After a brief interval the Congress of the United States resumes its annual legislative labors. An all-wise and merciful Providence has abated the pestilence which visited our shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions of our country. Peace, order, tranquillity, and civil authority have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of the United States. In all of the States civil authority has superseded the coercion of arms, and the people, by their voluntary action, are maintaining their governments in full activity and complete operation. The enforcement of the laws is no longer "obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings," and the animosities engendered by the war are rapidly yielding to the beneficent influences of our free institutions and to the kindly effects of unrestricted social and commercial intercourse. An entire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the earnest wish of every patriotic heart; and we will have accomplished our grandest national achievement when, forgetting the sad events of the past and remembering only their instructive lessons, we resume our onward career as a free, prosperous, and united people. In my message of the 4th of December, 1865, Congress was informed of the measures which had been instituted by the Executive with a view to the gradual restoration of the States in which the insurrection occurred to their relations with the General Government. Provisional governors had been appointed, conventions called, governors elected, legislatures assembled, and Senators and Representatives chosen to the Congress of the United States. Courts had been opened for the enforcement of laws long in abeyance. The blockade had been removed, custom-houses reestablished, and the internal-revenue laws put in force, in order that the people might contribute to the national income. Postal operations had been renewed, and efforts were being made to restore them to their former condition of efficiency. The States themselves had been asked to take Dart in the high function of amending the Constitution, and of thus sanctioning the extinction of African slavery as one of the legitimate results of our internecine struggle. Having progressed thus far, the executive department found that it had accomplished nearly all that was within the scope of its constitutional authority. One thing, however, yet remained to be done before the work of restoration could be completed, and that was the admission to Congress of loyal Senators and Representatives from the States whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the General Government. This question devolved upon the respective Houses, which by the Constitution are made the judges of the elections, returns, and qualifications of their own members, and its consideration at once engaged the attention of Congress. In the meantime the executive department--no other plan having been proposed by Congress--continued its efforts to perfect, as far as was practicable, the restoration of the proper relations between the citizens of the respective States, the States, and the Federal Government, extending from time to time, as the public interests seemed to require, the judicial, revenue, and postal systems of the country. With the advice and consent of the Senate, the necessary officers were appointed and appropriations made by Congress for the payment of their salaries. The proposition to amend the Federal Constitution, so as to prevent the existence of slavery within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction, was ratified by the requisite number of States, and on the 18th day of December, 1865, it was officially declared to have become valid as a part of the Constitution of the United States. All of the States in which the insurrection had existed promptly amended their constitutions so as to make them conform to the great change thus effected in the organic law of the land; declared null and void all ordinances and laws of secession; repudiated all pretended debts and obligations created for the revolutionary purposes of the insurrection, and proceeded in good faith to the enactment of measures for the protection and amelioration of the condition of the colored race. Congress, however, yet hesitated to admit any of these States to representation, and it was not until toward the close of the eighth month of the session that an exception was made in favor of Tennessee by the admission of her Senators and Representatives. I deem it a subject of profound regret that Congress has thus far failed to admit to seats loyal Senators and Representatives from the other States whose inhabitants, with those of Tennessee, had engaged in the rebellion. Ten States--more than one-fourth of the whole number--remain without representation; the seats of fifty members in the House of Representatives and of twenty members in the Senate are yet vacant, not by their own consent, not by a failure of election, but by the refusal of Congress to accept their credentials. Their admission, it is believed, would have accomplished much toward the renewal and strengthening of our relations as one people and removed serious cause for discontent on the part of the inhabitants of those States. It would have accorded with the great principle enunciated in the Declaration of American Independence that no people ought to bear the burden of taxation and yet be denied the right of representation. It would have been in consonance with the express provisions of the Constitution that "each State shall have at least one Representative" and "that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate." These provisions were intended to secure to every State and to the people of every State the right of representation in each House of Congress; and so important was it deemed by the framers of the Constitution that the equality of the States in the Senate should be preserved that not even by an amendment of the Constitution can any State, without its consent, be denied a voice in that branch of the National Legislature. It is true it has been assumed that the existence of the States was terminated by the rebellious acts of their inhabitants, and that, the insurrection having been suppressed, they were thenceforward to be considered merely as conquered territories. The legislative, executive, and judicial departments of the Government have, however, with Heat distinctness and uniform consistency, refused to sanction an assumption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system and with the professed objects of the war. Throughout the recent legislation of Congress the undeniable fact makes itself apparent that these ten political communities are nothing less than States of this Union. At the very commencement of the rebellion each House declared, with a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant, that the war was not "waged upon our part in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution and all laws made in pursuance thereof, and to preserve the Union, with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects" were "accomplished the war ought to cease." In some instances Senators were permitted to continue their legislative functions, while in other instances Representatives were elected and admitted to seats after their States had formally declared their right to withdraw from the Union and were endeavoring to maintain that right by force of arms. All of the States whose people were in insurrection, as States, were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of $20,000,000 annually laid upon the United States by the act approved 5th August, 1861. Congress, by the act of March 4, 1862, and by the apportionment of representation thereunder also recognized their presence as States in the Union; and they have, for judicial purposes, been divided into districts, as States alone can be divided. The same recognition appears in the recent legislation in reference to Tennessee, which evidently rests upon the fact that the functions of the State were not destroyed by the rebellion, but merely suspended; and that principle is of course applicable to those States which, like Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in the Union. The action of the executive department of the Government upon this subject has been equally definite and uniform, and the purpose of the war was specifically stated in the proclamation issued by my predecessor on the 22d day of September, 1862. It was then solemnly proclaimed and declared "that hereafter, as heretofore, the war will be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the constitutional relation between the United States and each of the States and the people thereof in which States that relation is or may be suspended or disturbed." The recognition of the States by the judicial department of the Government has also been dear and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them as States had in the Supreme, circuit, and district courts. In the admission of Senators and Representatives from any and all of the States there can be no just ground of apprehension that persons who are disloyal will be clothed with the powers of legislation, for this could not happen when the Constitution and the laws are enforced by a vigilant and faithful Congress. Each House is made the "judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members," and may, "with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member." When a Senator or Representative presents his certificate of election, he may at once be admitted or rejected; or, should there be any question as to his eligibility, his credentials may be referred for investigation to the appropriate committee. If admitted to a seat, it must be upon evidence satisfactory to the House of which he thus becomes a member that he possesses the requisite constitutional and legal qualifications. If refused admission as a member for want of due allegiance to the Government and returned to his constituents, they are admonished that none but persons loyal to the United States will be allowed a voice in the legislative councils of the nation, and the political power and moral influence of Congress are thus effectively exerted in the interests of loyalty to the Government and fidelity to the Union. Upon this question, so vitally affecting the restoration of the Union and the permanency of our present form of government, my convictions, heretofore expressed, have undergone no change, but, on the contrary, their correctness has been confirmed by reflection and time. If the admission of loyal members to seats in the respective Houses of Congress was wise and expedient a year ago, it is no less wise and expedient now. If this anomalous condition is right now--if in the exact condition of these States at the present time it is lawful to exclude them from representation--I do not see that the question will be changed by the efflux of time. Ten years hence. if these States remain as they are, the right of representation will be no stronger, the right of exclusion will be no weaker. The Constitution of the United States makes it the duty of the President to recommend to the consideration of Congress "such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." I know of no measure more imperatively demanded by every consideration of national interest, sound policy, and equal justice than the admission of loyal members from the now unrepresented States. This would consummate the work of restoration and exert a most salutary influence in the reestablishment of peace, harmony, and fraternal feeling. It would tend greatly to renew the confidence of the American people in the vigor and stability of their institutions. It would bind us more closely together as a nation and enable us to show to the world the inherent and recuperative power of a government founded upon the will of the people and established upon the principles of liberty, justice, and intelligence. Our increased strength and enhanced prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate the fallacy of the arguments against free institutions drawn from our recent national disorders by the enemies of republican government. The admission of loyal members from the States now excluded from Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension, would turn capital now awaiting an opportunity for investment into the channels of trade and industry. It would alleviate the present troubled condition of those States, and by inducing emigration aid in the settlement of fertile regions now uncultivated and lead to an increased production of those staples which have added so greatly to the wealth of the nation and commerce of the world. New fields of enterprise would be opened to our progressive people and soon the devastations of war would be repaired and all traces of our domestic differences effaced from the minds of our countrymen. In our efforts to preserve "the unity of government which constitutes as one people" by restoring the States to the condition which they held prior to the rebellion, we should be cautious, lest, having rescued our nation from perils of threatened disintegration, we resort to consolidation, and in the end absolute despotism, as a remedy for the recurrence of similar troubles. The war having terminated, and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful constitutionality, we should hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the Constitution and to return to the ancient landmarks established by our fathers for the guidance of succeeding generations. 
  The constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates; but let there be no change by usurpation, for it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
 Washington spoke these words to his countrymen when, followed by their love and gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life. "To keep in all things within the pale of our constitutional powers and cherish the Federal Union as the only rock of safety" were prescribed by Jefferson as rules of action to endear to his "countrymen the true principles of their Constitution and promote a union of sentiment and action, equally auspicious to their happiness and safety." Jackson held that the action of the General Government should always be strictly confined to the sphere of its appropriate duties, and justly and forcibly urged that our Government is not to be maintained nor our Union preserved "by invasions of the rights and powers of the several States. In thus attempting to make our General Government strong we make it weak. Its true strength consists in leaving individuals and States as much as possible to themselves; in making itself felt, not in its power, but in its beneficence; not in its control, but in its protection; not in binding the States more closely to the center, but leaving each to move unobstructed in its proper constitutional orbit." These are the teachings of men whose deeds and services have made them illustrious, and who, long since withdrawn from the scenes of life, have left to their country the rich legacy of their example, their wisdom, and their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration from their lessons, let us emulate them in love of country and respect for the Constitution and the laws. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury affords much information respecting the revenue and commerce of the country. His views upon the currency and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, internal as well as impost, are commended to the careful consideration of Congress. In my last annual message I expressed my general views upon these subjects. I need now only call attention to the necessity of carrying into every department of the Government a system of rigid accountability, thorough retrenchment, and wise economy. With no exceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppressive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such a modification of our revenue laws as will be consistent with the public faith and the legitimate and necessary wants of the Government. The report presents a much more satisfactory condition of our finances than one year ago the most sanguine could have anticipated. During the fiscal year ending the 30th June, 1865 (the last year of the war), the public debt was increased $941,902,537, and on the 31st of October, 1865, it amounted to $2,740,854,750. On the 31st day of October, 1866, it had been reduced to $2,552,310,006, the diminution during a period of fourteen months, commencing September 1, 1865, and ending October 31, 1866, having been $206,379,565. In the last annual report on the state of the finances it was estimated that during the three quarters of the fiscal year ending the 30th of June last the debt would be increased $112,194,947. During that period, however, it was reduced $31,196,387, the receipts of the year having been $89,905,905 more and the expenditures $200,529,235 less than the estimates. Nothing could more clearly indicate than these statements the extent and availability of the national resources and the rapidity and safety with which under our form of government, great military and naval establishments can be disbanded and expenses reduced from a war to a peace footing. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866, the receipts were $558,032,620 and the expenditures $520,750,940, leaving an available surplus of $37,281,680. It is estimated that the receipts for the fiscal year ending the 30th June, 1867, will be $475,061.386, and that the expenditures will reach the sum of $316,428,078, leaving in the Treasury a surplus of $158,633,308. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is estimated that the receipts will amount to $436,000,000 and that the expenditures will be $350,247,641, showing an excess of $85,752,359 in favor of the Government. These estimated receipts may be diminished by a reduction of excise and import duties, but after all necessary reductions shall have been made the revenue of the present and of following years will doubtless be sufficient to cover all legitimate charges upon the Treasury and leave a large annual surplus to be applied to the payment of the principal of the debt. There seems now to be no good reason why taxes may not be reduced as the country advances in population and wealth, and yet the debt be extinguished within the next quarter of a century. The report of the Secretary of War furnishes valuable and important information in reference to the operations of his Department during the past year. Few volunteers now remain in the service, and they are being discharged as rapidly as they can be replaced by regular troops. The Army has been promptly paid, carefully provided with medical treatment, well sheltered and subsisted, and is to be furnished with breech-loading small arms. The military strength of the nation has been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers, the disposition of unserviceable or perishable stores, and the retrenchment of expenditure. Sufficient war material to meet any emergency has been retained, and from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call large armies can be rapidly organized, equipped, and concentrated. Fortifications on the coast and frontier have received or are being prepared for more powerful armaments; lake surveys and harbor and river improvements are in course of energetic prosecution. Preparations have been made for the payment of the additional bounties authorized during the recent session of Congress, under such regulations as will protect the Government from fraud and secure to the honorably discharged soldier the well-earned reward of his faithfulness and gallantry. More than 6,000 maimed soldiers have received artificial limbs or other surgical apparatus. and 41 national cemeteries, containing the remains of 104,526 Union soldiers, have already been established. The total estimate of military appropriations is $25,205,669. It is stated in the report of the Secretary of the Navy that the naval force at this time consists of 278 vessels, armed with 2,351 guns. Of these, 115 vessels, carrying 1,029 guns, are in commission, distributed chiefly among seven squadrons. The number of men in the service is 13,600. Great activity and vigilance have been displayed by all the squadrons, and their movements have been judiciously and efficiently arranged in such manner as would best promote American commerce and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen abroad. The vessels unemployed are undergoing repairs or are laid up until their services may be required. Most of the ironclad fleet is at League Island, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, a place which, until decisive action should be taken by Congress, was selected by the Secretary of the Navy as the most eligible location for that class of vessels. It is important that a suitable public station should be provided for the ironclad fleet. It is intended that these vessels shall be in proper condition for any emergency, and it is desirable that the bill accepting League Island for naval purposes, which passed the House of Representatives at its last session, should receive final action at an early period, in order that there may be a suitable public station for this class of vessels, as well as a navy-yard of area sufficient for the wants of the service on the Delaware River. The naval pension fund amounts to $11,750,000, having been increased $2,750,000 during the year. The expenditures of the Department for the fiscal year ending 30th June last were $43,324,526, and the estimates for the coming year amount to $23,568,436. Attention is invited to the condition of our seamen and the importance of legislative measures for their relief and improvement. The suggestions in behalf of this deserving class of our fellow-citizens are earnestly recommended to the favorable attention of Congress. The report of the Postmaster-General presents a most satisfactory condition of the postal service and submits recommendations which deserve the consideration of Congress. The revenues of the Department for the year ending June 30, 1866, were $14,386,986 and the expenditures $15,352,079, showing an excess of the latter of $965,093. In anticipation of this deficiency, however, a special appropriation was made by Congress in the act approved July 28, 1866. Including the standing appropriation of $700,000 for free mail matter as a legitimate portion of the revenues, yet remaining unexpended, the actual deficiency for the past year is only $265,093--a sum within $51,141 of the amount estimated in the annual report of 1864. The decrease of revenue compared with the previous year was 1 1/5 per cent, and the increase of expenditures, owing principally to the enlargement of the mail service in the South, was 12 per cent. On the 30th of June last there were in operation 6,930 mail routes, with an aggregate length of 180,921 miles, an aggregate annual transportation of 71,837,914 miles, and an aggregate annual cost, including all expenditures, of $8,410,184. The length of railroad routes is 32,092 miles and the annual transportation 30,609,467 miles. The length of steamboat routes is 14,346 miles and the annual transportation 3,411,962 miles. The mail servce is rapidly increasing throughout the whole country, and its steady extension in the Southern States indicates their constantly improving condition. The growing importance of the foreign service also merits attention. The post-office department of Great Britain and our own have agreed upon a preliminary basis for a new postal convention, which it is believed will prove eminently beneficial to the commercial interests of the United States, inasmuch as it contemplates a reduction of the international letter postage to one-half the existing rates: a reduction of postage with all other countries to and from which correspondence is transmitted in the British mail, or in closed mails through the United Kingdom; the establishment of uniform and reasonable charges for the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails; and an allowance to each post-office department of the right to use all mail communications established under the authority of the other for the dispatch of correspondence, either in open or closed mails, on the same terms as those applicable to the inhabitants of the country providing the means of transmission. The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits the condition of those branches of the public service which are committed to his supervision. During the last fiscal year 4,629,312 acres of public land were disposed of, 1,892,516 acres of which were entered under the homestead act. The policy originally adopted relative to the public lands has undergone essential modifications. Immediate revenue, and not their rapid settlement, was the cardinal feature of our land system. Long experience and earnest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resources and the diffusion of an energetic population over our vast territory are objects of far greater importance to the national growth and prosperity than the proceeds of the sale of the land to the highest bidder in open market. The preemption laws confer upon the pioneer who complies with the terms they impose the privilege of purchasing a limited portion of "unoffered lands" at the minimum price. The homestead enactments relieve the settler from the payment of purchase money, and secure him a permanent home upon the condition of residence for a term of years. This liberal policy invites emigration from the Old and from the more crowded portions of the New World. Its propitious results are undoubted, and will be more signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider development. Congress has made liberal grants of public land to corporations in aid of the construction of railroads and other internal improvements. Should this policy hereafter prevail, more stringent provisions will be required to secure a faithful application of the fund. The title to the lands should not pass, by patent or otherwise, but remain in the Government and subject to its control until some portion of the road has been actually built. Portions of them might then from time to time be conveyed to the corporation, but never in a greater ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than the completed parts bear to the entire length of the projected improvement. This restriction would not operate to the prejudice of any undertaking conceived in good faith and executed with reasonable energy, as it is the settled practice to withdraw from market the lands falling within the operation of such grants, and thus to exclude the inception of a subsequent adverse right. A breach of the conditions which Congress may deem proper to impose should work a forfeiture of claim to the lands so withdrawn but unconveyed, and of title to the lands conveyed which remain unsold. Operations on the several lines of the Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted with unexampled vigor and success. Should no unforeseen causes of delay occur, it is confidently anticipated that this great thoroughfare will be completed before the expiration of the period designated by Congress. During the last fiscal year the amount paid to pensioners, including the expenses of disbursement, was $13,459,996, and 50,177 names were added to the pension rolls. The entire number of pensioners June 30, 1866, was 126,722. This fact furnishes melancholy and striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindicate the constitutional authority of the Federal Government and to maintain inviolate the integrity of the Union They impose upon us corresponding obligations. It is estimated that $33,000,000 will be required to meet the exigencies of this branch of the service during the next fiscal year. Treaties have been concluded with the Indians, who, enticed into armed opposition to our Government at the outbreak of the rebellion, have unconditionally submitted to our authority and manifested an earnest desire for a renewal of friendly relations. During the year ending September 30, 1866, 8,716 patents for useful inventions and designs were issued, and at that date the balance in the Treasury to the credit of the patent fund was $228,297. As a subject upon which depends an immense amount of the production and commerce of the country, I recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary for the preservation of the levees of the Mississippi River. It is a matter of national importance that early steps should be taken, not only to add to the efficiency of these barriers against destructive inundations, but for the removal of all obstructions to the free and safe navigation of that great channel of trade and commerce. The District of Columbia under existing laws is not entitled to that representation in the national councils which from our earliest history has been uniformly accorded to each Territory established from time to time within our limits. It maintains peculiar relations to Congress, to whom the Constitution has granted the power of exercising exclusive legislation over the seat of Government. Our fellow-citizens residing in the District, whose interests are thus confided to the special guardianship of Congress, exceed in number the population of several of our Territories, and no just reason is perceived why a Delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the House of Representatives. No mode seems so appropriate and effectual of enabling them to make known their peculiar condition and wants and of securing the local legislation adapted to them. I therefore recommend the passage of a law authorizing the electors of the District of Columbia to choose a Delegate, to be allowed the same rights and privileges as a Delegate representing a Territory. The increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement in the District are highly gratifying, and I trust that the efforts of the municipal authorities to promote the prosperity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient and generous cooperation of Congress. The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture reviews the operations of his Department during the past year, and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to encourage those States which, scourged by war, are now earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic industry. It is a subject of congratulation that no foreign combinations against our domestic peace and safety or our legitimate influence among the nations have been formed or attempted. While sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, and patriotism have increased at home, a more just consideration of our national character and rights has been manifested by foreign nations. The entire success of the Atlantic telegraph between the coast of Ireland and the Province of Newfoundland is an achievement which has been justly celebrated in both hemispheres as the opening of an era in the progress of civilization. There is reason to expect that equal success will attend and even greater results follow the enterprise for connecting the two continents through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of telegraph between Kamchatka and the Russian possessions in America. The resolution of Congress protesting against pardons by foreign governments of persons convicted of infamous offenses on condition of emigration to our country has been communicated to the states with which we maintain intercourse, and the practice, so justly the subject of complaint on our part, has not been renewed. The congratulations of Congress to the Emperor of Russia upon his escape from attempted assassination have been presented to that humane and enlightened ruler and received by him with expressions of grateful appreciation. The Executive, warned of an attempt by Spanish American adventurers to induce the emigration of freedmen of the United States to a foreign country, protested against the project as one which, if consummated, would reduce them to a bondage even more oppressive than that from which they have just been relieved. Assurance has been received from the Government of the State in which the plan was matured that the proceeding will meet neither its encouragement nor approval. It is a question worthy of your consideration whether our laws upon this subject are adequate to the prevention or punishment of the crime thus meditated. In the month of April last, as Congress is aware, a friendly arrangement was made between the Emperor of France and the President of the United States for the withdrawal from Mexico of the French expeditionary military forces. This withdrawal was to be effected in three detachments, the first of which, it was understood, would leave Mexico in November, now past, the second in March next, and the third and last in November, 1867. Immediately upon the completion of the evacuation the French Government was to assume the same attitude of nonintervention in regard to Mexico as is held by the Government of the United States. Repeated assurances have been given by the Emperor since that agreement that he would complete the promised evacuation within the period mentioned, or sooner. It was reasonably expected that the proceedings thus contemplated would produce a crisis of great political interest in the Republic of Mexico. The newly appointed minister of the United States, Mr. Campbell, was therefore sent forward on the 9th day of November last to assume his proper functions as minister plenipotentiary of the United States to that Republic. It was also thought expedient that he should be attended in the vicinity of Mexico by the Lieutenant-General of the Army of the United States, with the view of obtaining such information as might be important to determine the course to be pursued by the United States in reestablishing and maintaining necessary and proper intercourse with the Republic of Mexico. Deeply interested in the cause of liberty and humanity, it seemed an obvious duty on our part to exercise whatever influence we possessed for the restoration and permanent establishment in that country of a domestic and republican form of government. Such was the condition of our affairs in regard to Mexico when, on the 22d of November last, official information was received from Paris that the Emperor of France had some time before decided not to withdraw a detachment of his forces in the month of November past, according to engagement, but that this decision was made with the purpose of withdrawing the whole of those forces in the ensuing spring. Of this determination, however, the United States had not received any notice or intimation, and so soon as the information was received by the Government care was taken to make known its dissent to the Emperor of France. I can not forego the hope that France will reconsider the subject and adopt some resolution in regard to the evacuation of Mexico which will conform as nearly as practicable with the existing engagement, and thus meet the just expectations of the United States. The papers relating to the subject will be laid before you. It is believed that with the evacuation of Mexico by the expeditionary forces no subject for serious differences between France and the United States would remain. The expressions of the Emperor and people of France warrant a hope that the traditionary friendship between the two countries might in that case be renewed and permanently restored. A claim of a citizen of the United States for indemnity for spoliations committed on the high seas by the French authorities in the exercise of a belligerent power against Mexico has been met by the Government of France with a proposition to defer settlement until a mutual convention for the adjustment of all claims of citizens and subjects of both countries arising out of the recent wars on this continent shall be agreed upon by the two countries. The suggestion is not deemed unreasonable. but it belongs to Congress to direct the manner in which claims for indemnity by foreigners as well as by citizens of the United States arising out of the late civil war shall be adjudicated and determined. I have no doubt that the subject of all such claims will engage your attention at a convenient and proper time. It is a matter of regret that no considerable advance has been made toward an adjustment of the differences between the United States and Great Britain arising out of the depredations upon our national commerce and other trespasses committed during our civil war by British subjects, in violation of international law and treaty obligations. The delay, however, may be believed to have resulted in no small degree from the domestic situation of Great Britain. An entire change of ministry occurred in that country during the last session of Parliament. The attention of the new ministry was called to the subject at an early day, and there is some reason to expect that it will now be considered in a becoming and friendly spirit. The importance of an early disposition of the question can not be exaggerated. Whatever might be the wishes of the two Governments, it is manifest that good will and friendship between the two countries can not be established until a reciprocity in the practice of good faith and neutrality shall be restored between the respective nations. On the 6th of June last, in violation of our neutrality laws, a military expedition and enterprise against the British North American colonies was projected and attempted to be carried on within the territory and jurisdiction of the United States. In obedience to the obligation imposed upon the Executive by the Constitution to see that the laws are faithfully executed, all citizens were warned by proclamation against taking part in or aiding such unlawful proceedings, and the proper civil, military, and naval officers were directed to take all necessary measures for the enforcement of the laws. The expedition failed, but it has not been without its painful consequences. Some of our citizens who, it was alleged, were engaged in the expedition were captured, and have been brought to trial as for a capital offense in the Province of Canada. Judgment and sentence of death have been pronounced against some, while others have been acquitted. Fully believing in the maxim of government that severity of civil punishment for misguided persons who have engaged in revolutionary attempts which have disastrously failed is unsound and unwise, such representations have been made to the British Government in behalf of the convicted persons as, being sustained by an enlightened and humane judgment, will, it is hoped, induce in their cases an exercise of clemency and a judicious amnesty to all who were engaged in the movement. Counsel has been employed by the Government to defend citizens of the United States on trial for capital offenses in Canada, and a discontinuance of the prosecutions which were instituted in the courts of the United States against those who took part in the expedition has been directed. I have regarded the expedition as not only political in its nature, but as also in a great measure foreign from the United States in its causes, character, and objects. The attempt was understood to be made in sympathy with an insurgent party in Ireland, and by striking at a British Province on this continent was designed to aid in obtaining redress for political grievances which, it was assumed, the people of Ireland had suffered at the hands of the British Government during a period of several centuries. The persons engaged in it were chiefly natives of that country, some of whom had, while others had not, become citizens of the United States under our general laws of naturalization. Complaints of misgovernment in Ireland continually engage the attention of the British nation, and so great an agitation is now prevailing in Ireland that the British Government have deemed it necessary to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in that country. These circumstances must necessarily modify the opinion which we might otherwise have entertained in regard to an expedition expressly prohibited by our neutrality laws. So long as those laws remain upon our statute books they should be faithfully executed, and if they operate harshly, unjustly, or oppressively Congress alone can apply the remedy by their modification or repeal. Political and commercial interests of the United States are not unlikely to be affected in some degree by events which are transpiring in the eastern regions of Europe, and the time seems to have come when our Government ought to have a proper diplomatic representation in Greece. This Government has claimed for all persons not convicted or accused or suspected of crime an absolute political right of self-expatriation and a choice of new national allegiance. Most of the European States have dissented from this principle, and have claimed a right to hold such of their subjects as have emigrated to and been naturalized in the United States and afterwards returned on transient visits to their native countries to the performance of military service in like manner as resident subjects. Complaints arising from the claim in this respect made by foreign states have heretofore been matters of controversy between the United States and some of the European powers, and the irritation consequent upon the failure to settle this question increased during the war in which Prussia, Italy, and Austria were recently engaged. While Great Britain has never acknowledged the right of expatriation, she has not for some years past practically insisted upon the opposite doctrine. France has been equally forbearing, and Prussia has proposed a compromise, which, although evincing increased liberality, has not been accepted by the United States. Peace is now prevailing everywhere in Europe, and the present seems to be a favorable time for an assertion by Congress of the principle so long maintained by the executive department that naturalization by one state fully exempts the native-born subject of any other state from the performance of military service under any foreign government, so long as he does not voluntarily renounce its rights and benefits. In the performance of a duty imposed upon me by the Constitution I have thus submitted to the representatives of the States and of the people such information of our domestic and foreign affairs as the public interests seem to require. Our Government is now undergoing its most trying ordeal, and my earnest prayer is that the peril may be successfully and finally passed without impairing its original strength and symmetry. The interests of the nation are best to be promoted by the revival of fraternal relations, the complete obliteration of our past differences, and the reinauguration of all the pursuits of peace. Directing our efforts to the early accomplishment of these great ends, let us endeavor to preserve harmony between the coordinate departments of the Government, that each in its proper sphere may cordially cooperate with the other in securing the maintenance of the Constitution, the preservation of the Union, and the perpetuity of our free institutions.
After a brief interval the Congress of the United States resumes its annual legislative labors. An all-wise and merciful Providence has abated the pestilence which visited our shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions of our country. Peace, order, tranquillity, and civil authority have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of the United States. In all of the States civil authority has superseded the coercion of arms, and the people, by their voluntary action, are maintaining their governments in full activity and complete operation. The enforcement of the laws is no longer "obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings," and the animosities engendered by the war are rapidly yielding to the beneficent influences of our free institutions and to the kindly effects of unrestricted social and commercial intercourse. An entire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the earnest wish of every patriotic heart; and we will have accomplished our grandest national achievement when, forgetting the sad events of the past and remembering only their instructive lessons, we resume our onward career as a free, prosperous, and united people. In my message of the 4th of December, 1865, Congress was informed of the measures which had been instituted by the Executive with a view to the gradual restoration of the States in which the insurrection occurred to their relations with the General Government. Provisional governors had been appointed, conventions called, governors elected, legislatures assembled, and Senators and Representatives chosen to the Congress of the United States. Courts had been opened for the enforcement of laws long in abeyance. The blockade had been removed, custom-houses reestablished, and the internal-revenue laws put in force, in order that the people might contribute to the national income. Postal operations had been renewed, and efforts were being made to restore them to their former condition of efficiency. The States themselves had been asked to take Dart in the high function of amending the Constitution, and of thus sanctioning the extinction of African slavery as one of the legitimate results of our internecine struggle. Having progressed thus far, the executive department found that it had accomplished nearly all that was within the scope of its constitutional authority. One thing, however, yet remained to be done before the work of restoration could be completed, and that was the admission to Congress of loyal Senators and Representatives from the States whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the General Government. This question devolved upon the respective Houses, which by the Constitution are made the judges of the elections, returns, and qualifications of their own members, and its consideration at once engaged the attention of Congress. In the meantime the executive department--no other plan having been proposed by Congress--continued its efforts to perfect, as far as was practicable, the restoration of the proper relations between the citizens of the respective States, the States, and the Federal Government, extending from time to time, as the public interests seemed to require, the judicial, revenue, and postal systems of the country. With the advice and consent of the Senate, the necessary officers were appointed and appropriations made by Congress for the payment of their salaries. The proposition to amend the Federal Constitution, so as to prevent the existence of slavery within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction, was ratified by the requisite number of States, and on the 18th day of December, 1865, it was officially declared to have become valid as a part of the Constitution of the United States. All of the States in which the insurrection had existed promptly amended their constitutions so as to make them conform to the great change thus effected in the organic law of the land; declared null and void all ordinances and laws of secession; repudiated all pretended debts and obligations created for the revolutionary purposes of the insurrection, and proceeded in good faith to the enactment of measures for the protection and amelioration of the condition of the colored race. Congress, however, yet hesitated to admit any of these States to representation, and it was not until toward the close of the eighth month of the session that an exception was made in favor of Tennessee by the admission of her Senators and Representatives. I deem it a subject of profound regret that Congress has thus far failed to admit to seats loyal Senators and Representatives from the other States whose inhabitants, with those of Tennessee, had engaged in the rebellion. Ten States--more than one-fourth of the whole number--remain without representation; the seats of fifty members in the House of Representatives and of twenty members in the Senate are yet vacant, not by their own consent, not by a failure of election, but by the refusal of Congress to accept their credentials. Their admission, it is believed, would have accomplished much toward the renewal and strengthening of our relations as one people and removed serious because for discontent on the part of the inhabitants of those States. It would have accorded with the great principle enunciated in the Declaration of American Independence that no people ought to bear the burden of taxation and yet be denied the right of representation. It would have been in consonance with the express provisions of the Constitution that "each State shall have at least one Representative" and "that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate." These provisions were intended to secure to every State and to the people of every State the right of representation in each House of Congress; and so important was it deemed by the framers of the Constitution that the equality of the States in the Senate should be preserved that not even by an amendment of the Constitution can any State, without its consent, be denied a voice in that branch of the National Legislature. It is true it has been assumed that the existence of the States was terminated by the rebellious acts of their inhabitants, and that, the insurrection having been suppressed, they were thenceforward to be considered merely as conquered territories. The legislative, executive, and judicial departments of the Government have, however, with Heat distinctness and uniform consistency, refused to sanction an assumption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system and with the professed objects of the war. Throughout the recent legislation of Congress the undeniable fact makes itself apparent that these ten political communities are nothing less than States of this Union. At the very commencement of the rebellion each House declared, with a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant, that the war was not "waged upon our part in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution and all laws made in pursuance thereof, and to preserve the Union, with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects" were "accomplished the war ought to cease." In some instances Senators were permitted to continue their legislative functions, while in other instances Representatives were elected and admitted to seats after their States had formally declared their right to withdraw from the Union and were endeavoring to maintain that right by force of arms. All of the States whose people were in insurrection, as States, were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of $20,000,000 annually laid upon the United States by the act approved 5th August, 1861. Congress, by the act of March 4, 1862, and by the apportionment of representation thereunder also recognized their presence as States in the Union; and they have, for judicial purposes, been divided into districts, as States alone can be divided. The same recognition appears in the recent legislation in reference to Tennessee, which evidently rests upon the fact that the functions of the State were not destroyed by the rebellion, but merely suspended; and that principle is of course applicable to those States which, like Tennessee, attempted to renounce their places in the Union. The action of the executive department of the Government upon this subject has been equally definite and uniform, and the purpose of the war was specifically stated in the proclamation issued by my predecessor on the 22d day of September, 1862. It was then solemnly proclaimed and declared "that hereafter, as heretofore, the war will be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the constitutional relation between the United States and each of the States and the people thereof in which States that relation is or may be suspended or disturbed." The recognition of the States by the judicial department of the Government has also been dear and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them as States had in the Supreme, circuit, and district courts. In the admission of Senators and Representatives from any and all of the States there can be no just ground of apprehension that persons who are disloyal will be clothed with the powers of legislation, for this could not happen when the Constitution and the laws are enforced by a vigilant and faithful Congress. Each House is made the "judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members," and may, "with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member." When a Senator or Representative presents his certificate of election, he may at once be admitted or rejected; or, should there be any question as to his eligibility, his credentials may be referred for investigation to the appropriate committee. If admitted to a seat, it must be upon evidence satisfactory to the House of which he thus becomes a member that he possesses the requisite constitutional and legal qualifications. If refused admission as a member for want of due allegiance to the Government and returned to his constituents, they are admonished that none but persons loyal to the United States will be allowed a voice in the legislative councils of the nation, and the political power and moral influence of Congress are thus effectively exerted in the interests of loyalty to the Government and fidelity to the Union. Upon this question, so vitally affecting the restoration of the Union and the permanency of our present form of government, my convictions, heretofore expressed, have undergone no change, but, on the contrary, their correctness has been confirmed by reflection and time. If the admission of loyal members to seats in the respective Houses of Congress was wise and expedient a year ago, it is no less wise and expedient now. If this anomalous condition is right now--if in the exact condition of these States at the present time it is lawful to exclude them from representation--I do not see that the question will be changed by the efflux of time. Ten years hence. if these States remain as they are, the right of representation will be no stronger, the right of exclusion will be no weaker. The Constitution of the United States makes it the duty of the President to recommend to the consideration of Congress "such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." I know of no measure more imperatively demanded by every consideration of national interest, sound policy, and equal justice than the admission of loyal members from the now unrepresented States. This would consummate the work of restoration and exert a most salutary influence in the reestablishment of peace, harmony, and fraternal feeling. It would tend greatly to renew the confidence of the American people in the vigor and stability of their institutions. It would bind us more closely together as a nation and enable us to show to the world the inherent and recuperative power of a government founded upon the will of the people and established upon the principles of liberty, justice, and intelligence. Our increased strength and enhanced prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate the fallacy of the arguments against free institutions drawn from our recent national disorders by the enemies of republican government. The admission of loyal members from the States now excluded from Congress, by allaying doubt and apprehension, would turn capital now awaiting an opportunity for investment into the channels of trade and industry. It would alleviate the present troubled condition of those States, and by inducing emigration aid in the settlement of fertile regions now uncultivated and lead to an increased production of those staples which have added so greatly to the wealth of the nation and commerce of the world. New fields of enterprise would be opened to our progressive people and soon the devastations of war would be repaired and all traces of our domestic differences effaced from the minds of our countrymen. In our efforts to preserve "the unity of government which constitutes as one people" by restoring the States to the condition which they held prior to the rebellion, we should be cautious, lest, having rescued our nation from perils of threatened disintegration, we resort to consolidation, and in the end absolute despotism, as a remedy for the recurrence of similar troubles. The war having terminated, and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful constitutionality, we should hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the Constitution and to return to the ancient landmarks established by our fathers for the guidance of succeeding generations. The constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates; but let there be no change by usurpation, for it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. Washington spoke these words to his countrymen when, followed by their love and gratitude, he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life. "To keep in all things within the pale of our constitutional powers and cherish the Federal Union as the only rock of safety" were prescribed by Jefferson as rules of action to endear to his "countrymen the true principles of their Constitution and promote a union of sentiment and action, equally auspicious to their happiness and safety." Jackson held that the action of the General Government should always be strictly confined to the sphere of its appropriate duties, and justly and forcibly urged that our Government is not to be maintained nor our Union preserved "by invasions of the rights and powers of the several States. In thus attempting to make our General Government strong we make it weak. Its true strength consists in leaving individuals and States as much as possible to themselves; in making itself felt, not in its power, but in its beneficence; not in its control, but in its protection; not in binding the States more closely to the center, but leaving each to move unobstructed in its proper constitutional orbit." These are the teachings of men whose deeds and services have made them illustrious, and who, long since withdrawn from the scenes of life, have left to their country the rich legacy of their example, their wisdom, and their patriotism. Drawing fresh inspiration from their lessons, let us emulate them in love of country and respect for the Constitution and the laws. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury affords much information respecting the revenue and commerce of the country. His views upon the currency and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system, internal as well as impost, are commended to the careful consideration of Congress. In my last annual message I expressed my general views upon these subjects. I need now only call attention to the necessity of carrying into every department of the Government a system of rigid accountability, thorough retrenchment, and wise economy. With no exceptional nor unusual expenditures, the oppressive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such a modification of our revenue laws as will be consistent with the public faith and the legitimate and necessary wants of the Government. The report presents a much more satisfactory condition of our finances than one year ago the most sanguine could have anticipated. During the fiscal year ending the 30th June, 1865 (the last year of the war), the public debt was increased $941,902,537, and on the 31st of October, 1865, it amounted to $2,740,854,750. On the 31st day of October, 1866, it had been reduced to $2,552,310,006, the diminution during a period of fourteen months, commencing September 1, 1865, and ending October 31, 1866, having been $206,379,565. In the last annual report on the state of the finances it was estimated that during the three quarters of the fiscal year ending the 30th of June last the debt would be increased $112,194,947. During that period, however, it was reduced $31,196,387, the receipts of the year having been $89,905,905 more and the expenditures $200,529,235 less than the estimates. Nothing could more clearly indicate than these statements the extent and availability of the national resources and the rapidity and safety with which under our form of government, great military and naval establishments can be disbanded and expenses reduced from a war to a peace footing. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866, the receipts were $558,032,620 and the expenditures $520,750,940, leaving an available surplus of $37,281,680. It is estimated that the receipts for the fiscal year ending the 30th June, 1867, will be $475,061.386, and that the expenditures will reach the sum of $316,428,078, leaving in the Treasury a surplus of $158,633,308. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, it is estimated that the receipts will amount to $436,000,000 and that the expenditures will be $350,247,641, showing an excess of $85,752,359 in favor of the Government. These estimated receipts may be diminished by a reduction of excise and import duties, but after all necessary reductions shall have been made the revenue of the present and of following years will doubtless be sufficient to cover all legitimate charges upon the Treasury and leave a large annual surplus to be applied to the payment of the principal of the debt. There seems now to be no good reason why taxes may not be reduced as the country advances in population and wealth, and yet the debt be extinguished within the next quarter of a century. The report of the Secretary of War furnishes valuable and important information in reference to the operations of his Department during the past year. Few volunteers now remain in the service, and they are being discharged as rapidly as they can be replaced by regular troops. The Army has been promptly paid, carefully provided with medical treatment, well sheltered and subsisted, and is to be furnished with breech-loading small arms. The military strength of the nation has been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers, the disposition of unserviceable or perishable stores, and the retrenchment of expenditure. Sufficient war material to meet any emergency has been retained, and from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call large armies can be rapidly organized, equipped, and concentrated. Fortifications on the coast and frontier have received or are being prepared for more powerful armaments; lake surveys and harbor and river improvements are in course of energetic prosecution. Preparations have been made for the payment of the additional bounties authorized during the recent session of Congress, under such regulations as will protect the Government from fraud and secure to the honorably discharged soldier the well-earned reward of his faithfulness and gallantry. More than 6,000 maimed soldiers have received artificial limbs or other surgical apparatus. and 41 national cemeteries, containing the remains of 104,526 Union soldiers, have already been established. The total estimate of military appropriations is $25,205,669. It is stated in the report of the Secretary of the Navy that the naval force at this time consists of 278 vessels, armed with 2,351 guns. Of these, 115 vessels, carrying 1,029 guns, are in commission, distributed chiefly among seven squadrons. The number of men in the service is 13,600. Great activity and vigilance have been displayed by all the squadrons, and their movements have been judiciously and efficiently arranged in such manner as would best promote American commerce and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen abroad. The vessels unemployed are undergoing repairs or are laid up until their services may be required. Most of the ironclad fleet is at League Island, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, a place which, until decisive action should be taken by Congress, was selected by the Secretary of the Navy as the most eligible location for that class of vessels. It is important that a suitable public station should be provided for the ironclad fleet. It is intended that these vessels shall be in proper condition for any emergency, and it is desirable that the bill accepting League Island for naval purposes, which passed the House of Representatives at its last session, should receive final action at an early period, in order that there may be a suitable public station for this class of vessels, as well as a navy-yard of area sufficient for the wants of the service on the Delaware River. The naval pension fund amounts to $11,750,000, having been increased $2,750,000 during the year. The expenditures of the Department for the fiscal year ending 30th June last were $43,324,526, and the estimates for the coming year amount to $23,568,436. Attention is invited to the condition of our seamen and the importance of legislative measures for their relief and improvement. The suggestions in behalf of this deserving class of our fellow-citizens are earnestly recommended to the favorable attention of Congress. The report of the Postmaster-General presents a most satisfactory condition of the postal service and submits recommendations which deserve the consideration of Congress. The revenues of the Department for the year ending June 30, 1866, were $14,386,986 and the expenditures $15,352,079, showing an excess of the latter of $965,093. In anticipation of this deficiency, however, a special appropriation was made by Congress in the act approved July 28, 1866. Including the standing appropriation of $700,000 for free mail matter as a legitimate portion of the revenues, yet remaining unexpended, the actual deficiency for the past year is only $265,093--a sum within $51,141 of the amount estimated in the annual report of 1864. The decrease of revenue compared with the previous year was 1 1/5 per cent, and the increase of expenditures, owing principally to the enlargement of the mail service in the South, was 12 per cent. On the 30th of June last there were in operation 6,930 mail routes, with an aggregate length of 180,921 miles, an aggregate annual transportation of 71,837,914 miles, and an aggregate annual cost, including all expenditures, of $8,410,184. The length of railroad routes is 32,092 miles and the annual transportation 30,609,467 miles. The length of steamboat routes is 14,346 miles and the annual transportation 3,411,962 miles. The mail servce is rapidly increasing throughout the whole country, and its steady extension in the Southern States indicates their constantly improving condition. The growing importance of the foreign service also merits attention. The post-office department of Great Britain and our own have agreed upon a preliminary basis for a new postal convention, which it is believed will prove eminently beneficial to the commercial interests of the United States, inasmuch as it contemplates a reduction of the international letter postage to one-half the existing rates: a reduction of postage with all other countries to and from which correspondence is transmitted in the British mail, or in closed mails through the United Kingdom; the establishment of uniform and reasonable charges for the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails; and an allowance to each post-office department of the right to use all mail communications established under the authority of the other for the dispatch of correspondence, either in open or closed mails, on the same terms as those applicable to the inhabitants of the country providing the means of transmission. The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits the condition of those branches of the public service which are committed to his supervision. During the last fiscal year 4,629,312 acres of public land were disposed of, 1,892,516 acres of which were entered under the homestead act. The policy originally adopted relative to the public lands has undergone essential modifications. Immediate revenue, and not their rapid settlement, was the cardinal feature of our land system. Long experience and earnest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resources and the diffusion of an energetic population over our vast territory are objects of far greater importance to the national growth and prosperity than the proceeds of the sale of the land to the highest bidder in open market. The preemption laws confer upon the pioneer who complies with the terms they impose the privilege of purchasing a limited portion of "unoffered lands" at the minimum price. The homestead enactments relieve the settler from the payment of purchase money, and secure him a permanent home upon the condition of residence for a term of years. This liberal policy invites emigration from the Old and from the more crowded portions of the New World. Its propitious results are undoubted, and will be more signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider development. Congress has made liberal grants of public land to corporations in aid of the construction of railroads and other internal improvements. Should this policy hereafter prevail, more stringent provisions will be required to secure a faithful application of the fund. The title to the lands should not pass, by patent or otherwise, but remain in the Government and subject to its control until some portion of the road has been actually built. Portions of them might then from time to time be conveyed to the corporation, but never in a greater ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than the completed parts bear to the entire length of the projected improvement. This restriction would not operate to the prejudice of any undertaking conceived in good faith and executed with reasonable energy, as it is the settled practice to withdraw from market the lands falling within the operation of such grants, and thus to exclude the inception of a subsequent adverse right. A breach of the conditions which Congress may deem proper to impose should work a forfeiture of claim to the lands so withdrawn but unconveyed, and of title to the lands conveyed which remain unsold. Operations on the several lines of the Pacific Railroad have been prosecuted with unexampled vigor and success. Should no unforeseen causes of delay occur, it is confidently anticipated that this great thoroughfare will be completed before the expiration of the period designated by Congress. During the last fiscal year the amount paid to pensioners, including the expenses of disbursement, was $13,459,996, and 50,177 names were added to the pension rolls. The entire number of pensioners June 30, 1866, was 126,722. This fact furnishes melancholy and striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindicate the constitutional authority of the Federal Government and to maintain inviolate the integrity of the Union They impose upon us corresponding obligations. It is estimated that $33,000,000 will be required to meet the exigencies of this branch of the service during the next fiscal year. Treaties have been concluded with the Indians, who, enticed into armed opposition to our Government at the outbreak of the rebellion, have unconditionally submitted to our authority and manifested an earnest desire for a renewal of friendly relations. During the year ending September 30, 1866, 8,716 patents for useful inventions and designs were issued, and at that date the balance in the Treasury to the credit of the patent fund was $228,297. As a subject upon which depends an immense amount of the production and commerce of the country, I recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary for the preservation of the levees of the Mississippi River. It is a matter of national importance that early steps should be taken, not only to add to the efficiency of these barriers against destructive inundations, but for the removal of all obstructions to the free and safe navigation of that great channel of trade and commerce. The District of Columbia under existing laws is not entitled to that representation in the national councils which from our earliest history has been uniformly accorded to each Territory established from time to time within our limits. It maintains peculiar relations to Congress, to whom the Constitution has granted the power of exercising exclusive legislation over the seat of Government. Our fellow-citizens residing in the District, whose interests are thus confided to the special guardianship of Congress, exceed in number the population of several of our Territories, and no just reason is perceived why a Delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the House of Representatives. No mode seems so appropriate and effectual of enabling them to make known their peculiar condition and wants and of securing the local legislation adapted to them. I therefore recommend the passage of a law authorizing the electors of the District of Columbia to choose a Delegate, to be allowed the same rights and privileges as a Delegate representing a Territory. The increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement in the District are highly gratifying, and I trust that the efforts of the municipal authorities to promote the prosperity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient and generous cooperation of Congress. The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture reviews the operations of his Department during the past year, and asks the aid of Congress in its efforts to encourage those States which, scourged by war, are now earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic industry. It is a subject of congratulation that no foreign combinations against our domestic peace and safety or our legitimate influence among the nations have been formed or attempted. While sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, and patriotism have increased at home, a more just consideration of our national character and rights has been manifested by foreign nations. The entire success of the Atlantic telegraph between the coast of Ireland and the Province of Newfoundland is an achievement which has been justly celebrated in both hemispheres as the opening of an era in the progress of civilization. There is reason to expect that equal success will attend and even greater results follow the enterprise for connecting the two continents through the Pacific Ocean by the projected line of telegraph between Kamchatka and the Russian possessions in America. The resolution of Congress protesting against pardons by foreign governments of persons convicted of infamous offenses on condition of emigration to our country has been communicated to the states with which we maintain intercourse, and the practice, so justly the subject of complaint on our part, has not been renewed. The congratulations of Congress to the Emperor of Russia upon his escape from attempted assassination have been presented to that humane and enlightened ruler and received by him with expressions of grateful appreciation. The Executive, warned of an attempt by Spanish American adventurers to induce the emigration of freedmen of the United States to a foreign country, protested against the project as one which, if consummated, would reduce them to a bondage even more oppressive than that from which they have just been relieved. Assurance has been received from the Government of the State in which the plan was matured that the proceeding will meet neither its encouragement nor approval. It is a question worthy of your consideration whether our laws upon this subject are adequate to the prevention or punishment of the crime thus meditated. In the month of April last, as Congress is aware, a friendly arrangement was made between the Emperor of France and the President of the United States for the withdrawal from Mexico of the French expeditionary military forces. This withdrawal was to be effected in three detachments, the first of which, it was understood, would leave Mexico in November, now past, the second in March next, and the third and last in November, 1867. Immediately upon the completion of the evacuation the French Government was to assume the same attitude of nonintervention in regard to Mexico as is held by the Government of the United States. Repeated assurances have been given by the Emperor since that agreement that he would complete the promised evacuation within the period mentioned, or sooner. It was reasonably expected that the proceedings thus contemplated would produce a crisis of great political interest in the Republic of Mexico. The newly appointed minister of the United States, Mr. Campbell, was therefore sent forward on the 9th day of November last to assume his proper functions as minister plenipotentiary of the United States to that Republic. It was also thought expedient that he should be attended in the vicinity of Mexico by the Lieutenant-General of the Army of the United States, with the view of obtaining such information as might be important to determine the course to be pursued by the United States in reestablishing and maintaining necessary and proper intercourse with the Republic of Mexico. Deeply interested in the because of liberty and humanity, it seemed an obvious duty on our part to exercise whatever influence we possessed for the restoration and permanent establishment in that country of a domestic and republican form of government. Such was the condition of our affairs in regard to Mexico when, on the 22d of November last, official information was received from Paris that the Emperor of France had some time before decided not to withdraw a detachment of his forces in the month of November past, according to engagement, but that this decision was made with the purpose of withdrawing the whole of those forces in the ensuing spring. Of this determination, however, the United States had not received any notice or intimation, and so soon as the information was received by the Government care was taken to make known its dissent to the Emperor of France. I can not forego the hope that France will reconsider the subject and adopt some resolution in regard to the evacuation of Mexico which will conform as nearly as practicable with the existing engagement, and thus meet the just expectations of the United States. The papers relating to the subject will be laid before you. It is believed that with the evacuation of Mexico by the expeditionary forces no subject for serious differences between France and the United States would remain. The expressions of the Emperor and people of France warrant a hope that the traditionary friendship between the two countries might in that case be renewed and permanently restored. A claim of a citizen of the United States for indemnity for spoliations committed on the high seas by the French authorities in the exercise of a belligerent power against Mexico has been met by the Government of France with a proposition to defer settlement until a mutual convention for the adjustment of all claims of citizens and subjects of both countries arising out of the recent wars on this continent shall be agreed upon by the two countries. The suggestion is not deemed unreasonable. but it belongs to Congress to direct the manner in which claims for indemnity by foreigners as well as by citizens of the United States arising out of the late civil war shall be adjudicated and determined. I have no doubt that the subject of all such claims will engage your attention at a convenient and proper time. It is a matter of regret that no considerable advance has been made toward an adjustment of the differences between the United States and Great Britain arising out of the depredations upon our national commerce and other trespasses committed during our civil war by British subjects, in violation of international law and treaty obligations. The delay, however, may be believed to have resulted in no small degree from the domestic situation of Great Britain. An entire change of ministry occurred in that country during the last session of Parliament. The attention of the new ministry was called to the subject at an early day, and there is some reason to expect that it will now be considered in a becoming and friendly spirit. The importance of an early disposition of the question can not be exaggerated. Whatever might be the wishes of the two Governments, it is manifest that good will and friendship between the two countries can not be established until a reciprocity in the practice of good faith and neutrality shall be restored between the respective nations. On the 6th of June last, in violation of our neutrality laws, a military expedition and enterprise against the British North American colonies was projected and attempted to be carried on within the territory and jurisdiction of the United States. In obedience to the obligation imposed upon the Executive by the Constitution to see that the laws are faithfully executed, all citizens were warned by proclamation against taking part in or aiding such unlawful proceedings, and the proper civil, military, and naval officers were directed to take all necessary measures for the enforcement of the laws. The expedition failed, but it has not been without its painful consequences. Some of our citizens who, it was alleged, were engaged in the expedition were captured, and have been brought to trial as for a capital offense in the Province of Canada. Judgment and sentence of death have been pronounced against some, while others have been acquitted. Fully believing in the maxim of government that severity of civil punishment for misguided persons who have engaged in revolutionary attempts which have disastrously failed is unsound and unwise, such representations have been made to the British Government in behalf of the convicted persons as, being sustained by an enlightened and humane judgment, will, it is hoped, induce in their cases an exercise of clemency and a judicious amnesty to all who were engaged in the movement. Counsel has been employed by the Government to defend citizens of the United States on trial for capital offenses in Canada, and a discontinuance of the prosecutions which were instituted in the courts of the United States against those who took part in the expedition has been directed. I have regarded the expedition as not only political in its nature, but as also in a great measure foreign from the United States in its causes, character, and objects. The attempt was understood to be made in sympathy with an insurgent party in Ireland, and by striking at a British Province on this continent was designed to aid in obtaining redress for political grievances which, it was assumed, the people of Ireland had suffered at the hands of the British Government during a period of several centuries. The persons engaged in it were chiefly natives of that country, some of whom had, while others had not, become citizens of the United States under our general laws of naturalization. Complaints of misgovernment in Ireland continually engage the attention of the British nation, and so great an agitation is now prevailing in Ireland that the British Government have deemed it necessary to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in that country. These circumstances must necessarily modify the opinion which we might otherwise have entertained in regard to an expedition expressly prohibited by our neutrality laws. So long as those laws remain upon our statute books they should be faithfully executed, and if they operate harshly, unjustly, or oppressively Congress alone can apply the remedy by their modification or repeal. Political and commercial interests of the United States are not unlikely to be affected in some degree by events which are transpiring in the eastern regions of Europe, and the time seems to have come when our Government ought to have a proper diplomatic representation in Greece. This Government has claimed for all persons not convicted or accused or suspected of crime an absolute political right of self-expatriation and a choice of new national allegiance. Most of the European States have dissented from this principle, and have claimed a right to hold such of their subjects as have emigrated to and been naturalized in the United States and afterwards returned on transient visits to their native countries to the performance of military service in like manner as resident subjects. Complaints arising from the claim in this respect made by foreign states have heretofore been matters of controversy between the United States and some of the European powers, and the irritation consequent upon the failure to settle this question increased during the war in which Prussia, Italy, and Austria were recently engaged. While Great Britain has never acknowledged the right of expatriation, she has not for some years past practically insisted upon the opposite doctrine. France has been equally forbearing, and Prussia has proposed a compromise, which, although evincing increased liberality, has not been accepted by the United States. Peace is now prevailing everywhere in Europe, and the present seems to be a favorable time for an assertion by Congress of the principle so long maintained by the executive department that naturalization by one state fully exempts the native-born subject of any other state from the performance of military service under any foreign government, so long as he does not voluntarily renounce its rights and benefits. In the performance of a duty imposed upon me by the Constitution I have thus submitted to the representatives of the States and of the people such information of our domestic and foreign affairs as the public interests seem to require. Our Government is now undergoing its most trying ordeal, and my earnest prayer is that the peril may be successfully and finally passed without impairing its original strength and symmetry. The interests of the nation are best to be promoted by the revival of fraternal relations, the complete obliteration of our past differences, and the reinauguration of all the pursuits of peace. Directing our efforts to the early accomplishment of these great ends, let us endeavor to preserve harmony between the coordinate departments of the Government, that each in its proper sphere may cordially cooperate with the other in securing the maintenance of the Constitution, the preservation of the Union, and the perpetuity of our free institutions.
after a brief interval the congress of the united states resumes its annual legislative labors an and merciful providence has abated the pestilence which visited our shores leaving its calamitous traces upon some portions of our country peace order tranquillity and civil authority have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of the united states in all of the states civil authority has superseded the coercion of arms and the people by their voluntary action are maintaining their governments in full activity and complete operation the enforcement of the laws is no longer obstructed in any state by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings and the animosities engendered by the war are rapidly yielding to the beneficent influences of our free institutions and to the kindly effects of unrestricted social and commercial intercourse an entire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the earnest wish of every patriotic heart and we will have accomplished our grandest national achievement when forgetting the sad events of the past and remembering only their instructive lessons we resume our onward career as a free prosperous and united people in my message of the 4th of december 1865 congress was informed of the measures which had been instituted by the executive with a view to the gradual restoration of the states in which the insurrection occurred to their relations with the general government provisional governors had been appointed conventions called governors elected legislatures assembled and senators and representatives chosen to the congress of the united states courts had been opened for the enforcement of laws long in abeyance the blockade had been removed reestablished and the laws put in force in order that the people might contribute to the national income postal operations had been renewed and efforts were being made to restore them to their former condition of efficiency the states themselves had been asked to take dart in the high function of amending the constitution and of thus sanctioning the extinction of african slavery as one of the legitimate results of our internecine struggle having progressed thus far the executive department found that it had accomplished nearly all that was within the scope of its constitutional authority one thing however yet remained to be done before the work of restoration could be completed and that was the admission to congress of loyal senators and representatives from the states whose people had rebelled against the lawful authority of the general government this question devolved upon the respective houses which by the constitution are made the judges of the elections returns and qualifications of their own members and its consideration at once engaged the attention of congress in the meantime the executive department no other plan having been proposed by congress continued its efforts to perfect as far as was practicable the restoration of the proper relations between the citizens of the respective states the states and the federal government extending from time to time as the public interests seemed to require the judicial revenue and postal systems of the country with the advice and consent of the senate the necessary officers were appointed and appropriations made by congress for the payment of their salaries the proposition to amend the federal constitution so as to prevent the existence of slavery within the united states or any place subject to their jurisdiction was ratified by the requisite number of states and on the 18th day of december 1865 it was officially declared to have become valid as a part of the constitution of the united states all of the states in which the insurrection had existed promptly amended their constitutions so as to make them conform to the great change thus effected in the organic law of the land declared null and void all ordinances and laws of secession repudiated all pretended debts and obligations created for the revolutionary purposes of the insurrection and proceeded in good faith to the enactment of measures for the protection and amelioration of the condition of the colored race congress however yet hesitated to admit any of these states to representation and it was not until toward the close of the eighth month of the session that an exception was made in favor of tennessee by the admission of her senators and representatives i deem it a subject of profound regret that congress has thus far failed to admit to seats loyal senators and representatives from the other states whose inhabitants with those of tennessee had engaged in the rebellion ten states more than of the whole number remain without representation the seats of fifty members in the house of representatives and of twenty members in the senate are yet vacant not by their own consent not by a failure of election but by the refusal of congress to accept their credentials their admission it is believed would have accomplished much toward the renewal and strengthening of our relations as one people and removed serious because for discontent on the part of the inhabitants of those states it would have accorded with the great principle enunciated in the declaration of american independence that no people ought to bear the burden of taxation and yet be denied the right of representation it would have been in consonance with the express provisions of the constitution that each state shall have at least one representative and that no state without its consent shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate these provisions were intended to secure to every state and to the people of every state the right of representation in each house of congress and so important was it deemed by the framers of the constitution that the equality of the states in the senate should be preserved that not even by an amendment of the constitution can any state without its consent be denied a voice in that branch of the national legislature it is true it has been assumed that the existence of the states was terminated by the rebellious acts of their inhabitants and that the insurrection having been suppressed they were thenceforward to be considered merely as conquered territories the legislative executive and judicial departments of the government have however with heat distinctness and uniform consistency refused to sanction an assumption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system and with the professed objects of the war throughout the recent legislation of congress the undeniable fact makes itself apparent that these ten political communities are nothing less than states of this union at the very commencement of the rebellion each house declared with a unanimity as remarkable as it was significant that the war was not waged upon our part in any spirit of oppression nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation nor purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those states but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the constitution and all laws made in pursuance thereof and to preserve the union with all the dignity equality and rights of the several states unimpaired and that as soon as these objects were accomplished the war ought to cease in some instances senators were permitted to continue their legislative functions while in other instances representatives were elected and admitted to seats after their states had formally declared their right to withdraw from the union and were endeavoring to maintain that right by force of arms all of the states whose people were in insurrection as states were included in the apportionment of the direct tax of annually laid upon the united states by the act approved 5th august 1861 congress by the act of march 4 1862 and by the apportionment of representation thereunder also recognized their presence as states in the union and they have for judicial purposes been divided into districts as states alone can be divided the same recognition appears in the recent legislation in reference to tennessee which evidently rests upon the fact that the functions of the state were not destroyed by the rebellion but merely suspended and that principle is of course applicable to those states which like tennessee attempted to renounce their places in the union the action of the executive department of the government upon this subject has been equally definite and uniform and the purpose of the war was specifically stated in the proclamation issued by my predecessor on the 22d day of september 1862 it was then solemnly proclaimed and declared that hereafter as heretofore the war will be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the constitutional relation between the united states and each of the states and the people thereof in which states that relation is or may be suspended or disturbed the recognition of the states by the judicial department of the government has also been dear and conclusive in all proceedings affecting them as states had in the supreme circuit and district courts in the admission of senators and representatives from any and all of the states there can be no just ground of apprehension that persons who are disloyal will be clothed with the powers of legislation for this could not happen when the constitution and the laws are enforced by a vigilant and faithful congress each house is made the judge of the elections returns and qualifications of its own members and may with the concurrence of expel a member when a senator or representative presents his certificate of election he may at once be admitted or rejected or should there be any question as to his eligibility his credentials may be referred for investigation to the appropriate committee if admitted to a seat it must be upon evidence satisfactory to the house of which he thus becomes a member that he possesses the requisite constitutional and legal qualifications if refused admission as a member for want of due allegiance to the government and returned to his constituents they are admonished that none but persons loyal to the united states will be allowed a voice in the legislative councils of the nation and the political power and moral influence of congress are thus effectively exerted in the interests of loyalty to the government and fidelity to the union upon this question so vitally affecting the restoration of the union and the permanency of our present form of government my convictions heretofore expressed have undergone no change but on the contrary their correctness has been confirmed by reflection and time if the admission of loyal members to seats in the respective houses of congress was wise and expedient a year ago it is no less wise and expedient now if this anomalous condition is right now if in the exact condition of these states at the present time it is lawful to exclude them from representation i do not see that the question will be changed by the efflux of time ten years hence if these states remain as they are the right of representation will be no stronger the right of exclusion will be no weaker the constitution of the united states makes it the duty of the president to recommend to the consideration of congress such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient i know of no measure more imperatively demanded by every consideration of national interest sound policy and equal justice than the admission of loyal members from the now unrepresented states this would consummate the work of restoration and exert a most salutary influence in the reestablishment of peace harmony and fraternal feeling it would tend greatly to renew the confidence of the american people in the vigor and stability of their institutions it would bind us more closely together as a nation and enable us to show to the world the inherent and recuperative power of a government founded upon the will of the people and established upon the principles of liberty justice and intelligence our increased strength and enhanced prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate the fallacy of the arguments against free institutions drawn from our recent national disorders by the enemies of republican government the admission of loyal members from the states now excluded from congress by allaying doubt and apprehension would turn capital now awaiting an opportunity for investment into the channels of trade and industry it would alleviate the present troubled condition of those states and by inducing emigration aid in the settlement of fertile regions now uncultivated and lead to an increased production of those staples which have added so greatly to the wealth of the nation and commerce of the world new fields of enterprise would be opened to our progressive people and soon the devastations of war would be repaired and all traces of our domestic differences effaced from the minds of our countrymen in our efforts to preserve the unity of government which constitutes as one people by restoring the states to the condition which they held prior to the rebellion we should be cautious lest having rescued our nation from perils of threatened disintegration we resort to consolidation and in the end absolute despotism as a remedy for the recurrence of similar troubles the war having terminated and with it all occasion for the exercise of powers of doubtful constitutionality we should hasten to bring legislation within the boundaries prescribed by the constitution and to return to the ancient landmarks established by our fathers for the guidance of succeeding generations the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all if in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the constitution designates but let there be no change by usurpation for it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed washington spoke these words to his countrymen when followed by their love and gratitude he voluntarily retired from the cares of public life to keep in all things within the pale of our constitutional powers and cherish the federal union as the only rock of safety were prescribed by jefferson as rules of action to endear to his countrymen the true principles of their constitution and promote a union of sentiment and action equally auspicious to their happiness and safety jackson held that the action of the general government should always be strictly confined to the sphere of its appropriate duties and justly and forcibly urged that our government is not to be maintained nor our union preserved by invasions of the rights and powers of the several states in thus attempting to make our general government strong we make it weak its true strength consists in leaving individuals and states as much as possible to themselves in making itself felt not in its power but in its beneficence not in its control but in its protection not in binding the states more closely to the center but leaving each to move unobstructed in its proper constitutional orbit these are the teachings of men whose deeds and services have made them illustrious and who long since withdrawn from the scenes of life have left to their country the rich legacy of their example their wisdom and their patriotism drawing fresh inspiration from their lessons let us emulate them in love of country and respect for the constitution and the laws the report of the secretary of the treasury affords much information respecting the revenue and commerce of the country his views upon the currency and with reference to a proper adjustment of our revenue system internal as well as impost are commended to the careful consideration of congress in my last annual message i expressed my general views upon these subjects i need now only call attention to the necessity of carrying into every department of the government a system of rigid accountability thorough retrenchment and wise economy with no exceptional nor unusual expenditures the oppressive burdens of taxation can be lessened by such a modification of our revenue laws as will be consistent with the public faith and the legitimate and necessary wants of the government the report presents a much more satisfactory condition of our finances than one year ago the most sanguine could have anticipated during the fiscal year ending the 30th june 1865 the last year of the war the public debt was increased and on the 31st of october 1865 it amounted to on the 31st day of october 1866 it had been reduced to the diminution during a period of fourteen months commencing september 1 1865 and ending october 31 1866 having been in the last annual report on the state of the finances it was estimated that during the three quarters of the fiscal year ending the 30th of june last the debt would be increased during that period however it was reduced the receipts of the year having been more and the expenditures less than the estimates nothing could more clearly indicate than these statements the extent and availability of the national resources and the rapidity and safety with which under our form of government great military and naval establishments can be disbanded and expenses reduced from a war to a peace footing during the fiscal year ending june 30 1866 the receipts were and the expenditures leaving an available surplus of it is estimated that the receipts for the fiscal year ending the 30th june 1867 will be and that the expenditures will reach the sum of leaving in the treasury a surplus of for the fiscal year ending june 30 1886 it is estimated that the receipts will amount to and that the expenditures will be showing an excess of in favor of the government these estimated receipts may be diminished by a reduction of excise and import duties but after all necessary reductions shall have been made the revenue of the present and of following years will doubtless be sufficient to cover all legitimate charges upon the treasury and leave a large annual surplus to be applied to the payment of the principal of the debt there seems now to be no good reason why taxes may not be reduced as the country advances in population and wealth and yet the debt be extinguished within the next quarter of a century the report of the secretary of war furnishes valuable and important information in reference to the operations of his department during the past year few volunteers now remain in the service and they are being discharged as rapidly as they can be replaced by regular troops the army has been promptly paid carefully provided with medical treatment well sheltered and subsisted and is to be furnished with small arms the military strength of the nation has been unimpaired by the discharge of volunteers the disposition of unserviceable or perishable stores and the retrenchment of expenditure sufficient war material to meet any emergency has been retained and from the disbanded volunteers standing ready to respond to the national call large armies can be rapidly organized equipped and concentrated fortifications on the coast and frontier have received or are being prepared for more powerful armaments lake surveys and harbor and river improvements are in course of energetic prosecution preparations have been made for the payment of the additional bounties authorized during the recent session of congress under such regulations as will protect the government from fraud and secure to the honorably discharged soldier the reward of his faithfulness and gallantry more than maimed soldiers have received artificial limbs or other surgical apparatus and 41 national cemeteries containing the remains of union soldiers have already been established the total estimate of military appropriations is it is stated in the report of the secretary of the navy that the naval force at this time consists of 278 vessels armed with guns of these 115 vessels carrying guns are in commission distributed chiefly among seven squadrons the number of men in the service is great activity and vigilance have been displayed by all the squadrons and their movements have been judiciously and efficiently arranged in such manner as would best promote american commerce and protect the rights and interests of our countrymen abroad the vessels unemployed are undergoing repairs or are laid up until their services may be required most of the ironclad fleet is at league island in the vicinity of philadelphia a place which until decisive action should be taken by congress was selected by the secretary of the navy as the most eligible location for that class of vessels it is important that a suitable public station should be provided for the ironclad fleet it is intended that these vessels shall be in proper condition for any emergency and it is desirable that the bill accepting league island for naval purposes which passed the house of representatives at its last session should receive final action at an early period in order that there may be a suitable public station for this class of vessels as well as a of area sufficient for the wants of the service on the delaware river the naval pension fund amounts to having been increased during the year the expenditures of the department for the fiscal year ending 30th june last were and the estimates for the coming year amount to attention is invited to the condition of our seamen and the importance of legislative measures for their relief and improvement the suggestions in behalf of this deserving class of our are earnestly recommended to the favorable attention of congress the report of the presents a most satisfactory condition of the postal service and submits recommendations which deserve the consideration of congress the revenues of the department for the year ending june 30 1866 were and the expenditures showing an excess of the latter of in anticipation of this deficiency however a special appropriation was made by congress in the act approved july 28 1866 including the standing appropriation of for free mail matter as a legitimate portion of the revenues yet remaining unexpended the actual deficiency for the past year is only a sum within of the amount estimated in the annual report of 1864 the decrease of revenue compared with the previous year was 1 per cent and the increase of expenditures owing principally to the enlargement of the mail service in the south was 12 per cent on the 30th of june last there were in operation mail routes with an aggregate length of miles an aggregate annual transportation of miles and an aggregate annual cost including all expenditures of the length of railroad routes is miles and the annual transportation miles the length of steamboat routes is miles and the annual transportation miles the mail servce is rapidly increasing throughout the whole country and its steady extension in the southern states indicates their constantly improving condition the growing importance of the foreign service also merits attention the department of great britain and our own have agreed upon a preliminary basis for a new postal convention which it is believed will prove eminently beneficial to the commercial interests of the united states inasmuch as it contemplates a reduction of the international letter postage to the existing rates a reduction of postage with all other countries to and from which correspondence is transmitted in the british mail or in closed mails through the united kingdom the establishment of uniform and reasonable charges for the sea and territorial transit of correspondence in closed mails and an allowance to each department of the right to use all mail communications established under the authority of the other for the dispatch of correspondence either in open or closed mails on the same terms as those applicable to the inhabitants of the country providing the means of transmission the report of the secretary of the interior exhibits the condition of those branches of the public service which are committed to his supervision during the last fiscal year acres of public land were disposed of acres of which were entered under the homestead act the policy originally adopted relative to the public lands has undergone essential modifications immediate revenue and not their rapid settlement was the cardinal feature of our land system long experience and earnest discussion have resulted in the conviction that the early development of our agricultural resources and the diffusion of an energetic population over our vast territory are objects of far greater importance to the national growth and prosperity than the proceeds of the sale of the land to the highest bidder in open market the preemption laws confer upon the pioneer who complies with the terms they impose the privilege of purchasing a limited portion of unoffered lands at the minimum price the homestead enactments relieve the settler from the payment of purchase money and secure him a permanent home upon the condition of residence for a term of years this liberal policy invites emigration from the old and from the more crowded portions of the new world its propitious results are undoubted and will be more signally manifested when time shall have given to it a wider development congress has made liberal grants of public land to corporations in aid of the construction of railroads and other internal improvements should this policy hereafter prevail more stringent provisions will be required to secure a faithful application of the fund the title to the lands should not pass by patent or otherwise but remain in the government and subject to its control until some portion of the road has been actually built portions of them might then from time to time be conveyed to the corporation but never in a greater ratio to the whole quantity embraced by the grant than the completed parts bear to the entire length of the projected improvement this restriction would not operate to the prejudice of any undertaking conceived in good faith and executed with reasonable energy as it is the settled practice to withdraw from market the lands falling within the operation of such grants and thus to exclude the inception of a subsequent adverse right a breach of the conditions which congress may deem proper to impose should work a forfeiture of claim to the lands so withdrawn but unconveyed and of title to the lands conveyed which remain unsold operations on the several lines of the pacific railroad have been prosecuted with unexampled vigor and success should no unforeseen causes of delay occur it is confidently anticipated that this great thoroughfare will be completed before the expiration of the period designated by congress during the last fiscal year the amount paid to pensioners including the expenses of disbursement was and names were added to the pension rolls the entire number of pensioners june 30 1866 was this fact furnishes melancholy and striking proof of the sacrifices made to vindicate the constitutional authority of the federal government and to maintain inviolate the integrity of the union they impose upon us corresponding obligations it is estimated that will be required to meet the exigencies of this branch of the service during the next fiscal year treaties have been concluded with the indians who enticed into armed opposition to our government at the outbreak of the rebellion have unconditionally submitted to our authority and manifested an earnest desire for a renewal of friendly relations during the year ending september 30 1866 patents for useful inventions and designs were issued and at that date the balance in the treasury to the credit of the patent fund was as a subject upon which depends an immense amount of the production and commerce of the country i recommend to congress such legislation as may be necessary for the preservation of the levees of the mississippi river it is a matter of national importance that early steps should be taken not only to add to the efficiency of these barriers against destructive inundations but for the removal of all obstructions to the free and safe navigation of that great channel of trade and commerce the district of columbia under existing laws is not entitled to that representation in the national councils which from our earliest history has been uniformly accorded to each territory established from time to time within our limits it maintains peculiar relations to congress to whom the constitution has granted the power of exercising exclusive legislation over the seat of government our residing in the district whose interests are thus confided to the special guardianship of congress exceed in number the population of several of our territories and no just reason is perceived why a delegate of their choice should not be admitted to a seat in the house of representatives no mode seems so appropriate and effectual of enabling them to make known their peculiar condition and wants and of securing the local legislation adapted to them i therefore recommend the passage of a law authorizing the electors of the district of columbia to choose a delegate to be allowed the same rights and privileges as a delegate representing a territory the increasing enterprise and rapid progress of improvement in the district are highly gratifying and i trust that the efforts of the municipal authorities to promote the prosperity of the national metropolis will receive the efficient and generous cooperation of congress the report of the commissioner of agriculture reviews the operations of his department during the past year and asks the aid of congress in its efforts to encourage those states which scourged by war are now earnestly engaged in the reorganization of domestic industry it is a subject of congratulation that no foreign combinations against our domestic peace and safety or our legitimate influence among the nations have been formed or attempted while sentiments of reconciliation loyalty and patriotism have increased at home a more just consideration of our national character and rights has been manifested by foreign nations the entire success of the atlantic telegraph between the coast of ireland and the province of newfoundland is an achievement which has been justly celebrated in both hemispheres as the opening of an era in the progress of civilization there is reason to expect that equal success will attend and even greater results follow the enterprise for connecting the two continents through the pacific ocean by the projected line of telegraph between kamchatka and the russian possessions in america the resolution of congress protesting against pardons by foreign governments of persons convicted of infamous offenses on condition of emigration to our country has been communicated to the states with which we maintain intercourse and the practice so justly the subject of complaint on our part has not been renewed the congratulations of congress to the emperor of russia upon his escape from attempted assassination have been presented to that humane and enlightened ruler and received by him with expressions of grateful appreciation the executive warned of an attempt by spanish american adventurers to induce the emigration of freedmen of the united states to a foreign country protested against the project as one which if consummated would reduce them to a bondage even more oppressive than that from which they have just been relieved assurance has been received from the government of the state in which the plan was matured that the proceeding will meet neither its encouragement nor approval it is a question worthy of your consideration whether our laws upon this subject are adequate to the prevention or punishment of the crime thus meditated in the month of april last as congress is aware a friendly arrangement was made between the emperor of france and the president of the united states for the withdrawal from mexico of the french expeditionary military forces this withdrawal was to be effected in three detachments the first of which it was understood would leave mexico in november now past the second in march next and the third and last in november 1867 immediately upon the completion of the evacuation the french government was to assume the same attitude of nonintervention in regard to mexico as is held by the government of the united states repeated assurances have been given by the emperor since that agreement that he would complete the promised evacuation within the period mentioned or sooner it was reasonably expected that the proceedings thus contemplated would produce a crisis of great political interest in the republic of mexico the newly appointed minister of the united states campbell was therefore sent forward on the 9th day of november last to assume his proper functions as minister plenipotentiary of the united states to that republic it was also thought expedient that he should be attended in the vicinity of mexico by the of the army of the united states with the view of obtaining such information as might be important to determine the course to be pursued by the united states in reestablishing and maintaining necessary and proper intercourse with the republic of mexico deeply interested in the because of liberty and humanity it seemed an obvious duty on our part to exercise whatever influence we possessed for the restoration and permanent establishment in that country of a domestic and republican form of government such was the condition of our affairs in regard to mexico when on the 22d of november last official information was received from paris that the emperor of france had some time before decided not to withdraw a detachment of his forces in the month of november past according to engagement but that this decision was made with the purpose of withdrawing the whole of those forces in the ensuing spring of this determination however the united states had not received any notice or intimation and so soon as the information was received by the government care was taken to make known its dissent to the emperor of france i can not forego the hope that france will reconsider the subject and adopt some resolution in regard to the evacuation of mexico which will conform as nearly as practicable with the existing engagement and thus meet the just expectations of the united states the papers relating to the subject will be laid before you it is believed that with the evacuation of mexico by the expeditionary forces no subject for serious differences between france and the united states would remain the expressions of the emperor and people of france warrant a hope that the traditionary friendship between the two countries might in that case be renewed and permanently restored a claim of a citizen of the united states for indemnity for spoliations committed on the high seas by the french authorities in the exercise of a belligerent power against mexico has been met by the government of france with a proposition to defer settlement until a mutual convention for the adjustment of all claims of citizens and subjects of both countries arising out of the recent wars on this continent shall be agreed upon by the two countries the suggestion is not deemed unreasonable but it belongs to congress to direct the manner in which claims for indemnity by foreigners as well as by citizens of the united states arising out of the late civil war shall be adjudicated and determined i have no doubt that the subject of all such claims will engage your attention at a convenient and proper time it is a matter of regret that no considerable advance has been made toward an adjustment of the differences between the united states and great britain arising out of the depredations upon our national commerce and other trespasses committed during our civil war by british subjects in violation of international law and treaty obligations the delay however may be believed to have resulted in no small degree from the domestic situation of great britain an entire change of ministry occurred in that country during the last session of parliament the attention of the new ministry was called to the subject at an early day and there is some reason to expect that it will now be considered in a becoming and friendly spirit the importance of an early disposition of the question can not be exaggerated whatever might be the wishes of the two governments it is manifest that good will and friendship between the two countries can not be established until a reciprocity in the practice of good faith and neutrality shall be restored between the respective nations on the 6th of june last in violation of our neutrality laws a military expedition and enterprise against the british north american colonies was projected and attempted to be carried on within the territory and jurisdiction of the united states in obedience to the obligation imposed upon the executive by the constitution to see that the laws are faithfully executed all citizens were warned by proclamation against taking part in or aiding such unlawful proceedings and the proper civil military and naval officers were directed to take all necessary measures for the enforcement of the laws the expedition failed but it has not been without its painful consequences some of our citizens who it was alleged were engaged in the expedition were captured and have been brought to trial as for a capital offense in the province of canada judgment and sentence of death have been pronounced against some while others have been acquitted fully believing in the maxim of government that severity of civil punishment for misguided persons who have engaged in revolutionary attempts which have disastrously failed is unsound and unwise such representations have been made to the british government in behalf of the convicted persons as being sustained by an enlightened and humane judgment will it is hoped induce in their cases an exercise of clemency and a judicious amnesty to all who were engaged in the movement counsel has been employed by the government to defend citizens of the united states on trial for capital offenses in canada and a discontinuance of the prosecutions which were instituted in the courts of the united states against those who took part in the expedition has been directed i have regarded the expedition as not only political in its nature but as also in a great measure foreign from the united states in its causes character and objects the attempt was understood to be made in sympathy with an insurgent party in ireland and by striking at a british province on this continent was designed to aid in obtaining redress for political grievances which it was assumed the people of ireland had suffered at the hands of the british government during a period of several centuries the persons engaged in it were chiefly natives of that country some of whom had while others had not become citizens of the united states under our general laws of naturalization complaints of misgovernment in ireland continually engage the attention of the british nation and so great an agitation is now prevailing in ireland that the british government have deemed it necessary to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in that country these circumstances must necessarily modify the opinion which we might otherwise have entertained in regard to an expedition expressly prohibited by our neutrality laws so long as those laws remain upon our statute books they should be faithfully executed and if they operate harshly unjustly or oppressively congress alone can apply the remedy by their modification or repeal political and commercial interests of the united states are not unlikely to be affected in some degree by events which are transpiring in the eastern regions of europe and the time seems to have come when our government ought to have a proper diplomatic representation in greece this government has claimed for all persons not convicted or accused or suspected of crime an absolute political right of and a choice of new national allegiance most of the european states have dissented from this principle and have claimed a right to hold such of their subjects as have emigrated to and been naturalized in the united states and afterwards returned on transient visits to their native countries to the performance of military service in like manner as resident subjects complaints arising from the claim in this respect made by foreign states have heretofore been matters of controversy between the united states and some of the european powers and the irritation consequent upon the failure to settle this question increased during the war in which prussia italy and austria were recently engaged while great britain has never acknowledged the right of expatriation she has not for some years past practically insisted upon the opposite doctrine france has been equally forbearing and prussia has proposed a compromise which although evincing increased liberality has not been accepted by the united states peace is now prevailing everywhere in europe and the present seems to be a favorable time for an assertion by congress of the principle so long maintained by the executive department that naturalization by one state fully exempts the subject of any other state from the performance of military service under any foreign government so long as he does not voluntarily renounce its rights and benefits in the performance of a duty imposed upon me by the constitution i have thus submitted to the representatives of the states and of the people such information of our domestic and foreign affairs as the public interests seem to require our government is now undergoing its most trying ordeal and my earnest prayer is that the peril may be successfully and finally passed without impairing its original strength and symmetry the interests of the nation are best to be promoted by the revival of fraternal relations the complete obliteration of our past differences and the reinauguration of all the pursuits of peace directing our efforts to the early accomplishment of these great ends let us endeavor to preserve harmony between the coordinate departments of the government that each in its proper sphere may cordially cooperate with the other in securing the maintenance of the constitution the preservation of the union and the perpetuity of our free institutions
brief interval congress united states resumes annual legislative labors merciful providence abated pestilence visited shores leaving calamitous traces upon portions country peace order tranquillity civil authority formally declared exist throughout whole united states states civil authority superseded coercion arms people voluntary action maintaining governments full activity complete operation enforcement laws longer obstructed state combinations powerful suppressed ordinary course judicial proceedings animosities engendered war rapidly yielding beneficent influences free institutions kindly effects unrestricted social commercial intercourse entire restoration fraternal feeling must earnest wish every patriotic heart accomplished grandest national achievement forgetting sad events past remembering instructive lessons resume onward career free prosperous united people message 4th december 1865 congress informed measures instituted executive view gradual restoration states insurrection occurred relations general government provisional governors appointed conventions called governors elected legislatures assembled senators representatives chosen congress united states courts opened enforcement laws long abeyance blockade removed reestablished laws put force order people might contribute national income postal operations renewed efforts made restore former condition efficiency states asked take dart high function amending constitution thus sanctioning extinction african slavery one legitimate results internecine struggle progressed thus far executive department found accomplished nearly within scope constitutional authority one thing however yet remained done work restoration could completed admission congress loyal senators representatives states whose people rebelled lawful authority general government question devolved upon respective houses constitution made judges elections returns qualifications members consideration engaged attention congress meantime executive department plan proposed congress continued efforts perfect far practicable restoration proper relations citizens respective states states federal government extending time time public interests seemed require judicial revenue postal systems country advice consent senate necessary officers appointed appropriations made congress payment salaries proposition amend federal constitution prevent existence slavery within united states place subject jurisdiction ratified requisite number states 18th day december 1865 officially declared become valid part constitution united states states insurrection existed promptly amended constitutions make conform great change thus effected organic law land declared null void ordinances laws secession repudiated pretended debts obligations created revolutionary purposes insurrection proceeded good faith enactment measures protection amelioration condition colored race congress however yet hesitated admit states representation toward close eighth month session exception made favor tennessee admission senators representatives deem subject profound regret congress thus far failed admit seats loyal senators representatives states whose inhabitants tennessee engaged rebellion ten states whole number remain without representation seats fifty members house representatives twenty members senate yet vacant consent failure election refusal congress accept credentials admission believed would accomplished much toward renewal strengthening relations one people removed serious discontent part inhabitants states would accorded great principle enunciated declaration american independence people ought bear burden taxation yet denied right representation would consonance express provisions constitution state shall least one representative state without consent shall deprived equal suffrage senate provisions intended secure every state people every state right representation house congress important deemed framers constitution equality states senate preserved even amendment constitution state without consent denied voice branch national legislature true assumed existence states terminated rebellious acts inhabitants insurrection suppressed thenceforward considered merely conquered territories legislative executive judicial departments government however heat distinctness uniform consistency refused sanction assumption incompatible nature republican system professed objects war throughout recent legislation congress undeniable fact makes apparent ten political communities nothing less states union commencement rebellion house declared unanimity remarkable significant war waged upon part spirit oppression purpose conquest subjugation purpose overthrowing interfering rights established institutions states defend maintain supremacy constitution laws made pursuance thereof preserve union dignity equality rights several states unimpaired soon objects accomplished war ought cease instances senators permitted continue legislative functions instances representatives elected admitted seats states formally declared right withdraw union endeavoring maintain right force arms states whose people insurrection states included apportionment direct tax annually laid upon united states act approved 5th august 1861 congress act march 4 1862 apportionment representation thereunder also recognized presence states union judicial purposes divided districts states alone divided recognition appears recent legislation reference tennessee evidently rests upon fact functions state destroyed rebellion merely suspended principle course applicable states like tennessee attempted renounce places union action executive department government upon subject equally definite uniform purpose war specifically stated proclamation issued predecessor 22d day september 1862 solemnly proclaimed declared hereafter heretofore war prosecuted object practically restoring constitutional relation united states states people thereof states relation may suspended disturbed recognition states judicial department government also dear conclusive proceedings affecting states supreme circuit district courts admission senators representatives states ground apprehension persons disloyal clothed powers legislation could happen constitution laws enforced vigilant faithful congress house made judge elections returns qualifications members may concurrence expel member senator representative presents certificate election may admitted rejected question eligibility credentials may referred investigation appropriate committee admitted seat must upon evidence satisfactory house thus becomes member possesses requisite constitutional legal qualifications refused admission member want due allegiance government returned constituents admonished none persons loyal united states allowed voice legislative councils nation political power moral influence congress thus effectively exerted interests loyalty government fidelity union upon question vitally affecting restoration union permanency present form government convictions heretofore expressed undergone change contrary correctness confirmed reflection time admission loyal members seats respective houses congress wise expedient year ago less wise expedient anomalous condition right exact condition states present time lawful exclude representation see question changed efflux time ten years hence states remain right representation stronger right exclusion weaker constitution united states makes duty president recommend consideration congress measures shall judge necessary expedient know measure imperatively demanded every consideration national interest sound policy equal justice admission loyal members unrepresented states would consummate work restoration exert salutary influence reestablishment peace harmony fraternal feeling would tend greatly renew confidence american people vigor stability institutions would bind us closely together nation enable us show world inherent recuperative power government founded upon people established upon principles liberty justice intelligence increased strength enhanced prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate fallacy arguments free institutions drawn recent national disorders enemies republican government admission loyal members states excluded congress allaying doubt apprehension would turn capital awaiting opportunity investment channels trade industry would alleviate present troubled condition states inducing emigration aid settlement fertile regions uncultivated lead increased production staples added greatly wealth nation commerce world new fields enterprise would opened progressive people soon devastations war would repaired traces domestic differences effaced minds countrymen efforts preserve unity government constitutes one people restoring states condition held prior rebellion cautious lest rescued nation perils threatened disintegration resort consolidation end absolute despotism remedy recurrence similar troubles war terminated occasion exercise powers doubtful constitutionality hasten bring legislation within boundaries prescribed constitution return ancient landmarks established fathers guidance succeeding generations constitution time exists till changed explicit authentic act whole people sacredly obligatory upon opinion people distribution modification constitutional powers particular wrong let corrected amendment way constitution designates let change usurpation customary weapon free governments destroyed washington spoke words countrymen followed love gratitude voluntarily retired cares public life keep things within pale constitutional powers cherish federal union rock safety prescribed jefferson rules action endear countrymen true principles constitution promote union sentiment action equally auspicious happiness safety jackson held action general government always strictly confined sphere appropriate duties justly forcibly urged government maintained union preserved invasions rights powers several states thus attempting make general government strong make weak true strength consists leaving individuals states much possible making felt power beneficence control protection binding states closely center leaving move unobstructed proper constitutional orbit teachings men whose deeds services made illustrious long since withdrawn scenes life left country rich legacy example wisdom patriotism drawing fresh inspiration lessons let us emulate love country respect constitution laws report secretary treasury affords much information respecting revenue commerce country views upon currency reference proper adjustment revenue system internal well impost commended careful consideration congress last annual message expressed general views upon subjects need call attention necessity carrying every department government system rigid accountability thorough retrenchment wise economy exceptional unusual expenditures oppressive burdens taxation lessened modification revenue laws consistent public faith legitimate necessary wants government report presents much satisfactory condition finances one year ago sanguine could anticipated fiscal year ending 30th june 1865 last year war public debt increased 31st october 1865 amounted 31st day october 1866 reduced diminution period fourteen months commencing september 1 1865 ending october 31 1866 last annual report state finances estimated three quarters fiscal year ending 30th june last debt would increased period however reduced receipts year expenditures less estimates nothing could clearly indicate statements extent availability national resources rapidity safety form government great military naval establishments disbanded expenses reduced war peace footing fiscal year ending june 30 1866 receipts expenditures leaving available surplus estimated receipts fiscal year ending 30th june 1867 expenditures reach sum leaving treasury surplus fiscal year ending june 30 1886 estimated receipts amount expenditures showing excess favor government estimated receipts may diminished reduction excise import duties necessary reductions shall made revenue present following years doubtless sufficient cover legitimate charges upon treasury leave large annual surplus applied payment principal debt seems good reason taxes may reduced country advances population wealth yet debt extinguished within next quarter century report secretary war furnishes valuable important information reference operations department past year volunteers remain service discharged rapidly replaced regular troops army promptly paid carefully provided medical treatment well sheltered subsisted furnished small arms military strength nation unimpaired discharge volunteers disposition unserviceable perishable stores retrenchment expenditure sufficient war material meet emergency retained disbanded volunteers standing ready respond national call large armies rapidly organized equipped concentrated fortifications coast frontier received prepared powerful armaments lake surveys harbor river improvements course energetic prosecution preparations made payment additional bounties authorized recent session congress regulations protect government fraud secure honorably discharged soldier reward faithfulness gallantry maimed soldiers received artificial limbs surgical apparatus 41 national cemeteries containing remains union soldiers already established total estimate military appropriations stated report secretary navy naval force time consists 278 vessels armed guns 115 vessels carrying guns commission distributed chiefly among seven squadrons number men service great activity vigilance displayed squadrons movements judiciously efficiently arranged manner would best promote american commerce protect rights interests countrymen abroad vessels unemployed undergoing repairs laid services may required ironclad fleet league island vicinity philadelphia place decisive action taken congress selected secretary navy eligible location class vessels important suitable public station provided ironclad fleet intended vessels shall proper condition emergency desirable bill accepting league island naval purposes passed house representatives last session receive final action early period order may suitable public station class vessels well area sufficient wants service delaware river naval pension fund amounts increased year expenditures department fiscal year ending 30th june last estimates coming year amount attention invited condition seamen importance legislative measures relief improvement suggestions behalf deserving class earnestly recommended favorable attention congress report presents satisfactory condition postal service submits recommendations deserve consideration congress revenues department year ending june 30 1866 expenditures showing excess latter anticipation deficiency however special appropriation made congress act approved july 28 1866 including standing appropriation free mail matter legitimate portion revenues yet remaining unexpended actual deficiency past year sum within amount estimated annual report 1864 decrease revenue compared previous year 1 per cent increase expenditures owing principally enlargement mail service south 12 per cent 30th june last operation mail routes aggregate length miles aggregate annual transportation miles aggregate annual cost including expenditures length railroad routes miles annual transportation miles length steamboat routes miles annual transportation miles mail servce rapidly increasing throughout whole country steady extension southern states indicates constantly improving condition growing importance foreign service also merits attention department great britain agreed upon preliminary basis new postal convention believed prove eminently beneficial commercial interests united states inasmuch contemplates reduction international letter postage existing rates reduction postage countries correspondence transmitted british mail closed mails united kingdom establishment uniform reasonable charges sea territorial transit correspondence closed mails allowance department right use mail communications established authority dispatch correspondence either open closed mails terms applicable inhabitants country providing means transmission report secretary interior exhibits condition branches public service committed supervision last fiscal year acres public land disposed acres entered homestead act policy originally adopted relative public lands undergone essential modifications immediate revenue rapid settlement cardinal feature land system long experience earnest discussion resulted conviction early development agricultural resources diffusion energetic population vast territory objects far greater importance national growth prosperity proceeds sale land highest bidder open market preemption laws confer upon pioneer complies terms impose privilege purchasing limited portion unoffered lands minimum price homestead enactments relieve settler payment purchase money secure permanent home upon condition residence term years liberal policy invites emigration old crowded portions new world propitious results undoubted signally manifested time shall given wider development congress made liberal grants public land corporations aid construction railroads internal improvements policy hereafter prevail stringent provisions required secure faithful application fund title lands pass patent otherwise remain government subject control portion road actually built portions might time time conveyed corporation never greater ratio whole quantity embraced grant completed parts bear entire length projected improvement restriction would operate prejudice undertaking conceived good faith executed reasonable energy settled practice withdraw market lands falling within operation grants thus exclude inception subsequent adverse right breach conditions congress may deem proper impose work forfeiture claim lands withdrawn unconveyed title lands conveyed remain unsold operations several lines pacific railroad prosecuted unexampled vigor success unforeseen causes delay occur confidently anticipated great thoroughfare completed expiration period designated congress last fiscal year amount paid pensioners including expenses disbursement names added pension rolls entire number pensioners june 30 1866 fact furnishes melancholy striking proof sacrifices made vindicate constitutional authority federal government maintain inviolate integrity union impose upon us corresponding obligations estimated required meet exigencies branch service next fiscal year treaties concluded indians enticed armed opposition government outbreak rebellion unconditionally submitted authority manifested earnest desire renewal friendly relations year ending september 30 1866 patents useful inventions designs issued date balance treasury credit patent fund subject upon depends immense amount production commerce country recommend congress legislation may necessary preservation levees mississippi river matter national importance early steps taken add efficiency barriers destructive inundations removal obstructions free safe navigation great channel trade commerce district columbia existing laws entitled representation national councils earliest history uniformly accorded territory established time time within limits maintains peculiar relations congress constitution granted power exercising exclusive legislation seat government residing district whose interests thus confided special guardianship congress exceed number population several territories reason perceived delegate choice admitted seat house representatives mode seems appropriate effectual enabling make known peculiar condition wants securing local legislation adapted therefore recommend passage law authorizing electors district columbia choose delegate allowed rights privileges delegate representing territory increasing enterprise rapid progress improvement district highly gratifying trust efforts municipal authorities promote prosperity national metropolis receive efficient generous cooperation congress report commissioner agriculture reviews operations department past year asks aid congress efforts encourage states scourged war earnestly engaged reorganization domestic industry subject congratulation foreign combinations domestic peace safety legitimate influence among nations formed attempted sentiments reconciliation loyalty patriotism increased home consideration national character rights manifested foreign nations entire success atlantic telegraph coast ireland province newfoundland achievement justly celebrated hemispheres opening era progress civilization reason expect equal success attend even greater results follow enterprise connecting two continents pacific ocean projected line telegraph kamchatka russian possessions america resolution congress protesting pardons foreign governments persons convicted infamous offenses condition emigration country communicated states maintain intercourse practice justly subject complaint part renewed congratulations congress emperor russia upon escape attempted assassination presented humane enlightened ruler received expressions grateful appreciation executive warned attempt spanish american adventurers induce emigration freedmen united states foreign country protested project one consummated would reduce bondage even oppressive relieved assurance received government state plan matured proceeding meet neither encouragement approval question worthy consideration whether laws upon subject adequate prevention punishment crime thus meditated month april last congress aware friendly arrangement made emperor france president united states withdrawal mexico french expeditionary military forces withdrawal effected three detachments first understood would leave mexico november past second march next third last november 1867 immediately upon completion evacuation french government assume attitude nonintervention regard mexico held government united states repeated assurances given emperor since agreement would complete promised evacuation within period mentioned sooner reasonably expected proceedings thus contemplated would produce crisis great political interest republic mexico newly appointed minister united states campbell therefore sent forward 9th day november last assume proper functions minister plenipotentiary united states republic also thought expedient attended vicinity mexico army united states view obtaining information might important determine course pursued united states reestablishing maintaining necessary proper intercourse republic mexico deeply interested liberty humanity seemed obvious duty part exercise whatever influence possessed restoration permanent establishment country domestic republican form government condition affairs regard mexico 22d november last official information received paris emperor france time decided withdraw detachment forces month november past according engagement decision made purpose withdrawing whole forces ensuing spring determination however united states received notice intimation soon information received government care taken make known dissent emperor france forego hope france reconsider subject adopt resolution regard evacuation mexico conform nearly practicable existing engagement thus meet expectations united states papers relating subject laid believed evacuation mexico expeditionary forces subject serious differences france united states would remain expressions emperor people france warrant hope traditionary friendship two countries might case renewed permanently restored claim citizen united states indemnity spoliations committed high seas french authorities exercise belligerent power mexico met government france proposition defer settlement mutual convention adjustment claims citizens subjects countries arising recent wars continent shall agreed upon two countries suggestion deemed unreasonable belongs congress direct manner claims indemnity foreigners well citizens united states arising late civil war shall adjudicated determined doubt subject claims engage attention convenient proper time matter regret considerable advance made toward adjustment differences united states great britain arising depredations upon national commerce trespasses committed civil war british subjects violation international law treaty obligations delay however may believed resulted small degree domestic situation great britain entire change ministry occurred country last session parliament attention new ministry called subject early day reason expect considered becoming friendly spirit importance early disposition question exaggerated whatever might wishes two governments manifest good friendship two countries established reciprocity practice good faith neutrality shall restored respective nations 6th june last violation neutrality laws military expedition enterprise british north american colonies projected attempted carried within territory jurisdiction united states obedience obligation imposed upon executive constitution see laws faithfully executed citizens warned proclamation taking part aiding unlawful proceedings proper civil military naval officers directed take necessary measures enforcement laws expedition failed without painful consequences citizens alleged engaged expedition captured brought trial capital offense province canada judgment sentence death pronounced others acquitted fully believing maxim government severity civil punishment misguided persons engaged revolutionary attempts disastrously failed unsound unwise representations made british government behalf convicted persons sustained enlightened humane judgment hoped induce cases exercise clemency judicious amnesty engaged movement counsel employed government defend citizens united states trial capital offenses canada discontinuance prosecutions instituted courts united states took part expedition directed regarded expedition political nature also great measure foreign united states causes character objects attempt understood made sympathy insurgent party ireland striking british province continent designed aid obtaining redress political grievances assumed people ireland suffered hands british government period several centuries persons engaged chiefly natives country others become citizens united states general laws naturalization complaints misgovernment ireland continually engage attention british nation great agitation prevailing ireland british government deemed necessary suspend writ habeas corpus country circumstances must necessarily modify opinion might otherwise entertained regard expedition expressly prohibited neutrality laws long laws remain upon statute books faithfully executed operate harshly unjustly oppressively congress alone apply remedy modification repeal political commercial interests united states unlikely affected degree events transpiring eastern regions europe time seems come government ought proper diplomatic representation greece government claimed persons convicted accused suspected crime absolute political right choice new national allegiance european states dissented principle claimed right hold subjects emigrated naturalized united states afterwards returned transient visits native countries performance military service like manner resident subjects complaints arising claim respect made foreign states heretofore matters controversy united states european powers irritation consequent upon failure settle question increased war prussia italy austria recently engaged great britain never acknowledged right expatriation years past practically insisted upon opposite doctrine france equally forbearing prussia proposed compromise although evincing increased liberality accepted united states peace prevailing everywhere europe present seems favorable time assertion congress principle long maintained executive department naturalization one state fully exempts subject state performance military service foreign government long voluntarily renounce rights benefits performance duty imposed upon constitution thus submitted representatives states people information domestic foreign affairs public interests seem require government undergoing trying ordeal earnest prayer peril may successfully finally passed without impairing original strength symmetry interests nation best promoted revival fraternal relations complete obliteration past differences reinauguration pursuits peace directing efforts early accomplishment great ends let us endeavor preserve harmony coordinate departments government proper sphere may cordially cooperate securing maintenance constitution preservation union perpetuity free institutions
brief interval congress united state resume annual legislative labor merciful providence abate pestilence visit shore leave calamitous trace upon portion country peace order tranquillity civil authority formally declare exist throughout whole united state state civil authority supersede coercion arm people voluntary action maintain government full activity complete operation enforcement law longer obstructed state combination powerful suppressed ordinary course judicial proceeding animosity engender war rapidly yield beneficent influence free institution kindly effect unrestricted social commercial intercourse entire restoration fraternal feeling must earnest wish every patriotic heart accomplish grand national achievement forget sad event past remember instructive lesson resume onward career free prosperous united people message 4th december 1865 congress inform measure instituted executive view gradual restoration state insurrection occur relation general government provisional governor appoint convention call governor elect legislature assemble senator representative choose congress united state court open enforcement law long abeyance blockade remove reestablished law put force order people might contribute national income postal operation renew effort make restore former condition efficiency state ask take dart high function amend constitution thus sanction extinction african slavery one legitimate result internecine struggle progress thus far executive department find accomplish nearly within scope constitutional authority one thing however yet remain do work restoration could complete admission congress loyal senator representative state whose people rebel lawful authority general government question devolve upon respective house constitution make judge election return qualification member consideration engage attention congress meantime executive department plan propose congress continued effort perfect far practicable restoration proper relation citizen respective state state federal government extend time time public interest seem require judicial revenue postal system country advice consent senate necessary officer appoint appropriation make congress payment salary proposition amend federal constitution prevent existence slavery within united state place subject jurisdiction ratify requisite number state 18th day december 1865 officially declare become valid part constitution united state state insurrection exist promptly amend constitution make conform great change thus effect organic law land declare null void ordinance law secession repudiate pretended debt obligation create revolutionary purpose insurrection proceed good faith enactment measure protection amelioration condition color race congress however yet hesitate admit state representation toward close eighth month session exception make favor tennessee admission senator representative deem subject profound regret congress thus far fail admit seat loyal senator representative state whose inhabitant tennessee engage rebellion ten state whole number remain without representation seat fifty member house representative twenty member senate yet vacant consent failure election refusal congress accept credential admission believe would accomplish much toward renewal strengthen relation one people remove serious discontent part inhabitant state would accord great principle enunciate declaration american independence people ought bear burden taxation yet deny right representation would consonance express provision constitution state shall least one representative state without consent shall deprive equal suffrage senate provision intend secure every state people every state right representation house congress important deem framer constitution equality state senate preserve even amendment constitution state without consent deny voice branch national legislature true assume existence state terminate rebellious act inhabitant insurrection suppress thenceforward consider merely conquered territory legislative executive judicial department government however heat distinctness uniform consistency refuse sanction assumption incompatible nature republican system professed object war throughout recent legislation congress undeniable fact make apparent ten political community nothing less state union commencement rebellion house declare unanimity remarkable significant war wag upon part spirit oppression purpose conquest subjugation purpose overthrow interfere right establish institution state defend maintain supremacy constitution law make pursuance thereof preserve union dignity equality right several state unimpaired soon object accomplish war ought cease instance senator permit continue legislative function instance representative elect admitted seat state formally declare right withdraw union endeavor maintain right force arm state whose people insurrection state include apportionment direct tax annually lay upon united state act approve 5th august 1861 congress act march 4 1862 apportionment representation thereunder also recognize presence state union judicial purpose divide district state alone divide recognition appear recent legislation reference tennessee evidently rest upon fact function state destroy rebellion merely suspended principle course applicable state like tennessee attempt renounce place union action executive department government upon subject equally definite uniform purpose war specifically state proclamation issue predecessor 22d day september 1862 solemnly proclaim declare hereafter heretofore war prosecute object practically restore constitutional relation united state state people thereof state relation may suspend disturbed recognition state judicial department government also dear conclusive proceeding affect state supreme circuit district court admission senator representative state grind apprehension person disloyal clothed power legislation could happen constitution law enforce vigilant faithful congress house make judge election return qualification member may concurrence expel member senator representative present certificate election may admit rejected question eligibility credential may refer investigation appropriate committee admit seat must upon evidence satisfactory house thus become member possesses requisite constitutional legal qualification refuse admission member want due allegiance government return constituent admonish none person loyal united state allow voice legislative council nation political power moral influence congress thus effectively exerted interest loyalty government fidelity union upon question vitally affect restoration union permanency present form government conviction heretofore expressed undergone change contrary correctness confirm reflection time admission loyal member seat respective house congress wise expedient year ago less wise expedient anomalous condition right exact condition state present time lawful exclude representation see question change efflux time ten year hence state remain right representation strong right exclusion weak constitution united state make duty president recommend consideration congress measure shall judge necessary expedient know measure imperatively demand every consideration national interest sound policy equal justice admission loyal member unrepresented state would consummate work restoration exert salutary influence reestablishment peace harmony fraternal feeling would tend greatly renew confidence american people vigor stability institution would bind u closely together nation enable u show world inherent recuperative power government found upon people establish upon principle liberty justice intelligence increase strength enhance prosperity would irrefragably demonstrate fallacy argument free institution draw recent national disorder enemy republican government admission loyal member state exclude congress allay doubt apprehension would turn capital await opportunity investment channel trade industry would alleviate present troubled condition state induce emigration aid settlement fertile region uncultivated lead increase production staple add greatly wealth nation commerce world new field enterprise would open progressive people soon devastation war would repair trace domestic difference efface mind countryman effort preserve unity government constitute one people restore state condition hold prior rebellion cautious l rescue nation peril threaten disintegration resort consolidation end absolute despotism remedy recurrence similar trouble war terminate occasion exercise power doubtful constitutionality hasten bring legislation within boundary prescribe constitution return ancient landmark establish father guidance succeed generation constitution time exist till change explicit authentic act whole people sacredly obligatory upon opinion people distribution modification constitutional power particular wrong let correct amendment way constitution designate let change usurpation customary weapon free government destroy washington spoke word countrymen follow love gratitude voluntarily retire care public life keep thing within pale constitutional power cherish federal union rock safety prescribe jefferson rule action endear countryman true principle constitution promote union sentiment action equally auspicious happiness safety jackson hold action general government always strictly confine sphere appropriate duty justly forcibly urged government maintain union preserve invasion right power several state thus attempt make general government strong make weak true strength consist leave individual state much possible make felt power beneficence control protection bind state closely center leave move unobstructed proper constitutional orbit teaching men whose deed service make illustrious long since withdrawn scene life leave country rich legacy example wisdom patriotism draw fresh inspiration lesson let u emulate love country respect constitution law report secretary treasury affords much information respect revenue commerce country view upon currency reference proper adjustment revenue system internal well impost commend careful consideration congress last annual message express general view upon subject need call attention necessity carry every department government system rigid accountability thorough retrenchment wise economy exceptional unusual expenditure oppressive burden taxation lessen modification revenue law consistent public faith legitimate necessary want government report present much satisfactory condition finance one year ago sanguine could anticipate fiscal year end 30th june 1865 last year war public debt increase 31st october 1865 amount 31st day october 1866 reduced diminution period fourteen month commence september 1 1865 end october 31 1866 last annual report state finance estimate three quarter fiscal year end 30th june last debt would increase period however reduce receipt year expenditures less estimate nothing could clearly indicate statement extent availability national resource rapidity safety form government great military naval establishment disband expense reduced war peace foot fiscal year end june 30 1866 receipt expenditures leave available surplus estimate receipt fiscal year end 30th june 1867 expenditures reach sum leave treasury surplus fiscal year end june 30 1886 estimate receipt amount expenditures show excess favor government estimate receipt may diminish reduction excise import duty necessary reduction shall make revenue present follow year doubtless sufficient cover legitimate charge upon treasury leave large annual surplus applied payment principal debt seem good reason tax may reduce country advance population wealth yet debt extinguish within next quarter century report secretary war furnishes valuable important information reference operation department past year volunteer remain service discharge rapidly replace regular troop army promptly pay carefully provide medical treatment well shelter subsist furnished small arm military strength nation unimpaired discharge volunteer disposition unserviceable perishable store retrenchment expenditure sufficient war material meet emergency retain disbanded volunteer stand ready respond national call large army rapidly organize equip concentrated fortification coast frontier receive prepared powerful armament lake survey harbor river improvement course energetic prosecution preparation make payment additional bounty authorize recent session congress regulation protect government fraud secure honorably discharge soldier reward faithfulness gallantry maim soldier receive artificial limb surgical apparatus 41 national cemetery contain remains union soldier already establish total estimate military appropriation state report secretary navy naval force time consist 278 vessel arm gun 115 vessel carry gun commission distribute chiefly among seven squadron number men service great activity vigilance display squadron movement judiciously efficiently arrange manner would best promote american commerce protect right interest countryman abroad vessel unemployed undergoing repair lay service may require ironclad fleet league island vicinity philadelphia place decisive action take congress select secretary navy eligible location class vessel important suitable public station provide ironclad fleet intend vessel shall proper condition emergency desirable bill accept league island naval purpose pass house representative last session receive final action early period order may suitable public station class vessel well area sufficient want service delaware river naval pension fund amount increase year expenditure department fiscal year end 30th june last estimate come year amount attention invite condition seaman importance legislative measure relief improvement suggestion behalf deserve class earnestly recommend favorable attention congress report present satisfactory condition postal service submits recommendation deserve consideration congress revenue department year end june 30 1866 expenditure show excess latter anticipation deficiency however special appropriation make congress act approve july 28 1866 include stand appropriation free mail matter legitimate portion revenue yet remain unexpended actual deficiency past year sum within amount estimate annual report 1864 decrease revenue compare previous year 1 per cent increase expenditures owe principally enlargement mail service south 12 per cent 30th june last operation mail route aggregate length mile aggregate annual transportation mile aggregate annual cost include expenditure length railroad route mile annual transportation mile length steamboat route mile annual transportation mile mail servce rapidly increase throughout whole country steady extension southern state indicate constantly improve condition grow importance foreign service also merit attention department great britain agree upon preliminary basis new postal convention believe prove eminently beneficial commercial interest united state inasmuch contemplates reduction international letter postage exist rate reduction postage country correspondence transmit british mail close mail united kingdom establishment uniform reasonable charge sea territorial transit correspondence close mail allowance department right use mail communication establish authority dispatch correspondence either open close mail term applicable inhabitant country provide mean transmission report secretary interior exhibit condition branch public service commit supervision last fiscal year acres public land dispose acre enter homestead act policy originally adopt relative public land undergone essential modification immediate revenue rapid settlement cardinal feature land system long experience earnest discussion result conviction early development agricultural resource diffusion energetic population vast territory object far great importance national growth prosperity proceeds sale land high bidder open market preemption law confer upon pioneer complies term impose privilege purchasing limited portion unoffered land minimum price homestead enactment relieve settler payment purchase money secure permanent home upon condition residence term year liberal policy invite emigration old crowd portion new world propitious result undoubted signally manifested time shall give wider development congress make liberal grant public land corporation aid construction railroad internal improvement policy hereafter prevail stringent provision require secure faithful application fund title land pass patent otherwise remain government subject control portion road actually build portion might time time convey corporation never great ratio whole quantity embrace grant complete part bear entire length project improvement restriction would operate prejudice undertake conceive good faith execute reasonable energy settle practice withdraw market land fall within operation grant thus exclude inception subsequent adverse right breach condition congress may deem proper impose work forfeiture claim land withdraw unconveyed title land conveyed remain unsold operation several line pacific railroad prosecute unexampled vigor success unforeseen cause delay occur confidently anticipate great thoroughfare complete expiration period designate congress last fiscal year amount pay pensioner include expense disbursement names added pension roll entire number pensioner june 30 1866 fact furnishes melancholy strike proof sacrifice make vindicate constitutional authority federal government maintain inviolate integrity union impose upon u correspond obligation estimate required meet exigency branch service next fiscal year treaty conclude indian entice armed opposition government outbreak rebellion unconditionally submit authority manifest earnest desire renewal friendly relation year end september 30 1866 patent useful invention design issue date balance treasury credit patent fund subject upon depend immense amount production commerce country recommend congress legislation may necessary preservation levee mississippi river matter national importance early step take add efficiency barrier destructive inundation removal obstruction free safe navigation great channel trade commerce district columbia exist law entitle representation national council early history uniformly accord territory establish time time within limit maintains peculiar relation congress constitution grant power exercise exclusive legislation seat government reside district whose interest thus confide special guardianship congress exceed number population several territory reason perceive delegate choice admit seat house representative mode seem appropriate effectual enable make know peculiar condition want secure local legislation adapt therefore recommend passage law authorize elector district columbia choose delegate allow right privilege delegate represent territory increase enterprise rapid progress improvement district highly gratify trust effort municipal authority promote prosperity national metropolis receive efficient generous cooperation congress report commissioner agriculture review operation department past year asks aid congress effort encourage state scourge war earnestly engage reorganization domestic industry subject congratulation foreign combination domestic peace safety legitimate influence among nation form attempted sentiment reconciliation loyalty patriotism increase home consideration national character right manifest foreign nation entire success atlantic telegraph coast ireland province newfoundland achievement justly celebrate hemisphere open era progress civilization reason expect equal success attend even great result follow enterprise connect two continent pacific ocean project line telegraph kamchatka russian possession america resolution congress protest pardon foreign government person convict infamous offense condition emigration country communicate state maintain intercourse practice justly subject complaint part renew congratulation congress emperor russia upon escape attempt assassination present humane enlighten ruler receive expression grateful appreciation executive warn attempt spanish american adventurer induce emigration freedman united state foreign country protest project one consummate would reduce bondage even oppressive relieve assurance receive government state plan mature proceeding meet neither encouragement approval question worthy consideration whether law upon subject adequate prevention punishment crime thus meditate month april last congress aware friendly arrangement make emperor france president united state withdrawal mexico french expeditionary military force withdrawal effect three detachment first understood would leave mexico november past second march next third last november 1867 immediately upon completion evacuation french government assume attitude nonintervention regard mexico held government united state repeat assurance give emperor since agreement would complete promised evacuation within period mention sooner reasonably expect proceeding thus contemplate would produce crisis great political interest republic mexico newly appoint minister united state campbell therefore sent forward 9th day november last assume proper function minister plenipotentiary united state republic also think expedient attend vicinity mexico army united state view obtain information might important determine course pursue united state reestablish maintain necessary proper intercourse republic mexico deeply interested liberty humanity seem obvious duty part exercise whatever influence possess restoration permanent establishment country domestic republican form government condition affair regard mexico 22d november last official information receive paris emperor france time decide withdraw detachment force month november past accord engagement decision make purpose withdrawing whole force ensue spring determination however united state receive notice intimation soon information receive government care take make known dissent emperor france forego hope france reconsider subject adopt resolution regard evacuation mexico conform nearly practicable exist engagement thus meet expectation unite state paper relate subject lay believe evacuation mexico expeditionary force subject serious difference france united state would remain expression emperor people france warrant hope traditionary friendship two country might case renew permanently restore claim citizen united state indemnity spoliation commit high sea french authority exercise belligerent power mexico meet government france proposition defer settlement mutual convention adjustment claim citizens subject country arise recent war continent shall agree upon two country suggestion deem unreasonable belongs congress direct manner claim indemnity foreigner well citizen united state arise late civil war shall adjudicate determined doubt subject claim engage attention convenient proper time matter regret considerable advance make toward adjustment difference united state great britain arise depredation upon national commerce trespass commit civil war british subject violation international law treaty obligation delay however may believe result small degree domestic situation great britain entire change ministry occur country last session parliament attention new ministry call subject early day reason expect consider become friendly spirit importance early disposition question exaggerate whatever might wish two government manifest good friendship two country establish reciprocity practice good faith neutrality shall restore respective nation 6th june last violation neutrality law military expedition enterprise british north american colony project attempt carry within territory jurisdiction united state obedience obligation impose upon executive constitution see law faithfully execute citizen warn proclamation take part aid unlawful proceeding proper civil military naval officer direct take necessary measure enforcement law expedition fail without painful consequence citizen allege engage expedition capture brought trial capital offense province canada judgment sentence death pronounce others acquit fully believe maxim government severity civil punishment misguide person engage revolutionary attempt disastrously fail unsound unwise representation make british government behalf convict person sustain enlighten humane judgment hop induce case exercise clemency judicious amnesty engage movement counsel employ government defend citizen united state trial capital offenses canada discontinuance prosecution institute court united state take part expedition direct regarded expedition political nature also great measure foreign united state cause character object attempt understood make sympathy insurgent party ireland strike british province continent design aid obtain redress political grievance assume people ireland suffer hand british government period several century person engage chiefly native country others become citizen united state general law naturalization complaint misgovernment ireland continually engage attention british nation great agitation prevail ireland british government deem necessary suspend writ habeas corpus country circumstance must necessarily modify opinion might otherwise entertain regard expedition expressly prohibit neutrality law long law remain upon statute book faithfully execute operate harshly unjustly oppressively congress alone apply remedy modification repeal political commercial interest united state unlikely affect degree event transpire eastern region europe time seem come government ought proper diplomatic representation greece government claim person convict accuse suspect crime absolute political right choice new national allegiance european state dissent principle claim right hold subject emigrate naturalized united state afterwards return transient visit native country performance military service like manner resident subject complaint arise claim respect make foreign state heretofore matter controversy united state european power irritation consequent upon failure settle question increase war prussia italy austria recently engage great britain never acknowledge right expatriation year past practically insist upon opposite doctrine france equally forbearing prussia propose compromise although evince increased liberality accept united state peace prevail everywhere europe present seem favorable time assertion congress principle long maintain executive department naturalization one state fully exempts subject state performance military service foreign government long voluntarily renounce right benefit performance duty impose upon constitution thus submit representative state people information domestic foreign affair public interest seem require government undergo try ordeal earnest prayer peril may successfully finally pass without impair original strength symmetry interest nation best promote revival fraternal relation complete obliteration past difference reinauguration pursuit peace direct effort early accomplishment great end let u endeavor preserve harmony coordinate department government proper sphere may cordially cooperate secure maintenance constitution preservation union perpetuity free institution