Seven States which passed ordinances of secession have been fully restored to their places in the Union.  The eighth (Georgia) held an election at which she ratified her constitution, republican in form, elected a governor, Members of Congress, a State legislature, and all other officers required.  The governor was duly installed, and the legislature met and performed all the acts then required of them by the reconstruction acts of Congress.  Subsequently, however, in violation of the constitution which they had just ratified (as since decided by the supreme court of the State), they unseated the colored members of the legislature and admitted to seats some members who are disqualified by the third clause of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution—­an article which they themselves had contributed to ratify.  Under these circumstances I would submit to you whether it would not be wise, without delay, to enact a law authorizing the governor of Georgia to convene the members originally elected to the legislature, requiring each member to take the oath prescribed by the reconstruction acts, and none to be admitted who are ineligible under the third clause of the fourteenth amendment.

The freedmen, under the protection which they have received, are making rapid progress in learning, and no complaints are heard of lack of industry on their part where they receive fair remuneration for their labor.  The means provided for paying the interest on the public debt, with all other expenses of Government, are more than ample.  The loss of our commerce is the only result of the late rebellion which has not received sufficient attention from you.  To this subject I call your earnest attention.  I will not now suggest plans by which this object may be effected, but will, if necessary, make it the subject of a special message during the session of Congress.

At the March term Congress by joint resolution authorized the Executive to order elections in the States of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas, to submit to them the constitutions which each had previously, in convention, framed, and submit the constitutions, either entire or in separate parts, to be voted upon, at the discretion of the Executive.  Under this authority elections were called.  In Virginia the election took place on the 6th of July, 1869.  The governor and lieutenant-governor elected have been installed.  The legislature met and did all required by this resolution and by all the reconstruction acts of Congress, and abstained from all doubtful authority.  I recommend that her Senators and Representatives be promptly admitted to their seats, and that the State be fully restored to its place in the family of States.  Elections were called in Mississippi and Texas, to commence on the 30th of November, 1869, and to last two days in Mississippi and four days in Texas.  The elections have taken place, but the result is not known.  It is to be hoped that the acts of the legislatures of these States, when they meet, will be such as to receive your approval, and thus close the work of reconstruction.