riu.sui:vrs m.ss u:i:.
If
'( -l.-lff UN
ll
oh.,e
Vir.vffif(ii"C
yew li.t rlai'M-a since tin' "-'ab
, l.llijlit' ll ill' 11 '"I Hill It. and lilt" ClVI-
,.-'s id l.i'' I ti.t i'''- 'mi assembles,
i , i -, i . 1 1 tor .hi 1 1 r, h : i ot livemon. TI.O
ilill.SO t I LHllHM-ls, V III' i.'iiu'
i . i .. . ..i... t..
rlv
'.Ill'
,.:c:;,'.c,l M fmeli
the downhill ot our in-
I'll!!'' I-, .IT' HOW I'-llielliborcd Otl'.V i
ao.nli u.'id tl" United S ates of America,
at tins nun.i'Vil, jirr-ii'iit t.itho world the most
(table ami po i in a.. it". il ( i tviri! 'Mi'lit oil eaNh.
Such is the result of the labors nl those
l,,-have eono holore us. Uiiuii ('oimross
eminently depend the luturii maiulen-aiu-i
of mil system of free government, and
llic iraaKniioioii of il unimpaired to posterity.
We arc at peace with ull tho world, and
tei k to maintain our cherished relations ot
itn.-.'v with tin' rest of inankiiul. During the
pa-; ear wo have been Mussed, by a kind
i'lowdenco, wiih an abundance of the fruits
.il ihe car'.h; Rtid, although the destroying
amid for a time visited extensive portions of
our territory with the ravages
of a dreadful
pi.'-iiieiifo, yd
the Almighty lias at length
(t; MiO I 10 Slay HIS lia.iu, ll..u m irauiu urc
in'c-iiiiiablo blessing of general health to a
i . ,,:le who liave acknowledged his power,
. .' . ... i 1 1 1 i ik
Oi'iirccaiLM nis wiuiu, mm iiin'iuicu ma
cii'iil protection.
Wtiile eniovin? the benefits of amicable
i l : . ..1. ! .vi .iI.ifaJ Kia tvwip.
intercourse with foreign nations, we havo not
been insensible to the distractions and wars
v.'iieh have prevailed in oilier iiuarters of the
n orlil. It is a proper theme ot thanksgiving
t,. linn who rules the destinies ol nations,
..t Inn .- been able to maintain,
uihhese-contess, an independent mm neuirai
p,,:',iio towards all belligerent powers.
Our relations with Great Britain are of tho
niot fticiully character. In consequence of
,e recent alteration of the Hritish navigation
net' British vessels, from British and other
Uei.-n ports, will, (under our existing laws.)
a'ter the first day of January next, be ad mu
led to enter in our ports, with cargoes ot the
"njwtli, manufacture, or production of any
part of the world, on the same terms, as to
' . . . i i
Uiiiics. impost uiiu
ii ic, Nates wnn
their cargoes; ami our
i -ii i.- n.l.v,;tin,l in tliw .nnie :invan-
veseis win o" ttiiuiiiK.u " --
t;i"e, in Hritish ports, filtering therein on the
rune terms as British vessels. Should no
order in council disturb this legislative ar
rangement, the late act of the British Parlia
ment, by which Great Britain is brought with
in the terms proposed by the act ot Congress
of the 1st of March. 1-S47, it is hoped, will
. be productive of benetit to both countries.
A slight interruption ot diplomatic inter
couje, which occurred between this Govem-
' tnent and France, I am happy to say, lias
been terminated, and our Minister theio has
hecn received. It is theretore unnecessary
-lo refer, now, to the circumstances which led
to that interruption. I need not express to
you the sincere satisfaction with which we
1' shall welcome the arrival of another Envoy
Kxtracirdinary and Minister Plenipotentiary
from a bister republic, to which we have so
Ion" been, and still remain, bound by the
'stromrest tiesot amity.
v..7..,i.. ..r.r l "iiti-rod u non the discharge
nf the Executive du;ies, I was apprised that
a var s;eamer, belonging to the German Km-
pire, was being fitted out in the harbor of N.
York, with the aid ot some ot ourmnai mu
ms, rendered under the permission of the
late S.'eietary of the X ivy. The permission
was T inted during an armistice between thai
FiiipTre and the Kingdom of Denmaik, which
had been engaged in the Schleswig-lh.lsteir.
war Apprehensive that this act ot interven
t':,.,,' on our pari, might be viewed as a vio-i-ion
of our neutral obligations, incurred by
treaty with 'Denmark, and of the provi
moi.s ot Ve act ot Congress ot the '.'Dill ol
v
.,..;i iq : I i i ip. -lei t iat lioiurmer am
...'in. j ... c
1 .' . I II ,..n..tr ft)i..r ft
f inula he renciereu ny any asi.m..i "
1 1,' Navy ; and 1 instructed the Secretary ot
' .ii" to apprise the Minister ol the German
; n iire accredited to this Government, ot my
-! v'.minatioti to execute the law of the Uni-t-
I '-tales, and to maintain the iaith ot treat
; with, all nalims. The correspondence,
which ensued between the Secr.Mary ol Slate
n id the Miuisier of the German Umpire, is
1,'erewiih laid before you. The execution of
t . law and ihe observance ot ihe Irea'y wore
d'-e'ii'sd by me to be due to the honor ot the
Muiury, ii well as to the sacred obligations
- ihe Coiistitulion. I shall not lad to pursue
the "nine course, should a similar case arise
wi'h anv other nation. Having avowed the
opinion," on taking the oath of oi'iee, that, in
' i ...... Il ; .i.r tnri.i.r.i friil'pril
i:,siiiites neivv ecu ni -
. than our duty
i;.i;.'ts
in re;i
it is
onr interest, not le
strictly neutral
i
1 shall not abandon
.nil ;
Win wo nerccive.
Irom the correspon
e .s'.bmilled I'' you, III conneciiou wiui
.m,. ! that the'eonrse adopted in this
has been pnverlv re
arded by the belig-
t
lowers iiitere-tHd
iu the matter.
A .:i:iMi" ii a .wiiiisii-1 ui mi. v i"..
iVii'c German Umpire was appointed by my
cdcei-ssor in August, IS IH, and has, for a
i .... i , ... I i. ii,,. StTitpa
time,
l.iiue :
iccu in attendance al r raiiKioii-ou
am'.
i ohhouL'h a Minister, aiinoin-
that Umpire, was received
re
I accrw-.tuck: r.eie, yci uu --m . ...
hat of the German Umpire has been deli-lyrnns-tituted.
Mr. Donelson, our repre-
i'. 1 I .. ....I. (ri-.,..,ri, iTli'nt
.. ,i I .1.
.'.
i ii. i v e at r rau t ii. 1 1 1 1-ii i i ii'-" i -v. .
mo,."is in the expectation that a union of
'"German States,"under one Constitution or
" t iwi.min.'iii in'cht alle.i"th be or-
i' : . . J ' ..
H.ei
It is behoved, bv those well ac-
...I. J ..! . I ...
existing relations between
.us-: i ami the
- .
i... vi ,.f t i.riiiiiiti- unit no
;:nino oici be neritu'.neutlv e
stablishcd
.iaii '.i aer cu-operaiiuii. :n uircinu m un.
nii.uiou of such a union, mid the organ iza-
.', !.i a central power in Germany. ot which
-:i mid loriu a pai:, it would become ne-
" ..-arc lo w ithd-aw our Minister at lierlin ;
,1 v. iii'.e l'rasia exists as an independent
, i i i ; ..
I . .. ..... I.. ( ..I ,..
,ii n.l. ami (.iiuomain: rciamnis Mll ni.uii
d with
t.er, there can
1 no iiecc:
il v for
euii'iinu.iuce ol the lnissmit to I rauklor'.
'.ave. luerelore, recalled Mr. Donelson. and
.r,'f'.'t the archives of the legation al
?.'i'i-.!ort to be trail. si erred to the America..
.ation at Heriin.
: :.iving been apprised lhat a considerable
:.. ,-r of adveniurers wen; engaged in Jit
r (,ut a military expediiioti, v.itinu the U
..,! Siale. agaiu.-t a loreigu couuny ; and
..eviog. from th best iaturm.cin i i could
inn. that it was destined to invade the I-
I n! Cuba. 1 ib.'emed it nu-to tne Ineiidlv
nous existing between
vi.i a : to the treaty b
the I intcd States
twecu the Iwo na-
n; lo the laws o! fi; United Slates, and,
, all. lo the American honor, to exert tin:
:l a-iVrwrity of thus dovt r.ni'i'iit in sup
sing 'he expedition and preventing the
i -ion
. -j this end. I issued a prochma'ion, en-
joining it upon the otlicers of the U States,
civil ami military, to ue all lawlol means
within Uieii power. A copy of that prncla-
uaiion is herewith submitted. 1 tin rxpedi
iion ha-; been suppressed. So long as the act
nt Congress, nt (he 20th of April. , IS, which
owes iis evi-teiiee to the law ol nations, and
to the policy of Washington himself, shall
remain on our statute-book, I hold it to be the
duty of the I'Aceutive f.uthtully to obey its
injunctions.
Whilo this expedition was in progress, I
was informed thai a foreigner, who claimed
our protection, had been clandestinely, and,
as was supposed, forcibly, carried oil' in a
vessel, irom INew Orleans to lite isiaini oi
Cuba. 1 immediately caused such steps to
be takn bs 1 thnuuht necessary, in case the
information I had received should prove cor
ed, to vindicate the honor ot thecountry.anu
the right of every person seeking an asylum
on our soil to the nroiectioii of our lawn. The
person alleged to have been abducted was
promptly restored, ami thecircuuisiance oi tne
case are now ahout to undergo investigation
before a judicial tribunal. I would respect
fully suggest, that although the crime charged
to have been committed in this case is held
odious as being in conllict with our opinions
on the subject of national sovreiguty and per
sonal freedom, there is no' prohibition ot it,
or punishment for it, provided in any act of
Congress. The expediency of supplying
this defect in our crimnalcode is, therefore,
recommended to your consideration.
I have scrupulously aoided any interfer
ence in the wars and contentions which have
recently distracted Knrope.
During tho late conllict between Austria
and Hungary, there seemed to be a prospect
that the latter might become an independent increase in population and wealth. It is de
nation. However faint that prospect at the j sirable, therefore, that this Government
lime appeared, I thought it my duty, in ac-1 should do every thing in its power to foster
cordance with the general sentiment of the i and strengthen its relations with those States,
Amnrirun nprmle. who deenlv sympathised and that the spirit of. amity between us
with the Magyar patriots, to stand prepared,
.IKK'I.V..-. , I J J. ' .
upon the contingency ot tne esiaiiusnmeui
by her of a permanent government, to be the
tirst to welcome independent Hungary into
the family of nations. For this purpose I in
vested an agent, then in Knrope, with power
to declare our willingness promptly to recog
nise her independence in the event of her a
bility to sustain. The powerful interpolati
on of Russia, in the contest, extinguished
all hopes of the struggling Magyars. The
United States did not at any time interfere in
the contest; but the feelings of the nation
were strongly enlisted in the cause, and by
the sull'erings of a brave people, who had
made a gallant though unsuccessful ell'ort to
be free.
Our claims upon Portugal have been, dur
ing the past year, prosecuted with renewed
vigor, and it has been my object to employ
every effort of honorable diplomacy to pro
cure their adjustment. Our late Charge d'
Alfaires at Lisbon, the lion. G. W. Hopkins,
made ablo and energetic, but unsuccessful
eliotlsto settle these unpleasant matters of
controversy, and lo obtain indemnity for the
wrongs which were the subjects of com
plaint. Our pre-ent Charge d'Alfaires at that
court will also, bring to the prosecution of
these claims ability and zeal. The revoltl-
: tionarv aed distracted condition ot i ortegal
in times past, has been represented as one of
the leading cai
fying our sull'e
au.-es of her delay in imlomni-
ring citizens, liut 1 must now
say It is lliauer 01 premium rugiei mat uiwoc
claims have not yet been settled.
With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweeden.
Denmark, Helgiutn, the Netherlands, and
the Italian States, we still maintain our ac
cus'omed amicable relations.
During the recent revolutions in tho Papal
Stales, our Charge d' Affairs at Koine has
been unable to present his letter of credence
which, indeed, he was directed by my pre
decessor to withhold until he should receive
further orders. Such was the unsettled con
dition of things in hose Slates, that it was
not deemed expedient to give him any in
structions on the subject of presenting his
credential letter ditferent from those with
which he had been furnished by the late ad
ministration, until the 23th of June last ; when
in consequence of want of accurate infor
mation ol the exact state of things, at that
distance from us, he was instructed to exer
cise his own discretion in presenting him
self to the then existing government, if, in
his judgment, sulliciently stable; or if not,
t ) await further events. Since that period,
Rome has undergone another revolution, and
he abides the establishment of a govern
ment sulliciently permanent to justify him in
opening diplomatic intercourse with it.
With the Republic of Mexico, it is our
tine policy to cultivate the most friendly re
lations. Since the ratification of the treaty
of Guadalupe Hidalgo, nothing has occur
red of a serious character to disturb them.
A faithful observance of the treaty, and a
since e respect for her rights, cannot fail lo
secure the lasting confidence and friendship
ol lhat republic. The me-sago of my pre
decessor to tho House of Representatives, of
the 8th of February last, communicating, in
compliance with a resolution of that body, a
copy of a paper called a protocol, signed at
Queretaro on the :hi'h of May. IX IS, by the
commissioners ol ihe United Slates and the
minister of foreign affairs of the Mexican
. I u.. .1
eovernment, having been
a subject of cor-
- i l .1.. iv. r
r. JIW1M. I I" IVI'I' I Mil. I Jt'll.trilllf lll 111
. i , . .
: State and the Lnvoy Extraordinary Mim-ter
! Plenipotentiary of that republic accredited to
' this government, a transcript of that corn's-
' i -i 1 ... .....1
; poutieuce is in.-wiui puiii..iueii.
j IB V.OUIIUlssnilll-1 nil lie- p. ill ill lai: i. ill"
i . . ... . . r .. - .... I i v..
i ien Mates or marking ink uuuiiiu uummi
Itie IW'O reptlDlll S, UlUUII oeiiMi-u III rc-itcil-
h deiayeil in
I in" San Dicl'o by indorsee n obstacles, am-
ved at that place within a short period alter
j the time required by the treaty, ami was
j theie joined by the Commissioner on the
part ot Mexico, they entered upon llieir
duties; and, at the date ot the latest lute h
genee from that quarter, some progress had
I been in the survey. I he expenses incident
I to the organization ot the commission, and
! lo its conveyance the point where its opera
tions vere to begin, have po much reduced
Ihe bind appropriated lv Congiess, that a
further sum lo cover the charges w hich
; must be incurred during ihe present fiscal
I year, will be necessary. The great length ol
; frontier along winch the boundary extends,
the nature of the adjacent territory, and the
; dilliculty of obtaining supplies, except at or
j near the extremes ol the line, render it also
; indispeusible that a liberal provision should
i he made lo made
. charges during tin
lo meet tlio necessary
liscal year ending on the
! lluth of June. 1 v ;' 1 . 1 accordingly reconi
: mend this subject to your attention.
la the adjiis'iiieiit of the olaims of Amer
! iean citiees on Mexico, provided for bv the
out; iri'ii'y. i ue i'iiiii'iyieiii oi t oiiiisei, on
the pan ol the gnvcr:imprit. may beconio
iile treaty, tin
important for the purpose of assisting the
commissioners in protectinj; the interests of
the United Slates. I recommend this sub
ject to the early and favorable consideration
of Congress.
Complaints have been made in regard to
the insulliciency of the means provided by
the government of New Grenada for trans
porting the United Slates mail across the Isth
mus ot l'aiiama, pursuant to our l'ostal con
vention with that remiblie. of the tith of
March, IS II Our Charge d' Affaires at
Hogola has been directed to make such rep
resentations to the government of New Gren
ada as will, it is hoped, lead to a prompt re
moval of this cause of complaint.
The sanguinary civil war with which the
Republic of Venezuela has for some time
past been ravaged, has been brought to a
close. In its progress, the rights of some ot
our citizens resident or trading there have
been violated. The restoration ol order will
allord the Venezulau government an oppor
tunity to examine and redress theso griev
ances and others of longer standing, which
our representatives at Caraccas have, hither
to, ineffectually urged upon the attention of
that government.
The extension of the coast of lh United
States on the Pacific, and the unexampled
rapidity with which '.he inhabitants of Cali
lornia, especially, are increasing in numbers,
have imparted i.ew consequence to our rela
tions with the other countries whose terri
toiies border upon that ocean. It is proba
ble that the intercourse between tlio?c coun
tries and our possessions in that quarter, par
ticularly with the Republic of Chili, will be
come extensive and mutually advantageous
in proportion as California and Oregon shall
. ... . . . .. . -
should be mutual and cordial
1 recommend the observance of the same
course tow ards all other American States.
The United Slates stand as the great Ameri
can power lo which, as their natural ally and
friend, they will always be disposed, first, to
look lor mediation and assistance, in the e
vent of any collision between them and any
Kuropean nation. As such, we may often
kindly mediate in their behalf, without en
tangling ourselves in foreign wars or unneces
sary controversies. Whenever the faith of
our treaties with any of them shall require
our interference, we must necessarily inter
pose. A convention has been negotiated with
Brazil, providing for the satislaclion of A
mericau claims on that government, and it
will be submitted to the Senate. Since the
last session of Congress, we have received
an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni
potentiary trom that empire, and our rela
tions with it are founded upon the mobt ami
cable understanding.
Your attention is earnestly invited to an
nrripiulini'iit nt nnr I'visliier laws relatim? to
M... . " - f, - ' O .
the African slave trade, with a view to the
etfectual suppression ot that barbarious traf
lie. It is not to be denied, that tlu3 trade is
still, in part, carried on by means of vessels I
built in the United States, and owned or nav-1
bated bv some of our citizens. The corres-1
pondence between the Department of State
and the Minister and Consul of the United)
States at Rio de Janeiro, which has from j
tune to time teen laid Dciore congress, rep
resents that it is a customary device to e
vade lhepenalties of the laws by means of
sea-letters.
Vessels sold in I'.razil, when provided
with such papers tiy tho Consul, instead of
returning to the United Slates for a new reg
ister, proceed, at once to the coast of Africa,
for the purpose of obtaining cargoes ol
slaves. Much additional information, of the
same character, has recently been transmit
ted to the Department of State. It has not
been considered the policy of our laws to
subject an American citizen, who, in a for
eign country, purchases a vessel built in the
United States, to the inconvenience of sen
sending her home for a new register, before
permitting her to proceed on a voyage. Any
alteration of the laws, which might have a
tendhncy to impede the free transfer of pro
perty in vessels between our citizens, or the
free navigation of those vessels between dif
terent parts of ihe world, when employed in
lawful comineieo, should be well and cauli-
riusly consiitertM , nut l trust tnai your wis-1
dom will devise a meinoo uy wmcii our gen-, an aggregate ol $.Tj7,n31 ,bt7 hi.
eral policy, in lliis respect, may be preserveil j Tbe accnunts and e-timales which will be sub
and at the same lime 1 tie abuse of our tlag, , milled to Cmigiess in the Report ot the Secielary
by means of sea-letters, in the manner iudi-: ol the Trea-ui v, show that there will probably be
ralod, may be prevented. a delicit, occasiuiied by the expenses ot the Mexi-
Having ascertained that there is no pros-1 l'a" wal' "' raty, on the first day of July next,
pectof the leuuiou of the five stales of Cen-1 "' f" th,! bat ' lb:'l
1 , , i - i r I. i ,l i I S"1'J, 1 7,Uid i.i: making in thewhole -a proba-
tral America winch formerly composed the b lle,;ci, bc ;vul( d f , sl7i3,5iaJ, 3a.
republic of that name, w e have separately i Tl)K exlrilr(illa,.v M,ielH, , tiie Wdr vvith jk.x.
negolialed with some ot them treaties of j,.n. a,i ,i1H nnrchase ot -California, and New-
' amity and commerce, which will be laid be-
fore the Senate.
I A contract having been concluded with
' ihe Slate of Nicaragua, by a company com
. posed nf American citizens, for the purpose
i of constructing a ship canal, through tho
i territory of that State, to connect the Atlantic:
1 anil Pacilic oceans. I have directed the nego
tiation of a treaty with Nicaragua, pledging
j both governments to proiect thosu who shall
: r....i . a ,i,.
IMI".l"t: III .1 III llt'l I'l L III,. " IIMI. fill llllll.l
t .
; nations are invited by the state of Nicaragua
to enter in o the same treaty stipulations
! with her ; and the benefit to be derived by
each from such an arrangement, will he th
protection of this great inter-oceanic com
munication against any power winch might
I ni:t;iv iu uus.ii in. i u, ui in iiiwiiujiuii.n us ui
vantages. Ail slates, enteriiig into seen a
! treaty, will enjoy the right of passage through
; the canal on payment of tne same tolls.
i The woik, if constructed under these guar-
' antees, win oecnme a tiouu oi peace, instead
ot a suoject oi co'iieimoii aim sirne, uc
tween the nations id tho earth. ShonM tin?
great maratime States of Kurope consent to
lhi arrangement, (and we have unreason to
suppose that a proposition so fair and hono
rable will be opposed by any.) the energies
of their people and ours will co-operate in
promoting the success of the enterprise. I
do not recommend any appropriation from
the National treasury lur this purpose, nor
lo 1 believe that such an appropriatian is ne
cessary. Private enterprise, if prooerly pro
tected, will complete the work, should it
piovc to be feasible. The parties who have
procured tne ctiaiter irom Nicara:
construction, desire no assistance
Government beyond its protection ; and they 1
profess that, having examined the proposed j
line of communication, they will be ready
to commence the undertaking wheneverthat j
protection shall be '-Mended to them I
Should there appear to be reason, uri exam- I
mill" the whole evidence, entertain a
serious doubt of the practicability of con
structing such a canal, that duubt could
be speedily solved by an actual exploration
of the route.
Should such a woik be constructed, under
tho common protection of all nations, ior -qua!
benefits of ull, il would be neither just
nor expedient that any great maritime State
should command the eomniunieatinti. The
territory through which the canal ma' be
opened ought to be treed from the claims id
any foreign power. No such power should
occupy a position that would enable it here
after lo exercise so controlling an iullu
ence over the commerce of the word, or to
obstruct a highway which ought to bo dedi
cated lo the common uses of mankind.
The routes across tho Isthmus, at Tehoan
tepee and Panama, are also worthy of our
serious consideration. They did not lail to
engage tho attention of my predecessors.
The negotiator of the treaty of Guadeloupe
Hidalgo war instructed to oiler a very large
sum of money for the right of transit across
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Tho Mexican
government did not accede to the proposi
tion for the purchase of the right of way,
probably because it had already contracted
with private inpividuals for the construction
of a passage from the Guasaoualco river to
Tehuantepec.
I shall not renew any any proposition to
purchase for money, aright which ought to
be equally secured to be equally secured to
all nations, on payment of a reasonable toll
to the owners of the improvement, who
would doubtless, be well contented with that
compensation and tho guatauteesof the mar
itime States of the world, in separate trea
ties negotiated with Mexico, binding her
and them to protect those who should con
struct tlie work. Such guarantees would do
more to secure the completion of the com
munication through the territory of Mexico,
than any other reasonable consideration that
could be olfered ; and as Mexico herself
would be the greatest gainer by the opening
of this communication between tho Gulf and
the Pacific ocean; it is presumed that she
would not hesitate to yield her aid, in the
manner proposed, to accomplish an impro
vement so important to uer own best inter
ests. We have reason to hope that the proposed
railroad across the Isthmus of Panama will
be uccesstullv constructed, under ttie pro
tecliou of the late treaty with New Grenada, j
ratified and exchanged tiy my predecessor on
the 20th day of June 1S4S, w hich guarantees
the perfect neutrality of the Isthmus, and
the rights of sovreiguty and properly of New
Grenada over that territory, ''with a view
that the free transit from ocean to ocean may
not be interrupted or embarrassed" during
the existence of the treaty. It is our policy
to encourage every practicable route across
the Isthmus, which connets North and South
America, either by railroad or canal, which
the energy and enterprise of our citizens may
induce them to complete, and 1 consider it
obligatory upon me to adopt that policy, es
pecially in consequence ot the absolute ne
cessity of facilitating intercourse with our
possession on the pacilic.
The position of the S.vnd which Islands,
with reference to the territory of the United
Stales on the Pacilic. thd success of our per
severing and benevolent citizens who have
repaired lo that remote quarter in christiani
zing the natives and inducing them to adopt a
system of government and laws suited to
llicir capacity and wants : and the use made
by our numerous whale ships of the harbors
of the Island's as a resort for obtaining
refreshments and repairs, all combine to ren
der iheii di'.ainy peculiarly interesting to us.
It is our doty to encourage the aulhoiilie ol
those islands in their i -Moris to improve and ele
vate the moral and political column n I the in
l.a'iiiauls ; and we sbonhl make reasonable allow
ances for Ihe dilliculties iiist-paiable Irom Ibis
iak. We desire that the i-hinds may maintain
their independence, -ind that ut her nations should
concur with us in this sentiment. W e could in
no event be indifferent to their passion under the
dominion nf any oiher power. The ; .incipal
commercial Stales have in this a common inlrr
est ; and ii is to lie hoped that no one ol ihem will
attempt to interpose, obstacles to the inteie inue
penuence of t be i-daml.
The receipts into Ihe treasury for Ihe fiscal
year ending n the Ihirtieih ol Jui e last, weie,
in cash, 5 Is.SjiI.U'. O JO, ai,d ill Tleasniy notes
founded, yitl.sJ.'i.ODO, making an aggregate oi
j.'i'J,ilii3,(Jlj7 Ju; and the expenditures, lor the
l same lime were, in cash, !;lti,'jS,ril'7 S'i, and
j -preasnry notes founded, sjitj.'san.t.iuo, making
Mexico, exceed in amount tins deficit, together
with the loans heietnfure made foi those objects.
I thereloie recommend lhat authority be niven lo
bonow whatever sum may be necessary to cover
that deficit. I recommend Ihe obseivance of
strict economy in the appruiriatiou and expen
diture of public money.
I reconitntnd a revision of the existing tariff,
and its adjustmeiit, on a liasis which may aug
ment the revenue. I do not duuht the right or
duly of Congress to encourage domestic, industry,
which is the great source ol national as well as
individual wealth and proiqeiily. 1 look to the
wisdom and patriotism of Congress tor the adop
tion of a system which may place home-labor, at
last, on a sure and pennant-tit looting, and, by
due encouragement of mjiiUlacluie, give a ne.v
and increased stimulus to agriculture, anil pro
mote the develo)iuieiil of our vast resources, and
the extension of nnr commerce, lielievirg that
ho the attainment of these ends, as well as Ihe ne
cessary augmentation of the revenue, and the pre
vention of Irauds, a system of siecitic dulies is
test adapted, I flrongly recommend to Congiess
the adoption ol that system, fixing the duties al
rales high enough to alloid sulislanii.il and suf
ficient eiicouargelneM to nor own inihislry, and
at ihe same lime so adjusted as lo uiaure stabili
ty. The question nf Ihr coiilunianre cl the Sub
treasury svslein is respect lolly submitted lo the
wi-ibuu oi' Congiess. If continued, important
moi ifii-ations nt it, appear to tie nulisiieiisaiile.
for lor-her details and vn-ws on tne anove ami .
other matters connected with commerce, the "
nance-, and revenue, 1 refer lo the r.poit lthe
Secrelarv of the Trrasiirv
e . , ., .,.,
No direr! aid lias been given by the General
Government to Ihe iiiiin vemeol i f ticriciiliuie,
exceot bv ihe exiiuiiiliture otsinall sums for ihe
mi, lor its collection and publication el agiicultnre statis
from this j tic, and lor somei betiiical analyses which have
lieen, thus far, pant lor cut ol t he patent tund
This ant is, m n.y opinion, wholly inaileqoale
To give to this leading blanch oi Aineiican in
dustry the "iicoorag'-mrnt which it merits, I res
peellollv recommend the establishment ol an Az
riculmral Hnreau, to he conrei ted w i'h Ihe De
parlir.eni nl Hi, Inlrr'oi T eh vale Ibc mi inl
. i niii! f.n if 'br a..'ncullur.st . o increa.e his pro-
sprrity, ml to exieml his ln ui.s 1 1 u-elulni'm to I
his couiitiy.b) iiiiiliiilyin Ins fc-iiu "I nili.i in
tliill, shnillil bo I In- . I 0 ill even H all -ilMUII, and
uml n r itiury ulij'it withrwiy h'in; l"t.
N.j civil mivi'iiiii.eiil luviw; bun imv iilnl lij
CliKi'''S tin- (.'alduinid, ll.e ) opl.- el ilml li-m
t-.i V , lliipi'llud tiy llu- icti iln "! tin n 1'iili-ical
CiikIIIIiiii, in'clill) lint III ci. i. vi I. III. l, I' I III''
Hli iiwc ul I'llUill.tf ii ciiii.-l'iH'i'ii .ii'U Mali' H"Vi lli.
incM. wlilrh. iLeljlct advice, nivi ine n -.imjIi l
suppiHe, h is been an'onidiflc d and it ti.-licveil
! the) will uliinily 'il) l"i I'm ai!iM"ii'ti "I lab
I l.iinij iiilu the Uiiinii a hiVcicii;ii Siatf . Slimihl
Mich In? the cam", and ilimild llicir ci iiailuliuii be
conformable lo the riepiisitimii nf the Comntulieii
I nf the United Slates, I lecniniheml their applica
tion to tne uvoraiiie Ltnii!iit:i ain'ii m v ii'(,...-.
The people of New Mexii n will alo, il is be
lieved, at uu very distant uliil, pie-ent Ihi'lll
selves fur mlmlasion inln the L'nmii. I'n paralnry
lo the adnioMoii nl Ca'itornia and New Mexico
the people uf each w ill have insitnleil f r them
selvee a republican i rui of uov eminent, "laymt!
its foumlalioim in guch principlcs.and nV(!ainniK
its powers in such lrut, as llu in shall neetn Uiobt
likely to tllect their sab l) and happiiiiss."
By awaiting tbeir acti.'ii, all causes of uneasi
ness may be avoidi d, ami cuiil'nli dce and kind
feeling prererved. Willi a view nf maintaining
the hai uiony and tranquility so dear to all, w
sbould abstain Irom the inliodticlion ol those ex
citing topics of a sectional cbaiacter which have
hitherto produced painlul uppreheniioii in ihe
public 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1 ; and I repeal 1 tie soleniti warning
ol the tirst and most illustrious el my predecess
ors aiiiuiHt tiirni.-hin2 "anv u round tor charac-
teriing parlies by (;eonripliical dlscrimilitlinli.
A Collector has been appointed al San Fran
cisco, under Ibe act of Confess extending the
revenue laws over Calilnmia ; and ineastireH have
ben taken to ornanie the ( iisli ui-lmuses at that
and the oilier pons mentioned in that act, at the
earliest periml practicable. The collector pro
reeded over land, and advises have m t yet been
received ol his arrival al San f rancisco. Mean
while, it is understood that the customs have con
tinued to be collected iheie by ctlicers actint! un
der the military authority, they were dining
Ihe administration ot my predecessor. It will, 1
think, be expedient to confirm the rollci linns
thus made, and direct the avails, (after surh al
lowance!! as Congress may think tit to authorize,)
to be. expended within Ihe Ti ri itoiy, or to be
paid into the Treasury, for the purpocof meeting
j appropriations for the improvement of its rivers
and harbors.
A party, engaged on the coast sinvey, was des
patched to Oregon in January last. AccordiiiK
to the latest advices, they had not left California
ami directions have been given to them, as soon
in Ihev shall have fixed on Ihe si'es ol Ihe two
light houses and the buoys authorized to be con-
siriu-ted ami nlared in On iron, to proceed With
out delay to make recoiinoissaiices ot the most
important points on the coast ol California, and
a-oeciallv to examine and determine on sites lor
buht-houses on that coast, the speedy erection of
which is uigetdiy demanded ly our lapnniy in
creasing commeice.
I have Iran-ferred the Indian Airlines from
Upper Missouri and Council Hlutls lo Santa Ue
and Salt Lake ; and have caused lo be appointed
sub-agents in the vallejsnl the Gila, the Sam
memo, and San Joaquin rivers. Still fuither le
gal provisions will he necessary for the effective
and successful extension of our svstim ol Indian
iideicurse over the new Territories.
1 recommend the stablisliineiit of a blanch
mint in California, as it will, in my opinion, al
loid important facilities to ihose enured in mi
inning, as well as lo Ihe Gi.ui Miiel.t in ihe dis
position ol the mineral lands.
I aUn recommend that commissions be organi
zed tiy Congress, to examine and decide upon the
validity of Ihe present subsitlint; land lilies in
California and New Mexico; and thai rovision
be made tor the e-tablisbuicnt ot ollii -es-nt Sin
vevoi General in New Mexico, California, and
Uieyon, and for the siirwyinK and brii rin into
maikel Ihe public lands in Ibise Tei I Hoi us
Tbose lands, uinole in position and difficult ol
access, ought to be ms osul ol i Ii tun s liberal
lo all, but especially lavorable to ihe early tmi
graii's. Ill older that the situation and rlnracti r of the
principal mineial ileposit. s in Calilnmia may be
aseeitnincd, I tecon mend 1 1 ai ageuhgical mid
miiieiahiL'ical xphirilii li be cent idi d vv Mb the
linear sui'vejs ; and lhat the mint nil lands be de
villed into small lols siiitiMelei mining, ai d in
disposed of, by pale or lease, so as to give our cit
izens an oppniiuiiity el proem ii g a permanent
right ol piopeily in the soil.
I his would seem to be as impel tant to ti e suc
cess ol milling as of amiciillural puruils. The
great mineral Wealth el California, aid the ailvaii
t ipes v fiich Us pons and hai burs, and those i f
Dit-goii, afl 'ld lo ri inn erce, especially with Ihe
islands ol the Pacific and Indian oceans, and the
populous regions ol Ka'tt-iii Asia, muke it certain
lhat there will aiise, in a lew veins, laige and
prmperoiis ecu mninties on our vvcMeiii ci asl.
It, I ban fore, beci tuts important lhat a line ol
coninninicatK li, li e best nml rm t expi ditions
which the nature 1 1 ll erouiiiry will admit, should
he opened, wilhin the teirilt ry id the United
States, In m Ihe navigable Aldus i f Ihe Allan) ic
or i he Gulf of Mexico, lo the Pacific. Opinion,
as elided and xpresst d by two huge and res
pei table conveid ions, lately M-in hh d at SI
l.oins and Memphis, points lo a railroad as lhat
which, if practicable, will best met t the wishes
and wants of Ihe cciinliy. :td w bile this, if in
successful opeialion, wMildbe a woik of glial
national impoitarice, and ot a value to the rouii
tiy which il would he difficult estimate, il
ought also lo be regarded as an undertaking ol
vast magnitude arid expense, and ' tie it whiih
must, il it be, practicable, i nci unit a n any dif
ficulties in its conslrnclinn Sit (1 use.
Therelore.lo avoid failure and disar pi iiitme id,
I to enable Coligriss to judge whelbir, in the
condition i f Ihe countiv ihreuib which it must
I pass, the work he feasible, and if it If h u nil so,
whether it should be urdeitakf n as a rational en
terprise, and in the latter alteinaiive, wfal aid, if
anv, onthl tobe extended lo il by the Givern
I mei.l, I rerun mend as a preliminary measme a
a caielul reroiinussanre 1 1 ire seveiai pit poseu
routes by a scirntitie cor s, and a leport us to Ihe
prarticnnilitv ol mi.kitg soch a n ml, with an es
timate of the ci at cf its coi strucln n m d supprrt.
For further views en tl.tse and i Iher mailer?
connected wilh tie ('utiis id theUuie lVpart
ineni, I refer vnu lo II e report ol ihe Si cielai) cf
Ihe Interior.
I renmmeml earlv approprialirns fir reiitir
uing ihe river and harbor improvt me nls which
have been abeatly begun. and also l theronslmc
lion of those h r which eslimati - h:.vc been mode,
as hi II as for examinations and eslimalis prepar
atory to Ihect tiiinenci meld 1 1 mrh others as the
wants ot the country, and especially il eadvat.re
i I nor population over new distiirls, to d Ihe ex
tension ol commerce, may render nccifsary. An
estimate i t the amiunt which ran be advantage,
cuslv expended within Ihe nexl fiscal year, under
the diririinn 1 1 ihe Hunan 1 1 To f giaphical F.n-
il.n iiiimt i i ihp Secretnrv
' resr.c.lully invite the alien-
" "r'" , " 1
'''f'""'; ,,;,rrv a.u I v the lale tirMv
I lie i-.-hmi , i . - .-
with Mexico has greatly ix'etitid cur i-xpin-d
! frontier, and rendered i's delence more tliffirult.
I Th,l ir..in lm also I rolltlit us mull l i ulignlions
lo Mexico,' to comply with which a n.ilitaiy force
is requisite. Put our iMb'aiv i stablisf ment i
not maleiially chntiged. so to its i fliciel.ry, frt m
the coriditioii in wbiih it stud liloie ihe run.
nienri n eid ol Ihe Mexn an war Sine addition
in it will then fore be nci ss;.y ; aid 1 Ncom
mend lo ihe favnruMe c i . -1 1 i nib n i f C ngiess
an increase o the sevt ral rerr nl t! e a-riv ai our
distant wi stein pests, as pi' oki! 'n 11 i. arcom
p?nying rrpert i f '1 e Strre'Mv i f W';,r
Great eiiiliarrassuieiit baa resulted from the
feci upon rank, in the army, heietoinre given
tin vet and t,lall coiiiuiissi. M.s. The views uf th
SecielalJ of War, oil Hut sulrl, are deemed illi
pi i laid, and il :.. n it d into elh ct will, it is believed,
pi. mole the bai iiiooy of the seivna The plan
plupusi'd tut li-lllil ilis.ihled nlhi-eis. and proud
leg an allium tni sni 1, i I Il.e lank and tile ai
!li. in ujte, woum!,,aiiil other lidii milieii occasion
ed by service, have Ui fi'Uie. uiif'n to pirloriu their
lesiitcuve iluin-s, is i, cninmi-noeil as i means of ii
. . . i .. ..... : i.i ... .1 . ..u an
licit akllig I lie eil.tli.liiy t I I lie ai m t , hum 'p i
act ol justice, due lioiu a uraielul cuunliy llu thd
lailblul S'lhlier. , I
The accotiiiatiyin report of the Sd'rc'sry of ,
the Navy presents a lull ami -atislaclorj i-uUlit
of Ihe C'liidilion and opeiaiiiris nf the nivn fer
vice diirii g the past year. Our ntizciis enKaKed
in the legitimate pursuits of commerce have e n- ,
joyed Us benefits. Wherever our national ves
sels have been rccojved with respeil, our officer
have been tieatul with kindness aul couiteiy, f
and ihey have, on all necaMooi, puisni d a course
ot strict nentraliiy, in accoidancewitb Ihe policy
ol our government
Th naval ti rce at present in rommnsien li i
large as is admi-sahle, wilh Ihe number of men
authorized by Congress lo beemploud.
1 invite jeiir attention to Ihe recotnmencatinn
of the Secrelarv ol ihe Navy, on the subject, of a
raiTnii,,ii ot tb Navv .in its various Mradetv
ol officers, and the establishing ofa rclired lift to-'
.,.,.1. of ihe i HicetH as aie disqualified lor activ
and eflertive scivice, Fliould Congress ado
.inue Mich measure as is recoiiiUiended, it w
greatly inciease liie ethciency ol th Navy, atM, .
reduce its expuidituns I
1 also ask vour attetiliin to the views express- (
ed by him in reference lo the eiuplojineiit of
vvar-sieauiers, and in regnid lo Ihe contracts for
the Iratisporlation of the Coiled Stale' mails, and
the opeialion ol the system upon lh pro.perily
ot Ihe Navy.
Uy an act of Congress passed Au 1 4' n, IMS,
provision was maile lor exu i dn g ep.of-,ce and
mail acconitni dations to Ohloi ma and Oregon.
Kxeilions have bet n niade lo execute lhat law;
but Ibelimiliil provisions of ihe act .the inadequa
cy i f the means it iiulln rise', the ill aduplion nf
our oosl -office laws to the situation ol that coun
try, iinil the measures of compensation for fcrvict f
allowed by lb.se h.wf.ctn pared wilh Ihe prices
ot labor and lentsin Ca'.iloi ma, render those exer
ilions, in a great degree, ineffectual. Mote par
ticular and tilicitt.t provision by law is required
on this subject.
The act t f IMS, reducing postage, has now, by
its operation during four urns, produced resiills
lulls showing lhat the inn n.e fioin such reduced
pi st'age is solliciei t to sustain the whole expense
ol Ihe serving nt the lest Cilice Department , not
including the cost of lianspi rtaiii n in mad steam
eis on the lines Irom New V'oik lo Chagres, and
Horn I'anan a to Astoria, whirh have rot been
considered bv Congiess -as properly belorging to
the mail seivices.
It is submitted to Ihe wisdom of Congress,
whether a luill.er reduction ol postage thould
not now bc made, 'm le part ic ularly on the leller
correspondence, 'llnsshudd le leliived from i
the uujusl burthen ol lianspoiting and delivering j
Ihe fraiiknl mailer nl Ct ngitss, for which public
service provision should be made In in Ihe treas-
ui y. I coididetitly believe il.ol a chante may .
sately be made, retincing all single leller poslag
10 iheui ifoim rale ot live cents, tegardless of d'
tatice, without tbeieby in pt sing buy preater
on Ihe treasuiy than would ct tislilnte a '
moderate compensation b r their public ser
and 1 Iheielore rea ecllully recoti mend sue
union. Should Coiigies pteitr In aboli
hanking piivilige i-tiinely.il feuns prrhf
no dttnand en the lieisury would nsoll
proposed retinclion 1 1 posiage. Wh,
luither diiiiiiiiitii ti sin nltl now Ic n.V
result of the leduction to five ceti-s,V
have rici'ii.meiuhd shou'id be fii-l tt-'
untied to vour tlicisii n. f f
Since Ihe con meiici u ent 1 1 11 e 1.- -vv
Coiign ss, a l'ostal In alv wilh Gnat 1.
been nceivtil and ratified, and such re; .
have been formed by the Post Ollice Depa..1' '
ol Ihe two coiinti ies, in poisiiai ce ol that
as locarrv ils pn visii i,s inln lull ti)eiaiion ! t
attempt to extend this s.'lne ariangeu oi i.i'
Krigland In France, has not bu n equal j
fill ; but the purpose has nt I been abalidc
For a particidar statt ti int of ihe romlii; i
the I'ost Ollice llepoiui ent, and other mailer
connected wdhthal branch ollbe public service
I reler vou lotht upoit ol the I'oslmasUr Gelur
al. Py the act of tl e 3d ( I Man h, 1MU, a Hoarc
was r oiislilukd to ninfe aiiuMi n.t I ts lor taking
Ihe ceofUS, ct mpt std if tl e ec-ielni y of Sla'e,
the A(l Tiiey (it nnal ; ai tl it was ri nt!e t be duly'
ol this l'oairi "lo j n pule and cause to be primed
such foi li s aul m I eoulis is Ii ighl he l.ecessary
lor the lull eii hi raiii ii if ihe United Statis;
m d a I mi ro 1 1 loimsait! iclei'ihs lor collec
ting in slatislit al li hies, mil er proper hi i ds.si ch
11 li.imaiioii us to mines, ngiii ulnne, ci n inerre, T
mai.nlacliirt s, it'iu alion and other topics. as would J'
i xhihit a mil vit w ol ti e puiMiiis, industry, ed
ucal ion, ai d itseuicts 1 1 li e country. "
'! be (tutus 1 1 ji ir.td opt n the Census Foard,
ll.tis psiiibiishtd, favii g hi t n pi ifoin i d, it row
n us wiih Cm km fs to n ai l a law It r carrying
into il.tcl ihe pn.vbini of the Ct i -litulit r. w hich
rtquiits an actual niorj Hidit n ol II e people of
li e U idled Sli.Ks within ll e enuniii t year.
Am ig the tlnt'es asi(.ud tv the Constilulion
lo the (it net a I Gt v 1 1 1 r ' 1 1 is i ne ol It cal ai d lim
it! d a plici -tK n, hi t nl. ui ti n acrouid, Ihe
liss i bligali IV : 1 allude lo ll e trust fi n mittt d lo
Ci ngn ss.as ll e cxt bisiw hgislaK r ai it it b guar
dian i t Ihe interests 1 1 Il.e Pi-tiirls i f Colon hia.
1 In g lo ct n mi td tli -o iideie.-ts lo jrur kind
attentiiti. Aili ain i I n tin 1 1 In, lie city
ol Washii gtoti n t -i It i n 1 1 jt n 1 1 fi mi l inter
est , i ml. It no t tl as n v i..' i 1 1 1 1 i.us ircn f him
whose in n oital til ll it !i ais, its rlhin.s In 'he '
ft stel it g ci le 1 1 C 1 1 1 e- s n si U 1 1 1 li ft h e- W th 'I
atidilit i al sin i gih. t hau vi r cm c ntiit i te to
ils prt spi rity n osl t lift tl e tceln is 1 1 its Crn
stitutional gin idiar.s, aiui cm n and their favora
ble cel. sidi ration.
Our Gt veri nu nt is rr e cf limihd pt vtrrs, and
its fiimsslul roil ii.istii.lii i cminrrdly depends
on ll c 1 1 1 fn i n 1 1 I J (?ch edits co-ordinate
hiatirl is within ils i wn p mpriate sphere. The
first fiction of the Corisliluiion ordains that "all
ligislalive 1 1 wns ll f n in tianii d fl all he yes
ltd in a Ci rigrtss 1 1 ihe I niitd Slatt, which
shsll rcnsisl et n ttnale and Hume of Represen
tatives. 1 1 e Fxet ulive has aulhoritv fo recom
mend (not to dicli.lt ) usuits lo Crngress.
Having pub in nl 1 1 at nit;, Ihe Kxeculive
de ar' nit nl 1 1 tl e Com 1 1 n td cannot righliully
cnlrol the t'cci.-ii r rl ( 1 1 yrt is cm any subject
of I.tgislatii n. in Id ll tl decision st all have been .
ifl'iciallv ttlu ittid to ll i 1 itfici 1 1 In approval.
The ctt'ik ) nviilit! ly lie Ci l slitmit n. in the
clause indeiiiig the c,uabf ed vi le, will reverie
ixtrritid by n.e, ixn 1 1 in ihe taies ccnun pla
led bv ihe latins cf lie Im t.l.lir. 1 viiw it
an exticn e n tafuie, lo le milted to cnly in
exlunciraiy iinf-is wine i! n y herun e
Mcessaiy loi'eltl ri lie Fxtculive -gainst the n
crtat I rr'n is ol tl e )i(.'.s!ative )tn,tr lo pre
vent hasty ai d incn.smri.te cr ui.ci nililulici al
ligislali'ti. . .
I v n.ulin.lv ri r fin it f ll :f rtn rcj within Ire
spl i-ie piift iil nl to il in the colt mpeianoin ex
positions ol the lain ns of lie constitulicn, the
willcf ihe pel le ltgifrralt Iv ixpiond on U
'iihir rls of b gislalii n, ihriuih their cr nsiilulicn- i
al otgatis.tle Snalors and Representatives off
tie lulled Slates will lave lie 'Ull ffltrt. A j
imlivpeiifaHe-tullepnieivnifnilnursjFtim ef
(elf Ecvirr.ment, ihe ir,e!e pt.dar.ee cl il.e Fepre
senlalive of tie states ltd lie pi pie 8ie gunran
lied I v Ihe ccnstitnlitn ; Md llej t vr rotcfjon- I
s.bilit'v to rv huran )n ltd tleir nnetitn
rr.t " 'y It Idit E the ie rue liljti' e reipnubl