The New York Herald Newspaper, December 3, 1867, Page 3

MESSAGE OF THE 4A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. —— SPECIAL VELECRAM TO THE HERALD, ‘ Wasurvaton, Diep, 2, 1867. The following ia the President’s Mvesage in full, whieb will be laid betore Congress to-msrrow:—~ Fetvow Crt@ey3 OF THR Senate aND Hovax or Rerne- SexTATI WES ;— The continued diserganization of the Union, to which tho President haa yo often called the attention of Con- prem, 8 yet & subject of profound and patriotic con- cern, We teny, however, find some relief from that anarety m tho reflection that the painful political situa- Gon, although before untried by ourselves, is not new ja tue experience of pations, Political acience, per- luap2, as highly perfected in oar own time and country as any other, bas not yet disclosed avy means by which civil wars can be absolutely pre- vented, An enlightened nation, however, with a wise and beneficont constitution of free government, may Giminish their frequency and mitigate their severity by directing all its proceedings in accordance with its funoamental Jaw, When civil war bas been brought to as close it is manifestly tho first foterest and duty of a State to repair the injuries which war bas inflicted and to secure the benefit of the lessons it teaches as fully and speedily as possible, This duty was upon the termina- oa of the rebellion promptly accepted, not only by the Executive Department, but by the 1: States themselves, and restoration in the first moment of peace was believed to be as easy and certain as it was indigpensable. These expectations, however, thon #o reasovably and confidently entertained, were disap- pointed by logisiation from which I felt constrained, by my obligations to the constitution, to withhold my aesent. It is, ‘therefore, a source of profound regret that, in complying with the obligation imposedfupon the Presidemt by the constitution, to give to Congress from ume to time information of the state of the Union, that I am unable to communicate any definite adjustment satisfactory to the American people of questions which since the close of the rebellion have agitated the public mind. On the contrary, candor compels mo to declare that at this time there is no Union as our fathers understood the term, and as they meant it to be understood by us; the Union which they estabhshed can exist only where all States are represented in both houses of Congress; where ene Stato is as free as another to regulate its internal concerns according to its own will, and whore the laws of central government, strictly con- fined to matters of national jurisdicuion, apply with equal force to all the people of every section, That such $s not the present state of the Union ts a melancholy fact; and we all must acknowledge that the restoration of the States to their proper legal relations with the federal government and with one anotber, according to tho terms of the original compact, would be the greatest temporal blessing which God im bis kindest Providence coud bestow upon this nation, It becomes our imperative duty to consider whether or not it is im- possible to effect this most desirable consummation, The Union and constitution are inseparable; as long as one 's obeyed by all parties the other will be pre- werved, and sf one is destroyed both must perieh together, The destruction of the constitation wiil be followed by other and still greater calamities. It was ordained not only to form a more perfect union be- tween the States, but to ‘‘estabhah justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourseives and our Prosperity.” Nothing but !mplicit obedience to its re- quirements in all parts of the country will accomplish these great ends. Without that obedience we can look forward only to continual outrages upon individual rights, incessant breaches of public peace, national weakne*s, financial dishonor, the total loss of our prosperity, general corruption of morals and the final extinction of popular freedom. To save our coun- try from evils so appaliing as theso we should renew our offorts again and again, To mo the process of restoration seems perfectly plain and simple. It con- gists merely in a faithful application of the constitution and the laws, The execution of the laws is not now obstructed or opposed by physical force; there is no military or other necessity, real or pretended, which can prevent obedience to the constitation, either North or South. All rights and alt obligations of the States and Individuals can be protected and enforced by means perfectly consistent with the fundamental law. The courts may be everywhere open, and if open then their process would be unimpeded, and crimes against the United States can be prevented or punished by proper judicial authorities ina manner entirely practicable and legal. There is, therefore, no reason why the constitution should be disregarded aod violated at the mere naked will of this government, or of some one or more of its branches, Is there apy obstacle that can exist to @ perfect Union of all the States on this momentous question, and some of the measutes growing outof it? Ihave had the misfortune to ditfor with Congress, and have ex. pressed my conviciion without reserve, though with be- coming deference to the opinion of tho legislative department, Those convictions are not only un- changed, but strengthened by subsequent events and further reflection. The transcendant importance of the subject will be a sufo'ent excuse for cailing your attention 'o some of the reasons which havo so strongly jafueaced my own judgment, I hope that wo may ail finally concur in a mode of settlement consistent at once with our true interests and with our sworn duty to the con-titution, which is too natural and too just tobe easily relinquished, It fs clear to my spprehension that (he States lately in rebellion are still members of the national Union, When did they cease to be so? The ordinances of secession adopted by a por- Uon—ico most of them a very small por- tion—of their citizens wore mere aullities, If we admit now that they were valid and effectual for the purpose intended by ‘heir authors, we sweep from wader our feet the whole ground upon which we justi- flied tne war, Were those Bintes afterwards expelled from the Union by warf ‘The direct contrary was averred by this goverament to be its purpose, and was ®0 Understood by all these who gave their blood and treasure to aid im its prosecution. It cannot be that a successful war waged for the preservation of the Union bed the legal effect of dissolving it, The victory of the nation’s arms was not the disgrace ef ber policy ; the defeat of secession om the battig field was no triumph of ite \awless principle; nor could Congress, with or without the consent of the Executive, do any- thing which would have the effect, directly or indirectly, of separating the States from each other. To dissolve the Usion is to repeal the constitution which holds it B gether, and that iss power which does not belong to any department of this geveroment or toall of them anited, This is so pinin that it has been acknowledged by ail branches of the federal government The Execu- tive (my predecessor w vo! as myeel!) and beads of all the departments bavo uniformly acved opon tbe pria- ciple that the Union s uot ouly undissolved, but indie woluble, Congrese submitted an atnendment of the constitution 40 be ratified by the Southern States, and accepted their acts of ratification as a necessary aud lawful exercise of their highest fanctions. [f they were not States, or ‘were States out of the Usion, their consent to a change im the fondamental law of tue Union would bave been hugatory, and Congress im asking it Committed & politics! § absurdity, given the solemn ay the same view of the Judges of the Supreme Court have the Southern States in their eireuita, aod they guntly in banc and elsewhere exereiaing jurisdiction @hich does not to them unless those States €taves of the Union. If the Southern States are compo- went parts of the Union, the constitution te okay stom other lew [for them, as it is for all the foey are bound to obey it, and se are we. to Tho right of the federal government, which is clear tnd unquestionable, (o enforce the conatitution — to them, implies correlative obligation on our gorve its imitations and Sut the constitction we hacer the constitution we are what it makes may donot the wiedom of the law; prove of its provisions, bat late it merely “Because {it seeme ur powers within limks DArrower than we could wish, [t ia vot a question of tndividual, or eines oF sectional Interest, much less of party but of auty, of a bigh and snores viuty, whicty ai! sworn perform, Lf we vannot supsort the consusution NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1867.-TRIPLE SHEET. the chogs?u! alacrity of th: nd beliqy’, Wo must give to it at pei sid pabiio ¥-0o% who act under solecun obligations aud coy ands which dare not disregard. is anoiner consideration Nich, thon, of Minor imporiance, is yet of great eight.’ Om ihe 22d of July, 1 Sones, a ~y au almost unani- mous vote of both Houses, thas “Wie war should be con- ducted solely for the Purpor's of preserving the Umon and maintaining the *Prey” rey of ihe federal constitu- tion and laws, willow} impainng the diguty and wally aud ite ‘Of States or ludwiduais, and ri 1 it bis we was dono the war should c3oase. do ‘not say that this declaration i binding op those whe joined ta ing it, amy more than ind.vidual members of Congrsas are personally bound to pay a public debt crev.ied under # Jaw for which tney vowed. But it was a *iemn public official of national hovor, and I capnot 6 upon what praia repudiation of it is to be jt If it be that we are not bound to keep faith with the robels, let it be remembered that this pledge was not made to the rebels only. Thousands of true men im the South were drawn to our standard by it, and hundreds of thou-ands in the North gave their lives in the belief thas it would be carried out, It was made on the day after the first great battle of the war had been fought and lost. Ali patriotic and intelll- gent men then saw the penemsliy of pure such ap as- surt and believing that without it the war would end ia er to our cause, Having given that assurance in the extremity of our peril, the violation of st now in the day of our power would bearudo rending of that good faith which holds the moral world together. Our country would cease to bavo aay claim upon the cont gene 5 it would make the war not only a failure, a frau Being sincerely convinced that these views are cor- tect, 1 would be unfaithful to my duty if I did notrecom- mend the repeal of the acts of Congress which place ten of the States under the domination of military masters, If calm reflection shall satisfy a majority of your honor- able bodies that the acts referred to are not only @ viola- tion of the national faith, but in direct conflict with the constitution, I dare not permit myself to doubt that you will im strike them from the ‘statute book. To demonstrate the unconstitutional character of those acts 1 need dono more than refer to their general provisions. It must be seen at once that they are not authorized. To dictare what aiterations shall be made 1n the constitutions of the several States, to contro! elections of State legislators and Stato officers, members of Congress electors of Presi- dent and .Vice President by Agauarily declaring who shall vole and who shall he exciuded from that privilege; to dissolve State Legislatures or prevent them from assembling; to dismiss judges and other civil functionaries of a State, aud appoint gthera.s ithoet ne to Lee law; Het nize ae operat itical machinery of the ea; to regulate the whole administration of their domesti¢ and local affaira, according to the mere will of strange and irresponsible agenis sent among them for that purpose— those are powers not granted to the federal govern- ment or to oF one of its franchises, Not being granted, we v! our trust by assuring them as pal- ly as we woultl by acting in the face of a positive interdict; for the constitution forbids us to do whatever it does not affirmatively authorize, either by express words or by clear implicaiton. If the authority we do- sire to usa does not come to us through the constitution we can exercise it only by the assumption of usurpation, which is the most jerous of political crimes. By iekoene Gaye Mad free rage pe, cy yd worked out their na against ic ant vate ts. It leads directly and immediately to the establishment of absolute rule; for power ia always unlimited and unrestrained. The acts of Congress in question are not only objec- tlonable for their assumption of a} ted power, but many of their provisions are in conflict with une direct prohibitions of thefconstitution. The constitution com- Mands that @ republican form of government shall be | pane gar to all the States; that no person shall be leprived of life, liberty or property without due pro- coss of law, or arrested without a judicial ta impartial” Jury, that. the » privilage of the an im jury, 10 <) ul habeas corpus ‘shall not denied 10! in. time of peace and that no bill hall be be against a single indi wcidahy "Ve tha Arvo ot passed against a single individual; yet the sy measures established by these spt of does totally subvert and destroy the form as well as the sub- stance of republican government in ten States to which they apply. It binds them,band and foot in absolute slavery, and subjects them to a strange and hostile power, more unlimited and more likely to be abused than any other now known among civilised men, It tramples down ail those rights in which the essence of liberty consists, watch a govern- ment is always most to protect. It denies the habeas corpus and trial by jury; perzonal freedom, proporty and life, if agealled by passion, pre- pie or rapacity of a ruler, have nosecunty whatever, ‘t has the et ofa bill of atrainder ora bill of painsand penalties, not upon a few individ bat upon the whole maases, including miilions w! inbabit the sab- jected States, and even their unl ebildren. These Ee being expressly f cannot be ‘constitu. tionally inflicted upon any portion of our no matter how they may bave come within our jurisdiction and no matter whether they live in States, territories or a I have no desire to save from the proper and just consequenc -s of their great crime those who engaged in the lion Lg the government; but as a mode of punishment the measures under Yonsideration are Many of ‘shoee. people are. petfeciy”tnocenty many y ose people are innocent; many the Talent Samaiaied toe last; offence, a large SS arms were forced into it; and of those who are guilty with ir own consen| degrees of guilt areas Various as the shades of their character and temper, But con‘ound them altogether in one common doom, Indiscrimipate vengeance upon all classes, sects be a Scr upon whole comaiun' gesor offences ef Pecice oF inase ngelen, te government especially of country, not ‘consist in bat s whole States of their liberties and reducing ali their eople without distinction to a condition of slavery. It ly with each individual, confines itself to forms of law, and vindicates its own purity by an im- Nal examination of every case before a competent judicial tribunal. If this does not satisfy all our desires ‘with regard to the Southern rebels, let us console our- selves by reflecting that a free constitation, triumphant in war and unbroken in peace, is worth far more io us and our children than a gratification of any present feeling. I am aware it is assumed that this system of government for tho Southern ctates is not to be per- potaal, It ia true this military government is to be ouly provisional, but it is through this temporary evil trata greater evil is to be mado tual, If the guarantess of the consti:ation cap be brokee provisionally to serve @ temporary purpose, and in a part only of the country, we can destroy them everywhere and for ali time, Arbi measures often change, but they generally change for the worse, It ta the curse of despotism that it bas no halting placo, Tatermit exercise of its power brings no sense of security to its subjects; for they can never know what more they will be called to endure when its red right band ts armed to plague them agayn. Nor is it possible to conjecture how or where power unrestrained by law may seok its t victims. States that are still States may be en- slaved at any moment; for if the constitution does not protect all it protects none, It is manifestly and avowediy the object of these laws to confer upon the the privilege of voting, and to disfranchise such ber of white citi- zens as will the former a clear majority ja ad pee ions in the Boyt Statea This, to the minds of some persons, is so important that a violation of the constitution is justified as a means of bringing it about, That morality is always false which excuses a wrong because it to accomplish a desirable cad. We are not permitted to do evil tl bape but in this case the end itself is ev: aa woll The subjugation of the States to negro domi- nation would be worse than the military despotism under which they are now sufferi ‘It was’ beforeband that the ee would nor ebin.s jon for any lengt' father than dograde ermselves by fom to the race, Therefore without « srs . os 225 t § 2, 3 a 2. : H : i i i il i i i Fl i if #4 i i i < cle se H, 2 : 2 z HUET aie ! el > et : Eg i Sitti 7 “ested in an honest ad: Conservator, I have, therefore, hitherta =rged upon your attention the great danger to be apprebended from an pnt g extousion of the election franchise to any new al ia Our country, especially whea @ large major ity of that olass, in wielding power thus placed in their bands, cannot be expected correctiy to comprehend the duties and respongibilities which pertain to auffrage. Yesteriay, as it were, four mitions of persons were veld in a condition of tlavery that bad existed for generations To-day they are freemen, and are assumed by law to be citizens, It cannot be presumed, from thelr previous condition of Servitude, that, as a class, they are as well informed as to the nature of our government as an intelli- gont foreigner who makes our land his home by his choice In the case of latter neither & residence of five years and a knowledge of our instiimtions which it gives, nor attzchment to principles: of our constitution, are the only conditions apon which he can be admitted to citizensiip. He must prove, ia addition, ® good moral character, and thus give reasonabio ground for belief that he will be faithful to the obligations which he assumes as a citizen of a republic where a people, the source of all political power, speak by their suffrace through the instrumentality of the ballot box, It must bo carefuily guarded against those who are corrupt in inciple and enemies of free institutions, for + can become to our political and social system asafe conductor of healthy popular sentimen: when kept free from demoralizing influences, controll through fraud and usurpation by designing men, when anarchy and despotiem must inevitably follow, In the hands of patriotic and worthy men our government will be preserved upon the Seiasipiee of @ constitution inherited from our fathers. It follows, therefore, that in admitting to the ballot box a new class of vo! a oe alttied for the ex- ercise of elective franchise,we weaken our eysiem of government instead of adding to its sirength and dura- bility. L yield to no one in attachment to that rule of general suffrage which distinguisies our policy as a pation; but there is a limit, nicely observed hitherto, which and a trust, and which time suitable for pro- 1y to ee aueen tipeceet cea new cl wholly unprepat y previ- ous habits and opportunities to perform a trast which it demands is to degrade it, and fnaliy to destroy its power; for it may be safely assumed that no politcal truth is better established than that such indiserimi- nate aud all-embracing extension of popular sulfrage must end at last in its overthrow and destraction. 1 repeat the expression of my willingness to join in any plan within the scope of our constitutional au- thority which promises to better tho condition of the negroes in the }, by encouraging them in industry, enlightening their miods, improving their morals and Ing protection to alt their just rights as freedmen, jas. & transfer of our political inheritance to them ‘would, in my opinion, be an abandonment of a duty which we owe alike to the memory of our fathers and the r of oor children ‘The plan of patting the Southern States wholly, and the general government partially, into hands of negroes {e proposed ata time peculiarly uppropitions, Founda- tions of society have beon broken up by civil war. Industry must be reorzanized, justice re-established, ublic credit tained and order brought out of con- sion, To accomplish these ends would re- quire al the wisdom and virtue of the eed men who formed our jastitutions originally. confidently believe that their descendants will be equal to the arduous task before them; but it 1s worse than madness to expect that will pectorm tt for us, Certainly we onght not to ask their assistance until we despair of our own competency. Great difference exists between the two races in physical, mental and moral characteristics, which will prevent an amalgamation or fasion of them together in one homogenous mass. If tho inferior race obtains the ascondancy it will govera with reference only to ite own interests, for it will recognize Bo. common interest, and create sucha tyranny as this continent has never yet witnessed. Already negroes are influenced by promises of confiscation and plunder, They are taught to regard as an enemy every white man ‘who bas any respect for the rights hts own race. this continues it must become worse and worse until all order will be subverted, all industry cease and the fertile felds of the South grow up into a wilderness. Of ‘all the dangers which our nation has yet encountered Rone are equal to those which must result from the success of an effort now making to Africanize half of our country. I would not put considerations ot money in competition with Justice and right; but Preparation expenses incident to ‘reconstruction, under the system adopted by Conxress, ALO what I-recard as an mtringic wrong in itself. It bas —_ Weir at egw reghers 4 repre ee in will largely 10 Weigh! taxation, y 00 op- pressive to be borne without ast complaint, and may nally reduco the treasury of the nation to a condition of bankruptoy. We must not delode ourselves. It will nire a strong standing army, and bly more on 000.000 oo mi jam, cee maintain the su of vernments after premacy negro they are established. Some thus thrown away would, if used, form a sinking fund targe enough to Ry tis subjection the white the fang me of Con- juriously af- stem of measures like this, With our debt and vast private interests, which are complicated with it, we cannot be too cautious of a poliey winch might, by possibility, impsir the confidence of the world im our government. That confidence can only be retained carefully Inculcating prin- of justice ana honor on the popular mind, and by tho most scrupulous fidelity to all our engage- ments of every sort. Any as breach of organic law, persisted in for a considerable time, cannot but Create fears for the stability of our institutions, Habitual violation of prescribed rules, which we. bind ourselves to observe, must demoralize the people, Our only of civil duty being set at my { i expected to care Mee pee! Violations of such ‘a8 we made on the Zid of July, 1861, will as- iminish the market value of our other pro- Besides, if we now acknowledge that the na- was created not to bold States in unon, as taxpayers were led to suppose, but to expel them from to be governed by negrocs, it may seem much less clear. ry 0; for I do not admit that this or any other argument in favor of repudiation can be enter- sound, but its influence on some ciassea of bal & republican form of government administered by azouts of popular choice, is @ thing of such delicate textu the destruction of it would be followed by each un- speakabic calamity that overy true pairiot must desire to avoid whatever might expose it to she aligutest dan. ger. The intereets of the country require immediate relief thes enactments. Business in the South is paralyzed by a senso of general insecurity, by terror of confiscation and dread of nogro supremacy. Soutbern trade, ftom which the North would have derived so great @ profit under a government of law, still inn- Guishes, and can never be revived until it ceases to be ft by arbitrary power which makes all its operations unsafe. That rich country, the richest m natural resources tho worid ever saw, 19 worse than lost if {t be not soon placed usder the pro- tection of a free constitution. Iastead of being, as it ought to be, a source of wealth and powor, it will become an intolerable burden upon the rest of nations, Avother Teason for retracing our steps will, doubtiess, be-secu by Congress in the Jate mantfestation of pablic opiu.on upon this subject, We live in a country where popular will always enforces obedience to iteeif, sooner or later. It ie vain to think of cpposing it with anything short of legal authority, backed by overwhelim- ‘ng force, It cansot have escaped your attention that from the day on which Congress fairly and formally ted the proposition to govern Southera States by ik @ view to Lhe ultimate eetablishment }, @Very expression of geaeral senti- more or less adverse to it thin generation caunot be ¢0- open to or Tt te trae that causes may occur in which the Executive would be compelled to stand on his end maintain them ‘act which is not only in palpable conflict with the con- stitation, but will certainly, if carried out, ace im. mediate aad irreparable ry to the structure of the myn ey ~ wer ia official instance, act, even to abolish a co-ordinate de. the Presi- of his office life ail hezerda, So called reconsti Cg hg = I) ly uncosstitutonal y can ee were not believed to the a moationed. People were not wholly ed of power of self. defence, In ail the Northern Siatos the; stilt bold {n their hands the sacred right of ballot, a: t safe to belies at in due time they would come i to add that tie appeal out co to add ¢ our common const was ‘was not taken im vain, and that my confidence in their misplaced. wisdom and virtue seems not to have been It ig well aad publicly kaown that enormous frauds have boon pe on the oe fortunes bave been made at the pul expense. Lege corruption bas ff not diminisned, will soon bring us into dingrace. Public creditors and 1 a to y evade peyme Great, ine may win by connivance at fraud create a ig more than the virtue of many cam withstand, and there cun be no doubs that opea dis of constitu. tional obligations avowed by sume of the highest and most infuentia! men im the country, bas greatly weak- ened the moral sense of those who serve {hn subordinate places. The expenses of the United States, including mterest on the public debt, aro more than six times as much as they were oven years ago. To collect and disburse this vast amount Pequires care(u) superviss as well ag sysiewatic vigi- lance. The system never perfected was much disor- ganized by the ure of Office bill,” which has almost destroyed official accountability. The President may be thoroughly convinced that am officer 1s incapabie, dishonest or unfwithial to the comstitution; but under tho law which I have named tne uimoat he can do is to complain to the Senate and ask the = privil of supplying his place with a betier mon. If the Senate be regarded as personally or politically hostile to the President, it is natural and not altogetier unreasonable for an ollicer to expect that it will take his part as far as possible, re- store bim to bis place and g.ve him a twiumpo over bis execntive superior, An officer has other chances of impunny priate, from accidental do- fecta of evidence, mode of investigating it, and secrery of hearing. It 4 mot wonderful that of- flew! malfeasance should become boid in proportion a3 delinquents learn to think themselves safe. lam en- tirely persaaded that, under euch a rule, the President cannot perform the creat duty assigned to bim of seeing laws faithfully executed, and that it disables him most especially from enforcing that rigid accountability which ig Necessary to the due execution of the revenue laws, ‘The constitution invests the President with authority to decide whether a removal should be made in any given caso The act of Congress declares, in suvstance, that be sball only accuse such as ho supposes to be unworthy of ther trust, The constitu. tion makes him sole judge in the premises, but the statute takes away bis jurisdiction, transfers it to the Senate, and leaves him nothing but the odious and sometimes itnpracticable duty of becoming a prosecutor. ‘The prosecution is to be conducted before a ti- bim ree whose members the whole buvai are like but not gation with great disfavor. The Senate is absolute, ‘without any known standard of decision applicable to such acase. Iv judgment canot be anticipated, for it ig bot governed by any rule, The law does not define what shall be deemed good cause for removal. It is impossible even to coujecture what inay or may not be 80 considered by the senate, The nature of the subject forbids clear proof, If the charge be incapacity, what evidence will support it? Fidehty wo the constitu tion may be uoderstood or misunderstood ina thousand different ways aud by violent party men in violent parcy times, unfaiih’uiness to the constitution may even come to be considered meritorious. If an. of be accused of dishonesty, how shall it be made out? Will it be iu- ferred from acia unconnected with public duty, from oh ag history or from general reputation, or by await- wz the cominission of an actual misdemeanor in office? Shail he in the meantime risk the char- acter and interest of the mation in the bands of men to whom he cannot give hie confidence? Must he forbear his complaiut until mischief 1s dove and caunot beprevented’ If higzeal im pubic service should im- pel him to antici; overt acts, must he move at il of being tried bimeelf for the offence of slandering ig subordinates? In the present circumatances of the country some oue must ve held responsible for official de- linquencies of every kind. It isextremely difficult to say where that respousibility should be thrown, if it be not left whore 14 has been placed by tne constitution, But all just men will admit that the President ought to be entirely” relieved from such reeponsioility if he can- not ineet it by reason of restrictions placed by law upon bis actions. The Unrestricted power of removal from office {8 a very great one to be trusted even to a magis- trate chosen by the general suffrage of the whole poople, and accountable directly to them for bis acts. It is un- doubdtedly liable to abuse, and at some periods of our history, perhaps, has been abused. If it be thought de- sirable and constitutional that it sould be so limited as to make the President merely a common iniormer against other public agents, he should at least be per- mitted to act in that capacity before some open tribunal, independent of party politic, ready to investigate the Merits of every caso, furnisbed with means of ming evidence and bound to decide according to estab. lished rales, This would guarantee the safety of an accuser when be acts in good faith, and at iho same time secure the rights of the other party. I speak of courage with all proper respect for the present Senate, bat it does aos seem to me that any legis- lative body can be 80 constituted as to insure its fitness for these functions. It is not the theory of this gevernment that public offices are tho property of those who hold them. They given merely as a trust for public benefit, sometimos for a fixed riod, sometimes duriog good behavior, but generaliy they are liable to bo terminated at tae pleasare of the appointing power which represents the collective Majosty and speaks the will of the people. The forced retention ia office of a single dishonest person may work great injury to public interest. Dan- ger to the public service comea not from the power to remove, but from the power to appoint, For thia it was that the framers of the consti- tution loft the power of removal uureztricted while they gavo the Senate a right to reject ali appointments which, in its opinion, were not fitto be made. A little reflection on this subject will probabiy satisfy all who have the good of the country at heart, that our best course is to take tue constiiution for our guide, walk ia tho path marked out by the founders of the republic and ovey the rales made sacred by the observance of our great predecessors. ‘The present condition of our finances and circulating medium is one to which your early consi vited. The proportionwhich the currency of any coun: try should bear to hole value of annual produce citcalated by its means, js a question upon which poll- tical economists have not agreed, nor can it be controled by but must be leit (o irrevocabio laws which everywhere regulate commerce and trade. A cir- crlatmyg wedium will ever be to points where it is in greatest demand. Tbe law of demand and supply is as nnerring as that which regulates the tides of pe and indeed the currency, Hike the tides, bas its ebbs flows througbout the commercia! world. At the beginning of the rebellion the baak note circulation of the country amounted to not much more than.two huodred million dollars, Now the circulation of national bank uotes and those know! legal tenders ia nearly seven bundred millions, While it is urged by some that this amount shouid be increased others contend that a decided re. duction is absolutely essential to the best interests of the country. In view of these diverso opinions it may be well to ascertain the real value of ous paper issues when compared witb @ metailic or controvertible car- vency. For this purpose let us inquire how much gold and silver could be purchased by seven bundred inillions of paper money, now in circulation. Probably not more than half the amount of the lattor, show!ng that when our paper currency 1s compared with gola and silver its commercial value ia compressed into $360,000,000, This striking fact makes it.the obvious duty of the government, as early as may be consistent with the principles of sound political economy, to take sach measures as will enable the holders of i:# notes and those of national banks to convert theta without loss tuto specie or ite equivalent. A reduction of our papor circulating medium need not necessarily tollow, ji however, would depend. upon the law of demand and supply, though i should be in mind that by making egal tender and bank notes convertible into coia or, ts equivalent, the present specie value in the hands of thoir holders would be eahaaces one hundred per cent. Lagisiation for the accomphahmens of @ result so desirable is de. manded by the highest pabite considerations, [he con- stitution contemplates that the circulating modium of the couutry sbail be uniform in quality and value. At the time of the formation of instramoat the coun- tery bad just emerged from the war of the revolution and was suffering from effects of a redundant and worthless paper currency, of the period were anxious to protect their posterity from evils which they themselves had experionced. Heuce, in providing a circulading medium they conferred upon Congress the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof; at the same time probibiting the States from making anvthing but gold and silver a tender in payment of debis. 1bo present anomalous condition of our engere, ie in striking contrast with that which was originally designed. Our circulation now embraces, firat—~ Notes of banks, which are made receiv- able for all dutios to goverument, exciuding im- ports, and by ali its creditors excepti in pay- ment of interest upon its bonds aud securities themselves, Sccond—Loegal tender notes, issued by the United States, and which the law requires eball be recerved as well in payment of all dobis between citi. genags of ali government dues, excepting tmports; and third—Gold aad sitver coin, By the operation of our owa present of however, metailic currency, when coltected, fs yg! one class of govera- wi semi-anaually in cota from the national Treasury. in ite service; public servanig in the various depart. meuts of the government who supplied the soldicrs of ‘he ating and the sailors of the navy, artisans who toil in the nation’ ee or and laborers who build ite edifices and construct its forte and vessels of war, should, ic payment of their just agd bard earned dios, receive depreciated paper, which another class of their’ countrymen, ‘no sore deserving, are paid to coin—gold or silver, Equal and exact justice requires all creditors of the government shoula be pad in curren ing & vale form ‘alge. ‘is can be accomplisned by to the staodard ostab- the restoration of hei lished by the constitation, and by this moans we would remove @ discrimination which may, if it has not al- ready done so, create & prejudice that may become deep- rooted and wide-spread, and imperti the nationat credit. ‘The feasibility of mai nd with the constitutional «1 00,008, cotned from 1 was $459 000, 860, 25,000,000, and trom 1861" to. 1864, ineta? 10,000,000, inakiag @ total 1849, $974,000.600. Prom 184. to Tair netsivg thei exports of epocie amounted to §27, i; to 1800, acai to gus 060,008 eat ‘dom 1t61 te , inelasiv ‘maki net bce of $74 009, 006.."Theve rares ive, to ast, 3 000, 967, ieclusive, Inctusive, $1 show an excess of products over net export of $433,000.00. There are in Scere $11,000,000 i Colm, som mg more ,' in cirewlation on the Pacific coast mithons tn joual aod other bank: ot it $160,000,000. Thi, however, taking iuto acpvunt the apecie im the coun ry prior to 1849, leaves more than been accounted for by exportation, ao yet romain in the country, These aro and show how completely 1oferior persede coi, forcing i wh among Tuasses And causing it (0 be exported as & mere article of trade to add to money capital in foreign lands, They show the necessity of retring Our paper moucy, that @ return of gold and silver to the avenies of traso may bo invited and @ domand created which will cause the retention at home of 60 much of the productions.of our rick and inexhaustible gold beur- jug Gelds, as may be sufficient for of circula- tion, It is unreasonable to expect # return to a sound curreney, 80 long as the government, by-continuing to issue irredeemable notes, Gils the a of circula $900.000,000, which have not F v will su- tion with depreciated’ paper,, notwithstand! the coiuage by our own mints since If of $574,000,000, People are now strangers to tbe currency which was designed for their use and benefit and specimens of the precious metals bear- ing the national devise are seidom seen except when peednces to gratify interest, excited by their novelty, if depreciated papor is to ve continued as the permanent currency of the country, ail our coin ig to become a mere article of traffic and speculation to the onbance- ment iu price of ali that is ind speusable to the comfort of the people, It would bo wise economy to abolish our mint, hus say: the pation care and expense jocident = to Bu establishments, let our precious metals bo exported in bullion. Time bas @, however, when government and na- tioual banks should be required to take the most effi- cient steps aud make ail necessary arrangements for a resumpilon of specio payments at the earliest practical period, Specie payments baving been once resumed by toe government aud we bauks, all notes or bills of paper issued by either of a jess denomination than $20 should by law be excluded from circulation, so that the people may bave the benefit and convenience of a gold and silver currency, which in ail their business trangactions will be uo orm and of value at home and abroad. Every man of property or in- dustry, every man who desires to preserve what he honestly possesses or to obtain what he has honestly earned, has a direct interest in maintaining a safe vircu- lating medium, such @ medium as shall be real and sub. stantial, not liaule to vibrate wiih opinions, not subject to be blown up or blowa down by the breath of speculation, but to be made stable and secure, A disordered curreacy is one of the greatest political evils, it undermines the virtues necessary for the support of the social system and en- courages propert.es destructive of its happiness, It wars against iodusiry, frugality and cconomy, aud is fosters ‘Whe evil spirits of extravagance and speculation, It has been asserted by one of our profound and most gifted Siatesimen that of all contrivances tor cheatiug the la- boring classes of mankind none bas been more effect: than that which deiudes them with paper money, I ia the most oifectual of inventions to fertilize the rich man’s field by the sweat of the poor man’s brow, Ordiuary tyranny, oppres: excessive (axation—these bear lightly om the hay of the mass of @ community, compared with lent currency and robberies committed by depri paper. Our own history bas recorded tor our instruc. tion enougo aud more than evough of demoralizing tendency, ijuatice aud iotolerabie oppression on the ous and weil diaposed, of a degraded paper cur- authorizgd by jaw or in any way countenanced by the government. It is one of the most successful devices im times of peaco or war, expansions or revulsions, to accomplish the trausfer of all precious metals from the great mags of the people into the bands of a few, where they are hoarded in secret places or depesited to strong boxes, under bolt and bars, while the people are lett to endure all the inconvenience and sacrifice and demoralization resuiting from the use of a depreciated and worthiess paper money. The condition of our finaoces and the Operations of our rereaue system are set forth and fuily explained wm the able and instructive report of the Secretary of tho Treasury. On the 30ib of June, 1866, the public deht amounted to $2,783 425,879; on the 30th of June last it was $2,692,199,215, showing a reduction during the fiscal year of $91,226,664. Duriug the fiscal year euding June 30, 1867, the receipis were $490,634,010, and expenditures $346,729,129, leaving an available surplus of $143,904,- $30, | It is estimated that the receipts for thojfiscal year ending June 30, 1868, will be $417,161,928, and that expenditures will reach the sum of $303,26: ing im the Troagury a surplus of $23, the fiscal year ending June 30, 1569, it i: receipts will amount to $381,000, xponditures will b> $372,000,009, showing an excess 000,000 in favor of the government, Ihe attention of Covgress is eargestly invited to the necessity of a ‘thorougt revision of our revenue system Our intornal revenue Jaws and unport system should be go adjusied as to bear moat heavily ou articies of luxury, leaving tho necessaries of life as free from taxation aa’ may be con- sistent with the real wants of the government economi- cally administered, Taxation would not then fall un- duiy on the man of moderate means, and whilo none would be entirely exempt from as- sessment, all, in proportion to their pecuni- ary abilities, would contribute towards the -sup- port of the State, A modification of the interval revenue system by a large reduction in a ndmber of articles now Bu! to tax, would be followed by re-, sults equally advantageous to citizen and govern It would render the execution of the law leas ex- pensive and more certain, remove obstructions to industry, lessen temptation to evade the law, diminish Violations and frauds perpetrated upov pro- visions, make its operations leas inquisitional and great- ly reduce in numbers the army of tax gatherers created by the system, who take from the mouth of honest labor the bread it bas earned. Retrevchment, reform and economy shonld be carried into every branch of @ public service, that the expenditures ot the govern- it may be juced and the people relieved from op- prossive taxation, A sound currency be restored and public faith to regard to the national debt sa- & crediy observed. Tho accomplishment of these important results, together with tho restoration of the United’ States upon tbe principles of the constitution, would inspire confidence thd Brigg to ive nation, prosperity” pesce and good wilt an ou eo rity, ce and good will, The reports of the Secrecy of War ad tatrim ox: hibis the on of the army and several bureaus of tue Wer Department. The aggregate strength of the military force on the 30th of September last was 56,315, The total estimate for military appropriations is $77,- 124,707, Incluaing deficiencies in last year's appropria- tions of $13,600,000. Payments at the Treasury on ac- count of military service from January 1 to October 20, period of ten movths—amounted to $109,807, 000, of the military establishment, the nambers of ti army, three times ws great as thoy have ever been in time of peace, while discretionary poi is vested in the Executive to add millions to the expenditure by an inctoase of the army to the maximum strength allowed by law. The comprehonsive report of the Secretary of the Ia- terior furnisbes interesting in‘ormation in reference to important branches of the public service connected with his department, Th# menacing attitude of some warlike bands of Jodians inhabiting the district of country between tho Ork and Piatto rivers and portions of Dakota Terr. tory required the presouce of a large military force in that region, Instigatet by real or imaginary the Indians occasion: committed and our fron- eneral Jodian war has been he Commissioners, under the tier settlements. But providentially averted. act of July 20, 1867, were invested with full power to adjust all existing difficulties, regulate with the disaffected bands and select for them reserva- tions remote from travelled roures between the Mis- sissippi and the Pacific. These eniered without delay upon the execution of their trust, but have not made any offictal report of their proceedings. It is of vital im} @ that our distant territories should be exempt from Indian outbreaks, and that the construction of the Pacific Railroad, an object of tional linportance, should not bo interrupled by hostile tribes, 1030 ob- as well as the mate; interests and morai and Indi can be moat ig thom upon portions of country set apart'for their exclusive use, and located at points remote from highways aud encroaching white settlements. Since the commencement of the second session of tbe Lbirty-niath Congress Ove hundred and ton miles of the road have been constructed on the main line and branches of the Pacific Railway. The Mine from Omaba ts rapidi; proaching the eastern buse of the Kocky Mountains, jo the terminus of the last nection of the constructed road in California, accepted by the goveroment on the 24th of Ocwober eae was bat eleven miles distant from the summi of the Sierra Newads. The remarkable energy winced by the companies offers the strongest assurance that the complotion of the road from Sacramento to Omaha will not be long deferred. During the last fiscal year 7,041,114 acres of the public lands were dit of and cash receipts from saies and fees exceeded by one haif million dollars the sum realized from these sources treaties during the precediag year, 2 The emoust paid as pensions “ inciudi the expense of disbursements, wi pins and 482 names were added ul roils, The %, ire number of pensions on want 74 11,655 patents and designs were issued da: ending September 20, 1867, and at thas date In Treasury to the credit of tent fund was The Report of the have seven pat $286,607, of the Navy states that we — ly and judiciously employea under efficient and able commasders in protecting the persons and property of American citizens, maintaiaing the dignity and power of the government and promoting the commerce and business interests of our country inen the world. Of two husdred and comprising 8, Otty-six, 1 every part of tv tae. United dred irty- the present Novy of carrying five bua. jn squadron service. i iber of @0 squadron duty ore were vessels. were Teport. A I aumber of commenced ‘and in course of construction when the war vermisated, eae ie wae coe mede the Lance pat Be 5 Priations for their completion the Department either suspended work spon them or limi completion to steam vessels, so as to meet t tracts for machi: made wi vate establinh The total expenditures of the Navy Department f the fiscal year ending Jane 90, 1867, were §31,034,0 No apy tions have been made or required close of the war for the construction and Sepa sols, f(r steam machinery, ordaance, provisi ir of vos~ cloth. Ne, Ing, fuel, bemp, &e., balances wader those several b having been more than sufficient for current expenser. nino be stated to the credit of the department above object besides askin; : if May 1, 1820, requested the Seeretary of the Treasury to carry to the surplus fund the suin of $65,000,000, being the amonat received from salcg of vessvis and over the and the condition of the postal service in @ very favorable light, and the atteotion of Congress e for the year ending June 30, 1867, in- ‘Appropriations {or een and and service Matter, were $19,975,003. The expen ditores for all purposes wore $10,225 433, leaving an un- favor of the departinemt of $743,210, ich cam be applied towards exponses of the dene c mout for the current year, The increase o| fhe pov) = to ite praction! recommendations, The rece 3 je in independent specific appropriations for the that of 1864, was $850,040, The in. we from the sale of stamps and stamped sagen was $783.404, The inereaso of expenditures for 1867 over those of the previous year was ow chiefly to the extension of land and ocean mail past year new couven ratitied and with the United Kingdom of Gr and Ireland, Belgium, Netherlan: German Union, lialy ead Hong Kong, reducing very the rates of ocean and land postages to and from within those countries. Tho report of the Acting Commissioner of Agricul- ture concisely presemis (be condition, wants and pro- gress of an interest eminently worthy ot the fostering Care Gf Congress, wad exvibits in a large measure esulls achieved durin, a g tbe year to which i Abe re-establishment of peace at home and the re- sumption of extousod trade, travel and commerce abroad have served to increase tue number and variety of questions in the Department for Foreign Affairs, Nove of these queriious, however, have seriously disturbed our Felations with other States. The re- public of Mexico, baving been relieved from foreign intervention, is earnest! aged in efforts Lo establish her constitutional aysiem of government, A good un derstanding continues to exist between our government and the republics of Heyii and St. Domingo, and our cordial relationg with the Central’ and South American States remain unchanged. The tender made ta conformity with the resoiation of Congress of the good offices of the government with a view to an amicadie adjustinent Of peace between Brazil and her ailies on eno side and Parazuay on the other, aud betweea Chile and her allies on the o1 and Spain on the otuer, though kindly received, hi neither case been fully accepted by the belligerents. War in the valley of the Parana is stil vigorously maintained. On the other band, actual hos. Ulities vetween the Pacific States and Spain have been more than a year suspended J shail, On agy proper oc- casion that may occur, renew the conciliatory recom- mendations wuich have already been made. » With eniightoned ragacity and comprebensive Btates- manush;,), bas opened the grea: channels of tbe Al and its \jbutaries to universal commerce. One thing more seems neediul to assume a rapid and ors rogress iu South America. 1 refer to thoge peaceful abiis without Which states and nations cannot in this age well expect material prosperity or social advance- ment. The Univergal Exposition of Industry at Parle’ bas ed, and scems to hae fuily lized the high ex- pectations of the Frevch ,overament, If due allowance be made for the recent pou cat derangement of the in- dustry here, the part whici: the United States has borne im the exhibition of inveution and art may be regarded with very bigh satisfaction, the Exposition « conference was held of the n a 'o commerce and com- 0 divers standards of Plaos were aeyeloped Tesult ox money value were discuss: for establishing, by universal conseut, com- mon principle for comage of gold con- ferences are expecied tobe texewed with th of many foreign Statex not bituerto represented, A roport of these wuteresting proceedings will be submitted to Congress, which wiil no Goubt justly appreciate the great object, and be ready () adopt any measure which M6 tend to facilitate its ul\itmate accomplishment, mn the 25th of February, 1562, \ ongress declared by law that treasury uoles without interest, ag thereafter asued, should be Ipgal teuder for ali debts, public or private, with.o the United states, An annual remittance of $30,000, less the stipulated expeni accruce to claimants under the convention made with Spaia in 18% These remittances since the passage of that act been paid iu saoh notes, The claimants insist that r 406 40 require payment to coin, The subject may be ed Worthy your attention, 'o arrangemeat las os yer been reached for the set- tlement of our claims for ritish dopredations upon the commerce of the United States, Lhave felt it my duty to decline the propos arbitration made by her Majesty's Goveraien it bas hitherto been ac- companied with reso: id limitations incompatible with the rights, interest and Douor of our country, It isnot to be apprebeuded that Groat Britain wil pers fusal to sailsfy there ju iveasonable claiine, which in- volve Bacr br of uon-intervention—a principle houceforts uot more important to the United States than to ail cther commercial pations The West India Isiau ‘> were settled and colonized by European Stotes simuitavcousiy with the settlement and colonization of the Americaa continent, Most of the coionies pinuied bere became independent uations in the close of the last aud the beatnning of the present century. Uur own Country ewbraces communities which ab one period were colonies Of Great Britain, France, Holland, Spain, Swedou and .ussia, The people in the Wort Indies, with iho exception of those of the island of Hayti, have aeithor ed nor aspired to indepea- dence, nor have they b Altiough possessiug they have been held colonized, or at xume tine purposes of miliary and aa the European policy aod Continent, In ovr Roy. harbors in the West | our enemy, to tli Of the United sisces. re) ‘viue prepared for self-defence, iterable commercisl vaiue, er ei Topean States which ed them, ebielly for ategy in carrying out gn3 in regard to this iouary War the ports and uiia islands were ured by | injury aad embarrassment We Lad the same experience in our secoud with ‘ Urituin; the same European policy for a tong tin Xeluded us evea from the trade with the West ludivs while we were at peace with all nations, Iu oor recent civil war the revels and = their piratical blockade break- ing allies found faciites in some ports for work which they igo 6u Juring and devasiaiiog ine engaged im rebuliding essfally accompliwhed of im- mnmerce which We are now We labored especially under Uhis digadvantage—iher European steam veertls em- ®, found friendly shelter, pro- India ports, ployed by our enewm tection and suppies ia West eur own naval vperstions wei from our own dostany shore versal feeling of tho want of au while inced paval outpost between the Atiantic coast aad Europe, The duty of obtaining ch outpost peacefully and lawtully, nor menacing injury lose of the war, and ot been los! Hight of since that time, entircly diseisilar nuval want relieved iteelt during the same period on the Pacific coast, A ured footuoid there was jortuuately secured by our Jate treaty with the uperor of Rnssia, and i$ now seems imperative tuat the more obvious neces- aity of the Atlaalic coast sould not be leas carefully provided for. A good and conveniont port and harbor, capable of defence, will sapply that want, With the possession of such & stetvon by the United States Beither we nor aay citer American nation need longer apprebend injury of offenoo irom avy transatiantic enemy. L agree with our carly gta! en that the West Iocies naturally ,ravilate to aud way be expected altimateiy to be absorbed by the coatinental Staves, iucluding our it has m A agree with tiem also that it is wise the question of much al jon to this Datural cal gravitation, Tne wiand St. Thomas and St, Jo’ group called the Virg: Vantage imme could be secu which 1 have conciuded with of those i for coneide ns, Wolch constitave @ part of the islands, seemed to offer an ad- iy dewradie, while their acquisition Mm harmony with the principles to jiaded. A treaty bas, therefore, been of Deumark for the cessation wil be submitted to the Semate t wil herdiy be necessary to call the attention to the subject or providing for paymeat to Russia of sito stipulated in the treaty for the cessation of tue Ai: possession, been formerly delivered to our commission, the territory remains for \ue present in the care of the military force, awaiting suck civil organization as sbaill be de- ciared by Congress, The annexation of many small Gorman States to Prus- fia, and the reorgagization of wat ovuntry under a new ana liberal coustiiuiion, Lave induced me to renew the effort to obiain @ just aod prompt settlement of the long vexed = question concerning tne of foreign States for military service their subjects uaturalized ia the U In connection wiih tuie subject, the attent'on of Con- greas is rospectfully called to & singular and emi & ing confict of jaws, Tue Executive Department of aa, re beld, <- conformity wi ind laws of the United States, wbsol res the recipi i » The by ou of ‘thas testy Too “useoutive ee, thorver of the United ‘States, This conflict perpleses public mind concerning the rights of naturalised Citizens and impsire the oatioual autvority abroad =) See to thie enn i my last anneal mes- age, Bow again reepecifully appeal te Congress — Lean mal will immediately upon estion. The abuse of our laws by the a soon Las altogether ceased, existing cirou no apprebensivas newal in this part of the world are entertained. Under these circumstamces it becomes a question whether ‘wo shali not propose to her Majesty's asus OF discontinuance of stipulations for maintain- ng & caval force for the suppression of that trade. ANDREW JOHNSON, Wasnnciox, Deo, 3, 1967. M. OY CHAILLU'S LECTURES, ‘The great A(riccn traveller and explorer, M. P. B. Do Chailiu, is agein in the city and ts now @ guest at the Filth Avenue Hote), The thousands who have listened fo the narration of L's adventures f= eearch of know! ed, natural history, as well as those who bave failed to hear him: as yet, will be gratified to learn that bis coming ais time is preparatory to & course of lectures on his favorite topics during tho ensuing winter seqgon. THE GRANT MOVEMERT IN BROOKLYN, A meeting of tho citizens of the Thirteenth ward favorable to Genoral Grant's nomination for the Pros}- dency was held last evening at Coutinental Hall, Fourth mroot, E, D, Colonel Charles B. Morion called the meeting to order and spoko briefly of ite objects, He said an impression prevailed that there was ah intention to destroy the re publican organization by this movement, but that war an ocror, He and bis friends were republicans and t! meant to poe oa te repubiican nominee for ident and they 4 General Grant to (Applause ) ‘A permanent organization lowing are the officers of the Jonn A. i Pawards ; Gites We “dw rer, . Committee vole Heagetora, Sig! Soun'D, Daviiogicn, Lawl: \/. Joes and si cued rece ‘The meeting teen adjourued vo the call of the © Cowmmitges. Lu