Again the blessings of health and abundant harvests claim our profoundest gratitude to Almighty God. The condition of our foreign affairs is reasonably satisfactory. Mexico continues to be a theater of civil war. While our political relations with that country have undergone no change, we have at the same time strictly maintained neutrality between the belligerents. At the request of the States of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, a competent engineer has been authorized to make a survey of the river San Juan and the port of San Juan. It is a source of much satisfaction that the difficulties which for a moment excited some political apprehensions and caused a closing of the interoceanic transit route have been amicably adjusted, and that there is a good prospect that the route will soon be reopened with an increase of capacity and adaptation. We could not exaggerate either the commercial or the political importance of that great improvement. It would be doing injustice to an important South American State not to acknowledge the directness, frankness, and cordiality with which the United States of Colombia have entered into intimate relations with this Government. A claims convention has been constituted to complete the unfinished work of the one which closed its session in 1861. The new liberal constitution of Venezuela having gone into effect with the universal acquiescence of the people, the Government under it has been recognized and diplomatic intercourse with it has opened in a cordial and friendly spirit. The long-deferred Aves Island claim has been satisfactorily paid and discharged. Mutual payments have been made of the claims awarded by the late joint commission for the settlement of claims between the United States and Peru. An earnest and cordial friendship continues to exist between the two countries, and such efforts as were in my power have been used to remove misunderstanding and avert a threatened war between Peru and Spain. Our relations are of the most friendly nature with Chile, the Argentine Republic, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, San Salvador, and Hayti. During the past year no differences of any kind have arisen with any of those Republics, and, on the other hand, their sympathies with the United States are constantly expressed with cordiality and earnestness. The claim arising from the seizure of the cargo of the brig Macedonian in 1821 has been paid in full by the Government of Chile. Civil war continues in the Spanish part of San Domingo, apparently without prospect of an early close. Official correspondence has been freely opened with Liberia, and it gives us a pleasing view of social and political progress in that Republic. It may be expected to derive new vigor from American influence, improved by the rapid disappearance of slavery in the United States. I solicit your authority to furnish to the Republic a gunboat at moderate cost, to be reimbursed to the United States by installments. Such a vessel is needed for the safety of that State against the native African races, and in Liberian hands it would be more effective in arresting the African slave trade than a squadron in our own hands. The possession of the least organized naval force would stimulate a generous ambition in the Republic, and the confidence which we should manifest by furnishing it would win forbearance and favor toward the colony from all civilized nations. The proposed overland telegraph between America and Europe, by the way of Behrings Straits and Asiatic Russia, which was sanctioned by Congress at the last session, has been undertaken, under very favorable circumstances, by an association of American citizens, with the cordial good will and support as well of this Government as of those of Great Britain and Russia. Assurances have been received from most of the South American States of their high appreciation of the enterprise and their readiness to cooperate in constructing lines tributary to that world-encircling communication. I learn with much satisfaction that the noble design of a telegraphic communication between the eastern coast of America and Great Britain has been renewed, with full expectation of its early accomplishment. Thus it is hoped that with the return of domestic peace the country will be able to resume with energy and advantage its former high career of commerce and civilization. Our very popular and estimable representative in Egypt died in April last. An unpleasant altercation which arose between the temporary incumbent of the office and the Government of the Pasha resulted in a suspension of intercourse. The evil was promptly corrected on the arrival of the successor in the consulate, and our relations with Egypt, as well as our relations with the Barbary Powers, are entirely satisfactory. The rebellion which has so long been flagrant in China has at last been suppressed, with the cooperating good offices of this Government and of the other Western commercial States. The judicial consular establishment there has become very difficult and onerous, and it will need legislative revision to adapt it to the extension of our commerce and to the more intimate intercourse which has been instituted with the Government and people of that vast Empire. China seems to be accepting with hearty good will the conventional laws which regulate commercial and social intercourse among the Western nations. Owing to the peculiar situation of Japan and the anomalous form of its Government, the action of that Empire in performing treaty stipulations is inconstant and capricious. Nevertheless, good progress has been effected by the Western powers, moving with enlightened concert. Our own pecuniary claims have been allowed or put in course of settlement, and the inland sea has been reopened to commerce. There is reason also to believe that these proceedings have increased rather than diminished the friendship of Japan toward the United States. The ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola have been opened by proclamation. It is hoped that foreign merchants will now consider whether it is not safer and more profitable to themselves, as well as just to the United States, to resort to these and other open ports than it is to pursue, through many hazards and at vast cost, a contraband trade with other ports which are closed, if not by actual military occupation, at least by a lawful and effective blockade. For myself, I have no doubt of the power and duty of the Executive, under the law of nations, to exclude enemies of the human race from an asylum in the United States. If Congress should think that proceedings in such cases lack the authority of law, or ought to be further regulated by it, I recommend that provision be made for effectually preventing foreign slave traders from acquiring domicile and facilities for their criminal occupation in our country. It is possible that if it were new and open question the maritime powers, with the lights they now enjoy, would not concede the privileges of a naval belligerent to the insurgents of the United States, destitute, as they are, and always have been, equally of ships of war and of ports and harbors. Disloyal emissaries have been neither less assiduous nor more successful during the last year than they were before that time in their efforts under favor of that privilege, to embroil our country in foreign wars. The desire and determination of the governments of the maritime states to defeat that design are believed to be as sincere as and can not be more earnest than our own. Nevertheless, unforeseen political difficulties have arisen, especially in Brazilian and British ports and on the northern boundary of the United States, which have required, and are likely to continue to require, the practice of constant vigilance and a just and conciliatory spirit on the part of the United States, as well as of the nations concerned and their governments. Commissioners have been appointed under the treaty with Great Britain on the adjustment of the claims of the Hudsons Bay and Pugets Sound Agricultural Companies, in Oregon, and are now proceeding to the execution of the trust assigned to them. In view of the insecurity of life and property in the region adjacent to the Canadian border, by reason of recent assaults and depredations committed by inimical and desperate persons who are harbored there, it has been thought proper to give notice that after the expiration of six months, the period conditionally stipulated in the existing arrangement with Great Britain, the United States must hold themselves at liberty to increase their naval armament upon the Lakes if they shall find that proceeding necessary. The condition of the border will necessarily come into consideration in connection with the question of continuing or modifying the rights of transit from Canada through the United States, as well as the regulation of imposts, which were temporarily established by the reciprocity treaty of the 5th June, 1854. I desire, however, to be understood while making this statement that the colonial authorities of Canada are not deemed to be intentionally unjust or unfriendly toward the United States, but, on the contrary, there is every reason to expect that, with the approval of the Imperial Government, they will take the necessary measures to prevent new incursions across the border. The act passed at the last session for the encouragement of immigration has so far as was possible been put into operation. It seems to need amendment which will enable the officers of the Government to prevent the practice of frauds against the immigrants while on their way and on their arrival in the ports, so as to secure them here a free choice of avocations and places of settlement. A liberal disposition toward this great national policy is manifested by most of the European States, and ought to be reciprocated on our part by giving the immigrants effective national protection. I regard our immigrants as one of the principal replenishing streams which are appointed by Providence to repair the ravages of internal war and its wastes of national strength and health. All that is necessary is to secure the flow of that stream in its present fullness, and to that end the Government must in every way make it manifest that it neither needs nor designs to impose involuntary military service upon those who come from other lands to cast their lot in our country. The financial affairs of the Government have been successfully administered during the last year. The legislation of the last session of Congress has beneficially affected the revenues, although sufficient time has not yet elapsed to experience the full effect of several of the provisions of the acts of Congress imposing increased taxation. The receipts during the year from all sources, upon the basis of warrants signed by the Secretary of the Treasury, including loans and the balance in the Treasury on the 1st day of July, 1863, were $1,394,796,007.62, and the aggregate disbursements, upon the same basis, were $1,298,056,101.89, leaving a balance in the Treasury, as shown by warrants, of $96,739,905.73. Deduct from these amounts the amount of the principal of the public debt redeemed and the amount of issues in substitution therefor, and the actual cash operations of the Treasury were: Receipts, $884,076,646.57; disbursements, $865,234,087.86; which leaves a cash balance in the Treasury of $18,842,558.71. Of the receipts there were derived from customs $102,316,152.99, from lands $588,333.29. from direct taxes $475,648.96, from internal revenue $109,741,134.10, from miscellaneous sources $47,511,448.10, and from loans applied to actual expenditures, including former balance, $623,443,929.13. There were disbursed for the civil service $27,505,599.46, for pensions and Indians $7,517,930.97, for the War Department $690,791,842.97, for the Navy Department $85,733,292.77, for interest on the public debt $53,685,421.69, making an aggregate of $865,234,087.86 and leaving a balance in the Treasury of $18,842,558.71, as before stated. For the actual receipts and disbursements for the first quarter and the estimated receipts and disbursements for the three remaining quarters of the current fiscal year, and the general operations of the Treasury in detail, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. I concur with him in the opinion that the proportion of moneys required to meet the expenses consequent upon the war derived from taxation should be still further increased; and I earnestly invite your attention to this subject, to the end that there may be such additional legislation as shall be required to meet the just expectations of the Secretary. The public debt on the 1st day of July last, as appears by the books of the Treasury, amounted to $1,740,690,489.49. Probably, should the war continue for another year, that amount may be increased by not far from five hundred millions. Held, as it is, for the most part by our own people, it has become a substantial branch of national, though private, property. For obvious reasons the more nearly this property can be distributed among all the people the better. To favor such general distribution, greater inducements to become owners might, perhaps, with good effect and without injury be presented to persons of limited means. With this view I suggest whether it might not be both competent and expedient for Congress to provide that a limited amount of some future issue of public securities might be held by any bona fide purchaser exempt from taxation and from seizure for debt, under such restrictions and limitations as might be necessary to guard against abuse of so important a privilege. This would enable every prudent person to set aside a small annuity against a possible day of want. Privileges like these would render the possession of such securities to the amount limited most desirable to every person of small means who might be able to save enough for the purpose. The great advantage of citizens being creditors as well as debtors with relation to the public debt is obvious. Men readily perceive that they can not be much oppressed by a debt which they owe to themselves. The public debt on the 1st day of July last, although somewhat exceeding the estimate of the Secretary of the Treasury made to Congress at the commencement of the last session, falls short of the estimate of that officer made in the preceding December as to its probable amount at the beginning of this year by the sum of $3,995,097.31. This fact exhibits a satisfactory condition and conduct of the operations of the Treasury. The national banking system is proving to be acceptable to capitalists and to the people. On the 25th day of November 584 national banks had been organized, a considerable number of which were conversions from State banks. Changes from State systems to the national system are rapidly taking place, and it is hoped that very soon there will be in the United States no banks of issue not authorized by Congress and no bank-note circulation not secured by the Government. That the Government and the people will derive great benefit from this change in the banking systems of the country can hardly be questioned. The national system will create a reliable and permanent influence in support of the national credit and protect the people against losses in the use of paper money. Whether or not any further legislation is advisable for the suppression of State-bank issues it will be for Congress to determine. It seems quite clear that the Treasury can not be satisfactorily conducted unless the Government can exercise a restraining power over the bank-note circulation of the country. The report of the Secretary of War and the accompanying documents will detail the campaigns of the armies in the field since the date of the last annual message, and also the operations of the several administrative bureaus of the War Department during the last year. It will also specify the measures deemed essential for the national defense and to keep up and supply the requisite military force. The report of the Secretary of the Navy presents a comprehensive and satisfactory exhibit of the affairs of that Department and of the naval service. It is a subject of congratulation and laudable pride to our countrymen that a Navy of such vast proportions has been organized in so brief a period and conducted with so much efficiency and success. The general exhibit of the Navy, including vessels under construction on the 1st of December, 1864, shows a total of 671 vessels, carrying 4,610 guns, and of 510,396 tons, being an actual increase during the year, over and above all losses by shipwreck or in battle, of 83 vessels, 167 guns, and 42,427 tons. The total number of men at this time in the naval service, including officers, is about 51,000. There have been captured by the Navy during the year 324 vessels, and the whole number of naval captures since hostilities commenced is 1,379, of which 267 are steamers. The gross proceeds arising from the sale of condemned prize property thus far reported amount to $14,396,250.51. A large amount of such proceeds is still under adjudication and yet to be reported. The total expenditure of the Navy Department of every description, including the cost of the immense squadrons that have been called into existence from the 4th of March, 1861, to the 1st of November, 1864, is $238,647,262.35. Your favorable consideration is invited to the various recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy, especially in regard to a navy-yard and suitable establishment for the construction and repair of iron vessels and the machinery and armature for our ships, to which reference was made in my last annual message. Your attention is also invited to the views expressed in the report in relation to the legislation of Congress at its last session in respect to prize on our inland waters. I cordially concur in the recommendation of the Secretary as to the propriety of creating the new rank of vice-admiral in our naval service. Your attention is invited to the report of the Postmaster-General for a detailed account of the operations and financial condition of the Post-Office Department. The postal revenues for the year ending June 30, 1864, amounted to $12,438,253.78 and the expenditures to $12,644,786.20, the excess of expenditures over receipts being $206,652.42. The views presented by the Postmaster-General on the subject of special grants by the Government in aid of the establishment of new lines of ocean mail steamships and the policy he recommends for the development of increased commercial intercourse with adjacent and neighboring countries should receive the careful consideration of Congress. It is of noteworthy interest that the steady expansion of population, improvement, and governmental institutions over the new and unoccupied portions of our country have scarcely been checked, much less impeded or destroyed, by our great civil war, which at first glance would seem to have absorbed almost the entire energies of the nation. The organization and admission of the State of Nevada has been completed in conformity with law, and thus our excellent system is firmly established in the mountains, which once seemed a barren and uninhabitable waste between the Atlantic States and those which have grown up on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The Territories of the Union are generally in a condition of prosperity and rapid growth. Idaho and Montana, by reason of their great distance and the interruption of communication with them by Indian hostilities, have been only partially organized; but it is understood that these difficulties are about to disappear, which will permit their governments, like those of the others, to go into speedy and full operation. As intimately connected with and promotive of this material growth of the nation, I ask the attention of Congress to the valuable information and important recommendations relating to the public lands, Indian affairs, the Pacific Railroad, and mineral discoveries contained in the report of the Secretary of the Interior which is herewith transmitted, and which report also embraces the subjects of patents, pensions, and other topics of public interest pertaining to his Department. The quantity of public land disposed of during the five quarters ending on the 30th of September last was 4,221,342 acres, of which 1,538,614 acres were entered under the homestead law. The remainder was located with military land warrants, agricultural scrip certified to States for railroads, and sold for cash. The cash received from sales and location fees was $1,019,446. The income from sales during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1864, was $678,007.21, against $136,077.95 received during the preceding year. The aggregate number of acres surveyed during the year has been equal to the quantity disposed of, and there is open to settlement about 133,000,000 acres of surveyed land. The great enterprise of connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific States by railways and telegraph lines has been entered upon with a vigor that gives assurance of success, notwithstanding the embarrassments arising from the prevailing high prices of materials and labor. The route of the main line of the road has been definitely located for 100 miles westward from the initial point at Omaha City, Nebr., and a preliminary location of the Pacific Railroad of California has been made from Sacramento eastward to the great bend of the Truckee River in Nevada. Numerous discoveries of gold, silver, and cinnabar mines have been added to the many heretofore known, and the country occupied by the Sierra Nevada and Rocky mountains and the subordinate ranges now teems with enterprising labor, which is richly remunerative. It is believed that the product of the mines of precious metals in that region has during the year reached, if not exceeded, one hundred millions in value. It was recommended in my last annual message that our Indian system be remodeled. Congress at its last session, acting upon the recommendation, did provide for reorganizing the system in California, and it is believed that under the present organization the management of the Indians there will be attended with reasonable success. Much yet remains to be done to provide for the proper government of the Indians in other parts of the country, to render it secure for the advancing set-tier, and to provide for the welfare of the Indian. The Secretary reiterates his recommendations, and to them the attention of Congress is invited. The liberal provisions made by Congress for paying pensions to invalid soldiers and sailors of the Republic and to the widows, orphans, and dependent mothers of those who have fallen in battle or died of disease contracted or of wounds received in the service of their country have been diligently administered. There have been added to the pension rolls during the year ending the 30th day of June last the names of 16,770 invalid soldiers and of 271 disabled seamen, making the present number of army invalid pensioners 22,767 and of navy invalid pensioners 712. Of widows, orphans, and mothers 22,198 have been placed on the army pension rolls and 248 on the navy rolls. The present number of army pensioners of this class is 25,433 and of navy pensioners 793. At the beginning of the year the number of Revolutionary pensioners was 1,430. Only 12 of them were soldiers, of whom 7 have since died. The remainder are those who under the law receive pensions because of relationship to Revolutionary soldiers. During the year ending the 30th of June, 1864, $4,504,616.92 have been paid to pensioners of all classes. I cheerfully commend to your continued patronage the benevolent institutions of the District of Columbia which have hitherto been established or fostered by Congress, and respectfully refer for information concerning them and in relation to the Washington Aqueduct, the Capitol, and other matters of local interest to the report of the Secretary. The Agricultural Department, under the supervision of its present energetic and faithful head, is rapidly commending itself to the great and vital interest it was created to advance It is peculiarly the people's Department, in which they feel more directly concerned than in any other. I commend it to the continued attention and fostering care of Congress. The war continues. Since the last annual message all the important lines and positions then occupied by our forces have been maintained and our arms have steadily advanced, thus liberating the regions left in rear, so that Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of other States have again produced reasonably fair crops. The most remarkable feature in the military operations of the year is General Sherman's attempted march of 300 miles directly through the insurgent region. It tends to show a great increase of our relative strength that our General in Chief should feel able to confront and hold in check every active force of the enemy, and yet to detach a well-appointed large army to move on such an expedition. The result not yet being known, conjecture in regard to it is not here indulged. Important movements have also occurred during the year to the effect of molding society for durability in the Union. Although short of complete success, it is much in the fight direction that 12,000 citizens in each of the States of Arkansas and Louisiana have organized loyal State governments, with free constitutions, and are earnestly struggling to maintain and administer them. The movements in the same direction, more extensive though less definite, in Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee should not be overlooked. But Maryland presents the example of complete success. Maryland is secure to liberty and union for all the future. The genius of rebellion will no more claim Maryland. Like another foul spirit being driven out, it may seek to tear her, but it will woo her no-more. At the last session of Congress a proposed amendment of the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States passed the Senate, but failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives. Although the present is the same Congress and nearly the same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session. Of course the abstract question is not changed; but an   intervening election shows almost certainly that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not. Hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the States for their action. And as it is to so go at all events, may we not agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed that the election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their votes any further than, as an additional element to be considered, their judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question. In a great national crisis like ours unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable--almost indispensable. And yet no approach to such unanimity is attainable unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the majority simply because it is the will of the majority. In this case the common end is the maintenance of the Union, and among the means to secure that end such will, through the election, is most dearly declared in favor of such constitutional amendment. The most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived through our popular elections. Judging by the recent canvass and its result, the purpose of the people within the loyal States to maintain the integrity of the Union was never more firm nor more nearly unanimous than now. The extraordinary calmness and good order with which the millions of voters met and mingled at the polls give strong assurance of this. Not only all those who supported the Union ticket, so called, but a great majority of the opposing party also may be fairly claimed to entertain and to be actuated by the same purpose. It is an unanswerable argument to this effect that no candidate for any office   whatever, high or low, has ventured to seek votes on the avowal that he was for giving up the Union. There have been much impugning of motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing the Union cause, but on the distinct issue of Union or no Union the politicians have shown their instinctive knowledge that there is no diversity among the people. In affording the people the fair opportunity of showing one to another and to the world this firmness   and unanimity of purpose, the election has been of vast value to the national cause. The election has exhibited another tact not less valuable to be known--the fact that we do not approach exhaustion in the most important branch of national resources, that of living men. While it is melancholy to reflect that the war has filled so many graves and carried mourning to so many hearts, it is some relief to know that, compared with the surviving, the fallen have been so few. While corps and divisions and brigades and regiments have formed and fought and dwindled and gone out of existence, a great majority of the men who composed them are still living. The same is true of the naval service. The election returns prove this. So many voters could not else be found. The States regularly holding elections, both now and four years ago, to wit, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, cast 3,982,011 votes now, against 3,870,222 cast then, showing an aggregate now of 3,982,011. To this is to be added 33,762 cast now in the new States of Kansas and Nevada, which States did not vote in 1860, thus swelling the aggregate to 4,015,773 and the net increase during the three years and a half of war to 145,551. A table is appended showing particulars. To this again should be added the number of all soldiers in the field from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, and California, who by the laws of those States could not vote away from their homes, and which number can not be less than 90,000. Nor yet is this all. The number in organized Territories is triple now what it was four years ago, while thousands, white and black, join us as the national arms press back the insurgent lines. So much is shown, affirmatively and negatively, by the election. It is not material to inquire how the increase has been produced or to show that it would have been greater but for the war, which is probably true. The important fact remains demonstrated that we have more men now than we had when the war began; that we are not exhausted nor in process of exhaustion; that we are gaining strength and may if need be maintain the contest indefinitely. This as to men. Material resources are now more complete and abundant than ever. The national resources, then, are unexhausted, and, as we believe, inexhaustible. The public purpose to reestablish and maintain the national authority is unchanged, and, as we believe, unchangeable. The manner of continuing the effort remains to choose. On careful consideration of all the evidence accessible it seems to me that no attempt at negotiation with the insurgent leader could result in any good. He would accept nothing short of severance of the Union, precisely what we will not and can not give. His declarations to this effect are explicit and oft repeated. He does not attempt to deceive us. He affords us no excuse to deceive ourselves. He can not voluntarily reaccept the Union; we can not voluntarily yield it. Between him and us the issue is distinct, simple, and inflexible. It is an issue which can only be tried by war and decided by victory. If we yield, we are beaten; if the Southern people fail him, he is beaten. Either way it would be the victory and defeat following war. What is true, however, of him who heads the insurgent cause is not necessarily true of those who follow. Although he can not reaccept the Union, they can. Some of them, we know, already desire peace and reunion. The number of such may increase. They can at any moment have peace simply by laying down their arms and submitting to the national authority under the Constitution. After   so much the Government could not, if it would, maintain war against them. The loyal people would not sustain or allow it. If questions should remain, we would adjust them by the peaceful means of legislation, conference, courts, and votes, operating only in constitutional and lawful channels. Some certain, and other possible, questions are and would be beyond the Executive power to adjust; as, for instance, the admission of members into Congress and whatever might require the appropriation of money. The Executive power itself would be greatly diminished by the cessation of actual war. Pardons and remissions of forfeitures, however, would still be within Executive control. In what spirit and temper this control would be exercised can be fairly judged of by the past. A year ago general pardon and amnesty, upon specified terms, were offered to all except certain designated classes, and it was at the same time made known that the excepted classes were still within contemplation of special clemency. During the year many availed themselves of the general provision, and many more would, only that the signs of bad faith in some led to such precautionary measures as rendered the practical process less easy and certain. During the same time also special pardons have been granted to individuals of the excepted classes, and no voluntary application has been denied. Thus practically the door has been for a full year open to all except such as were not in condition to make free choice; that is, such as were in custody or under constraint. It is still so open to all. But the time may come, probably will come, when public duty shall demand that it be closed and that in lieu more rigorous measures than heretofore shall be adopted. In presenting the abandonment of armed resistance to the national authority on the part of the insurgents as the only indispensable condition to ending the war on the part of the Government, I retract nothing heretofore said as to slavery. I repeat the declaration made a year a ago, that "while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation or by any of the acts of Congress." If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make it an Executive duty to reenslave such persons, another, and not I, must be their instrument to perform it. In stating a single condition of peace I mean simply to say that the war will cease on the part of the Government whenever it shall have ceased on the part of those who began it.  
Again the blessings of health and abundant harvests claim our profoundest gratitude to Almighty God. The condition of our foreign affairs is reasonably satisfactory. Mexico continues to be a theater of civil war. While our political relations with that country have undergone no change, we have at the same time strictly maintained neutrality between the belligerents. At the request of the States of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, a competent engineer has been authorized to make a survey of the river San Juan and the port of San Juan. It is a source of much satisfaction that the difficulties which for a moment excited some political apprehensions and caused a closing of the interoceanic transit route have been amicably adjusted, and that there is a good prospect that the route will soon be reopened with an increase of capacity and adaptation. We could not exaggerate either the commercial or the political importance of that great improvement. It would be doing injustice to an important South American State not to acknowledge the directness, frankness, and cordiality with which the United States of Colombia have entered into intimate relations with this Government. A claims convention has been constituted to complete the unfinished work of the one which closed its session in 1861. The new liberal constitution of Venezuela having gone into effect with the universal acquiescence of the people, the Government under it has been recognized and diplomatic intercourse with it has opened in a cordial and friendly spirit. The long-deferred Aves Island claim has been satisfactorily paid and discharged. Mutual payments have been made of the claims awarded by the late joint commission for the settlement of claims between the United States and Peru. An earnest and cordial friendship continues to exist between the two countries, and such efforts as were in my power have been used to remove misunderstanding and avert a threatened war between Peru and Spain. Our relations are of the most friendly nature with Chile, the Argentine Republic, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, San Salvador, and Hayti. During the past year no differences of any kind have arisen with any of those Republics, and, on the other hand, their sympathies with the United States are constantly expressed with cordiality and earnestness. The claim arising from the seizure of the cargo of the brig Macedonian in 1821 has been paid in full by the Government of Chile. Civil war continues in the Spanish part of San Domingo, apparently without prospect of an early close. Official correspondence has been freely opened with Liberia, and it gives us a pleasing view of social and political progress in that Republic. It may be expected to derive new vigor from American influence, improved by the rapid disappearance of slavery in the United States. I solicit your authority to furnish to the Republic a gunboat at moderate cost, to be reimbursed to the United States by installments. Such a vessel is needed for the safety of that State against the native African races, and in Liberian hands it would be more effective in arresting the African slave trade than a squadron in our own hands. The possession of the least organized naval force would stimulate a generous ambition in the Republic, and the confidence which we should manifest by furnishing it would win forbearance and favor toward the colony from all civilized nations. The proposed overland telegraph between America and Europe, by the way of Behrings Straits and Asiatic Russia, which was sanctioned by Congress at the last session, has been undertaken, under very favorable circumstances, by an association of American citizens, with the cordial good will and support as well of this Government as of those of Great Britain and Russia. Assurances have been received from most of the South American States of their high appreciation of the enterprise and their readiness to cooperate in constructing lines tributary to that world-encircling communication. I learn with much satisfaction that the noble design of a telegraphic communication between the eastern coast of America and Great Britain has been renewed, with full expectation of its early accomplishment. Thus it is hoped that with the return of domestic peace the country will be able to resume with energy and advantage its former high career of commerce and civilization. Our very popular and estimable representative in Egypt died in April last. An unpleasant altercation which arose between the temporary incumbent of the office and the Government of the Pasha resulted in a suspension of intercourse. The evil was promptly corrected on the arrival of the successor in the consulate, and our relations with Egypt, as well as our relations with the Barbary Powers, are entirely satisfactory. The rebellion which has so long been flagrant in China has at last been suppressed, with the cooperating good offices of this Government and of the other Western commercial States. The judicial consular establishment there has become very difficult and onerous, and it will need legislative revision to adapt it to the extension of our commerce and to the more intimate intercourse which has been instituted with the Government and people of that vast Empire. China seems to be accepting with hearty good will the conventional laws which regulate commercial and social intercourse among the Western nations. Owing to the peculiar situation of Japan and the anomalous form of its Government, the action of that Empire in performing treaty stipulations is inconstant and capricious. Nevertheless, good progress has been effected by the Western powers, moving with enlightened concert. Our own pecuniary claims have been allowed or put in course of settlement, and the inland sea has been reopened to commerce. There is reason also to believe that these proceedings have increased rather than diminished the friendship of Japan toward the United States. The ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola have been opened by proclamation. It is hoped that foreign merchants will now consider whether it is not safer and more profitable to themselves, as well as just to the United States, to resort to these and other open ports than it is to pursue, through many hazards and at vast cost, a contraband trade with other ports which are closed, if not by actual military occupation, at least by a lawful and effective blockade. For myself, I have no doubt of the power and duty of the Executive, under the law of nations, to exclude enemies of the human race from an asylum in the United States. If Congress should think that proceedings in such cases lack the authority of law, or ought to be further regulated by it, I recommend that provision be made for effectually preventing foreign slave traders from acquiring domicile and facilities for their criminal occupation in our country. It is possible that if it were new and open question the maritime powers, with the lights they now enjoy, would not concede the privileges of a naval belligerent to the insurgents of the United States, destitute, as they are, and always have been, equally of ships of war and of ports and harbors. Disloyal emissaries have been neither less assiduous nor more successful during the last year than they were before that time in their efforts under favor of that privilege, to embroil our country in foreign wars. The desire and determination of the governments of the maritime states to defeat that design are believed to be as sincere as and can not be more earnest than our own. Nevertheless, unforeseen political difficulties have arisen, especially in Brazilian and British ports and on the northern boundary of the United States, which have required, and are likely to continue to require, the practice of constant vigilance and a just and conciliatory spirit on the part of the United States, as well as of the nations concerned and their governments. Commissioners have been appointed under the treaty with Great Britain on the adjustment of the claims of the Hudsons Bay and Pugets Sound Agricultural Companies, in Oregon, and are now proceeding to the execution of the trust assigned to them. In view of the insecurity of life and property in the region adjacent to the Canadian border, by reason of recent assaults and depredations committed by inimical and desperate persons who are harbored there, it has been thought proper to give notice that after the expiration of six months, the period conditionally stipulated in the existing arrangement with Great Britain, the United States must hold themselves at liberty to increase their naval armament upon the Lakes if they shall find that proceeding necessary. The condition of the border will necessarily come into consideration in connection with the question of continuing or modifying the rights of transit from Canada through the United States, as well as the regulation of imposts, which were temporarily established by the reciprocity treaty of the 5th June, 1854. I desire, however, to be understood while making this statement that the colonial authorities of Canada are not deemed to be intentionally unjust or unfriendly toward the United States, but, on the contrary, there is every reason to expect that, with the approval of the Imperial Government, they will take the necessary measures to prevent new incursions across the border. The act passed at the last session for the encouragement of immigration has so far as was possible been put into operation. It seems to need amendment which will enable the officers of the Government to prevent the practice of frauds against the immigrants while on their way and on their arrival in the ports, so as to secure them here a free choice of avocations and places of settlement. A liberal disposition toward this great national policy is manifested by most of the European States, and ought to be reciprocated on our part by giving the immigrants effective national protection. I regard our immigrants as one of the principal replenishing streams which are appointed by Providence to repair the ravages of internal war and its wastes of national strength and health. All that is necessary is to secure the flow of that stream in its present fullness, and to that end the Government must in every way make it manifest that it neither needs nor designs to impose involuntary military service upon those who come from other lands to cast their lot in our country. The financial affairs of the Government have been successfully administered during the last year. The legislation of the last session of Congress has beneficially affected the revenues, although sufficient time has not yet elapsed to experience the full effect of several of the provisions of the acts of Congress imposing increased taxation. The receipts during the year from all sources, upon the basis of warrants signed by the Secretary of the Treasury, including loans and the balance in the Treasury on the 1st day of July, 1863, were $1,394,796,007.62, and the aggregate disbursements, upon the same basis, were $1,298,056,101.89, leaving a balance in the Treasury, as shown by warrants, of $96,739,905.73. Deduct from these amounts the amount of the principal of the public debt redeemed and the amount of issues in substitution therefor, and the actual cash operations of the Treasury were: Receipts, $884,076,646.57; disbursements, $865,234,087.86; which leaves a cash balance in the Treasury of $18,842,558.71. Of the receipts there were derived from customs $102,316,152.99, from lands $588,333.29. from direct taxes $475,648.96, from internal revenue $109,741,134.10, from miscellaneous sources $47,511,448.10, and from loans applied to actual expenditures, including former balance, $623,443,929.13. There were disbursed for the civil service $27,505,599.46, for pensions and Indians $7,517,930.97, for the War Department $690,791,842.97, for the Navy Department $85,733,292.77, for interest on the public debt $53,685,421.69, making an aggregate of $865,234,087.86 and leaving a balance in the Treasury of $18,842,558.71, as before stated. For the actual receipts and disbursements for the first quarter and the estimated receipts and disbursements for the three remaining quarters of the current fiscal year, and the general operations of the Treasury in detail, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. I concur with him in the opinion that the proportion of moneys required to meet the expenses consequent upon the war derived from taxation should be still further increased; and I earnestly invite your attention to this subject, to the end that there may be such additional legislation as shall be required to meet the just expectations of the Secretary. The public debt on the 1st day of July last, as appears by the books of the Treasury, amounted to $1,740,690,489.49. Probably, should the war continue for another year, that amount may be increased by not far from five hundred millions. Held, as it is, for the most part by our own people, it has become a substantial branch of national, though private, property. For obvious reasons the more nearly this property can be distributed among all the people the better. To favor such general distribution, greater inducements to become owners might, perhaps, with good effect and without injury be presented to persons of limited means. With this view I suggest whether it might not be both competent and expedient for Congress to provide that a limited amount of some future issue of public securities might be held by any bona fide purchaser exempt from taxation and from seizure for debt, under such restrictions and limitations as might be necessary to guard against abuse of so important a privilege. This would enable every prudent person to set aside a small annuity against a possible day of want. Privileges like these would render the possession of such securities to the amount limited most desirable to every person of small means who might be able to save enough for the purpose. The great advantage of citizens being creditors as well as debtors with relation to the public debt is obvious. Men readily perceive that they can not be much oppressed by a debt which they owe to themselves. The public debt on the 1st day of July last, although somewhat exceeding the estimate of the Secretary of the Treasury made to Congress at the commencement of the last session, falls short of the estimate of that officer made in the preceding December as to its probable amount at the beginning of this year by the sum of $3,995,097.31. This fact exhibits a satisfactory condition and conduct of the operations of the Treasury. The national banking system is proving to be acceptable to capitalists and to the people. On the 25th day of November 584 national banks had been organized, a considerable number of which were conversions from State banks. Changes from State systems to the national system are rapidly taking place, and it is hoped that very soon there will be in the United States no banks of issue not authorized by Congress and no bank-note circulation not secured by the Government. That the Government and the people will derive great benefit from this change in the banking systems of the country can hardly be questioned. The national system will create a reliable and permanent influence in support of the national credit and protect the people against losses in the use of paper money. Whether or not any further legislation is advisable for the suppression of State-bank issues it will be for Congress to determine. It seems quite clear that the Treasury can not be satisfactorily conducted unless the Government can exercise a restraining power over the bank-note circulation of the country. The report of the Secretary of War and the accompanying documents will detail the campaigns of the armies in the field since the date of the last annual message, and also the operations of the several administrative bureaus of the War Department during the last year. It will also specify the measures deemed essential for the national defense and to keep up and supply the requisite military force. The report of the Secretary of the Navy presents a comprehensive and satisfactory exhibit of the affairs of that Department and of the naval service. It is a subject of congratulation and laudable pride to our countrymen that a Navy of such vast proportions has been organized in so brief a period and conducted with so much efficiency and success. The general exhibit of the Navy, including vessels under construction on the 1st of December, 1864, shows a total of 671 vessels, carrying 4,610 guns, and of 510,396 tons, being an actual increase during the year, over and above all losses by shipwreck or in battle, of 83 vessels, 167 guns, and 42,427 tons. The total number of men at this time in the naval service, including officers, is about 51,000. There have been captured by the Navy during the year 324 vessels, and the whole number of naval captures since hostilities commenced is 1,379, of which 267 are steamers. The gross proceeds arising from the sale of condemned prize property thus far reported amount to $14,396,250.51. A large amount of such proceeds is still under adjudication and yet to be reported. The total expenditure of the Navy Department of every description, including the cost of the immense squadrons that have been called into existence from the 4th of March, 1861, to the 1st of November, 1864, is $238,647,262.35. Your favorable consideration is invited to the various recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy, especially in regard to a navy-yard and suitable establishment for the construction and repair of iron vessels and the machinery and armature for our ships, to which reference was made in my last annual message. Your attention is also invited to the views expressed in the report in relation to the legislation of Congress at its last session in respect to prize on our inland waters. I cordially concur in the recommendation of the Secretary as to the propriety of creating the new rank of vice-admiral in our naval service. Your attention is invited to the report of the Postmaster-General for a detailed account of the operations and financial condition of the Post-Office Department. The postal revenues for the year ending June 30, 1864, amounted to $12,438,253.78 and the expenditures to $12,644,786.20, the excess of expenditures over receipts being $206,652.42. The views presented by the Postmaster-General on the subject of special grants by the Government in aid of the establishment of new lines of ocean mail steamships and the policy he recommends for the development of increased commercial intercourse with adjacent and neighboring countries should receive the careful consideration of Congress. It is of noteworthy interest that the steady expansion of population, improvement, and governmental institutions over the new and unoccupied portions of our country have scarcely been checked, much less impeded or destroyed, by our great civil war, which at first glance would seem to have absorbed almost the entire energies of the nation. The organization and admission of the State of Nevada has been completed in conformity with law, and thus our excellent system is firmly established in the mountains, which once seemed a barren and uninhabitable waste between the Atlantic States and those which have grown up on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The Territories of the Union are generally in a condition of prosperity and rapid growth. Idaho and Montana, by reason of their great distance and the interruption of communication with them by Indian hostilities, have been only partially organized; but it is understood that these difficulties are about to disappear, which will permit their governments, like those of the others, to go into speedy and full operation. As intimately connected with and promotive of this material growth of the nation, I ask the attention of Congress to the valuable information and important recommendations relating to the public lands, Indian affairs, the Pacific Railroad, and mineral discoveries contained in the report of the Secretary of the Interior which is herewith transmitted, and which report also embraces the subjects of patents, pensions, and other topics of public interest pertaining to his Department. The quantity of public land disposed of during the five quarters ending on the 30th of September last was 4,221,342 acres, of which 1,538,614 acres were entered under the homestead law. The remainder was located with military land warrants, agricultural scrip certified to States for railroads, and sold for cash. The cash received from sales and location fees was $1,019,446. The income from sales during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1864, was $678,007.21, against $136,077.95 received during the preceding year. The aggregate number of acres surveyed during the year has been equal to the quantity disposed of, and there is open to settlement about 133,000,000 acres of surveyed land. The great enterprise of connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific States by railways and telegraph lines has been entered upon with a vigor that gives assurance of success, notwithstanding the embarrassments arising from the prevailing high prices of materials and labor. The route of the main line of the road has been definitely located for 100 miles westward from the initial point at Omaha City, Nebr., and a preliminary location of the Pacific Railroad of California has been made from Sacramento eastward to the great bend of the Truckee River in Nevada. Numerous discoveries of gold, silver, and cinnabar mines have been added to the many heretofore known, and the country occupied by the Sierra Nevada and Rocky mountains and the subordinate ranges now teems with enterprising labor, which is richly remunerative. It is believed that the product of the mines of precious metals in that region has during the year reached, if not exceeded, one hundred millions in value. It was recommended in my last annual message that our Indian system be remodeled. Congress at its last session, acting upon the recommendation, did provide for reorganizing the system in California, and it is believed that under the present organization the management of the Indians there will be attended with reasonable success. Much yet remains to be done to provide for the proper government of the Indians in other parts of the country, to render it secure for the advancing set-tier, and to provide for the welfare of the Indian. The Secretary reiterates his recommendations, and to them the attention of Congress is invited. The liberal provisions made by Congress for paying pensions to invalid soldiers and sailors of the Republic and to the widows, orphans, and dependent mothers of those who have fallen in battle or died of disease contracted or of wounds received in the service of their country have been diligently administered. There have been added to the pension rolls during the year ending the 30th day of June last the names of 16,770 invalid soldiers and of 271 disabled seamen, making the present number of army invalid pensioners 22,767 and of navy invalid pensioners 712. Of widows, orphans, and mothers 22,198 have been placed on the army pension rolls and 248 on the navy rolls. The present number of army pensioners of this class is 25,433 and of navy pensioners 793. At the beginning of the year the number of Revolutionary pensioners was 1,430. Only 12 of them were soldiers, of whom 7 have since died. The remainder are those who under the law receive pensions because of relationship to Revolutionary soldiers. During the year ending the 30th of June, 1864, $4,504,616.92 have been paid to pensioners of all classes. I cheerfully commend to your continued patronage the benevolent institutions of the District of Columbia which have hitherto been established or fostered by Congress, and respectfully refer for information concerning them and in relation to the Washington Aqueduct, the Capitol, and other matters of local interest to the report of the Secretary. The Agricultural Department, under the supervision of its present energetic and faithful head, is rapidly commending itself to the great and vital interest it was created to advance It is peculiarly the people's Department, in which they feel more directly concerned than in any other. I commend it to the continued attention and fostering care of Congress. The war continues. Since the last annual message all the important lines and positions then occupied by our forces have been maintained and our arms have steadily advanced, thus liberating the regions left in rear, so that Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of other States have again produced reasonably fair crops. The most remarkable feature in the military operations of the year is General Sherman's attempted march of 300 miles directly through the insurgent region. It tends to show a great increase of our relative strength that our General in Chief should feel able to confront and hold in check every active force of the enemy, and yet to detach a well-appointed large army to move on such an expedition. The result not yet being known, conjecture in regard to it is not here indulged. Important movements have also occurred during the year to the effect of molding society for durability in the Union. Although short of complete success, it is much in the fight direction that 12,000 citizens in each of the States of Arkansas and Louisiana have organized loyal State governments, with free constitutions, and are earnestly struggling to maintain and administer them. The movements in the same direction, more extensive though less definite, in Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee should not be overlooked. But Maryland presents the example of complete success. Maryland is secure to liberty and union for all the future. The genius of rebellion will no more claim Maryland. Like another foul spirit being driven out, it may seek to tear her, but it will woo her no-more. At the last session of Congress a proposed amendment of the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States passed the Senate, but failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives. Although the present is the same Congress and nearly the same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session. Of course the abstract question is not changed; but an intervening election shows almost certainly that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not. Hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the States for their action. And as it is to so go at all events, may we not agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed that the election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their votes any further than, as an additional element to be considered, their judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question. In a great national crisis like ours unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable--almost indispensable. And yet no approach to such unanimity is attainable unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the majority simply because it is the will of the majority. In this case the common end is the maintenance of the Union, and among the means to secure that end such will, through the election, is most dearly declared in favor of such constitutional amendment. The most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived through our popular elections. Judging by the recent canvass and its result, the purpose of the people within the loyal States to maintain the integrity of the Union was never more firm nor more nearly unanimous than now. The extraordinary calmness and good order with which the millions of voters met and mingled at the polls give strong assurance of this. Not only all those who supported the Union ticket, so called, but a great majority of the opposing party also may be fairly claimed to entertain and to be actuated by the same purpose. It is an unanswerable argument to this effect that no candidate for any office whatever, high or low, has ventured to seek votes on the avowal that he was for giving up the Union. There have been much impugning of motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing the Union because, but on the distinct issue of Union or no Union the politicians have shown their instinctive knowledge that there is no diversity among the people. In affording the people the fair opportunity of showing one to another and to the world this firmness and unanimity of purpose, the election has been of vast value to the national because. The election has exhibited another tact not less valuable to be known--the fact that we do not approach exhaustion in the most important branch of national resources, that of living men. While it is melancholy to reflect that the war has filled so many graves and carried mourning to so many hearts, it is some relief to know that, compared with the surviving, the fallen have been so few. While corps and divisions and brigades and regiments have formed and fought and dwindled and gone out of existence, a great majority of the men who composed them are still living. The same is true of the naval service. The election returns prove this. So many voters could not else be found. The States regularly holding elections, both now and four years ago, to wit, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, cast 3,982,011 votes now, against 3,870,222 cast then, showing an aggregate now of 3,982,011. To this is to be added 33,762 cast now in the new States of Kansas and Nevada, which States did not vote in 1860, thus swelling the aggregate to 4,015,773 and the net increase during the three years and a half of war to 145,551. A table is appended showing particulars. To this again should be added the number of all soldiers in the field from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, and California, who by the laws of those States could not vote away from their homes, and which number can not be less than 90,000. Nor yet is this all. The number in organized Territories is triple now what it was four years ago, while thousands, white and black, join us as the national arms press back the insurgent lines. So much is shown, affirmatively and negatively, by the election. It is not material to inquire how the increase has been produced or to show that it would have been greater but for the war, which is probably true. The important fact remains demonstrated that we have more men now than we had when the war began; that we are not exhausted nor in process of exhaustion; that we are gaining strength and may if need be maintain the contest indefinitely. This as to men. Material resources are now more complete and abundant than ever. The national resources, then, are unexhausted, and, as we believe, inexhaustible. The public purpose to reestablish and maintain the national authority is unchanged, and, as we believe, unchangeable. The manner of continuing the effort remains to choose. On careful consideration of all the evidence accessible it seems to me that no attempt at negotiation with the insurgent leader could result in any good. He would accept nothing short of severance of the Union, precisely what we will not and can not give. His declarations to this effect are explicit and oft repeated. He does not attempt to deceive us. He affords us no excuse to deceive ourselves. He can not voluntarily reaccept the Union; we can not voluntarily yield it. Between him and us the issue is distinct, simple, and inflexible. It is an issue which can only be tried by war and decided by victory. If we yield, we are beaten; if the Southern people fail him, he is beaten. Either way it would be the victory and defeat following war. What is true, however, of him who heads the insurgent because is not necessarily true of those who follow. Although he can not reaccept the Union, they can. Some of them, we know, already desire peace and reunion. The number of such may increase. They can at any moment have peace simply by laying down their arms and submitting to the national authority under the Constitution. After so much the Government could not, if it would, maintain war against them. The loyal people would not sustain or allow it. If questions should remain, we would adjust them by the peaceful means of legislation, conference, courts, and votes, operating only in constitutional and lawful channels. Some certain, and other possible, questions are and would be beyond the Executive power to adjust; as, for instance, the admission of members into Congress and whatever might require the appropriation of money. The Executive power itself would be greatly diminished by the cessation of actual war. Pardons and remissions of forfeitures, however, would still be within Executive control. In what spirit and temper this control would be exercised can be fairly judged of by the past. A year ago general pardon and amnesty, upon specified terms, were offered to all except certain designated classes, and it was at the same time made known that the excepted classes were still within contemplation of special clemency. During the year many availed themselves of the general provision, and many more would, only that the signs of bad faith in some led to such precautionary measures as rendered the practical process less easy and certain. During the same time also special pardons have been granted to individuals of the excepted classes, and no voluntary application has been denied. Thus practically the door has been for a full year open to all except such as were not in condition to make free choice; that is, such as were in custody or under constraint. It is still so open to all. But the time may come, probably will come, when public duty shall demand that it be closed and that in lieu more rigorous measures than heretofore shall be adopted. In presenting the abandonment of armed resistance to the national authority on the part of the insurgents as the only indispensable condition to ending the war on the part of the Government, I retract nothing heretofore said as to slavery. I repeat the declaration made a year a ago, that "while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation or by any of the acts of Congress." If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make it an Executive duty to reenslave such persons, another, and not I, must be their instrument to perform it. In stating a single condition of peace I mean simply to say that the war will cease on the part of the Government whenever it shall have ceased on the part of those who began it.
again the blessings of health and abundant harvests claim our profoundest gratitude to almighty god the condition of our foreign affairs is reasonably satisfactory mexico continues to be a theater of civil war while our political relations with that country have undergone no change we have at the same time strictly maintained neutrality between the belligerents at the request of the states of costa rica and nicaragua a competent engineer has been authorized to make a survey of the river san juan and the port of san juan it is a source of much satisfaction that the difficulties which for a moment excited some political apprehensions and caused a closing of the interoceanic transit route have been amicably adjusted and that there is a good prospect that the route will soon be reopened with an increase of capacity and adaptation we could not exaggerate either the commercial or the political importance of that great improvement it would be doing injustice to an important south american state not to acknowledge the directness frankness and cordiality with which the united states of colombia have entered into intimate relations with this government a claims convention has been constituted to complete the unfinished work of the one which closed its session in 1861 the new liberal constitution of venezuela having gone into effect with the universal acquiescence of the people the government under it has been recognized and diplomatic intercourse with it has opened in a cordial and friendly spirit the aves island claim has been satisfactorily paid and discharged mutual payments have been made of the claims awarded by the late joint commission for the settlement of claims between the united states and peru an earnest and cordial friendship continues to exist between the two countries and such efforts as were in my power have been used to remove misunderstanding and avert a threatened war between peru and spain our relations are of the most friendly nature with chile the argentine republic bolivia costa rica paraguay san salvador and hayti during the past year no differences of any kind have arisen with any of those republics and on the other hand their sympathies with the united states are constantly expressed with cordiality and earnestness the claim arising from the seizure of the cargo of the brig macedonian in 1821 has been paid in full by the government of chile civil war continues in the spanish part of san domingo apparently without prospect of an early close official correspondence has been freely opened with liberia and it gives us a pleasing view of social and political progress in that republic it may be expected to derive new vigor from american influence improved by the rapid disappearance of slavery in the united states i solicit your authority to furnish to the republic a gunboat at moderate cost to be reimbursed to the united states by installments such a vessel is needed for the safety of that state against the native african races and in liberian hands it would be more effective in arresting the african slave trade than a squadron in our own hands the possession of the least organized naval force would stimulate a generous ambition in the republic and the confidence which we should manifest by furnishing it would win forbearance and favor toward the colony from all civilized nations the proposed overland telegraph between america and europe by the way of behrings straits and asiatic russia which was sanctioned by congress at the last session has been undertaken under very favorable circumstances by an association of american citizens with the cordial good will and support as well of this government as of those of great britain and russia assurances have been received from most of the south american states of their high appreciation of the enterprise and their readiness to cooperate in constructing lines tributary to that communication i learn with much satisfaction that the noble design of a telegraphic communication between the eastern coast of america and great britain has been renewed with full expectation of its early accomplishment thus it is hoped that with the return of domestic peace the country will be able to resume with energy and advantage its former high career of commerce and civilization our very popular and estimable representative in egypt died in april last an unpleasant altercation which arose between the temporary incumbent of the office and the government of the pasha resulted in a suspension of intercourse the evil was promptly corrected on the arrival of the successor in the consulate and our relations with egypt as well as our relations with the barbary powers are entirely satisfactory the rebellion which has so long been flagrant in china has at last been suppressed with the cooperating good offices of this government and of the other western commercial states the judicial consular establishment there has become very difficult and onerous and it will need legislative revision to adapt it to the extension of our commerce and to the more intimate intercourse which has been instituted with the government and people of that vast empire china seems to be accepting with hearty good will the conventional laws which regulate commercial and social intercourse among the western nations owing to the peculiar situation of japan and the anomalous form of its government the action of that empire in performing treaty stipulations is inconstant and capricious nevertheless good progress has been effected by the western powers moving with enlightened concert our own pecuniary claims have been allowed or put in course of settlement and the inland sea has been reopened to commerce there is reason also to believe that these proceedings have increased rather than diminished the friendship of japan toward the united states the ports of norfolk fernandina and pensacola have been opened by proclamation it is hoped that foreign merchants will now consider whether it is not safer and more profitable to themselves as well as just to the united states to resort to these and other open ports than it is to pursue through many hazards and at vast cost a contraband trade with other ports which are closed if not by actual military occupation at least by a lawful and effective blockade for myself i have no doubt of the power and duty of the executive under the law of nations to exclude enemies of the human race from an asylum in the united states if congress should think that proceedings in such cases lack the authority of law or ought to be further regulated by it i recommend that provision be made for effectually preventing foreign slave traders from acquiring domicile and facilities for their criminal occupation in our country it is possible that if it were new and open question the maritime powers with the lights they now enjoy would not concede the privileges of a naval belligerent to the insurgents of the united states destitute as they are and always have been equally of ships of war and of ports and harbors disloyal emissaries have been neither less assiduous nor more successful during the last year than they were before that time in their efforts under favor of that privilege to embroil our country in foreign wars the desire and determination of the governments of the maritime states to defeat that design are believed to be as sincere as and can not be more earnest than our own nevertheless unforeseen political difficulties have arisen especially in brazilian and british ports and on the northern boundary of the united states which have required and are likely to continue to require the practice of constant vigilance and a just and conciliatory spirit on the part of the united states as well as of the nations concerned and their governments commissioners have been appointed under the treaty with great britain on the adjustment of the claims of the hudsons bay and pugets sound agricultural companies in oregon and are now proceeding to the execution of the trust assigned to them in view of the insecurity of life and property in the region adjacent to the canadian border by reason of recent assaults and depredations committed by inimical and desperate persons who are harbored there it has been thought proper to give notice that after the expiration of six months the period conditionally stipulated in the existing arrangement with great britain the united states must hold themselves at liberty to increase their naval armament upon the lakes if they shall find that proceeding necessary the condition of the border will necessarily come into consideration in connection with the question of continuing or modifying the rights of transit from canada through the united states as well as the regulation of imposts which were temporarily established by the reciprocity treaty of the 5th june 1854 i desire however to be understood while making this statement that the colonial authorities of canada are not deemed to be intentionally unjust or unfriendly toward the united states but on the contrary there is every reason to expect that with the approval of the imperial government they will take the necessary measures to prevent new incursions across the border the act passed at the last session for the encouragement of immigration has so far as was possible been put into operation it seems to need amendment which will enable the officers of the government to prevent the practice of frauds against the immigrants while on their way and on their arrival in the ports so as to secure them here a free choice of avocations and places of settlement a liberal disposition toward this great national policy is manifested by most of the european states and ought to be reciprocated on our part by giving the immigrants effective national protection i regard our immigrants as one of the principal replenishing streams which are appointed by providence to repair the ravages of internal war and its wastes of national strength and health all that is necessary is to secure the flow of that stream in its present fullness and to that end the government must in every way make it manifest that it neither needs nor designs to impose involuntary military service upon those who come from other lands to cast their lot in our country the financial affairs of the government have been successfully administered during the last year the legislation of the last session of congress has beneficially affected the revenues although sufficient time has not yet elapsed to experience the full effect of several of the provisions of the acts of congress imposing increased taxation the receipts during the year from all sources upon the basis of warrants signed by the secretary of the treasury including loans and the balance in the treasury on the 1st day of july 1863 were and the aggregate disbursements upon the same basis were leaving a balance in the treasury as shown by warrants of deduct from these amounts the amount of the principal of the public debt redeemed and the amount of issues in substitution therefor and the actual cash operations of the treasury were receipts disbursements which leaves a cash balance in the treasury of of the receipts there were derived from customs from lands from direct taxes from internal revenue from miscellaneous sources and from loans applied to actual expenditures including former balance there were disbursed for the civil service for pensions and indians for the war department for the navy department for interest on the public debt making an aggregate of and leaving a balance in the treasury of as before stated for the actual receipts and disbursements for the first quarter and the estimated receipts and disbursements for the three remaining quarters of the current fiscal year and the general operations of the treasury in detail i refer you to the report of the secretary of the treasury i concur with him in the opinion that the proportion of moneys required to meet the expenses consequent upon the war derived from taxation should be still further increased and i earnestly invite your attention to this subject to the end that there may be such additional legislation as shall be required to meet the just expectations of the secretary the public debt on the 1st day of july last as appears by the books of the treasury amounted to probably should the war continue for another year that amount may be increased by not far from five hundred millions held as it is for the most part by our own people it has become a substantial branch of national though private property for obvious reasons the more nearly this property can be distributed among all the people the better to favor such general distribution greater inducements to become owners might perhaps with good effect and without injury be presented to persons of limited means with this view i suggest whether it might not be both competent and expedient for congress to provide that a limited amount of some future issue of public securities might be held by any bona fide purchaser exempt from taxation and from seizure for debt under such restrictions and limitations as might be necessary to guard against abuse of so important a privilege this would enable every prudent person to set aside a small annuity against a possible day of want privileges like these would render the possession of such securities to the amount limited most desirable to every person of small means who might be able to save enough for the purpose the great advantage of citizens being creditors as well as debtors with relation to the public debt is obvious men readily perceive that they can not be much oppressed by a debt which they owe to themselves the public debt on the 1st day of july last although somewhat exceeding the estimate of the secretary of the treasury made to congress at the commencement of the last session falls short of the estimate of that officer made in the preceding december as to its probable amount at the beginning of this year by the sum of this fact exhibits a satisfactory condition and conduct of the operations of the treasury the national banking system is proving to be acceptable to capitalists and to the people on the 25th day of november 584 national banks had been organized a considerable number of which were conversions from state banks changes from state systems to the national system are rapidly taking place and it is hoped that very soon there will be in the united states no banks of issue not authorized by congress and no circulation not secured by the government that the government and the people will derive great benefit from this change in the banking systems of the country can hardly be questioned the national system will create a reliable and permanent influence in support of the national credit and protect the people against losses in the use of paper money whether or not any further legislation is advisable for the suppression of issues it will be for congress to determine it seems quite clear that the treasury can not be satisfactorily conducted unless the government can exercise a restraining power over the circulation of the country the report of the secretary of war and the accompanying documents will detail the campaigns of the armies in the field since the date of the last annual message and also the operations of the several administrative bureaus of the war department during the last year it will also specify the measures deemed essential for the national defense and to keep up and supply the requisite military force the report of the secretary of the navy presents a comprehensive and satisfactory exhibit of the affairs of that department and of the naval service it is a subject of congratulation and laudable pride to our countrymen that a navy of such vast proportions has been organized in so brief a period and conducted with so much efficiency and success the general exhibit of the navy including vessels under construction on the 1st of december 1864 shows a total of 671 vessels carrying guns and of tons being an actual increase during the year over and above all losses by shipwreck or in battle of 83 vessels 167 guns and tons the total number of men at this time in the naval service including officers is about there have been captured by the navy during the year 324 vessels and the whole number of naval captures since hostilities commenced is of which 267 are steamers the gross proceeds arising from the sale of condemned prize property thus far reported amount to a large amount of such proceeds is still under adjudication and yet to be reported the total expenditure of the navy department of every description including the cost of the immense squadrons that have been called into existence from the 4th of march 1861 to the 1st of november 1864 is your favorable consideration is invited to the various recommendations of the secretary of the navy especially in regard to a and suitable establishment for the construction and repair of iron vessels and the machinery and armature for our ships to which reference was made in my last annual message your attention is also invited to the views expressed in the report in relation to the legislation of congress at its last session in respect to prize on our inland waters i cordially concur in the recommendation of the secretary as to the propriety of creating the new rank of in our naval service your attention is invited to the report of the for a detailed account of the operations and financial condition of the department the postal revenues for the year ending june 30 1864 amounted to and the expenditures to the excess of expenditures over receipts being the views presented by the on the subject of special grants by the government in aid of the establishment of new lines of ocean mail steamships and the policy he recommends for the development of increased commercial intercourse with adjacent and neighboring countries should receive the careful consideration of congress it is of noteworthy interest that the steady expansion of population improvement and governmental institutions over the new and unoccupied portions of our country have scarcely been checked much less impeded or destroyed by our great civil war which at first glance would seem to have absorbed almost the entire energies of the nation the organization and admission of the state of nevada has been completed in conformity with law and thus our excellent system is firmly established in the mountains which once seemed a barren and uninhabitable waste between the atlantic states and those which have grown up on the coast of the pacific ocean the territories of the union are generally in a condition of prosperity and rapid growth idaho and montana by reason of their great distance and the interruption of communication with them by indian hostilities have been only partially organized but it is understood that these difficulties are about to disappear which will permit their governments like those of the others to go into speedy and full operation as intimately connected with and promotive of this material growth of the nation i ask the attention of congress to the valuable information and important recommendations relating to the public lands indian affairs the pacific railroad and mineral discoveries contained in the report of the secretary of the interior which is herewith transmitted and which report also embraces the subjects of patents pensions and other topics of public interest pertaining to his department the quantity of public land disposed of during the five quarters ending on the 30th of september last was acres of which acres were entered under the homestead law the remainder was located with military land warrants agricultural scrip certified to states for railroads and sold for cash the cash received from sales and location fees was the income from sales during the fiscal year ending june 30 1864 was against received during the preceding year the aggregate number of acres surveyed during the year has been equal to the quantity disposed of and there is open to settlement about acres of surveyed land the great enterprise of connecting the atlantic with the pacific states by railways and telegraph lines has been entered upon with a vigor that gives assurance of success notwithstanding the embarrassments arising from the prevailing high prices of materials and labor the route of the main line of the road has been definitely located for 100 miles westward from the initial point at omaha city and a preliminary location of the pacific railroad of california has been made from sacramento eastward to the great bend of the truckee river in nevada numerous discoveries of gold silver and cinnabar mines have been added to the many heretofore known and the country occupied by the sierra nevada and rocky mountains and the subordinate ranges now teems with enterprising labor which is richly remunerative it is believed that the product of the mines of precious metals in that region has during the year reached if not exceeded one hundred millions in value it was recommended in my last annual message that our indian system be remodeled congress at its last session acting upon the recommendation did provide for reorganizing the system in california and it is believed that under the present organization the management of the indians there will be attended with reasonable success much yet remains to be done to provide for the proper government of the indians in other parts of the country to render it secure for the advancing and to provide for the welfare of the indian the secretary reiterates his recommendations and to them the attention of congress is invited the liberal provisions made by congress for paying pensions to invalid soldiers and sailors of the republic and to the widows orphans and dependent mothers of those who have fallen in battle or died of disease contracted or of wounds received in the service of their country have been diligently administered there have been added to the pension rolls during the year ending the 30th day of june last the names of invalid soldiers and of 271 disabled seamen making the present number of army invalid pensioners and of navy invalid pensioners 712 of widows orphans and mothers have been placed on the army pension rolls and 248 on the navy rolls the present number of army pensioners of this class is and of navy pensioners 793 at the beginning of the year the number of revolutionary pensioners was only 12 of them were soldiers of whom 7 have since died the remainder are those who under the law receive pensions because of relationship to revolutionary soldiers during the year ending the 30th of june 1864 have been paid to pensioners of all classes i cheerfully commend to your continued patronage the benevolent institutions of the district of columbia which have hitherto been established or fostered by congress and respectfully refer for information concerning them and in relation to the washington aqueduct the capitol and other matters of local interest to the report of the secretary the agricultural department under the supervision of its present energetic and faithful head is rapidly commending itself to the great and vital interest it was created to advance it is peculiarly the people department in which they feel more directly concerned than in any other i commend it to the continued attention and fostering care of congress the war continues since the last annual message all the important lines and positions then occupied by our forces have been maintained and our arms have steadily advanced thus liberating the regions left in rear so that missouri kentucky tennessee and parts of other states have again produced reasonably fair crops the most remarkable feature in the military operations of the year is general sherman attempted march of 300 miles directly through the insurgent region it tends to show a great increase of our relative strength that our general in chief should feel able to confront and hold in check every active force of the enemy and yet to detach a large army to move on such an expedition the result not yet being known conjecture in regard to it is not here indulged important movements have also occurred during the year to the effect of molding society for durability in the union although short of complete success it is much in the fight direction that citizens in each of the states of arkansas and louisiana have organized loyal state governments with free constitutions and are earnestly struggling to maintain and administer them the movements in the same direction more extensive though less definite in missouri kentucky and tennessee should not be overlooked but maryland presents the example of complete success maryland is secure to liberty and union for all the future the genius of rebellion will no more claim maryland like another foul spirit being driven out it may seek to tear her but it will woo her at the last session of congress a proposed amendment of the constitution abolishing slavery throughout the united states passed the senate but failed for lack of the requisite vote in the house of representatives although the present is the same congress and nearly the same members and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those who stood in opposition i venture to recommend the reconsideration and passage of the measure at the present session of course the abstract question is not changed but an intervening election shows almost certainly that the next congress will pass the measure if this does not hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment will go to the states for their action and as it is to so go at all events may we not agree that the sooner the better it is not claimed that the election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their votes any further than as an additional element to be considered their judgment may be affected by it it is the voice of the people now for the first time heard upon the question in a great national crisis like ours unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable almost indispensable and yet no approach to such unanimity is attainable unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the majority simply because it is the will of the majority in this case the common end is the maintenance of the union and among the means to secure that end such will through the election is most dearly declared in favor of such constitutional amendment the most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived through our popular elections judging by the recent canvass and its result the purpose of the people within the loyal states to maintain the integrity of the union was never more firm nor more nearly unanimous than now the extraordinary calmness and good order with which the millions of voters met and mingled at the polls give strong assurance of this not only all those who supported the union ticket so called but a great majority of the opposing party also may be fairly claimed to entertain and to be actuated by the same purpose it is an unanswerable argument to this effect that no candidate for any office whatever high or low has ventured to seek votes on the avowal that he was for giving up the union there have been much impugning of motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing the union because but on the distinct issue of union or no union the politicians have shown their instinctive knowledge that there is no diversity among the people in affording the people the fair opportunity of showing one to another and to the world this firmness and unanimity of purpose the election has been of vast value to the national because the election has exhibited another tact not less valuable to be known the fact that we do not approach exhaustion in the most important branch of national resources that of living men while it is melancholy to reflect that the war has filled so many graves and carried mourning to so many hearts it is some relief to know that compared with the surviving the fallen have been so few while corps and divisions and brigades and regiments have formed and fought and dwindled and gone out of existence a great majority of the men who composed them are still living the same is true of the naval service the election returns prove this so many voters could not else be found the states regularly holding elections both now and four years ago to wit california connecticut delaware illinois indiana iowa kentucky maine maryland massachusetts michigan minnesota missouri new hampshire new jersey new york ohio oregon pennsylvania rhode island vermont west virginia and wisconsin cast votes now against cast then showing an aggregate now of to this is to be added cast now in the new states of kansas and nevada which states did not vote in 1860 thus swelling the aggregate to and the net increase during the three years and a half of war to a table is appended showing particulars to this again should be added the number of all soldiers in the field from massachusetts rhode island new jersey delaware indiana illinois and california who by the laws of those states could not vote away from their homes and which number can not be less than nor yet is this all the number in organized territories is triple now what it was four years ago while thousands white and black join us as the national arms press back the insurgent lines so much is shown affirmatively and negatively by the election it is not material to inquire how the increase has been produced or to show that it would have been greater but for the war which is probably true the important fact remains demonstrated that we have more men now than we had when the war began that we are not exhausted nor in process of exhaustion that we are gaining strength and may if need be maintain the contest indefinitely this as to men material resources are now more complete and abundant than ever the national resources then are unexhausted and as we believe inexhaustible the public purpose to reestablish and maintain the national authority is unchanged and as we believe unchangeable the manner of continuing the effort remains to choose on careful consideration of all the evidence accessible it seems to me that no attempt at negotiation with the insurgent leader could result in any good he would accept nothing short of severance of the union precisely what we will not and can not give his declarations to this effect are explicit and oft repeated he does not attempt to deceive us he affords us no excuse to deceive ourselves he can not voluntarily reaccept the union we can not voluntarily yield it between him and us the issue is distinct simple and inflexible it is an issue which can only be tried by war and decided by victory if we yield we are beaten if the southern people fail him he is beaten either way it would be the victory and defeat following war what is true however of him who heads the insurgent because is not necessarily true of those who follow although he can not reaccept the union they can some of them we know already desire peace and reunion the number of such may increase they can at any moment have peace simply by laying down their arms and submitting to the national authority under the constitution after so much the government could not if it would maintain war against them the loyal people would not sustain or allow it if questions should remain we would adjust them by the peaceful means of legislation conference courts and votes operating only in constitutional and lawful channels some certain and other possible questions are and would be beyond the executive power to adjust as for instance the admission of members into congress and whatever might require the appropriation of money the executive power itself would be greatly diminished by the cessation of actual war pardons and remissions of forfeitures however would still be within executive control in what spirit and temper this control would be exercised can be fairly judged of by the past a year ago general pardon and amnesty upon specified terms were offered to all except certain designated classes and it was at the same time made known that the excepted classes were still within contemplation of special clemency during the year many availed themselves of the general provision and many more would only that the signs of bad faith in some led to such precautionary measures as rendered the practical process less easy and certain during the same time also special pardons have been granted to individuals of the excepted classes and no voluntary application has been denied thus practically the door has been for a full year open to all except such as were not in condition to make free choice that is such as were in custody or under constraint it is still so open to all but the time may come probably will come when public duty shall demand that it be closed and that in lieu more rigorous measures than heretofore shall be adopted in presenting the abandonment of armed resistance to the national authority on the part of the insurgents as the only indispensable condition to ending the war on the part of the government i retract nothing heretofore said as to slavery i repeat the declaration made a year a ago that while i remain in my present position i shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation nor shall i return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation or by any of the acts of congress if the people should by whatever mode or means make it an executive duty to reenslave such persons another and not i must be their instrument to perform it in stating a single condition of peace i mean simply to say that the war will cease on the part of the government whenever it shall have ceased on the part of those who began it
blessings health abundant harvests claim profoundest gratitude almighty god condition foreign affairs reasonably satisfactory mexico continues theater civil war political relations country undergone change time strictly maintained neutrality belligerents request states costa rica nicaragua competent engineer authorized make survey river san juan port san juan source much satisfaction difficulties moment excited political apprehensions caused closing interoceanic transit route amicably adjusted good prospect route soon reopened increase capacity adaptation could exaggerate either commercial political importance great improvement would injustice important south american state acknowledge directness frankness cordiality united states colombia entered intimate relations government claims convention constituted complete unfinished work one closed session 1861 new liberal constitution venezuela gone effect universal acquiescence people government recognized diplomatic intercourse opened cordial friendly spirit aves island claim satisfactorily paid discharged mutual payments made claims awarded late joint commission settlement claims united states peru earnest cordial friendship continues exist two countries efforts power used remove misunderstanding avert threatened war peru spain relations friendly nature chile argentine republic bolivia costa rica paraguay san salvador hayti past year differences kind arisen republics hand sympathies united states constantly expressed cordiality earnestness claim arising seizure cargo brig macedonian 1821 paid full government chile civil war continues spanish part san domingo apparently without prospect early close official correspondence freely opened liberia gives us pleasing view social political progress republic may expected derive new vigor american influence improved rapid disappearance slavery united states solicit authority furnish republic gunboat moderate cost reimbursed united states installments vessel needed safety state native african races liberian hands would effective arresting african slave trade squadron hands possession least organized naval force would stimulate generous ambition republic confidence manifest furnishing would win forbearance favor toward colony civilized nations proposed overland telegraph america europe way behrings straits asiatic russia sanctioned congress last session undertaken favorable circumstances association american citizens cordial good support well government great britain russia assurances received south american states high appreciation enterprise readiness cooperate constructing lines tributary communication learn much satisfaction noble design telegraphic communication eastern coast america great britain renewed full expectation early accomplishment thus hoped return domestic peace country able resume energy advantage former high career commerce civilization popular estimable representative egypt died april last unpleasant altercation arose temporary incumbent office government pasha resulted suspension intercourse evil promptly corrected arrival successor consulate relations egypt well relations barbary powers entirely satisfactory rebellion long flagrant china last suppressed cooperating good offices government western commercial states judicial consular establishment become difficult onerous need legislative revision adapt extension commerce intimate intercourse instituted government people vast empire china seems accepting hearty good conventional laws regulate commercial social intercourse among western nations owing peculiar situation japan anomalous form government action empire performing treaty stipulations inconstant capricious nevertheless good progress effected western powers moving enlightened concert pecuniary claims allowed put course settlement inland sea reopened commerce reason also believe proceedings increased rather diminished friendship japan toward united states ports norfolk fernandina pensacola opened proclamation hoped foreign merchants consider whether safer profitable well united states resort open ports pursue many hazards vast cost contraband trade ports closed actual military occupation least lawful effective blockade doubt power duty executive law nations exclude enemies human race asylum united states congress think proceedings cases lack authority law ought regulated recommend provision made effectually preventing foreign slave traders acquiring domicile facilities criminal occupation country possible new open question maritime powers lights enjoy would concede privileges naval belligerent insurgents united states destitute always equally ships war ports harbors disloyal emissaries neither less assiduous successful last year time efforts favor privilege embroil country foreign wars desire determination governments maritime states defeat design believed sincere earnest nevertheless unforeseen political difficulties arisen especially brazilian british ports northern boundary united states required likely continue require practice constant vigilance conciliatory spirit part united states well nations concerned governments commissioners appointed treaty great britain adjustment claims hudsons bay pugets sound agricultural companies oregon proceeding execution trust assigned view insecurity life property region adjacent canadian border reason recent assaults depredations committed inimical desperate persons harbored thought proper give notice expiration six months period conditionally stipulated existing arrangement great britain united states must hold liberty increase naval armament upon lakes shall find proceeding necessary condition border necessarily come consideration connection question continuing modifying rights transit canada united states well regulation imposts temporarily established reciprocity treaty 5th june 1854 desire however understood making statement colonial authorities canada deemed intentionally unjust unfriendly toward united states contrary every reason expect approval imperial government take necessary measures prevent new incursions across border act passed last session encouragement immigration far possible put operation seems need amendment enable officers government prevent practice frauds immigrants way arrival ports secure free choice avocations places settlement liberal disposition toward great national policy manifested european states ought reciprocated part giving immigrants effective national protection regard immigrants one principal replenishing streams appointed providence repair ravages internal war wastes national strength health necessary secure flow stream present fullness end government must every way make manifest neither needs designs impose involuntary military service upon come lands cast lot country financial affairs government successfully administered last year legislation last session congress beneficially affected revenues although sufficient time yet elapsed experience full effect several provisions acts congress imposing increased taxation receipts year sources upon basis warrants signed secretary treasury including loans balance treasury 1st day july 1863 aggregate disbursements upon basis leaving balance treasury shown warrants deduct amounts amount principal public debt redeemed amount issues substitution therefor actual cash operations treasury receipts disbursements leaves cash balance treasury receipts derived customs lands direct taxes internal revenue miscellaneous sources loans applied actual expenditures including former balance disbursed civil service pensions indians war department navy department interest public debt making aggregate leaving balance treasury stated actual receipts disbursements first quarter estimated receipts disbursements three remaining quarters current fiscal year general operations treasury detail refer report secretary treasury concur opinion proportion moneys required meet expenses consequent upon war derived taxation still increased earnestly invite attention subject end may additional legislation shall required meet expectations secretary public debt 1st day july last appears books treasury amounted probably war continue another year amount may increased far five hundred millions held part people become substantial branch national though private property obvious reasons nearly property distributed among people better favor general distribution greater inducements become owners might perhaps good effect without injury presented persons limited means view suggest whether might competent expedient congress provide limited amount future issue public securities might held bona fide purchaser exempt taxation seizure debt restrictions limitations might necessary guard abuse important privilege would enable every prudent person set aside small annuity possible day want privileges like would render possession securities amount limited desirable every person small means might able save enough purpose great advantage citizens creditors well debtors relation public debt obvious men readily perceive much oppressed debt owe public debt 1st day july last although somewhat exceeding estimate secretary treasury made congress commencement last session falls short estimate officer made preceding december probable amount beginning year sum fact exhibits satisfactory condition conduct operations treasury national banking system proving acceptable capitalists people 25th day november 584 national banks organized considerable number conversions state banks changes state systems national system rapidly taking place hoped soon united states banks issue authorized congress circulation secured government government people derive great benefit change banking systems country hardly questioned national system create reliable permanent influence support national credit protect people losses use paper money whether legislation advisable suppression issues congress determine seems quite clear treasury satisfactorily conducted unless government exercise restraining power circulation country report secretary war accompanying documents detail campaigns armies field since date last annual message also operations several administrative bureaus war department last year also specify measures deemed essential national defense keep supply requisite military force report secretary navy presents comprehensive satisfactory exhibit affairs department naval service subject congratulation laudable pride countrymen navy vast proportions organized brief period conducted much efficiency success general exhibit navy including vessels construction 1st december 1864 shows total 671 vessels carrying guns tons actual increase year losses shipwreck battle 83 vessels 167 guns tons total number men time naval service including officers captured navy year 324 vessels whole number naval captures since hostilities commenced 267 steamers gross proceeds arising sale condemned prize property thus far reported amount large amount proceeds still adjudication yet reported total expenditure navy department every description including cost immense squadrons called existence 4th march 1861 1st november 1864 favorable consideration invited various recommendations secretary navy especially regard suitable establishment construction repair iron vessels machinery armature ships reference made last annual message attention also invited views expressed report relation legislation congress last session respect prize inland waters cordially concur recommendation secretary propriety creating new rank naval service attention invited report detailed account operations financial condition department postal revenues year ending june 30 1864 amounted expenditures excess expenditures receipts views presented subject special grants government aid establishment new lines ocean mail steamships policy recommends development increased commercial intercourse adjacent neighboring countries receive careful consideration congress noteworthy interest steady expansion population improvement governmental institutions new unoccupied portions country scarcely checked much less impeded destroyed great civil war first glance would seem absorbed almost entire energies nation organization admission state nevada completed conformity law thus excellent system firmly established mountains seemed barren uninhabitable waste atlantic states grown coast pacific ocean territories union generally condition prosperity rapid growth idaho montana reason great distance interruption communication indian hostilities partially organized understood difficulties disappear permit governments like others go speedy full operation intimately connected promotive material growth nation ask attention congress valuable information important recommendations relating public lands indian affairs pacific railroad mineral discoveries contained report secretary interior herewith transmitted report also embraces subjects patents pensions topics public interest pertaining department quantity public land disposed five quarters ending 30th september last acres acres entered homestead law remainder located military land warrants agricultural scrip certified states railroads sold cash cash received sales location fees income sales fiscal year ending june 30 1864 received preceding year aggregate number acres surveyed year equal quantity disposed open settlement acres surveyed land great enterprise connecting atlantic pacific states railways telegraph lines entered upon vigor gives assurance success notwithstanding embarrassments arising prevailing high prices materials labor route main line road definitely located 100 miles westward initial point omaha city preliminary location pacific railroad california made sacramento eastward great bend truckee river nevada numerous discoveries gold silver cinnabar mines added many heretofore known country occupied sierra nevada rocky mountains subordinate ranges teems enterprising labor richly remunerative believed product mines precious metals region year reached exceeded one hundred millions value recommended last annual message indian system remodeled congress last session acting upon recommendation provide reorganizing system california believed present organization management indians attended reasonable success much yet remains done provide proper government indians parts country render secure advancing provide welfare indian secretary reiterates recommendations attention congress invited liberal provisions made congress paying pensions invalid soldiers sailors republic widows orphans dependent mothers fallen battle died disease contracted wounds received service country diligently administered added pension rolls year ending 30th day june last names invalid soldiers 271 disabled seamen making present number army invalid pensioners navy invalid pensioners 712 widows orphans mothers placed army pension rolls 248 navy rolls present number army pensioners class navy pensioners 793 beginning year number revolutionary pensioners 12 soldiers 7 since died remainder law receive pensions relationship revolutionary soldiers year ending 30th june 1864 paid pensioners classes cheerfully commend continued patronage benevolent institutions district columbia hitherto established fostered congress respectfully refer information concerning relation washington aqueduct capitol matters local interest report secretary agricultural department supervision present energetic faithful head rapidly commending great vital interest created advance peculiarly people department feel directly concerned commend continued attention fostering care congress war continues since last annual message important lines positions occupied forces maintained arms steadily advanced thus liberating regions left rear missouri kentucky tennessee parts states produced reasonably fair crops remarkable feature military operations year general sherman attempted march 300 miles directly insurgent region tends show great increase relative strength general chief feel able confront hold check every active force enemy yet detach large army move expedition result yet known conjecture regard indulged important movements also occurred year effect molding society durability union although short complete success much fight direction citizens states arkansas louisiana organized loyal state governments free constitutions earnestly struggling maintain administer movements direction extensive though less definite missouri kentucky tennessee overlooked maryland presents example complete success maryland secure liberty union future genius rebellion claim maryland like another foul spirit driven may seek tear woo last session congress proposed amendment constitution abolishing slavery throughout united states passed senate failed lack requisite vote house representatives although present congress nearly members without questioning wisdom patriotism stood opposition venture recommend reconsideration passage measure present session course abstract question changed intervening election shows almost certainly next congress pass measure hence question time proposed amendment go states action go events may agree sooner better claimed election imposed duty members change views votes additional element considered judgment may affected voice people first time heard upon question great national crisis like unanimity action among seeking common end desirable almost indispensable yet approach unanimity attainable unless deference shall paid majority simply majority case common end maintenance union among means secure end election dearly declared favor constitutional amendment reliable indication public purpose country derived popular elections judging recent canvass result purpose people within loyal states maintain integrity union never firm nearly unanimous extraordinary calmness good order millions voters met mingled polls give strong assurance supported union ticket called great majority opposing party also may fairly claimed entertain actuated purpose unanswerable argument effect candidate office whatever high low ventured seek votes avowal giving union much impugning motives much heated controversy proper means best mode advancing union distinct issue union union politicians shown instinctive knowledge diversity among people affording people fair opportunity showing one another world firmness unanimity purpose election vast value national election exhibited another tact less valuable known fact approach exhaustion important branch national resources living men melancholy reflect war filled many graves carried mourning many hearts relief know compared surviving fallen corps divisions brigades regiments formed fought dwindled gone existence great majority men composed still living true naval service election returns prove many voters could else found states regularly holding elections four years ago wit california connecticut delaware illinois indiana iowa kentucky maine maryland massachusetts michigan minnesota missouri new hampshire new jersey new york ohio oregon pennsylvania rhode island vermont west virginia wisconsin cast votes cast showing aggregate added cast new states kansas nevada states vote 1860 thus swelling aggregate net increase three years half war table appended showing particulars added number soldiers field massachusetts rhode island new jersey delaware indiana illinois california laws states could vote away homes number less yet number organized territories triple four years ago thousands white black join us national arms press back insurgent lines much shown affirmatively negatively election material inquire increase produced show would greater war probably true important fact remains demonstrated men war began exhausted process exhaustion gaining strength may need maintain contest indefinitely men material resources complete abundant ever national resources unexhausted believe inexhaustible public purpose reestablish maintain national authority unchanged believe unchangeable manner continuing effort remains choose careful consideration evidence accessible seems attempt negotiation insurgent leader could result good would accept nothing short severance union precisely give declarations effect explicit oft repeated attempt deceive us affords us excuse deceive voluntarily reaccept union voluntarily yield us issue distinct simple inflexible issue tried war decided victory yield beaten southern people fail beaten either way would victory defeat following war true however heads insurgent necessarily true follow although reaccept union know already desire peace reunion number may increase moment peace simply laying arms submitting national authority constitution much government could would maintain war loyal people would sustain allow questions remain would adjust peaceful means legislation conference courts votes operating constitutional lawful channels certain possible questions would beyond executive power adjust instance admission members congress whatever might require appropriation money executive power would greatly diminished cessation actual war pardons remissions forfeitures however would still within executive control spirit temper control would exercised fairly judged past year ago general pardon amnesty upon specified terms offered except certain designated classes time made known excepted classes still within contemplation special clemency year many availed general provision many would signs bad faith led precautionary measures rendered practical process less easy certain time also special pardons granted individuals excepted classes voluntary application denied thus practically door full year open except condition make free choice custody constraint still open time may come probably come public duty shall demand closed lieu rigorous measures heretofore shall adopted presenting abandonment armed resistance national authority part insurgents indispensable condition ending war part government retract nothing heretofore said slavery repeat declaration made year ago remain present position shall attempt retract modify emancipation proclamation shall return slavery person free terms proclamation acts congress people whatever mode means make executive duty reenslave persons another must instrument perform stating single condition peace mean simply say war cease part government whenever shall ceased part began
blessing health abundant harvest claim profound gratitude almighty god condition foreign affair reasonably satisfactory mexico continue theater civil war political relation country undergone change time strictly maintain neutrality belligerent request state costa rica nicaragua competent engineer authorize make survey river san juan port san juan source much satisfaction difficulty moment excite political apprehension cause close interoceanic transit route amicably adjust good prospect route soon reopen increase capacity adaptation could exaggerate either commercial political importance great improvement would injustice important south american state acknowledge directness frankness cordiality united state colombia enter intimate relation government claim convention constitute complete unfinished work one close session 1861 new liberal constitution venezuela go effect universal acquiescence people government recognize diplomatic intercourse open cordial friendly spirit aves island claim satisfactorily pay discharge mutual payment make claim award late joint commission settlement claim united state peru earnest cordial friendship continue exist two country effort power use remove misunderstand avert threatened war peru spain relation friendly nature chile argentine republic bolivia costa rica paraguay san salvador hayti past year difference kind arisen republic hand sympathy unite state constantly express cordiality earnestness claim arise seizure cargo brig macedonian 1821 pay full government chile civil war continue spanish part san domingo apparently without prospect early close official correspondence freely open liberia give u please view social political progress republic may expect derive new vigor american influence improve rapid disappearance slavery united state solicit authority furnish republic gunboat moderate cost reimburse united state installment vessel need safety state native african race liberian hand would effective arrest african slave trade squadron hand possession least organized naval force would stimulate generous ambition republic confidence manifest furnishing would win forbearance favor toward colony civilize nation propose overland telegraph america europe way behring straits asiatic russia sanction congress last session undertake favorable circumstance association american citizen cordial good support well government great britain russia assurance receive south american state high appreciation enterprise readiness cooperate construct line tributary communication learn much satisfaction noble design telegraphic communication eastern coast america great britain renew full expectation early accomplishment thus hop return domestic peace country able resume energy advantage former high career commerce civilization popular estimable representative egypt die april last unpleasant altercation arise temporary incumbent office government pasha result suspension intercourse evil promptly correct arrival successor consulate relation egypt well relation barbary power entirely satisfactory rebellion long flagrant china last suppressed cooperate good office government western commercial state judicial consular establishment become difficult onerous need legislative revision adapt extension commerce intimate intercourse instituted government people vast empire china seem accept hearty good conventional law regulate commercial social intercourse among western nation owe peculiar situation japan anomalous form government action empire performing treaty stipulation inconstant capricious nevertheless good progress effect western power move enlighten concert pecuniary claim allow put course settlement inland sea reopen commerce reason also believe proceeding increase rather diminish friendship japan toward united state port norfolk fernandina pensacola open proclamation hop foreign merchant consider whether safer profitable well united state resort open port pursue many hazard vast cost contraband trade port close actual military occupation least lawful effective blockade doubt power duty executive law nation exclude enemy human race asylum unite state congress think proceeding case lack authority law ought regulate recommend provision make effectually prevent foreign slave trader acquire domicile facility criminal occupation country possible new open question maritime power light enjoy would concede privilege naval belligerent insurgent united state destitute always equally ships war port harbor disloyal emissary neither less assiduous successful last year time effort favor privilege embroil country foreign war desire determination government maritime state defeat design believe sincere earnest nevertheless unforeseen political difficulty arise especially brazilian british port northern boundary united state require likely continue require practice constant vigilance conciliatory spirit part united state well nation concerned government commissioner appoint treaty great britain adjustment claim hudson bay pugets sound agricultural company oregon proceed execution trust assign view insecurity life property region adjacent canadian border reason recent assault depredation commit inimical desperate person harbor thought proper give notice expiration six month period conditionally stipulate exist arrangement great britain united state must hold liberty increase naval armament upon lake shall find proceeding necessary condition border necessarily come consideration connection question continue modify right transit canada united state well regulation impost temporarily establish reciprocity treaty 5th june 1854 desire however understood make statement colonial authority canada deem intentionally unjust unfriendly toward united state contrary every reason expect approval imperial government take necessary measure prevent new incursion across border act pass last session encouragement immigration far possible put operation seem need amendment enable officer government prevent practice frauds immigrant way arrival port secure free choice avocation place settlement liberal disposition toward great national policy manifest european state ought reciprocate part give immigrant effective national protection regard immigrants one principal replenish stream appoint providence repair ravage internal war waste national strength health necessary secure flow stream present fullness end government must every way make manifest neither needs design impose involuntary military service upon come land cast lot country financial affair government successfully administer last year legislation last session congress beneficially affect revenue although sufficient time yet elapse experience full effect several provision act congress impose increased taxation receipt year source upon basis warrant sign secretary treasury include loan balance treasury 1st day july 1863 aggregate disbursement upon basis leave balance treasury show warrant deduct amount amount principal public debt redeem amount issue substitution therefor actual cash operation treasury receipt disbursements leaf cash balance treasury receipt derive custom land direct tax internal revenue miscellaneous source loan apply actual expenditure include former balance disburse civil service pension indians war department navy department interest public debt make aggregate leaving balance treasury state actual receipt disbursement first quarter estimate receipt disbursement three remain quarter current fiscal year general operation treasury detail refer report secretary treasury concur opinion proportion money require meet expense consequent upon war derive taxation still increase earnestly invite attention subject end may additional legislation shall require meet expectation secretary public debt 1st day july last appear book treasury amount probably war continue another year amount may increase far five hundred million hold part people become substantial branch national though private property obvious reason nearly property distribute among people better favor general distribution great inducement become owner might perhaps good effect without injury present person limit mean view suggest whether might competent expedient congress provide limit amount future issue public security might hold bona fide purchaser exempt taxation seizure debt restriction limitation might necessary guard abuse important privilege would enable every prudent person set aside small annuity possible day want privilege like would render possession security amount limit desirable every person small mean might able save enough purpose great advantage citizen creditor well debtor relation public debt obvious men readily perceive much oppress debt owe public debt 1st day july last although somewhat exceed estimate secretary treasury make congress commencement last session fall short estimate officer make precede december probable amount begin year sum fact exhibit satisfactory condition conduct operation treasury national banking system prove acceptable capitalist people 25th day november 584 national bank organize considerable number conversion state bank change state system national system rapidly take place hop soon united state bank issue authorize congress circulation secure government government people derive great benefit change bank system country hardly question national system create reliable permanent influence support national credit protect people loss use paper money whether legislation advisable suppression issue congress determine seem quite clear treasury satisfactorily conduct unless government exercise restrain power circulation country report secretary war accompany document detail campaign army field since date last annual message also operation several administrative bureau war department last year also specify measure deem essential national defense keep supply requisite military force report secretary navy present comprehensive satisfactory exhibit affair department naval service subject congratulation laudable pride countryman navy vast proportion organize brief period conduct much efficiency success general exhibit navy include vessel construction 1st december 1864 show total 671 vessel carry guns ton actual increase year loss shipwreck battle 83 vessel 167 gun ton total number men time naval service include officer capture navy year 324 vessel whole number naval capture since hostility commence 267 steamer gross proceeds arise sale condemn prize property thus far reported amount large amount proceeds still adjudication yet report total expenditure navy department every description include cost immense squadron call existence 4th march 1861 1st november 1864 favorable consideration invite various recommendation secretary navy especially regard suitable establishment construction repair iron vessel machinery armature ship reference make last annual message attention also invited view express report relation legislation congress last session respect prize inland water cordially concur recommendation secretary propriety create new rank naval service attention invite report detail account operation financial condition department postal revenue year end june 30 1864 amount expenditure excess expenditure receipt view present subject special grant government aid establishment new line ocean mail steamship policy recommend development increase commercial intercourse adjacent neighboring country receive careful consideration congress noteworthy interest steady expansion population improvement governmental institution new unoccupied portion country scarcely check much less impeded destroy great civil war first glance would seem absorbed almost entire energy nation organization admission state nevada complete conformity law thus excellent system firmly establish mountain seem barren uninhabitable waste atlantic state grow coast pacific ocean territory union generally condition prosperity rapid growth idaho montana reason great distance interruption communication indian hostility partially organize understood difficulty disappear permit government like others go speedy full operation intimately connect promotive material growth nation ask attention congress valuable information important recommendation relate public land indian affair pacific railroad mineral discovery contain report secretary interior herewith transmit report also embrace subject patent pension topic public interest pertaining department quantity public land dispose five quarter end 30th september last acre acre enter homestead law remainder locate military land warrant agricultural scrip certify state railroad sell cash cash receive sale location fee income sale fiscal year end june 30 1864 receive precede year aggregate number acre survey year equal quantity dispose open settlement acre survey land great enterprise connect atlantic pacific state railways telegraph line enter upon vigor give assurance success notwithstanding embarrassment arise prevail high price material labor route main line road definitely locate 100 mile westward initial point omaha city preliminary location pacific railroad california make sacramento eastward great bend truckee river nevada numerous discovery gold silver cinnabar mine add many heretofore known country occupy sierra nevada rocky mountain subordinate range teem enterprising labor richly remunerative believe product mine precious metal region year reach exceed one hundred million value recommend last annual message indian system remodel congress last session act upon recommendation provide reorganize system california believe present organization management indian attend reasonable success much yet remain do provide proper government indian part country render secure advance provide welfare indian secretary reiterates recommendation attention congress invite liberal provision make congress pay pension invalid soldier sailor republic widow orphan dependent mother fall battle die disease contract wound receive service country diligently administer add pension roll year end 30th day june last name invalid soldier 271 disabled seaman make present number army invalid pensioner navy invalid pensioner 712 widow orphan mother place army pension roll 248 navy roll present number army pensioner class navy pensioner 793 begin year number revolutionary pensioner 12 soldier 7 since die remainder law receive pension relationship revolutionary soldier year end 30th june 1864 pay pensioner class cheerfully commend continued patronage benevolent institution district columbia hitherto establish foster congress respectfully refer information concern relation washington aqueduct capitol matter local interest report secretary agricultural department supervision present energetic faithful head rapidly commend great vital interest create advance peculiarly people department feel directly concern commend continued attention foster care congress war continue since last annual message important line position occupy force maintain arm steadily advance thus liberate region leave rear missouri kentucky tennessee part state produce reasonably fair crop remarkable feature military operation year general sherman attempt march 300 mile directly insurgent region tend show great increase relative strength general chief feel able confront hold check every active force enemy yet detach large army move expedition result yet know conjecture regard indulge important movement also occur year effect mold society durability union although short complete success much fight direction citizens state arkansas louisiana organize loyal state government free constitution earnestly struggle maintain administer movement direction extensive though less definite missouri kentucky tennessee overlooked maryland present example complete success maryland secure liberty union future genius rebellion claim maryland like another foul spirit driven may seek tear woo last session congress propose amendment constitution abolish slavery throughout united state pass senate fail lack requisite vote house representative although present congress nearly member without question wisdom patriotism stand opposition venture recommend reconsideration passage measure present session course abstract question change intervene election show almost certainly next congress pas measure hence question time propose amendment go state action go event may agree sooner good claim election impose duty member change view vote additional element consider judgment may affect voice people first time hear upon question great national crisis like unanimity action among seek common end desirable almost indispensable yet approach unanimity attainable unless deference shall pay majority simply majority case common end maintenance union among mean secure end election dearly declare favor constitutional amendment reliable indication public purpose country derive popular election judge recent canvas result purpose people within loyal state maintain integrity union never firm nearly unanimous extraordinary calmness good order million voter meet mingled poll give strong assurance support union ticket call great majority oppose party also may fairly claim entertain actuated purpose unanswerable argument effect candidate office whatever high low venture seek vote avowal give union much impugn motif much heat controversy proper mean best mode advance union distinct issue union union politician show instinctive knowledge diversity among people afford people fair opportunity show one another world firmness unanimity purpose election vast value national election exhibit another tact less valuable know fact approach exhaustion important branch national resource live men melancholy reflect war fill many graf carry mourn many heart relief know compare survive fall corps division brigade regiment form fought dwindle go existence great majority men compose still live true naval service election return prove many voter could else find state regularly hold election four year ago wit california connecticut delaware illinois indiana iowa kentucky maine maryland massachusetts michigan minnesota missouri new hampshire new jersey new york ohio oregon pennsylvania rhode island vermont west virginia wisconsin cast vote cast show aggregate add cast new state kansas nevada state vote 1860 thus swell aggregate net increase three year half war table append show particular add number soldier field massachusetts rhode island new jersey delaware indiana illinois california law state could vote away home number less yet number organize territory triple four year ago thousand white black join u national arm press back insurgent line much show affirmatively negatively election material inquire increase produce show would great war probably true important fact remain demonstrated men war begin exhausted process exhaustion gain strength may need maintain contest indefinitely men material resource complete abundant ever national resource unexhausted believe inexhaustible public purpose reestablish maintain national authority unchanged believe unchangeable manner continue effort remain choose careful consideration evidence accessible seem attempt negotiation insurgent leader could result good would accept nothing short severance union precisely give declaration effect explicit oft repeat attempt deceive u afford u excuse deceive voluntarily reaccept union voluntarily yield u issue distinct simple inflexible issue try war decide victory yield beat southern people fail beat either way would victory defeat follow war true however head insurgent necessarily true follow although reaccept union know already desire peace reunion number may increase moment peace simply lay arm submit national authority constitution much government could would maintain war loyal people would sustain allow question remain would adjust peaceful mean legislation conference court vote operate constitutional lawful channel certain possible question would beyond executive power adjust instance admission member congress whatever might require appropriation money executive power would greatly diminish cessation actual war pardon remission forfeiture however would still within executive control spirit temper control would exercise fairly judge past year ago general pardon amnesty upon specify term offer except certain designated class time make know excepted class still within contemplation special clemency year many avail general provision many would sign bad faith lead precautionary measure render practical process less easy certain time also special pardon grant individual except class voluntary application deny thus practically door full year open except condition make free choice custody constraint still open time may come probably come public duty shall demand close lieu rigorous measure heretofore shall adopt present abandonment arm resistance national authority part insurgent indispensable condition end war part government retract nothing heretofore say slavery repeat declaration make year ago remain present position shall attempt retract modify emancipation proclamation shall return slavery person free term proclamation act congress people whatever mode mean make executive duty reenslave person another must instrument perform state single condition peace mean simply say war cease part government whenever shall cease part begin