ilAPAJI.
The last number of lha Edinburgh Re
view the periodical most closely identified
in sentiment with the moderate liberals oi
Brttian has an elaborate article on the
'contemplated United Stale expedition to
Japan. Soon after Hie announcement of the
project, the loading London journals declar
ed themselves warmly in ilt favor ; and the
more stalely Review sustains tha decision
in a spirit of candor and grent friendliness
to this country. The reviewer lietiies the
rifiht of any people to withdraw from the
comity of nations, and contends that iho
United Stales will be justified in goiug be
yond the -exaction of indemnity foi wrong
sustained, and compelling the Japanese to
enter into the system of political mid com
mercial intercourse that obtains amnng the
nations. lie argues thus on the ground that
the compulsory seclusion of I hit Japanese n
a wrong not only to themselves but to the
civilized world :
''Every one is so far innsler at home Ihut
the law of nations has been hilheito wy
'tender of authorizing a country to force its
commerce or its sociely upon another. But
(he rights of independent sovereignly must
e so constructed as to bo leconcilnble with
Ihe great piinciples upon which all titles of
property or jurisdiction ullimately depend.
It is difficult to entertain a doubt that, after
so long and patient a delay, other nations
are justified in demanding intercourse with
Japan, as a right of which they are unjustly
deprived. Tho Japanese undoubtedly have
an exclusive right to the possession of theii
territory, but they must not abuse lhal right
to the extent of debarring all other nations
from a participation in its riches and virtues
The only secure title to property, whether
it be in a hovel or an empire, is that the ex
clusive possession of one is for Ihe benefit
of all."
In relation to Com. Perry's expedition, the
writer remarks ;
"All human presumptions seem to indi
cate that if Commodore Perry's expedition
is conducted in the tama spirit of prudence
and -courage which has hitherto presided
over the wailike operations of the United
States Government, the hours of Japanese
seclusion are already numbered. We have
however, the authority of English officers
who have served with great distinction in
those distant waters, for stating that they
place a wide difference upon an attack upon
Japan and any similar operation which has
been carried out either in China or in any
other disliict of the Indian seas. The Ja
panese are a proud and warlike tace.
They are careless of danger, and indifferent
to life. When one combatant falls another
will lake his place, and another, and an
other, as though Ihe only object of their as
sault was to exhaust the fire of theirenemies
and then overpower them by sheer nwmhers.
We can scarcely think, if Commodore Per
ry should decide to advance into Iho interi
or with the small force at his disposal, that
the first attempt will end in favor of the ex
pedition. The army at Japan consists, by
the latest accouuts, of 300.000 foot soldiers,
ami 50,000 cavalry."
Their tactics, however, are greatly infe
rior to our own, and their munitions are of
the poorest description. Nevertheless, they
are a formidable enemy compared with the
Chinese. Washington Rcpubitt.
Affecting Scene Interview between
A MlRDERER AND HIS WIFE. 11. I.eCOIint
was executed at Cincinnati on Friday last,
for Ihe murder of Mr. Clinch in a drunken
brawl. The criminal was 47 years of age
and left a wife and six children, the inheri
tance of bis ignominy. The day before he
was executed he was visited by his wife, in
prison, and the scene of their meeting was
extremely alTecling so much so that even
the stern cheek of ihe guard spaikled with
a tear. Tuey conversed for a consi leruble
time, embiaced, and when ."he was about to
leave, after having bid him the last fare
well, and taken the last look upon the face
of the choice of her heart, he frantically
called her back, crying, "pray for mo 1"
Both the wife and brother stood mule, when
Lecount threw himself upon his knees,
KUi'inrv ! u-ill nrav fur " II. nn-a !
., ,' .,., ., .1, . r
luiiu ills luuugiiin usfti.il itiu uiresing ui
Heaven upon his wife and children, his mo
ther and his brothers, and added, 'My God,
keep them from an end like mine !' Mrs.
L. is a plain, small woman, of quiet and un
assuming manners, worn down by grief.
After having completed his prayer, he bid
his wife and brother farewell, saying, "Give
my love to my children,1 and seizing A'r.
Baumgartner assistant jailer) by the hand,
said, "If I had beeu treated by all men, Joe,
as 1 have been treated by you, I would
never have been heie. The world has ued
me loughly. May you always bo happy.'
Tim Rappers Delusions. -The editor of !
tho Cincinnati Advertiser, who recently vis.
iled Ihe Stale Lnualio Asylum at Columbus,
say there are in that institution twenty
persons whose insanity is clearly traceable
to spiiit rapping ; and it is slated lhat there
are in the L'lica IS. V.) Lunatic Asvlum
line victims of the same delusion. The convicted about 20 years ago, in this coun
Clevetar.d Herald say : ' In many minds y on al indictment for altering or making
it seems to finish Ihe woik commenced by I counterfeit bills, on the Carlisle Bank, and
Adventism-the fruil being neglect of bu-! served a number of year in the Eastern
s.ne.s, neglect of families, running af.er Penitentiary, but was pardoned a short
visionaries and pretended seers, scouring of 1 . . .
Christianity and it. iuui.utions, spiritual ! I"" blre tlie P' bi. sentence,
wifeism, insatihy, and in ome cases sui
cide."
The Norway Advertiser records the eap
lure of a bear in Fryeburg Academy Graul,
Oxford county, Me , which weighed, wheu
dressed, three hundred and sixty pounds
and over sixty pound of "leaf or ''rough
fat," were taken out of him. The same
paper say that there is an apple tree in
that town from which fifty bui-heU of apple
were picked the present season.
Philadelphia ha fifteen Bank and sev
eral Saving Fund Socieiie, thirty-four Fire
and Marine Insurance offices, twelve daily
papers, twenty-six weekly papers, fourteen
religious paper, four Sunday papers, twelve
monthly magazines, and six quarterlies.
All of Prescolt's - historical
published in London, in six shilling volumes.
TEE AlEPJCAlT.
SUNBURY.
ATI RI)V, UECKMBER II, ISM.
II. II. MASTER, Editor anil PropriM.r.
I'.DIToa'S TABLK.
tliMlnrt Notices.
STAMMKMiMn. Wc refer our readers to the ad
vertisement of Dr. AVyckutT", who professes to
cure almost nuy case of stutlcrinff. The Doctor
appears 'to have been highly successful in his ef
forts, and I'D trill remain but one week in
town, persons who wish to procure his services,
should 6o so sonn.
Gleasox' Pictorial of last week contains
a number of beautiful illustrations. Among them
arc the portraits of Pierce and King, the Presi
dent and Vice President, elect.
The Fa an Journal heretofore published at
Lancaster, will, hereafter, bo published nt West
Chester. Mr. Spangler the editor, expects more
assistance in his editorial labors at the latter
place. The selection is no doubt a good one and
will enable him to improve that Journal, already
a valuable publication.
RELIGIOUS IXOTICE.
The Presbyterian Church of Suribnry will
not be open for public worship nexl Sabbath
(12ih hist ) Tho appointment for thenfter
noon is hereby recalled. Preaching in the
llollowiri! Hun Church at I li o'clock, A. M.,
and in Northumberland at 64 P. M.
W. SIMONTON, Pastor.
ICF" Land Warrants. Persons having
Land Warrants for sale, can dispose of
them for cash, by applying at this office.
We are obliged to curtail our edito.
rial this week to make room for the Presi
dent's Message.
The weather on Monday and Tues
day was warm and pleasent and more like
May than bleak December.
E7" The President's Message. We
publish to day the last annual message of
President Fillmore, to the exclusion of
much other matter. We shall make no
other comment than to say, that it is an
able document, creditable to its author.
!D" We haveon file an interesting letter
from a corespondent, giving an account of j
Ihe proceedings of the first exhibition ol i
the 'Penna. Poultry Society" held at Phila. J
delphia recently, which, on account ol the i
message, we are compelled to postpone un
til next week.
E7" The Northumberland Bridge will ,
most probably be passable by the middle of j
next week. The bridge is in the hands of!
a good mechanic and looks like a well :
built ttiucture. I
O Rail road iron for the relaying and
extension of Ihe rail road between this J
place and Pottsville, is ariving daily in i
boats from the Montour works at Danville. I
The rails are about 25 feet long, and weih
over 500 pounds or one fourth of a ton each,
or sixty pounds to the yard.
SrEAKER or the Senate. Among
the number of persons already named as
Speaker of the Senate there is none, we
think, better filled for the station than
Henry S. Evans, Esq., ol Westchester.
Mr. Evans has had considerable legislative
experience, and is a man of talent and
character, besides being a worthy member
of the corps editorial.
cm a.
There is a good deal of interest felt in
England in regard to this valuable island
It is pretty certain that it must change
owners before many years, and when it
does, the United Stales are bound to have it,
as our government will never consent to its
cession to any other power. Lord Pal
merslon, it is said, is not unfavorable to its
transfer to the United States, believing
that Spain is encouraging slaveiy through
this possession.
ABKAI14M V. II.1LSE
Who was tried last week at Danville,
for counterfeiting, was convicted and sen-
tenced seven years to the penitentiary.
His sou Lewis was acquitted, but was bound
over to appear next term on another indict
ment. The old man is now upwards ol
sixty years ol age, and has long been en
gaged in this kind of business. He was
uj vjuimiur, uirougu me continued &
persevering eflorts of his wile. He has a
considerable family. His daughters, three
or four of whom we have seen, and who
have tince been married, were handsome
and rather accomplished girls. Crime with
all it attendant dangers, is not without it
fascination and allurement to those who
have once fallen into it snares. But
eventually the day of judgment and retri
bution is sure to come. How emphatically
true is it that "the way of the transgressor
i hard." Had old Mr. Hause devoted
half the (act, management and industry to
come honorable employment, he might
have acquired a competency that would
have enabled him to live comfortably dur
ing life, instead of wasting the short rem-
'(nant of his days in a prisoner cell.
SUNBUItY AMERICAN AND SHAM0K1N JOUJINAL
TAVERN LICENCES.
We noticed last week, the publication
ol an application for a tavern license in
one of the Milton papers. The legislature
has revived the act requiring notice by
publication in at least one paper, the last of
the three insertions, to be not less than ten
days be lore the court. This, we presume,
ii a concession to the friends of the Maine
liquor law, who wished to prohibit the sale
of liquor entirely. Our landlord will
cheerfully submit to almost any restrictions
in preference to the enactment of the
"Maine law."
7 Congressional Gloiii;. We refer
our readers to the prospectus of this valua
ble publication in another column. The
Congressional Globe and Appendix is the
only publication in the country that con
tains the full and accurate proceedings of
Congress.
O" Chickering's great Piano establish
ment was consumed by fire a few days
since in Boston. One hundred Pianos,
finished and unfinished, were destroyed.
LAST ANNUAL MESSAGE
OP
MILLARD FILLMOKE,
PRESIDENT OF THE IMTliD STATES.
Bead in Congress, Deo. 6th, 1852.
Felloic-Citizens of the Senate
and of the House of Rcjirocntativts :
The brief space which has elapsed since
the close of your last session has been maik
ed by no extraordinary political event. The
quadrennial election of Chief Magistrate has
passed off with less lhan the usual excite
ment. However individuals and parlies may -have
been disappointed in the result, it is
nevertheless a subject of national enngralu
lion lhal Ihe choice has been effected by Ihe
independent suffrage of a free people, un
disturbed by thuse influences which in other
countries havo too often affected the purity
of popular elections.
Our grateful thanks are due lo an All-merciful
Piovidence, not only for slaying the
pestilence which in different forms has des
olated some of our cities, but for downing
Ihe labors of the husbandman with an a bun
daut harvest, and the nation generally with
the blessings of peace and prosperity.
Within a few weeks the pubiio mind has
been deeply uffecled by the death of Daniel
Webster, filling at his decease the office of
Secretary of Stale, ilis associates in the ex
ecutive government have sincerely sympa
thised with his family and ihe public gener
ally on this mournful occasion. His com
manding talents, his great political and pro
fessional eminence, his well tried patriotism,
and his lung and faithful seivices, in the
most important public trusts, have caused his
death lo be lamented throughout the coun
try, and have earned for him a lasting place
in our history.
In the course of the last summer consider
able anxiety was caused for a short time by
an official intimation from the government of
Great Britain lhal orders had been given for
the protection of the liberies upon the cot.sts
of the fiiii it-li provinces in North America
againsl Ihe alleged encroachments of the fish
ing vessels of the United States and Fiance.
The shortness of this notice and the season
of the year seemed to make it n matter of
urgent importance. It was at first appre
hended that an increased naval force had
been ordered lo tho fishing grounds lo carry
into effect ihe British interpretation of ihose
provisions in the convention of IS 18, in ref
erence to the line intent of which the two
governments differ. It was soon discovered
that such was not the design of Great Bii
tain, cpd satisfactory explanations of Ihe real
objects of Ihe measure have been given both
here and in London.
The unadjusted dilferenre, however, be
tween Ihe two governments ns to ihe inter
polation of Ihe first article of Ihe convention
of 1818 is still a matter of importance.
Aineiicnu fishing vessels within nine or ten
years have been excluded from waters to
which they had free access for twenty-five
years after Ihe negotiation of tho treaty In
1815 this exclusion was telaxed so far as con
cerns the Bay of Fnmlv, but (he just and lib
eral intention of Ihe Hume government, in
compliance with w hat we Ihink the true con
slruuiion of the convention, to open all (he
outer bays to our fisheimau, wus abandoned,
in consequence of the opposition of llie colo
nies. Notwithstanding, this, Ihe United
States have, since the Bay of Fundy was re
opened lo our fishermen in 1845, pursued the
most liberal course toward the colonial I is h
ing interests. By ihe revenue law of 1840,
ihe duties on colonial fish entering our ports
were very greatly reduced, and by ihe ware
housing nut it is allowed to be entered in
bond w ithout payment of duly. In this way
colonial fish lias acquired the monopoly of
the export trade in our market, and is enter
ing to some extent into the home consump
tion. These facts were among those which
increaspil Ihe sensibrlity ol our fishing inter
est, nt Ihe movement in question.
Thesn ciicutustances ami the incidents
above alluded lo have led me to think the
moment favorable for a reconsideration of
the entire subject of Ihe fisheries on the coasts
of the British provinces, with a view to place
ihem upon a mine liberal fooling of recipro
cal piivileges. A willingness to meet us in
some arrangement of this kind is understood
lo exist, on the part of Gieat Britain, with a
desire on her pari to include in one compre
hensive settlement, as well this sutject as
the commercial intercourse between the Uni
ted Stale and the British provinces. I have
Ihuiiuht that whatever arrangements may be
made on these two subjects, it i expedient
that they should be embraced in separate
conventions. 1 lie illness ami death of Ihe
lale Secretary of Stale prevented the com
mencement of the contemplated negotiation
Pains have been taken lo collect the informa
tion required for ihe details of such an ar
rangement. The subject is attended will)
consideiable diiliculty. If it is found practi
cable lo come lo an agreement mutually ac
ceptable lo ihe two parties, convention may
be concluded in Ihe course of Ihe present
winter. The control of Cong i ess ovel all
the provisions of such an nrangenient, af
fecting the levenue, will of course be re
served. The affairs of Cuba formed a prominent
topic in my last unnual message. They re
main in an uneasy condition, and a feeling of
alarm and irritation on Ihe pait ol the Cuban
authorities appear lo exif. Tbi feeling
has interfered wilh ihe regular commercial
intercourse between ihe United Slate aud
ihe island, and led lo some act of which we
have a light to complain. But Ihe Captain
General of Cuba is clothed wilh no power to
treat wilh foreign governments, nor is he in
any degree under Ihe control of Ihe Spanish
Minister at Washington. Any communica
tion which he may hold with an agent of a
foreign power is informal aud matter of cour
tesy. Anxiou to put an end to Ihe existing
inconvenience. J which seemed to rest on a
misconception,) I directed Ihe newly-appoiot-ed
Minister to Mexico lo visit Havana, on his
w7 'f Vera Crnit. He was respectfully re
oeived by the Captain General, who confer
red with him freely on the recent occurren
ces; but no permanent arrangement wo ef
fected In the moantimo the refusal of the Captain
General to allow passengers and the mail lo
be landed in certain cases, for a reason w hich
does not furnish in the op.nion of this Gov
ernment even a good presumptive ground for
such a prohibition, has been made the sub
ject of a serious remonstrance at Madrid ;
and f have no leason to doubt that due re
spect will be paid by the government of Her
Calhnlio Majesty to ihe representations w hich
our Minister has been instructed lo make on
the subject.
It is but justice to the Captain Genera! to
add, that hi conduct toward the steamers
employed to carry the mails ot the United
Slate lo Havana has, with the exceptions
above alluded to, been marked with kind
ness and liberality, and indicates no general
purpose of interfering with tho commercial
correspondence nud intercourse between ihe
island and this country.
Early in the present year official notes
weie received from the Miiiilers of France
and Encland, inviting Ihe Government of the
United Stales lo become a parly w ilh Great
Britain and France lo a tripartite Convention,
in virtue of which Ihe three powers should
severally and collectively disclaim, now and
for the future, all intention lo obtain posses
sion of the Island of Cuba, and should bind
themselves to discountenance all attempts lo
that effect on ihe part of any power or indi
vidual whatever. This invitation has been
respeclfully declined, for reasons w hich it
would occupy too much space in this com
munication to state in detail, but which led
mo lo think that the proposed measure would
be of doubtful constitutionality, impolitic,
and unavailing. I have, however, in com
mon wilh. several of mv predecessors, di
rected the Ministers of Fiance ami England
10 be assured that Ihe United Stales entertain
no designs nuainst Cuba ', but lhal, on the
contrary, I should regret it incorporation into
the Union at tho present time as fraught
with serious peril.
Were this island comparatively destitute of
inhabitants, or occupied by a kindred race, I
should tegaid i', if vnluntaiily ceded by
Spain, ns a most desirable acquisition. Hut,
under existing circumstances, I should look
upon its incorporation into our Union as a ve
ry hazardous measure. It would In ins into
the Confederacy n population of n different
national stork, spr-akinga different language,
and not likelv lo harmonize wilh the other
members. Il would probably affeel in a pre
judicial manner the imlusliial interests of the
South; and it might revive those cond cts of
opinion between the different sections of the
country, whU'h lately shook ihe Union lo its
centre, and which have been so happily com
promised. The rejection by the Mexican Congress of
ihe Convention which had beeu concluded
between that Republic and Ihe United Stales,
for the protection of a transit way across Ihe
Isthmus of Tehnuntepeo and of the interests
of thoso citizens of the United Slates w ho
had become propi ielors of Ihe rights which
Mexico bad conferred on one of her own
citizens in regard lo that transit, has throw u
a seiiuus obstacle in the way of the attain
ment of a very desirable rnlionul '.bjccl. I
am still willing to hope that the differences
on tho subject which exist; or may hereaf
ter niise, between the government!), will bo
amicably adjusted. This subject, however;
has already engaged the attention of Ihe Sen
ate of the United Slates, and requires no fur
ther comment in this communication.
The settlement of the questions respecting
Ihe poit of Sail Juan do Nicaragua, and of
tha controversy between the icpublics of
Costa Rica and Nicaiagua in reta il to their
boundaries, was considered indispensable to
Ihecommencement of the fhip canal between
Iho two oceutrs, xx hich was the subject of tho
Convention between the Unilcd Stales ar.il
Great Britain ol the 19:h of April, 1850. Ac
ctrdingly, a proposition for the same purpo
ses addressed to the two governments in thai
quaiter, and to I tie Mosquito Indians, was
agreed to in April last by the Secretary of
Sfate and I lie Minister of her Biitannic Ma
jesty. Besides lire w ish lo aid in econciling
Ihe differences of Ihe two republics, I enga
ged in the negotiation from a desire lo place
the great work of u ship canal between Ihe
two oceans under one jurisdiction, uiul lo es
tablish the important port of San Juan de
Nicaragua under Ihe government of a civil
ized power The proposition in question
wasassen'ed by ihe CnMa Riea mid the Mos
quito Indiaim. It has not proved equally ac
ceptable lo Nicaiagua, but il is lo be hoped
lhal Ihe further negntiaimns on Ihe subject
which a e in train will bu canied oi, in that
spiiit of conciliation and compromise which
oushl always to pievail on such occasions,
and that they will lead lo a satisfactory re
mit. I have the satisfaction to inform you lhal
the executive government of Venezuela has
acknowledged some claims of citizens of the
United States, which have for many jeais
past been urged by our charge d'affaires at
Caraccas. It is hoped lhal I lie same sense
ol justice will actuate the Congress of that
Republic in providing the means for their
payment.
The recent revolution in Buenos Ayrrsaud
Ihe couiedeiiiied States having opened I lie
prospect of an improved state of things in
lhal quarter, the governments of France and
Gieat Britain determined to negotiate with
Ihe chief of Ihe new Confederacy for Ihe free
access of their commerce to lha extensive
countries watered by the tiibtuaiies of the
La Plata; and they gave a fiieudly notice of
this purpose lo the L ulled Slates, that we
might it we thought proper puiMie Ihe same
course. In compliance with tins invitation,
our minister al Hio Jauciio and our Charge
d'Affaires at Buenos Ayres have been fkllv
authorized lo conclude treaties with the new',
ly-organized Confederation, or Ihe States
composing il. The delays w hich have taken
place in the formation of the new govern
ment Iiavu as ye! pieveulcd Ihe execution of
those instiucliini ; bul theie is every reason
to hope lhal llie-.e vast countries will be
eventually opened to our commerce.
A treaty of commerce has been concluded
belween iho United Stales and Iho Oiiental
Republic ol Uruguay, which will be laid be
fore the Senate. Should this convention go
into operation, it will open lo the commercial
enteipiise of our citizens a country of great
extent and unsurpassed in natural resources,
but fiom which luitigu nations have hitherto
been almost wholly excluded.
The correspondence of Ihe lale Secretary
of Slule with the Penman charge d'affaires
relative lo Ihe I.obos Islands xvas communi
cated lo Congress toward the close of the
last session. Since that time, on further in
vestigation of the subject, the doubts which
had been tnteitaineJ of the title of Peru to
Ihose islands have been removed; and I
have deemed it just that Ihe temporary
wrong w hich had been unintentionally done
her, Hour want of information, should be le
raired by an unieserved acknowledgment of
her sovereignly.
1 have ihe satisfaction lo inform yon lhat
the couisepuisued by Peru has been cieditable
to ihe liberality of her government. Before
11 was known by her Ibat her title would be
acknowledged at Washington, her Minister
of Foreign Affair had aulhoiized our charge
d'aflaii at Lima to announce to the Ameri
can vessels which had pone lo the Lobos for
guano, lhat the Peruvian Government was
willing to freight them on il own account.
This intention has been carried into eff ect by
lha Peruvian Minister hire, by an arrange
ment which i believed to be advautageou
to Ihe parlies in interest.
Our settlements on the shore it the Paciffo
have already given a great extension, and in
some respect new direction, lo our com
merce in thl ocean. A direct and rapidly
increasing intercourse ha sprung up with
Eastern Asia. Tho waler of the Northern
Pacifio, even into the Arctic seB, have of lale
year been frequented by our whalemen.
The application of steam to the general pur
pose of navigation is becoming daily more
common, and makes it desirable to obtain
fuel and other necessary supplies at conveni
ent points on Ihe route between Asia and our
Pacific shores. Our unfortunate countrymen
who from lime to time suffer shipwreck on
the coasts of the eastern seas are entitled to
protection. Besides these specific objects,
Ihe general prosperity of our Stales on ihe
Pacific requiies that an attempt should be
made to open the opposite regions of Asia to
a mutually beneficial inteicoiiise. It is obvi
ous that tli is attempt could be made by no
power lo so great advantage ss by I lie Uni
ted Slates, whose constitutional system ex
cludes every idea of distant colonial depen
dencies. 1 have accordingly been led lo or
der an appropriate naval force to Japan, un
der the command of n discreet and intelli
gent officer of ihe highest rank known lo our
service. He is instructed to endeavor to ob
tain from tho government of lhat country
some relaxation of ihe inhospitable aud antt
social system which it has puisned for about
two centimes. He bus been directed par
ticularly to remonstrate in Ihe strongest lan
guage against Ihe cruel liealment to which
our shipwrecked mariners have often been
snbjeclcd, aud lo insist lhat they shall be
tiented wilh humanity. He is instiuctrd
however nt tho same lime to givo lhat gov
ernment the amplest assurances lhal the ob
jects of Ihe United States are such and such
only as 1 have indicated, and lhat ihe expe
dition is fiiendly nnd peaceful. Notwith
standing Iho jealousy xxith which tho gov
ernments of Eastern Asia regard nil over
Hues from foreigneis, 1 nm not without hopes
of n beneficial result of Iho expedition.
Should it be croxvned xvilh success, Ihe ad
vantages will not be confined In tho United
Slates, but, as in the ei.se of China, w ill be
equally enjoyed by all the other maritime
powers. I have much satisfaction in s'a
ling that in nil Iho steps pieparatory lo ihis
expedition the Government of the United
States has been miiteiiirlly oided by Ihe
good offices of the King of ihe Netherlands,
the only European power having any com
mercial relations with Japan.
In passing from this survey of onr foreign
relations, I invite tin; attention of Congress
lo the condition of lli.it depaitment of the
Government in which this branch of the pub
iio business is eiilrnsled. Our intercourse
wilh foreign powers has of lale yeais greatly
increased, both in consequence of our own
uroulh und the introduction of many new
Stales into the family ot nations. In this
way iho Department of Stale has become
overburdened. It has, by the icceirl estab
lishment of the Department of tho Interior,
been relieved of some portion of the domes
lie business If Ihe residue of Iho business
of that kind, such us the distribution of Con
gressional documents, the keeping, publish
ing and distiibution of the laws of Ihe Uni
ted States, the execution of lh copj riijli',
law, Ihe subject of Vepiicves an. I pnidor s,
and some o'.tvi subject? telatirg lo interior
'"i.ninislruiion, should be Iransfericd from
he Dipurlmcut of Stale, it would unques
tionably be for Ihe benclit of the public ser
vice. 1 would also suggest lhal the building
appropiiattd to the Slate Depaitment is not
lire proof, lhat there is reason lo think there
are defects in its consliuclion, nnd lhat the
archives of Ihe Government in charge of the
Depaitment, wilh ihe precious collodions of
the manuscript papers of Washington, Jeffer
son, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe, are
exposed lo destruction by fire. A similar re
mark may be made of the building appro
priated lo llie War and Navy Departments
The condition of the Tieasury is exhibited
in the annual repoit from that department.
The cash lec.t ipts into Ihe Tieasury for tho
fiscal year ending Ihe 10. h June last, exclu
sive 0 1 trust lunds, weie lorty-iiine millions
seven bundled and tw entj -ciyht thousand
thiee bundled and eighty-six dollars nnd
eighty-niuo cents. ( I9.?i8'.3fli S'J ) and the
expenditures for Ihe same period, likewise
exclus vo of trust funds, weie forty-six mil
lions seven thousand eight hnudied und ninety-six
dollais and twenty cents, ($46,u()7,
8UG 2U ;) of which nine millions lour hun
dred auJ lift) -five, thousmd citilit bundled
and filteen dollars ami eighty-three cents,
(S9,-I55; 15 8:i) was on account of the prin
cipal and intcicst ol the public debt, includ
ing the lasi instalment ol the indemnity lo
Mexico, under the treaty ol Guadalupe Hi
dalgo leaving a balance of &l4,i32, 136 37
in Ihe Tiensniy on ihu fiist day of July last.
Since thin latter period, luither piirchas-'s of
Ihe principal, of Ihe public debt have been
made to the extent ot two millions four hun
dred and fifty-six thousand live honored and
Ion s .seven dollars and loity-nine cents, ($2,
4ob',517 49.) anJ the snipli.s in ihe Tieasuiy
will continue to be applied lo that object,
whenever the slock can be procured within
Ihe limits, us lo price, aulhunzed by law.
The value ot foreign merchandize isnpnit
ed during the !al fiscal year xvas two hun
dred and seven millions two hundred and
forty thousand one hundred and one dollars,
($-'07,241), 101 :) anil the xv.lue of domestic
productions e.xpuilud was onu hundred and
lolly-nine millions eight bundled anil sixty
one thousand nine bundled and eleven dol
lars, (SI49 FBI, 911 :) beside seventeen mil
lions tun hundred and four thousand and
twenty-six dollars. ($17, 1)4.026) of loieign
meiciiaudizo exported; making Ihe nggie
gate of tho entire exports one hiiudrt d and
sixty seven millions sixty live thousand nine
hundred and thirty-seven dollais, ( 1 67,0155,
1)37 ,) exclusive ol the above there was ex
ported forty-t wo millions live hundred aud
seven Ihousand two hundred and eijhty-five
dollars. (42,207,285) in specie; and import
ed from loieign pints live millions luo hun
dred and sixty-two thousand six bundled und
forly-three dollars. ($5,262,643 )
In my first annual message to Congress I
called your attention to what seemed lo mo
some defects in the present tantf, and recom
mended such modifications as in my judg
ment were best adapted to lemedy il evils
and piomole Ihe ptospeiily of ihe counliy.
Nothing has since occurred lo change my
view on this important question.
Without repealing the arguments csntniu
ed in my former metsage, in favor ol dis
criminating, protective duties, I deem it my
duty lo call your attention to one or two oth
er consideration affecting this subject. The
first is, Iho effect of large imputations of
foreign goods upon our currency. Most of
the gold of California, as fast ns it is coined,
finds its way directly to Europe in payment
for goods purchased In the second place,
as our manufacturing establishments aie bro
ken down by competition with foieigners,
Ihe capital invested in then is lust, thousands
of honest and industrious citizens are Ihiown
out of employment, aud Ihe farmer to lhat
extent is deprived of a home maiket for the
sale of his surplus produce. In ihe third
filace, the destiuction of our manufacture
eaves the foreigner without competition in
our maiket, and he consequently raises the
price of the article sent heie for sale, as is
now seen ill Ihe increased cost of iron im
ported from England. The prosperity and
wealth of every nation must depend upon its
productive industry. Tha farmer i stimula
ted to exertion by finding a ready market for
his surplus product, and benefitted by being
able to exchange them, without loss of time
or expense of transportation, for the manufac
ture which hi comfort or convenience re
quire. Thi is alway done to the best advantage
where a portion of the community in which
be live i engaged in other pursuits. But
most manufacture require an amount ol cap
ital and a practical skili which cannot be
commanded, unless Ihey be protected for a
time from ruinous competition fioni abroad.
Hence Ihe necessity of laying thoso duties
upon imported goods which the Constitution
authorizes for revenue, in such a manner as
lo piolect and encourage Ihe labor of our
own citizens. Dulie however should not be
fixed at a rate so high as to exclude the for
eign article, but should be so graduated as to
enable the domeslio manufacturer fairly to
compete with the foreigner in our oxvn mar
kets, and by thi competition In reduce Ihe
price of Ihe manufactured article to Iho con
sumer to tho lowest rale at which il can be
produced. This policy would place the me
chanic by ihe side of the farmer, create a
mutual inteichauge of their respective com
modities, ond thus stimulate the industry of
the whole country, anil render us independ
ent of foreign nations for the supplies re
quired by Ihe habits or necessities of the
people.
Another question, vt holly independent of
protection, presents itself, nnd lhal is, whe
ther the duties levied should be upon the
value of the article at Ihe place of shipment,
or, w here it is practicable, a specific duty,
graduated according lo quantity, ns ascer
tained by w eight or measuie. All our duties
are at prcfent nil valorem. A ceilain per
centnge is levied on Ihe price of Ihe goods al
the poit of shipment in a foieign country.
Moat commercial nations hnvu lotind il indis
pensable, for Ihe purpose of pievenling fraud
und perjury, lo muke Ihe duties specific
whenever Ihe nilicle is of such a uuilorm
value in weight or measure as lo justify such
a duly. Legislation should never cncouiBge
dishonesty or crime. It i impossible lhat
the revenue officers at the poit where Ihe
goods nie entered and the duties paid should
know xvilh certainly what they cost in Ihe
foreign country. Vet the law requiies that
they should levy the duly according lo such
cost. They are Ihoieloio compelled lo ie
soil lo very nnsalislncloiy evidence lo ascer
tain what lhat cost was They take Ihe in
voice of the importer, attested by his oath,
as the best evidence of which the nature ol
Ihe case admits. But every one must si e
lhal tho invoice may be fabricated, and the
oath by which it is nippmted false, by rea
son of w hich llie dishonest importer pays u
pail only of the duties which are paid bv Hie
honest one, nnd thus indirectly receives fiom
the lieiiMiiy ol the United Siies ii it-ward
lor his liaud and peijury. The repuils of
llie Secretary of llie Tieasury henlofore
made on this subject show ( (inclusively that
these fiunds have been practiced lo a great
extent. The tendency is to destroy that high
morjl character for '. hich our nieich.ints
have long been distinguished ; to dc Tutud the
government of its revenue; to break down
iho honest importer by a dishonest competi
tion ; and, finally to transfer Ihe business of
l n i pr j r 1 n 1 1 o 1 1 to loieign and iriesponsible
agent, to the gnat detriment of our own
citizens. 1 theieloio egtiin most earnestly
recommend the adoption of specific duties
wherever it is practicable, or a home, valua
tion, lo prevent tllCf" .r,BU(ls.
1 would also again cull xonr attention lo
tha fuel that Ihu piescnl la nl' in some cases
imposes a higher duty upon Ihe law male
rial imported than upon the aiticle maniilac
tuied liom it. the consequence which is that
the duty operates lo Ihe encouragement of
the foreigner aud Ihe ducouingrmeul of our
own citizens.
For lull und detailed information in regard
lo the general condition of our Indian af
fairs, 1 respectfully icier you lo Ihe icport
of the Stcu laiy of the Interior and Ihe ac
compait) ing documents.
The Senate not having thought pioper Ij
latify the treaties w hich had been negotia
ted with Ihe tubes of Indians in Calilnrnia
und Oregon, our relations with them have
beeu led in a veiy unsatislacioiy condition.
In other parts of our li'iriloiy particular
ilisti ids of country have been set lipait tin
the extensive occupation of Ihe Indians,
mid their right 10 the lands within those
limits has been acknowledged nnd respect
ed. But in California and Oregon there
has been no lecogciiion by Ihe Government
of the exclusive light of Indians lo any part
of ihe country. They are thcicTmu nn re
leiiants al sufferance, and liable lo be driven
fiom place lo place, at ihe pleasure cf the
w bile.
The treaties which have been rejected
proposed to icineily thi evil by allotting lo
Ihu different Iribe.t districts of country suit
able to their habits ol life, and sufiieient lor
their suppoil This proviso, more lhan any
other, it is believed, led lo their icjec ion ;
and as no substitute for it has been adopted
b) Congiess, it litis not been deemed advi
sable lo attempt io enter into new treaties of
a pcimuticiit character, although no etloit
has been spared by lempoiniy arrangements
lo preserve friendly iclalion w ith them.
Ii il be the done of Congiess lo rt move
them from Iho country altogether, or to as
sign lo Ihem paiticiihir districts mine r"mntc
from the settlements of the whites, it will
be proper lo set npail by law the territory
w hich Ihey are lo occupy, an. I lo provide
Ihe means necessary for leinoving Ihem to
it. Justice alike lo our own citizens and
to the Indians requiies the prompt action of
Congress on this subject.
The amendments pioposed by Ihe Senate
lo ihe iieat ie which were negotiated with
Ihe Sioux Imlians of Minnesota havo been
submitted lo the Iribes who were panics
lo them, and have leceived Iheir assents A
huge tract of valuable lerrilory has been
opened lor settlement and cultivation, uinl
all danger of collision with these pnweifnl
and warlike bauds has been happily le
rnoved. The removal of the remnant of the tribe
of Seminole Indians fiom Florida, has long
been a cherished object of ihe Government,
and il H one lo which my attenlioii has
been steadily directed. Admonished by
past experience of Ihe difficulty and cost of
the attempt lo lemove them by militaiy
foice, re. oil has been had lo concilialuiy
measures. By ihe invitation of Ihu Com
missioner of Indian Alluirs several of Ihe
principal chiefs recently visited Washington
and whilst here acknowledged in writing
ihe obligation of their liibe lo remove Xvilh
Ihu least possible delay. Late advices from
Ihe special agent of the Government repie
sent that Ihey udhere to Iheir pioinise, und
lhal a council of Iheir people has beeu cal
led lo make iheir prelicninaiy uriangemeiils.
A general emigration may therefore be con
fidently expecled nl an early day.
Tho report from Ihe General Land Office
shows increased activity in its operations.
The survey of the northern bouudaiy of
Iowa has been completed with unexampled
despatch. Within iho lust year 9,522,953
acres of pubiio land have been surveyed,
and 8,032,463 acres brought into maiket.
In the last fiscal year there
were sold
1,553,071 acres.
Located wilh bounty laud
warrants,
3,201314 "
Located xxilh other certifi
cates, 115.692
Making a total of 4,870,667 "
In addition there weie
Reported under swamp land
grants, 5,219,188
For internal improvement,
rail roads, &c. 3025:0
Making an aggregate of 13,115,175 "
Being an increase in the amount of land
old and located under land warrants or 5b9,
220 acre over Ihe previou year.
The whole amount Ihu sold, located un
der land warrants, reported under swamp
laud grains, and selected for internal im
provement, exceed lhat of the previou.
year by 3,342,372 acies, and ihe sales
would, without doubt, have been much lar
ger but for the extensive reservation for
rail toad in Missouri, Mississippi, ad Ala-baina.
For the quaiter ending 30th
September, 1852, there
were sold, 243,255 acres.
Located wilh bounty land
warrants, 1,387,110
Located with other certifi
cate, 18,849 '
Reported under swamp land
erants, 2,485.233 "
Making an aggregate for
the quarter of 4,131,253 "
Much Ihe larger portion of Ihe labor of
arranging and classifying Ihe return of tho
last census has been finished, and it will
now devolve upon Congress lo make the
necessary provisions for the publication of
the results in such form as shall be deemed
best. The apportionment of represents! fori
on the basis of Ihe new census has been
made by the Secretary of the Interior in
conformity with Ihe provisions of laxv rela'
ting lo lhal subject, and ihe recent elections
have been made in accordance with it.
I commend to your favorable regard the
suggestion contained in tho report of tho
Secretary of Ihe Interior that piovisions be
made by law Tor Ihe publication and distii
bution, periodically, of nn onalytical digest
of all the patents which have been, or may
heieafler be, granted for useful inventions
and discoveries, with such descriptions and
illustrations ns may be necessary to present
an intelligible view of their nature and op
peration. Tho cost of such publication
could easily be defiayed out of the patent
fund, and I am persuaded that it could be
applied to no object more acceptable to
iuvei.tois and beneficial to the pubiio at
lame.
An appropriation of $100,000 having been
I made at the last session for the purchase nf
', a suitable site, and for the erection, furnish-
ing, uinl fitting up of an Asylum for the I it
! sane of the District of Columbia, and of ihe
Army and Navy of ihu United S'ales, the
i pieper measiiies have been adopted to cany
' lhi beneliciciil pmpnsu into effi ct
By the latest advices from Ihe Mexican
: Boundary Commission it nppears that Ihe
survey of the river G.I.i, from its eonflu
: ence with the Colorado lo its supposed inter
: section wilh lint western line of New Mex
ico, has been completed. The survey of Iho
Bin (iiande has also been finished from Ihe
; point agreed on by lha commissioners as
;ihe point where il strikes Ihe southern
; boundary of New Mexico" lo a point on
t hiindicii and thirty-live miles below Eagle
j Pass, which is about two ihiids of Ihe dis
j lance along the course of the river to its
! mouth.
I The appropriation which was made nt
tho last session of Congress for tl e continua
1 lion of the smvey is subject lo Ihu following
pioviso :
' I'-r.i
ed.
That no rait of ibis appiopii-
' p.'.ioH shall be used or expended until il shall
be made satisfactory lo appear to the Piei
of the United Slates that the southern boun
dary of New Mexico is not established by
' Ihe Commi-siouer and Suivejor of the Uni
I le, I Stales far. her noilh of Ihe town called
I 'Paso' than ihe same is laid down in Dis-
turueir map, which Is added lo the treaty."
My attenlioii was draw n lo this subj rt
by a report Irom ihe Department of the In
terior, which reviewed all ihe fads of ihu
i case, and submitted for my decision thy,
j question whether, under exi.-tii -g circim
j stances, any part of Ihe appropriation cr uld
j be lawfully ujed or expended for the further
prosecution of the woil:. Afler a careful
I consideration of iho subject, I came lo ttm
' conclusion that il could not, and so informed
, Iho head of that Department. Outers xvero
I immediately issued by him 16 tho t-nmmis-
sinners and suivejor lo make no further re
: qnisinns on the Department, as they cotild
; not bo paid ; and to discontinue all' epeia
lious on Ihe Southern line of New Mexico.
Bul us Ihe Depailnieiit had no exact infoi
nialioii as to tho amount of piovisieiis and
mouey w hich lenn itrctl unexpended in the
hand of ihe toinmissioner and suiveyor, it
xvas lefl discretionary with them lo contin
ue the survey down ihe Rio Grande as far as
, Ihe melius at iheir disposal would enable
; Ihem, or al once to disband ihe commission.
A special messenger has since arrived from
the officer in chaige of the survey on ihe
river, with information thai ihe funds sub
ject to his control were exhausted, anil lhat
ihu officers and otheis employed in ihe ser
vice xvero destitute alike of the means of
piosecntirtg the work and of returning to
their homes.
Tho object of iho proviso was doubtless
to arrest the survey ol ihe southern and
western lines of New Mexico in regard to
w hich dilleient opinions have been expres
sed : for it is ha-i!ly to be supposed that
there could be any objection lo lhat part of
Ihe line which extends along the channel of
the Rio Grande. But the terms of the laxv
are so broad as lo to: bid the use of any pnrl
of Ihe money for ihe pioseruiion of the
woik, or even lor the payment, to the otli
ceis and ngeuls of llie anearages uf pay
which are justly duo lo ihem.
I earnestly invite your prompt attention to
, this subjeel, and recommend a modification
of iho terms of the proviso so as to enable
the Department to use ns much of the ap
propriation as will be necessary lodischaige
Ihe existing obligations nf Ihe Government
and lo complete Ihe euivty of Ihe Rid
Grande to its mouth.
It will also be pioper lo make fniiher pro'
vikions by law lor the fulfilment of our tiea
ly xx ith Mexico foi lunning and maikii.g
Ihe residue uf the bouiuhwy line between
Ihe two countries.
Permit me lo invite yoi.r paiticular alien
lion to the interest ol the Districts of Co
lumbia, which are confided by the Constitu
tion to your peculiar care.
Among the measures which seem lo me
i of the greatest importance to its prosperity
are the introduction of a copious supply of
j xvatei into the city of Washington, and lha
construction of suitable bridges across ihe
Potomac lo replace Ihose which were des
I troyed by high water in the early part of
tho present year.
i Al the lust session of Congress an apprd
i piialiou wag made lo defiay the cosl ol ihd
! survey necessary for determining Ihe best
I mean of affording an unfailing supply of
good and wholesome water. Some piegress
has been made in the survey, and as soon
as it is completed Ihe result will be laid be
fore you.
Km i tier nnnrniii iations will alio be neces
sary for grading and paving ihe Sir el and
avenues, aud enolosing and embellishing the)
public grounds within the cily of Washing
ton. 1 commend all Ihese objects, together
with the chariiiable institutions of the Dis
trict, io Jour favorable regard.
Every effort has been made to protect our
frontier, and lhat of Ihe adjoining Mexican
Stales, from the incursion of the Indian
tribes. Of about 11,000 men of vt hich the
army is composed, neatly 8000 aie employ
ed in the defence of the newly acquired ter
ritory, (including Texas,) and Of emigrants
proceeding thereto. 1 am gratified lo $af
lhat these efforts have been untually sue
cesful. With the exception of some partial
outbreaks in California and Oregon, aud oc;
catioual depredation on a portion of the Rio
Grande, ow ing, it i believed, to the disturb
ed state of lhat border region, the inroadl
of the Indians have been effectually re
drained.
Experience ha shown, however, that
whenever the two race are brought into
contact, collision will inevitably occur. To
prevent these collision the United Slate
have generally set apart portions of their
territory for the exclusive occupation of the
Indian tribes. A difficulty occurs, however,
in the application of this policy lo Texas
Ky ihe ttrmnf iho compact by which thai