•f this deci-ion, and never will cease from ag
itation ami admit its binding force until clear
ly tsiabli&beU by the people of tbo several
cMxUs iu theii sovereign character. Such an
explanatory amendment would, it is believed,
forever terminate the Existing dissensions and
testers pcaco and harmony among the States.
It ought not to be doubted that such an ap
peal to the arbitrament established by tbe
Constitution itself would be received with fa
vor by all the States of the Confederacy. In
any event it ought to be tried in a spirit of
conciliation before any of those States shall
separate themselves from the Union.
WfceD 1 cutered upon the duties of the Pre
sidential i fficc, the aspect of neither our lor
tigu nor domestic ff.iir was at all satisfacto
ry. We were involved in dangerous complica
te! s with st viral nations, aDd two of our Ter
titories were in a state of revolution against
the Government.
A restoration of the Afrirau slave trade had
ouuicious aßd powerful advocates. Unlawtui
militaiy expeditions were countenanced by
many rf our citizens, ud were suffered, in de
fiance of me efforts of the Government, to es
cape f'oat our shore?, tor the purpose of ma
king war upon tbo unnfft tiding people of neigh
boring republics whit whom wa were at
peace.
In addition to tbe.-e ami other difficulties,
we tx( eiitr.ii d a revulsion inuietieiary effairs,
soon titer my advert to power, ot uruzamplcd
severity end of ruinous consequences to all tbe
great interests of the country. When wo take
a rttrospectcf what was tkeu our condition,
and contrast tbis with >ts material prosperity
xt the time of tbe lulu Piesidential election,
we have abundant reason to return our grate
ful thanks to iLat merciful Providence which
has never forsaken us as a nation in all our
past trials.
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
CHEAT BRITAIN.
Out relations with Groat Britain are of the
most friendly character. Since the oemuiet.co
urtDt of my administration, the f*o duogerous
questicns, arising from tbe Clayton aud Bul
wer treaty, and from the rigLt of search claim
ed by the British Government, have been am
icably and LoLoiably adjusted.
'1 be di-cordsut construction Clayton
tLd Baivnr tieaty between the ,no govern
ments, which at diiftre c t periods °f l^e <R SCUS *
sion bore a thtcateDiug aspect, have resulted
in a final settlement entirely satisfactory to
ibis government. in my annual message i
lnfoimed Congress that tbe liritish governmeiit
bad not then "completed treaty trr-ngeuieuts
with tbe republics of Honduras and N't2 ara fiua
in pursuance of the understanding betweeD the
two governments. It is nevertheless confi
dently expected that this good work will ere
long be accomplished. This confident expec
tation has siuce been fulfilled. Her Biitannic
Majefty concluded a treaty with Honduras on
tbe 2-lth November, 1859, and with Nicara
gua em tbe 28th August, 1860, relinquishing
the ?!nsquito protectorate. Besides, by tbe
fotrncr, the Bay Islands arc recognized as part
of the Republic of Honduras, it may be ob
served that tbe stipulations of tbese treaties
eottfortu in every important psrttoular to the
amendments adopted bv the Senate of the
United States to the treaty concluded at Lon
don on the 19th of October, ISSG, between
the two governments. It will be recollected
ibut this treaty was rejected by the British
government because of its objection to the just
and isiiportaut amendment of tbe Senate to
the article relating to Kuataa and the other
island? in the Bay of lloudura-.
it most be a source of sincere satisfaction
to all classes cf cur fellow citigeu?, and espe
ialiy io those engaged in foreign commerce,
that the claim on tbe part of Great Britain,
forcibly to visit aud search American merchant
vessels oo the high seas in lime of peace, Las
been abandoned. This was by tar the most
dangerous question to the peace of ibe two
countries which has existed sioee the war of
1812. Whilst it remained opeu, they might
art any moment have been precipitated into a
war. This was rendered manifest by the ex
asperated date of public feeling throughout
our mtire country, produced by tbe forcible
search of American merchant vo-sels by Brit*,
isb cruisers ou the coast of Uuba, in the spring
of 1858. The American people hailed with
gtneral acclaim the orders of tbe Secretary of
the Navy to our naval force in the Gulf of
Mexico, "to protect all ve a <el of tbe United
States on tbe high seas from search or deten
tion by the vessels of war of any other nation."
These erders might have produced an imme
diate Collision between the uavsl forces of the
two eouutries. This was most foituuately pre
vented by au appeal to the justice of Great
Britain and to tbe law of nations as expounded
by her own most eminent juiists.
i'he only question of any importance which
still remuins open is the disputed title betweeu
the two governments I® the island i f San Juan
in the vicinity cf Washington Territory. As
this question is still under negotiation, it i? not
deemed advisable at the present moment to
anske any other allusion to the subject.
The recent visit of the Rrioce or Wales, in
private character, to the people of this country
has proved to be a most auspicious event, iu
its consequences, it cannot tail to increase tbe
kindred aud kindly feelings which I trust may
ever actuate tbe government aud people of
both countries iu incit political and social in
tercourse with each other.
FRANCE.
With France, our ancient and powerful ally,
our relations continue to be of tue most friend
ly character. A decision has recently been
made ty a French judicial (iihunal, with the
appro barren of the Imperial Government,
which cannot fail to f sttr the sentiments of
mutual regard that h v- > long existed be
tween th" two countries. Under the French
iaw no person can servo in ihearmiesof France
Unless be bo a French oitixeu.
'ibe law of France recoguixiug the natural
right of expatriation, i; follows as a ueccssury
consequence that s Frenchman, by the fact of
having become a oatzeti of the United Suiesq
has changed iris allegiance and has iost bis na
tive character. He cannot, therefore, be eoui
pejitu to serve iu the French armies in oesa he
should return to his native country. These
principles were announced iu 1852 by the
Fft-jneii Minister of War, uud in two late cases
have Ueu confirmed by the French judiciary.
In these, two natives of France uavo fieeu dis
charged from tbe French aruty, because tbey
.bud become American citizens. To employ
iho language of our present Minister to France
who has tendered good service ou this occasion,
"I do not think our French naturalised fellow
citixeus will hereafter experience much anaoy-
: ance on this suhjeot." I venture to predict
that the tune is not far distant when tbe other
continental powers will adopt the same wise
and just policy which has done so much honor
to the enlightened government of the Einpo
ror. In any event, our Government is bound
to protect the rights of our naturalized citizens
every whet o to the same extent as though they
had drawn their first breath iu this country. —
VVe can recognize no distinction between our
Dative and naturalized citizens.
RUSSIA.
Between the great empire of Russia and the
United States the mutual friendship and re
gard which has so long existed still continues
to prevail, and, if possible, to increase. In
deed, our relations with that empire are all that
wo could desire.
SPAIN.
Our relations with Spaiu arc now of a moro
complicated though less dangerous character
ihau they have been for many years. Our cit
izens have loug trelJ, and continue to bold,
numerous claims against the Spanish govern
ment. These had been ably urged fur a series
of years by our' successive diplomatic repre
sentatives at Madrid, but without obtaining
redress. The Spanish government finally
agreed to institute a juiut commission for the
adjustment of these elainw, and ou the stb day
of March, 1800, concluded a eonventiou for
this purpose with our present minister at Ma
drid. Uuder this convention, what have been
denominated "tbe Cuban claims," auiouutiug
to $128,035 45, iu which more than one hun
dred of our fellow citizens are interested, were
recognized, and the Spanish government agreed
to pay §IOO,OOO of this amount "withiu three
months following the exchange of ratifica
tions." The paymeut of t'ue remaining §28,-
G35 54 was to uwuii the decision of the com
missioners for or against the "Amistad claim;"
but irj any event the balance was to he pail to
the claimants cither by Spain or tbe United
States. These terms I have every rcisoti to
know are highly satisfactory to tbo holders of
the Cuban claims, ludeed, they have made a
formal offer authorizing the State Department
to settle these claims, and to deduct the amount
of the Amistad claim from the sums which
they are eutitieJ to receive front Spain.
This offer, of tout so, canuot be accepted.
All other claims of citizen* uf*the United
Sluies sgiin.-t Spain, or of subjects of tbe
Queeu of Spain against the United States, in
cluding tbe "Amisud claim,were by this
convention referred to a board of commission
ers iu the Uuual form. Neither tbe validity of
the A mis tad claim nor of any other claim
against either party, with the stogie exception
cf the Cubau claim, was recognized by the
convention. Indeed, the Spauish government
did nut insist lb.it the validity of the Amis tad
claim shuul i be recognized, notwithstanding
its pay men' hid beeu recommended to Con
gress by two of my predecessors us well.as by
myself, aud an apprupiuiion t'or that purpose
had passed tive Senate of the United States.—
They were coutcul that it should be submitted
to the board for examination and decision, like
tbe other claims. Both governments were
bound respectively to pay t;m amounts awarded
to lite several i;lliaaiut* at*, sueb liurcS aud
places as tnaj La fixed by an 1 according to the
tenor of said awards."
I transmitted the proceedings of tins con
vention to the Senate for their constitutional
action on the 8! of May, ISGO, and ou the
27th of the succeeding Jane they determined
that ihey would "not advise and consent" to
iis ratification.
These proceed.ugs place our relations with
Spain in au awkward aud oiubarassiug position,
it is more thau piobable that the Sua! adjust
ment of these claims will devolve uputi my
successor.
I reiterate the recommendation contained in
uy annual message of Dccemcer, 1859, and
repeated in that ol December, 1803, in favor
of the acquisition of Cuba from Spaiu hy fair
purchase, i fhuaiy believe that such au ac
quisition would cuutribute essentially to the
well being ani prosperity of both eouutrios iu
future time, as well as prove the ceitain menus
of immediately abolishing the Aft man slave
trade throughout the world. I would net re
peat this recommends*. i.u upon the present oc
casion, ii I heiieved that tue transfer of Cuba
to the United states, upon conditions highly
favorable to Spain, could justly tarnish the ua
tioual houor i f the proud aud unci, ut Spanish
Meuarebv. barely no person ever attributed
to the first Napoleon a disregard of the naiun
al honor or trance, for ifan.-d'irriirg Louisiana
to the Uuiied Ctaica tor a fair equivalent both
iur money aud commercial advantages.
AUSTKIA, &.C.
W'itb ihw Emperor of Austria, and the re
maining eoniiuen'.al powers of Europe, inclu
ding that of the OUttaD, our reiatious cautiuue
to be of the most friendly character.
CHINA.
The friendly and peaceful policy pursued by
the Govctumeui of the United States towmds
the Empire of Cuius, has produced the most
satistaotory results. The treaty of Tientsin of
(he 18ih of June, 1858, has beeu faithfully
observed by ttie Chinese authorities. Tue
convention of the Bth November, 1858, sup
plementary to this treaty, for the aojistmeut
aud satisfaction of (he claims of our citizens
ou Cuius, referred tj iu my last annual mes
sage, Las teen already carried into effect, so
far as this was practicable.
Luitr this convention cbo sum ot 500,000
tools, equal to about $7U0,000, Was stipulated
to be paid iu .-uti.-iactiuu of the claims of
American citizens, out of the oue tilth of the
receipts for tannage import, aul export duties
on Americau vessels at the ports of Cautou,
8u tughae and Fuoimu; and it was "agreed that
this amount shall be iu full liquidation of all
claims if Anuria in citizens at the various
ports to this date." Debentures for this
aruouut—to wit: 800,000 taels for CaDtoo,
100,000 for Suaoguae aud 100,000 lor Fuchau
—were delivered according to the terms of the
convention.by the respective Chinese collectors
ot the customs of these pot ti to too aguut se
lected by our minister to recoive them.
Bince that tiuia the claims if our citizens
have oeeu adjusted by the board of commis
sioners appointed for that purpose under the
act of March 8, 1859, and their awards, whioh
proved satistaotory tj the claimants, have beeu
approved by our miu'ist r. Ju the aggregate
thay aumuut to tiu sum of §498,6U1 78.
lire claimants hivo already received a largo
proportion of tue suiur awarded to ihem out of
me fund provided, aud it is confidently ex
pected that the remainder wilt ere be en
tirely paid. After the awards shall have hem:
satisfied, there will reuriu a surplus of morn
tbu §200,G00 st the disposition of Cougress.
BEDFORD ITOUIRSR.
f As this will in equity belong to the Chinese
government, would not justice require its ap
propriation to some benevolent object in which
the Chinese may te specially interested!
Our minister to China, iu obedience to tug
instructions, has remained perfectly neutral
in the war between Great Britain and France
and the Chinese empire; although, in conjunc
tion with the Russian minister, he was ever
ready and witiiug, had the opportunity offered,
to employ his good offices in restoring peace
between the patties. It is but an act of sim
ple justice, both to our present uiiuister and
his predecessor, to state that thpy bavo proved
fully equal to the delicate, trying aud respon
sible positious io which they have oo different
occasions been placed.
JAPAN.
The ratifications of the treaty with Japan
concluded at ifeuu, on the '29 th of July, 1859,
were exchanged >\t Washington on tho 22d of
May lust, and the troaty itself was proclaimed
ou the succeeding day. There is good reason
tp expect that, uodcr its protection and influ
ence, our trade aud intercourse with that
distent and interesting people will rapidly iu
'ireasc.
The ratifications of the treaty were exchang
ed with unusual solemnity. For this purple
the Tycoon bad accredited three of his most
distinguished subjects as envoys extraordinary
uud tu'nisters plenipotentiary, who were receiv
ed aud treated with marked distinction aud
kindness boih by tho Goverumcut aod people
of tho United Slates. There is every reason
to believe that they have returned to their na
tive liii i entirely satisfied with their visit, and
inspired by the most friendly feelings for uur
country. Let us ardently hope, iu the lauguage
of the treaty itself, that "there shall heooe
forward be perpetual peace #ud friendship be
tweeu the United States of America and his
Majesty tee i'ycoou of Japan aud bis succes
sors."
BRAZIL.
With the wise, conservative aud liberal gov
ernment of the empire ct Brazil, our relations
cooiiuuo to be of tho most amicable charac
ter.
NEW Ott AN ALA.
lb? txchiuge of the ratification of the con
vention witu the republic of New Grauadt,
signed at Washington ou the 10th September,
1857, has bi.cn long delayed from accidental
causes, tor which ueidier party is oeusurable.
1 hese ratificatiou were du'y cxchauged iu tills
city ou ibe sth of N comber last. Thus ha''a
controversy been u<icsbiy tsriuiuated which
bad become so serious at tile period of my in
auguration, at to require me, on ihe 17th April
1851, to oiiect our minister to demand bis pass
ports aud return io tho United States.
Under this eoi.ViutioU the government of
New Granada has specially acknowledged itself
io he lesj ousibie to our cifc.zons "for J
which were caused by the riot at l'juuuia On
toe 15.h April, lj>sG Ihcac olu<mv, t 'gath
er wuh other claims of OUI citizens which had
boeu long urged in vain, arc refer re i for ad
justment to a buard of commissioner. 1 .-üb
mit a copy oi the convention ta Congress, aud
recommend tie legislation accessary to
into effect. } W' -■
C„3rA RICA AND NICARAGUA.
I'e.severing efforts have been ma le for the
a ejus: incut of the claims of American citizeus
against ihe government of Cost r Kiea, and 1
am happy to iutoim jou that these have finiliy
prevuuc i. A conveutio : vi-.t signed at the
city ot S.c J use, tin the 21 of July list, bc
twccu toe uinisuis rcaidtui ot the Uuiicd
States :u t.osta Itico and the plenipotentiaries
of that republic, re I erring these claims to a
Board of Ctuuiuiiniooers, od providing for the
payment of their awards. Ibis couveuiiou will
be subiiiitiod immediately to the Senate for their
consti utioiiol action.
i hc claims of eur ciiiz us upou the republic
of Nicaragn . Lave uot yet been provided for by
treaty, although diligent efforts for this purpose
have bceu made by our minister rctident to that
republic. These are still continued with a fair
p ospect of success.
AIEXICO.
Our relations with Mexico remain in a most
unsatisfactory condition. Iu my two last an
nual message* I cli.-cus>ed exteusively lire sub
ject ol those relat.ous, and do uot umv propose
to repeat at length the facts and arguments
then presented. They proved conclusively that
our Cit zeus resiJiu; iu Mexno aud our mer
chants trading thereto hiid suffered a series of
wrongs and ouirages such as wo have never pa
tiently borne from any other nation. For lbe.-e
our successive iniuis'eis, iuvokiug the faith of
treaties, had, iu the name of their country, per
sistently demanded redress and indemnification,
but without the slightest effect. Indeed, so
confident bad the Mexican authorities become
of out patient endurance, that they universally
believe J they might commit these outrages up
on Ameiiotu cinzaus with absolute impunity,
f uus wrote our minister iu 1856, aud express
e i the opiuiuu that ''nothing fcot a manifeste
tiou of tho power of the Goveruim nr, aud of
its purpose to punish these wrongs, will avail."
Afterwards, iu 1857, came the adoption of a
new constitution f.. r Mexico, the election of a
Pies'deot and Congress uuuer its provisions,
aui tho inauguration of the President. W.tcibi
one short mouth, however, this President was
expelled from the oapitul by a ieboliioa iu the
army, and the supremo power of the republic
was assigned to Gen. Zulo.g,. This usurper
was in his turu soou compelled to retire and
give place to Geo. Miramon.
Under tue constitution which had thus beo
adopted, Sanor Juarez, .-is chief justice of the
Supreme Court, became the lawful President of
the Republic, and it was fur too maintenance
ot tue constitution and bis authority derived
trorn tt that the civil war commenced, aud still
coutinues to be prosecuted.
lhroughoui the year 1858 tho constitutional
party giew stronger uud stronger. Iu the pre
vious history ol Mexico a successful military
revolution at the capitol had almost universally
teen the signal for submission throughout the
republic. Nut so ou the presout occasion. A
majority mf the citizeus persistently sustained
the constitutional goverameu:. When this was
recognized in April, ISDiI, by Gavcromeut
ot the United Stales, its authority extended
over a large majority of the Mexican States
uud people inciudiog Vera Cruz ami ail tho
other important sea ports of the republic.—
I'rom that period, our commerce with Mexico
begau to revive, aud the ooustitutioual gov
eruineut has afforded it all the protection iu
their pewer.
Meanwhile the government of Miramou etill
held sway at the c.ipttol and over cue surround
ing country, and continued its outrages against
the lew Amerioau citizens still had tjfic
courage to remain within its power. To cap
the climax: After tho battle of Tacobaya, iu
April.. 1859, Gen. Marqucz ordered three citte
zena of the United States, two of tfiern physi
cians, to be seized in the hospital at that place,
taken out aod shot, without crime and without
trial. This was done, not withstanding our un
fortunate countrymen were at the moment en
gaged in the holy cause of affording relief to
the soldiers of both parties who had been wound
ed in the but'le, without making any distinction
between them.
The time had arrived, in my opinion, when
this Government was bound to exert its power
to aveuge and redress the wrongs of our citi
zens and to afford them protection iu Mexico.—
Tho interposing obstacle was that the portion of
the country under the sway of Miramon could
not be reached without passing over territory
under the jurisdiction of the constitutional gov
ernment. Under these circumstances, I deem
ed it my duty to recommeud to Congress, in my
last annual message, the employment of a suf
ficient military force to penetrate into the inte
rior where the government of Miramon was to
be fouud, with, or, if need be without the con
gent of the Juarez government, thought it was
not doubted that this couseut could be obtained.
Never have 1 had a clearer conviction ou any
subject thau of the justice as well as wisdom
of such a policy. No other alternative was lelt
except the entire abandonment of our fellow
citizcns who had gone to Mexico, under the
faith of treaties, to the systematic injustice,
cruelty, and oppression of Mirauioo's govern
ment. jiefeides, it is almost certain that the
simple authority tj employ this force would of
itself have accomplished all our objects without
strikiug a single blow. Tho constitutional
government would tbea ere this have beta es
tablished at the city of Mexico, aud would have
been ready aud willing, to the exteut of its
ability, to do us justice.
In addition—and 1 deem this a most impor
tant consideration—Kuiupean governments
would hove been deptived of all pretext to in
terfere iu the territorial and domestic concerns
of Mexico. We should thus have been reliev
ed from the obligation tf resisting, even by
force, should this become uecessary, any attempt
hv these governments to deprive our neighbor
ing repubio of pottions of her territory; a duty
from which wo could uot shrink without aban
doning tho traditional aud established policy of
the American people. lam happy to observe,
that, firmly relyiog upon the justice aud good
faith of these goverumeuts, there is no prcscut
danger that such a coutingt ucy will happen.
Having discovered tint my recommendations
would not be sustained by Congress, tho next
alternative to accomplish, iu some degree,
if possible, Ihc same objects iy treaty stipula
tions wi'h the coustiiutiouul government. Such
treaties were accorJitigljr coueluJeJ by cur late
able aod excellent minister to Mexico, aod on
the 4tf J iitunry last were submitted to the
iS-uale fot ratification. As these have not vet
received the final acti n of that body, it would
be improper for mo to present a detailed state
ment of their provisions. Still 1 may be per
mitted to express the opinion in advance that
they are calculated to promote the agricultural,
md'u'ufiiuiuring, and commercial intarv.-ts of £ho
euuuiry, and to secure our just influeuco with
an ad joining republic as to whose tot tunes and
fate wc can never feel indifferent; whilst at the
same time they provide for tho payment of a
considerable amount towards tbo satisfaction
of the claims of our injured fellow-citizens.
KANSAS AND CTAU.
At the period of oiy inauguration 1 w<s con.
fronted iu Kansas by a revolutionary govcru
rneut, existing under what is called the Topeka
Constitution. Its avowed object wia to subdue
the territorial government by foree, aud to in
augurate whit was called the Topeka govern
ment in its stead. To accomplish tht3 object
an extensive military organization was foriu*d,
and its command entrusted to the most violent
revolutionary leader. Under these circum
stances, it beoaiuo my imperative duty to exert
the whole constitutional power of the Executive
to prevent the flames of civil war from again
ragiug iu Kansas, which in the excited ttu„e of
tho public iniud, both North and South, might
have exteuded iuto the neighboring States.
The hostile patties iu Kvusus hud been in
fl 'mod against each other by emissaries bath
from the Norih and the S >uib, to a deg-ee of
malignity with ut parallel in our history. To
prevent actual collision, and t > assist tue civil
magistrates in enforcing the haws, a strong de
tachment of tie army was stationed iu tiie
Territory, ready to aid the marshal uuJ bis
deputies, when lawfully called upon, posse
comitatus in the execution of civil aud criminal
process.
Still, the troubles iu Kansas coul l uot have
boeu periuaueutiy settled without ta elooiiuu
by tho people. The ballot-box is the surest
arbiter of disputes among freemen. Under
this conviction, every proper effort v* is em
ployed to iuduee the hostile parlies to vote at
the election of delegates to frame a Slate con
stitution, aud aftorwatds at the election to de
cide whether Kansas should bd a slave or a free
State. ThoSusurgeut patty refused to veto at
either, lest this might be considered a recogni
tion on their part of the territerial government
established by Uougress. A better spirit
however, seemed soou after to prevail, and the
two parties met face to face at the third elec
tion held no ttie first Monday of Jauuary,
1858, for members of the Legislature and
State cflieeis under the Lecomptou Coostitu
tioo. The result was the triumph of the anti
tdavery party at tho polls. This decision of
he ballot b>x proved clearly that this party
were in tho majority, and removod the danger
ii civil war. From that time we have heard
little or no.thiug of the Topeka governmeut ,
and all serious danger of revolutionary troubles
in Kansas was tbeu at an end.
The Lecoitiptou constitution, which had boeo
thus rocoguized at this State election by the
votes of both political parties it) Kansas, was
transmitted to mu with the request that 1 should
present it to Congress. This I could not have
refused to do without violating my clearest aud
strongest convictions of duty. The oonstitu
tiou, and all the proceedings which preceded
and followed its (urination, were fair and reg.
ular on their face, i theu believed, and ex
perience b'a proved, that the interests of (be
people of K'Osas would hive been consulted
by lis admission as a State into the Unlou,
especially as the tunjorit%, within a btief peri
od, could have auieuued the constitjttoa ac
cording to their will uud pleasure. If fraud
existed in all or any of these proceedings, it
was not for the President, but lor Congress, to
investigate uud deteruiiuo the questioq of
fraud, and whauouglit tj he its consequences.
If, at the two first elections, (hc-ui-jority ro
fused to vote, it cauuot be pretended that this
refusal to exercise tbc elective franchise could
invalidate an election fairly held under lawful
authority, even if they had not subsequently
voted at the third election. It is true that the
whole constitution had not been submitted lo
the people, as I oiwaye desired : but the pre
cedents are numerous of the admission of States
iuto the (Juion without such submission.
It would uot comport with my present pur
pose to review the proceedings of Congress
upon the Lecomption constitution. It is suf
ficient to observe that their final action has
removed the last vestige of serious revolution
ary troubles, 'lbe desperate band recently
as em bled, under a notorious outlaw, in the
s uthern portion of the Territory, to resist the
execution of the laws aud to pluudar peaceful
citizens, will, 1 doubt not, be speedily subdued
aud brought to justice.
Had 1 Heated the Lecompt-m Constitution
as a nuliity and refused to transmit it to Con
gress it is not difficult to imagine, whilst re
calling the position of the country at that
moment, what would have been ths disastrous
consequences, both in aud out of the Territory,
from such dereliction of duty ou the part of
the Executive.
Peace had also been restored within the Ter
ritory of Utah, whieb, at the commencement
of my administration, was in a state of open
rebellion. This was the mote dangeious as
the people, auimated by a fanatical spirit and
eutrenobed within tneir distant muuutaiu
fastnesses might have made a long and fortni
i dabie resistance. Cost whit it might, it was
| necessary to bring them into subjection to the
I Ooustitutiou and the law. Sound poiicy, there
fore, as well as humanity, required that this
object should, if possible, be accomplished
without the effusion of blood. This could only
bo effected by sending a military force into the
the Territory auffijiotitly strong to convince the
people that resistance would be hopeless, and
at the same time offer theui a parduu for paat
offences uu condition of immediate submisriou
to the Government. This policy wis pursuer!
with eminent success ; an 1 the only cause for
regret-is the heavy expenliture required to
march a large detachment of the army to that
remote regiou au i to furuisu it sibsisteuce.—
Utah it now comparatively peaceful and quiet,
and the militay force has heeu withd awu, ex
cept that portion of it ueeessary t> kep the
ludiaos in ohock and t protect the emigrant
traius ou their way to our Paoific possessions.
FINANCES.
In my first annual message I promised to
employ my best exerti< us, in co-operation with
Congress, to reduce tho expenditures of the
Goverameat witbiu the limits of a wise and
judicious economy. An oveiflowiug treasury
had produce I habits of prodigality and ex
travagance which Could ooly be gradually cor
rected. The work required both time uai
patience. 1 applied tuyself diligently to this
task from tue beginning, sui ws aided by the
able aud energetic efforts of the Heads of the
different Executive Departments. The result
of our labors iu this good cause did not appear
in trie sum total of our expeu Jituree for the first
two years, mainly tu cousequcuae of the ex
traordinary expenditure ueteoetrify incurred
in the Utah expedition, and the very largo
amount of tho contingent expanses of Cougtuss
duriug this period. Those greatly exceeded
the pay and milage of the tuetubeis. for the
year eudiug 30th June, 1858, whilst the p„_)
and mileage amounted to $1,490,214. the con
tiugeut expenses rose to $2,093,309 79, aud
for the year eudiug 30th June, 1859, whilst
the piy and mileage amounted to $859,003 GO,
the contingent expense* amounted to §1,431,-
5G5 78. lam happy, however, to be able to
inform you that duriutr the last fiscal year
enuing ou toe 30.h of Juuu, 1800, the total
expenditores of the Government in all its
branches—legislative, executive unl judicial
exclusive of the public debt, were reduced
to the sum of §55,402,405 40. Tbis con
clusively appears from the books of the Treas
ury. In the year ending on the 30rh of June,
1858, the total cxpendituic exclusive of pub
lic debt, amount.d to §71,901.129 77, and that
for tie year eudiug 30tb June, 1859,t0 §66,-
340,220 13. Whilst the books of the Treasury
show an actual expenditure of §59,848,474 72
for the year ending on the oUth Juuu, 1800,
iuciUJiog $1,040,008 71 for tae cont.agent
expenses ut Gongress,. there must be deducted
from tbis amount she sum of §4,290,009 27,
with the ii.tsrcst upon it of §ISO,UuO, appro
priated by t.e uol of lot February, laOO,
for ibu {impose i f supplying the deficiency iu
the revenue and defraying tae expenses of the
t'ost Office Department for the year ending
June, 30, 1859. This sum, therefore justly
chargeable to the year 1859, must be deducted
from the sum of §59,848,454 72, tu order to
assettatu the expenditure for tho year eudirt"
Juue 30, 1800, which leaves a balance for the
expenditures of that year of §55,402,405 40.
Ttie iutereat ou the public oebt, iucludiu*
Treasury notes tor the same fiscal year eudiug
June SO, 1850,'auiouuting to §3,177,314 62,
wtiieii, added to the above sum of §55,402,.
405 40, makes tuo aggregate of §58,579
780 08.
It ought iu jastiee to be observed that sev
eral of tba estimates from tba departments for
the year en ling June 30, 1360, wore reduced
by Lloogress below what was *ud still is deeui
eil compatible wita the public interest Al
lowing a liberal uargiu ot §2,500,000 for this
reductiou, ami other causes, it uiay be safely
asserted that the sum of §01,000,000, or at
the most $02 ; 000,000 is amply sufficient to
aduiiuistcr tue Gjvuuuicut and pay the in
terest ot iho puolic debt, unless Boutin-em
ovoncs should hereafter render extraordinary
expenditures necessary:
This result has been atuiued ia a Cuusider
adle degree by tbe care exercised by the ap
propriate departments iu cuteriug into no pub
lic contracts. 1 have myself uever iuterfered
with ihe award of uay such contract except
iu u siugle ease with the Colonisation Society,
deemiug it advisable tj cast the whole re
spousibiiity iu oacu ease on the proper head of
tue department, with the geucral iustructiou
t'aat these contracts should always be gtveu to
the lowest and best bidder. It his ever beeu
uiy opiuiuu that pubi.a oouiracts are not a le
gitimate source of patrouage to be cuufarred
upon personal or political lavoiites; but that
tu ail such cases a puolic officer is butiud to act
lojr the Government as a prudout mdividual
wouid act lor Liiuseit.
AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE, &C.
It is with great satisfaction 1 communicate
the fact, ihjt, siuce the date of my last Annual
Message, uot a siugle slave has bocu imparled
iu violation of ibe laws probibitiug the Afrioau
Slave trade. This statement is founded upon
a thorough examination and investigation of
the subject. Indeed, the spirit which prevail
ed some time sineo among a portion of our
fellow-citizens in favor of this trade seems to
have entirely subsided.
I also congratulate you upon the public sen
timent which now exists against the crime ot
setting cu foot military expeditions within the
limits of the United States, to proceed from
thence and make war upon the people of unof
fending States with whom we are at peace I„-
tlus re-peot a happy change has been effected
since the commencement of my Administratis
It surely oucht to ue the prayer of every
Christian and patriot, (hat such expeditions may
never again receive countenance incur country
or depart fiom our ihore-.
It would be a uselosa repetiliou to do uior
than refor, with earnest commendation, i 0 Ulv
formr recommendation* in favor of the Pacific
railroad—of the grant of power to tho Presi
dent to employ the naval force in the vicinity,
for the protection of tho lives and property 0 r
our feliovv citizens passing in transit over ibe
different Central Ainenoau routes, against suj.
deu and lawless outbreaks and depredations
and slo to protect American meridian*, vessels'
their crows aad cargoes, ag.iust violont aud
uuUwful s'-izuro aui confiscation in the ports
of Mexico ao-i South Amerioau republics, when
t ic-i; may be in a disturbs! and revolutionary
Ooudilion. It is my sealed conviction, that
without such a power we do not afford tfcat
protection to those engaged in the couimeroe
of the eouutry which they have a ri bt to de
mand.
ELECTION OF MEAIBEHS OF CONGaxss.
I 1 again recommend to Congress the passage
| of a Uw in pursuance of the provisions of tho
| Constitution, appointing a day certain, previous
■to the 4:h of Match, iu each year of an odd
j number, for tbe election of Representatives
j throughout all tbe States. A similar power
! has already been exercised, with general ap'.ro
bation. in the appoiatmeut of ths sam/ day
throughout the Union, for tjie eleatiou
of electors for Presid=ut art J Vic.- President
of the United -Slates. My attcntiou was early
directed to this subject from the fait, that the
35<b Congress terminated on the 3d of March,
1859, without making the ueeessary appropria
tion for the service of the Post Office Depart
ment. I was then forced to consider the best
remedy lor this omission, and an immediate call
of tie present CaDgress, was the natural resort.
Upon inquiry, however, 1 ascertained that Sf
teeu out of tho thirty-three States coaaposiu -
the Confederacy were without
aud that consequently, these fifteeu States would
be disfranchised by such a caii. These fifteen
Stales will be iu the same condition ou the 4th
of March next Tou of tbem eauuot elect
Representatives, according ti exiatiug State
laws, until different p nods, extending Irom the
begumiug of August next uutil the months of
October t-nd November.
Iu my last mtssage 1 gave Warning that, in a
time of sudden and ffiarmmg danger, the sal
vation of our institutions might depend upon
the power of tbe President immediately to a.-
seiubie a full Congress to meet the emergency.
TARIFF.
It U now quite evident that the finauoia] o<-
ceestties of the Government will require a mod
ification of the taiiff during your present ses
sion, for tae purpose of iucreasiog the revenue.
Iu this respect 1 desire to reiterate tho reeom
uiiudatton eoutaieed m my last two a.'auuai
tu s.sigos, in favor of imposing specific instead
of al valorem duties ou all imported articles to
which tiee cau be properly appiiej. Kroua
long observation and experience 1 am convinc
ed that specific duties arc necessary, both to
protect tiic revenue and to secure to our man
ufacturing interests that amount of incidental
p.-otectiuu which unavoidably results from a
revenue tariff.
As an-absiraet proposiiion it may he admit
ted that ad valorem duties would, iu theory, bo
the most just and cqu.il. Rut if tho -xperi
ettoe of this aud of all other commercial nations
Ins demonstrated that sueb duties u-annot be
assessed and collected without great frauds
upon tho revenue, tUeu it is the part of wisdom
to resort to specific duties, ludeed, from the
very uature ot an ad valorem duty, this must
bo the result. Under it the inevitable consoi
queuce is, that foreign goods will be eoteied a;
loss th.n irue value, i'tiu Treasury will there
fore 10-m the duty ou the difference between
their real and fictitious value, aud to this extent
we arc defrauded.
Tho temptation which ad valorem duties pre
sent to a dishonest importer arc irresistable.
His object is to pass his goods through the
custom house at the very lowest valuation
ueeessary to save them trout confiscation, lit
this he too ofteu succeeds iu spite of* the vigi
lauoe of the revenue officers. Heuce the resort
to .also iu voices, OH3 for the purchaser and
auother tor the custom house, and to other
expedients to delraud the Government The
houest importer produces his iuvoice to tbe col
lector, statiug the actual price at which ho
purchased the articles abroad. Not so the
dishonest impoiter and agent of the foreign
manufacturer. And here it may be observed
that a very large proportion of the manufac
tured articles imported from abroad are oon
stgued for commission useroh >nts who are mere
agßuta employed by tbe manufacturers. Iu
such cases no actual sale has beea made to fix
their value. 4'be foreign in mufacturer, it bo
be dishonest, prepares au invoice of tbe goods,
not at their actual value, but at the very lowest
rate necessary to escape detection. Ju this
manner the dishonest importer and the foreign
manufacturer eujoy a decided advantage over
tho honest uu-rcbaßt. They *tu thus enabled
tu undersell tbe fair trader, aud Jrv him from
the market. Ju fact, the operation of this sys
tem has already driveu froic tbe pursuits of
honorable commeice uiauy of that class of uier*
chants, whose character throughout the world,
is the pride of our couutry.
The remedy for these evils is to be found iu
specific duties, so far as this may be practicable.
They dispense with any inquiry at the oustoui
bouse iuto the actual cost or value of tho arti
cle, and it pays the preuise amount of duty
previously fixed bylaw. They-preseut no temp
tations to tbo appraiser of torcigu goods, who
receive but small salaries aud might, by under,
valuation in a lew cases, reudatr themselves
independent.
Besides, specific duties laast conform to the re
quisition in tho Constitution that 'no preference
atiall bo given by any regulation of commerce or
.revenue tu tho poits of one State over those of
another." Under our ad valorem system such pre
ferences are to some extent inevitable, and com
plaints have often beeu made that the spirit of this
provision has been violated by a lower appraise
ment of the same articles at one port than a*,
auotber.
An impression, strangely enough, pVfevails ta