(Hie Lancaster fntdUoiciu'ct VOL. Lir. PRESIDE K T* 8 MESSAGE'. Fellow-citizens of the Senate and of the House of "Representatives ; I congratulate you.and; our common constitu ency upon the favorable; auspices under which you meet for your first session. Our country is at peace with all the world.;' The agitation which, for a time, threatened to.'disturb the fraternal re lations which make us one people, is fast subsi ding; and a year of general prosperity and health has crowned the nation Iwith unusual blessings. None can look back to; the dangers which are passed, or forward to the bright prospect before us, without feeling a thrill oi gratification, at the same time that he must be impressed with a grateful sense of our profound obligations to a beneficent Providence, whose paternal care is so manifest in the happiness of this highly favor ed land. . Since the close of the last Congress, certain Cubans and other foreigners resident in the U. States, who were more *or less concerned in the previous invasion of Cuba, instead of being dis couraged by its failure, have again abused the hospitality of this country, by making it the scene of the equipment, of another military ex pedition against that possession of ■her Catholic majesty, in which they were countenanced, aid ed and joined by citizens of the United States. On receiving intelligence that such designs were entertained, I lost no time in issuing such in structions to the proper officers of the United States as seemed to be called for by the occa sion. By the proclamation, a copy of which is herewith transmuted, I also warned thoso who might be in danger of being inveigled into this scheme of its unlawful character, and of the pen alties which they would incur. Forsomo time there was reason to hope that these measures had sufficed to prevent any such attempt. Thi<j hope, however, proved to be delusive. Very early in the morning of the third of August, a steamer called the Pampero, departed from New Orleans for Cuba, having on board upwards of four hundred armed men, with evident intentions to make war upoirthe authorities of the island. This expedition was set on foot in palpable vio lation of the laws of the United States. Its leader was a Spaniard, and several of the chief officers, and some others engaged in it, were for eigners. The persons composing it, “however, were mostly citizens of the United States. Before the expedition set out, and probably before it was organized, a slight insurrectionary movement, which appears to have been scon suppressed, had taken place in the eastern quar ter of Cuba. The impoitance of this move ment was unfortunately so much exaggerated in the accounts of it published in this country, that these adventurers seem to have been led to believe that the Creole population of the island not only desired to throw off the authority of the mother country, but had resolved upon ihat step, and had begun concerted enterprise for affecting it. The persons engaged in- the ex pedition were generally young and ill-informed. The steamer in which they embarked left New Orleans stealthily and without a clearance. Af ter touching at Key West, she.proceeded to the coast of Cuba, and, on the night between the 11th and 12th of Agust, landed the persons on board at Playtas, within about twenty leagues of Havana. The main body of them proceeded to, and took possession of, an inland village, six leagues distant, leaving others ,to follow in charge of the baggage, as soon as the means of transpor tation could be obtained. The latter having ta ' ken up their line of march to connect them selves with the main body, and having proceed ed about lour leagues into the country, were at tacked on the morning of tho 13th by a body of Spanish troops, and a bloody conflict ensued ; after which they retreated to the pb.ee of disem barcation, where about fifty of them obtained boats and re-embarked therein. They were, however, intercepted among the keys near the shore by a Spanish steamer cruising on the coast, captured and carried to Havana, and, after being examined before a military court, were sentenced to be publicly executed, and the sen tence was carried into effect on the 16th day of August. On receiving information of what had occur red, Commodore Foxhall A. Parker was in . structed to proceed in the steam frigate Saranac to Havana, and inquire into the charges against the persona executed, the circumstances under which they were taken, and whatsoever refer red to their trial and sentence. Copies of the instuctions from the Department of State to him, and of his letters to that Department, are here with submitted. According to the record of the examination, the prisoners all admitted the offences charged against them, of being hostile invaders of the island. At the time of their trial and execution the main,body of the invaders was still in the field, making war upon the Spanish authorities and Spanish subjects. After the lapse of some days, being overcome by the Spanish troops, they dispersed on the 241 h of August; Lopez, their leader, was captured some time after, and executed on the Ist of September. Many of his remaining followers were killed, or died of hun ger and fatigue, and the rest were made prison ers. Of these, none appear to have been tried ' or executed. Several of them were pardoned ; upon application of their friends and others, and 'the rest, about one hundred and sixty in number, were sent to Spain. Of the final disposition made of these we have no official information. Such is the melancholy result of this illegal and ill-fated expedition. Thus, thoughtless young men have been induced, by false and fraudulent representations, to violate the law of their country, through rash and unfounded ex pectation of assisting to accomplish political revolutions in other States, and have lost their lives in the undertaking. Too severe a judg ment can hardly be passed, by the indignant sense of the community, upon those who, being better-informed themselves, have yet led away the ardor of youth and an ill-directed love of po litical liberty. The correspondence between this Government and that of Spain relating to this transaction is herewith communicated. Although these offenders against the laws have - forfeited the protection of their country, yet the Government may, so far as is consistent with its obligations to other countries, and its fixed pur pose to maintain and enforce the laws, entertain sympathy for their unoffending families and friends, as well as a feeling of compassiijn for themselves. Accordingly no proper effort has been spared, and none will be spared, to pro cure the release of such citizens of the United States, engaged in this unlawful enterprize, as are now in confinement in Spain ; but it ,is to be hoped that such interposition with the gov ernment of that country may nofbe considered as affording any ground of expectation that the Government of the United States will, hereaf ter, feel itself under any obligation of duty to ihtercede for the liberation or pardon of such persons as are flagrant offenders against the law of nations and the laws of the United States.— These laws must be executed. If we desire to maintain our respectability among the nations of the earth, it behoves U 9 to enforce steadily and sternly the neutrality acts passed by Congress, and to follow, as far as may be, the violation of those acts with condign punishment. But what gives a peculiar criminality to this invasion of Cuba is, that under the lead of Spanish subjects and with the aid of citizens of the United States, it had its origin, with many, in motives of cupidity. Money was advanced by individuals, probably in considerable amounts, to purchase Cuban bonds, as they bad been call ed, issued by Lopez, sold, doubtless, at a very large discount, and for the payment which the public property of Cuba, of whatever kind, and the fiscal resources of the people and gov ernment .of that island, from whatever source derived.’.’were pledged, as well as the good faith of the government expected to be established. All these means of payment, it is evident, were only to be obtained by a process of bloodshed, war, and re\olution. |None will deny that those who set on foot military expeditions against for eign States by means; like these, are far more culpable than the ignorant and the necessitous whom they induce toigo forth as the ostensible parties in the proceeding. These originators of the invasion of Cuba;seem to have determined, with coolness and system, upon an undertaking which should disgrace their country, violate its laws, and put to hazard the lives of ill-informed and deluded men. You will consider whether further legislation be necessary to prevent the perpetration of such offences in future. No individuals have a right to hazard the peace of the country or to violate its laws upon vague notions of altering or refofming govern ments in other States. This principle is not ' only reasonable in itself, and in accordance with public law, but is into the codes of other nations as well as our own. But while, such are the sentiments of this Government, it may be added that every independent nation must be presumed to bef able to defend- its-'Pp 8 * sessions against unauthorized individuals banded together to attack them. The Government of the United States, at all times since its estab lishment, has abstained and has sought to re strain the citizens of the country.from entenng into controversies between other powers, and to observe all the duties of neutrality. At an ear lv period of the'Government, in the admimstra tton of Washington, several laws were passed for this purpose. The main provisions o these laws were re-enacted by the act of April, 1810, ■by which, among other .things, it was declared that if any person ehall; within the territory or jurisdiction of the Unifed States, begin, or set on foot, or provide, or [prepare the means tor any military expedition! or enterprise-to be car ried on from thepce against the territory or do minion of any foreign prince or State, or ot any colony, or' district, or people with whom the United States are at peace, every person sct of fending shall be deemed guilty of a high mtsde meanor, and shall be fined, not exceeding three thousand dollars, and imprisoned not more than three years; and this law has been executed and enforced, to the full extent of the power of the Government, from that day to this. In proclaiming and adhering to the doctrine ot neutrality and non-intervention, the United States have not followed the lead of other civil ized nations; they have taken the lead them selves, and have been followed by others. 1 his was admitted by one bf the most eminent ot modern British statesmen, who said in Parlia ment, while a minister of the crown, “ that it he wished for a guide in the system of neutrality, he would take that laidbown by America in the days of Washington and the secretaryship ot Jefferson,'* and we seej in fact, that the act ol Congress of 1818 was followed, the succeeding year, by an act of the i Parliament of England, ■ substantially the same in its general provisions. Up to that time there had been no similar law in England, except certain highly penal statutes passed in the reign ofj George ill., prohibiting English subjects from- ■■ enlisting in foreign ser*. - vice, the avowed object of which statutes was, that foreign armies, raised for the purpose oi re storing the house ol Stuart to the throne,should not be strengthened by recruits from England herself. \ . All must see that difficulties may arise in car rying the laws referred to into* execution in a country now having three or four thousand miles of sea-coast, with an infinite number ot ports and harbors and small inlets, irom some of which unlawful expeditions may suddenly set forth, without the.knowledge* oi Government, against the possessions of foreign States. Friendly relations with all, but entangling al liances with none, ha 9 [long been a maxim with us. Our true missionjis not to propagate our opinions, or impose upon other countries our form of government, by artifice or force ; but to teach by example, and l show by pur success, moderation and justice, the blessings of sell government, and the advantages of free institu tions. Let every people choose for itself, and make and alter its political institutions to suit its own condition and convenience. But, while we avow and maintainlthis neutral policy our selves, we are anxious to see the same forbear ance on the part of other nations, whose forms of government are different from our own. The deep interest which we.feel in the spread of lib eral principles and the establishment of free governments, and the sympathy with which we witness every struggle! against* oppression, tor bid that we should bei indifferent to a casern which the strong arm of a foreign power is in voked to stifle public sentiment ond-repress the spirit of Ireedom in any country The governments of Great Britain and France have issued orders to their naval commanders on the West India station to pieventby force, if necessary, the landing bf adventurers from any nation on the Island of {Cuba with hostile intent. The copy of a memorandum of a conversation on this subject between the Charge d’ Affaires of her Britannic Majesty, and the acting Secre tary of State, and of a subsequent note oi the former to the Department of State* are herewith 'submitted, together with a copy of a note of the Acting Secretary of State, to the Minister ol the French republic, and.of the reply of the lat ter, on the same subject. These papers will ac quaint you with thejgrpund of this interposition of the two leading commercial powers of Eu rope, and with the apprehensions, which this Government could not fail to entertain, that such interposition, if carried into effect, might lead to abuses in derogation of the maritime rights of the United < States.’ The maritime rights of the United States are founded on a firm, secure, and wellldefined basis; .they stand upon the ground of National Independence and public law, and will be maintained in all their full and just extent. !’ , The principle which this Government has heretofore solemnly announced it still adheres to, and will maio tain under all circumstances and at all hazards. Tha* principle is. that in every ,‘regularly documented mer-< chant vessel, the crew who navigateit, and those on board of it, will find their | protection in the flag which is over them. No American ship can be aUowed to-be visited or searched for the purpose of ascertaining the character of individuals on board, nor can there be al lowed any watch by tlie Vessel of any foreign nation over American vessels on the coasts of the United States or the seas adjacent thereto. It win be seen by the last communication from the British Charge d Af fairs to the Department of State, that he is authorized to assure the Secretary of State that every care will be taken that, in executing the preventiveWneasures against the expeditions, which the United States Gov ernment itself has denounced as not being entitled to the protection'of any government, no interference shall take place with the (lawful commerce of aDy na tiolii addition to the correspondence on this subject, herewith submitted, official information has been re ceived at the Department of State, of assurances by the French Government that, in the orders given to the French naval forces, they were expressly instruct ed, in any operation they might engage in, to respect the flag of the United States wherever it might appear, and to commit no act of hostility upon any vessel or armament under its protection. * Ministers and consult of foreign nations are the -means and agents of communication between us and those nations, and it is of the utmost importance that, while residing in the country, they should feel a per fect security so long as they faithfully discharge their respective duties and are! guilty of no violation of our laws. This is the admitted law of nations, and no country has a deeper interest in maintaining it than the United States. Our (commerce spreads over every sea and visits every cliiiie. and our ministers end con suls are appointed to protect the interests of that com merce, as well as to guajrd the peace of the country and maintain the honor of its flag. But how can they discharge these duties unless they be themselves pro-’ tectod : and, if protected, it must be by the laws of the country in which they -reside. And what is due to our own public functionaries residing in foreign na tion is exactly the measure of what is dne to the functionaries of other governments residing here. As in war. the bearers of flags of truce are sacred, or else wars would be interminable, so in peace, embassadors, public ministers, and consuls, charged with friendly national intercourse, aro objects cf especial respect and protection, each according to the fights belonging to his rank and station, j In view of these important principles, it is with deep mortification and regret I announce to you that, during the excitement growing out of the executions at Havana, the office of her Cath olic majesty’s consul at New Orleans was assailed by a mob. his property destroyed, the Spanish flag found in the office carried off and torn in pieces, and he himself induced to flee for his personal safety, which he sup posed to be in danger, j On the intelligence of these events.l forthwith direct ed the attorney of these (United States residing at New Orleans to inquire into the facts and the extent of the pecuniary loss'sustained!by the consul, withtheinten tion of laying them befofe you. that you might make provision for such indemnity to him as a jnstiregard lor the honor of the nation|and the respect which is duo to a friendly power might, in yoar judgment, seem to require The correspondence upon this subject be tween the Secretary of gtate and her Catholic majes ty’s minister plenipotentiary is herewith transmitted. The occurrence at N ; ew Orleans has led me to give my attention to the state of onr lawfc in regard to for eign embassadors, ministers, and consuls. I think the legislation of the country is deficient in not providing sufficiently either for the protection or the punishment of consuls. 1 therefore (recommend the subject to the consideration of Congress. Your attention is again invited to the question of re ciprocal trade between the United States and Canada and other British possessions near ourfrontier. Over tures for a convention upon this subject have been re ceived from her Britannic Majesty’s Minister Plenipo tentiary, but it seems tojbe in many respects prefera ble by reciprocal legislation. Documents are laid be fore you showing the terms which the British govern ment is willing to offer, the measures which it may adopt, if some arrangement upon this subject shall not bemade. I . From the accompanying copy of a note from the British Legation at Washington, and the reply of the Department of State thereto, it will appear that her Britannic Majesty’s government is desirous that a part of the boundary line between Oregon aDd the British possessions should be authoritatively marked out. and that an intention was expressed to apply to Congress for an appropriation ta defray the expense thereof on the part of the United ‘States. Your attention to this subject is accordingly ihvited. and a proper appropria tion recommended. 4 1 A convention for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the United States against Portugal has been conclu ded, and the ratifications have been exchanged. The first instalment of the Amount to he paid by Portugal fell due on the 30th of (September last, and has been paid., ■ The President of the French republic, according to the provisions of the convention, has been selected as arbiter in the case Of the General Armstrong; and has signified that he accepts the trust and the high satis faction he feels in actipg as the common friend of two nations, with which France is united by sentiments of • sincere and lasting amity. The Turkish government has expressed its thanks for the kind reception givon to the Sultan’s agent, CITY OF LANCASTER, TUESDAY MOJINTNO. DECEMBER 9, 1851. Amin Bey.'on the occasion - of his recant visit to the United States. On the 28th ot February last s, des patch was addressed by the Secretary.6f State to. Mr. Marsh, the American Minister at'Constantinople, in structing him to ask of the Turkish government per- - mission for the Hungarians, then imprisoned withm the dominions of the Sublime Forte, to! remove to this country. On the. 3d of March last both Houses of Congress passed a resolution requesting the President to authorize the employment of a public vessel to con vey to this country bonis Kossuth and his associates in captivity. The instruction above referred to was com plied r 'with, aod.the Turkish government having released Governor Kossuth and bis companions from prison; on the 10th of September last, they embarked on board oi the United States eteam frigato Mississippi, which was selected toca,Ty into effect the .resolution of Congress. Gov. Kossuth left the Mississippi at Gibraltar, for tbe purpose of making a visit to England, and may shortly be.'expected fn New York. By communications to the Department of State he has expressed, bis'grateful acknowledgments for the interposition of this Government in be hall of himself and his associates. This coun try has been justly regarded us a safe asylum for those whom political events have exiled from their own homes iu Europe j aud it is re commended to Congress to cousider iu what mauner Governor Kossuth and his companions, brought hither by its authority, shall be receiv* ed and treated. i It is earnestly to be hoped that the differen ces which have for some time past been pend ing betweeu the government of the French re public and that of the Sandwich 1 Islands, may be peaceably aud durably adjusted, so as iO se cure the indepeudence of those islands. Long before the events which have of [late imparted so much importance to tbe possessions of tbe U. States on tbe Pacific, we acknowledged the in dependence of the Huwaiian government. This Goverument was first in taking Ihat step, and several of the leading powers of Europe imme diately followed. We were influenced iu this measure by the existing and prospective impor tance of the islands as a place of refuge and re* freshment for our vessels engagec. in tbe whale fishery, and by the consideration that ihej- lie in the course of the great trade w iich must, at no distant day. be carried on betweeu the western coast of North America aud Eastern 'Asia. We were also influenced by ia desire that those islands should not pass uudjer the control of any other great maritime State, but should remain iu au iudependent condition, aud so be accessible aud useful to tbe commerce of all nations. I need not say that the|importance of these considerations bus been greatly enhanced by the auddeu aud vast development which the interests of the United States have attained in California and Oregon; und the policy hereto fore adopted in regard to those islands will be steadily pursued, It is gratifying not only to those who consider the commercial interests of nations, but also to ull who favor the progress of knowledge and the djffusiou of religion, to see a commuuiiy emerge } frfnn a savage state and attaiu such a degree ot iu those distant seas. • ? It is much to be deplored that the internal of the Mexican republic should i'aguin be seriously disturbed ; for, since the peace between that republic and the U. States, it had enjoyed such comparative repose that the most favorable anticipations for the future might, with a degree of confidence, have been indulged. These, however, have been thwart ed by the recent outbreak in the State of Tam aulipas, on the right, bauk of the Rio Bravo. Having received iulormatiun that persons from the United Stales had taken part in the insurrec tion, and apprehending that their example might be followed by others, I caused orders to be issued for the purpose of preventing any hostile expeditions against Mexico from being set bn l'ootin violation of the lawsof the Uuited States. I likewise issued a proclamation upon the subject, a copy of which is herewith laid before you. This appeared to be reudered im perative by the obligations of treaties and the general duties of good neighborhood. In my last annual message I informed Con gress that citizens of the United States had un dertaken the counexion of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the Isthmus ofTe huantepec, under a grant of the Mexican gov ernment to a citizen of that republic ; aud that this enterprise would probably be prosecuted with energy whenever Mexico should consent to such stipulations with the Government of the United States-as should impart a feeling of se curity to those who should iuvest their property in the enterprise. A convention between the two governments for the accomplishment of that end has beon rat ified by this Government, and only awaits the decision of the Congress and the Executive of that republic. Some unexpected difficulties and delays have arisen in the ratification of that convention by Mexico, but it is to be presumed that her decis ion will be governed by just aud enlightened vie ws, as well of the general importance of the object, as of her own interests aud obligations. In negotiatiug'upon this important subject, this Government has had in view one, and only one, object; That object has been, and is, the construction or attainment of a passage from ocean to ocean,the shortest & the best for travel lers and merchandise, and equally opeu to all the world. It has sought to obtain no territori al acquisition, nor any advantages peculiar to itself; and it would see, with the greatest re gret, that Mexico should oppose uuy obstacle to the accomplishment of an enterprise which promises so much convenience to the whole commercial world,' and such eminent advanta ges to Mexico herself. ’lmpressed with these sentiments and these couvictions, the Govern- ment will continue to exert all proper efforts to bring about the necessary arrangements with the republic of Mexico for tbe speedy, comple tion of the work. For some months past the republic of Nicar agua has been the theatre of one of those civil convulsions, from which the cause of free iusti tutious, and the general prosperity aud social progress of the States of Central America have so-often and so severely suffered. Until quiet shall have been restored, and a government apparently .stable shall have been organized, no advance cun prudently be made indisposing of the questions pending between the two countries. I am happy to nnouuce that an inter-oceanic communication from the mouth of the St. John to the Pacific has been so far accomplished as passengers have actually traversed it aud that merchandise has been transported over it; aud when the canal shallhavebeeu completed, according to the original plan, the means of communication will be further improved. It is understood that a considerable part of the railroad across tbedsthmus of Panama has been completed, and that the mail and passen gers willin future be conveyed thereon. Whichever oi the several routes between the two oceans may ultimately prove most eligible .for travelers to and from the difierent-States ou the Atlautic and Gulf of Mexico and our coast on the Pacific, there is little reason to doubt that all of them will be useful to the public, aud will liberally reward that individual euterprize, by which alone they have been or are expected to be carried into effect Peace bus been concluded between the con tending parties in the lalaud of St. Domiugo, and it is hoped upon a durable basis. Such is tbe extent of our commercial relations with that island, that tbe Uuited States cauuot fail to feel a strong interest in its tranquility. The office of Commissioner to China remains unfilled; several persoushave been appointed, and the place has been ofiered tri others, all of whom, have decliued its acceptance, on the ground of the inadequacy of the compensation. The annual allowance by law is six thousand dollars, and there is no provision for any outfit. 1 earnestly recommend tbe consideration of this subject to Congress. Oar commerce with China is highly important and is becoming more and more so, in consequence oflbe iu creasing intercourse, betweeu our ports .on the Pacific coast and Eastern Asia. China is un derstood to be a country in which living is very expensive, and I know of no reason why the American Commissioner sent thither should not be placed, in regard to Compensation, on an equal footing with 'ministers who represent ; this country at the courts of Europe. By reference to the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, it will be. seen that the aggre gate receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to $52,312,979 87; which, with the balance iu the Treasury on thie Ist of July, 1850, gave r as “THAT COHKTBY 18 THE MOST PROSPEROUS, HHEREI4BOR COMMANDS TIES GREATEST BEWARD."-Bntlianan. the- available means for the year, the sum of $58,917,524 36. . The total expenditures for the same period were's4B,oos.B7B 68. The total imports for the year ending 30th June; 1851 f were.---.. .-$215,725,995 Of which there were in specie.... 4,967,901 The exports for the same period were 01 which there were of domestic products. $178,546,555 Foreign goods re-exported. .9,738,695 5pecie................. .29,231,880 Since the Ist of December last the payments in cash on account of the public debt, exclusive of interest, have amouuted to $7,501,456 56i; which,however, includes the sum of $3,242,400 paiduuder the 12th article of the treaty-with Mexico, and the further snm ot $2,591,213 .45, being the amount'of awards to Americau citi zens uoffer the late treaty with Mexico, for which the issue of stock was authorized, but which was paid in cash from the Treusnry. The public-debt on the 20th ultimo, exclu sive of the stock authorized to be issued to Texas by the act of 9lh September, 1850, was $62,560,395 26. The receipts foV the next fiscal year are esti mated at $51,800,000, which, with the probable unappropriated balance iu the Treasury, on the 30th June next, will give, as the probable avail able means for that year, the sum of $63,258,- 743 09. ' . ■ It has been deemed proper, in view of-the large expenditures consequent upon the acquis ition of territory from ■ Mexico, that the estir mates for the next fiscal year should be laid bo lore Congress in such mauuer as to distinguish the ex'peuditures so required lrom the other wise ordinary demands upon the Treasury; The total expenditures for the next fiscal year are estimated at $42,892,299 19, of which there is required for the ordinary purposes of the Goverumeut, other tban those consequent upon the acquisition of our uew Territories, aqd deducting the payments on account of the pub lic debt, the sum of $33,343,198 08; aud for the purposes connected directly or indirectly with those Territories, and in the fulfilment ot the obligations of the Government, contracted iu consequence of their acquisition, the sum ot $9,549,101 11. If the views of the Secretary of the Treasury in reference to the expenditures required for these Territories shall bo met by corresponding action on the part of Congress, and appropria tions made iu accordance therewith, th re will be an estimated unappropriated balance in the Treusury on the 30tbJune, 1853, of $20,366,- 443 90, wherewith to meet that portion of the public debt due on the Ist July following, amounting to $6,237,931 35, as well as any ap propriations which may be made beyond the estimates. In thus referring to the estimated expendi tures ou account of our newly acquired Territo ries, I may express the hope that Congress will coucur with me in the desire that a liberal course of policy may be pursued towards them,, and that every obligation, express or implied, eutered into iu consequence of their acquisition, shall be fulfilled by the most liberal appropria tions for that purpose. The values of our domestic exports for the last fiscal year, as compared with those of the previous year, exhibit un increase of $43,646,- 322. At first view this condition of our trade with foreign nations would seem to present the most flattering hopes of its future prosperity. — An examination of the details of our exports, however, will 6hnw that the increased valueof our exports for the last fiscal year is to be found in the high price of cotton, which during the first half of that year, which price has since declined about onejhall. The value of our exports! of breadstuff's and provisions, which it was supposed the incentive of a low tariff,and large importations from abroad would have greatly augmented, has fallen from $f 8,701.921, in 1847, to $26,051,373 in 1850, and to $21,948,653 in 1851, with a strong probability, amounting almost to u cer tainty, of a still further reduction iu the current year. The aggregate values of rice exported during the last fiscal year, as compared with the .previ ous year, also exhibit a decrease amounting $450,917, which, with a decline in the valuesof the exports of tobacco for the same period, make an aggregate decrease in these two articles ot $1,156,751. The policy which dictated a low rate ot duties on foreign merchandise, it was thought by those who promoted and established it, would tend to benefit the farming population of this country, by increasing the demand and raising the price of agricultural products in foreign markets. The foregoing facts, however, seem to 6bow incontestibly that no such result has followed the adoption of this policy. On the contrary, notwithstanding the repeal of the restrictive coru laws in England, the foreign demand for the products of the American farmer has steadi ly declined, since the short crops and conse quent famine in a portion of Europe have been happily replaced by full crops and comparative abundance of food. ‘ It will be seen, by recurring to the commeri cial statistics for tbe paStyear, that tbe value of our domestic exports has been increased iu the siugle item of raw cotton by $40,000,000 over the value of that-export for the year preceding. t This is not due to any increased general demand for that article, but to the short crop of the pre ceding year, which' created an increased de mand and an augmented price for-’the last year. Shquld the cotton Crop new going forward to market be only equal iu quantity to that o( the year preceding, aud be sold at the present prices, then there would be a falling off in the value ot our exports for the present fiscal year of at least $40,000,000, compared with tlie amount exported for the year ending 30th June, 1851. The production of gold in California for the past year seems to promise a large supply of that metal from that quarter fur some time to come. This large annual increase of the cur reucy of tbe world must be attended with its usual results. These have been already par tially disclosed, in the enhancement of prices and a rising spirit of speculation and adventure, teudiug to over-trading, as well at home os abroad. Unless some salutary < check shall be given to these tendencies, it is to be feared.that ■importations of foreigu goods beyond a healthy demand in this country will lead to n sudden drain of the precious metals from us, bringing with it, as it has done iu former times, the most disastrous consequences to the business and capital of the American people. The exports of specie to liquidate oiir foreign debt during the past fi-cal 5 ear have been $24.- 263, 979 over the amount of specie imported.— The exports of specie during the first quarter of the present, fiscal year have been 827. Should specie continue to be exported at this rate for the remaining three quarters of this year, it will drain from our metallic cur rency during the year ending 30ih June, 1852, the enormous amount of $58,607,308. , In the present prosperous coudition of the national finances, it will become the duty of Congress to consider the best mode of paying off the pablic debt. If the present aud antici pated surplus in tbe Treasury should not be ab sorbed by appropriations of an extraordinary character, this surplus should be employed in such a way, and under such restrictions, as Coogress may enact, in extinguishing the put standing debt of the nation. ; By reference to the act of Congress approved 9th September, 1850, it will be seen that, in consideration of certain concessions ; by the State of Texas, it is provided that the States shall pay to the State of Texas the sum ‘often millfens of dollars, in a stock ;bearin| ‘ five per cent, interest, and redeemable at tbe ‘end of fourteen years, the interest payable ‘ half yearly, at the Treasury of the Uuited ‘ States.” In the same section of tbe law it is farther provided “ that no r more than five millions of ‘said stock shall be issued ''until ;tbe creditors ‘ of the State holding bonds and other certifi * cates of stock of Texas, for whick'lduUes on im ‘ ports were specially pledged, shall first file at ‘ the Treasury of the United States releases of ‘ all claims against the' United S’ates,. for or on ‘account of said bonds or certificates, in such ‘ form as shall be prescribed by'the Secretary *of the Treasury, and approved by the Prcsi" 1 dent of the United States.” The form of release-thus provided., for has been prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasu ry, and approved; It lias beefi published in all the leading newspapers in the Commercial cities of the United States, and all {persons holding claims of the kind specified in the foregoing proviso were required tp file their releases (in the form thus prescribed) in {the Treasury of the UnitedrStates, on or before the Ist day of October, 1851- Although this publication has beea.contiuued from the 2 5 tip day of March, 1851, yet, up to the Ist' of October last, com paratively few releases,bad been filed by the creditors of Texas. [ The.authorities of the State of Texas, at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, have furnished a schedule of the publio debt of that State created prior to her admission into the Union, with,a copy of the laws under which each class was contracted, c- .$217,517,130 $217,517,301 I have, from the documents; furnished by the Stateof Texas, determined the classes of claims • which in my judgment fall within the provis ions of tbe act of Congress of the 9th of Sept., 1850. On being officially informed of the accept ance by Texas of the propositions contained in ;the net referred 10, I caused the stock to be prepared, and the fifre millions which are to be issued unconditionally, bearing ’eu interest of ■five percent, froiin the Ist'dayrofJanuory, 1851, have been for some time ready to be delivered to the Stuto of Texas. The authorities of Texas, up to the present lime, have not authorized ariy oue to receive this stock, and it remains In tbe Treasury Department, subject'tp the order of Texas. .The releases, required by law to be deposit ed iu the Treasury, not having been filed there, the remaining five millions have not been issu ed. This lest amount of the stock will be withheld from Texas until the, conditions upon which it is to be delivered shall be complied with by the.creditors of that Spate, unless Con gress 6hall otherwise direct by a modification of the law. ■ Iu my last aunual message, to which l re spectfully refer, I stated briefly the reasons which iuduced me to recommend a modifica tion of tho present tariff*, by converting the ad / valorem into a specific doty, wherever the ar- ' tide imported was of such a character as to per mit it, and that such n discrimination should be made, iu favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country, as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition. The numerous frauds which continae to be practised upon the revenue, by false invoices, and undervaluations, constitute an unanswera ble reason for adopting specific instead of ad valorem duties in all cases where the nature of the commodity does apt forbid it. A striking illustration of these frauds will be exhibited in the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing the custom house valuation of articles imported under a former law subject to specific duties, when there was no inducement to un dervaluation, aud the custom house valuations of the same articles, under the present system of ad valorem duties, so greatly reduced as to leave no doubt of the existence of tbe most fla grant abuses ynder the existing laws. This practical evasion of the present luw, combiued with tlu languishing condition! of some of the great interests of the country, caused by over importations and-consequeut depressed prices, •and with the failure m obtaining a foreign mar ket for our increasing surplus of breadstuff's and provisions, has induced me again to recommend a-modification of the existing tariff. The report of the Secrelarylof the Interior, which, accompanies this communication, will present a condensed statement of the operations of that important department of the Government. It will he seen that the cash sales of the pub lic lands exceed those of the preceding year, and that there is reason to anticipate a still further in crease, notwithstanding the large donations which have been made to many of the States, and the liberal grants to individuals as a reward for mili tary services. This fact furnishes very gratify ing evidence of the growing wealth and prosperity, of our country. Suitable measures have been adopted for com mencing the survey, of the public land! in Cali forniaand Oiegon. Surveying parties have been organized, and fiomeiprogress has been made in establishing the principal base and meridian lines. But further legislation and additional appropria tions will be necessary before the proper subdivi sions can be made, and the general land system extended over those remote parts of our territory. On the 3d of March last an act was passed pro viding for the appointment of three commission ers to settle private land claims in California.— Three persons were immediately appointed, all of whom, however, declined accepting the office, in consequence of the ; inadequacy of the compensa tion. Others were, promptly selected, who, for the same reason, also declined; and it was not until late in the {season that the services of suit able persons could be secured. A majority of the commissioners convened, in this city, on the 10th of September la6t, when detailed instruc tions were given to them in regard to their duties. Their first meeting for the transaction of business will be held in San Francisco on the Bth day of, the present month. I have thought it proper to refer to these facts, not only to explain the cause of the delay in fill ing the commission, but to call your attention to the propriety of increasing the compensation of the commissioners. The office is one of great labor and responsibility, compensation should be such as to command men of a high or der of talents and the most unquestionable in tegrity. The proper disposal of the mineral lands of California is a subject surrounded by great diffi culties. In my last annual message I recom mended the survey and sale ;of them in small parcels, under such restrictions as would effect ually guard against raonopolyjand speculation.— But upon further information, and in deference ■ to the opinions of persons familiar with the sub ject, I am inclined to change that recommenda tion, and to advise that they be permitted to re main, as at present, a common field, open to the enterprise and industry of all our citizens, until further experience shall have;developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted in regard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconvenienres that now exist, for a short period, than, by premature le gislation, to fasten on the country a system ' founded in error, which may place the whole sub ject beyond l the ifuture control of Congress. The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed and brought into market with as little delay as possible, that the titles may become set tled, and the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent improvements, and enter on the ordi nary pursuits of life. To effect these objects it ; is desirable that the necessary provision be made by law for the establishment of land offices in California and Oregon, and for the efficient pro secution of the surveys at an; early day. Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the Territorial governments of New Mexico and Utah; and, when more accurate information shall be obtained of tho causes, a further commu nication will be made on that sutgecL In my last annual communication to Congress I recommended the establishment of an Agricul tural Bureau, and I take this occasion again to invoke your favorable consideration of the sub ject Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great interest of our people.j Four fifths of our active population are employed in the cultivation of the soil, and the rapid expansion of our settle ments over new territories is daily adding to the number of those engaged in that vocation. Jus tice'and sound policy, therefore, alike require that the Government should use all the means authorized by;the Constitution to promote the interests and wrifore of that important class of our fellow-citizens. And yet it is a singular fact that, whilst the manufacturing and commercial interests have engaged the attention of Congress during a large’portion of every session, and our statutes abound in provisions for their protection and encouragement, little has yet been done di rectly for the advancement of agriculture. It is time that .this reproach to our legislation should be removed; and I sincerely hope that the pre sent Congrewlwill not dose their labors without adopting efficient mean* to the omissions of those who have preceded them. v An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the duty of collecting and disseminating correct in formation as to the best modes of cultivation, and of the most effectual means of preserving and restoring the fertility of the soifiand of procuring and distrihutingseeds and plants and other vege table productions,- with instructions in regard to the.soil, climate j and treatment best adapted to their growth, could not fail to be, in the language of Washington,iin -his last"annual message to Congress, a very cheap instrument of immense national benefit” Regarding the act of Congress approved 28th September, 1850, granting bounty lands to per sons who had ke<en engaged in the military ser vice of the country, as a great .measure of nation al justice and munificence, an anxious desire has been felt by the officers entrusted with its imme diate execution, to give, prompt effect to its pro visions. All. the means within their control were, therefore, brought into requisition to expedite the adjudication of claims, and I am gratified to be able to state; that near one hundred thousand applications have been considered, and about seventy thousand warrants issued within the short space of nine months. If adequate provi sion be made by law to carry into effect the re commendations of the Department, it is confi- dently expected that, before the close ofthemext fiscal year, all who are entitled to the benefits of the act will have received their warrants. The Secretary |of the Interior has suggested in his report various amendments of the laws rela ting to pensions and bounty lands, for the pur pose of more effectually guarding against abuses and frauds on the Government, to all of which I invite your particular attention. The large .accessions to cur Indian population consequent liponjthe acquisition, of New Mexico and California,-and the extension of our settle- ments into pnd Oregon, have given increas ed interest and importance to our relations with the aboriginal race. No material change has taken place, within tbe last year, iu the condition and prospects of * the Indian tribes {who reside in.the Northwest- ern Territory and ' west of the Mississippi river. We are at peace with all of them ; and it will be a source of pleasure to you to leam that they are gradually advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social life. Along the Mexican frontier, and in California, and Oregon, there have bten occasional manifes tations of unfriendly feeling, and some depreda- tions committed. i lam satisfied, however, that they resulted more from the destitute and starv- ing condition of the Indians than from any'set tled hostility .toward the whites. As the settle ments of our citizens progress towards them, the game upon which they mainly Tely fir subsist ence is driven off or destroyed, arid the only al ternative left to them is starvation or plunder.— It becomes us to consider, in view of this condi tion of things, whether justice and humanity, as well as an enlightened economy, do not require tbaT, instead of seeking to punish them for of fence which are the result of our own policy to wards them, we should not provide for their immediate wants and encourage them to engage in agriculture, and to rely;on their labor, instead of the chase, for. the means of support. Various important treaties have been negotia ted with different tribes during the year,by which their title to largejand valuable tracts of country has been extinguished, all of which will, at the proper time, be submitted to the Senate for ratifi cation. The joint commission‘under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo has been actively engaged in running and marking the boundary line between the United States and Mexico., It was stated, in tbe last annual report of ihe Secreiary of the Interior, that the initial point on the Pacific and the point of junction of the Gila with the Colo rado river had been determined, and the inter vening line, about one hundred and fifty miles in length, run and marked by temporary monu ments. Since that time a monument of marble has bern erected at the initial point, and perma nent landmarks of iron have been placed at suit able distances along the line. The initial point on the Rio also been fixed by the commissioners at latitude 32° 22\ and at the date of the last communication the survey of the line had been made thence westward about 1 one hundred and fifty miles to the neighborhood of the copper mines. The commission on-bur part was at first or ganized on a scale which experience proved to be unwieldly and attended with unnecessary ex pense. Orders {have, therefore, been issued for the number of persons-employed within the smallest limits, consistent with the safety of those [engaged in the service, and the prompt and efficient execution of their important duties. { Returns have been received from all the offi cers engaged in taking the census in the States and Territories, except California. The superin tendent employed to make the-enumeration in, that State has not yet made his full report, from causes, as he alleges, beyond his control. This failure is much to be regretted, as it has prevented tbe Secretary of the Interior from making the decennial apportionment of representatives among the States, as required by the act approved May 23, 1850. It is hoped, however, that the returns will soon be received, and no lime will then be lost in making the necessary apportionment, and in transmitting the certificates required by law. The Superintendent of the Seventh Census is diligently-employed, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in classifying and ar ranging, in tabular form, all the statistical infor mation derived {from the returns oi the marshals, and it is believed that when the work shall be completed, it will exhibit a more perfect view of the population, wealth, occupations, and social condition of a great country, than has ever been •presented to the world. The value ot such a work, as the basis of enlightened legislation, can hardly be over-estimated; and I earnestly hope that Congress will lose no time in making the appropriations necessary to complete the classi fications, and to publish the results in a style worthy of the subject and of our national charac ter. ■' The want of a uniform fee bill, prescribing the compensation to be allowed district attorneys, clerks, marshals, and commissioners in civil and criminal, cases, is the cause of much vexation, injustice, and complaint. I would recommend a thorough revision of the laws upon the whole subject, and the adoption of a tariff of fees which, as far as practicable, should be uniform, and pre scribe a specific compensation ] for every service which the officer may be required to perform.— This subject will be fully presented in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. *ln my last annual message I gave briefly my reasons for believing that you possessed the con stitutional power to improve . the harbors of our great lakes anil seacoast, and the navigation of our principal rivers, and recommended that ap propriations should be made for completing such works as had already been commencod, and for commencing such others as might seem to the wisdom of Congress to be of public and general importance. Without repeating the reasons then urged, I deem it my duty again to call your at tention to this important subject, -The works on many of the harbors were left in an unfinished state; and consequently exposed to the action of the elements, which is fast destroying them.— Great numbers of fives and vast amounta of pro perty, are annually lost for want of safe and con venient harbors on the lakes. None but those who have been exposed to that dangerous navigation ,can fully appreciate the importance of this sub . ject. The whole northwest appeals to you for relief, and I trust their appeal will receive due consideration at your hands. The same is in a measure true in regard to some of the harbors and[ inlets on the seacoast. The unobstructed navigation of our large rivers ia of equal importance. ' Our settlements are now extending to the sources of the greatrivera which empty into, and form a part ot the Mississippi, and the; value of the public lands in those regions would.be greatly enhanced by freeing the navi-' gation of those waters from obstructions. In view, therefore, of this great interest, I deem it my ddty agate to. urge upon Congress to make^euch appropriations for these improvements as thpy maydeenr necessary. The survey of the D* Ita of the Mississippi) with a view to the prevention of the overflows that have E roved so disastrous to that region of country, ave been nearly completed, and the reports thereof are now course of preparation, and will shortly be laid before you. | Thr thr ltlr *ne protection of our southwestern frontier, and of tho adjacent Mexican states, against the Indian tribes within our border, has claimed my earnest and constant attention. Congress haring failed, at the last session, to adopt my recommen daiion that an additional regiment of mounted men specially adapted to that service should be raised, all that remained to be done was to make to best use ofthemeansat my disposal. Accord* ingly, all the troops adapted to that service that could properly be spared from other quarters have been concentrated on the frontier, and offi cers of high reputation selected to command them, A new arrangement of the military posts has also been made, whereby the troops are brought near er to the Mexican frontier and to the tribes they are intended to overawe. Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realise all the benefits that are expected to result from these arrangements, but I have every reason to hope that they will effectually check their marauding expeditions. The nature of the country, which, furnishes little for the support of an army ami abounds in places of refuge and concealment, is remaikably well adapted to this predatory war fare; and we can scarcely hope that any military force, combined with the greatest vigilance, can entirely suppress it. By the treaty of Gaadalupo Hidalgo, wo are bound to protect the territory of Mexico against the incursions of the savage tribes within our bor der “with equal diligence and energy” as if tho same were made within our territory or against our citizens. I have endeavored fo comply, as far as possible, with this provision of the treaty. Orders have been given to the officers command ing on that frontier to consider the Mexican ter fitory and its inhabitants as equally with our own Entitled to their protection] and to make all their pla‘ns and arrangements with a view to the attain ment of this object. Instructions have also been given to the Indian commissioners and agents among these tribes, in all treaties, to make the i clauses designed for the protection of our own apply also to ’those of Mexico. I have no reason to doubt that these ' instructions have been fully carried fiuo effect. Neverthless, it is probable that, in ipite of all our efforts, some of the neighboring States of Mexico may have su& fered, as our own.have, from depredations by the Indians. ; To the difficulties of defendingour own territory, , as above mentioned,are supefadded,ind«fending that of Mexico, those that arise from its remote ness, from the fact that we have no right to sta tion our troops within her limits, and that there is no efficient military force on the Mexican side to co-operate with our own. So long as this shall continue to be the case, the number and activity of o*ir troops will lather increase than diminish the evil, as the Indians will naturally turn tuwards that country where they encounter the least resis tance. Yot these troops are necessary to subduo them, and to compel them to make and observo treaties. Until this shall have been done, neither country will enjoy any security from their attacks. The Indians in California, who had previously appeared of a peaceable character, and disposed to cultivate the friendship ot the whites, have recently committed so era! acts ol hostility. As a large portion of the reinforcements sent 10 the Mexican frontier were drawn from the Pacific, the military force now -tationed there is considered entirely inadequate to its defence. It cannot be increased, however, without an increase of the army; and I again recommend that measure as indispensable to the protection of the frontier, i I invite your attention to the suggestions on this subject, and on others connected wiih his Depart ment, in the report of the Secretnry ot War. 1 The appropriations for the support of the army during the current fiscal year ending 30th June next, were reduced lar below the estimate sub- • mitted by tho Department. The consequen.ee of this reduction is a considerable deficiency, to which I invite your early attention. i The expenditures of that Department, for the year ending 30th of June last, were $9,060,263 58. The estimates for the year commencing Ist July next and ending June 30, 1853, are $T,898,775 83; showing a reduction of $1,(61,492 75. The Board of Commissioners, to whom the management of the affairs of tho Military \sylum created by the act oT the Vd Viarch last was en trusted, have selected a site for the establishment of an Asylum in the vicinity of this city, which, has been approved by me, subject to the produc tion of a satisfactory title. The report ofrhe Secretary of the Navy will exhibit the condition of the public service under the supervision of the Department. Our naval . force afloat during the present ycqr has been ac tively and usefully employed in giving protection to our widely-extended and increasiig commerce and interests in the various quarters of the globe, and our flag has every where afforded the security and received the rcpect inspired by tho justice and liberality of our intercourse, and the dignity and power of the nation. The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De Haven, despatched in search of tho British com mander, Sir John Franklin, and his' companions in tho Arctic -eas, returned to New .York in tho month of October, after having undergone great peril and suffering from an unknown and danger ous navigation and the rigors of a northern cli mate, without any satisfactory information of the objects of their search, but with new contribu tions to science and navigation from tho .unfre quented polar regions. Tho officers and men of the expedition, having been all volunteers for this service, and having so cnnducted_U as to meet the entire approbation of the Government, it is suggested, as an net of grace and generosity that the same allowances of extra pay and emoluments be extended to them that were made to the offi- - cers and men ol like rating in the late exploring expedition to tho South Seas. I earnestly recommend tO' your attention the necessity of reorganizing the Naval Establish ment, apportioning and fixing the number ot offi cers in each grade, providing some modo of pro motion to tfie higher grades of ihe navy, having reference to merit and capacity, rather than seni ority or date of entry into the service, and for retiring from the effective fist upon reduced pay ■ thoso who may be incompetent to the perform ance of active duty. As a measure of economy as well as'of efficiency in this arm.of the service, Lhe provision last mentioned is eminently worthy of your consideration. The determination of the questions of relative rank between the sea officers and civil officers of the navy, and between officers of the army and navy, in the various grades, of each, will also merit your attention. The failure to provide any substitute, when corporal punishment was abol ished for offences in the navy, has occasioned the . convening of numerous courts-martial upon tho arrival of vessels in port, and is believed to have had ah injurious effect upon the discipline and efficiency of the service. To moderate punish ment from one grade to another is among the hu mane reforms of the age ; but to .abolish one of severity, which applied so generally to offences on ship board, and provide nothing in its stead, is to suppose a progress of improvement in every individual among senmen which is not assumed by the Legislature in respect to any other class of ■ men. It ig hoped that Congress, in tho ample opportunity afforded by the present session, will thoroughly investigate this important subject, and establish Buch modes of and such gradations of punishment as are consistent with humanity and the personal rights ol individ uals and at the same time shall ensure the most energetic end efficient performance of duty and. the suppression of crime in our ships of war. The stone dock in the navy yard, at New York, which was ten years in process of construction, ' has been so far'finished as to be. surrendered up to the authorities of the yard. The dry dock at Philadelphia is reported as completed, and is ex pected soon to be tested and delivered over to the agents of the Government. That in Ports mouth, New Hampshire, is also nearly ready for delivery ; and a, contract has been concluded, ngreeably to the act of Congress at its last ses sion, for a floating sectional dock on the Bay of San Francisco. I invite your attention to tho re-, commendation of the Department touching tho establishment of a navy yard in conjunction with* this dock! on the Pacific. Such a station is highly necessary to the. convenience and effectiveness of our fleet in that ocean, which must be ex pected to increase, with the growth of commerce, and the rapid extension of our whalafUheries over its waters. , The Naval Academy at Annapolis, under a re vised and improved system of regulations, now affords opportunities.of education and instrncfipn to the pupils quite equal, it is believed, for pro fessional improvement; to those enjoyed by the cadets in the Military Academy. A large das® of acting midshipmen was received at the com mencement of the last academic; Term, and a (Concluded on Fourth Pagei) • NO. 46.
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