\;
VOEUINTEER —EXTRA.
CARLISLE,PA
I'IIUKMUAY. NOVEMIIBR r, 1848.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Ftlhw-Cilizent of the Senate and HomenJ Rt
presentativea .■
Under the benignant.providence of Almighty God,
t he Representatives of the Stale*.ami of Iho people
ore again brought together to deliberate foi the pub
lie gratitude of the nation to the sot
crcign arbiter of all human events, should be com*
mensurate with the boundless blessings which wc.
enjoy. • Peace, plenty and contentment reign
throughout our borders, and our‘ bclbved country
presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world.—
The troubled and unsettled'condition of some of
the principal European powers, has had a necessary
tendency to check and embarrass trade, and to de>>
press prices throughout all commercial nations: but
notwithstanding these causes the United Slates,
with their abundant products, have felt (heir effects
less severely than any other country, and all. our
great interests, are still prosperous and successful. ..
fn reviewing the great events of the past year,
' and contrasting the agilajed and disturbed'slate of
oibor countries with our own tranquil condition,
wo may congratulate ourselves that we are the
moat favored people on the face of the earth.—
While the people of other countries are strug
gling to establish free institutions, under' which
man may govern himself, wo are in the actual en
joyment of (hem, a rich inheritance from our fath
ers. While enlightened nations of Europe are con
vulsed and distracted by civil war or internal strife,
we settle all our political controversies by the peace*
ful exercise of the rights of freemen, at the .ballot
box. . The great republican maxim, so deeply en
graven .on the • hearts of our people, that the' Wilt
of the majority, constitutionally expressed,shall
prevail,’ is obr sure safeguard against.force and
violence! -U'U a subject of just pride, (hat our fame
and character, as a nation, continue rapidly to ad
vance in the estimation of the civilized world.
To our. wise and free institutions it -is to bo at
tributed, that-whjle other nations have achieved
glory at the price of the sufferings and impover
ishment of their, people, wo have won our honor
. able • position in the, midst of an uninterrupted:
prosperity, and of Oh increasing Individual comfort
and happiness. : ‘
I am hßppy.toinform you. that our relations with
nil nations are friendly and pacific. Advantageous
treaties of commerce have been concluded within ,
the last.four years with Now Grenada, Peru, the
two Sicilies, Belgium, Hanover, Oldenburg, and
MecklenburgSchworrin. - * - . <-
Pursuing our exaptple, the restrictive system of
Great Britain, our principal foreign customer, has
hocn relaxed. A more liberal commercial pulley has
been adopted by other foreign nations, and our
trade hay.been greatly enlarged and extended.
Our country stands higher in the respect of.llpr
world than at any former period.*Tocontinud to oc
cupy this proud position, it is only necessary to'
preserve peace, and faithfully to adhere to iho great
and fundamental principle of our policy of nop-ip-
Icrfercnco in the domestic concerns of other nations.
Wo recognize in all. nations (he rights which wo
enjoy ourselves, to change and reform their political
institutions according to their own will and pleasure.
Henco we do not look behind existing governments
capable of maintaining their own authority. We
recognize oil such actual governments, hot only
Irom the dictates of true policy,.but from a sacred
regard for.lbe.independence of nations.
While this is our flcnledtyjlicj.lldocs not follow
that wo can oven be indifferent spectators of the pro
gress of liberal principles. The government and peo
ple of the United Slates hailed with enthusiasm and
delight the establishment of (he French Republic, as
we now do the efforts in progress to ro-unito the
States of Germany, ins confederation, similar in
many respects toour own Federal Union If (ho great
and enlightened German Stales, occupying as they
do a central.and commanding position in Europe,
•hall succeed in establishing such a confederated gov-
ornment, securing al (he same time to the citizens of
, each state local governments adapted to the wants
- of each, with unrestrained trade and intercourse
with each other, It- will he an important era ip the
history of human events. Whilst it will consult*
date end strengthen the power of Germany, it must
Nsentially promote the cause of peace, commerce,
civilization ami constitutional liberty throughout
the world. With ifll the governments on this con*
linent, our relations, it is believed, are now on a
more friendly footing than they have been at any
former period.
Since the exchange of ratifications of the Treaty
of Peacq with Mexico, oor intercourse with the
government of that Republic has been bf the moat
friendly character. The Envoy .Extraordinary bud
*T Minister Plenipotentiary of-the United States to
f Mexico, liaa been received and accredited, and a
diplomatic Hcprescniative from Mexico, of similar
' mnk, has been received and accredited by this gov*
eminent. The amicable relations between the two
B countries which had been suspended, have been
happily restored—destined, I trust, to.be lung pre
? bprved. The two republics are both situated o>i
ibis continent, end with contiguous territories, have
every motive of sympathy, and of interest, to bind
them together in perpetual amity/
This gratifying condition of our foreign relations
nmders it unnecessary for me to call your alien*
(ion more specifically to them,
It has been my constant aim and (lesiro to culti*
v.iic peace and commerce with all nations... Tran*
•joility at home, and peaceful relations abroad, con
biituto the true, permanent policy of our country.
Wnr, the scourge of nations, sometimes .becomes
inevitable, but is ilways to be avoided when it can
be done consistently witb tho rights and honor of
llui nation.
One of tho most important results of the war
into which we wore recently farced with a neigh
boring nation, le.lho demonstration it has
«f tho military strength of our country.
Ucforc the lato war with Mexico, European
ami other foreign powers entertained imperfect
ami erroneous views of oiir physical strength as'a
nation, and of our ability to prosecute war, and
r specialty a war waged out of our own country.
Tht y saw that our standing army on the peace estab*
liahmonl did not exceed 10,000 men. Accustomed
themselves to..maintain in peace large standing'ar*
inius for the protection of thrones against tbolr own
' Hubjccls as wolf as against foreign enemies, they
‘ Ini) not conceived that it.was possible for a nation
without such, an army, well disciplined, and of
long service, to wage war successfully. They bald
in low repute our militia,and were far from regard*
mg them as an effective force, unleea it might bo
fur temporary defensive operations when invaded
on our own soil. - The events of the late war with
Mexico have not only undeceived thorn, but have
removed erroneous impression*which prevailed to
Mimo extent even among a portion ofour own conn*
trjmvn. • f _.
That war has demonstrated that upnn'the hrook
inq out of hostilities not anticipated, and fur which
-im previous preparation had.been made, a volunteer
unny of cltixcn soldiers, equal to veteran 'troupe,
and in numbers equal to any emergency, can in n
*hort period be brought In the field, and, like ; what
would have occurred in any other country, we were
nmlt r no necessity of resorting to drubs or con*
Moiptirm*. Qn the contrary, >uch wa« the number
»!' volunteers who .patriotically tendered eer
vice*, that tho chief difficulty ,was In making aelec
liana ami determining who ahbuld be djaappolnled
and oompellerl to remain at home. Our elllien sol-,
diorsaro unlike those drawn from the population of
uny other country, They are composed Indiscrim
inately of nil professions and pursuit*—of farmera,
lawyers, physicians, merchants, manufacturers, me-
I'hanlce and laborer!—and this not only among the
officers, but tho private soldiers In (he ranks,. Our
citizen anWiets are unlike ihoae of any other coun
try in other respects. They are armed, ahfl hove
been accustomed from their youth up to handle and
• neo fire nrms, and a largo proportion of them, es
pecially In the western and more' newly aetlbul
States, nro expert marksmen. They aie men who
Uavo a copulation-to molntaln at home,- by tiiuii
good conduct In the field—they Me Intelligent, and
lhaia It an Individuality of chataclerwhleh la found
df*ln tha rank* of nu other army. In battle, each pri
vate man, as well at every officer, fights not only
for bis country, but for glory and distinction among
(lie Mlow-cltisena whan ha shall return to civil Ufa.
,The war with Mexico has demomtrated, not obly
the ability of'tho govommontto organize a hum*
orone army, upon - a sudden call, but also to provide
it! with ail tho munitions and necessary supplies
with despatch, convenience am! case,.to direct, its
operations with efficiency, Tho strength of our
iiißiituliona has not only been displayed In tho valor
and skill of. our troops engaged in active scr
vico in tho Held, hut in (ho organization of those
executive -branches which'were charged with the
general direction and'CQndUct ; pf .lho.,wor, while
ton groat praise cannot be bestowed upon the offi
cers and men who fought the battle* It would dp
unjust to withhold ’from those'officers necessarily
stationed dt hbmej who were. charged with tho duty
of furnishing the army In proportion, and at pro-,
per places, with all tho munitions of, war and other
supplies so necesssiy tn make U efficient, Ihe
commendation'to which they arc entitled, and tho
credit due to this class of our officers, is the great
cat «hon it is considered that no army in ancient
or modern limes, was ever bolter appointed or pro
vided, than pur army, in Mexico; operating in an
onoiny’a country, end removed two thousand miles
from tho seat of (hr Fodcrol government, iis different
corps spread over a vast extent of territory, hundreds,
and oven thousands of milcsaparl from cach other,
nothing.short of the untiring vigilance and extra
ordinary energy of these officers could have enabled
them to provide the.army at all points, and in pro
per season, with all that was required far tho most
efficient service..
■ It is but an act of justice to declare.tbal the offi
cers in charge of the several Executive bureaus, all
under the immediate eye end supervision of the Se
cretary of War, performed their respective-duties,
with abi|ity, energy and efficiency. They, have
reaped less of the glory of the war, not having been
personally exposed to its perils in battle, than (heir
companions in arras; but without their furecaslo,
efficient .aid and co-operation,- those in the Held
would not have been provided with the ample means
they possessed of obtaining for themselves and
(heir country the unfading honors which (hey have
won for both. ..1 • ‘ .
.When all these facta are considered, It may come
,to be a matter of so. much amazement abroad, (tow
it happened that our, noble army in Mexico, regu- -
lars end volunteer*, were victorious upon every
battle Held, however fearful (bp odds against them.
. The war with Mexico has thus fully developed
the capacity of republican 1 government* to proao
cote, successfully, a just and necessary foreign war,
with all the vigor usualjy attributed to more arbi
trary forma of government. It has been usual for.
writers on public law to impute to' republics a want
of that unity and concentration of purpose, and
vigor of execution, which are'generally admitted
to belong to the monarchial end aristocratic forms.
This feature of popular government has, been
supposed to,display itself, (note,, particularly, in, the
conduct of a war carried on in an enetny’s lerri
lory. ...
The war with Mexico has developed raost alfik-
Ingly.anil conspicuously another feature jn our in
stitutions—it is, that without coat to the govern
ment, or danger to our liberties, we have
■om of our society of freemen, available in a just
and necessary war, virtually a standing army of
armed citizen soldiers, such as fought the battles of
Mexico. ...
But our military strength does not consist alone .
in capacity for splendid'ami successful operations
on land—the Navy is an important arm of the na
tional defence.' If tho services of the navy were
not so brilliant as those'of the army in the late
'war with Mexico, it was because they had no ene
my to meet on their own element; while the army
bad opportunity pf performing more conspicuous ser
vices,.the navy largely participated in the conduct of
the war. Both branchosof the service performed their
whole duty'to the country. For the able and gallant
Services of the officers and men of the navy, acting
independently as well as in co-operation with our
troops, in the conquest of the Californias, the cap
ture of Vera Cruz, and the seiz -re and occupation
of other important positions on the gulf and Paci
fic coast, the highest'praise is due. Tfleir vigilance,
energy and skill rendered the more effective service
in excluding munitions of war and other supplies
from tbo,enemy, while they secured a safe entrance
for abundant supplies for their own army. Our
expended commerce was no where interrupted; and
for this imnpnity from the evils of war, the coun
try Is indebted to the navy.
High pfaiee is duo to the officers of the several
executive bureaus,: navy yards, and stations con
nected with the service, sll under the irainediatf
direction of theSecretary-pfahe Navy, for the In- 1 -
dustry, foresight arid energy with which ovejy*
thing was direefetj and furnished to glyeefficlency
to that bfflncirbf'thejervlco. Thesanrnvigllana
existed in directing,the 'operations of jap-navy ns
of the army. _ conCert-tißtimgbSUnd of
purpose between lfiS%feadi 'of* the two arms ol
the service, by the orders which were from time lu
time issued. Our vessels of war on (be Pacific
and Gulf of Mexico were stationed in jiroper’lime
and in proper positions, to co-opcrato effectually
with the army. By this moans the combined pow
er was brought-to bear successfully on. the enemy.
The great results which have been developed
and brought to light by this war, will be of im
measurable importance in (he further progross of
ouc country. They will tend powerfully to preserve
us from foreign collisions, and to enable us (o pur
kue uninterruptedly our cherished. policy of peace
with "sl( nations, entangling alliances with none.”
Occupying as we do, a more commanding posi
tion among nations than at any former period, our
duties and uur responsibilities to ourselves and pos
terity are correspondingly increased. This will be
the more obvious, when we consider the vast addi
tions which have been recently made to our tom
tonal possessions, and their groat Importance and
value.
Within lon than four jjcar# the annexation or
Texes to the Unionhat been consummated, all
conflicting title to the Oregon territory'south of (he
49th degree of North Latitude, being oil that was
insisted on by any of my predecessors, baa ,been
adjusted, arid' New Mexico and Upper California
have
several territories'; according to a report, carefully
compared by .the Comtnis&tuner of the General
I and Office, from the most authentic information
in hU possession,'and which ta herewith transmit
ted, contains one million ono hundred and ntnely-
Ihreo thousand and sixty-one square miles, or seven
hundred and sixty-three millions four hundred end
fifty-nine thousand and folly acres, while the area
of the remaining twenty Slates and the temtbry nut
yet organized into States east of (he Rocky rMoun
tains, contains fifty -nine thousand five
hundred and thirteen square miles, or thirteen hun
dred end eighteen millions ono hundred and twen
ty-six thousand and, fifty-eight acres. These esti
mates show that the territories recently acquired,
and over which our exclusive jurisdiction and do
minion have extend'd, consiituto a country mote
than half os large w all that which was held hy
the United States before tbeir acquisition. If Oto
gon bo excluded from the cslimole, there will still
remoin within (ho limits of Texas, Now Mexico
arid California, eight hundred and fifty-one thou
sand five hundred and ninety-eight square miles,
or hundred end forty-five millions twelve thou
sand seven hundred (sit'd twenty acres, being an ad
dition equal to mote than one third of all (be ter
ritory owned by tha United Stales before, their ac
quisitioo, and Including Oregon, nearly as great an
extent of territory at the whole of Europe. Russia
only excepted. The Mississippi, so latsly the fron
tier of our country, is now only its centre, with the
addition of (he lata acquisitions. “The United
Steles are now eatimaled to be nearly as large na
the whole of Europe. It ia estimated by the Su
perintendent of Coast Survey, in the accompanying
report, thet the extent Of the ees-coast on tha Gtdf
of Mexico is upwards of four hundred mites l of the
const of Upper Califurnla, on the Pacific, of nine hun
dred and seventy miles, and of Oregon, Including the
straits of Fuca, of eix hundred and fifty milea. mak
ing the whole extent of aca-coast on the Pacific,
one thousand six hundred end twenty ndW, 'ami
the wfiolo extent on both the Pacific end the 6’ulf
of Mexico ia tvvu thousand and twenty miles. The
length of (he coast on the Atlantic, from the north
ern limits of the United States, around (he Cspi's
of Florida to the: Sabine, on the eastern boundary
of Texas, Is estimated to be three thousand one
hundred mites; so that the addition of soa-const,
loci jding Oregon, la very nearly two-thirds aa much
us all wo possessed before; and excluding Oregon,:
it an addition of one thousand tbrco.bundred and;
seventy miles, being nearly equal toono-hslf of Ino
extent of l(io coast which wa possessed bofota these
ecqulstU-ma- Wo have now three great maritime
fronts on the Atlantic, the Gulf of. Mexico and the
Pacific, ranking in the whole an extent of sea-coast
exceeding five thousand miles.. This Is the extent
of the sea-coast of the United Slates, not Including
hays, sounds, and small irregularities of the mein
shore and of the sea Islands. If these be included
the length of tbs shore line of ’coast as estimated by
(he Superintendent of, tbo Coast Survey, in his ro
port, would be thirty-three thousand and sixty-three
miles. ,
It would be difficult these Immense
•nidilions to our territoriarpostfeseloiis. Texas, ly-,
mgcoiniauoua to the weatern boundary, of LouM*
una, embracing, within Its limits, a part of the m- 1
vigable tributary waters of the Mississippi, and
extensive sea const, could not long have remained
•in the hands of « foreign‘ power, without *>dan-’
Hiring Iha peuce qf our 'south-western’ frontier,'
Her,products In tho vicinity of the tributaries of
ha Mississippi roust have aougbt a market through;
these atraame, running Into and through oar terrl*
. n^w-v
idry; end the danger of IrriUti&ri tod collision' of
inlnwt, between Texee, ae « foreign Slate, ■ owl
ourselves, would have been imioinent,‘whiio the em* •
barrassmcnla in the common interests between them
must have been’constant and unavoidable. ' Had
Texas fallen into tho hands, or under the Influence
and control of a strong maritime or military for
eign power,’as she might have done, these dodgers
would have:been still, greater, 'They hove been
avoided by her voluntary and peaceful annexation
to Ihef United Stales. ■ -Texas, from her position,’
.was a natural and almost indispensable part of. our
territories. Fortunately,'sho has been restored to
our country, and now. constitutes one of tho States
of - our confederacy, upon an equal fooling, with
the’ original States, The salubrity of climate—the
fertility of soil, peculiarly, adapted to the produc
tion of some of our moat valuahle atoplo commodi
ties, and her commercial advantages, must soon
make her ono of our most populous States.’
Now Mexico, though situated in the interior,
and without a sea coast, is known to contain much
fertile Jam) and abounds in rich,mines of the pre-
cious metal, and to be capable of sustaining a large
population- From its position ibis (he intermedi
ate, and connecting territory between our soldo-
rpenls add our possessions (n Texas and (hose bn
the Pacific coast.
Upper California, irrespective of the vast miner
al wealth recently developed there, holds at this
day, in point of value and Importance, to the rest
of the Union, the same relation that Louisiana did
when that fine territory was acquired from Prance,
forty-five years ago. Ex tending.nearly ten degrees,
of latitude along the Pacific, and omhracjng tho
only safe and commodious harbors on'lbat coast for
many hundred miles r wiih a lempcrate climateand
extensive’interior of fertile land* It Isecarcoly pos
sible to estimate Its wealth until it shall be brought
under the government nf our laws, and its resources,
fully developed. From its position it must command
the rich commerce of China, of Asia,of tho islands of
the Pacific. of. Western Mexico, nf Central America,
the youth American States, and of the Bussian pos
sessions bordering on that ocean.' A great emporium
will, doubtless, speedily arise bn the California coast,
which may he : deatined to rival, in importance,
New Orleans itself. The depot of the vast com
merce which must exist on the. Pacific will proba
bly be at some point-on the-bay of>B»n Francisco,
and will occupy the same -.relation tithe-whole
Western coast of that Ocean as New Orleans does
to the valley of .the Mississippi and, the Gulf i.
Mexico. To thisdepot our nuraeroue whale ships
will resort with (heir cargoes to trade;.refit end nil
lain .supplies. This or itself will largely contribute
to build op a city, which would soon become the
centre of s great and rapidly increasing commerce.
Situated on a .safe harbor, sufficiently capacious for
all the navies,ns well as the.marine of the world,
and convenient to excellent timber for ship building,
owned by the United Slates, it must become'our
great Western naval depot.' ' -
, It was known - that .mines', of the . precious
metals existed to.k considerable extent in Califor
nia at the time of its acquisition. Recent discove-
I riea render it'probable that these mines ere more ex
tensive and valuable than'was anticipated.; The
I accounts of the abundance'of gold in that territory,
are of such an extraordinary character as.would
scarcely command belief, were they not corroborated
by the authentic reports of- officers in the public
service, who have visited the mineral districts and
derived the facte which they detail from personal
observation, • Reluctant to credit the report* in
general circulation, os lo the quantities of gold, the
officer commanding our forces In California visited
the mineral district in. July last, for the purpose of
obtaining accurate information on the subject, and
hi* report to the war department of the result of bis
examination, and the facta obtained on. the spot. U
herewith laid before Congress. ' When ho'visited
the country there wore about four thousand persons
engaged in collecting gold. There is every reason
to believe that the number of persons’So employed
has since been augmented. The explorations al
ready made warrant lbe belief that the supply is
v®ry large, and that gold is found.at various places
in an extensive district of country. t . .
Information received from officers of the navy,
and other sources, though not so full minu'c,
confirm tbo accounts of (bo commander of olir
military fonjo in California. It appears, also, from
these reports, that mines of quicksilver arc found
m the vicinity of the gold region. One of them
is. now being worked, and it believed to be among
the most productive In the world. ..
The effects produced by. the discovery of these
■ rich mineral deposits, and (ho success which has
attended the labors of thoee who have resorted to
<hem, have produced a surprising change in (ho
*tate of affairs in California. Labor commands a
most oxoibitant price, nnd all other pursuits hut
that of searching for the precious metals,are aban
doned. Nearly (ho whole of the mate population
of the country have gone to the gold district.
Ships arriving on the coast are deserted, by their
crewed and their voyages.suspended for want of
sailors. Our commanding officer there entertains
apprehensions (hat aoldiera cannot be kept in the
public service without o large increase, of pay.
Desertions in his commaud have become frequent,
and he recommends that those who shall with
stand the strong temptation, and remain faithful,
should be rewarded.
This abundance of gold, and the all engrossing
pursuit of U have already caused in California an
unprecedented rise in the price of the necessaries
of life.
That we may (he more speedily and fully avail
ourselves of the undeveloped wealth of these mince,
it ta deemed of vast imjtorlance that o branch of
th,o mint of the United males be authorized to he
established at your present se>-eion, in California.
Among other signal advantages which would re
sult from such an would be (hat of
raising the gold to its par value in that territory.
A branch iniot.of the United States at the great
commercial depot, of the west coast, would convert
into our own coin not only (he gold derived from
oqr own rich.mines, but also the bullion and specie
which our commerce may bring from the whole
west coast of central and fctauth America.
The west coast of America, and the adjacent in
terior, embrace the richest and the best mines of
Mexico, New Grenada, Central America, Chili,
and Peru. The bullion and specie drawn from these
countries, and those especially from western Mexico
and Pern, to on amount in value of many millionaof
dollars, are now annually diverted and carried by
the ships*of Great Britain, to her own ports, to be
re-coined or used to suttain her National Bank, and
thus contribute to increase her ability to command
ao much of the commerce of the world. If a branch
mint be established at the great commercial point
upon that const, o vast amount of bullion and spe
cie would flow thither, to be received and pass
thence to Now Orleans, New York, and other At
lantic cities. The amount of. our constitutional
currency would bo greatly increased, whilst jta cir
culation .abroad, would be promoted. It is well
known to our merchants trading to China ond the
west const of. America, that great inconvenience
and loss are experienced from tbo fact that our
coins are not current at their par value in those
countries. ,
The powers of Europe, far removed from the
west coast of America by the Atlantic ocean which
Intervenes, arid by a tedious and dangerous navi
gation around the southern cape of (he continent of
America, can never successfully compete with the
United Stales, In the rich and extensive commerce'
which Is opened to Us at eo much leas cost by (he
acquisition of California.
The vast importance and commercial advantages
of California, liavo heretofore remained undevelop
ed by tlio government of the country of which it
constituted a part. Now that this fine province is
a part of our country, afi the elates of the Union,
some mote immediately and directly than others,
are , deeply interested in the speedy development of
Its wealth and resource’s,' No section of our coun
try is more interested, or lyill bo mofe benefited.
| than the comimrcial, navigating and manufacturing
interests of the‘Eastern fitstca. Our planting and
farming interests in every part of the Union will
be greatly benefitted by It. At our commerce and
navigation are enlarged and extended/ our ex
ports of agricultural products and of nianufaclurca
Will bo incrcaaed; and In the now markets thus
opened they cannoi fail to command renumerating
and profitable prices.
The squisition of California and Now Mexico,
the settlement of the Oregon boundary, ond thn
annexation of Texas extending to the Rio Grande,
are results which, combined, are of greater conse
quence, and will add more to the strenath and
wealth of the nation (ban any which have preceded
them since the adoption of (he constitution.
But to effect theta great..rwuil«,.not only Call-,
ferula, but New Mexico mud be brought under the
control of regularly organised governments. The
existing condition of California and of that part of
New Mexico lying west of the Rio Oraride, and
without the limits of Texas, imperiously demand
that Congress should at its session organize territo
rial governments pver them.
Upon (be exchange of ratifications of (ha (maty
of peace wlih Mexico, on the 80(h of May last,
the temporary governments which bid been estab
lished pver New Mexico, had ceased lo exist — 1
Impressed .with the necessity of establishing ter
ritoriat government! over them, [recommended the'
subject lq the favorable consideration ol Congrats,,
in my message communicating (ha ratified treaty
of peace la July lint, and Invoked their action at'
that aeeelon... Oongroaa adjourned.without making
any provision for.their government. Tbo, Iqbtbl-i
tents by the transfer of their country had becthne
lihlitled’to tjte bonefiu of &ur laws'and Constifu
:ti(»ri, ari<l yct. wcroicfl without ary regularly orjja-:
/n|zod government. i SinCc'-that lirtib'lho vt-fyiimi*
todL;povvcr possessed bjfilio exrdutivb ;lias been
eidrcW«Mo; j)reBervb «i»Q. jiToij}cv ( \hftm from-the
inevitable B.BtntO'of anarchy;—
The only' government which rem-ined vvas that',
established by the military .authority during Ihb war.
Regarding, this to be a tfe fatln government, and i
tbnt by the presumed enhinnt nf the inhabitants, it
• niiahl bo continued temporarily, they -were advised
to conform and submit to (t for the abort intervening
period before. Congress would again assemble, and
could degWlatf on the«tbjec«. The view* enter*
tained by the executive on tbia point are contained
in a. cbfnmuhicatioh of the Secretary of State,
.dated ‘ the 7tb' October, last, 'which won' forwarded
for, publication Jo California and. Now Mexico, a
copy ofvwhich ia herewith transmitted.
; The small military force of the regular .army,
which wos serving within the limits of .the acquired
territories, nt the close of the war, was retained In.
them.and additional forces hove, been ordered, there'
for. tho protection of tho inhabitants, and to pre*
e Crvo and secure tho rights and interests of the
United States. - .....
No revenue Ims been or could be collected at .the
ports lri' Catifprnin,.bccaußC Congress fulled to
autborizo.lhe csUblishment of'custom houses, and
the appointment of officers lor that purpose.. ■
The Secretary of the Treasury, by a circular let*
ler addressed to-eolleclors of the customs, on-the
seventh day of,October laat, .a copy ofyvhhdr Is
herowiih'transmUtcd,' exercised all tho powers w|th
- which bo was invested by low. ',V‘,
In puraqanco of (ho act of 11i0,141h of August
last, extending tho. benefit of our-post office laws,
to the people of California, the post Master Gen*.
erst has appointed two agents, who have proceeded*.
the one to California, and, the other .to Oregon,
•with authority to raako the necessary arrangements,
for carrying its provisions-into effect.
Tho monthly lino of mail steamers from Pans*,
ma to Astoria has been required .io stop, and do*,
liver and take, mails at 8»n Diego, Monterey end.
Ban Francisco. .These mail sjeamers, connected by.
the Isthmus of -Panama-with-the, line, of mail
steamers of (ho Atlantic^ between New York and.
establish.d regular, communication
with California* .• . ' ‘
If is oMr-tmlcmn duly to provide .with tho least
practical dchjy Tor Mexico and California,
regularly, organized territorial 1 aovcrnroenls. ,The
causes of the failure to do.thisat the last session of
Congress'* are well knowh and deeply to be regret
ted. With tbe opening prospects df increased pros-.
perhy nnd- national greatnesa, which the acquisition,
of these rich and extensive territorial possessions
eflb'ds evidence, bow irrational it would be to forego
or to reject there advantages by the agitation of a
domestic question, which is coeval with the exis
tence of our government itself, and to . endanger
by internal strifes, geographical divisions and heated
contest foi political power, or for any other cause,
I the harmony of the glorious Union of our ccmfed-
I crated Stales, that Union which binds ua together
1 as one people, and which for sixty years has been.
I our shield and protection nguin*t every danger.-. In
lh© eyes of' the.world and of posterity how trivial
and insignificant will be all our.internal divisions
£hd struggles, compared with the preservation oft his
Union.of the Slates in all its vigor, and with all its
counties*Jitcssings, no patriot would foment and
excite geographical and sccltimal divisions. No
lover ,of his country would deliberately calculate
(he value of the Union.- Future generations would
look In apinzemenl upon the folly, of sucti n course;
other nations would look upon it with astonish
ment, and such of them os desired to maintain and
perpetuate thrones, .and monarchical and . arinlo
ctaiical principles, will do it with exultation, be
cause in it tllcy will sco the elements of .faction
Which they hope inunt ultimately overthrow, our.
system- - Ours is the great example of a prosperous
I a nd free self governed .'community, commanding
I the admiration and (he imitation of all tho lovers of
freedom throughout world. 1 Now solemn is the :
duty, therefore, how-impressive (he call upon us and :
upon ail parts of dtft country lo cultivate a pofri
otic spirit of liarraony, of good fvllowsliip, of com
promise and mutual concusrion/ln (ho administra
tion of thc'lncoihparable system government, formed
by our fathers in the midst insuperable
difficulties, and transmitted to aa with this, injunc
tion, that we should enjoy its blessings, and hand
it down unimpaired to those who como after us. .
In view of the high and responsible duty which wo
owe to ourselves, and to mankind,.l trust you may
bo able nt your present session lo approach the ad
justment of the only domestic,'question, which se
riously threatens or probably evercan threaten to
disturb tbo harmony and surceasful operation, of
our system. ; ' i *: -
The immensely vriqabjo,. possessions of New
, Mexico and California are already lnhabitcd ly o
considerable population.' Attracted' by.their great
fertility, their mineral wealth, their, commercial
advantages and (ho salubrity of tha climate, emi
grants from the older states m great numbers arc
already preparing to seek new homes.hi ther*e in
viting regions. ’ ...
• Shall the dissimilarity of the domestic institu
tions in the several stales prevent us from providing |
for them suitable governments! These institutions
existed at tbo adoption of the constitution, but tbo
obstacles which they inlcrpoae wero overcome by j
that spirit of compromise, which is now invoked, i
In a conflict of opinions or of interests, real or
imaginary, hctwc«n‘dUl«Jteut # sections of our coun
try, neither can justly demand all which it might
desire to obtain Each* in the due' spirit'of our
institutions should concede something to the other
Our gallant forces in the Mexican war, by whose
patriotism and unparalleled deeds of aims, we ob
tained these possessions!as an indemnity for our
just demands against Mexico, were.com(*oscd of
citizens who belonged In no one Slate or section of
our Union. They were men frora slaveholding
and non-alaveholding States, from the north and
sriuth, from (be east and. west. _ Tjiey. were, all
companions In arms and follow-citizens of the Same
common country* engaged ,In the same common
cau»e. When prosecuting that <war Ihey -were
brethren and friends, and shared alike with each
other common toils, dangers and sufferings, now
when their work is ended, when peace is restored,
and they return again to then homes, put off the
habiliments of war, take their places in society and
resume then pursuits in civil life, surely a spirit of
harmony and concession and of equal , regard for
the rights of all and of all sections of (ho Union .
ought to prevail, in providing governments for the
acquired territories, the fruits of. their common ser
vice. The whole people of the United States,and
of every Slate, contributed to defray (ho expenses
of that war, and it would not he Just for any one
section in exclude another from all participation in
tho acquired territory. This would riot be In con
sonance with the just system of government which
the framers of tho Constitution adopted.
The question |s believed to lie rather abstract
than practical, whether slavery ever can or would
exist in any , portion of . tbe acquired territory,
oven if it wore left to (he option of the slavehold
ing slates themselves. From (ho nalureof tho cli
mate and productions in much tbe lorgor'porlion
of it, it is certain it enutd never exist, and in tbo:
remainder tho probabilities aro it would not. Uut
however this may be, the question, involving, as it
does, a principle of equality of rights of the sepa
rate and several slates, as equal copartners in ths
confederacy, should not be disregarded. 1
In organising governments over lb ss territories no .
duty Imposed on Congress by the' Constitution, re
quires that they should legislate on the subject of
slavery, while their power to do to is not only serious
ly questioned, but denied by ninny of the soundest ex
pounders of that instrument. Whether Congress shall
legislate or not, the people of (he acquired territories
I assembled in Convention to frame State Constitutions*
I will prasesi the sole and exclusive power to determine
for themselves, whether slavery shall or shall not exist
within their limits. If Congre*" shall abstain from
interfering with the question, the people of these terri
tories will he left free to adjust it, as they may think
proper, when they apply for admission as Slates into
the Union. No unectment of Congress could restrain
the people ol any of the sovereign Slates of the Union,
old or now, north or south, jlavcholding or non slsve
holding, troro determining the character of their own
domestic institutions, as they may deem wise and
proper. Any and all the Slater possess this right and
Congress cannot deprive them of It. The people of
Georgia might, if they olios*, so alter their Constitu
tion as to abolish staverV within its limitsj ana the
people of Vermont might so alter their Constitution as
to admil'sUvery within its limits. Both Stales would
possess me right, though as all know, it is not probable
: that either would exercise If.
It is fortunate for (ho peaco and harmony of tho
Union that this question jv Its he nutuio temporary,
and enu only continue fqnho brief-period which
will intervene taforo California and Now Mexico;
may bt> admitted as Staled into the Un(oo. From '
the lido of population no* flowing into them, It Is
highly probable that this will soon occur.
Considering the several Slate! and tho citizens
of the several Hiatus are equals, and enUt|«a to equal
rights under the Constitution, if this were an origi
nal question, it rpiglit well be Insisted on (hat the
principle of non-interference is (ho true doctrine,
and that Congress could out, in (ho absence of any l
express grant of puwer.ipjorfrro with (heir relative'
rights Upon a groat emergency, however, and
under menacing dangers ip (ho Union, (he Missouri
Compromise line, in rospbet to slavery, was adopts
od. The same line woe (xtended further west lm
the acquisition of Texas.), After at\ acquiescence
of, nearly thirty years in the principle of comproi
mise, recognised and established hy these acts, and
to avoid like danger to i))s Union which might foN
,Jpvj» if It were' now disregarded. (have heretofore
expressed the opinion tbM that fine of oompromlie
4oo!8 bo exiehded-on thoparalleiof tbiMyfttx d6*
gfeea thirty, minutee from the Western boundary of
v»hertf,‘U!'ndw* terminate*,'to.itbo. Pacific -
Ocean.' This is the .middle ground of compromise
.jjhon which tho different sections of tho Union may.
n [eet as they have heretofore met. 4f this be done
id is confidently believed a Igrgc majority of tho pc<>
■ plo of everymcction of the country, however widely
their obstruct' opinions on tho subject »f slavery may
1 differ*, would cheerfully and patriotically acquiesce
id it> and peace and harmony would agnin fill our.
borders. •' ’ < • - ~ ,
? Tho restriction north of the line wgs only yielded
id in the case of Missouri and Texas, upon a prln* |
clple of compromiso. madd necessary for the sake
of preserving tho harmony, and, possibly, the exls*'
Unco of thu Union. • ■ • ■ ■’ 1 -
;It w gs upon these consideration* that, at the
close.of your lasi session, I. gavo iny sanction to
.the principle of the Missouri Compromise line; by'
opproving and signing the bill to establish the ter*-
ritorial government of Oregon.' From a sincere
desire to preserve (he. harmony of the Union, ami
in deference for the acts of my I fell
constrained to yield my acquiescence to the extent:
-to which they had gone in compromising this deli*
cote and’ dangerous question. But if -Congress
-shell now reverse the decisiqn.'by whichtbo. Mis
souri-Compromise was e/Tecled, and shall propose'
,to extend the rcstrictirniover. the whole territory
south, as wcll.as noilhtof.thfe parallel of ihirlyrsix
degrees and thirty minutes, It .will erase to be a
compromise, and must be regarded ua an original
- question. ,
If Congress, instead of ohserving.lho course of
non-interference, leaving , the adopt on of ihcii do*
meslic;.institutions .to the people who may inhabit
.ihc&e territories, or if instead of extending (ho
Missouri compromise line to the Pacific, shall refuse
lo submit the legs! and constitutional questions
which may urine Ip the dreision of tho judicial hi*
bunais, as was proposed i» u bill which passed the'
Senate at your laal session, an adjustment maybe
effected in (his mode. > If the whole subject l»o re
ferred to the judiciary, nil parts of tho Union should
cheerfully acquiesce in'the final decision of tho
- tribunal, created by, the constitution for tUn. settle
ment of all questions which- may arise under tho
constitution, .treaties and.laws of .the United Slates.
Congress-id earnestly invoked fur the sake of
the Union, its harmony; and, ouf continued pros*
'pertly as n nation, to' adjust at its .present sesaion;
tbis, the only dangerous question.wljicbfics In our
path. If not in aome'dbc of tho raodes.suggeatod,
in some other which may be satisfactory*
In anticipation of the establishment of regular
governments over the'acquired territories, d Joint,
cp.mmission of officers of tbo army and navy has'
been'ordered to proceed to tho coost of, California
and Oregon, fur the purpose of making a recon*
noissance.and a report as to the proper sights for
the-erection'of fortifications, or other, defensive
works on land, and of'suitable situations for naval
stations. Tho information expected from a.sricn
tific and skilful examination of the whole face of
the coflat, will bo-eminently useful to Congress
when they come to consider the propriety of mak
ing appropriations for theso great national objects.
Proper defences oh (and will b«i necessary for the
security and pro'cclion of our possession's. and the
establishment ol navy yards end docks for the re*,
pair and construction of vessels, will be important
alike to our navy and commercial murine. With*
out awrh establishments every vessel whother-uf
the novy or of the.merchant service, requiring re* ,
pair, .must at great,expense come around Cope-
Horn to one.of our Atlantic yards for that purpose.
With such establishments vessels jt is (relieved may.
be built or repaired as cheaply, in Californians upon'
the Atlantic coast. They would give employment
to many of qur enterprising shipbuilders and mo
chanics, and greatly facilitate and enlarge our com*
laorce in the. Pacific. , .. . . - '
.An it is ascertaiued.lhnt mires of gold, silver, cop*
pet and quicksilver exist In New Mexico and Califor
nia,and that nearly all the lands when* they are found
belong to the United Slates, it in deemed important l»
the.public lutervst, that provision be made for a geo
logical and imneralogioal examination ofiheso regions
Measures -should be adopted to pieservo the mineral
lands, especially, such as contain the precious metals,
for tlio use of the United Slates, or if brought Into
inaiket, to separate them from die farming lauds, and
dispose of them in such manner as io secure a large
return,of money to the Treasury, and at the same time
lead (o l)ie development ot their-wealth by individual
proprietors and purehusora. To do this, it will be
necessary to provide for an immediate survey and lo
cation of the lots, if Congress should deem it proper
to dispose of (he mineral lands] they should be sold in ‘
small quantities at a fixed minimum price. I recoin- ,
mend (bat a Surveyor General's office be authorized |
to be established in New Mexico and California! and
provision made for.surveying and bringing the publio 1
lands into market at ihe. earliest practicable peri&l. |
In disposing of theso lands I ircommend (list (he rixht. j
of peremption be secured, and liberal grants made to I
the early.emigrants win. have settled or may
upon them. .
It will be iraportanl io extend our revenue taws
user these territories, am) especially over California
at an early period. There isttlieady a considerable
commerce with Californio, and until ports of entry
shall bo established end collectors appointed, no
revenue can.,be received. > 1 -
Il lhfsd end other necessary end proper meas
ures be adopted for the development of the wealth
and resources of Now Mexico and California, and
regular territorial governments bo established, such
will probably be tho rapid enlargement of our com*
merco and navigation, and such tha addition to tlio
national wealth, that (ho present generation may
live to w liners thn controlling of the monetary power
of the world, transferred from London, and other
I'uroirt’un emporiums, to I be city of New York.
Tliu apprehensions which were entertained.by
eomo of our statesmen in the earlier periods of (he
government, that our system was incapable'of Qu
isling with sufficient energy end success over large
ly extended territorial, limits, and that if this were
attempted it would , fall to pieces by its own weak
ness, have been .disappointed by oar experience.—
By l the. division of power between the Stoles and
Federal'government, the luttt-r is found to operate
with as much.energy in (fie extremes as in the cen
tre. It is as efficient.in the remotest of the thirty
States which now compose tho Union, as it was in
the thirteen,platen which formed our Constitution.
Indeed, it may well be doubted.whclher, if our pre
sent population bad been ccnfined within the limits
of the original thirteen States,.the tendencies to
centralization*and consolidation; would, not have
been such os to have encroached, upon the essentia!
reserved rights of the Stales, and thus to have
made tho Federal government a widely, different
one, practically, from what it is in theory, and was
Intended (o be by its framers. So far from enter-'
laining apprehensions of the safety of our system
by tho extension of territory, the belief Is confident*'
|y entertained that each new Btalo gives strength
ami additional guarantee for tho preservation of the
UoioA-iUelf.
.* la pursuance of tho provisions of the fifteenth
article of the treaty of peace, friendship, limits and,
I settlement with, the Republic of Mexico, and of
I the act of July (he twenty-ninth, one thousand
| eight hundred and forty-eight, claims of our cill
' sens which had been already liquidated and decided
against the Mexican Republic, amounting, with the
Interest (hcieof, to two millions twcnly-threo
thousand eight hundred and ihirty-two dollars and
fifty-oho cents, have been liquidated and paid.— :
There remains to be paid of these claims seventy* ■
four thousand one hundred and ninety-two dollars 1
and twenty-six cents.
Congress, at iu last session, having made no
provision for executing (he fifteenth article of the
, treaty, by which the United Stales assume to make
' satisfaction for the unliquidated claims of our cill-’
?ena against Mexico, to “an amount not exceed- |
ing three and one quarter millions dollars," tl.e sub
ject is again recommended to your favorable con-
I sideratlon.
The exchange of ratifications of the treaty with
Mexico, took place on the 18th of May, 1818
Within one year after that lime tho co nmlssiuner
and surveyor, which each government stipulates to.
appoint, ere required lo meet }• at the port of Ban
Diego, and proceed to run and mark the said boun
dary in its whole course to (he mouth of the Rio
Bravo Del Norte." It will be seen from (his provi
sion that the period within which a commissioner
and surveyor of tho respective governments are to
meet el San Diego, wli explio on the 30th of May
1840. Congress at the close of its last session,
made an appropriation for “ the expenses of run
ning and marking the boundary line" between the
two country's, but did not fix too amount of salary
which should be paid to the commissioner and sur*
veyor to be appointed on the pert of ,the United
States. It is desirable that (be amount of compart
satioh which they shall receive should be prescribed
hy law and not loft as at-present lo Executive dis
cretion. ' ’ \
" Meneuteawere adopted 1 *! thde*rite*t practicable
period to organize the “Territorial Government of
Oregon,” n* authorized hy (he act of the fourteenth
of Auguai teat. The Governor and Marehell of
the territory, accompanied by a email military «*•.
corl, left the'frontier of 1 Missouri, in September
lea», and look the eouthem route by the way op
Santa Po and (be river'Gila to California, with
tho intention of proceeding thence In-one of our
veiaela-ofrwer to their ileitination. Tho Governor
wee fully advised of the great importance of hie
early arrival in the country, and it la confidently!
believed bo may reach Oregon Jn the latter part of
the prevent month or early in tho next. The other'
officers for, the territory have proceeded hy aea.
‘ In the month of May last I communicated infer*,
matlon to Coogreaa, that an Indian war had broken
out In Oregon, and recommended that authority bo
given loralee an adequate nutaber'orvoluuteeri,
io proceed,iwUhoui delay, to' the *»»ittanee of our
feilowicltfcen* In that lerrflory.9, be authority to
raise such a force not facing been granted by (Jon
gross, as soon as their services could bo dispensed
nhh.in Mexico, orders were .issued to the regiment
•of.mounted riflemen to proceed to Jefferson Bar
racks, In Missouri, and to prepare to march to Ore
gon os soon, as the .necessity provision. could bo
made. Bhortly .befofeit was ready to march it wos
arrQßfetl by the provision of ,tho, act passed Jjy.Con
gress, tm the Just day of the session, which direct
cd oil the iion-commlssioned,officers, musicians and
1 privates of that reglment, who haihbeenjn service
lo be discharged, Thoeffectof this provision was
.to disband, the rank and file of the regiment, and
before their places could he. filled % by recruits, the
season had so far advanced that, it was impractica-
ble for it to proceed .until the opening of the next
sjinngv.. V .•> . ... .
In the month of October las|, the accompanying
-communication was received from the governor,
,of the temporary,government of Oregon, giving
rinforinatioii of the continuance of the Indian dis-
and. of the destitution and defenceless
condiUon of, the Inhabitants.. Orders were immo.
dialoly transmitted to the commander of our squad
ron in the- Pacific to despatch to their assistance
u part of the naval forces oil that station, to furnish
them, with ( arms-and ammunition, and to con
tinue to give them such aid and protection as the
navy could afford, until the army could roach (he
country.... ..
It ta thb policy of humanity, and one which has
always Itcen-pursued by the United Slates, to cul
tivate Ihe goud will of the aboriginal tribes of this
continent, and to restrain them from making war,
and indulging in excesses, by mild means, rather
than by force. That this could have been done
with (ho Iribcs'in Oregon, had. that territory been
brought under (ho government of our laws at an
period.: and had suitable measures been
adopted by Congress, such as now exist in our in
tercourse with the other Indian tribes within our
limits, cannot be doubted. . Indeed, the immediate
and only cause of the existing hostility of the In*
dians of Oregon is represented to have been the
long delay of the United Stabs, in making to them |
some trifling compensation, in such articles as they j
wanted, for (he country now occupied by our emi- I
grants, which the Indiana, claim, end over which
they formerly roamed..... This compensation had
been , promised . In them by the temporary govern
ment established in Oregon, but its fulfillment had
been postponed from lime to lime for nearly two
years, whilst those whu.made It.had.boen anxious
ly waiting for Congress to establish a Territorial
Government over the country. The Indiana be
came at length mistrustful of their good faith, end
sought redress by plunder end massacre, which
finally; led to the present difficulties.' A .few thou
sand dollars, in suitable presents, os « compensation
for the country which had tieen taken.possession of
by our citizens, would have satisfied the Indian#,
and have prevented the war. A small amount,
properly expended, it is confidently believed, would
soon restore quiet. In this Indian war, our fel
low-citizens of Oregon have been compelled to
lake (he field in their own defence—have performed
valuable, military services, mid been subjected to
expenses which have fallen heavily upon them.
Justice demands, that proviston'should bo made by
Congrcsß, tq compensate them for their aetvices,
and. to.refund to Hem the necessary expenses
which they have incurred... ,
I repeal (he reeorarqcndation made to Congress,
that provision bo made for the appointment of a
, suitable number of Indian aaenis to reside among
the tribes of Oregon, and. that a small aunt bo ap
propriated to enable these agents to cultivate.friend*
ly relations with them. If this be. done, the pres-,
ence of a small military force will be all that is ne
cessary in keep them in.check and preserve peace.
1 recommend th't similar provision be made > V * B
regards tho tribes inhabiting northern Texas. New
Mexico, California, and the extensive region' lying
between our settlements in MlwotlVi.and these pbs
sessions, as the moat .effectual mean* of preserving
peace upon our borders,and within (ho recently ac
quired territories.
The &cictary of the Treasury will present in
hie annual report, a highly satisfactory statement
of the condition of the finances.
The imports fur tho fiscal'year, ending bn the
30th of Juno .last, wore of.i(ic yajjic.bf qne hun
dred and fifty-four million nine hundred and sev
enty-seven lliourand eight hundred and seventy-six
dollars, of which (ho amount exported waa521,128.-
010, leaving $1113,849,606, in the country for do
me«ilc*u-HC.
, 'The value of the exports fur the tamo period, ia
one hundred and fifty-four million thirty-two thou
sand one hunUretTand thirty.ono dollars, consist
ing of amounting to ono hun
dred and tblrmWo million nine hundred and four
ittnUsinvl one Imndtvd oml tw«nty-one>doU«v*aa4
twenty-ono million ono hundred and iwenly-oight
thouaami eight hundred and ten dollars of foreign.
The receipts into the Treasury for (lie same pe
riod, exclusive of .loans, amounted to $35,435,766
69. of which there was derived from customs s3l.*
757,096*,Trent sales of public laud $3,328,042 56;
from miscellaneous and incidental sources $351,-
037 07.
It will be perceived that the revenue from cus
toms for.lho Us; fiscal year, exceeded $760,070 90
tho.estlmate of the Secretary of the Treasury in hit
last annual report, end that the aggregate receipts
i during ibe iamb period from customs, claims and
! miscellaneous sources, also exceeded (hoestimate by
j (he sum of $536,750 59, indicating however, a
very near approach in the estimate to the actual re
suit.
The expenditures of iho Ilscol year ending 30i
Juno lasi, including these for the war and exclusive
of payments of principal and interest for the public
debt, were g 42.811.970 03.
Il is estimated that the receipts Into the treasury
for the fiscal year ending on the 80th of June, 1849,
including the balance tn the treasury on the let of
July lasi, will amount to the sum pf $67,048,969
90 of which $38,000,000, U is estimated, will be
derived from customs, $3,000,000 from the sales of
the public lands, $1,800,000 from miscellaneous
and incidental sources, including the premium upon
the loan; and the amount paid and to bo paid into
(he treasury on account of military contributions in
Mexico, and thesalesof arms,and vessels and othor
public property rendered unnecessary for the use of
the government, by the termination of the war,
$80,095,435 SO from loans, already negotiated, in*
eluding treasury notes funded, which together with
the balance in the treasury on the let of July last,
made the sum estimated.
The expenditure* for the same period, including
ihe necessary payment on account of the principal
end interest of the public debt, and the principal
and interval of the first instalment due to Mexico,
on (he thirtieth of May next, and other oxpendi*
tores growing out of the war, to be paid during the
present year, will amount, including the re-imburse*
menta of treasury notes, to the sum of $64,105,*
276 00, leaving an estimated balance in the Irensu*
ty, oh the Ist of July, 1849, of $8,853,094 84.
The Secretary of the. Treasury will present, as
required by law, (lie estimate of the receipts end
ox(«nditurra for the next fiscal year. The expen*
dilutee, as estimated for that year, are tbirly-thrco
millions two hundred'and thirteen thousand one
hundred and fifly-two dollars and seventy three
cents,’ including tbiee millions seven hundred and
ninelymine thousand one hundred and two dollars
and eighteen cents for the interest en the public
debt, and three millions five hundred and forty
thousand dollars for the principal and Interest due
to Mexico on. the 80th of May, 1651; leaving the
sum of iwenty.flve millions eight hundred and ee*
ventyrfuur thousand and fifty dollars and lblny*fiva
cents, which it is believed will be ample for the or*
dinary pence expenditures.
The operations of the Tariff act of 1846 have
been such, during the past year, as fully (o meet
(be public expectation, and to confirm the opinion
heretofore expressed of the wisdom of the change
In our revenue system, which was effected by ue.
The receipts under it received into the Treasury
I for the first fiscal year after its enactment exceeded,
by the sum of $5,044,403 00, the amount collect*
ed during the last fiscal year under the Tariff act
of 1848. ending the 30th of June, 1846, the total
revenue realised from the commencement of its ope*
on'the Ul of December, 1840, until the
close of the last quarter, on (be 80»b of September
last, being twenty-two month", wee $56,064,663 79,
being a much larger sum than was ever before re
ceived from duties during any equal period under
the Tori if acta of 1884- , aB- , 38 and ; 48. Whilst
by the repeal of highly protective and prohibitory
duties the revenue has b«-en increased, the (axis on
our people have beer; diminished. They have been
relieved from the heavy amounts with which they
were burdened under former laws In the.farm of
increased prices, or bounties paid to favored cissies’
and pursuits.
Tbs predictions which were made that (he tarilf act!
of 1646 would reduce (he amount of rsvenus below
that collected under the art of '842, and would pros*
irate (ho business, and destroy lbs prosperity of (be
country, lave not been verified, with'an 'increased
and increasing revenue, the Bnaiivsa are in a highly
(ImitSsbing condition. Agriculture, Commerce and
Navigation are prosperous, (be prise of manufactured
labrics and of other products are much leas injuriously
affected, than was to have been anticipated from the
unprecedented revolutions, which during Ibb last and
the present year, overwhelmed the industry and para
lysed (be credit and commerce of so many great and
enlightened nations of Europe., - ,
Severe commercial revolution* abroad bevp al*
ways, heretofore, operated to denrota and often b>
affect disastrously almost every branch of Ameri
can industry. The, temporary depression, oft our
ro£nu^^^sil“ , “fM 1 ’ i 5 t * l6 of'foreign' -
ji'fir IcSB BOvert) ! haii has prevailed on '
ailSpfe’ .. ' [ .
'lviab«llcyd<l fllai looking' In the great aggregate''.,
of all pur inl«f«l". tire ivholo country was,nover, 1
«l prawnt And nevermore ,
mVilufv arfvenejng in Wfallli ami population. KHttafi ,
the foreign veer - in which wo hade lieeh invrilved, " ;
north'd loohsiwbich have absorbed so largo a'totf'
lion "of dilf crtpiiai, nnr lho_ commercial revolution ,
in Great Driliah. in eighteen hundred and forty
seven nor the' ‘perilous condiiion of credit and' '
commerce throughout Europe, in eighteen hundred •
ohd fortyieigbli have itfected injuriously, to; any
ennsiilcrahlo client, hhy of lid great inteteslo of
the country, Oir arrested,our onward march to greal- j
nV«* wsahhand power. ,
Had the disturbances in Europe not occurred, '
onf commerce, woul.l, undouldedly, have been still '•
more eltehded. Bail would have adyinetd 1 atili 1 '
mord the ndlioual wcalth'ond public prosperity.—, ,
True, notwithstanding these dwiurlianaw, the opor-.
aliens of the revenue aye.cmfeatohlishcd by tlie
fariff «l of eighleeh; hundred and farty-air, have
been ao generally benrflci.l to the government, and
thd huaineaa of the country, that no change in rla .
proviaiona ia demanded by a wise public policy, ,
and none ia.recommended.
Tho bnerationa of the conalllutional trenaury ea
tab«fbed P hy the adl of the Olh of August, 1840,';
in tbe receipt, custody dud diaburaement of the
“ . manev have continued to be sncccasful.—
IJhJcr this system, tho public ftnances have bean .
carried thraughonl a foreign war involving Iho ne
ccStyof loans and tore,,, ml ..
rednWt.g distant transfer, and diaburaement. with
oni embo,ra«mcnt; and no lnas ha. ntcurred of any
of tho public money deposited under .la prev,.,;m,;
whilst it baa proved to be safe and useful to the
government, its eilccl. bo.n been moat benefic.a ,
Soon tho business of the country. It baa tended
powerfully 1° secure' an exemption from that in-
Eon and fluctuation uf : ibo paper currency, «>
iniurinus to domestic indu.lry, and rendermg ao ,
uncertain iho reward, of labor, ami it l* behoved.
baa largely contributed to preserve the whole conn- •
I,v from a serious commercisl revulsion such o.
open occurred under the bank drposlto ayatcnV. In '
(tie yetr lB47.ihero was a revulsion in Iho bust-,
ne« of Great Britain, of great extent and tntonsi- ,
iv which was followed by failures in ibiil kingdom .
unprecedented in number ami amount of losses..
This is believed to bodio first instance when such
disastrous bankruptcies occurred, and in a country
with which we have such extensive trade and com
merce:’ Wo remain but little affected m our money '
market, and our business and industry were ami*
prosperous and progressive.
During the pieaent year nearly the whole con-'
tinent of Europa has been convulsed by civil war,
ind revolutions attended by numeroua bankrupt!
'cies unprecedented In their public securities and’
Almost universal paralyse of commerce and indus
try, and yet although our trade and the prices of
obr produce most have been somewhat unfavorably'
affected by these causes, wo have escaped a revul
sion our money market is comparatively easy, ami
public ond private credit have advanced and »m
- that we have bocn saved
from their effect by the salutary operation of the
constitutional'treasury; It is certain that if the
tvfrenly*foor millions of specie imported Hilo the
country during the fiscal year; ending on the 30lh'
of June, 1847, had gone, into the banks as to a
greet extent it must have done, it would in the
absence of this system have been' made thtflresls’
of : augmented‘ bank paper issues probably to am
antdtmt not less than sixty «r seventy million* of
dollars, producing as an inevitable consequence or
an inflated cdrrcficy; extravagant prices for a time,
’ and wildVpeculation which must have been followed
on. the reflux to Europe the succeding year, of so
mbch of that specie by tbe prostration of the bust
oft* of. the country, tho suspension of the banks,
dod most extensive bankruptcies, and occuring as
thla would have done, at a period when the country
wrt’engag'ed in a foreign war, when considerable
loans of specie were; required for distant ’disburse
ments,'and when the banks, the fiscal agerils of the
government, and the depositories of its money were
suspended, the public credit must have sunk, ohd
many millions of dollars, as was the case during
-the war of 1813, must have beensacr.ficed In dis
counts upon liian* and upon iho depreciated-paper
currency which the government would have been
compelled to use. #
Under Iho operations of the constitutional Irra-'
•ury. nol a dollar has been lost by the depreciation .
of the currency* The loans required to prosecute
the,war with Mexico were negodated bythe Seo
rctary of the Treasury, above paf.'rtslixing a, large
premium to the government. The resinmlng ef
.fectvOf the’syklem.upon the tendencies’!© excessive
papej issues by hanks, has saved
from heavy losses; and thousands of our business
meii from bankruptcy and ruin. The wisdom of
the system has lnj;m tested by tho experience of the '
hsl tup years, and It is the dldato of sound policy
that'll should remain undisturbed. The modifica
tions in some of the details of this measure, in:
volvjng none of its essential principles, heretofore
recommended, are again presented to your favors*
bio consideration.
In my message of (be Oili of Jnly last, transmitting
to Congress the ratified treaty of peace with -Mexico,
I recommended the adoption of measures ; for; tb*-
speedy payment of the public debt, lit reiterating
(bat recommendation,! refer you to the considerations
presented in (list message in its support. The public
debt,'including that nnUiorijrd to be negolUied in
ptiretiance of existing laws, and including treasury
notes, amounted at that time to S 65 t 778,400 41 • ■ >■
• Funded stock of the. United Pistes, amountliig.ti
about half a million of dollars, has been purchased ay
authorised by law since that period, and the public
debt has thus been reduced, (he detail* of which'will
be" presented in the annual -report of the Secretary qf
tho Treasury. ■ ’ »
The estimates of expenditures for tbe nest fiscal
year, submitted by tbe Secretary of the^Treasury,
It' Is believed, will be ample for all necessary pur
poses. If (be appropriations made'by Congress
•ball hot exceed the amount estimated, tbe means
in the Ireosuiy will be sufficient to defray all tbe
expense* of the government to pay off tire next'’
instalment of $3,000,000 to Mexico, which will
fall due on tho 30th of May next, and still a con
siderable surplus will remain, which should be ap
plied to the further purchase of the public stuck
and reduction of the debt. Should enlarged ap
propriations be made, the necessary consequence
will bo, to postpone the payment of lhe'debt.~
■ Though our debt os compared with that of moyt
other nations is small, It ia nur true policy end in
harmony with the gemuvof our inatitutiona, that
we should present to the World the rare spectacle
of a great Republic, possessing vast resources and
wealth, wholly exempt front public indebtedness.
'This would tdd still more to our strength and give
to ua a alill more commanding position among tho
nations of the earth.
' The public expenditure* should be cconnnrical
.and bo confined to such necessary objects sa are
clearly .within the power of Congress. All such
as are not absolutely demanded should bo postponed,
and the psyment of the public «K l>t at the earliest
practicable period should be a cardinal principle of
our public policy. '
For the reason assigned in my lost annual uiea-
Mge, f repeal the recommendation that a branch of
(he Mint of the Untied BtsU-a be established at the
city of New York. , Tbo importance of ibis mas
aura ia greatly increased by the acquisition of the
rich minea of the precious metals in New Mexico
and California, and especially in tho latter.
I 1 repeal tha recommendation heretofore made in
favor of tbe graduation and reduction of the price
I of such of the public lands aa have been long offer>
| td In the market, and havo remained unsold, and
in favor of extending the rights of pre-emption to*
I actual settlers on the unsurveyod.aa will &a bn Iho
•urvryod land.
' Tho condition and onerationa of the army and
| the state of other branches of (be public service,
I under the supervision of the War Department, are
1 all aatUfactorily presented in tho accompanying rc-
I port of tho Secretary of War. ’ j
’ On Ihe return nf peace our forces were withdrawn
! fiom Mexico, and the volunteers and that portion of
the regular army engaged for tho war were disbanded.
Orders have been issued for stationing the forces of
our permanent establishment, at various posUiona
in our extended country, whero tronps may be re
quired. Owing to the remoteness of some oI these
positions, tha detachments have not yet reached
their doaUnatlnn. Notwithstanding tho extension
of the limltaof our country, and tho forces required
in tho new territories, it is confidently believed (hat
our present military establishment (a sufficient
for ali exJgonciaa, so long as our peaocfQl relairons
rsmain undisturbed.
Of tha amount of military contributions coUeclt J
in Mexico, the sum of $70«,680 was applied u>
wards the payment of iho first Instalment duo un
der the treaty with Mexico. Tho further sum of
4346,300 30 his beecn paid {ntu the treasury, arid
unexpended balances silt! remain In the hands ofthp
disbursing officers, and those who wera'engaged in
the collection of those moneys. ‘ Afivr tho procla
mation.of peace, no funfiir disbursements, were
mado of ony um xpended rooneya arising' from thla
houici*. Tho balances on hand were directed to
bo paid into the treasury, and individual claims of
iholund remoln until Congress abatl dutborito their
sculement end payment. These clalmV ate nut
considcfablc In number and atnount.’;^-^''
I recomaiond to your fsvprable considjiraUQn tfio
•uggetUons of the Secretary, pf Wgr,ent) fhfßeo
rotary of tha Navy, In regard to legUigUM pn thU
subject. ’ f , ' •
aawßMi