States, on application of the legislature of such State, or + of the executive (when the legislature can not be convened), to call + forth the militia of any other State or States, or to employ such part + of the land and naval forces as shall be judged necessary, for the + purpose of suppressing such insurrection or causing the laws to be duly + executed; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas the legislature of said State is not now in session and can not + be convened in time to meet the present emergency and the executive of + said State, under section 4 of Article IV of the Constitution of the + United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof, has therefore + made due application to me in the premises for such part of the military + force of the United States as may be necessary and adequate to protect + said State and the citizens thereof against domestic violence and to + enforce the due execution of the laws; and +</p> +<p> + Whereas it is required that whenever it may be necessary, in the + judgment of the President, to use the military force for the purpose + aforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command such insurgents + to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes within a + limited time: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + do hereby make proclamation and command all persons engaged in said + unlawful and insurrectionary proceedings to disperse and retire + peaceably to their respective abodes within three days from this date, + and hereafter abandon said combinations and submit themselves to the + laws and constituted authorities of said State. +</p> +<p> + And I invoke the aid and cooperation of all good citizens thereof to + uphold the laws and preserve the public peace. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 17th day of October, A.D. 1876, and + of the Independence of the United States one hundred and one. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN L. CADWALADER,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + From year to year we have been accustomed to pause in our daily pursuits + and set apart a time to offer our thanks to Almighty God for the special + blessings He has vouchsafed to us, with our prayers for a continuance + thereof. +</p> +<p> + We have at this time equal reason to be thankful for His continued + protection and for the many material blessings which His bounty has + bestowed. +</p> +<p> + In addition to these favors accorded to us as individuals, we have + especial occasion to express our hearty thanks to Almighty God that by + His providence and guidance our Government, established a century ago, + has been enabled to fulfill the purpose of its founders in offering an + asylum to the people of every race, securing civil and religious liberty + to all within its borders, and meting out to every individual alike + justice and equality before the law. +</p> +<p> + It is, moreover, especially our duty to offer our humble prayers to the + Father of All Mercies for a continuance of His divine favor to us as a + nation and as individuals. +</p> +<p> + By reason of all these considerations, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of + the United States, do recommend to the people of the United States to + devote the 30th day of November next to the expression of their thanks + and prayers to Almighty God, and, laying aside their daily avocations + and all secular occupations, to assemble in their respective places of + worship and observe such day as a day of thanksgiving and rest. +</p> +<p> + In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Done at the city of Washington, this 26th day of October, A.D. 1876, and + of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and + first. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EXECUTIVE ORDERS. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>Washington, May 20, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR:<a href="#note-114"><small>114</small></a> The President directs me to say that the several Departments of + the Government will be closed on Tuesday, the 30th instant, to enable the + employees to participate in the decoration of the graves of the soldiers + who fell during the rebellion. +</p> +<p> + I am, sir, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + C.C. SNIFFEN, <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT,<br> <i>Washington City, August 10, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + By direction of the President, General W.T. Sherman and + Brigadier-General M.C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General United States Army, + are appointed members of the commission to examine "the whole subject of + reform and reorganization of the Army of the United States," as provided + by section 4, act approved July 24, 1876, "making appropriations for the + support of the Army for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877, and for + other purposes." +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>August 21, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + It is with extreme pain that the President announces to the + people of the United States the death of the Speaker of the House + of Representatives, the Hon. Michael C. Kerr, of Indiana. +</p> +<p> + A man of great intellectual endowments, large culture, great probity and + earnestness in his devotion to the public interests, has passed from the + position, power, and usefulness to which he had been recently called. +</p> +<p> + The body over which he had been selected to preside not being in + session to render its tribute of affection and respect to the memory of + the deceased, the President invites the people of the United States to a + solemn recognition of the public and private worth and the services of a + pure and eminent character. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + JOHN L. CADWALADER,<br> + <i>Acting Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>November 23, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + A joint resolution adopted by Congress August 5, 1876, declares that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + Whereas it is ascertained that the hostile Indians of the Northwest are + largely equipped with arms which require special metallic cartridges, + and that such special ammunition is in large part supplied to such + hostile Indians, directly or indirectly, through traders and others in + the Indian country: Therefore, +</p><p class="q"> + <i>Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled</i>, That the President of the + United States is hereby authorized and requested to take such measures + as in his judgment may be necessary to prevent such special metallic + ammunition being conveyed to such hostile Indians, and is further + authorized to declare the same contraband of war in such district of + country as he may designate during the continuance of hostilities. +</p> +<p> + To carry into effect the above-cited resolution, the sale of fixed + ammunition or metallic cartridges by any trader or other person in + any district of the Indian country occupied by hostile Indians, or + over which they roam, is hereby prohibited; and all such ammunition or + cartridges introduced into said country by traders or other persons, + and that are liable in any way or manner, directly or indirectly, to + be received by such hostile Indians, shall be deemed contraband of war, + seized by any military officer and confiscated; and the district of + country to which this prohibition shall apply during the continuance + of hostilities is hereby designated as that which embraces all Indian + country, or country occupied by Indians or subject to their visits, + lying within the Territories of Montana, Dakota, and Wyoming and the + States of Nebraska and Colorado. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EIGHTH ANNUAL MESSAGE. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 5, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In submitting my eighth and last annual message to Congress it seems + proper that I should refer to and in some degree recapitulate the events + and official acts of the past eight years. +</p> +<p> + It was my fortune, or misfortune, to be called to the office of Chief + Executive without any previous political training. From the age of 17 + I had never even witnessed the excitement attending a Presidential + campaign but twice antecedent to my own candidacy, and at but one of + them was I eligible as a voter. +</p> +<p> + Under such circumstances it is but reasonable to suppose that + errors of judgment must have occurred. Even had they not, differences + of opinion between the Executive, bound by an oath to the strict + performance of his duties, and writers and debaters must have arisen. + It is not necessarily evidence of blunder on the part of the Executive + because there are these differences of views. Mistakes have been made, + as all can see and I admit, but it seems to me oftener in the selections + made of the assistants appointed to aid in carrying out the various + duties of administering the Government—in nearly every case selected + without a personal acquaintance with the appointee, but upon + recommendations of the representatives chosen directly by the people. + It is impossible, where so many trusts are to be allotted, that the + right parties should be chosen in every instance. History shows that no + Administration from the time of Washington to the present has been free + from these mistakes. But I leave comparisons to history, claiming only + that I have acted in every instance from a conscientious desire to do + what was right, constitutional, within the law, and for the very best + interests of the whole people. Failures have been errors of judgment, + not of intent. +</p> +<p> + My civil career commenced, too, at a most critical and difficult time. + Less than four years before, the country had emerged from a conflict + such as no other nation had ever survived. Nearly one-half of the States + had revolted against the Government, and of those remaining faithful + to the Union a large percentage of the population sympathized with the + rebellion and made an "enemy in the rear" almost as dangerous as the + more honorable enemy in the front. The latter committed errors of + judgment, but they maintained them openly and courageously; the former + received the protection of the Government they would see destroyed, and + reaped all the pecuniary advantage to be gained out of the then existing + state of affairs, many of them by obtaining contracts and by swindling + the Government in the delivery of their goods. +</p> +<p> + Immediately on the cessation of hostilities the then noble President, + who had carried the country so far through its perils, fell a martyr + to his patriotism at the hands of an assassin. +</p> +<p> + The intervening time to my first inauguration was filled up with + wranglings between Congress and the new Executive as to the best mode + of "reconstruction," or, to speak plainly, as to whether the control + of the Government should be thrown immediately into the hands of those + who had so recently and persistently tried to destroy it, or whether + the victors should continue to have an equal voice with them in this + control. Reconstruction, as finally agreed upon, means this and only + this, except that the late slave was enfranchised, giving an increase, + as was supposed, to the Union-loving and Union-supporting votes. If + <i>free</i> in the full sense of the word, they would not disappoint this + expectation. Hence at the beginning of my first Administration the + work of reconstruction, much embarrassed by the long delay, virtually + commenced. It was the work of the legislative branch of the Government. + My province was wholly in approving their acts, which I did most + heartily, urging the legislatures of States that had not yet done so + to ratify the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution. The country + was laboring under an enormous debt, contracted in the suppression of + rebellion, and taxation was so oppressive as to discourage production. + Another danger also threatened us—a foreign war. The last difficulty + had to be adjusted, and was adjusted without a war and in a manner + highly honorable to all parties concerned. Taxes have been reduced + within the last seven years nearly $300,000,000, and the national debt + has been reduced in the same time over $435,000,000. By refunding + the 6 per cent bonded debt for bonds bearing 5 and 4-1/2 per cent + interest, respectively, the annual interest has been reduced from over + $130,000,000 in 1869 to but little over $100,000,000 in 1876. The + balance of trade has been changed from over $130,000,000 against the + United States in 1869 to more than $120,000,000 in our favor in 1876. +</p> +<p> + It is confidently believed that the balance of trade in favor of the + United States will increase, not diminish, and that the pledge of + Congress to resume specie payments in 1879 will be easily accomplished, + even in the absence of much-desired further legislation on the subject. +</p> +<p> + A policy has been adopted toward the Indian tribes inhabiting a large + portion of the territory of the United States which has been humane and + has substantially ended Indian hostilities in the whole land except in a + portion of Nebraska, and Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana Territories—the + Black Hills region and approaches thereto. Hostilities there have grown + out of the avarice of the white man, who has violated our treaty + stipulations in his search for gold. The question might be asked why + the Government has not enforced obedience to the terms of the treaty + prohibiting the occupation of the Black Hills region by whites. The + answer is simple: The first immigrants to the Black Hills were removed + by troops, but rumors of rich discoveries of gold took into that region + increased numbers. Gold has actually been found in paying quantity, + and an effort to remove the miners would only result in the desertion + of the bulk of the troops that might be sent there to remove them. All + difficulty in this matter has, however, been removed—subject to the + approval of Congress—by a treaty ceding the Black Hills and approaches + to settlement by citizens. +</p> +<p> + The subject of Indian policy and treatment is so fully set forth by the + Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and my + views so fully expressed therein, that I refer to their reports and + recommendations as my own. +</p> +<p> + The relations of the United States with foreign powers continue on a + friendly footing. +</p> +<p> + Questions have arisen from time to time in the foreign relations of the + Government, but the United States have been happily free during the past + year from the complications and embarrassments which have surrounded + some of the foreign powers. +</p> +<p> + The diplomatic correspondence submitted herewith contains information as + to certain of the matters which have occupied the Government. +</p> +<p> + The cordiality which attends our relations with the powers of the earth + has been plainly shown by the general participation of foreign nations + in the exhibition which has just closed and by the exertions made by + distant powers to show their interest in and friendly feelings toward + the United States in the commemoration of the centennial of the nation. + The Government and people of the United States have not only fully + appreciated this exhibition of kindly feeling, but it may be justly and + fairly expected that no small benefits will result both to ourselves and + other nations from a better acquaintance, and a better appreciation of + our mutual advantages and mutual wants. +</p> +<p> + Congress at its last session saw fit to reduce the amount usually + appropriated for foreign intercourse by withholding appropriations for + representatives of the United States in certain foreign countries and + for certain consular officers, and by reducing the amounts usually + appropriated for certain other diplomatic posts, and thus necessitating + a change in the grade of the representatives. For these reasons, + immediately upon the passage of the bill making appropriations for + the diplomatic and consular service for the present fiscal year, + instructions were issued to the representatives of the United States at + Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia, and to the consular officers for whom no + appropriation had been made, to close their respective legations and + consulates and cease from the performance of their duties; and in like + manner steps were immediately taken to substitute chargés d'affaires + for ministers resident in Portugal, Denmark, Greece, Switzerland, and + Paraguay. +</p> +<p> + While thoroughly impressed with the wisdom of sound economy in the + foreign service, as in other branches of the Government, I can not + escape the conclusion that in some instances the withholding of + appropriations will prove an expensive economy, and that the small + retrenchment secured by a change of grade in certain diplomatic posts is + not an adequate consideration for the loss of influence and importance + which will attend our foreign representatives under this reduction. I am + of the opinion that a reexamination of the subject will cause a change + in some instances in the conclusions reached on these subjects at the + last session of Congress. +</p> +<p> + The Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims, whose functions were + continued by an act of the last session of Congress until the 1st day + of January, 1877, has carried on its labors with diligence and general + satisfaction. By a report from the clerk of the court, transmitted + herewith, bearing date November 14, 1876, it appears that within the + time now allowed by law the court will have disposed of all the claims + presented for adjudication. This report also contains a statement of the + general results of the labors of the court to the date thereof. It is a + cause of satisfaction that the method adopted for the satisfaction of + the classes of claims submitted to the court, which are of long standing + and justly entitled to early consideration, should have proved + successful and acceptable. +</p> +<p> + It is with satisfaction that I am enabled to state that the work of the + joint commission for determining the boundary line between the United + States and British possessions from the northwest angle of the Lake of + the Woods to the Rocky Mountains, commenced in 1872, has been completed. + The final agreements of the commissioners, with the maps, have been duly + signed, and the work of the commission is complete. +</p> +<p> + The fixing of the boundary upon the Pacific coast by the protocol of + March 10, 1873, pursuant to the award of the Emperor of Germany by + Article XXXIV of the treaty of Washington, with the termination of the + work of this commission, adjusts and fixes the entire boundary between + the United States and the British possessions, except as to the portion + of territory ceded by Russia to the United States under the treaty of + 1867. The work intrusted to the commissioner and the officers of the + Army attached to the commission has been well and satisfactorily + performed. The original of the final agreement of the commissioners, + signed upon the 29th of May, 1876, with the original official "lists + of astronomical stations observed," the original official "list of + monuments marking the international boundary line," and the maps, + records, and general reports relating to the commission, have been + deposited in the Department of State. The official report of the + commissioner on the part of the United States, with the report of the + chief astronomer of the United States, will be submitted to Congress + within a short time. +</p> +<p> + I reserve for a separate communication to Congress a statement of the + condition of the questions which lately arose with Great Britain + respecting the surrender of fugitive criminals under the treaty of 1842. +</p> +<p> + The Ottoman Government gave notice, under date of January 15, 1874, + of its desire to terminate the treaty of 1862, concerning commerce and + navigation, pursuant to the provisions of the twenty-second article + thereof. Under this notice the treaty terminated upon the 5th day of + June, 1876. That Government has invited negotiations toward the + conclusion of a new treaty. +</p> +<p> + By the act of Congress of March 23, 1874, the President was authorized, + when he should receive satisfactory information that the Ottoman + Government or that of Egypt had organized new tribunals likely to secure + to citizens of the United States the same impartial justice enjoyed + under the exercise of judicial functions by diplomatic and consular + officers of the United States, to suspend the operation of the act of + June 22, 1860, and to accept for citizens of the United States the + jurisdiction of the new tribunals. Satisfactory information having been + received of the organization of such new tribunals in Egypt, I caused a + proclamation<a href="#note-115"><small>115</small></a> to be issued upon the 27th of March last, suspending + the operation of the act of June 22, 1860, in Egypt, according to the + provisions of the act. A copy of the proclamation accompanies this + message. The United States has united with the other powers in the + organization of these courts. It is hoped that the jurisdictional + questions which have arisen may be readily adjusted, and that this + advance in judicial reform may be hindered by no obstacles. +</p> +<p> + The necessary legislation to carry into effect the convention respecting + commercial reciprocity concluded with the Hawaiian Islands in 1875 + having been had, the proclamation to carry into effect the convention, + as provided by the act approved August 15, 1876, was duly issued upon + the 9th day of September last. A copy thereof accompanies this + message.<a href="#note-116"><small>116</small></a> +</p> +<p> + The commotions which have been prevalent in Mexico for some time past, + and which, unhappily, seem to be net yet wholly quieted, have led to + complaints of citizens of the United States of injuries by persons in + authority. It is hoped, however, that these will ultimately be adjusted + to the satisfaction of both Governments. The frontier of the United + States in that quarter has not been exempt from acts of violence by + citizens of one Republic on those of the other. The frequency of these + is supposed to be increased and their adjustment made more difficult + by the considerable changes in the course of the lower part of the + Rio Grande River, which river is a part of the boundary between the + two countries. These changes have placed on either side of that + river portions of land which by existing conventions belong to the + jurisdiction of the Government on the opposite side of the river. + The subject of adjustment of this cause of difficulty is under + consideration between the two Republics. +</p> +<p> + The Government of the United States of Colombia has paid the award + in the case of the steamer <i>Montijo</i>, seized by authorities of that + Government some years since, and the amount has been transferred to the + claimants. +</p> +<p> + It is with satisfaction that I am able to announce that the joint + commission for the adjustment of claims between the United States and + Mexico under the convention of 1868, the duration of which has been + several times extended, has brought its labors to a close. From the + report of the agent of the United States, which accompanies the papers + transmitted herewith, it will be seen that within the time limited by + the commission 1,017 claims on the part of citizens of the United States + against Mexico were referred to the commission. Of these claims 831 were + dismissed or disallowed, and in 186 cases awards were made in favor of + the claimants against the Mexican Republic, amounting in the aggregate + to $4,125,622.20. Within the same period 998 claims on the part of + citizens of the Mexican Republic against the United States were referred + to the commission. Of these claims 831 were dismissed or disallowed, and + in 167 cases awards were made in favor of the claimants against the + United States, amounting in the aggregate to $150,498.41. +</p> +<p> + By the terms of the convention the amount of these awards is to be + deducted from the amount awarded in favor of our citizens against + Mexico, and the balance only to be paid by Mexico to the United States, + leaving the United States to make provision for this proportion of the + awards in favor of its own citizens. +</p> +<p> + I invite your attention to the legislation which will be necessary to + provide for the payment. +</p> +<p> + In this connection I am pleased to be able to express the + acknowledgments due to Sir Edward Thornton, the umpire of the + commission, who has given to the consideration of the large number of + claims submitted to him much time, unwearied patience, and that firmness + and intelligence which are well known to belong to the accomplished + representative of Great Britain, and which are likewise recognized by + the representative in this country of the Republic of Mexico. +</p> +<p> + Monthly payments of a very small part of the amount due by the + Government of Venezuela to citizens of the United States on account of + claims of the latter against that Government continue to be made with + reasonable punctuality. That Government has proposed to change the + system which it has hitherto pursued in this respect by issuing bonds + for part of the amount of the several claims. The proposition, however, + could not, it is supposed, properly be accepted, at least without the + consent of the holders of certificates of the indebtedness of Venezuela. + These are so much dispersed that it would be difficult, if not + impossible, to ascertain their disposition on the subject. +</p> +<p> + In former messages I have called the attention of Congress to the + necessity of legislation with regard to fraudulent naturalization and to + the subject of expatriation and the election of nationality. +</p> +<p> + The numbers of persons of foreign birth seeking a home in the United + States, the ease and facility with which the honest emigrant may, after + the lapse of a reasonable time, become possessed of all the privileges + of citizenship of the United States, and the frequent occasions which + induce such adopted citizens to return to the country of their birth + render the subject of naturalization and the safeguards which experience + has proved necessary for the protection of the honest naturalized + citizen of paramount importance. The very simplicity in the requirements + of law on this question affords opportunity for fraud, and the want of + uniformity in the proceedings and records of the various courts and in + the forms of the certificates of naturalization issued affords a + constant source of difficulty. +</p> +<p> + I suggest no additional requirements to the acquisition of citizenship + beyond those now existing, but I invite the earnest attention of + Congress to the necessity and wisdom of some provisions regarding + uniformity in the records and certificates, and providing against the + frauds which frequently take place and for the vacating of a record of + naturalization obtained in fraud. +</p> +<p> + These provisions are needed in aid and for the protection of the honest + citizen of foreign birth, and for the want of which he is made to suffer + not infrequently. The United States has insisted upon the right of + expatriation, and has obtained, after a long struggle, an admission + of the principle contended for by acquiescence therein on the part of + many foreign powers and by the conclusion of treaties on that subject. + It is, however, but justice to the government to which such naturalized + citizens have formerly owed allegiance, as well as to the United States, + that certain fixed and definite rules should be adopted governing such + cases and providing how expatriation may be accomplished. +</p> +<p> + While emigrants in large numbers become citizens of the United States, + it is also true that persons, both native born and naturalized, once + citizens of the United States, either by formal acts or as the effect of + a series of facts and circumstances, abandon their citizenship and cease + to be entitled to the protection of the United States, but continue on + convenient occasions to assert a claim to protection in the absence of + provisions on these questions. +</p> +<p> + And in this connection I again invite your attention to the necessity + of legislation concerning the marriages of American citizens contracted + abroad, and concerning the status of American women who may marry + foreigners and of children born of American parents in a foreign + country. +</p> +<p> + The delicate and complicated questions continually occurring with + reference to naturalization, expatriation, and the status of such + persons as I have above referred to induce me to earnestly direct your + attention again to these subjects. +</p> +<p> + In like manner I repeat my recommendation that some means be provided + for the hearing and determination of the just and subsisting claims of + aliens upon the Government of the United States within a reasonable + limitation, and of such as may hereafter arise. While by existing + provisions of law the Court of Claims may in certain cases be resorted + to by an alien claimant, the absence of any general provisions governing + all such cases and the want of a tribunal skilled in the disposition of + such cases upon recognized fixed and settled principles, either provides + no remedy in many deserving cases or compels a consideration of such + claims by Congress or the executive department of the Government. +</p> +<p> + It is believed that other governments are in advance of the United + States upon this question, and that the practice now adopted is entirely + unsatisfactory. +</p> +<p> + Congress, by an act approved the 3d day of March, 1875, authorized the + inhabitants of the Territory of Colorado to form a State government, + with the name of the State of Colorado, and therein provided for the + admission of said State, when formed, into the Union upon an equal + footing with the original States. +</p> +<p> + A constitution having been adopted and ratified by the people of that + State, and the acting governor having certified to me the facts as + provided by said act, together with a copy of such constitution and + ordinances as provided for in the said act, and the provisions of + the said act of Congress having been duly complied with, I issued + a proclamation<a href="#note-117"><small>117</small></a> upon the 1st of August, 1876, a copy of which is + hereto annexed. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of War shows that the Army has been actively + employed during the year in subduing, at the request of the Indian + Bureau, certain wild bands of the Sioux Indian Nation and in preserving + the peace at the South during the election. The commission constituted + under the act of July 24, 1876, to consider and report on the "whole + subject of the reform and reorganization of the Army" met in August + last, and has collected a large mass of statistics and opinions bearing + on the subject before it. These are now under consideration, and their + report is progressing. I am advised, though, by the president of the + commission that it will be impracticable to comply with the clause of + the act requiring the report to be presented, through me, to Congress + on the first day of this session, as there has not yet been time for + that mature deliberation which the importance of the subject demands. + Therefore I ask that the time of making the report be extended to the + 29th day of January, 1877. +</p> +<p> + In accordance with the resolution of August 15, 1876, the Army + regulations prepared under the act of March 1, 1875, have not been + promulgated, but are held until after the report of the above-mentioned + commission shall have been received and acted on. +</p> +<p> + By the act of August 15, 1876, the cavalry force of the Army was + increased by 2,500 men, with the proviso that they should be discharged + on the expiration of hostilities. Under this authority the cavalry + regiments have been strengthened, and a portion of them are now in the + field pursuing the remnants of the Indians with whom they have been + engaged during the summer. +</p> +<p> + The estimates of the War Department are made up on the basis of the + number of men authorized by law, and their requirements as shown by + years of experience, and also with the purpose on the part of the bureau + officers to provide for all contingencies that may arise during the + time for which the estimates are made. Exclusive of engineer estimates + (presented in accordance with acts of Congress calling for surveys and + estimates for improvements at various localities), the estimates now + presented are about six millions in excess of the appropriations for the + years 1874-75 and 1875-76. This increase is asked in order to provide + for the increased cavalry force (should their services be necessary), + to prosecute economically work upon important public buildings, to + provide for armament of fortifications and manufacture of small arms, + and to replenish the working stock in the supply departments. The + appropriations for these last named have for the past few years been + so limited that the accumulations in store will be entirely exhausted + during the present year, and it will be necessary to at once begin to + replenish them. +</p> +<p> + I invite your special attention to the following recommendations of the + Secretary of War: +</p> +<p> + First. That the claims under the act of July 4, 1864, for supplies + taken by the Army during the war be removed from the offices of the + Quartermaster and Commissary Generals and transferred to the Southern + Claims Commission. These claims are of precisely similar nature to those + now before the Southern Claims Commission, and the War Department + bureaus have not the clerical force for their examination nor proper + machinery for investigating the loyalty of the claimants. +</p> +<p> + Second. That Congress sanction the scheme of an annuity fund for the + benefit of the families of deceased officers, and that it also provide + for the permanent organization of the Signal Service, both of which were + recommended in my last annual message. +</p> +<p> + Third. That the manufacturing operations of the Ordnance Department be + concentrated at three arsenals and an armory, and that the remaining + arsenals be sold and the proceeds applied to this object by the Ordnance + Department. +</p> +<p> + The appropriations for river and harbor improvements for the current + year were $5,015,000. With my approval, the Secretary of War directed + that of this amount $2,000,000 should be expended, and no new works + should be begun and none prosecuted which were not of national + importance. Subsequently this amount was increased to $2,237,600, and + the works are now progressing on this basis. +</p> +<p> + The improvement of the South Pass of the Mississippi River, under James + B. Eads and his associates, is progressing favorably. At the present + time there is a channel of 20.3 feet in depth between the jetties at + the mouth of the pass and 18.5 feet at the head of the pass. Neither + channel, however, has the width required before payments can be made by + the United States. A commission of engineer officers is now examining + these works, and their reports will be presented as soon as received. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows that branch of the service + to be in condition as effective as it is possible to keep it with the + means and authority given the Department. It is, of course, not possible + to rival the costly and progressive establishments of great European + powers with the old material of our Navy, to which no increase has been + authorized since the war, except the eight small cruisers built to + supply the place of others which had gone to decay. Yet the most + has been done that was possible with the means at command; and by + substantially rebuilding some of our old ships with durable material and + completely repairing and refitting our monitor fleet the Navy has been + gradually so brought up that, though it does not maintain its relative + position among the progressive navies of the world, it is now in a + condition more powerful and effective than it ever has been in time of + peace. +</p> +<p> + The complete repairs of our five heavy ironclads are only delayed on + account of the inadequacy of the appropriations made last year for the + working bureaus of the Department, which were actually less in amount + than those made before the war, notwithstanding the greatly enhanced + price of labor and materials and the increase in the cost of the naval + service growing out of the universal use and great expense of steam + machinery. The money necessary for these repairs should be provided at + once, that they may be completed without further unnecessary delay and + expense. +</p> +<p> + When this is done, all the strength that there is in our Navy will be + developed and useful to its full capacity, and it will be powerful for + purposes of defense, and also for offensive action, should the necessity + for that arise within a reasonable distance from our shores. +</p> +<p> + The fact that our Navy is not more modern and powerful than it is has + been made a cause of complaint against the Secretary of the Navy by + persons who at the same time criticise and complain of his endeavors to + bring the Navy that we have to its best and most efficient condition; + but the good sense of the country will understand that it is really due + to his practical action that we have at this time any effective naval + force at command. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Postmaster-General shows the excess of expenditures + (excluding expenditures on account of previous years) over receipts for + the fiscal year ended June 30, 1876, to be $4,151,988.66. +</p> +<p> + Estimated expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1878, are + $36,723,432.43. +</p> +<p> + Estimated revenue for same period is $30,645,165, leaving estimated + excess of expenditure, to be appropriated as a deficiency, of + $6,078,267.43. +</p> +<p> + The Postmaster-General, like his predecessor, is convinced that a + change in the basis of adjusting the salaries of postmasters of the + fourth class is necessary for the good of the service as well as + for the interests of the Government, and urgently recommends that the + compensation of the class of postmasters above mentioned be based upon + the business of their respective offices, as ascertained from the sworn + returns to the Auditor of stamps canceled. +</p> +<p> + A few postmasters in the Southern States have expressed great + apprehension of their personal safety on account of their connection + with the postal service, and have specially requested that their reports + of apprehended danger should not be made public lest it should result in + the loss of their lives. But no positive testimony of interference has + been submitted, except in the case of a mail messenger at Spartanburg, + in South Carolina, who reported that he had been violently driven away + while in charge of the mails on account of his political affiliations. + An assistant superintendent of the Railway Mail Service investigated + this case and reported that the messenger had disappeared from his post, + leaving his work to be performed by a substitute. The Postmaster-General + thinks this case is sufficiently suggestive to justify him in + recommending that a more severe punishment should be provided for the + offense of assaulting any person in charge of the mails or of retarding + or otherwise obstructing them by threats of personal injury. +</p> +<p> + "A very gratifying result is presented in the fact that the + deficiency of this Department during the last fiscal year was reduced + to $4,081,790.18, as against $6,169,938.88 of the preceding year. The + difference can be traced to the large increase in its ordinary receipts + (which greatly exceed the estimates therefor) and a slight decrease in + its expenditures." +</p> +<p> + The ordinary <i>receipts</i> of the Post-Office Department for the past seven + fiscal years have increased at an average of over 8 per cent per annum, + while the increase of <i>expenditures</i> for the same period has been but + about 5.50 per cent per annum, and the <i>decrease</i> of <i>deficiency</i> in the + revenues has been at the rate of nearly 2 per cent per annum. +</p> +<p> + The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture accompanying this message + will be found one of great interest, marking, as it does, the great + progress of the last century in the variety of products of the soil; + increased knowledge and skill in the labor of producing, saving, and + manipulating the same to prepare them for the use of man; in the + improvements in machinery to aid the agriculturist in his labors, + and in a knowledge of those scientific subjects necessary to a thorough + system of economy in agricultural production, namely, chemistry, + botany, entomology, etc. A study of this report by those interested in + agriculture and deriving their support from it will find it of value in + pointing out those articles which are raised in greater quantity than + the needs of the world require, and must sell, therefore, for less than + the cost of production, and those which command a profit over cost of + production because there is not an overproduction. +</p> +<p> + I call special attention to the need of the Department for a new + gallery for the reception of the exhibits returned from the Centennial + Exhibition, including the exhibits donated by very many foreign nations, + and to the recommendations of the Commissioner of Agriculture generally. +</p> +<p> + The reports of the District Commissioners and the board of health are + just received—too late to read them and to make recommendations + thereon—and are herewith submitted. +</p> +<p> + The international exhibition held in Philadelphia this year, in + commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of American independence, + has proven a great success, and will, no doubt, be of enduring advantage + to the country. It has shown the great progress in the arts, sciences, + and mechanical skill made in a single century, and demonstrated that we + are but little behind older nations in any one branch, while in some we + scarcely have a rival. It has served, too, not only to bring peoples and + products of skill and labor from all parts of the world together, but in + bringing together people from all sections of our own country, which + must prove a great benefit in the information imparted and pride of + country engendered. +</p> +<p> + It has been suggested by scientists interested in and connected with + the Smithsonian Institution, in a communication herewith, that the + Government exhibit be removed to the capital and a suitable building + be erected or purchased for its accommodation as a permanent exhibit. + I earnestly recommend this; and believing that Congress would second + this view, I directed that all Government exhibits at the Centennial + Exhibition should remain where they are, except such as might be injured + by remaining in a building not intended as a protection in inclement + weather, or such as may be wanted by the Department furnishing them, + until the question of permanent exhibition is acted on. +</p> +<p> + Although the moneys appropriated by Congress to enable the participation + of the several Executive Departments in the International Exhibition + of 1876 were not sufficient to carry out the undertaking to the full + extent at first contemplated, it gives me pleasure to refer to the + very efficient and creditable manner in which the board appointed from + these several Departments to provide an exhibition on the part of the + Government have discharged their duties with the funds placed at their + command. Without a precedent to guide them in the preparation of such a + display, the success of their labors was amply attested by the sustained + attention which the contents of the Government building attracted during + the period of the exhibition from both foreign and native visitors. +</p> +<p> + I am strongly impressed with the value of the collection made by the + Government for the purposes of the exhibition, illustrating, as it does, + the mineral resources of the country, the statistical and practical + evidences of our growth as a nation, and the uses of the mechanical arts + and the applications of applied science in the administration of the + affairs of Government. +</p> +<p> + Many nations have voluntarily contributed their exhibits to the United + States to increase the interest in any permanent exhibition Congress may + provide for. For this act of generosity they should receive the thanks + of the people, and I respectfully suggest that a resolution of Congress + to that effect be adopted. +</p> +<p> + The attention of Congress can not be too earnestly called to the + necessity of throwing some greater safeguard over the method of + choosing and declaring the election of a President. Under the present + system there seems to be no provided remedy for contesting the + election in any one State. The remedy is partially, no doubt, in the + enlightenment of electors. The compulsory support of the free school + and the disfranchisement of all who can not read and write the English + language, after a fixed probation, would meet my hearty approval. I + would not make this apply, however, to those already voters, but I would + to all becoming so after the expiration of the probation fixed upon. + Foreigners coming to this country to become citizens, who are educated + in their own language, should acquire the requisite knowledge of ours + during the necessary residence to obtain naturalization. If they did not + take interest enough in our language to acquire sufficient knowledge of + it to enable them to study the institutions and laws of the country + intelligently, I would not confer upon them the right to make such + laws nor to select those who do. +</p> +<p> + I append to this message, for convenient reference, a synopsis of + administrative events and of all recommendations to Congress made by me + during the last seven years. Time may show some of these recommendations + not to have been wisely conceived, but I believe the larger part will + do no discredit to the Administration. One of these recommendations + met with the united opposition of one political party in the Senate + and with a strong opposition from the other, namely, the treaty for + the annexation of Santo Domingo to the United States, to which I will + specially refer, maintaining, as I do, that if my views had been + concurred in the country would be in a more prosperous condition to-day, + both politically and financially. +</p> +<p> + Santo Domingo is fertile, and upon its soil may be grown just those + tropical products of which the United States use so much, and which are + produced or prepared for market now by slave labor almost exclusively, + namely, sugar, coffee, dyewoods, mahogany, tropical fruits, tobacco, + etc. About 75 per cent of the exports of Cuba are consumed in the United + States. A large percentage of the exports of Brazil also find the same + market. These are paid for almost exclusively in coin, legislation, + particularly in Cuba, being unfavorable to a mutual exchange of the + products of each country. Flour shipped from the Mississippi River + to Havana can pass by the very entrance to the city on its way to a + port in Spain, there pay a duty fixed upon articles to be reexported, + transferred to a Spanish vessel and brought back almost to the point of + starting, paying a second duty, and still leave a profit over what would + be received by direct shipment. All that is produced in Cuba could be + produced in Santo Domingo. Being a part of the United States, commerce + between the island and mainland would be free. There would be no export + duties on her shipments nor import duties on those coming here. There + would be no import duties upon the supplies, machinery, etc., going + from the States. The effect that would have been produced upon Cuban + commerce, with these advantages to a rival, is observable at a glance. + The Cuban question would have been settled long ago in favor of "free + Cuba." Hundreds of American vessels would now be advantageously used in + transporting the valuable woods and other products of the soil of the + island to a market and in carrying supplies and emigrants to it. The + island is but sparsely settled, while it has an area sufficient for the + profitable employment of several millions of people. The soil would have + soon fallen into the hands of United States capitalists. The products + are so valuable in commerce that emigration there would have been + encouraged; the emancipated race of the South would have found there a + congenial home, where their civil rights would not be disputed and where + their labor would be so much sought after that the poorest among them + could have found the means to go. Thus in cases of great oppression and + cruelty, such as has been practiced upon them in many places within the + last eleven years, whole communities would have sought refuge in Santo + Domingo. I do not suppose the whole race would have gone, nor is it + desirable that they should go. Their labor is desirable—indispensable + almost—where they now are. But the possession of this territory would + have left the negro "master of the situation," by enabling him to demand + his rights at home on pain of finding them elsewhere. +</p> +<p> + I do not present these views now as a recommendation for a renewal of + the subject of annexation, but I do refer to it to vindicate my previous + action in regard to it. +</p> +<p> + With the present term of Congress my official life terminates. It is not + probable that public affairs will ever again receive attention from me + further than as a citizen of the Republic, always taking a deep interest + in the honor, integrity, and prosperity of the whole land. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + SPECIAL MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 6, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter (accompanied by + testimony) addressed to me by Hon. John Sherman and other distinguished + citizens, in regard to the canvass of the vote for electors in the State + of Louisiana. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to a resolution of the 7th instant of the House of + Representatives, asking to be informed whether any, and what, + negotiations have or are being made with the Sioux Indians for their + removal to the Indian Territory, and under what authority the same has + been and is being done, I submit herewith a report received from the + Secretary of the Interior, which contains, it is believed, all the + information in possession of his Department touching the matter of the + resolution. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 14, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 6th instant, requesting + information "as to whether troops of the United States were stationed + at the city of Petersburg, in the State of Virginia, on the 7th of + November, 1876, and, if so, under what authority and for what purpose," + I submit the inclosed letters from the Secretary of War, to whom the + resolution was referred, together with the report of the General of the + Army and accompanying papers. +</p> +<p> + These inclosures will give all the information called for by the + resolution, and I confidently believe will justify the action taken. + It is well understood that the presence of United States troops at + polling places never prevented the free exercise of the franchise by + any citizen, of whatever political faith. If, then, they have had any + effect whatever upon the ballot cast, it has been to insure protection + to the citizen casting it, in giving it to the candidate of his unbiased + choice, without fear, and thus securing the very essence of liberty. + It may be the presence of twenty-four United States soldiers, under the + command of a captain and lieutenant, quartered in the custom-house at + Petersburg, Va., on the 7th of November, at a considerable distance from + any polling place, without any interference on their part whatever, and + without going near the polls during the election, <i>may have secured a + different result from what would have been obtained if they had not + been there</i> (to maintain the peace in case of riot) <i>on the face of + the returns</i>; but if such is the case it is only proof that in this + one Congressional district in the State of Virginia the legal and + constitutional voters have been able to return as elected the candidate + of their choice. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 22, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter, submitted by the + Secretary of the Interior, from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, + accompanied by the report and journal of proceedings of the commission + appointed on the 24th day of August last to obtain certain concessions + from the Sioux Indians, in accordance with the provisions contained in + the Indian appropriation act for the current fiscal year. +</p> +<p> + I ask your special consideration of these articles of agreement, as + among other advantages to be gained by them is the clear right of + citizens to go into a country of which they have taken possession and + from which they can not be excluded. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>December 22, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith a report (and papers which + accompanied it) of the progress of the work committed to their charge, + addressed to me by the commissioners appointed under the act of Congress + approved July 19, 1876, authorizing the repavement of Pennsylvania + avenue. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>December 23, 1876</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + When Congress adjourned in August last the execution of the extradition + article of the treaty of 1842 between the United States and Great + Britain had been interrupted. +</p> +<p> + The United States had demanded of Her Majesty's Government the surrender + of certain fugitives from justice charged with crimes committed within + the jurisdiction of the United States, who had sought asylum and were + found within the territories of Her British Majesty, and had, in due + compliance with the requirements of the treaty, furnished the evidence + of the criminality of the fugitives, which had been found sufficient to + justify their apprehension and commitment for trial, as required by the + treaty, and the fugitives were held and committed for extradition. +</p> +<p> + Her Majesty's Government, however, demanded from the United States + certain assurances or stipulations as a condition for the surrender of + these fugitives. +</p> +<p> + As the treaty contemplated no such conditions to the performance of the + obligations which each Government had assumed, the demand for + stipulations on the part of this Government was repelled. +</p> +<p> + Her Majesty's Government thereupon, in June last, released two of the + fugitives (Ezra D. Winslow and Charles J. Brent), and subsequently + released a third (one William E. Gray), and, refusing to surrender, set + them at liberty. +</p> +<p> + In a message to the two Houses of Congress on the 20th day of June last, + in view of the condition of facts as above referred to, I said: +</p> +<p> + The position thus taken by the British Government, if adhered to, can + not but be regarded as the abrogation and annulment of the article of + the treaty on extradition. +</p> +<p class="q"> + Under these circumstances it will not, in my judgment, comport with + the dignity or self-respect of this Government to make demands upon + that Government for the surrender of fugitive criminals, nor to + entertain any requisition of that character from that Government + under the treaty. +</p> +<p> + Article XI of the treaty of 1842 provided that "the tenth article [that + relating to extradition] should continue in force until one or the other + of the parties should signify its wish to terminate it, and no longer." +</p> +<p> + In view, however, of the great importance of an extradition treaty, + especially between two states as intimately connected in commercial and + social relations as are the United States and Great Britain, and in the + hope that Her Majesty's Government might yet reach a different decision + from that then attained, I abstained from recommending any action by + Congress terminating the extradition article of the treaty. I have, + however, declined to take any steps under the treaty toward extradition. +</p> +<p> + It is with great satisfaction that I am able now to announce to Congress + and to the country that by the voluntary act of Her Majesty's Government + the obstacles which had been interposed to the execution of the + extradition article of the treaty have been removed. +</p> +<p> + On the 27th of October last Her Majesty's representative at this + capital, under instructions from Lord Derby, informed this Government + that Her Majesty's Government would be prepared, as a temporary measure, + until a new extradition treaty can be concluded, to put in force all + powers vested in it for the surrender of accused persons to the + Government of the United States under the treaty of 1842, without asking + for any engagement as to such persons not being tried in the United + States for other than the offenses for which extradition had been + demanded. +</p> +<p> + I was happy to greet this announcement as the removal of the obstacles + which had arrested the execution of the extradition treaty between the + two countries. +</p> +<p> + In reply to the note of Her Majesty's representative, after referring to + the applications heretofore made by the United States for the surrender + of the fugitives referred to in the correspondence which was laid before + Congress at its last session, it was stated that on an indication of + readiness to surrender these persons an agent would be authorized to + receive them, and I would be ready to respond to requisitions which may + be made on the part of Her Majesty's Government under the tenth article + of the treaty of 1842, which I would then regard as in full force until + such time as either Government shall avail itself of the right to + terminate it provided by the eleventh article, or until a more + comprehensive arrangement can be reached between the two Governments in + regard to the extradition of criminals—an object to which the attention + of this Government would gladly be given, with an earnest desire for a + mutually satisfactory result. +</p> +<p> + A copy of the correspondence between Her Majesty's representative at + this capital and the Secretary of State on the subject is transmitted + herewith. +</p> +<p> + It is with great satisfaction that I have now to announce that Her + Majesty's Government, while expressing its desire not to be understood + to recede from the interpretation which in its previous correspondence + it has put upon the treaty, but having regard to the prospect of + a new treaty and the power possessed by either party of spontaneously + denouncing the old one, caused the rearrest on the 4th instant of Brent, + one of the fugitives who had been previously discharged, and, after + awaiting the requisite time within which the fugitive is entitled to + appeal or to apply for his discharge, on the 21st instant surrendered + him to the agent appointed on behalf of this Government to receive and + to convey him to the United States. +</p> +<p> + Her Majesty's Government has expressed an earnest desire to rearrest + and to deliver up Winslow and Gray, the other fugitives who had been + arrested and committed on the requisition of the United States, but + were released because of the refusal of the United States to give + the assurances and stipulations then required by Great Britain. + These persons, however, are believed to have escaped from British + jurisdiction; a diligent search has failed to discover them. +</p> +<p> + As the surrender of Brent without condition or stipulation of any kind + being asked removes the obstacle which interrupted the execution of the + treaty, I shall no longer abstain from making demands upon Her Majesty's + Government for the surrender of fugitive criminals, nor from + entertaining requisitions of that character from that Government under + the treaty of 1842, but will again regard the treaty as operative, + hoping to be able before long to conclude with Her Majesty's Government + a new treaty of a broader and more comprehensive nature. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 8, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 19th + ultimo, I transmit herewith the report of the Secretary of State, together + with the papers<a href="#note-118"><small>118</small></a> which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<center> + [For message of January 12, 1877, withdrawing objections to Senate bill + No. 561, see pp. 389-390.] +</center> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 12, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In reply to a resolution of inquiry dated December 23, 1876, of the + House of Representatives, respecting the expenditure of certain moneys + appropriated by the act of August 14, 1876, for river and harbor + improvements, I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your + information, a report and accompanying papers received from the + Secretary of War, to whom the resolution was referred. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 15, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + The joint resolution authorizing the Secretary of War to supply blankets + to the Reform School in the District of Columbia is before me. +</p> +<p> + I am in entire sympathy with the purpose of the resolution, but + before taking any action upon it I deem it my duty to submit for your + consideration the accompanying letter, received from the Secretary of + War, embodying a report, made in anticipation of the passage of the + resolution, by the Quartermaster-General of the Army, in which, among + other facts, it is stated that— +</p> +<p class="q"> + The appropriation for clothing for the Army for this fiscal year is much + smaller than usual, and the supply of blankets which it will allow us to + purchase is so small that none can properly be spared for other purposes + than the supply of the Army. +</p><p class="q"> + If it be thought by Congress worth while to cause the supply of blankets + for the institution referred to to be procured through the War + Department, it is respectfully suggested that provision to meet the + expense be made by special appropriation. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 19, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + At the request of the Attorney-General, I have the honor to transmit + herewith a report in answer to the resolution of the House adopted + on the 1st of August, 1876, relative to certain matters occurring in + the administration of the provisional government of the District of + Columbia, and chiefly affecting the Commissioners and the late board + of audit. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 20, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + Herewith I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, with + accompanying papers, relating to the Court of Commissioners of Alabama + Claims. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 22, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 8th + of December last, inquiring whether any increase in the cavalry force of + the army on the Mexican frontier of Texas has been made, as authorized + by the act of July 24, 1876, and whether any troops have been removed + from the frontier of Texas and from the post of Fort Sill, on the Kiowa + and Comanche Reservation, and whether, if so, their places have been + supplied by other forces, I have the honor to transmit a report received + from the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 22, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + On the 9th day of December, 1876, the following resolution of the House + of Representatives was received, namely: +</p> +<p class="q"> + <i>Resolved</i>, That the President be requested, if not incompatible with + the public interest, to transmit to this House copies of any and all + orders or directions emanating from him or from either of the Executive + Departments of the Government to any military commander or civil officer + with reference to the service of the Army, or any portion thereof, in + the States of Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida since the + 1st of August last, together with reports by telegraph or otherwise from + either or any of said military commanders or civil officers. +</p> +<p> + It was immediately or soon thereafter referred to the Secretary of War + and the Attorney-General, the custodians of all retained copies of + "orders or directions" given by the Executive Departments of the + Government covered by the above inquiry, together with all information + upon which such "orders or directions" were given. +</p> +<p> + The information, it will be observed, is voluminous, and, with the + limited clerical force in the Department of Justice, has consumed the + time up to the present. Many of the communications accompanying this + have been already made public in connection with messages heretofore + sent to Congress. This class of information includes the important + documents received from the governor of South Carolina and sent to + Congress with my message on the subject of the Hamburg massacre; also + the documents accompanying my response to the resolution of the House + of Representatives in regard to the soldiers stationed at Petersburg. +</p> +<p> + There have also come to me and to the Department of Justice, from time + to time, other earnest written communications from persons holding + public trusts and from others residing in the South, some of which I + append hereto as bearing upon the precarious condition of the public + peace in those States. These communications I have reason to regard as + made by respectable and responsible men. Many of them deprecate the + publication of their names as involving danger to them personally. +</p> +<p> + The reports heretofore made by committees of Congress of the results of + their inquiries in Mississippi and Louisiana, and the newspapers of + several States recommending "the Mississippi plan," have also furnished + important data for estimating the danger to the public peace and order + in those States. +</p> +<p> + It is enough to say that these different kinds and sources of evidence + have left no doubt whatever in my mind that intimidation has been used, + and actual violence, to an extent requiring the aid of the United States + Government, where it was practicable to furnish such aid, in South + Carolina, in Florida, and in Louisiana, as well as in Mississippi, in + Alabama, and in Georgia. +</p> +<p> + The troops of the United States have been but sparingly used, and in no + case so as to interfere with the free exercise of the right of suffrage. + Very few troops were available for the purpose of preventing or + suppressing the violence and intimidation existing in the States above + named. In no case, except that of South Carolina, was the number of + soldiers in any State increased in anticipation of the election, saving + that twenty-four men and an officer were sent from Fort Foote to + Petersburg, Va., where disturbances were threatened prior to the + election. +</p> +<p> + No troops were stationed at the voting places. In Florida and in + Louisiana, respectively, the small number of soldiers already in the + said States were stationed at such points in each State as were most + threatened with violence, where they might be available as a posse + for the officer whose duty it was to preserve the peace and prevent + intimidation of voters. Such a disposition of the troops seemed to me + reasonable and justified bylaw and precedent, while its omission would + have been inconsistent with the constitutional duty of the President of + the United States "to take care that the laws be faithfully executed." + The statute expressly forbids the bringing of troops to the polls + "except where it is necessary to keep the peace," implying that to keep + the peace it may be done. But this even, so far as I am advised, has not + in any case been done. The stationing of a company or part of a company + in the vicinity, where they would be available to prevent riot, has been + the only use made of troops prior to and at the time of the elections. + Where so stationed, they could be called in an emergency requiring it by + a marshal or deputy marshal as a posse to aid in suppressing unlawful + violence. The evidence which has come to me has left me no ground to + doubt that if there had been more military force available it would have + been my duty to have disposed of it in several States with a view to the + prevention of the violence and intimidation which have undoubtedly + contributed to the defeat of the election law in Mississippi, Alabama, + and Georgia, as well as in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida. +</p> +<p> + By Article IV, section 4, of the Constitution— +</p> +<p class="q"> + The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a + republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against + invasion, and on application of the legislature, or of the executive + (when the legislature can not be convened), against domestic violence. +</p> +<p> + By act of Congress (U.S. Revised Statutes, secs. 1034, 1035) the + President, in case of "insurrection in any State" or of "unlawful + obstruction to the enforcement of the laws of the United States by the + ordinary course of judicial proceedings," or whenever "domestic violence + in any State so obstructs the execution of the laws thereof and of the + United States as to deprive any portion of the people of such State" of + their civil or political rights, is authorized to employ such parts + of the land and naval forces as he may deem necessary to enforce the + execution of the laws and preserve the peace and sustain the authority + of the State and of the United States. Acting under this title (69) of + the Revised Statutes United States, I accompanied the sending of troops + to South Carolina with a proclamation<a href="#note-119"><small>119</small></a> such as is therein prescribed. +</p> +<p> + The President is also authorized by act of Congress "to employ such + part of the land or naval forces of the United States * * * as shall + be necessary to prevent the violation and to enforce the due execution + of the provisions" of title 24 of the Revised Statutes of the United + States, for the protection of the civil rights of citizens, among + which is the provision against conspiracies "to prevent, by force, + intimidation, or threat, any citizen who is lawfully entitled to vote + from giving his support or advocacy in a legal manner toward or in + favor of the election of any lawfully qualified person as an elector + for President or Vice-President or as a member of Congress of the + United States." (U.S. Revised Statutes, sec. 1989.) +</p> +<p> + In cases falling under this title I have not considered it necessary to + issue a proclamation to precede or accompany the employment of such part + of the Army as seemed to be necessary. +</p> +<p> + In case of insurrection against a State government or against the + Government of the United States a proclamation is appropriate; but in + keeping the peace of the United States at an election at which Members + of Congress are elected no such call from the State or proclamation by + the President is prescribed by statute or required by precedent. +</p> +<p> + In the case of South Carolina insurrection and domestic violence against + the State government were clearly shown, and the application of the + governor founded thereon was duly presented, and I could not deny his + constitutional request without abandoning my duty as the Executive of + the National Government. +</p> +<p> + The companies stationed in the other States have been employed to secure + the better execution of the laws of the United States and to preserve + the peace of the United States. +</p> +<p> + After the election had been had, and where violence was apprehended by + which the returns from the counties and precincts might be destroyed, + troops were ordered to the State of Florida, and those already in + Louisiana were ordered to the points in greatest danger of violence. +</p> +<p> + I have not employed troops on slight occasions, nor in any case where + it has not been necessary to the enforcement of the laws of the United + States. In this I have been guided by the Constitution and the laws + which have been enacted and the precedents which have been formed under + it. +</p> +<p> + It has been necessary to employ troops occasionally to overcome + resistance to the internal-revenue laws from the time of the resistance + to the collection of the whisky tax in Pennsylvania, under Washington, + to the present time. +</p> +<p> + In 1854, when it was apprehended that resistance would be made in Boston + to the seizure and return to his master of a fugitive slave, the troops + there stationed were employed to enforce the master's right under the + Constitution, and troops stationed at New York were ordered to be in + readiness to go to Boston if it should prove to be necessary. +</p> +<p> + In 1859, when John Brown, with a small number of men, made his attack + upon Harpers Ferry, the President ordered United States troops to assist + in the apprehension and suppression of him and his party without a + formal call of the legislature or governor of Virginia and without + proclamation of the President. +</p> +<p> + Without citing further instances in which the Executive has exercised + his power, as Commander of the Army and Navy, to prevent or suppress + resistance to the laws of the United States, or where he has exercised + like authority in obedience to a call from a State to suppress + insurrection, I desire to assure both Congress and the country that it + has been my purpose to administer the executive powers of the Government + fairly, and in no instance to disregard or transcend the limits of the + Constitution. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 23, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, in answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 16th instant, + a report of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying papers.<a href="#note-120"><small>120</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 25, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification, + a treaty between the United States and His Majesty the King of Spain, in + relation to the extradition of criminals, signed on the 5th of January, + 1877. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 29, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith the proceedings of the commission + appointed to examine "the whole subject of reform and reorganization of + the Army of the United States," under the provisions of the act of + Congress approved July 24, 1876. +</p> +<p> + The commission report that so fully has their time been occupied by + other important duties that they are not at this time prepared to submit + a plan or make proper recommendations. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 29, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to transmit herewith reports and accompanying papers + received from the Secretaries of State and War, in answer to the + resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th instant, relative + "to the imprisonment and detention by the Mexican authorities at + Matamoras of John Jay Smith, an American citizen, and also to the + wounding and robbing by Mexican soldiers at New Laredo of Dr. Samuel + Huggins, an American citizen." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 29, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I follow the example heretofore occasionally permitted of communicating + in this mode my approval of the "act to provide for and regulate the + counting of votes for President and Vice-President, and the decision of + questions arising thereon, for the term commencing March 4, A.D. 1877," + because of my appreciation of the imminent peril to the institutions of + the country from which, in my judgment, the act affords a wise and + constitutional means of escape. +</p> +<p> + For the first time in the history of our country, under the Constitution + as it now is, a dispute exists with regard to the result of the election + of the Chief Magistrate of the nation. +</p> +<p> + It is understood that upon the disposition of disputes touching the + electoral votes cast at the late election by one or more of the States + depends the question whether one or the other of the candidates for + the Presidency is to be the lawful Chief Magistrate. The importance of + having clearly ascertained, by a procedure regulated by law, which of + the two citizens has been elected, and of having the right to this high + office recognized and cheerfully agreed in by all the people of the + Republic, can not be overestimated, and leads me to express to Congress + and to the nation my great satisfaction at the adoption of a measure + that affords an orderly means of decision of a gravely exciting + question. +</p> +<p> + While the history of our country in its earlier periods shows that + the President of the Senate has counted the votes and declared their + standing, our whole history shows that in no instance of doubt or + dispute has he exercised the power of deciding, and that the two Houses + of Congress have disposed of all such doubts and disputes, although in + no instance hitherto have they been such that their decision could + essentially have affected the result. +</p> +<p> + For the first time the Government of the United States is now brought to + meet the question as one vital to the result, and this under conditions + not the best calculated to produce an agreement or to induce calm + feeling in the several branches of the Government or among the people + of the country. In a case where, as now, the result is involved, + it is the highest duty of the lawmaking power to provide in advance a + constitutional, orderly, and just method of executing the Constitution + in this most interesting and critical of its provisions. The doing so, + far from being a compromise of right, is an enforcement of right and + an execution of powers conferred by the Constitution on Congress. +</p> +<p> + I think that this orderly method has been secured by the bill, which, + appealing to the Constitution and the law as the guide in ascertaining + rights, provides a means of deciding questions of single returns through + the direct action of Congress, and in respect to double returns by + a tribunal of inquiry, whose decisions stand unless both Houses of + Congress shall concur in determining otherwise, thus securing a definite + disposition of all questions of dispute, in whatever aspect they may + arise. With or without this law, as all of the States have voted, and + as a tie vote is impossible, it must be that one of the two candidates + has been elected; and it would be deplorable to witness an irregular + controversy as to which of the two should receive or which should + continue to hold the office. In all periods of history controversies + have arisen as to the succession or choice of the chiefs of states, and + no party or citizens loving their country and its free institutions can + sacrifice too much of mere feeling in preserving through the upright + course of law their country from the smallest danger to its peace on + such an occasion; and it can not be impressed too firmly in the hearts + of all the people that true liberty and real progress can exist only + through a cheerful adherence to constitutional law. +</p> +<p> + The bill purports to provide only for the settlement of questions + arising from the recent elections. The fact that such questions can + arise demonstrates the necessity, which I can not doubt will before long + be supplied, of permanent general legislation to meet cases which have + not been contemplated in the Constitution or laws of the country. +</p> +<p> + The bill may not be perfect, and its provisions may not be such as would + be best applicable to all future occasions, but it is calculated to meet + the present condition of the question and of the country. +</p> +<p> + The country is agitated. It needs and it desires peace and quiet + and harmony between all parties and all sections. Its industries are + arrested, labor unemployed, capital idle, and enterprise paralyzed by + reason of the doubt and anxiety attending the uncertainty of a double + claim to the Chief Magistracy of the nation. It wants to be assured that + the result of the election will be accepted without resistance from the + supporters of the disappointed candidate, and that its highest officer + shall not hold his place with a questioned title of right. Believing + that the bill will secure these ends, I give it my signature. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 30, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I desire to call the attention of Congress to the importance of + providing for the continuance of the board for testing iron, steel, + and other metals, which by the sundry civil appropriation act of last + year was ordered to be discontinued at the end of the present fiscal + year. This board, consisting of engineers and other scientific experts + from the Army, the Navy, and from civil life (all of whom, except + the secretary, give their time and labors to this object without + compensation), was organized by authority of Congress in the + spring of 1875, and immediately drafted a comprehensive plan for + its investigations and contracted for a testing machine of 400 tons + capacity, which would enable it to properly conduct the experiments. + Meanwhile the subcommittees of the board have devoted their time to such + experiments as could be made with the smaller testing machines already + available. This large machine is just now completed and ready for + erection at the Watertown Arsenal, and the real labors of the board are + therefore just about to be commenced. If the board is to be discontinued + at the end of the present fiscal year, the money already appropriated + and the services of the gentlemen who have given so much time to the + subject will be unproductive of any results. The importance of these + experiments can hardly be overestimated when we consider the almost + endless variety of purposes for which iron and steel are employed in + this country and the many thousands of lives which daily depend on the + soundness of iron structures. I need hardly refer to the recent disaster + at the Ashtabula bridge, in Ohio, and the conflicting theories of + experts as to the cause of it, as an instance of what might have been + averted by a more thorough knowledge of the properties of iron and the + best modes of construction. These experiments can not properly be + conducted by private firms, not only on account of the expense, but + because the results must rest upon the authority of disinterested + persons. They must therefore be undertaken under the sanction of the + Government. Compared with their great value to the industrial interests + of the country, the expense is very slight. +</p> +<p> + The board recommend an appropriation of $40,000 for the next + fiscal year, and I earnestly commend their request to the favorable + consideration of Congress. I also recommend that the board be required + to conduct their investigations under the direction of the Secretary of + War, and to make full report of their progress to that officer in time + to be incorporated in his annual report. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 2, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit, in answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 10th ultimo, + a report of the Secretary of State, with its accompanying papers.<a href="#note-121"><small>121</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 3, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + By the act of Congress approved January 14, 1875, "to provide for the + resumption of specie payments," the 1st of January, 1879, is fixed as + the date when such resumption is to begin. It may not be desirable to + fix an earlier date when it shall actually become obligatory upon the + Government to redeem its outstanding legal-tender notes in coin on + presentation, but it is certainly most desirable, and will prove most + beneficial to every pecuniary interest of the country, to hasten the day + when the paper circulation of the country and the gold coin shall have + equal values. +</p> +<p> + At a later day, if currency and coin should retain equal values, it + might become advisable to authorize or direct resumption. I believe the + time has come when by a simple act of the legislative branch of the + Government this most desirable result can be attained. I am strengthened + in this view by the course trade has taken in the last two years and by + the strength of the credit of the United States at home and abroad. +</p> +<p> + For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, the exports of the United + States exceeded the imports by $120,213,102; but our exports include + $40,569,621 of specie and bullion in excess of imports of the same + commodities. For the six months of the present fiscal year from July 1, + 1876, to January 1, 1877, the excess of exports over imports amounted + to $107,544,869, and the import of specie and bullion exceeded the + export of the precious metals by $6,192,147 in the same time. The actual + excess of exports over imports for the six months, exclusive of specie + and bullion, amounted to $113,737,040, showing for the time being the + accumulation of specie and bullion in the country amounting to more than + $6,000,000, in addition to the national product of these metals for the + same period—a total increase of gold and silver for the six months not + far short of $60,000,000. It is very evident that unless this great + increase of the precious metals can be utilized at home in such a way + as to make it in some manner remunerative to the holders it must seek a + foreign market as surely as would any other product of the soil or the + manufactory. Any legislation which will keep coin and bullion at home + will, in my judgment, soon bring about practical resumption, and will + add the coin of the country to the circulating medium, thus securing + a healthy "inflation" of a sound currency, to the great advantage of + every legitimate business interest. +</p> +<p> + The act to provide for the resumption of specie payments authorizes + the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds of either of the + descriptions named in the act of Congress approved July 14, 1870, + entitled "An act to authorize the refunding of the national debt," for + not less than par in gold. With the present value of the 4-1/2 per cent + bonds in the markets of the world, they could be exchanged at par for + gold, thus strengthening the Treasury to meet final resumption and to + keep the excess of coin over demand, pending its permanent use as a + circulating medium, at home. All that would be further required would be + to reduce the volume of legal-tender notes in circulation. To accomplish + this I would suggest an act authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to + issue 4 per cent bonds, with forty years to run before maturity, to be + exchanged for legal-tender notes whenever presented in sums of $50 or + any multiple thereof, the whole amount of such bonds, however, not to + exceed $150,000,000. To increase the home demand for such bonds I would + recommend that they be available for deposit in the United States + Treasury for banking purposes under the various provisions of law + relating to national banks. +</p> +<p> + I would suggest further that national banks be required to retain a + certain percentage of the coin interest received by them from the bonds + deposited with the Treasury to secure their circulation. +</p> +<p> + I would also recommend the repeal of the third section of the joint + resolution "for the issue of silver coin," approved July 22, 1876, + limiting the subsidiary coin and fractional currency to $50,000,000. +</p> +<p> + I am satisfied that if Congress will enact some such law as will + accomplish the end suggested they will give a relief to the country + instant in its effects, and for which they will receive the gratitude of + the whole people. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 9, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + The accompanying memorial is transmitted to Congress at the request of a + committee, composed of many distinguished citizens of New York, recently + appointed to cooperate with a generous body of French citizens who + design to erect in the harbor of New York a colossal statue of "Liberty + Enlightening the World." Very little is asked of us to do, and I hope + that the wishes of the memorialists may receive your very favorable + consideration. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 9, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith the catalogues and report of the board on behalf of + the Executive Departments at the International Exhibition of 1876, with + their accompanying illustrations. +</p> +<p> + The labors performed by the members of the board, as evinced by the + voluminous mass of information found in the various papers from the + officers charged with their preparation, have been in the highest + degree commendable, and believing that the publication of these papers + will form an interesting memorial of the greatest of international + exhibitions and of the centennial anniversary of the independence of + our country, I recommend that they be printed in a suitable form for + distribution and preservation. +</p> +<p> + The letter of the chairman of the board will give to Congress the + history of its organization, the law and Executive orders under which it + has acted, and the steps which have been taken to preserve the large and + instructive collections made, with a view to their forming a part of a + national museum, should Congress make the necessary appropriations for + such a desirable object. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 15, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the + 13th instant, a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying + papers.<a href="#note-122"><small>122</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 23, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate and House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, bearing date + the 20th instant, with its accompaniments, being the report of the + commissioner of the United States and of the officers of engineers + attached to the commission appointed to determine the boundary line + between the United States and the possessions of Great Britain from the + northwest angle of the Lake of the Woods to the summit of the Rocky + Mountains. These reports announce the completion of the labors of this + commission, whereby the entire boundary line between the United States + and the possessions of Great Britain is marked and determined, except + as to that part of the territory of the United States which was ceded + by Russia under the treaty of 1867. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 24, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I transmit herewith, in answer to the resolution of the House of + Representatives of the 25th ultimo, a report from the Secretary of + State, with accompanying papers.<a href="#note-123"><small>123</small></a> +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 26, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith Senate bill No. 234, entitled "An + act to allow a pension of $37 per month to soldiers who have lost both + an arm and a leg." Under existing law soldiers who have lost both an + arm and a leg are entitled to draw a monthly pension of $18. As the + object of this bill is to allow them $18 per month for each of these + disabilities, or $36 in all, it is returned simply for an amendment of + title which shall agree with its provisions. When this shall have been + done, I will very gladly give it my immediate approval. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>February 28, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + In answer to the resolution<a href="#note-124"><small>124</small></a> of the Senate of the 27th instant, + I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State, together with + the papers which accompanied it. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + VETO MESSAGES. +</h2> +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 15, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + For the reasons set forth in the accompanying communication addressed to + the Secretary of the Interior by the Commissioner of the General Land + Office, I have the honor to return herewith without my signature the + bill (H.R. 2041) entitled "An act to amend section 2291 of the Revised + Statutes of the United States, in relation to proof required in + homestead entries." +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington, D.C., January 12, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith enrolled bill H.R. No. 2041, + entitled "An act to amend section 2291 of the Revised Statutes of the + United States, in relation to proof required in homestead entries," + which accompanied your letter of the 10th instant, requesting to be + informed whether any objection was known to this Department why the same + should not become a law. +</p> +<p> + The matter was referred to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, + and I transmit herewith a copy of a letter from him suggesting certain + amendments to the second section of said act. +</p> +<p> + I concur in the recommendations made by the Commissioner. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + Z. CHANDLER,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, +<br> + GENERAL LAND OFFICE, +<br> + <i>Washington, D.C., January 11, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + The HONORABLE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I am in receipt, by your reference of yesterday's date, of "An act + to amend section 2291 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, in + relation to proof required in homestead entries," which has passed both + Houses of Congress and now awaits the signature of the President. +</p> +<p> + The purpose of the act is to enable parties seeking title under the + homestead law to make final proof before a judge or clerk of court in + the county or district where the lands are situated. +</p> +<p> + Its provisions are in conformity with the views and recommendations of + this office, and I see no objection to them in so far as relates to the + taking of the testimony. +</p> +<p> + I observe, however, that the second section provides that the proofs, + affidavits, and oaths shall be filed in the office of the register, and + no provision is made for the transmission of either the original papers + or duplicates to this office, in order that patents may properly issue + thereon, the provisions relating to certification for the purposes + of evidence seeming to require that they shall remain on file in the + district office. There is, therefore, no opportunity for the supervisory + control of the Commissioner over entries so made to be exercised under + the statutes, and thus the express requirements of existing law, as well + as the essential harmony of the land system, are interfered with by its + provisions. To remedy this defect in the proposed law I recommend that + the act be returned to the legislative body with the request for an + enactment in lieu of the second section which shall provide for the + regular transmission of the papers to this office, as in other cases, or + the simple striking out of the section altogether, as the provisions of + existing law would then cover the case, and require the same disposal + of this class of entries as obtains under present regulations so far as + relates to the transmission of papers and proof to this office and the + certification of the same by the Commissioner, under seal, for purposes + of evidence. +</p> +<p> + I observe in section 3, line 4, the omission of the word "he" after the + word "corrupt," which destroys the grammatical construction of the + language and was probably a clerical error. +</p> +<p> + I return herewith the act referred to. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + A. WILLIAMSON,<br> <i>Commissioner</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 23, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return herewith House bill (No. 4350) to abolish the board of + commissioners of the Metropolitan police of the District of Columbia and + to transfer its duties to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, + without my approval. +</p> +<p> + It is my judgment that the police commissioners, while appointed by the + Executive, should report to and receive instructions from the District + Commissioners. Under other circumstances than those existing at present + I would have no objection to the entire abolition of the board and + seeing the duties devolved directly upon the District Commissioners. + The latter should, in my opinion, have supervision and control over the + acts of the police commissioners under any circumstances; but as recent + events have shown that gross violations of law have existed in this + District for years directly under the eyes of the police, it is highly + desirable that the board of police commissioners should be continued in + some form until the evil complained of is eradicated and until the + police force is put on a footing to prevent, if possible, a recurrence + of the evil. The board of police commissioners have recently been + charged with the direct object of accomplishing this end. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WASHINGTON, <i>January 26, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return to the House of Representatives, in which they originated, + two joint resolutions, the one entitled "Joint resolution relating to + congratulations from the Argentine Republic," the other entitled "Joint + resolution in reference to congratulations from the Republic of + Pretoria, South Africa." +</p> +<p> + The former of these resolutions purports to direct the Secretary of + State to acknowledge a dispatch of congratulation from the Argentine + Republic and the high appreciation of Congress of the compliment thus + conveyed. The other directs the Secretary of State to communicate + to the Republic of Pretoria the high appreciation of Congress of the + complimentary terms in which said Republic has referred to the first + centennial of our national independence. +</p> +<p> + Sympathizing, as I do, in the spirit of courtesy and friendly + recognition which has prompted the passage of these resolutions, I can + not escape the conviction that their adoption has inadvertently involved + the exercise of a power which infringes upon the constitutional rights + of the Executive. +</p> +<p> + The usage of governments generally confines their correspondence + and interchange of opinion and of sentiments of congratulation, as + well as of discussion, to one certain established agency. To allow + correspondence or interchange between states to be conducted by or with + more than one such agency would necessarily lead to confusion, and + possibly to contradictory presentation of views and to international + complications. +</p> +<p> + The Constitution of the United States, following the established usage + of nations, has indicated the President as the agent to represent the + national sovereignty in its intercourse with foreign powers and to + receive all official communications from them. It gives him the power, + by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties and + to appoint embassadors and other public ministers; it intrusts to him + solely "to receive embassadors and other public ministers," thus vesting + in him the origination of negotiations and the reception and conduct of + all correspondence with foreign states, making him, in the language of + one of the most eminent writers on constitutional law, "the + constitutional organ of communication with foreign states." +</p> +<p> + No copy of the addresses which it is proposed to acknowledge is + furnished. I have no knowledge of their tone, language, or purport. From + the tenor of the two joint resolutions it is to be inferred that these + communications are probably purely congratulatory. Friendly and kindly + intentioned as they may be, the presentation by a foreign state of any + communication to a branch of the Government not contemplated by the + Constitution for the reception of communications from foreign states + might, if allowed to pass without notice, become a precedent for the + address by foreigners or by foreign states of communications of a + different nature and with wicked designs. +</p> +<p> + If Congress can direct the correspondence of the Secretary of State + with foreign governments, a case very different from that now under + consideration might arise, when that officer might be directed to + present to the same foreign government entirely different and + antagonistic views or statements. +</p> +<p> + By the act of Congress establishing what is now the Department of State, + then known as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary is to + "perform and execute such duties as shall from time to time be enjoined + on or intrusted to him by the President of the United States, agreeably + to the Constitution, relative to correspondence, commissions, or + instructions to or with public ministers or consuls from the United + States, or to negotiations with public ministers from foreign states + or princes, or to memorials or other applications from foreign public + ministers or other foreigners, or to such other matters respecting + foreign affairs as the President of the United States shall assign to + the said Department; and furthermore, the said principal officer [the + Secretary of State] shall conduct the business of the said Department + in such manner as the President of the United States shall from time + to time order or instruct." +</p> +<p> + This law, which remains substantially unchanged, confirms the view that + the whole correspondence of the Government with and from foreign states + is intrusted to the President; that the Secretary of State conducts such + correspondence exclusively under the orders and instructions of the + President, and that no communication or correspondence from foreigners + or from a foreign state can properly be addressed to any branch or + Department of the Government except that to which such correspondence + has been committed by the Constitution and the laws. +</p> +<p> + I therefore feel it my duty to return the joint resolutions without my + approval to the House of Representatives, in which they originated. +</p> +<p> + In addition to the reasons already stated for withholding my + constitutional approval from these resolutions is the fact that + no information is furnished as to the terms or purport of the + communications to which acknowledgments are desired; no copy of the + communications accompanies the resolutions, nor is the name even of the + officer or of the body to whom an acknowledgment could be addressed + given; it is not known whether these congratulatory addresses proceed + from the head of the state or from legislative bodies; and as regards + the resolution relating to the Republic of Pretoria, I can not learn + that any state or government of that name exists. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>January 26, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith without my approval Senate bill No. + 685, entitled "An act to place the name of Daniel H. Kelly upon the + muster roll of Company F, Second Tennessee Infantry." +</p> +<p> + The reasons for withholding my signature to this bill may be found in + the accompanying report received from the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>January 24, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith Senate bill 685, "to place the + name of Daniel H. Kelly upon the muster roll of Company F, Second + Tennessee Infantry," with the report of the Adjutant-General, as + follows: +</p> +<p> + "The inclosed act directs the Secretary of War to place the name of + Daniel H. Kelly upon the muster roll of Company F, Second Tennessee + Infantry, to date December 1, 1861. There is no record of the + enlistment, service, or death of this man on file in this office, and if + this act becomes a law as it now reads it will be of no benefit to the + heirs." +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 14, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith without my approval House bill No. + 3367, entitled "An act to remove the charge of desertion from the + military record of Alfred Rouland." +</p> +<p> + The reasons for withholding my signature may be found in the + accompanying report received from the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, <i>Washington City, February 8, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return House bill 3367, "to remove the charge + of desertion from the military record of Alfred Rouland," and inclose + copy of the report of the Adjutant-General, dated the 8th instant, who + recommends that the bill be not approved. +</p> +<p> + In this connection I would invite attention to reports of the Military + Committees of the House and Senate (House Report No. 461, Forty-fourth + Congress, first session; Senate Report No. 578, Forty-fourth Congress, + second session) in the case, of which copies are herewith. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + J.D. CAMERON,<br> <i>Secretary of War</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + WAR DEPARTMENT, +<br> + ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, +<br> + <i>February 8, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War. +</p> +<p> + This man is reported on the muster-out roll of his company as having + "deserted at Wilmington, N.C., April 16, 1866." +</p> +<p> + In his petition of December 28, 1874, on file in this office, occurs the + following language: +</p> +<p> + "I was transferred to the Twenty-eighth Michigan Volunteers, and + performed duty with that regiment from the 28th June, 1865, until the + 16th day of April, 1866, when, being in a reduced and weak condition + from continued chills and fever, and being in great fear of smallpox, + which had become very prevalent at Wilmington, N.C., where my company + was then stationed, I left my command without leave and returned to + Michigan." * * * +</p> +<p> + This man is consequently a deserter in fact, and should this bill, + restoring to an honorable status an admitted deserter, become a law, + it will defeat every end of military discipline and justice, besides + working a great injustice to every soldier who served faithfully and + honorably. +</p> +<p> + It is therefore strongly recommended that it be not approved. +</p> +<p class="r"> + E.D. TOWNSEND,<br> <i>Adjutant-General</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 14, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the House of Representatives</i>: +</p> +<p> + I return the House bill No. 3155, entitled "An act to perfect the + revision of the statutes of the United States," without my approval. + My objection is to the single provision which amends section 3823 of + the Revised Statutes. +</p> +<p> + That section is as follows: +</p> +<p class="q"> + SEC. 3823. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall select in + Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, + Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas one or more newspapers, not + exceeding the number allowed by law, in which such treaties and laws of + the United States as may be ordered for publication in newspapers + according to law shall be published, and in some one or more of which + so selected all such advertisements as may be ordered for publication + in said districts by any United States court or judge thereof, or by + any officer of such courts, or by any executive officer of the United + States, shall be published, the compensation for which and other terms + of publication shall be fixed by said Clerk at a rate not exceeding + $2 per page for the publication of treaties and laws, and not exceeding + $1 per square of eight lines of space for the publication of + advertisements, the accounts for which shall be adjusted by the proper + accounting officers and paid in the manner now authorized by law in the + like cases. +</p> +<p> + The bill proposes to amend this section as follows: +</p> +<p> + By striking out all after the word "in" in the first line to the word + "one" in the third line, and inserting therefor the words "each State + and Territory of the United States." +</p> +<p> + Prior to 1867 the advertising of the Executive Departments had been + subject to the direction of the heads of those Departments, and had been + published in newspapers selected by them and on terms fixed by them. + In the year 1867 (14 U.S. Statutes at Large, pp. 466, 467), while the + ten States above named were yet unrestricted, and when there existed + a radical difference of opinion between the executive and legislative + departments as to the administration of the Government in those States, + this provision was enacted. Subsequently, during the same year (15 U.S. + Statutes at Large, p. 8), so much of this provision "as relates to the + publication of the laws and treaties of the United States" was extended + to all the States and Territories, leaving the advertisements ordered + by Congress and by the Executive Departments unaffected thereby. The + continuance of this provision after the reconstruction acts had taken + effect and the bringing it forward into the Revised Statutes were + probably through inadvertence. +</p> +<p> + The existence of this section (3823) of the Revised Statutes seems to + have been ignored by Congress itself in the adoption of section 3941, + authorizing the Postmaster-General to advertise in such newspapers as + he may choose. But the present act, if it should go into effect, would + compel him and the other heads of the Executive Departments, as well + as all the courts, to publish all their advertisements in newspapers + selected by the Clerk of the House of Representatives. It would make + general in its operation a provision which, was exceptional and + temporary in its origin and character. This, in my judgment, would + be unwise, if not also an actual encroachment upon the constitutional + rights of the executive branch of the Government. The person who should + be appointed by law to select all the newspapers throughout the country + to which the patronage of all branches of the Government of the United + States should be given, if not an officer of the United States under + Article II, section 2, clause 2, of the Constitution, would certainly + have powers and duties which have hitherto been regarded as official. +</p> +<p> + But without reference to the question of its constitutionality, I am + satisfied that this provision would not operate usefully or fairly. I am + constrained, therefore, to withhold from it my approval. I regret that + my objection to this one clause of the act can not be made available + without withholding my approval from the entire act, which is otherwise + unobjectionable. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + EXECUTIVE MANSION, <i>February 28, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + <i>To the Senate of the United States</i>: +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to return herewith without my approval Senate bill + No. 691, entitled "An act for the relief of Edward A. Leland." The + reasons for withholding my approval may be found in the accompanying + communication received from the Secretary of the Interior. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> <i>Washington, February 27, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + The PRESIDENT. +</p> +<p> + SIR: I have the honor to return herewith the bill (S. 691) entitled + "An act for the relief of Edward A. Leland," accompanied by a copy of + a letter from the Commissioner of Patents suggesting an objection to + the bill in its present form, and to recommend that it be returned + to Congress for amendment in accordance with the suggestions of the + Commissioner. +</p> +<p> + I have the honor to be, very respectfully, +</p> +<p class="r"> + Z. CHANDLER,<br> <i>Secretary</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + +<p class="r"> + DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,<br> + UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,<br> + <i>Washington, D.C., February 27, 1877</i>. +</p> +<p> + Hon. Z. CHANDLER,<br> + <i>Secretary of the Interior</i>. +</p> +<p> + SIR: In the matter of the enrolled bill (S. 691) extending letters + patent of Edward A. Leland, I have the honor to report that said letters + patent were granted for an improved paint can August 14, 1860, for the + term of fourteen years; that they consequently expired on the 14th day + of August, 1874, whereupon the invention became the property of the + public. +</p> +<p> + The present act proposes to extend the term of the patent seven years + from said 14th day of August, 1874, and give to it the same effect in + law as if it had been originally granted for the term of twenty-one + years. +</p> +<p> + It will be seen, therefore, that those who have innocently used and + purchased the invention since the expiration of the letters patent on + the 14th of August, 1874, under the impression that the invention was + the property of the public, will, by the retroactive terms of the bill, + be liable for damages for such use upon suits for infringement. +</p> +<p> + This hardship is generally, if not always, provided against by a proviso + to such bills, setting forth in terms "that no person shall be held + liable for the infringement of said patent, if extended, for making use + of said invention since the expiration of the original term of said + patent and prior to the date of its extension." +</p> +<p> + Unless such a proviso is incorporated into the present bill, the + injustice alluded to may be done. +</p> +<p> + Very respectfully, your obedient servant, +</p> +<p class="r"> + ELLIS SPEAR,<br> <i>Commissioner of Patents</i>. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + PROCLAMATION. +</h2> +<h3> + BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. +</h3> +<h4> + A PROCLAMATION. +</h4> +<p> + Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the Senate + should be convened at 12 o'clock on the 5th day of March next to receive + and act upon such communications as may be made to it on the part of the + Executive: +</p> +<p> + Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, + have considered it to be my duty to issue this my proclamation, + declaring that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of the + United States to convene for the transaction of business at the Capitol, + in the city of Washington, on the 5th day of March next, at 12 o'clock + at noon on that day, of which all who shall at that time be entitled to + act as members of that body are hereby required to take notice. +</p> +<p> + [SEAL.] +</p> +<p> + Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, + the 2d day of March, A.D. 1877, and of the Independence of the United + States of America the one hundred and first. +</p> +<p class="r"> + U.S. GRANT. +</p> +<p><br> +By the President:<br> + HAMILTON FISH,<br> + <i>Secretary of State</i>. +</p> +<p> </p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<hr class="full"> + +<h2> + Footnotes +</h2> + +<a name="note-1"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>1</u> Report of the Government directors of the Union Pacific + Railroad relative to an injunction issued by Judge Barnard, of the + supreme court of the city of New York, restraining and prohibiting an + election of officers or directors on the day directed by the law of + December 20, 1867. +</p> +<a name="note-2"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>2</u> Correspondence with the United states minister and the + secretary of legation at Madrid. +</p> +<a name="note-3"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>3</u> Regarding the policy to be pursued to avert civil war, then + threatening, which correspondence led to the resignation of Mr. Cass. +</p> +<a name="note-4"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>4</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments. +</p> +<a name="note-5"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>5</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments. +</p> +<a name="note-6"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>6</u> Relating to the revolution in Cuba and the political and + civil condition of that island. +</p> +<a name="note-7"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>7</u> Stating that neither correspondence nor negotiation upon + the subject of trade and commerce between the United States and Canada + had been entered into. +</p> +<a name="note-8"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>8</u> Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers of + the United States for 1868, and tariff of consular fees. +</p> +<a name="note-9"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>9</u> Relating to the insurrection in the Red River settlement, + in British North America. +</p> +<a name="note-10"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>10</u> Relating to the payment in currency, instead of coin, of + the semiannual installments of interest due to the United States under + the convention with Spain concluded February 17, 1834, and opinion of + the Attorney-General relative thereto. +</p> +<a name="note-11"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>11</u> Lists of officers commissioned by the Department of State, + their compensation, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-12"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>12</u> Piegan in Montana. +</p> +<a name="note-13"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>13</u> Correspondence relative to affairs connected with Cuba and + to the struggle for independence in that island. +</p> +<a name="note-14"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>14</u> Correspondence of the United States minister to Japan + relative to American interests in that country. +</p> +<a name="note-15"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>15</u> Imprisonment of American citizens in Great Britain for + political offenses. +</p> +<a name="note-16"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>16</u> Relating to legislation necessary to insure the + administration of justice and the protection of American interests in + China and Japan. +</p> +<a name="note-17"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>17</u> Statement of the number and character of the ironclad + vessels of the Navy, their cost, by whom designed, who recommended their + construction, and their condition. +</p> +<a name="note-18"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>18</u> Declining to communicate a copy of the list of privileges + accompanying or relating to the San Domingo treaty while the subject is + pending before the Senate in executive session. +</p> +<a name="note-19"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>19</u> Supplemental report to the Department of State by Samuel + B. Ruggles, United States delegate to the International Monetary + Conference at Paris, 1867. +</p> +<a name="note-20"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>20</u> Dispatches of J. Somers Smith, commercial agent of the + United States at San Domingo, relative to the imprisonment of Davis + Hatch by the Dominican Government. +</p> +<a name="note-21"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>21</u> Relating to the claims of United States citizens against + Venezuela. +</p> +<a name="note-22"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>22</u> Dispatch from Henry T. Blow, United States minister to + Brazil, relative to the commercial interests of the United States with + South America. +</p> +<a name="note-23"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>23</u> Communication from George Bancroft, United States minister + at Berlin, relative to political questions in Germany. +</p> +<a name="note-24"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>24</u> Stating that he has received no official information + relative to a reported persecution and massacre of Israelites in + Roumania. +</p> +<a name="note-25"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>25</u> Lists of American vessels seized by Spanish authorities in + Cuba; of American citizens executed and imprisoned in Cuba; of American + citizens whose property was confiscated or embargoed in Cuba, and of + decrees under which the Spanish authorities acted, and correspondence + showing steps taken by the United States Government in reference + thereto. +</p> +<a name="note-26"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>26</u> Instructions to the minister to Spain stating the basis + on which the United States offered its good offices for the purpose of + terminating the war in Cuba, correspondence relative thereto, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-27"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>27</u> Correspondence between the United States and Great Britain + concerning questions pending between the two countries. +</p> +<a name="note-28"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>28</u> Relating to the importation of Chinese coolies into the + United States. +</p> +<a name="note-29"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>29</u> See pp. 86-89. +</p> +<a name="note-30"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>30</u> See pp. 89-92. +</p> +<a name="note-31"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>31</u> Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers of + the United States for 1868, and tariff of consular fees prescribed by + the President October 1, 1870. +</p> +<a name="note-32"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>32</u> Stating that the correspondence relative to the arrest and + detention of American fishing vessels in the Straits of Canso by armed + vessels flying the British flag had been communicated to Congress with + the President's annual message on the 5th instant. +</p> +<a name="note-33"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>33</u> Stating that the correspondence with the United States + minister at Paris relative to the Franco-Prussian war had been + communicated with the President's annual message on the 5th instant. +</p> +<a name="note-34"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>34</u> Relating to charges for messages made by the International + Ocean Telegraph Company. +</p> +<a name="note-35"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>35</u> Stating that all the correspondence relative to the + condition of affairs in Paraguay believed to be required by the public + interest had been made public. +</p> +<a name="note-36"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>36</u> Stating that the claim for indemnity in the case of the + ship <i>Canada</i>, wrecked on the coast of Brazil in 1865, had been referred + to the British minister as arbiter, and submitting a summary of the + case, correspondence connected with it, and a copy of the award of the + arbiter. +</p> +<a name="note-37"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>37</u> Transmitting reports of consular agents. +</p> +<a name="note-38"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>38</u> Relating to the seizure at Port Hood, Nova Scotia, by a + Canadian revenue cutter, of the schooner <i>Granada</i>, of Provincetown, + Mass. +</p> +<a name="note-39"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>39</u> Correspondence relative to public documents or libraries + in the care of legations of the United States. +</p> +<a name="note-40"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>40</u> The last correspondence with Mr. Motley, including + telegraphic dispatches, etc., relative to his recall as minister to the + Court of St. James. +</p> +<a name="note-41"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>41</u> Correspondence, etc., in 1844 and 1845 relative to the + resources and condition of the Dominican Republic. +</p> +<a name="note-42"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>42</u> Correspondence from the United States legation at + Constantinople relative to restrictions on the passage of the straits of + the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus by the ships of other nations. +</p> +<a name="note-43"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>43</u> Dispatches, etc., from the United States minister to the + Court of Brazil relative to the Paraguayan war, the culture of cotton in + Brazil, trade with Brazil, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-44"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>44</u> Reports, communications, etc., relative to the + International Statistical Congress held at The Hague in 1869. +</p> +<a name="note-45"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>45</u> Dispatches from the United States minister at Florence + relative to the occupation of Rome by the King of Italy. +</p> +<a name="note-46"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>46</u> Relating to claims of the subjects of foreign nations + growing out of the War of the Rebellion. +</p> +<a name="note-47"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>47</u> Relating to claims under the treaty of Washington of May 8 + 1871. +</p> +<a name="note-48"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>48</u> See pp. 134-135. +</p> +<a name="note-49"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>49</u> See pp. 135-136. +</p> +<a name="note-50"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>50</u> See pp. 136-138. +</p> +<a name="note-51"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>51</u> Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers of + the United States for 1870, and tariff of consular fees prescribed by + the President October 1, 1870. +</p> +<a name="note-52"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>52</u> Correspondence relative to the retirement of Constantin de + Catacazy, minister from Russia to the United States. +</p> +<a name="note-53"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>53</u> Omitted. +</p> +<a name="note-54"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>54</u> Seized by British authorities at the Falkland Islands in + 1854. +</p> +<a name="note-55"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>55</u> Correspondence relative to the seizure and detention of + the American steamers <i>Hero, Dudley Buck, Nutrias</i>, and <i>San Fernando</i>, + property of the Venezuela Steam Transportation Company, and the virtual + imprisonment of the officers of those vessels. +</p> +<a name="note-56"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>56</u> Relative to the number of consular and commercial agents + of the United States abroad who speak or write the language of the + country in which their districts are situated. +</p> +<a name="note-57"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>57</u> Stating that there are no papers in the Department of + State to show that the inhabitants of the Navigators Islands, in the + Pacific Ocean, have made application to have the protection of the + United States extended over said islands. +</p> +<a name="note-58"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>58</u> Transmitting a translation of the Spanish royal decree of + July 6, 1860, prescribing regulations for the introduction of Chinese + laborers into Cuba, and translation of a decree of Count Valmaseda, + Captain-General of Cuba, of December 13, 1871, relative to the decree of + July 6, 1860. +</p> +<a name="note-59"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>59</u> Selected to publish the laws of the United States for the + second session of the Forty-second Congress. +</p> +<a name="note-60"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>60</u> Correspondence relative to the imprisonment by Spanish + authorities of Dr. J.R. Houard, a citizen of the United States, charged + with complicity in the insurrection in Cuba. +</p> +<a name="note-61"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>61</u> Stating that the report of Richard D. Cutts on the + marketable products of the sea was transmitted with the message of + President Johnson of February 17, 1869. +</p> +<a name="note-62"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>62</u> Presented to the board of arbitration at Geneva. +</p> +<a name="note-63"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>63</u> Presented to the board of arbitration at Geneva. +</p> +<a name="note-64"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>64</u> Correspondence relative to the claim of the owners of + the steamer <i>Aroostook</i> for compensation for the use of that vessel in + searching for bodies and property lost in the United States steamer + <i>Oneida</i>, wrecked in the Bay of Yedo in 1870. +</p> +<a name="note-65"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>65</u> Relating to acts of United States marshals and deputy + marshals in that portion of the western district of Arkansas comprising + the Indian country. +</p> +<a name="note-66"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>66</u> See pp. 15-16. +</p> +<a name="note-67"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>67</u> See p. 19. +</p> +<a name="note-68"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>68</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-69"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>69</u> Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers of + the United States for 1871, and tariff of consular fees. +</p> +<a name="note-70"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>70</u> Stating that the correspondence relative to the existence + of slavery on the coast of Africa and to the action taken by Great + Britain and other countries for its suppression was transmitted with the + annual message of the President on the 2d instant. +</p> +<a name="note-71"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>71</u> De B. Randolph Keim. +</p> +<a name="note-72"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>72</u> De B. Randolph Keim. +</p> +<a name="note-73"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>73</u> Claim against Russia for illegal arrest and imprisonment. +</p> +<a name="note-74"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>74</u> Report of the United States commissioner to the + International Penitentiary Congress of London, and appendix containing + summary of proceedings of the National Prison Congress of Baltimore. +</p> +<a name="note-75"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>75</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-76"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>76</u> Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers of the + United States for 1872, list of consular officers and their official + residences, and tariff of consular fees. +</p> +<a name="note-77"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>77</u> Correspondence relative to the refusal of the United States + consul at Cadiz, Spain, to certify invoices of wine shipped from that + port, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-78"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>78</u> Report of John M. Thacher, United States delegate to the + International Patent Congress held at Vienna in August, 1873, and + exhibits. +</p> +<a name="note-79"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>79</u> Relating to the involuntary deportation to the United + States of foreign convicts, paupers, idiots, insane persons, etc., and + transmitting correspondence relative thereto. +</p> +<a name="note-80"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>80</u> Report of the United States delegates to the eighth session + of the International Statistical Congress, held at St. Petersburg, + Russia, in August, 1872, and appendix. +</p> +<a name="note-81"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>81</u> Omitted. +</p> +<a name="note-82"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>82</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-83"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>83</u> Omitted. +</p> +<a name="note-84"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>84</u> See pp. 273-276. +</p> +<a name="note-85"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>85</u> See pp. 277-281. +</p> +<a name="note-86"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>86</u> See pp. 276-277. +</p> +<a name="note-87"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>87</u> Dispatches in regard to the records and public documents + of the Mexican Government relative to the lands embraced within the + Territories of Arizona and New Mexico. +</p> +<a name="note-88"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>88</u> Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers of + the United States for 1873, list of consular officers, and tariff of + consular fees prescribed by the President September 1, 1874. +</p> +<a name="note-89"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>89</u> Asking all the rights of citizenship. +</p> +<a name="note-90"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>90</u> See pp. 276-277. +</p> +<a name="note-91"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>91</u> See pp. 275-277. +</p> +<a name="note-92"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>92</u> Pocket veto. This message was written in the President's + room at the Capitol, but failed to reach the House of Representatives + before the final adjournment of Congress. The original is filed at the + Executive Mansion. +</p> +<a name="note-93"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>93</u> "An act to equalize the bounties of soldiers who served in + the late war for the Union." +</p> +<a name="note-94"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>94</u> Of commerce and navigation. +</p> +<a name="note-95"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>95</u> Stating that the question of indemnity demanded from Spain + for the execution or detention of a portion of the crew of the steamer + <i>Virginius</i> and for the execution of passengers, citizens of the United + States, had been disposed of by an agreement between the two countries, + and transmitting correspondence connected therewith. +</p> +<a name="note-96"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>96</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc, +</p> +<a name="note-97"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>97</u> See pp. 324-325. +</p> +<a name="note-98"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>98</u> Correspondence with Spain relative to Cuba. +</p> +<a name="note-99"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>99</u> Stating that no correspondence had taken place during the + year 1875 with any European Government other than Spain relative to + Cuba. +</p> +<a name="note-100"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>100</u> Calling for correspondence with any government or its + representatives relative to the centennial celebration to be held in + Philadelphia. +</p> +<a name="note-101"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>101</u> Correspondence relative to the mode of transferring to the + United States the Alabama indemnity of $15,500,000, and correspondence + and papers showing the payment of the indemnity, the form of receipt + given therefor, and the disposition of the indemnity. +</p> +<a name="note-102"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>102</u> Calling for information or facts relative to the charges + against George F. Seward, United States minister to China. +</p> +<a name="note-103"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>103</u> Explanatory of the object, intent, and character of the + power conferred upon A.B. Steinberger, special agent to the Samoan or + Navigators Islands, and transmitting correspondence relative to the + object, operation, and result of his agency. +</p> +<a name="note-104"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>104</u> Course pursued to enforce the provisions of the convention + with Venezuela of April 25, 1866, and the payment of adjudicated claims + under act approved February 25, 1873. +</p> +<a name="note-105"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>105</u> Relating to amount of money in the custody of the + Department of State to the credit of the awards of the mixed commission + under the treaty with Venezuela of April 25, 1866. +</p> +<a name="note-106"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>106</u> Relating to the steps taken for the protection of American + citizens in the Ottoman dominions. +</p> +<a name="note-107"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>107</u> The refusal of Great Britain to surrender certain fugitive + criminals in accordance with the extradition clause of the treaty of + August 9, 1842. +</p> +<a name="note-108"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>108</u> Relating to claims before and judgments rendered by the + Alabama Claims Commission arising from captures by the rebel cruiser + <i>Shenandoah</i>. +</p> +<a name="note-109"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>109</u> Relating to hostile demonstrations of the Sioux Indians + and the disaster to the forces under General Custer. +</p> +<a name="note-110"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>110</u> Stating that no correspondence has taken place with Great + Britain relative to the sequestration of the lands and property in New + Zealand claimed by William Webster, an American citizen. +</p> +<a name="note-111"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>111</u> Aggregate number of civil officers in or connected with + the Department of State from 1859 to 1875, inclusive. +</p> +<a name="note-112"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>112</u> Omitted. +</p> +<a name="note-113"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>113</u> Omitted. +</p> +<a name="note-114"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>114</u> Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc. +</p> +<a name="note-115"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>115</u> See pp. 390-391. +</p> +<a name="note-116"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>116</u> See pp. 394-395. +</p> +<a name="note-117"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>117</u> See pp. 392-394. +</p> +<a name="note-118"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>118</u> Correspondence relative to the Venezuelan mixed commission + held under the convention of April 25, 1866, for the settlement of + claims against Venezuela. +</p> +<a name="note-119"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>119</u> See pp. 396-397. +</p> +<a name="note-120"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>120</u> Correspondence with diplomatic officers of the United + States in Turkey relative to atrocities and massacres by Turks in + Bulgaria. +</p> +<a name="note-121"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>121</u> Preliminary and final reports of J. Hubley Ashton, agent + of the United States before the United States and Mexican Claims + Commission. +</p> +<a name="note-122"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>122</u> Statements of appropriations and expenditures of the + Department of State from March 4, 1789, to June 30, 1876, inclusive. +</p> +<a name="note-123"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>123</u> Correspondence, etc., connected with the agency of A.B. + Steinberger in the Samoan Islands. +</p> +<a name="note-124"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>124</u> Directing the Secretary of State to transmit any + communication demanding the payment of moneys claimed to be due the + Dominican Government from the United States. +</p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13012 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + |