CARLISLE VOLI ATEEB-Exl
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
'fellow. Citizens of the Senate and Home of Repre
sentatives :
Sixty years have elapsed since the cstablish
> mont of-.this Government, and the Congress of
• the United States again assemble to legislate
for iin empire of. freemen. The predictions
-of evil prophet's,. Trim formerly pretended to
foretell : .the downfall of our institutions, are
■ now. remembered only to be derided, and the
United States of America, at this moment, pre
sents to the world the most stable and perma
nent Government oh earth.,.
’ Such is'the result of the labors of those who
hive gone before us. Upon Congress will emi
nently depend the future maintenance of our
system Of free government, and- tho transmis
sion of it unimpaired to posterity. We are at
peace with all the world, and seek to main
tain our cherished relations of amity with tho
.. rest of mankind. During the past year wo have
beqn blessed by akind Providence with an abun
dance of tho fruits of tho earth. Although the
destroying angel, for a time viaited extensive
portions of our territory with the ravages of a
dreadful pestilence, yet tho Almighty has at
length, deigned to stay his hand and restore the
inestimable blessing of general health, to a peo
ple who have acknowledged his power, depre
• cated his wrath and implored his merciful pro
tection. ‘ L
While enjoying tho benefits of amicable inter
course with foreign nations, wo. have not been
insensible of tho distractions and wars which,
have prevailed in other quarters of thcworld.
It is a proper theme of thanksgiving to him who
rules tho destinies of nations, that wo have been
able to maintain, amidst all these contests, an in
dependent and neutral position towards all belig-,
erent powers.
Our relations with Great Britain are of tho
most friendly character. 1 Ini consequence of
tho _ recent alteration of tho British navigation
act, British vessels from British or other foreign
ports, will, under our existing laws, after the
first day of January next, bo admitted to entry
in our ports, with cargoes of the growth, manu
facture or production of any part of the world,
on the samio terms as to duties, imposts and
charges as vessels of the United States with their
cargoes; and our vessels will be admitted to the
same advantages in British ports, entering
therein on the same terms as British vessels;—
Should no order in Council disturb this legisla
tive arrangement, the lute net of the British par
liament, by which great Britain is brought with
in tho terms proposed by the act of Congress of
» the first of March, 1817, it is hoped will bo pro
ductive of benefit to both countries.
A slight interruption of diplomatic inter
course between this country and France, I
am happy to say has been terminated, and
our Minister there has been received. It is
therefore unnecessary to refer now to the cir
cumstances which led to that interruption. I
need not express to you tho sincere satisfaction
with which wo shall welcome the arrival of
another Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni
potentiary, from a sister Republic to which we
have so long been, and still remain bound by
the strongest ties of amity.
Shortly after I had entered upon tho discharge
of tho Executive duties, I was apprised that a
war steamer belonging to .the German Empire,
was being fitted out in the harbor of New York,
with the aid of some of our naval officers, under
the permission of the late Secretary of tho Navy.
This permission was. granted during an armis
tice, between that Empire and the kingdom of
Denmark, which had been engaged in the
Schleswig Holstein war. Apprehensive that
this act of intervention on our part might
be viewed as a violation of our neutral obliga
tions, incurred by tho treaty with Denmark, and
of tho provisions of tho act of Congress of tho
20th of April, 1818, I directed that no further
aid should bo rendered by any agent or officer
of tho Navy; and I instructed tho Secretary of
State, to apprise the Minister of the German
Empire, accredited to this Government, of my
determination to execute the law of the United
States, mid to maintain tho faith of treaties with
all nations. The correspondence which ensued
between tho Department of State, and tho Min
ister of tho German Empire, is herewith laid be
fore you. Tho execution of tho law, and tho
observance of the treaty, were deemed by me to
be duo to tho honor of tho country, ns well as
to the sacred obligations of the constitution. I
shall not fall to pursue the same course should
a similar case arise with any other nation.—
. Having avowed tho opinion on taking tho oath
of office, that in disputes between conflicting
foreign governments, it is our interest, not less
than ourduty, to remamstrictly neutral, I shall
'not abandon it. You will porcoive-from the cor
respondence submitted to you in connection with
this subject, thafc.tho course adopted in this case
has boon properly regarded by tho belligerent
powers iutercsted.in the matter,- ..
Although a Minister of the United States to
tho Gorman Empire was appointed-by my pre
decessor in August, 1848, and has fora longtime
been in attendance at Frankfort on the Maine;
and although a Minister appointed to represent
that Empire was received and accredited here,
yet no such government as that of tho German
Empire has been definitely constituted. Mr.
Donolson, our representative at Frankfort, re
mained there several months in tho expectation
that a union of tho German States under one
constitution or form of government, might at
length be organized. It is believed by those well
acquainted with tho existing relations between
Prussia and tho. States of Germany, that no such
union cah bo .permanently established without
her co-operation. In the event of the formation
of such a Union, and tho organization of a cen
tral power in Germany, of which sho should form
apart, it would become necessary to withdraw
oar Minister at Berlin. But while Prussia
exists as an independent kingdom and diplomatic
relations are maintained with her, there can be
no necessity for tho continuance of the mission
to Frankfort. 1 have therefore re-called Mr. !
Donclson, and directed tho archives of tho lega
tion at Frankfort to bo transferred to tho Ameri
can legation at Devlin..
Having been apprised that a considerable num
ber of adventurers were engaged in titling out
a military expedition within .the United States,
against a-foreign country, and believing, from
tho best information I could obtain, that It was
destined to invade tho Island of Cuba, I deemed •
it duo to tho friendly relations existing between i
the United States and Spain, to tho treaty bo-!
twoou tho two nations, to the laws of the United i
~l: .°ro hll ’ t 0 the American honor, to I
OXOI I the lawful authority of this Government:
.in tho expedition and preventing ;
tho Invasion-? To this end I issued a procla?
Miuit on, enjoining it upon tho officers P o f the
United State*, civil and military, to uso all'luW- ;
fa) means within their power to aupprufia it A
copy of that proclamation la herewith submitted
fho uxpouithm has. boon suppressed. So lone
as the-rot of Congress of the 20th of April,*lBlB
- which owes Us existence to tho laws of nations’
Wnd to the policy of Washington himself, shall
rkmiiain ou our.stnluto book. 1 hold it to ho
tlinduty of the Executive faithfully to obey its
- injunctions.
While this expedition was in progress! I was
informed that ti foreigner who claimed our pro
tection, hud boon clandestinely uml us was sup*
•posed forcibly carried off in a vessel from Now
Orleans, to the Island of Cuba. I Immediately
caused such, stops to'bo taken as I thought ne
cessary, in ease the information 1 had received
should prove correct, to vindicate the honor of
the country, and tliorlght.pf every person, seek
ing an asylum oh our soil, to the protection of
our laws. The person alleged to hnyo been ab
duoted was promptly .restored, and the clroum
- stances of the case are now about to undergo in
vestigation before a judicial tribunal. I would
respectfully, suggest, that although thd crime
charged to have boon committed In this case, Is
held odious as being a conflict with our opinions
•of the subject of national sovereignty and. per
sonal freedom, there Is no prohibition of it, or
punishment for it; provided in any act 6f Con
gress. The expediency of supplying this defect
in our criminal code, Is therefore recommended
to, your consideration.
I have scrupulously avoided any interference
in the wars and contentions which have recent
ly ooifvulsod Europe.
, During the late conflict between Austria and
Hungary, there seemed to bo n prospect that
thy latter might become an independent nation.
However faint that prospect ut the time appear-’
©d, I thought It my duty, in accordance with the
general teutlment of the American people, who
deeply sympathised with the Magyar patriots'
to stand prepared upon the contingency of the
establishment, by her, of a permanent govern
raent, to bo tho first to welcome independent Hun
gary Into the family of nations. For this pur
pose, I invested an agent, then in Europe, with
power to declare our willingness'promptly to
recognize her independence, in tho event of her
ability to sustain it. Tho powerful intervention
of Russia in the contest, extinguished the hopes
of the struggling Magyars. Tho United States
did not,, at anytime, interfere in tho contest,
but the feelings of the nation wore strongly in
terested in the cause, and by the sufferings of a
brave people who had made a gallant, though
unsuccessful, effort to bo free.
Our claims upon Portugal have been during
the past year prosecuted with renewed vigor,
and it has .been my object to employ every ef
fort of honorable diplomacy to procure their ad
justment. Our late Charge do Affaires at Lisbon,.
the Hon. Goo; W. Hopkins, made able and ener
getic, but. unsuccessful efforts to settle those un
pleasant matters of controversy,' and to obtain
indemnity for, tho wrongs which were tho sub
jects of complaint. Our present Charge do Af
faires at that court will also bring to the prose
cution of these claims, ability and zeal. The
revolutionary and distracted condition of Portu
gal in post times has been represented,as one of
the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying
our suffering citizens, but I must now say it is a
matter of profound regret that these claims have
not yet boon settled. The omission of Portugal
to do justice to the American claimant has now
assumed a character so grave and serious, that I
shall shortly-make.it tho subject of a special
message to Congress, with a view to such ulti
mate action as its wisdom and patriotism may
suggest.,
With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Den
: mark, Belgium, the-Netherlands and the Italian
States, we still sustain our amicable relations.
1 During the recent revolutions in the Papal
: States, our Charge do Affaires at Romo has been
unable to' present his letters of. credence, which
indeed ho was directed, by my predecessor to,
withhold until ho should have received further
orders. Such. was the unsettled condition of
things in these States, that it was not deemed
expedient to give him any instructions'.on the
subject.of presenting his credential letter, dif
ferent from that .which ho had been furnished
by the lute administration, until the 26th of
June last, when in consequence of the want of
accurate information of the exact state of things,
at that distance from us, ho was instructed to
exercise his own discretion in presenting him
self to tho then existing Government, if in his
judgment sufficiently stable, or if not, to await
further events. Since that period, Romo has
undergone another revolution, and ho decides
the establishment of a government sufficiently
permanent to justify him in opening diplomatic
intercourse with it.
With the Republic of Mexico it is our true
policy to cultivate the most friendly relations.
Since the ratification of the treaty of Guada
loupe Hidalgo, nothing has Occurred of a seri
ous character to distrust them. A fair obser
vance of the treaty, and a sincere respect for her
rights cannot fail to secure the lasting confi
dence and friendship of that republic.
The message of roy predecessor to tho House
of Representatives of the Bth of February last,
communicating, in compliance with a resolution
of that body, a copy, of a paper called a proto
coljjat Qucratara, on the 30th of May, 1818, by
the Commissioners of tho United States and tho ;
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mexican Gov-1
eminent, having been a subject of correspondence '
between the Department of State, and-tho En- :
voy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary i
of that Republic accredited to this. Government, ’
a transcript of. that correspondence is herewith |
submitted.
The commissioner on the part of the United I
States, for marking tho boundary between the
two republics, though delayed in reaching San I
Diego by unforeseen circumstances, arrived at j
that place within a short period after the time i
required by the treaty, and was there joined by •
the commissioner on the part of Mexico. They
entered upon their duties, and at tho date of the |
latest intelligence from that quarter, some pro
gress had been made in the survey. The ex
penses incident to tho organization of the com
mission, and to its conveyance to the point
where its operations were to begin, have so
much reduced tho fund appropriated by Con
gress, that a further sum to cover the charges
which must be incurred daring the present fis
cal year, will bo necessary. The great length
of frontier along which tho boundary extends—
the nature of tho adjacent territory, and tho
difficulty of obtaining supplies, except at or near
the extremes of the' lino, render it also indispen
sable that a liberal* provision should bo made to
| meet tho necessary charges during tho fiscal
! j ear ending on the 80th June, 1851. I nccord
| mgly recommend this subject to your attention.
'. In tho adjustment of the'claims of American
citizens on Mexico, provided for by tho late
treaty, the employment of Counsel on the part
of the Government, may become important for
tho purpose of assisting the commissioners in
protecting the interests of the United States. I
recommend this subject to the early and favor
able consideration of Congress.
Complaints have been made, In regard to the
inefficiency of the means provided by the Gov
ernment of Now Grenada, for transporting tho
U. S. mail across tho Isthmus of Panama, Pur
suant to our postal convention with thatßepub-
Uo, of the 6th of March, 1840, our. Charge de
Affaires at Bogota,' Ims been, directed to make
such representations to the Government of Now
Grenada, as will, It is hoped, lead to a prompt
removal of this cause of complaint.
■ The sanguinary civil war with which the Re
public of Venezuela has for some time past been
ravaged, has been brought to a close. In its pro
gress, the. rights of some of our citizens, resi
dent or trading there, have boon violated. The
restoration of order will afford tho Venezuela
Government opportunity to examine and redress
their grievances, and others of longer standing
which our representatives at Carracas have
hitherto ineffectually urged upon the attention of
that Government.
The extension of the coast of the United
States on the Pacific, and the unexampled rapid
ity with which the inhabitants of California, es
pecially, are increasing in numbers, have Impart
ed now consequence to our relations with the
other countries, whose territories border .upon
that occon. Ills probable that tho Intercourse be
tween those countries and our possessions in
that quarter, particularly with the republic of
Chill, will become extensive and mutually ad
vantageous, in proportion as California and Ore
gon shall increase in population and wealth.—
It is desirable, therefore, that this Government
should do every thing in its power to foster and
strengthen , its relations with those States, and
that tho spirit of amity between us should be
mutual ami cordial.
I recommend the observance of the same
course towards all other American States. The
United States stands ns the groat American
power to which, as their natural ally and friend,
Sum Rlw ? ys bo disposed first to look for
cniiuuL 0 ? aB . 3lBtn nco, in the event of any
As sunl? w^ 00nt rf m n J‘ d European nation,
hohnlf f y Ofton , klndl y motUa ‘° >“ their
™ oSwoWo. In foreign
ttafnur, “y MooB *“ r y ““trovorslos. Whenever
the faith of our trontioa with any of thorn shall
torposo. r lntorf<!rcino,1 > Wo must necoasarily in-
A convention has boon negotiated with Braiil
providing for the eatiafaotieSof American oS
thi> Senn?e VOr Ht m 0 U wIU b" CubmittotHo
the Senate. Since the last session of Congress
w l!' 1 !?” 0 ? ai i Env °y Extraordinary hud
Minister 1 lenipotentiary from that empire, and
our relations with it are founded upon the most
amicable understanding.
Your attention is earnestly invited to an
amendment of our existing laws relating to the
African slave trade, with a view to the effectual
suppression of that barbarous traffic. It is not
to bo denied that this trade is still, in part, car
ried on by means of vessels built In the United
States, and owned or navigated by some of our
citizens, The correspondence between the De
partment of State and the Minister and Consul
of the United States at Rio do Janeiro, which
Ims from time to tlmoboon laid before Congress,
represents that it is a customary dovloo, to
ovado the penalties of our laws by moans of sea
loiters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provided
with such papers by the Consul, instead of re
turning to the United States for a now register,
proceed at once to the coast of Africa for the
purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much
additional information of the same character
has recently boon transmitted to the Department
of State. It has boon'the policy of our laws to
subject an American citizen, who in a foreign
country purchases a vessel built in the United
States, to tho inconvenience of sending her home
for a no ft register before permitting hpr to pro
ceed on a voyage. Any alteration of tho laws
which might havo a tendency to impede tho free
transfer of property, in vessels, between our
citizens or the free navigation of .those vessels
between different parts of tho world, when em
ployed in lawful commerce, should bo well and
cautiously considered. Bat I trust that your
wisdom will devise a method by which our gene
ral .policy, in this re6poot, may bo preserved,
and at tho same time, the abuse of our flag by
means of sea letters, in tho manner indicated,
may be prevented.
Having ascertained that there is. no prospect
of the re-union of the flvo States of central Ame
rica, which formerly, eomposod the Republic of
that name, we have separately negotiated with
some of them treaties of amity and -commerce
which will bo laid before the Senate.
A contract having been .concluded with the
State of Nicaragua by the compony. composed of
American citizens, for tho purpose of constructing
a ship canal through tho territory of that State,
to connect tho Atlantic and tho F&cilic oceans,
I have directed the negotiation of a treaty with
Nicaragua,- pledging both governments to .pro
tect those who shall 'engage in and perfect the
work. All other nations are invited by the State
of Nicaragua to enter into the samo treaty stipu
lations with her, and the benefit to bo derived by
each from such an arrangement will be the pro
tection of this groat inter-oceanic communica
tion, against any power which might seek to ob
struct it or to monopolize its advantages! All
States entering into such a treaty will enjoy the
right of passage through tho canal on payment
of the same tolls.
. The work, if constructed under these guaran
ties, will become a bond of pence, instead of a
subject of contention, between tho nations of
the earth. Should the great maritime States of
Europe consent* to this arrangement—and wc
have no reason to suppose that a proposition so
fair and honorable will bo opposed by any—the
energies of their people and ours will. co-Ope
rate in promoting the success of tho entorprizo.
I do not recommend any appropriation from the
National Treasury for this purpose, nor do Tic
lievo that such an appropriation is necessary.
Private enterprizo, if properly protected,, will
complete the work. * Should it prove to be
feasable, tho have procured the
charter from Nicaragua for its construction, de
sire no assistance from this government beyond
its protection; and tliey profess that, having
examined the proposed line of communication,
they will bp ready to commence tho undertaking
whenever that protection shall be extended to
tbom. Should there appear to bo a reason, on
exomining the whole evidence, to entertain a
serious doubt of the practicobility of construct
ing such a canal, that doubt could bo speedily
solved by on actual exploration of the route.
Should such a work be constructed under the
protection of all nations for equal Benefits to
all, It would bo neither just nor expedient that
any groat maritime state should command, the
communication. Tho territory through which
the canal may be opened should bo free from
tho claims of any foreign power, No such power
should occupy a position that would enable it
hereafter to exercise so controlling an influence
over tho commerce of the world, or to obstruct
a highway, which ought to be dedicated to tho
common uses of mankind.
The routes across the Isthmus at Touhanto
| pcc and Panama, arc also worthy of. our serious
j consideration. They did not fail to engage the
| attention of my predecessor. The negotiator
; of tho treaty of Quadaloupe Hidalgo, was instruct
f cd to offers very largo sura of money for the
right of transit across the Isthmus of .Teuhonto-
I pec. The Mexican Government did not accede
. to the proposition for the purchase of the right
1 of way, probably because it had already con
j traded with private individuals, for the con
■ struction of a passage from the Guascualco river
to Teuhantcpcc. I shall not renew any propo
sition to purchase for money, a right which
'ought to be equally secured to all nations on
payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of
the improvement, who would doubtless bo well
contented with that compensation, and the
guaranty of the maritime states of the world,
in separate treaties, negotiated with Mexico,
binding her and them to protect those who should
construct tho work. Such guaranties would
do more to secure the completion of the com
munication through the territory of. Mexico,
than any other reasonable consideration that
could bo offered, and as Mexico'herself would
bo tho greatest gaiucr by tho operation of tills
communication hetwoon tho. Gulf and tho Pacific
ocean, it is presumed that she would not hesitate
to yield her aid in tho manner proposed to ac-'
complish an improvement so important to he’*
own best interests. ’ 1
wv bate reason to hope that the proposed rail
road across tho Isthmus at Panama, will bo success
fully constructed under tho protection of the late
treaty with Now Grenada, ratified and exchanged
by my predecessor, on the I Oth of Juno, 1818, which
guaranties the perfect neutrality of tho Isthmus,
and the rights of sovereignty and property of New
Grenada over that territory, with,a view that tho
free transit from ocean to ocean may not he inter
rupted or embarrassed during the existence of tho
treaty. It Is our polity to encourage every practi
cable route across the Isthmus which connects North
and South Ameriea, whether by railroad or canal,
which the energy and onterprizeof our cltizonsmay
induce thorn to complpto, and I consider it obliga
tory upon mo to adopt (hat policy, especially in con
sequence of tho absolute necessity of facilitating
Intercourse with our possessions on tho Pacific. Tho
position of tbo Sandwich Islands with reference to
the territory of tho United States on tho Pacific, tho
success of our persevering nnd bcnovolcut citizens
who have repaired to that remote quarter in chris
tianizing tho natives, and inducing them-to adopt
a system of government and laws suited to thoir
capacity and wants, and tho uso made by our nu
merous whale ships, of the harbors of the Islands,
as places of resort for obtaining refreshments and
repairs, all combine to render their destiny pecu
liarly interesting to us. It is our duty to onoourage
tho authorities of those Islands in their efforts to
improve and eloyate the moral and political cornlU
tlon of the inhabitant*, and we should make reason
able allowance for the difficulties inseparable fVora
this task. Wo desire that (he Islanders may main
tain their independence, and that' other nations
should concur with Us In this sentiment. Wo could
in no event bo indifferent to (heir passing under the
dominion of any oilier power. The principal com
mercial States have in this a common interest, ami
it is to bo hoped that no one of them will attempt
to interpose obstacles to the entire independence of
the Islands.
Tlio receipts into the Treasury for tho fiscal
year ending on t!ie 80th of June last, wore, in
cash, $48,880,007 60, and in Treasury notes
funded, $10,833,000, making an aggregate of
$69,008,007 60; . and tho expenditures for tho
same time, were, in cash, $40,798,007 82, and
in Treasury notes funded, $10,888,000, making
an aggregate of $67,081,007 82.
The accounts and estimates which will bo sub
mitted to Congress, in tho report of tho Secre
tary of tho -Treasury, show that there will
probably bo, a deficit, occasioned by the ex
penses of the Mexican war and treaty, on the
the first day of July next, of $6,828,121 U(i.—
And on tho Ist day of July, 185 J, of $10,617,-
002 73, making in.tho whole a probable deficit,
to,bo provided for, of $10,875,214 89. Tho ex
traordinary expenses of tho war with Mexico,
and the purchase of California and new Mexico,
exceed in amount this deficit, together with tho
loans, heretofore made for those objects. I
therefore recommend that authority bo given
to borrow whatever sum may bo necessary to
cover that deficit.. I recommend tho observance
of strict economy in the appropriations and ex
penditure of tho public money.
1 recommend arevision of tho existing tariff and
Its adjustment on a basis which may augment the
revenue. Ido not doubt tho right or duty of Con
gress, to encourage domestic industry, which is tho
groat source of national as well us individual wealth
and prosperity. • I look to tho wisdom and patriot
ism of Congress for tho adoption of n system which
may place homo labor at least on a sure and permit
nout looting, and by 'duo encouragement of manu
lacturos, give a now and increased stimulus to agri
culture, and promote tho development of our vast
resources and. the extension of our commerce. Be
lieving that to the attainment of those ends os well
as the necessary augmentation of tho revenue, and
tho provonllon of ftaud«,» .y.iom of Bpooldo duties
is best adapted, I strongly reooramona to Congress
tho adoption of that system, fixing the duties at
rates high enough to afford substantial and sufficient
encouragement to our own Industry,'and at tho same
time so adjusted us to ensure stability.
The question of the conlinuauoo of tho Sub-
Treasury system is respectfully submitted to
tho wisdom of Congress. If continued, important
modifications of it appear to bo indispensable.
For further details and views of tho above and
other matters connected with Congress, the finan
ces and revenue, I refer to the report of tho Se
cretary of the Treasury.
No direct aid Ims been, given by the General I
Government to the improvement of agriculture, !
except by the.expenditure of small sums for the
collection und publication of agricultural statis
tics, and for some chemical analysis, which have :
been thus far paid out of the patent fund.’ This
aid is, in my opinion, wholly inadequate'to give
■ to this lending branch of 'American industry the
encouragement which it merits; and I respect
fully, recommend the establishment of an agri
cultural bureau, to bp connected, with the De
partment of the Interior... To olovate t|io social
condition of tho agriculturalist—to inoreoso his:
prosperity, and to extend his mcans'bf useful
ness to his country, by multiplying his sources
of information, should bo tho study of every
statesman, and a primary object with every le
gislator. *
No civil government having been provided by
Congress for California, the people of Hint ter
ritory, impelled by tho necessities of their poli
tical condition, recently mot in convention for
the purpose of forming a constitution and State
government, which latest advices give mo reason
to has been accomplished. It is beliov
cd will shortly petition for the admission
of California into thp Union as a sovereign state.
Should such be the case, and should their con
stitution 1)0 conformable to Iho requisitions of
tho Constitution of the United States, I recom
mend their application to the favorable consider
ation of Congress.
The people of Now Mexico, will also, it is be
lieved, at no very distant period present them
selves for admission into the Union.. ' Prepara
tory to the admission of California and New
Mexico, the people of eacli will have instituted
for themselves a republican form of government,
laying Itsloumlatiims jn such principles and or
ganizing its powers in such form us to them
shall seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness.
Dy awaiting their action, all causes of uneasi
ness may bq avoided, confidence and kind feeling
preserved. With a view of maintaining the har
mony and tranquility so dear to all, we should
abstain from the introduction of those exciting
topics of a sectional character, which have
hitherto produced painful apprehensions in tho
public mind, and I repeat the solemn warning of
the first and most illustrious of my predecessors,
against furnishing any ground for characterizing
parties by geographical discriminations.
. A collector has been appointed at San Fran
cisco, under the act of Congress extending the
revenue laws to California, and measures have
been taken to organize the custom houses at that
and other ports, mentioned in that act, ut the 1
earliest period practicable. The collector pro
ceeded over laud, and advices have not yet been
received of hisnrrivnlat San Francisco. Mean
while, it is understood that the customs have
continued to bo collected there by officers acting
under the military authority, os tfiey wore dur
ing tho administration of my predecessor.» It
will, I think, bo expedient to confirm tho collec
tions thus made, and direct the avails, after
such allowances as Congress may think fit to
authorize, to be expended within tho territory,
or to bo paid into the Treasury for tho purpose
of meeting appropriations for*the improvement
of its rivers and harbors.
A party engaged on the coast survey, was de
spatched to Oregon in January last. .According
to tho latest advices they had not left California,
and directions have been given to them, as soon ,
as they shall have fixed on tho cites of the two j
light houses und the buoys authorized to be con
structed and placed in Oregon, to proceed with
out delay, to. make rcconnoisances of. the most
important points on tho coast of California, ami
especially to examine and determine on cites for
light houses on that coast, the speedy erection
of which, iq urgently demanded by our rapidly
Increasing commerce.
1 have transferred, tho Indian agencies for
Upper Missouri and Council Bluffs, to Santa Fo
and Salt Luke, and have caused to bo appointed,
suh-agents in tho valley of tho Gila, the Sacre
meuto and San Joaquin rivers. Still further
legil provisions will be necessary for the offec
tivt and successful extension of our system of
Indian intercourse over the now territories,
I recommend tho establishment of a branch
mint in California, as it will, in my opinion,
afford important facilities to those engaged in
mining, as well as to the government, in the dis
position of mineral lands. I also recommend
that commissioners bo organized by Congress, to
examine and decide upon the validity of tho
subsisting land titles in California and Now
Mexico, and that provision bo made for tho es
tablishment of tho offices of Surveyor General in
Now Mexico, California and Oregon, and for tho
surveying and bringing into market the public
lands in those territories. Those lands remote
tn nr..;tk*n and difficult of access, ought to bo .
disposed of on ieims nuemt to all, but
oially favorable to the early emigrants.
In order that tho situation and vlmraclor of the
principal mineral dopositcs in California may ho
ascertained, I recommend that a geological and
winorological exploration ho connected with the
linear surveys, ond that the mineral lands bo divi
ded into small lots suitable for mining, and be dis
posed of by solo or lease, so as to give our citizens
an opportunity of procuring a permanent right of
property in the soil. This would seem to bo as im
portant to tho success of mining as of agriculture.
Tho great mineral wealth of California, and
tho advantages which its ports and harbors, and
those of Oregon, afford to commerce, and espe
cially with the islands of tho Pacific and Indian
oceans, and the populous regions of eastern
Asia, make it certain that there will arise, in a
few years* largo and prosperous communities on
our western const. It therefore becomes Impor
tant that a line of communication, the best and
most expeditious which the nature of tho coun
try will admit, should bo.opened within the ter
ritory of the United States, from the navigable
waters of the Atlantic arid of the gulf of Moxi
oo to tho Pacific. Opinion, as expressed by two
large and respectable conventions lately assem
bled at St. Louis and Memphis, points to a rail
road as that which, if practicable, will best meet
the wishes and wants of the country, But while
this, if in successful operation, would bo a work
of great national importance, and of a value to
the country which' it would be difficult to esti
mate, It-ought also to bo regarded as an under
taking of vast''magnitude and expense, and one
which must, if it be indeed practicable, encoun
ter many difficulties m ils construction and use.
Therefore, to avoid failure and disappoint
ment—to' enoblo Congress to judge whether. In
tho condition of tho country through which it
must pass, the work bo feasible, and if it bo
found so, whether it should be undertaken as a
national improvement, or loft to individual en
terprise, and in the latter alternative, what aid,
if any, ought to bo extended to it by the govern
ment, I recommend, as a'preliminary measure,
a careful reconnolsanco of tho several proposed
routes, by a scientific corps, and a report as to
tho practicability of making such a road, with
an estimate of the cost of its construction and
support. ’ ' .
For further views of those and other matters ,
connected with (he duties of (he Homo Depart- .
meat, I refer you to the Uuport of the Secretary
of the Interior.
I recommend early appropriations for con-,
tipuing . the river and harbor Impravemoiits,
which Imvo boon already began, and also for
the construction of those-for which estimates
have booh made, as well ns fur examinations and
estimates preparatory to the commencement of
such others as tho wants of the country, and
especially tho advance of our population over
now,districts, and tho extension of commerce,
may render necessary.. Ah estimate of. tho
amount which can bo advantageously expended
within the next fiscal year, under the direction
of the bureau of. Topographical Engineers, ac-
companies the report of the Secretary of War,
to which 1 respectfully invito the attention of
Congress. 1
The cession of territory made by tho late treaty
with Mexico, bu.H greatly extended, our exposed
frontier, and rendered its defence more difficult,
That treaty has also brought us under obligations
to Mexico, to comply with which,iv military force is
requisite--but our military establishment Is not ma
terially changed ns to Ms efficiency, from the condi
tion in which it stood before tho commencement of
tho Mexican war. Borne addition to it will there-
fora bo necessary, and l recommend to tho favora
ble consideration of Congress, an Increase of the
several,corps of the army; at.our distant western
posts, ns proposed In tho accompanying report of
tho Secretary of War. Groat embarrassment has
resulted from tho affect upon rank in tho army,
lluroloforo given-' to brevet imd stuff commissions,
Thu views of the Sucvotavy of War un this subject,
nro dimmed Important, and if carried into effect,
will His believed,promote the harmony of the ser
vice. The plan proposed for retiring disabled offi:
cors and providing an asylum for such of tho rank
and file ns from ago, wounds and other infirmities,
occasioned by service, have become unfit to perform
their respective duties, is recommended as a means
of increasing tho efficiency of the army and us nn
act of justice duo from a grateful country to tho
fiiithful soldier,
The accompanying report of the Secretary of
tho. Navy, presents a full and satisfactory ac
count of.the condition and operation of tho na
val service during, tho past year. Our citizens
engaged in the'legitimate pursuits of commerce,
have enjoyed its benefits. Wherever' our na
tional vessels have been, they have been receiv
ed with respect, our officers have been treated
with kindness and courtesy, and they have on
all occasions pursued a course of strict neutrali
ty in accordance with tho policy of our Govern
ment
The Naval force at present in commission is
ns. largo as is admissahlc with tho number of
men authorized by Congress to be employed.
I invito your attention to the recommendation
of the Secretary of tho navy, on the subject of
the reorganization of the Navy in its various
grades of officers, and tho establishing of a re
tired list for such 6f the officers ns are disquali
fied for active and effective service. Should
Congress 1 adopt Some such measure as is recom
mended, it would greatly incrcasctho efficiency
of the navy aiid reduce its expcndituics.
I also ask your attention to the views expressed
by him in reference to tho employment of war steam
ers, and in regard to tho contracts for tho transport
ation of the United States mails, and the operation
of tho system upon the prosperity of the Navy.
By an aet of Congress passed, August 14) 1848,
provision,was made for extending post office and
mail accommodations to California-and Oregon.—
Exertions have boon made to execute that law, but
tiio limited provisions of tho act, tho inadequacy of
the means it-authorizes, in the adaptation of our post
office laws to the situation.of that country, and the
measure of compensation for services allowed by
those laws, compared with tho prices of labor and
rents in California, render those exertions In a great
degree ineffectual. More particular and efficient'
provision by law is required on this subject.
The act 0f'1845, reducing postage, has now,
by Us operation during four years, produced re
sults fully showing that the income from such
reduced postage is sufficient to sustain the whole
expense of the service of the Post Office Depart
ment, not including the cost of transportation
in mail steamers, on the mail lines from New
York toClmgrcsnnd Panama, and from Panama
to Astoria, which have not been considered by
Congress ns properly belonging to the mail ser
vice.
It is submitted to tho wisdom of
whether tho further reduction of postage should
not now be made, more particularly on tho letter
correspondence. This should be relieved from
the unjust burthen of transporting and deliver
ing tho franked matter of Congress, for which
public service provision should be made from
the Treasury. I confidently hcliovo that the
change may safely be made, reducing all single
letter postage to tho uniform rate of five cents,
regardless of distance, without thereby imposing
any greater tax on tho Treasury than would
constitute a very moderate compensation for
this public sendee,, and I therefore respectfully
recommend such a reduction. Should Congress
prefer to abolish tho franking privilege entirely,
it seems probable that no demand on the Trea
sury would result from the proposed reduction
of postage. Whether any further dinmmlion
should now bo made, or the result of the reduc
tion to five cents, which I have recommended,
should be first tested, is submitted to your de
cision.
Since tho commencement of the last scssioi
of Congress, an important treaty with Great
Britain has been' received and ratified; and
such regulations have been formed by the Post
Office Departments of tho two countries, in
pursuance of that treaty, ns to carry its provi
sions into full operation. The attempt to extciid
this same arrangement through England to
France, has not been equally successful, but
tho purpose has not been abandoned.
For a particular statement of . thocondition of
the Post Office Department, and other matters
connected with that branch of tho public ser
vice, I refer you to the report of the Post Mas
ter General.
By the net of tho Od of March, 1840, a board
was constituted to make arrangements for tak
ing the seventh census, composed of tho Secre
tary of State, tho Attorney General and tho
Postmaster General, “to prepare and cause
to be printed such forms and schedules for col
lecting In statistical tables, under proper heads,
such information as to mines, agriculture, com
merce, manufactures, education, and other to
pics, as would exhibit a full view of tho pursuits,
industry, education, and resources of the coun
try.” Tho duties enjoined upon tho census
board thus established, having been perfected,
it now rests with Congress to enact a law for
.carrying into effect tho provision of tho Consti
tution which requires an actual enumeration of
tho people of the United States within the en
suing year.
Among.tho duties assigned by the constitution to
tho General Government, is one of local and limited
application, but not on that account tho less obliga
tory. I allude to tho trust committed to Congress
as tho-exclusive legislator and solo guardian of tho
interests of the District of Columbia. I bog to
commend those interests to your kind attention. As
tho national metropolis, the olty of Washington
must bo one object of general interest, and founded
as it was, under tho auspices of him whoso immor
tal nnrao it bears, its claims to tho fostering care
of Congress present themselves with Additional
strength. Whatovcroau contribute to ilsprospority
must enlist the feelings of Us constitutional guar
dians,and command their,favorable consideration.
Our government is one of limited powers, and
its successful administration eminently depends
on the confinement of each of its co-ordinate
branches, within its. own appropriate sphere.
Tho first section of tho Constitution ordains,
<( that all legislative powers therein granted shall
be vested in a Congress of tho United States,
wl\ich shall consist of a Senate and House of
Representatives.” The Executive lias author
ity to recommend, not. to dictate, measures to
Congress. Having performed, that duty, tlio
Executive Department of the government can
not rightfully control tho decision of Congress
on any subject of legislation, until that decision
shall have been officially submitted to tho Presi
dent for. approval. Tho check provided by tho
Constitution, in the clause confuting tho quali
fied veto, will never be exorcised by mo, except
in tlio cases contemplated by the Fathers of the
Republic. 1 view it as an extreme measure to
jo resorted to iu extraordinary cases, os where
it may become necessary to defend the Execu
tive against the encroachments of the legislative
power, or to prevent inconsiderate,
or unconstitutional legislation. By cautiously
confining this remedy within the sphere pro
scribed to it, In the contemporaneous exposi
tions of the framers of the Constitution, the
wjll of the people legitimately expressed on all
subjects of legislation through their constitu
tional organs, Urn Senators and Representatives
of the United Slates, will have its full effect
As Indispensable to the preservation of our sys
tem of self-government, the Independence of the
representatives of the States and of the people
is guarantied by the Constitution; and they owe
no responsibility to any human power, but to their
constituents. By holding the representative re
sponsible only to the people, and exempting him
from all other inttuonces, wo elevate the charac
ter of the constituent, and quicken his sense of
responsibility to Ids country. It is under those
circumstances only that the elector can feel that
in tho choice of the law-maker he. is liimsoif
truly a component part of tho sovereign power
of tho nation. With equal oare wo should study
to defend tho rights of tho Executive and Judi
cial departments. Our government oau only bo
preserved in Us purity by tho suppression, or
entire limitation, of any claim or tendency of
one co-ordjimto branch to encroachment upon
another. With tho strict observance of this
rule, and tho other Injunctions of tho Constitu
tion, with a sedulous inculcation of that rospeot
and love for tho union of tho States, which our
fathers cherished and enjoined upon their chil
dren, and with the aid of that over-ruling Pro
vidence which has so long and so kindly guarded
our liberties and our institutions, wo may rea
sonably expect to transmit them, with their in
numerable blessings, to tho remotest posterity.
But attachment to tho union of the States
should bo habitually fostered in every American
heart. For more than half a century, during
which kingdoms and empires have fallen,
this Union has stood 'unshaken. The patriots
who formed It have long since descended
to the grave, yet still It remains the proudest
monument to their memory, and the object
of affection and admiration with every ono
worthy to bear tho American name. In my
judgment its dissolution, would bo the. greatest
of calamities, and to avert that should be the l
study of every American. Upon ite preservation
must depend oar own happiness, and couutlesnron-
m
oi-atums to come. Whatever dangers may threaten
r ß n nnd . by * it r n< } ma l ntain it in its Integrity*
to the full extent of the obligations Imposed, and
the power conferred upon mo by the Constitution. •
Washington, Dec. 4,1849. Z. TAYLOR
From the N. 6. Picayune, of Dec. 7.
From Texas.
13y the arrival hero yesterday morning of tho
steamship Galveston, Capt. Crane, from Galves
ton the 4th inst., wo have received the Civilian
and Gazette of . that port to.tho date of her de
parture inclusive. i
Tho Legislature had been muoh oocupiedwiti
the Santa Fo question; A resolution had been
introduced, proposing that a committee of the
two Houses, one from .the Senate and two from
the House, should be selected to go on to Wash
ington City and ascertain tho fcolings of the
General Govornmeut on tho subject of Santa Fo,
and also to elicit tho probability of tho Govern
ment purchasing the territory, &o. It is said
that tho Government will, through the Legisla
ture, assume an open, firm and decided stand;
and will take such action upon the subject as
will show that what Texas has won by tho sword,
can only bo wrested from her by a superior
force.
On tho 28th ult., thojyurt-houso and jail, and
all tho public records in Jasper, county were
burned. It was supposed to have been .done by
a Mr. Williams, whom Judgei Roberts had im
prisoned for some offence during court.. He has
been arrested on suspicion. The value of the
property was considerable, and tho difficulties
and'dnngers resulting from tho law suits- may
be immense. It is supposed to be at least
$lOO,OOO. ■
A largo bed or lake of salt has been discover
ed about sixty miles north-west of Georgetown
and'ninety miles from Austin. The salt is re
markably pure. Thirty kettles and salt pans
are already ordered for drying and chrystalizing
On the 25th inat. the steam-propeller Jorry
Smith, employed as a lighter In Lavaca and.
Matagorda bays in conjunction with the New
Orleans packets, burst her steam chimney, scald
ing the engineer, John Einnell, so badly that he
died in three hours, and also, injuring a fireman
so much that no hopes are entertained of hie
recovery. At the time of the accident the Jerry
Smith was bound for Lavaca, and it occurred
when she was about four miles, above Indianola.
She had been detained at the latter point two
days on account of heavy weather. No other
person was hurt, and very trifling damage was
sustained in the. wood-work of the vessel—none
by the hull. She had no passengers on board,
wo understand.
The subjoined is from the Houston ToleErairli
of the 29th ult.
Mr. James Simmons arrived in town on Thurs
day, on his return from El Paso. Ho came
through from that place to Fredericksburg in
company with only two men. No hostile Indians
wore seen on their route They came through in
twenty-one days. Mr. Simmons confirms the
reports that the upper prairies aro deluged with
rain. The streams were all high. It was re
ported that the Government train, on the route
hom San Antonia to El Paso, was detained
several weeks, owing to the miry condition of
the prairies. Many of the emigrants who set
tled nl El Paso are pleased with the country,
ami several are engaged in mercantile .business.
The late account from El Paso, from Chihua
hua, and from Santa Fe, all represent that the
Apaches have become hostile to the Americans,
and the combined tribes from the Orgoncs moun
tains east of El Paso to the mouth of the Gila
river are watching for opportunities to avenge
themselves for the loss of many of their war
riors, who have fallen in many skirmishes Tilth
the emigrants. The Kioways of Northern Texas
are probably also acting with the Apaches.—
Ten or twelve of the Indians were killed some
weeks since below El Paso, by Texan emigrants,
and this has exasperated all tho bands in that
section.
Those ranging in the mountain chains around
Chihuahua have also been exasperated to a
frightful extent by the wholesale butcheries per
petrated by Americans under tho sanction of tho
State Governments of Ciiihuuhau and Durango.
Those of Santa Fo hove been attacked, and
several of tho warriors slain, by tho U. S. troops
there. It is well known that when hostilities
have once commenced with Indians, they can
never bo pacified unless subdued by defeat, or
peace is purchased by indemnifying them for
tho loss of their warriors. These Indians have
lost so many warriors that it is by no means
probable that they will accept any presents
that tho Government will bo disposed to grant to
purchase peace. There appears to bo no alter
native left for tho General Government but to
compel those savages by force to sue forpcaco.
Tho forces now on the borders of tho Apacho
country, are inadequate for this purpose. Tho
military commanders at Santa. Fo have been
compelled to call for volunteers to resist tho in
vasions of tho savages there, and tho forces at
£1 Paso have hitherto beon ablo to act only on
tho defensive. The Government should at once
send an overwhelming force directly into the
Indion country, and then they may be induced
to suo for peace without firing a gun. If this pre
datory war is continued much longer, hundreds
of emigrants may fall under the tomahawks
and scalping knives of these perfidious savages.
From the Baton Rogue Advocate, Nor. 28.
Awful Conflagrationl
Baton Roque in Flames !—One Uunubed
Thousand Dollaiis’ woutii os' Property de
stroyed !—Wo are called to the painful task of
recording ono of tho most disastrous conflagra
tions that has over occurred in this city, or, we
may say, in tho whole South., Tho fire originat
ed, as far as wo can learn at this early writing,
(4 o'clock a. m.,) in some ono of tho premises
or buildings situated on tho southern side of
Church street, near Water street, destroying all
the buildings on that side, as farup as Lafayette
street. Florence's coffeo-hbuseand a warehouse
adjoining, tho residence and store of R. andF.
Sans, T. Prondorgnst's store, a small store ad
joining on Lafayette stroot, and several ether
buildings on Water street, including the store
and residence of I. N. Pullen, tho ten-pin alloy
of F. Thoilnmn, ami other smaller tenements.
The wind blowing fresh from 9. S. E., tho fire
crossed Church street, taking in its course the
stores of A. Malta, Samuel £, Uart,.R. Beal A
Son, John Garvin,'L; Orandpro, tho stores and
residences of John Huguot, Sr., and A. Montan,
Sr., Dr. Laoook's medical office, A. Reger’s paint
shop, Kugler's tailor shop, tne residences of Dr.
T. Fay and N. Dnlshelmer, the store of S. Bear,
thedwollingbfP. Foley, tho residence of—Mur- .
phy, a building belonging to W, Lockwood, and
ono to L. Bergol, tho oigar store of M. Girard,
(ho cake store of M. Borgel, the residence of F.
Thoilnmn, Montan’s ico-houso, tho residence of.
I S. F. Bliuiohurd, tho cufluo*houso and residence
|of J. Tunis, and,other buildings.* making a clean
sweep of tho square bounded by Lafayette,.
Church, North,ami Waterstrcots,save onobuild
ing alone, tho property of Mrs. Leech which'
stands on tho corner of Lafayette and North
streets. , Tho Harney House'was on lire several
times and in great peril, tho walls faclngthe fire
opposite being very much heated.
From the various Inquiries wo have made con
cerning the fire, and tho information we have
derived, thoro is not a doubt In our mind that
tho fife was tho work of some Incendiary villain
or vallolns, whom, wo have yood reason to be
lieve, have infested our town for months past,
with tho intention of setting fire to it for tho
purpose of pillaging. May their vile career bo
put to a speedy termination, and themselves
made to suitor tho severest penalty of tho law.
OI’EHINO OFTIIH GRAVE OF DIXWBLL.-'Wo loam
from the Now Haven Palladium, of Thursday last,
that on tho morning of that day, tho bonos of
Col. John Dixwoll, ono of tho renowned Judges
who caused. King Charles tho First to bo execut
ed, wore exhumed from their resting plaoo la
tho roar of tho Centro ohurohin that city, where
they had lain since 1088, tho tlipe of his death.'
The skoloton was in tolerably good preservation.
Tho procoedingwas instituted by Mr. John James
Dixwoll of Boston, a descendant of the regicide,
who Is about to oreot a monument over tho grave.
Tho bonos wore, gathered up, enclosed in a small
box, and ro-oommlttod to the grave, whore they
will probably never bo disturbed again. Mr*
Dixwoll Is tho lineal descendant o*’ ihu regloide,
and would bo tho present hoirof his largo estate#
In England, should the attainder be removed.
86?“ Tho first plank road la Now Jersey is
about to bo commenced at Newark. It Is to ran
from that niece to Jersev CUv.