make him a citizen. Yet he is not possessed of the civil rights which
citizenship should carry with it. This is wrong, and should be
corrected. To this correction I stand committed, so far as Executive
influence can avail.

Social equality is not a subject to be legislated upon, nor shall I ask
that anything be done to advance the social status of the colored man,
except to give him a fair chance to develop what there is good in him,
give him access to the schools, and when he travels let him feel
assured that his conduct will regulate the treatment and fare he will
receive.

The States lately at war with the General Government are now happily
rehabilitated, and no Executive control is exercised in any one of them
that would not be exercised in any other State under like circumstances.

In the first year of the past Administration the proposition came up
for the admission of Santo Domingo as a Territory of the Union. It was
not a question of my seeking, but was a proposition from the people of
Santo Domingo, and which I entertained. I believe now, as I did then,
that it was for the best interest of this country, for the people of
Santo Domingo, and all concerned that the proposition should be
received favorably. It was, however, rejected constitutionally, and
therefore the subject was never brought up again by me.

In future, while I hold my present office, the subject of acquisition
of territory must have the support of the people before I will
recommend any proposition looking to such acquisition. I say here,
however, that I do not share in the apprehension held by many as to the
danger of governments becoming weakened and destroyed by reason of