The New York Herald Newspaper, December 6, 1870, Page 4

V ‘CONGRESS. Opening of the Third Session of the Forty-first Congress. WESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT, Cause of the Late Republican Reverses. Our Policy Towards the Fight- ing Powers in Europe. THE ST. DOMINGO TREATY. Another Urgent Call for Its Ratification. No Private Interference with the Ala- bama Claims Negotiation. THE CANADA FISHERY QUESTION. Specie Payments, Reforms in the Revenue and Reduction of Taxes. tho Policy of the Administration in a Nutshell. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. Third Session. SENATE. Wasminoron, D. C., De THY THIRD SESSION OF THE FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS ) man to-day. Both houses assembled at moon. At iwelve o’cloek precisely the Senate was cailed to or- ri 20 of mnumerons audience m the ay Almost every member of the Senate wa aitendance. After prayer by the Rey, r. Newrun, Chaplain of the Senate, the general was proceeded with. NEW SENATOR PROM MINNESOTA. tals of Wham Windom, appomted by overnor of Minnesota to fill the place of Hon, », & Norton, di sed, Were presented by his col- urue, M. Remsey, and read, when Mr. Windom was qualified and took his seai for the unexpired ern THE ROUTINE OF OPENING. A committee Was appointed to inform the House ov ihe presence of aquoram of the Senate, also a committee in conjunction with a committee ef the Houve to wait n the President of the United Stat jd inform him to receive any make. that Congress was ready communication he might have to SOLUTIONS AND BILLS ve intvoduced and tald on the table fe organization of the standing com- as follows EpMuNDS, (rep.) of Vt.—A Joint resolution of the V i Legistature, urging the payment of the balance of the war claims due that State from the general government. By Mr, WILTAMS, ( tory of the the Uy ep.) of Oregon—Bills explana- act admitung the State of Oregon into n and amendatory of the organte act of the of Idaho, The former relates to the appil- lands for the support of common schools; ulates the compensation of the mem- llortai legisiatures. PRart, rep.) of Ind.—To provide for the ap- nent of Clerks of Cirenit and District Court District of Indiana and to detine their powers aud duue: hy Mc. KELLOGG, (rep.) of La.—For the removal of poltlical disabilities. THE KINANCTAL QUESTION. Ry Mr. Sumy (rep.) of Mass.—A bill to terminate the favrication of Uatiea States notes and fractional curcency, to Streagthen the reserves ef the Daliona banks and to romote the return ty specie payment, The bill provides that the iwbrivation of United States notes shall cease imme- diately after its passage and the government shall case Lo pay Out or reissue any fractional curreney ©. denominations less than twenty-five cents after Jone 3v, or denomtnations of twenty-five cents after september 8, or of Mfty cents after Decemoer 30, which date all iractional currency in the .Sury shall be cancelled and destroyed. Sec- a three provides that the Treasurer of the tu Ualied States shall retin the interest upon au vonds held by bim a3 security for the of any bank, und issue therefor cireulation 8) | gold certiticates of deposit without interest, ich muy be eid vy ‘he respective banks in whose Ww Javor they are issued as part of their legal reserves uuul the resumption of specie payments. Section four :eguires thai When @ national bank withdraws 18 bouds held as security for circulation all substi- tute bouds shall be the four per cent bonds autho- rized by the act of July i4, 1870, The remaining chons require the withdrawal of all oonds bearing aer tau coin interest, and the substitution in ir place of coin interest-bearing boads within 8, aud increase the amounts Of five per cent iranda ball per cent bonds authorized by t of July 14, 1870, to five hundred millions of p.) and CaSSERLY (dem.), of Cal., to aboush the income tax by the late repeal of all laws authorizing its assess- nt and collection after the ist day of January ‘0.8 introduced bills as follows:—To abolish Cu charges in the mints; amend the act of uly T4, 1870, by repealing tue seetions which lowered Juty on braudy and prepared opiam; also a joint so.ution dedining tae ryguis of settlers on the pub- © lands; also a joint resvlution relaung to gold ud United States notes. The latter provides tuat alter Jane 30, 181i, such notes shail be recetva- yo ub theur full Value for daties on imports. NUE WITH MINISTER WASHBURNE. miroduced and temporarily laid “as follows:— by MR vor, (vep.) of N. Y.—Requesting the “ident to communicate all the correspondence he United Siates Minister at Paris and the of State since the breaking out of the yar velWeen France and Prussia, 60 far as the same relates to political subjects and matters connected with the sald war, as weil ax to the protection of aubieels of North Germ \n Confederation with with the United s Legation in Paris has been ebarged. Aiter Presidenvs Message was read retary the Misi s. By Mr. Corser, (rep.) ¢ For information as vo the probable cost of tae improvement of Ump- qua and Willametie rivers above Oregon City, in Oregon. By Mr. SumNeR—For information concerning the condition and fnancial management of the colored schools of Washington and Georgewwwn, D. ag vo the extent w which the educational ne the colored population are provided for. Mr. SaAULSbuRY, (dem.) of Md., remarked that the | result of the recent elections in the border States ought to warrant an investigation by Congress as to What had become of the Altcentn amendment and the act eulorcing it. ‘A resulution, offered by Mr. Trumeuut, (rep.) of , Was adopted, directing the Secretary of the ‘asury to furnish the Senate with a copy oi the turms of entries, oaths, bonds, rules and regulations prescribed Providing for the immediate transportation 0: mer- chandise [rom ports ef entry to ports of delivery. Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) of Olio, made an ineffectual effort to get up the bill ceding certain jurisdiction to the State of Ohio, relerring to the recepuon ef vous of inmates of soldiers’ asyiums. At half-past one the President’s Message was re- ceived and the next hour was occupied iu its read- ing by the Secretary. it was then ordered to be printed. At twenty-five minutes to three the Senate ad- journed, Buse ms HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 1870. THE WELCOME GRERTING. ‘The opening of the third session ot the Forty-first | Congress was atiended with tne usual pleasant greetings between members. But very few nad ur- rived im the city to Saturday morning, and conse- quently there had been little chance for the inter- change of friendly inquiries aud assurances until the members met each other on the floor and in the corndors of tbe House. The results of the recent ‘eections (urniahad the principal tovic of canversa- V NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8. I870—TRIPLE SHEET. | tton—of congratutation on the auscess of the fow, of regret on the defeat of the many. The morning was as warm and balmy as tf the month had been September and not December, and, therefora, the residents and visitors of Washington (urned out tu great numbers to witness the opening of the session. The galleries aud corridors of the House were crowded with speotators, The House was called to order at noon by Mr. Speaker Paine, Aue proceed- ings were opencd with prayer by 0 Oh plain, Rev, Dr, J, G, Butler, The roll of membera was then cafied. One hundred and seventy-three members answered to thelr names, Excuses were made for Kerr, of Indiana, and Calkin, of New Yerk, who were detained at heme by severe iliness. On motion of Mr, SouRNCK, (rep) of Ohto, a com- mittee was appointed to joln a like committee on the part of the Senate te wait on the President of the United States and inform him that Congress was in session and ready to receive any communication he might deem proper to make. Messrs, Schenck, Allison, (rep.) of Iowa, and Petter, (dem.) of N. Y., by bim ander ihe act of July 14, 1870, | { Madrid. were appoiuted such compiites oa the part of tho House. 4 NRW MEMBERS, J. H. SYPRER, (rep.) was sworn tn as member from the First district of Louisiana: Joseph Dixon, (ery) from the Secend district of North Carolina. W. Duke, after an unsuccessful effort on the part ef Messrs. Schenck and Platt to have his cre- dentiais referred te the Committee on Elections, was called upon to take the oath as member from the Fifth district of Virginia, but was not present. A RAOKSS. The House then, at one o'clock, took a recess till a juarter to two o’clock, awaiting the reception of the resident's Message. DUK WINS. The recess having expired, Mr. Duke, member elect trom Virginia, presented himself and took the oath of office. THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE to Congress was then delivered, and Mr. McPherson, the Clerk of the House, proceeded vo read it, The conclusion of the Message was received with ap- piause op the floor and im the galleries, Tae Mee sage Was ordered te be printed. THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT REPORT was then presented aud referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, TRE FIRST BILL PASSED. A bill te supply an omission in the last Indian Ap- propriation bill was reported by Mr. Dawgs, (rep.) of Maas., and passed, The House then, at three o'clock, adjourned. THE MESSAGE. TO THR SENATE AND TIVES :—~ Ayear of peace and general prosperity to this nation bas passed since the last assembling of Con- gress. We have, through akind Providence, been blessed with abundant crops and have been spared from complications and war with foreign nations. In our midst comparative harmony has been re- stored. Itisto be regretted, however, that a free exercise of House OF RXPRESENTA- THE ELECTIVE FRANCHISE has, by violence and intimidation, been denied to citizens in exceptional cases tn several of the States lately in rebellion, and the verdict of the people has thereby been reversed, The States of Virginta, Mis- sissippt and Texas Mave been restored to representa. “ion in our national councils. GEORGIA TO COME IN NRW YBAR’S. Georgia, the only State new without a representa- tion, may confidently be expected to take her piace there also at the beginning of the new year, and then, let us Lope, will he 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 a3 the price of our Union— the pensions to our disabled soldiers and satiors and their widows and orphans, and tn the changes to the constitution which have been made neces- Sary by @ great rebelllon there is no reason why we should not advance in material prosperity and happiness as ono other na- tion did after so protracted and devastating a war. OUR MINISTER [N PARL. Soon after the existing war broke ont fa Europe the protection of the United States Minister in Paris was invoked tn favor of North Germans domiciled in French territory. Instructions were issued to grant the pretection. This has been followed by an extension of American protection to citizens of Sax- ony, Hesse and Saxe-Coburg-Gotia, Columbia, Por- tugal, Uruguay, the Dominican republic, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela in Paris. The charge Was a0 onerous one, requiring constant and severe lavor, a8 well as the exercise of patience, prudence and good judgment. It has been per- formed to the entire sausfaction of the government, and, as I am ofiiclally informed, equally 80 to the satisfaction of the government of Nogth Germany. RECOGNITION OF THR FRENOH REPUBLIC. As soon as I learnea that a repnbiio had been prociamed 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 tt and tender my congratulations and these of the people of the United States, The re-establishment tn France of a system of government disconnected with the dynastic traditions of Europe appeared to be a proper subject fer the felicitations of Americans. Should the present struggle result in attiacting the hearts of the French to our simpler forms of representative goverpment it will be a sub- ject 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 vontests, we cannot be indifferent to the spread of American political ideas in a great and highly civilized country like France. We were asked by the new government to use our good of- fices jolntly with those of European Powers in the interests of peace. Answer was made that the es- tablished policy and the true interests of the United States forbade them to interfere in Eurepean ques- tions jointly with the European Powers. I ascer- tained informally and unoificiaily that the gov- ernment of North Germany was not then disposed to listen to such representations from any Powers, and though earnestly wish- ing 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 would only result in injury to true interests witheut aa- vancing 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 witl be heartily taken. THE NKUTRALITY PROCLAMATION. I deemed it prudent, in view of the number of persons of German and Frenca birth living in the United States, to issue, soon after oilicial netice of @ State of war had been received trom botn the bel- ligerents, a proclamation defining the duties of the United States as a neutral and the obligations of per- sons residing within their territory to observe their laws and the jaws of nations. ‘this proclamation was followed by others as circumstances seemed to cailfor them. The people, thus acquainted in ad- vance of their duties aud obligations, have assisted in preventing violations of the neutrality of the United States. YAE INSURRECTION IN CUBA. It is not understood that the condition of the In- surrection 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 inau- rurated a system of arbitrary arrests, of close con- Inement, and of ag arr: trial and execution of person’ suspéctéd of complicity with the tnsui- gents, and of summary embargo of their pro- perties 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 Mpagtreaics ey oem of the Treaty of 1795 between the United States and Spain. Representations of injuries resulting to several persons claiming to be citizens of the United States by reason of such violations were made tothe Spanish government, From Ane 1360, to Jane last the Spanish Minister at Washington had been clothed with a limited power to aid in redress- ing suca wrongs, That power was feund to be withdrawn ‘in \iew,”’ as it was said, “of the favora- bie situation in which the island of Cuba then was,’’ which, however, did not lead to revocation or sus+ pension of the extraordinary and arbitrary func- tiens exercised by the executive power in Cuba, and we were obliged to make our complaints at Jn tue 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 pasta jotnt triounal should be established in the United States, with ful! jurisdiction over all such claims. Before such an impartial tribunal each claimant would be required to prove his case, Ou the other band Spain would be at liberty to traverse every matertal fact, aad thus complete equity would be done. A case which atone time threatened sertously to affect the relations be- tween (he United states and Spain has already been disposed of inthis way. The claim oi the colonel Lioyd Aspinwall for the tliegal seizure aud deten- tion of that vessel was referred to arbitration by mutual conseat, and das resuited in an award to the United States for tue owners of the same of $1y,702 60 in gold. THE WHALPSTIP CANADA. Another and jong penaing claim of like natare, that of the whalesitip Canada, has been disposed of by filendly arbitration during the present year. It was reterred, by the jotmt cousent of Brazil ana tho United States, to the decision of Sir Kaward Thora- ton, her Britannic Majesty's Minister al Washington, who kindly undertook the labortous task of cxamin- ing the voluminous mass of correspondence aod testimony submitted by the two governments, and awarded to the United States tho aura of $100,740 im gol i, which has since been paid by the imperial gov- ernment. recent examples that the mode which the United States have proposed to Spain for adjusting the pending clatms i# just and feasi- ble. aud that tt may be agreed to by either nation without dishonor. It is to bo hoped that this mode- rate demand may bo acceded to by Spain without further delay, Should the pending negotiations un- fortnaalely. and unexpectedly be without result it will then become my duty to Communicate that fact to Congress and tovite its action on the subject. SPAIN AND THE SOUTH AMBRICAN COLONIES. The long-ceferred peace conference between Spain And the allied South American republics has been inaugurated tn Washington under the ausploes of the United States, Pursuant to the recemmends- tion contained in the resolution of the House of Re- resentatives of {he 17th of December, 1866, the xecutive Department of the government offered Ita friendly oftices for the promotion of peace and harmeny between Spain ana allied republics. Hestations and obstacles occurred to the accept- ry the offer. Ultimately, however, & Conference waa arral and was opened tn this oily on the 20th of October last, at whion | author- {ved the Secretary of State to preside, It was at- ipa by the Ministers of Spain, Pera, hile aud ou or. ma conse! oe ce of the sbsence ofa repre. sentative tro r as ad- journed until the ivi atte BEE ibnipatentiary om that republic couid be secured or other men- sures could be adopted towards compaasing its ob- jects, The allied and other republics of Spanish origin on this Continent may see ta this fact a clear proof of our alncere interest In their welfare—of our desire to ee them bleased with rene governments, capable of matntatning order and of preserving their res} tive territorial integrity, and of our sincere wish to extend our own commercial and social reiations with them. The time is not, probably, far distant when, in the natural ceurse of events, the European political connection with this Gontinent will cease. Our poitcy should be shaped, in view of this robability, 40 as to aily the commercial interests of the Spanish- American States more closely te our own, and thus give the Untted States all thé pre-eminence and all the advantages which Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams and Mr, Clay contemplated when they proposed to joln in the Congress of Panama. THE SAN DOMINGO BUSINESS. M Daring the last session of Congress a treaty for the anuexation of the republic of St, Domingo to the United States falled to receive tne requisite two-thirds vote of he Senate, I was thoroughly convinced then ¢ the — best resis Of this country, commercially afid materially, de- manded its ratification, ‘Time has only coutirméd me tn this view. I now firmly beileve that the mo- pre titis known that the United States have en- rely abandoned the project of accepting as a part of its territory the island of St. Domingo a free ae will be negotiated jor by Kurepean nations. the Bay of Samana a large commercial city will spring up te which we wiil be tributary, witout re- ceiving cerresponding benefits, and tnen will be seen the folly of Telening i He] @ prize, The government of St, Dominge voluntarily sought this annexation, [tis a weak Pewer, numbering, probably, lesa than 120,000 souls, and yet possessin: one of the richest localities under the sun, capable o} supporting @ population of ten mitlions of people in iuxury. ‘The people of St. Domingo are not capable of matntaiming them- selves in their present condition, and mu t look for outside support, They yearn for the protection of our free institutions and laws, our pro- grese and Gcivilizatiou, Shall we refusethem’ The acquisition of St. Domingo 18 destrable vecause of its geographical position, It commands the entrance fo the Caribbean Sea and the Istumus transit of com. merece, It possesses the richest soll, best and most capacions Darbors, most salubrious cumate, an’ the most valuable products of the forest, mine and soll of any of the West India islands. [tx posses-ien by the United States will ta afew years bulld up ® coastwise commerce of immense magnitude, which will go far towards restoring to us our lost merchagt marine. It will give to us those articles which we consume greaqly and do not produce, thus equalizing our ex- ports and imports. In case of foreign war it will give us command of ail the islands referred to, and thus prevent an enemy from again possessing her- sell of a rendezvous upon onr coast. It will protect our coast trade between the States bordering on the Alianiic aou those bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, and ‘v ‘ie Bahamas and Antilles. Twice we mist, as it were, pass throngh foreign countries to get by from Georgia to the west coast of Flora, St Domingo, with a stable government wider which her immense resources can be developed, will give remunerative wages to 10,000 laborers not now upon the tsland. This labor will take advantage ef every avaiable means ot transportation to abandon the agjacent tstands and seek the bdlessings of freedom aua its sequence, each inbabitant receiving the reward of his own labor. Porto Rico apd Cuba will have to abolish slavery a8 & measure of self-preservation 10 retain their islands, St. Domingo wili become 4 large consumer of the products of the Northern farms and manufactortes. The cheap rate at which her citizens can be furnished with foed, tools and machinery will make it necessary that contiguous islands should have the same advantages In order to compete in the production ef sugar, coffee, tobacco, tropical fruits, &c. ‘bis will open to us a wider market for our products. The production of our own supplies of these articies will ‘cat off more than one hundred muilions of our annual imperts, besides largely increasing our exports, With such & picture 1tis easy to see how our large debt abroad 1a ultimately to be extinguished. With a balance of trade against us, including interest of bonds held by foretgners and money shipments by our citizens tra- veliing in foreign lands equal to the entire yield of precious metals in this country, it 18 not so Cd te see how this result is to be otherwise accomplished. The acquisition of St. Domingo is an adherence to the Monroe doctrine—is a measure ef national pro- tection. it is asserting our just claim to controlling influence over the great com- mercial traMec soon to flow from West to East by way of the isthmus of Darien, which is to build up our merchant marine. It is to furnish new markets for the products of our farms, sheps and manufactorles; itis to make slavery insupportable in Caba and Porto Rieo at once, and ultimately so in Brazil; itiste settle the umbappy condition of Cuba and end an extirminatory conflict; it ts to provide honest means of paying our honest debts without over-axing the people; it 13 to fornish our citizens with the necessaries of every- day life at cheaper rates tnan ever before; and it ts, in fine, a a stride towards that greatness which the Intelligence, industry and enter- prise of the citizens of the nited States entitle this ceuntry to assume among nations. In view of the importance of tis question I ear- nestly urge upon Congress early action expressive of ta views as to the vest means of acquiring St. mingo. My suggestion is that by joint resolu- tion of the two houses of Congress the Executive be authorized te appoint a commission to negotiate a treaty with the authorities of St. Domingo fer the acquisition ot that island, and that an appropria- tion be made to defray the expenses of such com- mission. The question may then be determined by the action of the twe houses of Congress upon a reso- lution of annexation, as tn the case of the acquisition of Texas. So convinced am | of the advantages to flow from the acquisition of st. Dumingo, and of the great disadvantages, | might almost say calamities, te flow from non-acquisition, that | belleve the sub- ject nas only to be investigated to be approved, THR ZONA LIBRE OF MEXICO, It 1s to be regretted that our representations in regard to the injurious effects, especially upon the revenue of the United States, ef the policy of the Mexican government in exempting from import duties @ large tract of its territory on our borders have not only been fruitiess, but that it is ever proposed in that country to ex- tend the limits within which the privilege adverted to bas hitherto been enjoyed. ‘The expediency of taking into your serious cen- sideration proper measures for couatervailing the policy referred to will, tt ig presumed, engage your earnest attention. EXTRADITION TREATIES. Jt 1s the obvious interest. especially of nelghnor- ing nations, to provide agains: immunity to those who may have committed high crimes within their borders and who may have soughi refuge abroad, For this purpose extradition treaties have been con- cluded with several of the Central American repub- ites, And others are in progress, THE CLAIMS AGANST VENEZURLA The sense of Congress is desired as early may be convenient upon the proceedings of the commission on claims against Venezucia, as communicated in my messages of March 4, 1869, March 1, 1876, and March 31, 1870, It has not been deemed advisable to distribute any of the money which has been re- ceived from that government until Congress shall have acted upen the subject. THE CHINESE MASSACRR. The maasucre of French and Russian resiuents at Tien-Taiu under circumstances of great barbdarity, were supposed by some te have been premeditated, and to Indicate @ purpose among the populace to exterminate foreigners in the Chinese empire. The evidence fails to establish such a supposition, but shows @ complicity by the local authorities with the mob. The government at Pekin, however, seems to have been disposed to tulfll its treaty obligationa 80 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 su- perstitions mass might expel all fereigners and re- glore mandarin influence. Anticipating trouble from the cause I Invitea France and Nort Germany te make ap authorized suspension of hostilities in the Kast, where they were temporarily suspended by act ef the commanders, and te act together for the fature degli 1m China of the lives and pro- perties of Americans and uropeans, TREATIES MXCHANGED AND RATIFIED. Since the adjournment of Congress the ratifica- tions of the treaty with Great Brituin for abolishing the mixed courts for the suppression of the alava 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, The ratifications of the naturalization convention between Great Britain and the United States have also been exchanged during the recess, and thus along standing dispute between the two governments has veen settied ia accordance with a principles always conteuded fur oy the United taies, THF MUDSON BAY DIPFIOULTY. In April tast, wuile engaged in io tary reservation near Pembina, gincers diacovered that ihe Houndary ine between the the Gritish poasersions at ng & mili a corps of en- commonly received United States and that place ts about 4,100 fect sourh of the wWue position of the forty-minth paralicl, and that the line when run ou what 13 “OW supposed Lo ue Lie rue position of (hat parallel would leave tne lort of the tory of the United States, This information being communicated to the British government, 1 was requested to consent, and did consent, that British occupation of the fort of Hudson Bay Company should continue for the present. 1 deem it impor- tant, however, that this part of the bonndary should be definitely fixed by a jotnt comunission of the two governments, and | submit herewith estimates of exponse of such a commission on the part of the United States, and recommend an appropriation for that purpose, ‘The land bounday has already been fixed and marked from the summit of tho Rocky Mountains to the Georgian Bay, It should pow be in luke manner marked {rom the of the Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains. THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. 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 Cavinet of London, 80 far as its views have been expressed, does not appear to be willing to concede that her Majesty’s government was guilty of negligence, r v8 or peeesl est any act during tne War for which the Untted States has just pone comme SS therefore een ngress tO Au We e Sppolyr mst } \ ike prod! of the ‘ott the owner- ha nang i is on tous Brine re resentative ef her Majesty at Wasnington, and that authority be given for the settlement of these clatma by the United States, so that the Ve ernment shall have the ownership of the private claims, as well a8 the responsible coutrol of all the demands against Great sritain. [¢ @annot be necessary to add that whenover her Majesty’s government shall entertain a desire for a full a’d 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 aations, DANADIAN FIBHERY QUI ‘The cot rie oy ‘pe main ait rities towards the fisuermen 6f uring tue past season has not been marked by a friend] feeling. By the first article of the cenvention 1818 between Great Britain and the United States it was ered that the inhabitants of the United States shoutd have ferever in common with British subjects Wwe right of taking fish in certain waters therein de- fimed. In the waters not included in the limita named in the convention (within three miles of parts of the British coast) it bas been the custom for twenty years to give to intruding fishermen of the United States a reasonabie warning of their viela- tion ef the technical rights of Great Britain. unpertal government 1s understood tu have delegated the whele or @ share of its jurwdiction or control of these inshere fAshery grounds ft, the colonial authority knowh as fhe minion of Canada; and this semt-independent hut irresponsible agent has exercised its delegated pew- ers in an unfriendly way easel have been seized without notice or warning, in violation of the eus- tom previously prevailing, and have been taken into the Colontal ports, their voyages broken up and the vessels condemneds There is reason to betieve that this unfriendly and vexatious treatment wag 4¢- signed to bear harshly upon the hardy fishermen of the Untied States, with a view to political effect ernment, The statutes ef the Do- Jauada assume @ stil broader, more uotenable juri tion over the vessels of the United States. They authorize officers or persons to bring vessels hovering within three marine miles of any of the coasts, bays, creeks or barbors of Canadas toto port, to search the cargo, ‘0 examiue tue master on oath touehing the cargo and voyage, and to inftct upon him a heavy pecuniary penuity if true answers are not given id if such & vessel is found “preparing to fish” within three marine iniies of any suck coasts, bays, Creeks or harbors without a itcense, or after te expiration of the period named in the last license granted to it, they provide that the vessel, with her tackle, &c., snail be fer- fotted. It is uot knewn 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 neces- sary ta protect the rights of tue citizens of the United States. It has been ciaimed by her Majesty’s officials that the fishing vessels of the United Stutes have no right to enter the open perts of the British poeses- shelter and repairing damages, for purchasing wood and obtaining water; that they have no right to enter at the British Custom Houses or to trace there, except for the purchase of wood and water, and that they must depart within twenty-four hous after notice te leave. {tis not Known that any seiz- States has been made under this claim. So far as the claim ts founded on an alleged constructien of the convention of 1518 it caunot be aequiesced in by the Unitea States. It is hoped that it will not be insisted on by her Majesty’s government. During the conference which preceded the nego- tiation of the convention of 1818 the British Oom- missioners proposed to expressly exalude the fisher- men of the United Staves from the privilege of carrying on trade with any of his Britannic Ma- Jeaty’s subjects residing within the limits assigned for their use, and also that it should not be “lawful for the vessels of the United Staves engaged in such fishery to have on board any geous, wares or mer- chandise whatever, except such as may be necessary rosecution ef thelr voyages to aad from 4; and any vessel of the li contravene this reguia- zed, condemned and confiscated, with her cargo.’’ ‘This proposition, which is identi- cal with the construction now put upon the lan- guage of the convention, was emphatically rejected by the American Commission, and there- upon abandoned by the British Pienipotentiaries, and Article J, a8 it stands in the convention, Was substituted. If, however, it be said that this claim is founded on provincial or colonial statutes, and not upon the convention, this government can- net but regard them as unfriendly, and tu contra- vention ef the spirit, if not of the letter, of the treaty, for the faithfal execution ef which the imperial overnment is alone responsi- ble. Anticipating that ao attempt may possi- be made by the Canadian authorities in the coming season to repeat their unueighberiy Hudson Bay Company 4 Pembina within the terre acts towards our tishermen, I recemmend you te confer upon the Executive Power to suspend, by | uate ge the operation of the lawa Ceyhier | ‘he transit of goods, wares and merchandise In bon across the territory of the United States to Canada, and farther, should such ap extreme measure be- come necessary, to suspend the operation of any laws whereby the vessels of the Dominion of Oanada are permitted to enter the waters of tme United Btates, A like unfriendly dispesition has been man- ifested on the part of Canada in the maintenance of @ claim of the right te 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 pepu- lation of aboat 17,600,000 inhabitants, and with an aggregate tennage of 661,367 tons upon the waters which discharge inte it. The foreign commerce of our ports on these waters is open two British ola tition, and the major part of itis done in British bettoms. the American seamen be excluded from this nataral 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 transatiantic voyages maving an access to our lake ports, which would be dented te American vessels on similar voyages. To state such a propo- sition is to refute its Justice. During the administra- tion of Mr. Join Quincy Adams Mr. os unques- tionably demenstrated the national mght of the citizens of the United States to the navigation of this river, claiming that the action of the Gengress 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 terri- tory of another Power. This right does net exclude the coequal right of the sovereign possessing the territory through wiuch the river debeuches into the sea to make such regulations relative te the police of the navigation as may be reasonably necessary; but those regulations should be framea in a liberal spirit of comity, and sboula not nopose neediess 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 POLICE OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVE 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. If the claim made by Mr. Clay was just, when the popula. tion of the States bordering en the shores of the lakes was only 3,400,000, it now derives greater force and equity from the tnereased population, wealth, roduction and tounage of the States an the Canadian ontier, Since Mr, Clay advanced his argument in benalf of our right the principle for which he con- tended has been frequently and by various nations recognized by law or by treaty, and has deen ex- tended to several other great rivers. FREE NAVIGATION AN INTERNATIONAL RIGHT. By the treaty concluded at Mayence, tn 1831, the Rhine was deciared free trom the pent where it is first navigable into the sea. By the convention be- tween Spain and Portugal, concluded !n 1835, the navigation of the Douro throughout its whole ex- tent was made free for the subjects of both crowns. In 1868 the Argentine Confederation by treaty threw epen the free navigation of the Parana and Uruguay te the merchant vessels of all nations. In 1856 the Crimean war was closed by a treaty which revided for the free navigation ef the Danube. In 858 Bolivia, by treaty, declared that it regarded the rivers Amazon and La Plata, in accordance with fixed principles of nationat law, a6 bighways or channels ned by nature for the commerce of all nations. In 1850 the Paraguay was made free by treaty, and im December, 106, the Emperor of Brazil by imperial decree declared the Amazon to be Open to the frontier of Brazil te the merchant ships of all nattons. The greatest living British authority on this suoject, while asserting the abstract right of the British claim, says:—‘‘It seems dificult to deny that Great Britain may ground her refusal upon strict law, but it is equally dimcult to deny, first, that in so doing she exercises harshly an extreme and hard law; and, sec- ondly, that her cenduct with respect to the navigation of the St, Lawrence is in glaring and discreditable inconsistency with her conduct witn respect to tho navigation of the Mississippi. On the d that she possessed & small domain on which fle MNsissipp! took its rise, she insisted on the right to navigate the entire volume of its waters. the greund that she possesses both banks of the St. Lawrence, where it disem- begues itseif into the sea, sho denies to the United States the rignt of tered throng about one-half of the waters oi Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Snperior, and the whole of Lake Michigan, through which the river (ows, is the property of the Untied States, The whole nation 1s interested in securing cheap transportation from the agricuilural states af the West to the Atiantio seaboard. ‘fo the citizens o1 those States tt secures @ greater return for their lavor, to the Mmuabitants of the seaboard tt aitords cheaper food, to ua Uon an increase 10 the annual surpius of wea.ch. ib is hoped that the gavermimont Of Great Britar wil deo the susuce Of alandoume the narrew aad iacon- sions in North America, except jor the purpore of | ure ef a fishing vessel carrying the Nag of the United | slatent claim to whiok her Canadian provinees have urged ber auberouge, OUR COMMBROR AND @THAMAHIP LINES. Our depressed Commeroe 14 a aubjeo. to which I called your special atvention at the last aession, and suggested that we will in the future have ¢o look more to the countries south of us and to China and Japan for its removal. Our own representatives to all those governments have exerted their infduence to encourage trade between the United States and the countries te whica they are accredited. But the fact existy that the carrying trade is almost entirely ir foreign bottoms, and while this state of alfairs exis We cannot control our due share of the commerce of the world, That between the Pacitic States and China and Japan 18 about ell the carrying trade now conducted in American vessels, I would recommend a tiberal policy toward that line of American. steamers—one that Will insure ite success and oven increased usefulness, The cost Of building iron vessels—the 01 ones that can com- pete with foreign ships in the catrying trade—is so much ter in the United States thar tn foreign countries that without some assistance from the vernment they cannot be succesefully built here, lerewith will be several positions laid before esa in the course of the present session look: ing to a remedy for this evil, even if it should be at seme cost to the national treasury. I hope such en- copragement will be given as will insure American shipplog on the high seas aud American shipbuild- log at home, , aR, AB STATR DEPARTMENT BUILDING. ‘The sete of the archives of the Department of State calls for the early action of Congress. The buildiag now rented by that department is a frail structure, at an inconvenient distance from the jon and from the other departments, 0 the purpose for which it is use has not gapooitz to accommedate the ves an & not proof. Its remote situation, its slender onstructio ang the absence of iy of water in iuy uetglinortond, 1eb¥®, but tte Hope or safety for either the building or its contents in case of the accident of a fire. Its fererbeye would involve the loss the rolls contatning 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 (t was the principal depesi- tory of the governmental archives. I recommend an appropriation for the construction of # building for the Department of State, TRANSPRR OF BUREAUS. I recommend to your reconsideration the propriety of referring to the Department of the Intertor, to which they seem more ap) LORS to belong, all powers and duties tn relation to the Territories with hich the Department of State ts now charged by law or usage, aud from the Interior Department to the War Department the Pension Bureau, So far as it reguiates the payment of soldiers’ pensions. { would farther recommend that the payment of naval pensions be transferred to one of the bureaus of the Navy Department. TAK FINANCIAL BUDOFT FOR NEXT YRAR. The estimates of the exponses of the goverument fot fe next fiscal year are $15,244,346 lesa than ‘or the current one, but exceed the appropriations for the pfesent yeur for the same Items $8,97: in this estimate, however, 18 included 338,278 for publio works heretofore begun under Con- gressional provision, and cf which only se much is asked as Congress may chvose to give. The appro- priation for whe same works for the present fiscal year was $11,934,518, THE APPROACH TO SPECIE PAYMENTS. ‘The average value of gold as compared with national currency for the whole of the year 1869 Was about 184, and for sevea months of 1870 the same relative value hus been about 115, ‘The ap- proach to a specie basis 18 very gratifying, but the fact cannot dented that the fustability ef the value of our curreney is prejudicial to our pros- perity, and tends to keep up prices, to the detriment of trade, The evils of a depreciated and fuctuating currency fire 3@ great that now, when the premtum on gold bas fallen #o much, it would seem that the time bas arrived when, by wiae and prudent legislation, Congress should look to a policy which werld place our curreavy at par with gold at no dis- tant day. THE “REFORMS IN THE BEVENOE,”? ‘The tax collected from the people has been reduced more than eighty million deilars per annom. By steadiness im our preset course there is no reason why in a few short years the national lax gatherer may not disappear from the deor of the citizen almost entirely. With the reve- nue sBiamp dispensed by postmasters in every community, @ tax upon liquors of all sorts and tobacco 1m all its forms, and by a wise adjustment of the tari, which will puta duty only upon tho.e articles which we could dispense with, Known as Juxurics, and on chose which we use more of than we produce, }evenue enough may be raised, after a few years of peace and consequent reduction of indebtedness, to fulfi ali our obligations, A far- ther reduction ef expenses, in addition to a red uc- tion of interest account, may be relied on to make this practicable. Revenne reform, if tt means this, has my hearty support. If it implies a collection of wil the revenue for the suppert of the government, for the payment of the principal and interest of the public debt, pensions, &c., by directly taxing the people, then I am against revenue reform and confideutly believe tue people are with me, If it means failure to provide the neces#ary neans to defray all expenses of the gov- ernment, and thereby repudiation of the public debt ahd pensions, then [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 {8 to supply every man’s Wants without any cost or effort ou his part. <A true revenue reform cannot be made in @ day, but must be the work of national legislation and of time. Assoon as the revenue can be dispensed with all duty should be removed from coffce, tea and other articles of unt- versal use not produced by ourselves. The necessi- ties of the country compel us to ccllect revenue from our importa An army of assessors and collectors {s not a leasant sight to the citizen, bat that or a tarttf for revenue ts necessary. Such a tariff, so far as it acts ag an encouragement to home products, affords employment to labor at liv- ing wages in contrast to the pauper lavor of tne Old World, and also in the development of home re- sources, THE REDUCTION OF THE ARMY. Under the act of Cougress of July 15, 1870, the army has gradoaily been reduced, so that en the ist of January, 1871, the number of commis- sioned officers and men will not exceed the num- ber contemplated by that law. Tne War Depart- ment butlding is an oid siructare, not fireproof and entirely 1 equate in dimcnsious to our preseut wants, Many thousands of dollars are now pald annually for rent ef private bulidings to accommo- date the various bureaus of the department. I recommend an appropriation for a new War Depart- ment building suited to the present and growing wants of the nation. The report of the Secretary of War shows a very satisfactory reduction in the ex- penses of the army for the last year. For details you are referred to his accompanying report. EXPENSES OF THE NAVY. The expenses of the navy for the whole of the last year—i. 6, from December, 1869—the date of the last’ report—were less than $19,000,000, or about $1,000,000 lesa than they were the previous year. The expenses since the commencement of toils fiscal year—i. ¢, since July show, for the five months, a decrease ef over $2,400,000 from those of the corresponding months last year. The estimates fer the current These for next year are $20,683,317, 100 udditional fer necessary permanent improvements. These estimates are made closely fer the mere maintenance of the naval establishment, as it aow Js, without much in the na- ture ef permanent imprevement. The appropriauons made for the last and current years were evidently intended by Congress and are suficient only to oat the navy on its present 1eoting by the repairing an refitting of eur old ships. This policy must of course gradually but surely destroy the navy, and itis in itself jar from econemical, a3 each year that it is pursued the necessity fer more repairs in ships and navy yards becemes more imperative apd 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 ef Congress to be able te submitto ita plan by which naval vessels. can be built and repairs made with great saving pon the presevt cost. itcan be bardly wise states- manship 1 a government which represents a osuntry with over five thousand miles of cost line on both oceans, exclusive of Alaska, and containing forty mil- Hons of progressive peoplo, with relations o1 every na- tare with almost every foreign country, to rest with such inadequate means of enforcing nit foreign yey either of pro‘ection or redress. parated y the ocean froin the uations of the Eastern Con- tinont, our navy 1s our enly means of direct pretec- tiou to our citizens abroad or jor the enforcement of any foreign policy. ‘The accompanying report of the Postmaster Gene- ral shows @ most satdsfactory working of that de- partment. With the adoption of the recommenda. Uon scontained therein, particularly those relating te areform in the tranking privilege-and the adop- tion of correspondence cards, a self-sustaining postal system may speedily be looked for, and at no dis- tant day, and a further deduction of the rate of post- age be attained. REFORMS IN TRE I83UK ON COMMISSIONS. I recommend authorization by Congress to the Postmaster General and Attorney General to issue all commissions to officials appointed threugh their respective departments, At present these comumiis- sions, where appointments are Presidential, are tasued by the State Department. ‘che law in ail the departments of government except these of the Post Ofice and of Justice, authorizes eacn to issue its own commissions. Always favoring practical reforms, I respectfally call your attention to one abuse of leng standing, which I would like to see remedied by this Congress. It is reform in the clvilservice of the country. I would have it go beyond the mere fixing of the tenure of ofice of clerka and employes, who do not require “the advice and consent of the Senate’ to make their appeintments complete. I would have it govern not the tenure but the manner of making all appointments. Thereis no uuty whioh so much embarrasses the Executive and heads of depart- ments as that of appointments, nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor imposed on Sena~ tors and Representatives a3 that of finding places for censtituents, The present system dees not secure the best men, and often not even fit men, for public places, The eievation and puritication of the civil service of the government Will be lailed with appro- val by the whole peopie of the United States. Reform in the management ef Indian affairs has received the special attention of the administration from is juauguration to the preseat day. The experiment of making if @ Missionary work was tried with & few agencies given to the denomination at Friends: ‘dud bas been (ound tO Work most Advantageously. All agencies and superintendencies 104 80 disposed 4 wore gtyon to olicers of the army, THE QUAKBR LYDLAN AGENTS. The act al Congress ceductgm ihe avy renders Gimp oficers ineligible for oivt! penttions. Indiag Seeuoles being civil ofioes I dovermined to, giv all oles to such religious m od haa tofore established mission: among the Indians, and, periiaps, to some other denomina- ‘tons, who would undertake the work on the same terms—t ¢,, 28 a missionary work. The socie- {les selected are allowed %o name their own agents, subject to the approval of the Executive, aud are pected to watch over them and aid them as mis- sionaries and Christianize and civiliae the Indian and to train fim an the arts of ce. The gov- ernment watches over the oficial acts of these agents and requires of them as strict an accounts. bility as if they were appointed in any other manner. entertain the confident hope that the policy now pursued wil in @ few years bring all the Indians upon reservations, Where they will tive in houses, have schoolhouses and churches and will be pursuing peaceful and seit. cations, and where they icp = ited by the law-aoiding ‘white men wita the same impnnity that he now y; me sotalomants” 1 CF Your pect ancngee’s 3 ¢ report of the Commissioner of In: ‘far: full information om this subject. 8! AMtuirs for During the last flacal year 800,041 400 ' act Mc land were disposed of’ Of this” Cotrr 369,891,005 -acres were taken up under the Home- stead law and 215,950,581 acres were sold for cash, ‘The Ce esera? was located dt oer gst warran: yan 0 or applied in satisfaction ae 8 ta rot be for other public uses. The entries under the Homestead jay guring. she rear covered 961,645 acres md) the tke nase hey Surveys have been vigoro! QP ted oO Ans 8} q bie to the pt tit in marker wiil amply supply the present demand. Theciaim the settler under the Homestead or Pre-emption laws ls not, however, limited to land subject to sale at R wate entry. Apr pnenproneiated surveyed pub- ic lands may, to a limited extent, be acq wa the former laws, if the party entitled to enter un them will comply th the requirements they reseribe in peenra to residence and cultivation. ‘he actual settler’s preference mght of purchase is even broader, and extends to lands which weie ungurveyed at he time of his settlement. ‘This right was formerly confined within much narrower limita, Be at period of ee history was conterred only Pes Statutes. They wore enacted from timo to time 40 legalize ¥, w en regarded as at unauthorize Jntrasio! mn the a Dafional domain, The epinion that the public fands id 2 regarded chiefly a3 @ source of revenue G longer maintained. The rapid settlement and suc- cessful cultivation of them is now justly considered of more importance to our well being (han is the tund which the saie of them weuld preduce, The remark- able growth and prosperity of our new states and ‘Territories attests 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 ploneer who incurs the dangers and priva- tions of a froutier life and thus aids in laying the foundation of new Commonwealths renders & sig- nal service te his country and is entitled to its spe- cial favor and protection, The laws sécure that ob- J and largely promote the general welfare. They should, therefore, be cherished as a er- manent feature of our land system. ool Taith requires us to give full effect to extst- jug grants. The time-honored and beneficent olicy of setting apart certain sections of public laud for educational purposes in the new States should be coutinued, When ample provision shail have been made for these objects | submit as a ques- tlen worthy of serious consideration whether the residue of our national domain should bol be wholly disposed of under the provisions of the Hom ad and Pre-empton laws. addition to the swamp and everdowed iands granted to States iu which tuey are situated the lands takem under the agri- ‘cultural college acts and for internal improvement purposes under the act of September, 1841, and the acts supplementary thereto, there had been con- veyed to the close of the last fiscal year by patent or other equivalent evidence of utile to States and corporations 2,748, 625,763 1-100 acres for railways, canals and wagon roads. It is estimated that an ad: ditional quantity of 174,785,523 acres is gull due for grants for like uses, TAK LAND GRANT SYSTEM, Tne policy of thus aiding the States in building works of internal improvement Was inaugurated more than forty years since in the grants to indiana aad Ulinois to aid those States in upening canals to connect the waters of the Wabash with those of Lake Erie and the waters of Illinois with those of Lake Michigan, It was followed with some modifications in the grant to Illinois of alternate sections of public iand within certuin limits of the Lilinols Central Railway. Four- teen States ana sundry corporations have received Similur subsidies in connection with railways cem- pleted or in process of construction. As the several sections are rated at the double minimum the enhanced price has thus in many instances indemnified the Treasury for tue granted land, The construction of some of these oroughfares has undoubtedly given a vigorous impetus to the develepment of our re- sources and the settlement of the more distant por- Lions ef the conntry. It may, however, be well m- sisted that much of our legislation in thie regard bas been characterized by india- criminate. and profuse iberality, The Uniti States should not loan their credit in aid of @ny enterprise undertaken by States or corporations nor grant lands in any instance unless the projected work is of acknowledged iaterial importance. I am strongly inclined to the opinion that it is inex- pedient and unnecessary to bestow subsidies of eitner description; but should Congress determine otnerwise) I earnestly recommend that the nght of settlers and of the public be more effectually secured and protected by appropriate legislation. THE PATENT OFFICE BUSINESS. During the year ending September 30, 1870, tnere were filed in the Patent OMice 19,411 applications for patents, 3,374 caveats and 160 applications for the extension of patents; 13,622 2, parenisy inoluding re- issues and designs, were issued; 11,004 tendered and 1,089 allowed, but not issued, by reason of the non- payment of the final fees. The receipts of the oiice during the fisoal year were $13,630,420 in excess of its expenditures, THE CENSUS. The work of the Census Bureau has been ener- getically rosecuted. Tne prelimimary report, centaining much information of special value and interest, will be ready for delivery during the present session. The remaiming volumes ‘will be completed with all the despatch consistent with perfect accuracy in arranging and classify: the returns. We shail thus, at no distant day, pe furnished with an authentic record of our condition ca Em igen te e Le eerie 8: sient e wing pi country, althou; during the decade which has just olosed. 1t was 60 severely tried by the great war waged to maintain ite ae ‘ity and to secure and perpetuate our free institutions, THE PENSION FUND. During the last fiscal year tbe sum pald to pensieners, including the cost of disbursement, was $27,780,811, amd 1,758 bounty land war- rants were issued. At its close 108,686 names were on the pension rolls. The labors of the Pension Office have been directed to the severe scrutiny of the evidence submitted in favor of 1aw claims and to the discovery of fictitious claims, which have been heretofore allowed. The appropriations for tae employment of special agents ior the investigation of frauds have been judiciously used, and the results ebtained have been ef unquestionable benelit wo the service. THE EDUCATIONAL AND AGRICULTURAL BUREAUS. The subjects of education and agriculture are of at interest to the success of our republican insti- ‘tions, and our happiness and grandeur as a nation. In the interest of one a bureau has been estab- lished in the Interior Department—the Bureau of Edacation; and in the interest 01 the other a sepa- rate department—that of Agriculture. I believe great general geod 1s to fow trom the operations of botn of these bureaus, i properly fostered 1 cannot commend to your careful consideration too highly the reports of the Commissioners of Educa- tion and of Agriculture, nor urge too strongly such luberal legislation as to secure their officiency. HH POLICY OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN A NUT- SHELL. In conclusion, I would sum up the policy of the ad- mintstratien to be a thorough enforcement of every Jaw; a faithful collection of the 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 tho atest relief to the greatest numbers; honest and fair dealings with all other people to the end that war with all its blighting consequences may be avoided, but without surrendering any right or obli- ition due tous; a reform in the treatment of In-. ans and in the whole civil service of the country; and finally, in securing @ pure, untrammell ballot, where every men entitled te cast a vote maj ao 80 just once at euneh election without fear of molestation or proscription om account of his political ae nae tivity or color. U. 3. GRANT. Execorive MAnston, Dec. 5, 1370. YSTERIOUS MOVEMENTS. The United States Gra: Jury After the O1- fenders—Oubans or Frenchmen Suspocted of Violating the Neutrality Laws. Tho United States Grand Jury yesterday brongnt in several trae bills ef indictment against parties fer violation of the neutrality laws, but as the fore- man of the jury handed the bills to the Court with- out making the usual angouncement of the parties named therein tt was impossible to ascertain who they were. Rumor has it, however, that they are a lot of Frenchmen er Cnubans—probably the for mer—who have been detected in fitting out an ex- pedition against peoples with whom tI govern- Tent is at peace. Uj ® very late hour last night no arrests had been made, and probably will not be until this morning. SOMMAMBULA IN BROOKLYN, A young lady, who resides with her parents at No. 60 Adams street, Brooklyn, has been in the habit of getting up im her sleep at all hours of night and walking about the premises. At one time she was mistaken for @ burglar, and at another for a host. Yosterday morning her perambulations nearly 00st her her ft? . She ett her bed shortly before ope o'clock, and net long thereafter her father wae attracted by her screams. Hasteaing to her room. he lound her banging out of the window head downwards and with her feet clasped vy the window sash, which had IN pine a fallen tn time vo save her life. Ofticer , of the Second precinct, was also attracted byt — screama of the young lady aud bastened to the assistauce of her father, and suey vogether succeeded 1n pulling her back into tue room. She “a3 only. slightly injured, being bruised avout the ankle’ uy tho window falling upga bh