I respectfully direct your attention to the report of the
Postmaster-General and to his suggestions in regard to an equitable
adjustment of the question of compensation to railroads for carrying the
mails.
Your attention will be drawn to the unsettled condition of affairs in
some of the Southern States.
On the 14th of September last the governor of Louisiana called upon me,
as provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States, to aid in
suppressing domestic violence in that State. This call was made in view
of a proclamation issued on that day by D.B. Penn, claiming that he
was elected lieutenant-governor in 1872, and calling upon the militia
of the State to arm, assemble, and drive from power the usurpers, as
he designated the officers of the State government. On the next day I
issued my proclamation[1] commanding the insurgents to disperse within
five days from the date thereof, and subsequently learned that on that
day they had taken forcible possession of the statehouse. Steps were
taken by me to support the existing and recognized State government, but
before the expiration of the five days the insurrectionary movement was
practically abandoned, and the officers of the State government, with
some minor exceptions, resumed their powers and duties.
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