In view of the very important events Occurring there, he has thought that the interests of the United States would be promoted by the conclusion of two treaties which should provide for a loan to that republic.  He has therefore signed such treaties, and they having been duly ratified by the Government of Mexico, he has transmitted them to me for my consideration.  The action of the Senate is of course conclusive against an acceptance of the treaties On my part.  I have, nevertheless, thought it just to our excellent minister in Mexico and respectful to the Government of that republic to lay the treaties before the Senate, together with the correspondence which has occurred in relation to them.  In performing this duty I have only to add that the importance of the subject thus submitted to the Senate, can not be over estimated, and I shall cheerfully receive and consider with the highest respect any further advice the Senate may think proper to give upon the subject.

Abraham Lincoln.

VETO OF A CURRENCY BILL

Message to the Senate, June 23, 1862.

To the Senate of the united states: 

The bill which has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, entitled “An act to repeal that part of an act of Congress which prohibits the circulation of bank-notes of a less denomination than five dollars in the District of Columbia,” has received my attentive consideration, and I now return it to the Senate, in which it originated, with the following objections: 

1.  The bill proposes to repeal the existing legislation prohibiting the circulation of bank-notes of a less denomination than five dollars within the District of Columbia, without permitting the issuing of such bills by banks not now legally authorized to issue them.  In my judgment, it will be found impracticable, in the present condition of the currency, to make such a discrimination.  The banks have generally suspended specie payments, and a legal sanction given to the circulation of the irredeemable notes of one class of them will almost certainly be so extended, in practical operation, as to include those of all classes, whether authorized or unauthorized.  If this view be correct, the currency of the District, should this act become a law, will certainly and greatly deteriorate, to the serious injury of honest trade and honest labor.

2.  This bill seems to contemplate no end which cannot be otherwise more certainly and beneficially attained.  During the existing war it is peculiarly the duty of the National Government to secure to the people a sound circulating medium.  This duty has been, under existing circumstances, satisfactorily performed, in part at least, by authorizing the issue of United States notes, receivable for all government dues except customs, and made a legal tender for all