J!l i-i-LI-l-i-.
TEE AlflERXCAlT.
SUNBURY.
ATURDAT, DECEMBER , l50.
H. B. MASSEK. EHUr and ProprlrUr.
V B PAI.MKR Is "" anthoriKnl of rnt to wlv sub
rriptinii him) .dvtrtiiinK st hi office, in Phitadtlphit, New
York, Boston sad Baltimore,
Ta AnrWTiMtiti. The rireulntlon of the flunhnrjf
Amerirsn tmmig Ui different towns 011 Hie PiisqiH-hsniia
Is not eiceedeil if equilled lijr nf ptiper ubhrimi in North
rn Piuulviiiii.
EDITOR'S TABLE.
Business Netlce.
Tmr.vn.Tnn ItAUltOAP. By' nn advertise-
ment in our colums it will be seen, that pro
posals will be received until the 20th lust.,
for the Sills of this road.
We refer our readers to tne ilvertiienient of
John A- Snyder, 'Administrator of Jacob Snyder,
dee'd-, for the sale of a valuable traet of land, in
Lower Mahoiioy township-
Csuot nm, Niw Yomt Atiovs ai I'siik
GmuKn, by O. G. Foster, Esq., author of New
York by Gas Light, Dewitt & Daveubert, pub
lishers. The writer of this novel has (riven such
popular sketches of various persons and places
in Now York, that his fiction is a work of unu
ual interests. The characters are drawn from
life, and the story is full of excitement- Mr Fos
ter writes in a racy style, and is evidently well
acquainted with the mysteries of New York.
Price 50 cents.
RELIGIOUS NOTICE.
The Rev. Mr. Craighead will preach in
the Lutheran Church in this place, on to
morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at 24 o'clock,
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
We lay before our readers President
Fillmore's message. We have no room to
say much on the subject of this important
document this week. It contains a plain
unvarnished statement of facts. The Presi
dent's views in regard to specific dutiesand
home valuation, are such as must meet the
approval of every honest and intelligent
citizen, whig or democrat.
(O" In order to make room for the mes
sage of President Fillmore, we are compel
led to omit editorial and much other inter
esting matter, this week.
fTy" We are requested to state that the
Bank of Northumberland will be closed on
Thursday the 12th inst., being thanksgiving
day and the direction will meet on Wed
nesdav previous. Bv law notes coming
due on thanksgiving day must be protested
Ihe day previous.
ttJ-The Evening Bulletin, the only af
ternoon daily published in Philadelphia,
appears in an entire new dress of type.
The Bulletin is one ol the best conducted
and most interesting papers published in
the city.
C7"The Philadelphia Ledger is again
out in a new suit of type the second this
year. Rather extravagant. But its ram
bles are so extensive and numerous, (about
40,000 daily) that a new dress wears out in
a few months.
CTJ" Oysters. Who does not love good
oysters 1 There are lew indeed that are
not fond of these bivalve testaceous fish.
We know some individuals who look upon
them as equal to half of all the other com
forts of life, and would deem existence al
most a blank without them. How thank
ful therefore ought they to be to Mr. Shay
of Northumberland, for supplying thisplace
and the neighboring towns, with this luxu
ry. They are brought daily from Baltimore
t. in less than 24 hours, and after the comple-Vion-
of the York and Cumberland Road,
hit time will be cut down to about 15
hours. '" A can of oysters, such as we found at
the Port office, a feWmornings since, label
led with our name, and endorsed "none
genuine without the signature of P. Shay"
ere not hard to take, even by an editor.
OODEVS LADY'S BOOK FOR JANUARY 1S1.
Most heartily and with the utmost sin
cerity can we speak of Godeys Lady's Book
in terms of the highest commendation
The present number stands unequalled and
is undoubtedly the finest specimen of a pe
riodical ever got up in America. We pro
fess to have some little taste in engravings,
and have utter contempt for those abortions
that are sometimes palmed on the commu
nity for "fine engravings." In this respect
alone, the Lady's Book has great! v surpas
sed all its competitors.
Another important leature in the Lady's
Book is, that it is a thoroughly American
work. In getting up the book, Mr. Godey
employs no less than one hundred and fifty
females, some pf whom have earned
handsome competence through the employ
ment afforded by Mr. Godeys work, which
is in more sense than one, the Lady's Book.
The January Number contains 72 pages,
22 engravings and 39 contributors.
"The Constant" and "The four Eras of
Life" are most beautiful steel engravings,
"The sylphs ot the seasons" is most Taste
fully designed, and so it the fashion plate
ot "A merry Christmas and happy New
Year."
Published monthly at $3 per annum.
Am Offer. We will agree to furnish
ihose who wish to subscribe, with the La-
dyt Book and the American, for one year,
for 93 75 in advance.
I L
IF" War in EuitorE. The late ac
countf from Europe are warlike. There
has already been a slight skirmish between
the Prussian and Austrian troops. Prussia
has no'v 400,000 men under arms. Aus
tria is backed by Russia. England and
France are endeavoring to prevent further
hostilities.
I?" Dr. Wit. II. Ckandall, who was
tried at Bloomsburg last week for the mur
der of Miss Elizabeth Smith, by the admin
istration of medicines for unlawful purpo
ses, has been found not guilty. The ver
dict was against public opinion generally.
PR ESID ENT'S MESS AG I.!.
Fellow Citizens of ihe Senate,
and of the House of Representatives:
Being suddenly called, in the midst of the
last session of Congress, by a puinlul dispen
sulion of Divine Providence, to the respunsi-
ble nation which 1 now hold, 1 contented
myself with such communications to the Le
gislature as the exigency of the moment
seemed to require. The country was shroud
ed in mourning for the loss of its venerated
Chief Magistrate, nml till hearts were pene
trated with gnet. JNeilher lite time nor tne
occasion appeared to require or to justify, on
mv part, any general expression ol political
opinion, or any announcement of the princi
ples which would govern me in the discharge
of ihe dnlies to the performance of which I
had been so unexpectedly called, i trust,
therefore, that it may not be deemed inap
propriate, it 1 avail mysell ot this opportunity
of the re-assembling of Congress to make
known my sentiment, in a general manner,
in regard to ihe policy which ouaht to he
pursued by the Government, both in its inter
course with foreign nations, and in its man
agement and administration of internal af
fair. Nations, like individuals in a state of na
ture, are equal and independent, possessing
certain rishts, and owing certain duties to
each other, arising from their necessary and
unavoidable relations; which rights and du.
ties there is r:o common human uuthority to
protect and enforce. Still, they are rights
and duties, binding in morals, in conscience,
and in honor, although there, is no tribunal to
which an injured party can appeal but Ihe
disinterested judgment of mankind, and ulti
mately the arbitrament of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights of nations
is that, which each possesses of establishing
thnt form of government which it may deem
most conducive to the happiness and pros
neritv of its own citizens: or changing lhat
form, as circumstances may require; and of
manasins its internal affairs according to its
own will. The pnple of Ihn United States
claim this ri-rht for themselves, and tlfey
readilv concede it to otheis. Hence it be
comes an imperative duty not to interfere in
the government or internal policy of other
nations; and, although we may sympathise
with the unfortunate or the oppressed, every
where, in their struggles for freedom.
principles forbid us from (akin any part in
such foreign contests. We make no wars lo
promote or to prevent succession to thrones;
to maintain any theory of r balance ol pow
er: or lo suppress the actual eovernuient
which any country chooses to establish for
itself. We instigate no revolutions, nor suf
fer anv hostile military expeditions to be
fitted out in .the United States to invade the
territory or provinces of a friendly nation.
The great law of molality ought to have a
national as well as a personal and individual
application. We should act towards other
nations as we wish them to act towards us;
and justice Rnd conscience should form the
rule of conduct between Governments, instead
of mere power, self-interest, or thedesiie of
aggrandisement, lo maintain a siric.i nen-
Irality in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly
relations, to reciprocate every noble ami gen
erous act, and lo perform punctually and
scrupulously every treaty of obligation these
are the duties which we owe to other Slates,
and bv Ihe performance of which we best
entitle ourselves to like treatment irom mem,
or if lhat. in any case, be refused, we can
enforce our own rights with justice ana a
clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
will be onr guide: and in questions of doubt,
I shall look lor Its interpretation lo me juui
ial decisions of tiwt tribunal, which was
established to expound it, and to thensa-'e of
the Government, sanctioned by the uc , i 's-
cence o the country. 1 regard an ns piu.
visions as equally binding. In all its parts it
ihn wi ii ho neon e. expressed in me
most solemn form, and the constituted ait
thorities, are but agents lo carry that will in
to effect. Every power which il has granted
is lo be exercised for thu public good ; but
no pretence of utility, no honest conviction,
even, of what might be expedient, can justify
the assumption of anv power not granted.
The powers conferred upon the Government
and Iheir distribution lo the several depart
ments, are as clearly expressed in that sacred
instrument aa Itie imperiecnon oi minimi
laniniHL'e will allow : and 1 deem it my duly
not to (ineslion its wisdom, add lo its pro
visions, evade its requirements, or nullify its
commands.
I'oou you. fellow-citizens, as the represen
tatives ol the Males ami me people, is wiseiy
devolved the legislative power. 1 snail com
nlv with mv duly, in laying before you, lrom
lime lo time, aiiv information calculated lo
enable von to discharge your high und le
sponsible trust lor the Deneui oi our common
constituents.
Mv opinions will be frankly expressed
upon the leading subjects of legislation ; and
if. which I do not anticipate, Buy act should
rmss Ihe two Houses of Congress which should
appear to me unconsinuiiouai, uru euuui.iLu
ment on the inet powers of other departments
or wilh provisions hastily adopted, and likely
to produce consequences injurious aim uuuir
seen. I should not shrink from the duty of re
turning it lo you, with my reasons, lor jour
further consideration, lieyond lho line per
formance of these constitutional obligations.
both mv respect for the legislatuie and my
sense of propriety will restutin me from any
attempt to control or influence your proceed
ings. With you is Ihe power, the honor, ami
the responsibility of the legislation of the
country.
The Government of Ihe United Mates is a
limited Government. It is confined to Ihe
exercise of powers expressly granted, and
noli others as may be necessary for carrying
ihn.fi powers into ellecl ; and It isal all limes
an especial duty to guard against any infringe
ment on ihe inst ri-ihls of Ihe Stale. Over
lha nhier.t and suil"Cis iniriisieu iu v.iiiii:h3.
It leoislalive authority is supreme. Hut here
lhal aulhoiily ceases, and every citizen who
the Constitution, and desires the
continuance of its existence nnd it blessings,
will rpilniHlv and firmly resist any iuterler-
mice in those domestic nllairs, which the
Constitution has clearly Rnd unequivocally
eft to the exclusive authority ot the Males
And every such citizen will also deprecate
useless irritation anion" ihe several members
of Ihe Union, and all reproaoh and crimina
tion tending to alienate one portion of the
oountry from another. The beauty of nnr
system of Government consists, and its safety
and durability must consist, in avoiding mu
tual collisions, and encroachments, and in
the regular sepatale action of all, while each
is revolving in its own distinct orbit.
The Constitution ha made it ihe duty of
ihe President to take care that the laws be
faithfully executed. Iu a government like
SUNBUllY AMERICAN AND SHAMjgaN jOURiNAL.
ours, in which all laws are passed by a ma
jority of the represertslives of the people,
and these representatives are chosen for such
short periods, that any injurious or obnoxious
law can very soon be repealed, it would ap
pear unlikely that any grenl numbets should
be found leady to resist the execution of the
laws. Hut it must be borne in mind that the
country is extensive, that there may be local
interests or prejiidicen rendering a law odious
in one pari, which is not so in another, and
lhat Ihe thoughtless and inconsiderate, mis
led by their passions, or their imaginations,
may be induced madly to resist such laws as
they disapprove. Such persons should recol
lect lhat without law, l here can be no real
practical libery; thai, when law is trampled
under fool, tyranny rules, whether it appears
in the form of a military despotism or of pop
ular violence. The law is the only protec
tion of ihe weak, and the only efficient re.
straint upon ihe strong. When impartially
and faithfully administered, none are beneath
it protection, not none above its control.
You, gentlemen, and the country may be as
sured, that lo the utmost of my ability, and
to Ihe extent of Ihe power vested in me, I
shall at all limes, nnd in all places, lake care
lhal Ihe laws be faithfully executed In the
discharge of this duly, solemnly imposed
upon me Py the Constitution, and by my oath
f office, I shall shrink from no responsibility,
nnd shall endeavor to meet events as they
may arise, with firmness, as well as with
prudence nnd discretion
1 he appointing power is one of the most
elicate with which the Executive is invest
ed. I reirnrd it as a sacred trust, to lie exer
cised with Ihe sole view of advaucirm Ihe
prosperity ami hanninea nf Ihn nennlu. It
shall be mv effort lo elevate Ihe standard of
otiicial employment, by selecting for places
of importance individuals fitted for Ihe post
lo winch they are assigned by their known
integrity, lUunls and virtues. In so exten
sive a country, wilh so grait a population,
and where few persons appointed to oliice
can be known to the appointing power, mis
takes will sometimes unavoidably happen,
and untoriunale appointments be made, not-
withstanding he greatest care. In such ca
ses, Ihe power of removal may be properly
exercised ; and neglect of duly or malfea
sance in office will be no more tolerated in
individuals appointed by myself than iu those
appointed by others.
1 am happv in being able to say that no
unfavorable change in our foreign relations
nas taken place since thu message at Ihe
opening of ihe last session of Congress. We
are at peace with all nations, and we enjoy
an eminent degree Ihe blessings ot that
peace, in a prosperous and growing com
merce, and in all the forms of amicable na
lional inteicnnr.se. The unexampled growth
of ihe country, the present amount of its pop
ulation, ami us ample means ot sell-protection,
assure for il Ihe respect of all nations;
while il is trusted lhat its character for jus
tice, and a regard lo Ihe rights of utherStales,
will cause lhat respect to be readilv and
cheerfully paid.
A convention was nenlialed belween the
United States and Great Itrilain, in April last,
for facilitating ami protecting Ihe construction
of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pa
cific Oceans, and for other purposes. This
instrument nas since Deen ralilieii py tne con
tracting parlies, the exchange of ratifications
has been ellected, and proclamation thereof
has been duly made.
In hi I il it ion lo the stipulations contained in
this convention, two other objects remain to
be accomplished between Ihe contracting
powers.
l'nst, the designation nnd establishment of
a free port at each cud of the canal.
necond, an agreement fixing the distance
from ihe shore within which belligerent
maratime operations shall not be curried on.
On these points Ihere is little doubt that ihe
two governments will come to an understand
ing.
The company of citizens of the United
States who have acquired from the Stain of
Sicaragua Ihe privilege ol constructing a ship
canal between the two oceans, through the
teriitory of that State, have made progress in
Iheir preliminary arrangements. The treaty
between the United Stales ami Great Britain,
of the 19th of April last, above referred to,
being now in operation, it is to be hoped that
the guaranties which it offers will be suffi
cient to secure the completion of the work
wilh all practicable expedition. It is obvious
that this result would bu indefinitely post
poued, if any other than peaceful measures,
for Ihe purpose of harmonizing conflicting
claims lo territory in lhat quarter, should be
adopted. It will consequently be my endea
vor In cause nny lurther negotiations on the
part of this Government, which may be re
quisite for this purpose, to be so conducted
as to bring them to a speedy and successful
close.
Some unavoidable delay has occurred,
arising from distance and Ihe dilliculty of iu-
tercouise between this uovernment and that
of Nicaragua, but. as intelligence has jnsl
been received of the appointment of nn En-
voy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoten
tiary of thyt Government lo reside at Wai-h-
ington, whose arrival may soon be expected,
il is hoped that no further impediments will
be experienced in the prompt transaction -of
business between the two Governments.
Citizens of lho United Stales have under
taken the connexion of Ihe two oceans bv
means of a railroad across the Isthmus of
Tehuunlepeo, under grants ol ihe Mexican
Government to a citizen of lhat Itepublic
ll is understood that a thorough survey of the
course of ihe communication is iu prepara
tion, and there is every reason lo expect lhat
it will be prosecuted witli characteristic en
ergy, especially when thai Government shall
have consented lo snei) stipulations with the
Government of Ihe United Slates as may be
necessary lo impart a feeling of security lo
ihose who embark their property in ihe en
terprise. Negotiation are pending for Ihe
accomplishment of lhat object, and a hope is
confidently enieilaiued, lhat when the Go
vernment of Mexico shall become du! sensi
ble of the advantages which that country
cannot fail to derive from the work, and learn
lhal Ihe Government of the United States de
siies lhat the right of sovereignty of Mexico
in the isthmus shall remain unimpaired. Ihe
stipulations referred lo will be agreed lo wilh
alacrity.
liy the last ndvicrs from Mi.vico it would
appear howwver, lhal lhat Government enter
tains sliong objections lo some of Ihe stipula
tions which the parties concerned in the pro
ject of the railroad deem necessary foi their
protection and security. Further considera
tion, it is lo be hoped, or some modi flea ton of
lernis, msy yet reconcile ihe inferences exist
ing belween lho two Governments iu ibis re
spect. Fresh instructions have recently been giv
en lo ihe Minister of the United Stales in
Mexico, who is prosecuting lho taibjecl with
promptitude and ability.
Although the negotiations wilh Portugal,
Tor lho payment of claims of citizens of Ihe
United Slates ugsiusl lhal Government, have
not yet resulted iu a formal treaty vet a pro
position made by the Government of Portugal,
for the final adjustment and payment of those
claims has recently been accepted on Ihe part
oi me united Mates. II gives me pleasure lo
say lhat Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiation
on the part of the United States had been en
trusted, discharged the duties of his ap.
pointment wilh ability and discrelian, acting
always within the instructions of his Govern
ment. It is expected lhat a regular convention will
be immediately negotiated for carrying the
agreement between the two Governments in
to effect.
The commissioner appointed under the act
of Congress for' carrying into effect Ihe con
vention with Brazil, of the 27th of January,
1849, has entered upon the performance of the
duties imposed upon him by that act. Il i
hoped that those duties may be completed
within the time which it prescribes. The
documents, however, which the Imperial Gov
ernment, by the third article of the conven
tion, stipulates to furnish to the Government
of ihe Lulled States, have not yet been recei
ved. As it is presumed lhat those document
will be essential for the correct disposition of
the claims, it may become necessary for Con
gress to extend the period limited for the dur
ration of the commission. The sum stipula
ted by the 4ih article of the convention to be
paid to ihis Government has been received.
The collection in the port of Ihe United
States of discriminating duties upon the ves
sels of Chili nnd Iheir cargoes has been sus
pended, pursuant to the provisions of the act
of Congress of ihe 24lh of May, 1828. It is
to be hoped lhat this measure' will imparl a
iresn impulse lo ihe commerce between the
two countries, which, of lale, ahd especially
since our acquisition of California, has, to the
mutual advantage of Ihe parlies been much
augmented.
Peruvian guano has become so desirable'an
article lo ihe agricultural interest of tne Uni
ted Slates, that il is Ihe duty of the Govern
ment lo employ all Ihe means properly in its
power for the purpose of causing that article
to be imported into the country at a reasona
ble price. Nothing will be omitted on my
rart towards accomplishing this desirable end.
am persuaded lhat in removing any re
straints on this tralh'c, the Peruvian govern
ment promote its own best interests, while it
will afford a proof of n friendly disposition
towards his country, which will be duly ap
preciated. The treaty belween the United Slates and
His Majesty theKing of the Hawaiian Islands,
which have recently been made public, will,
it is believed, have a beneficial effect upon
Ihe reunions between the two countries.
The relations between those parts of the
Island of Si. Domingo, which were formerly
colonies of Spain and France, respectively, are
still in an unsettled condition. 1 he proximity
of that island to Ihe United Stales, and the
delicate question involved iu the existing con
troversy there, render it desirable that it
should be permanently and speedily adjusted.
The interests of humanity and of general
commerce also demand this: and. as intima
tions ol the same sentiment have been recei
ved from other governments, it is hoped that
some plan may soon be devised lo effect the
object in a manner likely to give general sat
isfaclion.
The Government of the United Stales will
not fail, by the exercise of all nioper friendly
ollices, lo do all in its power lo put an end to
Ihe destructive war which has raged belween
ihe different pails of the island, and lo seenre
lo tnem Doth the benefits or peace and com
merce.
I lefer you lo the report of the Secretary of
tne ireasury lor a detailed statement oi the
finances.
The total receipts into the Treasury for the
year ending 30ih of June last, were forty
seven million, four hundred ami twenty. one
thousand seven hundred and iorlv-eight dol
lars and ninety cents. (547,421,748 90.1
The lo:al expenditures during the same
period were torly-thiee millions two thousand
one hundred ami sixty-eight dollarsand ninety
cenis, j.uu;, if fj :n).i
ine puuuc debt has been reduced, since
Ihe last annual report from Ihe Treasury De
partment, foul hundred and ninety-five "thou.
.-and, two hundred and seventy-six dollars and
seventy-nine cents. ($495,276 79. t
By The 19th section of Ihe act of 28lh Jan
uary, 1847, ihe proceeds of the sales of Ihe
pubic lands were pledged for the interest
and principal of Ihe public debt. The great
amount of those lands subsequently granted
by Congress for military bounties, will, it is
believed, very nearly supply the public de
mand for several years to come, and but I it I lo
reliance can, therefore, be placed on that
bill) erto fruitful source of revenue.
Aside from the permanent annual expendi
lures, which have necessary largely increased
a portion of the public debt, amounting
to eight millions seventy-five thousand
nine hundred and eighty-six dollars and fifty
nine cents (S8,075.98fi 59) must be provided
for within Ihe next two fiscal years. It
is most desirable lhat these accruing demands
should be met without resorting to new loans.
All experience has demonstrated Ihe wis
dom ami policy of raising a large portion of
revenue for the support of Government from
duties nn goods imported. The power to lay
these duties is unquestionable, ami ils chief
object, of course, is to replemish Ihe Ireasury.
Bui if, in doing this, au incidental ndvantage
may be gained by encouraging the indnsiry
of our own cilizens, it is our duty to avail
ourselves of lhat advantage.
A duty laid upon an article which cannot
be produced in Ihis country such as lea or
collee adds lo the cost nf'lhe article, and is
chiefly oi wholly paid by the consumer.
But a duty laid upon nn article which may be
produced here, stimulates the skill and indus
try cif our own country to produce the same
article, which is brought into Ihe market in
competition wilh Ihe foreign article, and the
importer is thus impelled In reduce his price
to lhat, .at which Ihe domestic article can be
sold, thereby throwing n part of ihe duty
upon the producer of ihe foreign article.
The continuance of ihis process creates the
skill, and invites the capital, which finally
enables us lo produce Ihe article much cheap
er than it could have been procured fiom
abroad, thereby benefitting both the produ
cer and Ihe consumer nt home. The conse
qoence of this is, that Ihe artisan and the as-
nculliirist are brought together, each affords
a ready market for ihe produce of the other,
the whole country becomes prosperous; and
ine aniiuy 10 produce every necessary ot lite
renders us independent in war as well as in
pence.
A high tariff can never be permanent. It
will cause dissai isfaclion and will be changed,
it excludes competition, and thereby invites
the investment of capital iu manufactures to
such excecs, lhat when changed it brings dis
tress, bankruptcy, and ruin, uon fall who
have been misled by its faithless protection.
What the manufacturer wants is uniformity
and permanency, lhat hemay feel a confi
dence lhal he is not to be ruined by sudden
changes. But lo make a tarilf uniform and
permanent, il is not only necessary that the
law should not fluctuate. To ell'ecl this, all
dnlies should be specific, wherevar the na
ture of the article is such as lo admit of it
Ad valorem duties fluctuate wilh Ihe price,
and otrer strong temptations lo fraud and
perjury.
Specific duties, on Ihe contrary, are enual
and uniform in all ports, and at all times, and
offer u strong inducement to the importer to
bring Ihe best article, ns ha pays no more
duly upon lhat, than uoii one of inferior
quality, I therefore strongly recommend a
modification of the present tariff, which has
prostrated some of our most important and
necessary manufactures, and thai specific du
ties be imposed sufficient to raise the requi
site revenue, making such discrimination in
favor of the industrial pursuits of our own
country as to encourage home production,
without excluding foreign competition, it jg
also important thnt an unfortunate provision
in Ihe present tarilf, which imposes a much
higher duty upon Ihe raw material that en
ter into our manufacturers than upon the
manufactured article, should be remedied.
The paper accompaning the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury will disclose frands
attempted upon lha revenue, in variety and
amount so great, as to justify the conclusion
that it is impossible, under any system of ad
valorem duties levied upon the foreign cost or
value of the article, to secure an honest ob
servance and an effectual administration of
the laws. The fraudulent devices to evade
the law, which have beeu detected by the
vigilance of the appraisers, leave no room to
doubt that similar impositions, not discovered,
to a large amount, have been successfully
practised since the enactment of the law now
force This stale of things has already
had a prejudicial influence upon Ihose enga
ged in foreign commerce.
It tins a tendency to drive the honest trauer
from the business of importing, and to throw
lhat important branch of employment into the
hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men,
who are alike tegardless of law and the obli
gations of an oath. By these means the plain
f -r i- ' i i ii..
luieilliuns ui vunirri.!, ns rxpremeu hi tua
law, are daily defeated. Every motive of
policy and duty, therefore, impel me toask
the earnest attention of Congress to this sub
ject. If Congress should deem it unwise to
attempt any important cnanges in ine sysieni
of levying duties at this session, it will be
come indispensable to the protection of the
revenue inai sucn remedies, as in inc jury
men! of Congress mav mitiuate the evils
complained of, should be at once applied.
As be ore slated, specino dunes wouiu, in
my opinion, afford the most perfect remedy
for this evil ; but, if you should not concur in
Ihis view, nhen, as a partial remedy, I beg
leave respectfully to recommend that, instead
of taking the invoice of the article abroad ns
a means ot determining its value here, Ihe
correctness of which invoice it is in many ca
ses impossible to verify, the law be so chanrx-
eit as !o require a home valuation or npprai
sal, to be regulated in such a manner as to
give, as far us practicable, informily in the
several ports.
there being no mint in Calilornia, 1 am
informed thai Ihe laborers in the mines are
Compelled lo dispose of their gold dust at
large discount. This appears to me lo be
heavy nnd unjust tax upon the Uibor of Ihose
employed in extracting Ihis precious metal ;
and l doubi not you will be disposed, nt Ihe
earliest period possible, lo relieve them from
It bv Ihe establishment nl a mint.
In ihe meantime, ns nn assayer's office is
established there, I would respectfully sub
mit for your consideration the propriety of
authorizing gold bullion, which lias been ns
sayed and slumped, lo be received in pay
ment ol Government dues. 1 cannot con-
cieve that the treasury would suffer any loss
by such provision, which will at once raiser
bullion to its par value, and thereby (if 1 am
rightly informed) many millions of dollars to
Ihe laborers which nre now paid in brokerage
lo convert this precious metal into available
funds This discount upon their hard earn
ings is a heavy tax, and every effort should
be made by the Government to relieve them
from so great a burden.
More ihan three-fourths of our population
nre engaged in the cultivation of Ihe soil.
The commerical, manufacturing, and naviga
ting interests are all; to a great extent, de
pendent on the agricultural. It is, therefore,
the important interest of the nation, and has
a just claim lo the foslering care and protec
tion of Ihe Government, so far as they can be
extended consistently wilh ihe provisions of
the Constitution. As this cannot be done by
the oidinaiy modes of legislation, I respect
fully recommend the establishment of an Ag
ricultural Bureau, lo'be charged wilh ihe duly
of giving to this leading branch of American
industry the encouragement which it so well
deserves.
Iu view of the immenc.e mineral resources
of our country, provision should also be made
for the employment of a competent mineralo
gist nnd chemist, who should be required, un
der Ihe direction of the head of the bureau,
to collect specimens of the various minerals
of our country, mid lo ascertain, by careful
analysis, their elements ami properties, nnd
their adaptation to nselul purposes, lie
should also be required to examine and report
upon the qualities ol different soils, and the
mutinies best calculated lo improve iheir pro
ductiveness. By publishing the results of
such experiments, with suitable explanations,
and by ihe collection und distribution of rare
seed and plants, wilh instructions ns to the
best system ol cultivation, much mav be done
to promote Ihis great national interest.
In compliance wilh Ihe act ot Congress,
passed on Ihe 23d of Mav, 1850, providing,
among other things, !nr taking the peveulh
census, a superintendent was appointed, and
all olher measures adopted which were deem
ed necessary' lo ensure Ihe prompt and faith-
iui penurmance ot lhal duty. 1 he appropria
tion already made will, it is believed, be suf
ficient to defray the whole expense of the
work; but further legislation may be neces
sary in regard to ihe compensation of some
of Ihe marshals of Ihe Territories. It will
also be proper to make provision by law, at
an early day, for the publication of such ab
stracts of the returns us the public interest
may require.
The unprecedented growth of our Territo
ries on Ihe Pacilio in wealth and population,
and the consequent increase of their social
and commercial relations with Ihe Atlantic
States, seem lo render it the duly of the Go
vernment to use all ils constitutional power
lo improve the menus of intercourse with
them. The importance of opening "a line of
communication, the best and most expedi
tious of which the nature of the country will
admit," between the valley ot the Mississippi
ami the Pacific, was brought lo your notice
by my predecessor, in-his annual message;
ami as Hie reasons which he presented in la
emeu in ia-
ur in ine measuie still exist 111 IUII iorce, 1
beg leave to call your atieniion to them, and
..r .i .1, . .-ur .
lu repeat thu recommendations then made by
mm.
The uncertainty which exists in regard In
the validity vol" land lilies in Coliforuia is a
subject which demands your early considera
tion. Large bodies of laud in ihut'State are
claimed under grants said lo have beeu made
by authority ol the Spanish and Mexican Go
vernments. Many of these have net been
perfected, others have been revoked, and
some are believed lo be fraudulent. Hut un
til they shall have been judicially investiga
ted, they will continue to retard the settle
ment and improvement of the country. 1,
therefore, respectfully recommend that pro
vision be made by'law, for the appointment
of commissioners to examine all such claims
wilh a view to their final adjustment.
1 also beg leave to call your attention to
the propriety of extending, at au early day,
our system of land laws, with such modifica
tion as may be necessary over the State of
California and the territories of Utah and
New Mexico The mineral lands of Califor
nia will, of course, form an exception lo any
general system which may be adopted.
Various methods of disposing of them have
been suggested. I was at first inclined lo
favor Ihe system of leasing, as it teemed to
promise the largest revenue to the Govern
ment and lo atfurd the best security against
monopolies; -but further reflection, and our
experience in leasing the lead mine and
selling land upon credit, have brought my
mind lo the conclusion that Ihere would be
great difficulty in collecting the rents, and
that the relation of debtor and creditor be
tween the citizens and the Government,
would be attended wilh many mischievou
consequences.
I iheiefure recommend lhal, ina'ead of re
taining the mineral lands under Ihe perma
nent control of the Government, lliey be di
vided into small parcels and told, under such
restrictions, as lo quantity and time, a will
insure Ihe best price, and guard mosl effect
ually against combinations of capitalist to
obtain monopolies.
The annexation of Texas and the acquisi
tion of California and New Mexico have giv
en increased importance to our Indian rela
tion. The various tribes brought under our
jurisdiction by these enlargements of our
boundaries, are estimated to embrace a popu
lation 124,000.
Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by
powerful tribes of Indians, who ere a source
of constant terror and annoyance lo the in
habitant. Separating into small predatory
bands, and always mounted, they overrun
me country, devastating larms, oestroying
ertips, driving off whole herds ol cattle, and
occasionally murdering the inhabitant or
carrying them into captivity. The green
roads leading into the country ars infested
wilh them, whereby travelling is rendered
extremely dangerous, and immigration ii
almost entirely arrested.
ine Mexican frontier, which, by the lllh
article of ihe treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,
io uuumi to protect against ihe Indians
wilhin our border, is exposed lo these incur
sions equally wilh our own. The military
iorce stalioned in lhat country (although for-,
ming.a iarge proportion of the army) is rep
resenled entirely iiihdequate to our own pro
tection and the fulfilment of our treaty stipu
lations wilh Mexico. The principal deficien
cy is in cavalry, and I recommend lhat Con
gress should, nl as early a period as practica
ble, provide for the raising of one or more re
giments of mounted men.
For further suggestions on this subject, and
other's connected wilh our domestic interests.
nnd the defence of onr frontier, 1 refer you to
Ihe Secretary of the Interior and of thu Sec
retary of War.
I command also lo your favorable consider
ation the suggestion contained in thu last
mentioned report, and iu the letter of ihe
general-in-chief, relative to the establishment
of an asylum for the relief of disabled and
destitute soldiers. This subject appeals so
strongly lo your sympathies that il would be
superfluous in me to say anything more, than
barely to express my cordial approbation of
the proposed object.
I he navy continues lo give protection to
our commerce nnd other national interests I f'ee matter through the mails, or by paying
in ihe different quarters of the globe' nnd, j out of the Treasury to the Post Office De
with the exception of a single steamer on the j part ment a sum equivalent to the postage of
coi mm o iuhcb, me in uu omission are ;
distributed in six different squadrons. !
The report of ihe head of that Department
will exhibit the service of these squadrons,
and of the several vessels employed in each
during ihe past year. It is a source of grati-
nc.aliou that, while they bave been constant
ly piepared for Buy hostile emergency, they
nave everywhere met with the respect and
courtesy, due as well lo the dignity ns to the
peaceful dispositions and just purposes of Ihe
uaiinn.
The Iwo brigantines nccepted bv the Gov
ernment from a generous citizen of New York.
and placed under Ihe command of an officer
ot thu navy, to proceed lo the Arclic seas, in
quest of the British commander Sir John
franklin, and his companions, in compliance
wilh the act of Congress, approved in May
last, had, when last heard Irom, penetrated
into a high northern lattitude ; but Ihe suc
cessor this noble and humane enterprise is
yet uncertain.
I invite your attention lo the view of onr
present naval establishment and resources
presented in ihe report of Ihe Secretary of
lha Navy, and Ihe suggestions therein made
for its improvement, together wilh the naval
policy recommended for the secniity of our
Pacific Coast, and the protection and exten
sion of our commerce with KaSteru Asia.
Our facilities for a larger pailicipatiou in the
trade of Ihe East, by means of our recent set
tlements on Ihe shores of the Pacific, are too
abvions to be overlooked or disregarded.
The questions in relation to rank in the
army and navy, and relative rank between
officers of the two branches of the service,
presented to the Executive by certain reso
lutions of the House of Representatives, at
the last session of Congress, have been sub
mitted to a board of officers in each branch
of the service, and Iheir report may be ex
ecuted at an early day.
I also earnestly recommend Ihe enact
ment of a law authorizing officers of the ar
my and navy to be retired from the service,
when incompetent for its vigorous and ac
tive duties, taking care to make suitable
provision for those who have faithfully ser
ved their country, and awarding distinction
by retaining in propriale commands those
who have been particularly conspicuous for
gallantry and good conduct. While the
obligation of the country to maintain and
honor those who, to the exclusion ol olher
pursuits, have devoted themselves to its ar
duous service, this obligation should not be
permitted to interfere with the efficiency
of Ihe service itself.
I am gratified in being able to state, that
the estimates of expenditure lor Ihe navy in
the ensuing year are less, by more than one
million of dollars, than those of the present,
excepting the appropriation which may
become necessary for the construction of a
dock on the coast of the Pacific, propositions
for which are now being considered, and
on which a sppcial report may be expected
early in your present session.
There is an evident justness in the sug
gestion of the same report, that appropria
tions for the naval service proper should
be separated from those for fixed and per
manent objects, such as building docks and
navy yards, and the fixtures attached ; and
from the extraordinary objects under Ih
i , .x .."... .
care oi ine uenarimenr. u-inrh. iinu-uor
I. ..
1 important are not essentia! y naval.
I revision oi ine cone lor tne govern-
) ment of the navy seem to require The im-
mediate consideration of Congress. Jts
i ovstem nt r-rim. and nnii,m..mo uA
I dergone no change for half a century, until
! the last session, and the abolition of a par-
ticularspeciesol corporal punishment, which
then took place, without providing any sub
stitute, has left the service in a state of de
fectiveness which calls lor prompt correc
tion. I therefore recommend that the whole
subject be revised without delay, and such
a system established for the enforcement of
discipline as thall be at once humane and
effectual.
The accompaning report of the Postmas
ter General presents a satisfactory view of
the operations and condition of that De
partment. At Ihe close of the last fiscal year the
length of the inland mail routes in the Uni
ted States (not embracing the service in Or
egon and California, was one hundred and
seventy-eight thousand six hundred and
seventy-two miles; the annual transporta
tion thereon forty-six millions five hundred
and forty-one thousand four hundred and
twenty-three miles ; and the annual cost
ol such transportation two mill ions seven
hundred and twenty four-thousand four
hundred and twenty-six dollars.
The increase of the annual transportation
over that of the preceding year, was three
million nine hundred and ninety-seven
thousand three hundred and fifty-four miles;
and the increase in cost was three hundred
and forty-two thousand four hundred and
forty dollars.
The number or post offices in the United
States, on the first day of July last, was
eighteen thousand four hundred and seven
teen -being an increase of sixteen hundred
and seventy during the preceding year.
The gross revenues of the Department
for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1850,
amounted to five millions five hundred and
filty-two thousand nine hundred and seven,
ty-one dollars and forty-eight cents, inclu,
ding the annual appropriation ot Iwo hun
drej thousand dollar for the Iranked mat.
ter of the departments, and excluding the
foreign postages collected for and payable
to the British Government,
The expendituref for the mine period
were five millions two hundred and twelve
thousand nine hundred and fifty-three dol-'
lars and forty-three cents leaving a bal'
lance of revenue over expenditures of three
hundred and forty thousand and eighteen
dollars and five cents.
I am happy to find that the fiscal condi
tion of the Department is such as to juitily
the Postmaster General in recommending
the reduction of our inland letter postage
to three cents the single letter when pre
paid, and five cents when not prepaid. He
also recommends that the prepaid rates shall
be reduced to two cents whenever the rev
enues of the Department, after the reduc
tion, shall exceed its expenditures by mora
than five per cent, lor two consecutive
years; that the postage upon California and
other letters sent by our ocean steamers
shall be much reduced : and that the post
age on newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals,
and other printed matter shall be modified,
and some reduction thereon made.
It cannot be doubted that the proposed
reductions will, lor the present, diminish
the revenues of the Department. It is be
lieved that the deficiency, after the surplus
already accumulated shall be exhausted,
may be almost wholly met, either by abol
ishing the existing nriviliges of sending
which it is deprived by such pnviliges.
h-l . i ., ' i , v . f ,r.
mode, and will, it not entirely, so nearly
supply lhat deficiency as to make any lur
ther appropriation that mav be iotind ne
cessary so inconsiderable as to form no ob
stacle to the proposed reductions.
I entertain no doubt of the authority of
Congress to make appropriations for lead
ing objects in that class of public works
comprising what are usually called works
of internal improvements. This authority
I suppose to be derived chiefly from the
power of regulating commerce with foreign
nations, and among the States, and the pow
er'ol laying and collecting imposts. Where
commerce is to be carried on, and imposts
collected, there must be ports and harbors,
as well as wharfs and custom houses. If
ships, laden wilh valuable cargoes, approach
the shore, or sail along the coast, lighl-hou.
ses are necessary at suitable points for the
protection of life and property. Other fa
ci 1 it ties and securities for commerce arid
and navigation are hardly less important :
and those clause of the Constitution, there
fore, to which I havp referred, have receiv
ed front the origin of the Government a
liberal and beneficial construction.
Not only have lighthouses, buoys, and
beacons been established, and floating lights
maintained, but harbors have been cleaied
and improved, piers constructed, and even
breakwaters for the safety of shipping, and
sea walls to protect harbors from being fil
led up, and rendered useless, by the action
of the ocean, have been erected at a very
greatexpen.se. And this construction of
the Constitution appears the more reasona
ble from the consideration that if these
works, of such evident importance aniFutil
ity, are not lo be accomplished by Congress
they cannot be accomplished at all. By
the adoption of the Constitution the several
States voluntarily parted with the power of
collecting duties of imposts in their own
ports ; and it is not to be expected that
they should raise money, by internal taxa
tion, direct or indirect, for the benefit of
that commerce, the revenues derived from
which do not, either in whole or in part,
go into their own treasuries.
IS'or do I perceive any difference between
Ihe power of Congress to make appropria
tions for objects of this kind on the ocean
and the power to make appropriations for
similar objects on the lakes and rivers,
wherever they are large enough to bear on.
their waters and extensive traffic. The
magnificent Mississippi and its tributaries,
and the vast lakes ol the north and the
northwest, appear to me to fall within the
exercise of the power, as justly and as clear
ly as the Ocpan and the Gulf of Mexico
It is a mistake to regard expenditures judi
ciously made for these objects as expendi
tures for local purposes. The position, or
site of the work, is necessarily local j but
its utility is general.
A ship canal around the falls of St. Ma
ry ol less than a mile in length, though all
cat in its consirution, would yet be national
. in lis nurnose and in its henehte. aa it u-nnt,!
- -
pH.......e the Oil V nlislrnrlinnc In a imi,
j ntS TZl?,
. ... , ,, .t?
str,ral S,a,.,'f' as Wt" s our commercial
i rela,,0"s " ,,h C a"1aila; . ,.00 ln" .Ut'
i wuu r ul "u,u ' m Delaware is erec-
ted, not for Ihe exclusive benefit of the
Slates bordering on the bay and river of
that name, but for that of the whole coast
wise navigation of the United States, and,
to a considerable extent also, of foreign
commerce. If a ship be lost in the bar at
the entrance of a southern port for want of
sufficient depth of water, it is very likely to
be a northern ship ; and if a steamboat be
sunk in any part of the Mississippi, on ac
count of its channel not having been pro
perly cleared of obstructions, in may be a
boat belonging to either eight or ten States.
I may add, as somewhat remarkable, that
among all the thirty-one States, there is
none that is not, to a greater or less extent,
bounded on the ocean, or the Gull of Mex
ico, or one of the great lakes, or some nav
igable river.
In fulfilling our constitutional duties, fellow-citizens,
on this subject, as in carrying
into effect all other powers conferred by the
Constitution, we should consider ourselves
as deliberating and acting for one and the
same country, and bear constantly in mind,
that our regard and our duty are due, not
to a particular part only, but to the whole,
I therefore recommend that appropria-
tions be made for completing such worki
as haye been already begun, and for com
mencing such others as may seem to the
wisdom of Congress to be of public and "en
eral imjmrtance.
The difficulties and delays, incident to
the settlement of private claims by Con
gress, amount tn many cases to a denial of
justice. There is reason to apprehend that
many unfortunate creditors of the Govern
ment have thereby been unavoidably ruin
ed. Congress has so much business of a
public character, that it is imposs'lp ifc,
should give much attention to rooe pta,vt.
claims, and their accumulation., ig '
great that many claimant ruusl drspaiV. ofj'
ever being able to cbin. eariofl' &
may well be doubled whether CWcess.
I from the nature i)U orgu;4U pop-
!
vvmnnnm TK. v.v spw SUVU ISSCS,