(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.