675 M614 1872 MAIN UC-NRLF B 3 S3fl 022 67 Pam 2, -, _-, /??* PBESIDMT GKANT. HIS OFFICIAL RECORD EXTRACTS PROM HIS ANNUAL MESSAGED by the Republican Congressional Committee, Washington, D. C.} la pnrsnanc of the affirmative policy which we have marked oat for t&e coadnct <* the ensuing campaign, we propose to meet the charges that the President ia sot qualified for the faitfifal and acceptable discharge of the Presidential ftmctiong, by permitting him to ipeak for himself. We hare, therefore, for the convenience *f &e r?,adr, arranged his utterances in his last thiee annual messages by topics, 89 >ihat fcTery citizen may judge for himself of the President s gtatesmanahip. Extract*, without regard to date, hare been arranged apou the game topics, whioh i the *evrest teat to which any political writer can be gubjected. So fiilly has the irobject been thought through ; to carefully feeling the full weight of official responsibility- kave the words beea chcaen, that there is a remarkable aniformity of opinion a&4 ityle. We venture to fay that the most, expert critic will be unable to discern from which message a givsn scntimsnt was taken. It will be sen that the subjects embraced are nuasrous, comprising all concroverta^ qacetions no coucealmtat or evasion of issue harmg been attempted. Thua oar po litical foes are either compelled to adopt the identical principles and doctrines hereni oet forth, and then there can be no other issue than one of personal animosity ; o? they will be compelled to set up views in opposition thereto. In either case they wHI cot be likely to meet with success. The Preridaat has endeared himself person* ftHy to the peoplo by his military renown aad hit unswerving integrity ; while hit political views are so judicious, humane, a&d progressive ; so eminently safe and eoa , that ft will roqotr* unusual recklMBness and impudence to attempt to refoU *** fatette **# c .The only regret we have is that limitation of epao* hat compelled na to out dowi tie argument in some instances, and to omit Ms views npon subordinate top;ci w3eh, in justice to their author, Ought to be presented. Imperfect in these respect) be this essay is, it is however amply sufficient to demonstrate to all fair- minded m*s that President Grant is pre-eminently wise and safe in th conduct of public affairs THE PRESIDENT S MILHTIBT RECORD. Allusions to General Grant s military achievements seem to be as distasteful to th smrepentant rebels and their allies as the sight of water to the victims of hydrophobia Those who did their utmost to destroy the American nation, and who only yield obe silence to superior force to-day, are of course enraged at the mention of the captur of Vicksburg and Richmond, and the surrender of Lee ; while their civilian allie contend that an enumeration of Grant s military achievements is taking an unfai Advantage. The former class insist that Grant never was a superior General, wMll the latter reluctantly concede his military success, but protest that it has no bearing upon a Presidential campaign. We are not disposed to concede this allegation! Grant s military achievements are part of his history and character, and if the oppo; ihioo have no man of equal renown to pit against him. it is their misfortune and ttist our fault. Had the rebellion succeeded a continent would have been split into fragment*, ant the only great Republic the light and hope of the peoples of the world would havi goa down in anarchy and confusion. Under Providence we are indebted for nfi lionsi existence itself to General Grant and to th legion of brave men living ad de&d, who either sacrificed or offered to sacrifice their lives, which ia the higher meaanre of devotion which men can bring to the support of a great cause. Grant s military career has not only reflected glory and renown npon our natioa to can well be interposed against the accusations of a want of patriotism or general ability. The history of all nations has proved beyond successful contradiction tbffl military success in a long struggle, with a million cf men in the field, can only b achieved by men of a high order of intellect. An ignorant man may stumble upoi success ; but the strategy necessary to th capture of Vicksburg, Richmond, and Lee 1 " ttray, together with the planning of the Sherman campaign, tested the mental eapacit; and resources of the Commander-in-Chief of our armies in an unmistakable mannel Justice to him and to our national character demands that the glorious memorial o fch* mutual sufferings and triumphs of the "Boys in BIn," shall be revived, and tiu roll-call of the guard of honor shall not be neglected. The President s modesty, which has often induced him to go to the upmost verjgft f deserting Presidential dignity, to avoid the appearance of arrogance or self- &m, ac.d his gift cf silence in a nation of talkers, have given his personal and politi gnemies a chance to pursue two lines of argument, which they urge alternately perfect unconsciousness of their self-contradiction. At one time he is represented ft Sphynx a echeming plotter in conjunction with an imaginary military ring for th* iestruotion of a nation s liberty ; a dangerous vampire, who will transmute tht Ro public into an empire with Ulysses I. as Emperor ; whlia the next day, perhaps, h* |t held up as an ignorant tool of designing men, only fit to ta& horse and iznoka cigars. The truth is h te a careful, judicious, painstaking man, exceedingly anxioot tt discharge his duties faithfully, and to execute the legally expressed will of the na tion. It is true he assumed the Presidential duties with reluctance &xl from the day of Ris fcuragBratioa he hao not mepely sought to teaan, but, * Wf hftil prove, has succeeded in finding the wisest and safest course of progreasm Statesmanship, With this brief introductory we propose to alltw him to spestk for ikasetf. IBB CONSTITUTIONAL 8PHJERE OF EXECUTIVE BUTIES. President Jahnaon, and a number of hia predecessors based the success of their ad* ninistratiis upon a purely legislative basis. They held that the Executive duties were too insignificant to achieve renown ; and therefore staked their success upon A legislative poHey. President Grant in his inaugural address defined the proper con* ftstrrtional sphere of the Executive power ; and he did H so concisely and completely that nothing caa be added or omitted to advantage. The primary duty of the Prest- dent is the faithful execution of all laws. Thus the Executive power is withtn k| jsbere co-ordinate with Congress, and can never be made too strong, because it repsr^ tenta the arm of the Government the will of the nation legally expressed. Th^ power to recommend is secondary and incidental. The Executive enjoys this rigM in common with all other citizens. He participates in the legislation of the country only through the veto power, which a President should exercise upon great qneetroog, only m rare instanees, and for ample cause. We propose herewith to give the first two paragraphs of the inaugural addresa, which contains more substance to the same number of words than any similar doea* meat with which ws are acquainted ; "Citizens of the United States : Your suffrages having elevated me to the office of President of the United States, I have, in conformity with the Constitution of on* country, taken the oath of office prescribed therein. I have taken this oath without mental reservation, with the determination to do to the best of my ability all that rt requires of me. The office has come to me nmsought. I commence its duties on- trammeled. I bring to it a conscientious desire and determination to fill it to (n beat of my ability to the satisfaction of the people. 11 On all leading questions agitating the public mind I will always express my viewt to Congress, and urge thorn according to my judgment ; and when I think it adrif&bta will exercise the constitutional privilege of interposing a veto to defeat measures which I oppose. But all laws will be faithfully executed, whether they meet my ap proval or not. I shall on all subjects have a policy to recommend, but none to en force against the will of the people. Laws are to govern all alike, those opposed to M well as those who favor them. I know no method to secure the repeal of bad o? obnoxious laws so effective as their stringent execution." In coming before you for the fifst time as Chief Magistrate of this great nation it H with gratitude to the Giver of all good for the many benefits we enjoy ; we are blessed witn peace at home, and are without entangling alliances abroad to forebode trouble 5 with a population of forty millions of free people, all speaking one language j witfa facilities for every mortal to acquire an education ; with institutions closing to non& the avenues to fame or any blessing of fortune that may be coveted : with freedom of the pulpit, the press^ and the school ; with a revenue flowing into the national Treat- ory beyond the requirements of the Government. Threse blessings and countless others are intrusted to your care and mine for keeping, for the brief oeriod of our tenure of office. In a short time we must, af M, return to the ranks of the people who have conferred upon us our honors, account to them for our stewardship. I earnestly desire that neither you nor I may be condemned by a free and enlightened constituency, nor by our own eonscieneesi On my part, I promise a rigid adherence to the laws, and their strict enforcement. In addressing my third annual message to the law-making branch of the Gorevt* nent, H ra gratifying to be able to state that during the past year success has gen* erally attended die effort to execute all laws found upon the statute books. Th4 policy has been, not to inquire into the wisdom of laws already enacted, but to Lean tlreir spirit and intent, and to enforce them accordingly. I submit these suggestkm with a confidence that your combined action will be wise, statesmanlike, and in (fet bwfc interests of the whole country. EDUCATION, W* place first on the list of topics the subject of education, The President alludei to it on every suitable occasion, and it should be observed that the measure, known M Soar s bill, was first recommended by him i the sentence, " Educational iriteresta may well be served by the grant of fcne proceeds of the sale of public lands t bitters." subjects of education and agriculture are of great interest to the success of our lican institutions, happiness, and grandeur as a nation. : The time-honored and beneficial policy of setting apart certain sections of pubK taind for educational purposes in the new States should be continued. Educational interest may well be served by the grant of the proceeds of the sale- of public lands to settlers. I do not wish to be understood as recommending, in the feast degree, a curtailment of what is being done by the General Government for th encouragement of education. The enlarged receipts of the Post Office Department are an index of the growth of e-docation and of the prosperity of the people, two elements highly conducive to tk rigor and stability of Republics. Education, the ground-work of republican institutions, is encouraged by increasing; &e facilities to gather speedy news from all parts of the country. The desire to reap the benefit of such improvements will stimulate education. THE fhe workingman is net forgotten. In every message there is a kindly word and tfoe utterance of a striking truth. "Persons before tfeings" is the keynote of fcil statesmanship when he states : " The true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to be found in the elevation and education of its laborers," a sentence worthy of being placed on our campaign banners. By the late war the industry of one-half of the country had been taken from the control of the capitalists and placed where all labor rightfully belongs in the keepiEg of the laborer. The freedmen, under the protection which they have received, are making rapid piogress in learning, and no complaints are heard of lack of industry on their part where fehey receive fair remuneration for their labor. The opinion that the public lands should be regarded chiefly as a source of revenue is BO longer maintained. The rapid settlement and successful cultivation of them art now justiy considered of more importance to our well-being than is the fund which the sale of them would produce. The remarkable growth and prosperity of our new States and Territories attest the wisdom of the legislation which invites the tiller of the soil to secure a permanent home on terms within the reach of all. The pioneer *?ho incurs the dangers and privations of a frontier life, and thus aids in laying tb foundation of new commonwealths, renders a signal service to his country, and is en fitted to its special favor and protection. These laws secure that object and largely promote the general welfare. They should, therefore, be cherished a a permaaeat feature of our land system. I renew my recommendation that the public lands be regarded as a heritage to on? children, to be disposed of only as required for occupation and to actual settlers. The true prosperity and greatness of a nation is to be found in the elevation and education of its laborers. AGRICULTURE. In every message our agricultural interests are favorably mentioned. We extract fhe following sentences, which are sufficient to indicate his sentiments upon this im portant subject : I recommend to your favorable consideration the claims of the Agricultural Bu- ea for liberal appropriations. In a country so diversified in climate and soft as oecs, and with a population so largely dependent upon agriculture, the benefits that can be conferred by properly fostering this bureau are incalculable, Xhe report of the Commissioner of Agriculture gives the operations of his Depsr> m&& for the year. As agriculture is the ground-work of our prosperity, too much Importance cannot be attached to the labors of this Department. Qaietly, but eurelfc 4he Agricultural Bureau is working a great national good, and if Kberally supported the more widely its influence will be extended and the less dependent we shall bt open the products of foreign countries. COMMEKCSU "Fhe revival of our foreign commerce, and the increase of facilities in domeatec transportation, has commanded the President s earnest attention, and ho has been teady to adopt all proper measures to forward these important interests : The loss of our commerce ia the only result of the late rebellion which has ijot received sufficient attention from you. To this subject I call your earnest attention. The whole nation is interested in securing cheap transportation from the acricTli- turai States of the West to the Atlantic seaboard. To the citiaens of those States it lecures a greater return for their labor ; to the inhabitants of tie seaboard it fcffordi cheaper food ; to the naticn ; an increafe in the annual surplus of wealth. Our depressed commerce is a subject to which I called your special attention at tk Iftst session, and suggested that we will ia the future have to look more to the com*- tries south of us, and to China and Japan, for its revival. Our representatives to &t\ these Governments have exerted their influence to encourage trade between tba United States and the countries to which they are accredited. But the fact ezists &at the carrying is done almost entirely in foreign bottoms, and while this KisAe of affaire exists we cannot control our due share of the commerce of the world. The cos": of building iron vessels, the only onea that can compete with foreign shipa in the carrying trade, is so much greater in tlie United States than in foreign conn- aries that, without some assistance from the Government, they cannot be successfully kailt here. There will be several propositions laid before Congress in the course Of the present session looking to a remedy for this evil. Even if it should be at some cost to the national Treasury, I hope such encouragement will be given as will secar* ijaarican shipping on the high seas and American ship-building at home, MANUFACTURES 7HET MUST BE E2?COr&AGEI. Erery citizen will recognize the importance of the suggestions made in refercact w> oar manufactures. The workingmen of America can find no truer friend or more tannest advocate : Our manufactures are increasing with wonderful rapidity under the encouragenwEt which they now receive. With the improvements in machinery already effected, aiid itill increasing, causing machinery to take the place of skilled labor to a largo esteatj ocr imports of many articles must* fall off largely within a few years. Fortunately, too, manufactures are not confined to a few localities, as formerly, and it is to oe hoped will become more and more diffused, making the interest in them equal in sJ5 sections. They give employment and support to hundreds of thousands of people at- home, and retain with us the means which otherwise would be shipped abroad. The *rtensioa of railroads ia Europe and the East is bringing into competition with <y& agricultural products like products of other countries. Self-interest, if not self- preservation, therefore, dictates caution against disturbing any industrial interest of iLe country. TABLET R2FOSM. Since tlie Tariff Reform question is made a plank in the opposition platform n give the President s views in full, as announced in his two last messages, and bespeak for them a careful perusal. No man can be more heartily in fiaeor of real, practical reform, and not a mere buncombe talk about it, than President Grant : The tax collected from the people has been reduced more than eighty millioaa of dollars per annum. By steadiness in our present course, there ia no reason why, ia & few short years, the national tax-gatherer may not disappear from the door of tbft citizen almost entirely. With the revenue stamp dispensed by postmasters in ever)? community ; a tax upon liquors of all sorts, and tobacco in all its forma ; and by a tnse adjustment of the tariff, which will put a duty only upon those artidiis which we could dispense with, kaown as luxuries, and on those which wo u :? more cf than we produce, revenue enough may be raised, after a few year* v, peace and consequent reduction of indebtedness, to fulfill all our obligations. A Jnd t Wto>*0 Jasatftr.qsa ah * Hit &Kfi fo>o3 lace- farther reduction of expense*, in addition to a reduction of f&terest account *c relied on to make this practicable. Revenue refonn, if it means this, baa mjr kearty support. If it implies a collection of all the revenue for the support of Gov ernment, for the payment of principal and interest of the public debt, pensions, &c;, by directly taxing the people, then I am against revenue reform, and confidently be lieve the people are with me. If it means failure to provide the necessary meac to defray all the expenses of Government, and thereby repudiation of the public debt and pensions, then I am still more opposed to such kind of revenue reform* Revenue reform has no! been defined by any of its advocates, to my knowledge ; bit eems to be accepted as something which is to supply every man s wants without any cost or effort on his part. &. true revenue reform cannot be made in a day ; but must be tite work of nations! legislation and of time. As soon aa the revenue can be dispensed with, ail doty should be removed from coffee, tea, and other articles of universal use not prodace4 by ourselves. The necessities of the country compel us to collect revenue from oa imports. An army of assessors and collectors is not a pleasant sight to the citizen, bat that or a tariff for revenue is necessary. Such a tariff, so far as it acts see an en* couragement to home production, affords employment to labor at living wages, ut contrast to the pauper labor of the Old World, and also in the development of bonsn resources. In readjusting the tariff, I suggest that a careful estimate be made of the amount of nrplus revenue collected under the present laws, after providing for the current ex penses of the Government, the interest account, and a sinking fund, and that tkia surplus be reduced in such a manner as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest Bomber. There are many articles not produced at home, but which enter largely iflto general consumption through articles which are manufactured at home, so.oh aa 1* "S J rf> 1"! Iiil 1T Jt that it be made upon those articles which can best bear it without disturbing horn* or reducing the wages of American labor. INDIAN POMCY. Tfcc American historian will assign to Grant a high place & the aobhor of a aa Indian policy. Having as a soldier, stationed at the outposts, become practically ac ^sainted with these wards of the nation, he alludes to the subject in his inangorsl and in eveiy message. No one act of his life can be more creditable than the interest b& has taken in these outcasts, from whose good will no personal OT political benaSti can be reaped. We regret that we have only space for the following : Tta policy pursued toward the Indians has resulted favorably, so fa? as can h jadged from the limited time during which it has been in operation. Through the eaertions of the various societies of Christians to whom has been intrusted the exe- catzon of the policy, and the board of commissioners authorised by the law of April 10. 1869, many tribes of Indians have been induced to settle upon reservations, to cultivate the soil, to perform productive labor of various kinds, and to partially ac cept civilization. They are being cared for in such a way, it is hoped, as to induce those still pursuing their old habits of life to embrace the only opportunity wfatoh it left them to avoid extermination. I recommend liberal appropriations to carry out the Indian peace policy, not oaly becanae it is huma&e, Christian Eke, and economical, but because it 13 righi. * But because it is right," a very excellent sentiment so modestly put that it ol> xoost escapes the attention of the casual reader. The close scrutiny of these message* required to make these extracts has forced the conviction upon us that " because it is right," has been the guiding star of the President s career. PROTECTION TO IMMIGRANTS. The present Administration is the first that has been earnestly disposed to prefiecft immigrants and naturalized citizens. As special efforts are being made to render t&> German element dissatisfied we give ample extracts. In addition to the treaties B* ; \ a special agent was dispatched to examine the tubject, and the important pleasure for the better protection of immigrants, sow penctfhg in Congress, haa the Cordial support of the Administration . The ratification of the consular and naturalization conventions with the Hungarian Empire have been exchanged. ?The ratifications of the naturalization convention between Great Britain and Ifr&ed States have also been exchanged daring the recess ; and thus, a long etandi dispute between the two Governments has been settled, in accordance with the pri pies always contended for by the United States. The unsettled political condition of other countries, less fortunate than our fometimes induces their citizens to come to the United States for the sole purpose becoming naturalized. Having secured this, they return to their native country ant reside there, without disclosing their change of allegiance. They accept official post twos of trust or honor, which can only be held by citizens of their native land ; thg journey under passports describing them as such citizens ; and it is only when civi discord, after perhaps years of quiet, threatens their persona or their property, 01 when their native State drafts them into its military service, that the fact of thei change of allegiance is made known. I have directed the diplomatic and consulajf officers of the United States to scrutinize carefully all such claims of protection! The citizen of the United States, whether native or adopted, who discharges his dutj* U> his country, is entitled to its complete protection. While I have a voice in the direction of affairs, I shall not consent to imperil this sacred right by conferring; if Qpon fictitious or fraudulent claimants. _ On the accession of the preseni Administration, it was found that the minister fbs North Germany had made propositions for the negotiation of a convention for the pro?* teetion of emigrant passengers, to which no response had been given. It was con cluded that, to be effectual, all the maritime Powers engaged in the trade should join in euch a measure. Invitations have been extended to the cabinets of London, Farisj Florence* Berlin j Brussels, The Hague, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, to empower their representatives at Washington to simultaneously enter into negotiations, and t* conclude with the United States, conventions identical in form, making uniform regu lations as to the construction of the parts of vessels to be devoted to the use of emi grant passengers, as to the quality and quantity of food, as to the medical treatment of the sick, and as to the rules to be observed during the voyage, in order to secure Ventilation, to promote health, to prevent intrusion, and to protect the females, and providing tor the establishment of tribunals in the several countries, for enforcing iraeh regulations by summary process. The number of immigrants ignorant of our laws, habits, &e ; , coming into our c*QD&ry annually has become so great, and the impositions practiced upon them BO aamerous and flagrant, that I suggest Congressional action for their protection. Il aeema to me a fair subject of legislation by Congress. I cannot now state as fully M I desire the nature of the complaints made by immigrants of the treatment they re ceive, but will endeavor to do so during the session of Congress, particularly if the rolgect shculd receive your attention. PAYMENT AND REFUNDING OF TKK NATIONAL DEBT. It must be within the recollection of all reading men that, at the time of Grant 5 ! inauguration, repudiation was openly advocated, and the wildest theories obtained of TOW to extinguish the public debt without paying it. Already in his inaugural and in every message he insisted upon the prompt reduction of the debt with the happiest results : The vast resources of the nation, both developed and undeveloped, ought to make tar credit the best on earth. With a less burden of taxation than the citizen haa endured for six yeara past, the entire public debt could be paid in tea years. But it is not desirable that the people should be taxed to pay it in that time, Year by yeay the ability to pay increases in a rapid ratio. But the burden of interest ought to be reduced an rapidly aa can be done without the violation of contract. It is believed that all bonds which are now due may be replaced by bonds bearing a rate of interest not exceeding four dhd a half per cent., and as rapidly as the remainder becoraw clue that they may be replaced in the same way. Vvith an acquiescence on the part of the whole people in the national obligation to pay the public debt, created a &6 8 pero5 of w WaioD ; the pensions to our disabled noWiers and Bailors, and wkiows and orphaaas ; an^ io t&e changes to the Constitution which have been necessary by a great rebellion, there is no reason why we should not advance in teria) prp&perity and happiness , as no other nation ever did, after so protracted an* .devastating a war. The national debt has been reduced to Hie extent of eighty- au mifficwj dollars during tke year, and by the negotiation of national bonds at a Iowa rate of interest, the interest OB the public debt has been BO far diminished that noi the sum to be raised for the interest account is nearly seventeen million dollars lea than on the 1st of Marck, fr69. It was highly desirable that this rapid diminutHM jhouid take place, both to streogtheai the credit of the country, aud to convince it citizens of their entire tib-lity to meet every dollar of liability without bankrupting them. But in view of the accomplishment of these desirable ends j of the rapid de yclopment of the resources of the country ; its increasing ability to meet large fnands, aad feke amount already paid, it is not desirable that, the present resources lie country should continue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid payment, | herefcre recommend a modification of both the tariff and internal tax laws. 1 j gfuqunend that all taxes iroro internal sources be abolished, except those collects spirituous, viaouj^ &nd malt liquors, tobacco in it* various forms, fend froi OF gpEen FITMENT, Among the subjects mpoa which the President has given no uncertain BCtiad is t|U| IT&dual resumption cf specie payment, and he particularly regrets the deraoralisjp &o* c*3*ed fey & ftacl*tin currency : Among the evils growing oat of tke rebellion is that of an irredeemable currene ft is an evil which I hope will receive your mo st earnest attention. It is a duty, #f the highest duties of Government j $o tecure to the citizen medium of exchange < |ied, unvarying vaht-e. This implies a return to & specie basis, and no substit #r it c*n be devieed. It ahould be eommenccfd now and reached at the earliest m iicable merneat consistent with a fair regard to the interests of the debtor class. tamest*/ recommend to youj then, ^ such legislation as will insure a gradual return jrpecie payments and put an immediate atop to fluctuations in the value of currei &?he approach to & ape-cie bams is very gratifying, but the fact cannot be denied wie instability of the values of oar currency is prejudicial to our prosperity, and ten< to keep up prices to the detriment of trade. The evils of a depreciated and fJuoti Siting currency are ao great that aow, when the premium &n gold has fallen BO mnoh| \t would eeern that the time has arrived when, by wise and prudent legislation. Comf ^rcBe should look to a policy which would place our currency at par with gold at n Distant day Continued fluctuations in the value of gold, aa compared with the na- iional currency, has a uioet. damaging effect upon the increase and development of the country it\ keeping ap prices of all articles necessary in every-day life. t.t fostet^ fy spirit of gambling prejudicial alike to national morals and t.h national finances, If tke question can b^ ncuet,, an to how to give a fixed value to cur currency, thai valu0 constantly and uniform! j approaching par with specie, a very desirable object will be gained. t .om. RKLAT10N3 WITH GXBMANT. Sinoe special efPort* 1 ha-v^ been made to create the impression that the Adsaiaiistti, ion wa hostile to G-ermaoy in the late war, and did not observe a friendly neutraEty, <e insert the following oax ration of facts, which prove that Germany reposed in tii Dni .ed Stales the greatest confidence which one nation e&c repose in another tl** protection of ita eiti2ejia : Soon after the existing war broke out in Europe the protection of the United States minister in Paris was* invoked in favor of North Germans domiciled in French terri tory . Intructioii8 were issued to grant the protection. This has been followed by an extension of American protection to citizens of Saxony, Hesse, and Saxe-Coburg ? (3-otha, Colombia, Portugal, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Chiti. Paraguay, and Vea-a/ueU, ii> Paris. The charge was an onerous one, requiring con* etant and severe i.bw. as wujjj as the exercise Of patience, prudaace, and good yxdg* ment It has been performed to the entire satisfaction of this Governrae.nt, aad, as I am offiaialjy infrxned eq.u^tiiy 80 to the satisfaction of the Government of Germany. 9 resumption of diplomatic relations between France and Germany have enabled RS to give directions for the withdrawal of the prelection extended to Germans ia fcaace by the diplomatic and consular representatives of the United States in that Kxratry. It is just to add that the delicate duty of this protection has been performed >y the minister and the consul general at Paris, and the rarious consuls in Francrf mder the supervision of the latter, with great kindness as well as with prudence and act. Their course has received the commendation of the German Government, and las wounded ao susceptibility of the French. Th Government of the Emperor of Germany continues to manifest a friendly feel- Jag toward the United Statas, and a desire to harmonize with the moderate and just policy which this Governmentmaintains in its relations witb Asiatic Powers, aa well ,8 with the South American Republics, I have given assurances that the friendly fee&aga of that Government are fully shared by the United States. OUR FOREIGN POLICY. Jfo aid in the establishment of free Governments in every rtart of the globe by oap ^sample and moral influence, without meddlesome interference, is laid down &s th feroper conduct to be pursued : ^ As the United States is the freest ef all nations, so, too, its people sympathize witk peoples struggling for libertv and self-government. But while so sympathizing! is due to our honor that we should abstain from enforcing our views upon unwillinV s, and from taking an interested part, without invitation, in the quarrels different nations or between Governments and their subjects. feaoh other. As soon as I learned that a Republic had been proclaimed at Paris, and that feeople of France had acquiesced in the change, the minister of the United States wa directed by telegraph to recognize it, and to tender my congratulations and thos pf the people of the United States. The re-establishment in France of a gvsteaa c jgoverninent disconnected with the dynastic traditions of Buropa appeared to be proper subject for the felicitations of Americans, Should the present struggle resu, m attaching the hearts of the French to our simpler forma of representative govern meat, it will be a subject of still further satisfaction to oar people. While we mak ao effort to impose our institutions upon the inhabitants of other countries, andwhil we adhere to our traditional neutrality in civil contests elsewhere, we cannot be is different to the spread of American political ideas in a great and highly civilizet country like France. THE MONROE DOCTSINS. The Monroe Doctrine ia fully sustained. European colonies upon the America^ continent are no longer considered transferable from one Power to another, and theil independence is insisted upon whenever the colonial Delations cease : The tim is not probably far distant when, in the natural course of events, tht European political connection with this continent will cease. Our policy should ba shaped, in view of this probability, 60 aa to ally the commercial interests of the Spanisn American States more closely to our own, and thus give the United States afi the pre-eminence and aH the advantage which Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, aud Mr, Clay contemplated when they proposed to join in the Congress of Panama. /These colonial dependencies are no longer regarded as subject to transfer froia Ofre European Power to another. When the present relation of colonies ceases, they are t become independent Powers, exercising the right of choice and of seif-contrtl in the determination of their future condition and relation with other Powers. THE ULND GRANT POLICY. The land grant policy is fully discussed, and the principle is insisted upon, that the nation has gone far enough, if not too far, in this direction, and that hereafter the national domain must be preserved for the settler : The policy of aiding the States in building works of internal improvement was in augurated more than forty years since ia the grants to Indiana and Illinois, to aid 10 those States in opening eaiials to connect the waters of Che Wabash witk those of Lakt Sslrie, and the waters of the Illinois with those of Lake Michigan. It was followed, with some modifications, in the grant to Illinois of alternate sections of public land within certain limits of the Illinois Central Railway, Fourteen States and soodry i corporations have received similar subsidies in connection with railways completed i >r IB process of construction. As the reserved sections are rated at the double mini- i mum, the sale of them at the enhanced price has thus, in many instances, indemnified^ ihe Treasury for the granted lands. The construction of some of these thoroughfare^ , 1&&8 undoubtedly given a vigorous impulse to the development of our resources andths : I lettlement of the more distant portions of the country. It may, however, be well inj * i listed that much of our legislation ia this regard has been characterized by rndfa* Criminate and profuse liberality. The United States should not loan their credit ia aid of any enterprise undertaken by States or corporations, nor grant lands in any tas jsncc, unless the projected work is of acknowledged national importance. AMirfisrr AND RECONSTRUCTION. Upoa the question of amnesiy and reconstruction, the President ia as liberal ar, $he utmost self-styled " Liberal Republican" could desire. This exposes the filial; low pretext of the disorganizes, who pretend to be dissatisfied with the President^ course upon this question : More than six years having elapsed since the last hostile gnn w&a fired betweee. tlie armies then arrayed against each other one for the perpetuation, the other fofr Ihe destructiopj of the Union it may well be considered whether it is not now tima fchfct the disabilities imposed by the fourteenth amendment should be removed. Thau amendment does not exclude the ballot, but only imposes the disability to hK| offices upon certain classes. When the purity of the ballot is secure, majorities ar<^ nre to elect officers reflecting the views of the majority. I do not see the advantage or propriety of excluding men from office merely because they were, before th$ rebellion, of standing and character sufficient to be elected to positions requiring Shem to take oaths to support the Constitution, and admitting to eligibility tLoss entertaining precisely the same views, but of less standing in their communities. If may be said that the former violated en oath, while the latter did not. The latter did not have it in their power to do so. If they had taken this oath it cannot ba doubted they would have broken it as did the former class. If there are any great criminals, distinguished above all others for the part they took in opposition to the Government, they might, in the judgment of Congress, be excluded from each as amnesty. This subject is submitted for your careful consideration. The condition of the Southern States is, unhappily, not such as all true patriotic citizens would like to see. Social ostracism for opinion s sake, personal violence or threats towards persons entertaining political viewa opposed to those entertained fey the majority of the old citizens, ^prevent ^immigration and the flow of much- meeded capital into the States lately in rebellion. It will be a happy condition of the country when the old citizens of these States will take an interest in public affaira, promulgate ideas honestly entertained, vote for men representing their view s and tolerate the same freedom of expression and ballot in those entertaining difeenf political convictions. POLYGAMY ITS ABROGATION D.SMANDU>. The President insists upon the speedy extinction of polygamy in Utah, and espos& in a few words the shallow pretext of the Mormons in consideriag it a religious rite * In Utah there still remains a remnant of barbarism, repugnant to civilization, to decency, and to the laws of the United States. Territorial officers, however, haw been found who are willing to perform their duty in a spirit of equity and with a dut sense of the necessity of sustaining the majesty of the law. Neither polygamy nor any other violation of existing statutes will be permitted within the territory of tha United States. It is not with the religion of the self-styled Saints that we are now dealing, but with their practices. They will be protected in the worship of God, ac cording to the dictates of their consciences, but they will not be permitted to violafct fjhe laws under the cloak of religion - II A NATIONAL POSTAL TBLEOHAPB SYSTEM. Hie abolition of tha telegraph monopoly, which has nte<fc t&e telegraph, <mgbi to be as freely traed as the mail?, inaccessible to the general public, by ita ex. ttfeftaot prices, is earnestly recommended : The suggestion of the Postmaster General for improvements in the Department presided over by ham are earnestly recommended to your special attention. Espe cially do I recommend favorable consideration for the plan for aniting the telegraphic eystem of the United States with the postal system, it is believed by such a COUMO the cost of telegraphing could be much reduced, and the service aa well, if not better, rendered. It would secure the further advantage of extending the telegraph through portions of the country where private enterprise will not construct it. Commerce, trade, and, above all, the efforts to bring a people widely separated into a community of interest, are always benefited by a rapid intercommunication. Education, the ground-work of republican institutions, is encouraged by increasing the facilities to gather speedy news from all parts of the country. Th desire to reap the benefit of such improvements will stimulate education. CIVIL SERVICE REFORM. We insert copious extracts from the President s message upon this subject, not only jm account of its intrinsic merits, but because the impression ia held out that the President is not so earnestly in favor of "all practical reforms," as he professes to be. No one can read these paragraphs, with a desire to discern the truth, but must como to the conclusion that the President has thought earnestly and frequently upon this therae. No man can go beyond him in this respect, for all his acts prove that if hs desires anything more than all others it is to render his administration a success b$ $he establishment of a model civil service. la his three messages the same senti- meets are repeated with aa earnestness that leaves no room for doubt. Only those wko are so blinded by disappointment and prejudice that they accuse him of dishon esty and deception, can for a moment believe that he will not give any practical efaeme of civil service reform a fair trial : The subject of compensation to the Heads of Bureaus and officials holding positions f responsibility, and requiring ability and character to 811 properly, is one to whicSi your attention ia invited. But few of the officials receive a compensation equal to* tile respectable support of a family, while their duties are such as to involve millions f interest. In private life services demand compensation equal to the services rea- dered. A wise economy weuld dictate the same rule in the Government service The present laws for collecting, revenue pay collectors oi customs small salaries, bafe provide for moieties (Hhares in all seizures) which at principal ports of entry paiS ticnlarly, raise the compensation of those officials to a large sum. It has alwayd seemed to me as if tliis system must, at times, work perniciously. It holds out aa inducement to dishonest mea, should such get possession of those offices, to be las is their scrutiny ot goods entered to enable thera finally to make large seizures* You* attention is respectfully invited to this subject. There has been no hesitation in changing officials ia order to seoore an efficient execution of the laws, sometimes, too, when, in a mere party view, undesirable po litical results were likely to follow ; nor any hesitation m sustaining efficient officials tgainst remonotrancea wholly political. Always favoring practical reforms, I respectfully eaH your attention to one abuaa of long standing^ which I would like to see remedied by this Congress. It is a reform In the civil oervice of the country. I would have it go beyoad the mere fixing of the tenure of office of clerks and employ eea, who do not require "the advice and consent of the Senate 1 to make their appointments complete. I would have it govern, not the tenure, but the manner of soaking all appointments. There is no duty which so jfinoh embarrasses die Executive and Heads of De^artmeefei aa that of appointments f nor is there any such Arduous and thankless labor imposed on Senators and Repre- iwnfcktives as that of fodfag ptacea for coftstiteenta. Ttw present system does not f 11 teciire the best men, and often not fit men, for public place. Tha eiavatua anjK purification of the civil service of the Government will be hailed with sppeoTft* by the whole people of the United States, Pt has been the aim of the Administration to enforce honesty and efficieacy in all public offices. Every public servant who has violated the trust placed in Mm has J>een proceeded against with all the rigor of the law. If bad men have secured placet it has been the fault of the system established by law and custom for making appoint ments, or tiie fault of those who recommend for Government positions persons not sufficiently well known to them personally, or who give letters indorsing the charac ters of office-seekers without a proper sense of the grave respoasibility which Bach a course devolves upon them. A civil service reform which can correct this abase la much desired. In mercantile pursuit, the business- man who gives a letter of recom mendation to a friend, to enable him to obtain credit from a stranger, is regarded aa morally responsible for the integrity of his friend, and his ability to meet his obliga tions. A reformatory lav? which would enforce this principle against all indoreera of persons for public place would insure great caution in making recommendations. A salutary lesson has been taught the careless and the dishonest public servant in ths great number of prosecutions and convictions of the last two years. It is gratifying to notice the favorable change which is taking place throughout the eeuutry in bringing to punishment those who hare proven recreant to the trusts coa- iaded to them, and in elevating to public office none but those who possess the confi dence of the honest and the virtuous, who, it will always be fomiS, comprise the majority of the community in which they live. THE EXECUTIVE POLICY. We now come to his definition of the real scope of Executive policy. TMi " summing up" of Presidential duties and responsibilities is so excellent that com* ments are superfluous : On my assuming the responsible duties of Chief Magistrate of the United States, it was with the conviction that three things were essential to its peace, prosperity, and fullest development. First among these, is Etrict integrity in fulfilling &.U OKT obligations. Second, to secure protection to the person and property of the citizen of the United States, in each and every portion of our common country, wherever lie may choose to move, without reference to original nationality, religion, color, or politics, demanding of him only obedience to the laws and proper respect for the rights of others. Third, union of all the States with equal righteind est?ueS&I by any constitutional means. In conclusion, I would sum up the policy of the Administration to be a thorough enforcement of every law ; a faithful collection of every tax provided^for j economy in the disbursement of the same ; a prompt payment of every debt of tlw iiatioa ; a re daction of taxes as rapidly as the requirements of the country will admit ; reductions of taxation and tariff, to be EO arranged as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest Dumber ; honest and fair dealings with all other peoples, to the end that war, with all its blighting consequences, may ba avoided, but without surrendering any right, or obligation due to us ; a reform in the treatment of Indians, and in the whole cwffi aerviceof the country ; and, finally, in securing a pure, untrainmeled ballot, ^he? every man entitled to cast a vote may do so, just once, a* each election, ^witsus** fear, c molestation, or proscription on account of his political faith, aatemty, OF color. The President has now epokea for himself, and wa submit the easa withoat com- Bieat to the discriminating judgment of an enKghtaned and conscientious peopSt, wit$ ghe sincere conviction that the more extensively this record is oirculatsdg commented npojit & larg^wil! be .hi majo^tj.in November next. 1