THE STAR OF THE NORTH.
irwiTV^-tgtT —i —r*~ "• i ■■ ■ ■ ■^i^~
It W Wearer Proprietor.]
VOLtJStE
TllH STAR OF TUB NORTH
Is published every Thursslay Horning, by
R. W. WEAVER.
OFFICE—Up stairs in the Hero Briek building
on ike south side qf Main sireti, third
square Muse Market.
TERMS TWO Dollars per annum, if paid
•within six months from the lime ol subscri
bing ; two dollars and fifty cents if not paid
witnin the year. No subscription received
for a less period than six months: no discon
tinuance permitted until all arrearages are i
paid, nniess at tiro option of the editors.
ADVERTISEMENTS not exceeding one square j
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tion. A liberal discount will be made to those j
'i cho advertise by the year.
MESSAC2 OF THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Fellow Citizens of the Senate *
awl of the House of Represent stives : \
I congratulate you and our common con
stituency upon the favorable auspices under
which you meet for your first session. Our
country is at peace with tho whole world.
The agitation which, for a time ; threaten
ed to disturb the fraternal relations which
make us one people, is fa L t subsiding; and I
a year of general prosperity and health
has crowned the nation with unusual blcs-1
sings. Nono can look back to tbe dangers ,
which are passed, or forward to the bright
prospect before us, without feeling a thrill i
of gratification, at the same time that he
must be impressed with a grateful sense
of our profound obligations to a bcnificcnt
Providence, whose paternal caro is so man- •
ifest in the happiness of this highly favor- j
ed land.
Since the close of the last Congress, cer
tain Cubans and o her foreigners resident
in tho United States, who were more or
loss concerned in the previous invasion of
Cuba, instead of being discouraged by its
failure, have again abused tbe hospitality
of this country, by making it the scene of
the equipment of another military expedi
tion against that possession of her Catho
lic majesty, in which they were counte
nanced, aided and joined by citizens of tbo
United States. On receiving intelligence
that such designs wero entertained, I lost
no timo in issuing such instructions
to the proper officers of the Uni cd States
as seemed to be called for by the occasion.
By tho proclamation, a copy of which is
herewith submitted, I also warned those
who might be in danger of being inveigled
into this sdhentc of its uulawful character,
and of the penalties which they would in
cur. For somo time there was reason to
hope that these measures had sufficed to
prevent any suoh attempt. This hope,
however, proved to be delusive. Very ear
ly in tho morning of tho third of August,
a steamer called the Pampero departed
from New Orleans for Cuba, having on
board upwards of four hundred rrincd
men, with evident intentions to make war
upon the authorities of tho island. This
expedition was set on foot in palpable vio
lation of the laws of tho United States. —
Its leader was a Spaniard, and several of
tho chief officers, and some others engaged
in it, were foreigners. Tho persons com
posing it, however, were mostly citizens of
the United States.
Bcforo tho expedition set out, and prob
ably beforo it was organized, a slight in
surrectionary movement, which appears to
have bcensoonsuppressed, had taken place
in the eastern quarter of Cuba. 'J he im- j
portance of this movement was unfortu
nately so much exaggerated iu tho ac
counts of it published in this country, that
theso adventurers seem to have been led j
to believe that the Creole population of 1
the island not only desired to throw off tho
authority of tho mother country, but had
resolved upon that step, and had beguu a
woll-concorted enterprise for effecting it.
The persons engaged in this expedition
wero generally young aud ill-informed.—
The steamer in which they embarked left
New Orleans stealthily and without a olear
auoe. After touching at Key West, she
proceoded to the coast of Cuba, and, on
the night between tho 11th and 12th of
August, landed the persons on board at
Playtas, within about twenty leagues of
Havana.
The main body of them proceeded to,
and took possession of an island village,
six leagues distant, leaving others to fol
low in charge of tho baggage, as soon as
tho means of transportation oould bo ob
tained. The latter, having taken up their !
line of march to connect themselves with [
the main body, and havingprocecded about;
four leagues into the country, were attack
ed on tho morning of tho 13th by a body
of Spanish troops, and a bloody conflict
ensued; after whioh they retreated to the
place of disembaroation, whero about fif
ty of them obtained boats and re-ombark
ed therein. They wcro however, inter
cepted among the keys near tho shore by
a Spanish steamer cruising on tho ooast,
captured and carried to Iluvana, and, af
ter being examined before a military court
Were sentenced to bo publicly oxeouted,
and the Bentonce was carried into effect on
the 16th of August.
On receiving information of what had
oocurred, Commodore Foxhall A. Parker
was instructed to proceed in (.he steam
frigate Saranao to Havana, and inquire
into the charges against the persons exe
cuted, the oircumstances under which they
wCre taken, end whatsoever referred to
their trial and sentence. Copies of the
instructions from the Department of State
to him, and q{ bis letters to that Depart
ment, are herewith submitted.
According to the record of the examin
ation, the prisoners all admitted the offen
cs charged against them, of being hostile
nvaders of the island. At the time of
.heir trial and execution the main body of
Jie invaders was still in the field, making
WapoQtbe Spanish authorities and Span-
BLOOMS
ish subjects. After tho lapse of some days
being overcome by the Spanish troops,
they dispersed on the 24th of August; Lo
pez, their leader, was captured some days
after, and executed on the Ist of Septem
ber. Many of his- remaining followers
were killed, or died of hunger and fatigue
and the rest were made prisoners. Of
these, none appear to have been tried or
executed. Several of them were pardon
ed upon application of their friends and
others, and the rest, about one hundred
and sixty in number, were sent to Spain.
Of the final disposition made of these we
have no official information.
Such is the melancholy result of this il
legal and ill-fated expedition. Thus,
thoughtless young men have been induoed,
by false and fraudulent representations, to
violate the law of their oountry, through
rash and unfounded expectations of as
sisting to accomplish political revolutions
in other States, and have loßt their lives
in tho undertaking. Too severe a judg
ment can hardly be passod, by the indig
nant sense of the community, upon those
who, being better informed themselves,
have yet led away the ardor of.youth and
nn ill directed love of political liberty.—
Tho correspondence between this Govern
ment and that of Spain relating to this
transaction is herewith communicated.
Although these offenders against the
laws have forfeited the protection of their
country, yet the government may, so far
as is consistent with is obligations to oth
er countries, and its fixed purpose to main
tain and enforce the laws, entertain sym
pathy for their unoffending families and
friends, as well as a feeling of compassion
for themselves. Accordingly no proper
effort has been spared, and none will
be spared, to procure the release of such
citizens of the United States, engaged in
this unlawful enterprise, as are now in con
finement in Spain ; but it is to bo> hoped
that such interposition with the govern
ment of that country may not be consid
ered as afforcjgig any ground of expecta
tion that tho Government of the United
States will, hereafter, feci itself under any
obligation of duty to intercede for the lib
eration or pardon of such persons as arc
flagrant offenders against the law of ua
tions and the laws of the United States.
These laws must be executed. If wo de
sire to maintain our respectability among
the nations of tho earth, it behoves us to
euforce steadily and sternly the neutrali
ty acts passed by Congress, and to follow
as far a3 may be tho violation of those
acts with condign punishment.
But what gives a peculiar criminality to
this invasion of Cuba is that under the
lead, of Spanish subjects and with tho aid
of citizens of tho U. States,it had its oeigin
with many, in motives of cupidity. Mon
ey was advanced by individuals, probably
iu considerable amounts, to purchase Cu
ban bonds, as they have been called, issu
ed by Lopez, sold doubtless, at a very
largo discount, and for tbe payment of
which the public lands and public proper
ty of Cuba, of whatever kind, and thefis
cal resources of tho people and govern
ment of that island, from whatever source
to bo derived, were pledged, as well as tho
good faith of the government expected to
bo established. All these means of pay
ment, it is evident, were only to be ob
tained by a process of bloodshed, war, and
revolution. Nono will deny that those
who set on foot military expeditions a
gainst foreign States by means like those,
are far tnore culpable than the ignorant
and the necessitous whom they induce to
go forth a3 tbo ostensible parties in the
proceeding. These originators of the in
vasion of Cuba seem to have determined,
with eoo'ncs3 and system, upon the un
dertaking which should disgraco their
country, violnto its laws, anc put to hazard
tho lives of ill-informed and deluded men.
You will consider whether further legisla
tion be necessary to prevent tho pcrpetra
i tion of such offences in future.
No individuals havo a right to hazard
the peace of the country or to violate its
laws upon vague notions of altering or re- \
forming governments in other States.—
This principlo is not only reasonable in it
self, uud in accordance with public law,
but is engrafted into the codes of other
nations as well as our own. But while
such are the sentiments of this Govern
ment, it may be added that every inde
pendent nation must be presumed to bo
able to defenT its possessions against un
authorized individuals banded together to
attack them. The government of the U.
States, at all times since its establishment,
has abstained and has sought to restrain
the citizens of the country, from entering
into controversies between other powers,
1 and to observe all the duties of neutrali
ty. At an early poriod of the Govern
ment, in the administration of Washing
ton, several laws were passed for this pur
pose. Tho main provisions of these laws
were re-enacted by tho act of April, 1818
by which, amongst other things, it was de
clared that if any person shall, within the
territory or jurisdiction of the United
1 States, begin, or sot on foot, or provido, or
prepare tho means for any military expe
dition or enterprise to be carried on from
thence against the territory or dominion
of any foreign prinoe or State, or any col
ony, district, or people with whom the U.
States are at peace, ovory persqn sq offend
ing shall be deemed guilty of a high mis
demeanor, and shall be fined, not exceedr
iug three thousand dollars, and imprison
ed not more than three years; and this
law has been executed and enforced, to
the full extent of the power of tho gov
ernment, from that day to this.
In proclaiming and adhering to the doe
trine of neutrality and non-intervention,
the United States have not followed the
lead of other oivilized nations; they have
taken the lead themselves, and have been
followed by others. This was admitted
URG, COLUMBIA COUNTY, PA., THURSDAY, DECEMBER*!, 1851.
by one of the most eminent of modern
British statesmen, who said in Parliament
while a minister of the crown, "that, if
he wished for a guide in a system of neu
trality, ho should take that laid down by
America in the days of Washington and
the Secretaryship of Jefferson;" and wo
see, in fact, that the act of Congress of 1818
was followed, the succeeding year, by an
act of the Parliament of England, sub
stantially the same in its general provis
ions. Up to that time there had been no
similar law in England, except certain
highly penal statutes passed in the reign
of George 11, prohibiting English sub
jects from enlisting in foreign service, the
avowed object of which statutes was, that
fordign armies, raised for the pur
pose of restoring the house of Stuart to
the throne, should not be strengthened by
recruits from England herself
All must see that difficulties may arise
in carrying tho laws referred to into exe
cution in a country now having three or
four thousand miles of sea-coast, with an
; infinite number of ports and harbors and
small inlets, from some of which unlawful
expeditions may suddenly set forth, with
out tho knowledge of Government, against
tho possessions of foreign States.
Friendly relations with all, but entang
ling alliances with nono, has long been a
maxim with us. Our true mission is not
to propagate our opinions, or impose upon
other countries our form of government,
by artifice or force; but to teach by exam
ple, and show by our success, moderation
and justice, the blessings of self-govern
ment, and the advantages of free institu
tions. Let every poople chooso for itself,
and make and alter its political institu
tions to suit its own condition and conve
nience. But, whilo we avow and main
tain this neutral policy ourselves, wo are
anxious to see the same forbearance on the
part of other nations, whose forms of gov
ernment aro different from our own. The
deep interest which wo feel in the spread
of liberal principles and tho establishment
.of free governments, and tho sympathy
with which wo witness every struggle a
gainst oppression, forbid that we should bo
| indifferent to a case in which the strong
arm of a foreign power is invoked to stifle
! public sentiment and repress the spirit of
freedom in any country.
The governments of Great Britain and
France have issued orders to their naval
commanders on the West India station to
prevent by force, if necessary, the land
ing of adventurers from any nation on the
Island of Cuba with hostile intent, the
copy of a memorandum of a conversation
on this subject between the Charge d'_ Af
faires of her Urittanio Majesty and .the j
acting Secretary of State, and of a subse- j
qucnt note of the former to the Depart- j
incut of State, are herewith submited, to-:
gethcr with a copy of a note of the Acting
Secretary of State to tho Minister of the j
French Republic, and of the reply of the |
latter, on the same subject. These papers j
j will acquaint you with the grounds of this ,
I interposition of the two leading commer
| cial powers of Europe, and with the ap
| prehensions, which this Government could
not fail to entertain, that such interposi- \
tion, if carried into effect, might lead to i
abuses in derogation of the maritime rights
of the United States. The maritime rights
of the U. States are founded on a firm, sc
cure, and well-defined basis; they stand
upon the ground of National Indepen
dcnco and public law, and will bo main
tained in all their full and just extent.
Tho priqciple which thisgovornment has
heretofore solemnly announced it siill ad
heres to, and will maintain under all cir
cumstances and at all hazards. That prin
ciple is, that in every regularly documen
ted merchant vessel, the crew who navi
gate it, and those on board of it, will find
their protection in the flag which is over
them. No American ship can be allow
ed to bo visited or searched for the pur
pose of ascertaining tho character of indi
viduals on board, nor can there bo any
watch by the vessels of any foreign nation
over American vessels on the coasts of the
! United States or the seas adjacent thereto.
It will be seen by the last communication
from the British Charge d' Affaires to (he
Department of State, that ho is authorized
to assure the Secretary of State that eve
ry care will be taken that, in executing the
preventive measures against the expedi
tions, which the United States Govern
ment itself has denounced as not being 1
entitled to the protection of any govern,
ment, no interference shall take place with
the lawful commerce of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on
this subject, herewith submitted, official
information has been received at the De
partment of State, of assurances by the
French government that, iu the orders
given to the Frenoh naval forcos, they
were expressly instructed, in any opera
tions they might cngago in, to respect the
flag of thcUnited States wherever it might
appear, and to oommit no act of hostility
upon any vessel or armament under its
protection.
Ministers and consuls of foreign na
tions are the means and agents of commu
nication between us and those nations,and
it is of tho utmost importance that, while
fesjding in the country, they should feel
a perfect seourity so long as thoy faithful
ly discharge their respective duties and
aro guilty of no violation of our laws.—
This is the admitted law of nations, and
no oountry has a deeper interest in main
taining it than the United Stateß. Our
i oommerce spreads over every sea and vis
its every clime, and oqr ministers and
ponsuls are appointed tq protect the in
terests of that oommerce, as well as to
, guard the peaeo of the country and main
i tain the honor of its flag. But bow can
i they discharge these duties unless they be
i themselves protected; and, if proteoted,
1 it must be by the laws of the country in
Tratb iti aid NT Country.
which they reside. And what is due to
our own public functionaries residing in
foreign nations is exactly the measure of
what is due to the functionaries of other
governments residing here. As in war,
the hearers of flags of truce are sacred,
or else wars would beintorminable, so iu
peace, embassadors, public ministers, and
consuls, changed with friendly national
intercourse, are objects of espeoial respect
and protection, each according to the
rights belonging to his rank and station.
In view of these important principles, it is
with deep mortification and regret I an
nounce to you that, during the excitement
growing out of the executions at Havana,
the office of her Catholic majesty's consul
at Now Orleans was assailed by a mob,
his property destroyed, the Spanish flag
found in tho office o vriezLaif jwid torn in
pieces, and h#himself induced i§" flee for
his personal safety, whieh he supposed to
be in danger. On reoeiving intelligence
of these events, I forthwith directed tho j
attorney of the United States residing at
New Orleans to enquire into the facts and j
the extent of the pecuniary loss sustainod
by tho consnl, with the intention of laying :
them before you, that you might make ■
provision for such indemnity to tiim as a
just regard for the honor of tho nation
and the rospect which is due to a friendly
power might, in your judgement, seem to
require. The correspondence upon this
subject between the Secretary of State
and her Catholic majesty's minister pleni
potentiary's herewith transmitted.
Tho occurrence at New Orleans has led
me to give my attention to the stato of our
Jaws in regard to foreign embassadors,
ministers, and consults. I think the leg
ation of the country is deficient in not
providing sufficiently either fcrthc protec
tion or punishment of consuls. I there
fore recommend the subject to tho consid
eration of Congress.
Your attention is again invited to tho
question of reciprocal trade between tbo
United States and Canada, and other
British possessions near our frontier.—
Overtures for a convention upon this sub
ject have been received from her Britan
nic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary,but
it seems to bo in many respects preferable
that the matter should bo regulated by
reciprocal legislation. Dodhments aro
laid before you showing the terms, which
the British government is willing to offer,
and tho measures which it may adopt, if
some arrangement upon this subject shall
not be made.
From tho accompanying copy of a note
from the British Legation at Washington,
and tbe reply of thoirepartitlWt Of State
thereto, it will appear that her Britannic
Majesty's government is desirous that a
part of the boundary line between Oregon
and the British possessions shonld be au
thoritatively marked out, and that an in
tention was expressed to apply to Congress
for an appropriation to defray tho expenso
thereof on the part of the United States.
Your attention to this subject is accord
ingly invited, and a proper appropriation
recommended.
A convention for the adjustment of
claims of citizens of the United States
against Portugal has been concluded, and
tho ratifications have been exchanged. —
The first instalment of the amount to be
paid by Portugal fell due on the 30th of
September last, and has been paid.
The President of tho French republic,
according to the provisions of tho conven
tion, has been selected as arbiter in the
case of the General Armstrong; and has
signified that ho accepts the trust and the
high satisfaction, that he feels in acting
as tho common friond of two nations,
with whioh Franco is united by sentiments
of sincero and lasting amity.
The Turkish government has exprossed
its thanks for the kind reception given to
the Sultan's agent, Amin Bey, on the oo
casion of his recent visit to tho United
States. On the 28th of February last a
despatch was addressed by the Secretary
of State to Mr. Marsh, tho American Min
ister at Constantinople, instructing him to
ask of the Turkish government permission
for tho Hungarians, then imprisoned with
in the dominions of tho Sublimo Porte, to
remove to this country. On the 3d of
March last both Houses of Congress pas
sed a resolution requesting the President
to authorize the employment of a public
vessel to convey to this country Louis
Kossuth and bis associates in captivity.
The instruction above referred to was
complied with, and the Turkish Govern
ment having released Governor Kossuth
and his companions from prison, on tho
10th of September last they embarked on
board the United States Btcam frigate
Mississippi, whioh was selected to carry
into effect tho resolution of Congress.—
GOT- Kossuth left the Mississippi at Gib
raltor, for the purpose of making a visit lo
England, and may shortly bo expected in
New York. By communications to the
Department of State he has expressed his
grateful acknowledgements for the inter
posiiion of this Government in bohalf of
himself and his associates. This country
has justly been regarded as a safe asylum
for those whom political events have exiled
from their own homes in Europo; and it
is recommended to Congress to consider
in what manner Governor Kossuth and
his companions, brought hither by its au
thority, shall be received and treated.
It is earnestly to be hoped that the dif
ferences which have for some time past
been pending between the Government
of the Frenoh Republic and that of the
Sandwich Islands, may be peaoeably and
durably adjusted, so as to secure the inde
pendence of those Islands. Long before
the events whioh have of late imparted so
much importance to the possessions of the
United States on the Paoifio, we acknowl
edged the independence of the Hawaiian
Government. This Government was the
first in taking that step, and several of the
leading powers of Europe immediately
followed. We were influenced in this
measure by the existing and prospective
importance of tbo Islands as a place of rof
uge and refreshment for our vessels en
gaged in the whale fishery, and by the
consideration that thoy lie in the course
of the great trade which must, at no dis
tant day, be carried on between tho Wes
tern Coast of North America and Eastern
Asia.
We were also influenced by a desire
that those islands should not pass under
the control of any other great maritime
State, but shonld remain in an indepen
dent condition, and so be acoessible and
useful to the commerce of all nations. I
need not say that the importance of these
considerations has been groatly enhanced
by the sudden and vast development which
the interest of the United States have at
tained in California and Oregon ; and the
policy heretofore adopted in regard to
those islands will be steadily pursued.
It is gratifying not only to those who
consider the commorcial interests of na
tions, but also to all who favor the pro
gress of knowledge and the diffusion of
religion, to see a community emerge from
a savage state and attain such a degree of
civilization in those distant seas.
It is much to be deplored that the inter
nal tranquility of the Mexican republic
should again be seriously disturbed: for,
sinco the peace between that republio and
the United States, it had onjoyed such
comparative repose that the most favora
blo anticipations for the future might,
with a degree of confidence, have been in
dulged. These, however, havo been
thwarted by the recent outbreak in the
Stato of Tamaulipas on the right bank of
the Rio Bravo. Having received infor
tion that persons from tho United States
had taken part in tho insurrection, and
apprehending that their example might
be followed by others, I caused orders to
be issued for tho purpose of preventing i
any hostile cxpediiions againt Mexico from
being set on foot in violation of tbe laws
of tho United States. I likewise issued a
proclamation upon the subject, a copy of
which is herewith laid before you. This
appeared to be rendered imperative by the
obligations of treaties and the gcnoral du
ties of good neighborhood.
In my lost annual message, I informed
Congress that citizens of the United States
had undertaken the connexion of the two
oceans by means of railroad across the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under a grant of
the Mexican government to a citizen of
that republic; and that this enterprise
would probably be prosecuted with ener
gy whenever Mexiee should consent to
such stipulations with the Government
of the United States as should impart a
feeling of security to those who should
invest their property in the enterprise.
A convention between the two govern
ments for the accomplishment of that end
has been ratified by this Government, and
only awaits the decisions of the Congress
and tho Executive of that Republio.
Some unexpected difficulties and delays
have arisen in the ratification of that con
vention by Mexico, but it is to be presu
med that her decision will bo governed by
just and enlightened views, as well of the
general importance of tho object, as of her
own interests and obligations.
In negotiating upon this important sub
ject, this Government has had in view one,
aud only one, object. Thatobject has been,
and is, the construction or attainment of
a passage from ocean to ocean, tho short
est and the best for travellers and mer
chandize, and equally open to all the
world. It has sought to obtain no territo
rial acquisition, nor any advantages pecu
liar to itself; and it would sec, with tbe
greatest regret,that Mexico should oppose
any obstacle to the accomplishment of an
enterprise whioh promises so muoh conve
nience to the whole oommcrcial world, and
such eminent advantages to Mexico hcr
[ self. Impressed with these sontiments
and theso convictions,tbe Government will
oontinue to exert all proper efforts to bring
about the necessary arrangement with the
republio of Mexico for the speedy com
pletion of tho work.
| For some months past the republic of
I Nicaragua has been the theatre of one of
J those civil convulsions, from whieh the
cause of free institutions, and the general
prosperity and social progress of the States
of Central America, have so often and so
severly suffered. Until quiet shall havo
been restored, and a government appa
rently stable shall have been organized,no
advanco can prudently be mado in dis
posing of the question pending between
the two countries.
I am happy to announce that an inter oceanic
communication from the mouth of the St. John
to the Pacific ha 9 been so far accomplished as
that passenger* have actually traversed it and
merchandise has been transported over it; and
when the canal shall have been completed, ac
cording to tbe original plan, the means of com
munication will be further improved.
It is understood that a considerable part of
the railroad acrosa tho Isthmus of Panama has
been completad, and that the mail and passen
gers will in future be conveyed thereon.
Whichever of the several routea between the
two ocean* may ultimately prove most eligible
for travellers to,and from the different Btatea on
tbe Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and our coast
on the Pacihc, there is little reason to doubt that
all.of them will be useful to the public, and will
liberally reward that individual enterprise, by
which alone they have been or are expected to
be carried into effect.
Peace has been concluded between the conten
ding partiee in the Island of Si. Domingo, and
it is hoped upon a durable basis. Such is the
extent of our commercial relation* with that la
land, that the United States cannot fail to feel
a strong interest in its tranquilly.
The office of Commissioner to Chiua remains
unfilled ; several persons have been appointed,
and the place has been offered to others, all ol
whom havedeclined iu acceptance,on (he ground
of the inadequacy of the compensation. The
annual allowance by Uw is six thousand dollar*
aud there is no provision for any outfit I earn
estly recommend the consideration of this tub.
iect to Congress. Our commerce with China is
highly important, and is becoming more anil
more so, in consequence of the increasing inter
course between our ports on the Pacific coast
and Eastern Asia. China is understood tobea
Ciuntry in which living is very expensive, and
I know of no reason why the American Com
missioner sent thither should not be placed, in
reward to compensetion, on an equal fooling
with ministers who represent thiscountuyit tin
courts of Eutopc.
By reference to the report of tho Sec
retary of the Treasury, it will he seen
that the aggregate receipts for tho last fis
cal yoar amounted to $52,312,970 87;
whieh, with the ba'aucc in the Treasury
on the Ist July, 1850, gave, as tho avail
able means for the year, the sum of $58,-
917,524 30.
Thu total expenditures fur tho same period were $48,005, •
878 OH.
The total import* for tbe year ending 30th of Jww, 1851.
were, - •215.725,095
Of which there were in specie, - . 4,1187,901
The exports for the SUIQC period were, $317,517,130
Of which were domestic
products, • • • $178,54(1,555
Foreign goods re-exported 9.738,fi55
Specie .... *,231,860
Since the Ist of December last the pay
ments in cash on account of the public debt
exclusive of interest, have amounted to
$7,501,456 56 ; which, however, includes
tho sum of $3,242,460, paid under the
12th article of the treaty with Mexico, for
which the issue of stock was authorized,
but which was paid in cash from the
Treasury.
The public debt on the 20th ultimo, ex
elusive of the stock authorized to be is
sued to Texas by tbe act of oth Scptcmbor
1850, was $62,560,305,20.
Tho receipts for the next fiscal year are
estimated at $51,800,000, which, with the
probable unappropriated balance in the
Treasury, on the 30th June next, will give
as the probable available moans for that
year, tho sum of $03,258,743 09.
It has been deemed proper, in view of
the large expenditures consequent upon
the acquisition of territory from Mexico,
that the estimates for tbe next fiscal year
should be laid before Congress in such
manner as to distinguish the expenditures
so required from tuc otherwise ordinary
demands upon the Treasury.
The total expenditures for the next fis
cal year are estimated at $42,802,209, 19,
of which there is required for the ordina
ry purposes oftho Government, other than
those consequent upon the acquisition of
ous new Territories, and deducting the
payments on account of tho public debt,
tho sum of $33,343,108 08 ; and for the
purposos connected directly or indirectly
with those Territories, and in the fulfil
ment of the obligations of the Government
contracted in consequence of their acqui
sition, the sum of $0,540,101 11.
If tho views of the Secretary of tho
Treasury in reference to the expenditures
required for theso Territories shall be met
by corresponding action on the part of
Congress, and appropriations made in ac
cordance therewith, there will bo an esti
mated unappropriated balanec in the
Treasury on tho 30th of June, 1853, of
$20,306,443 90, wherewith to meet .that
portion of the public debt due on tho first
July following, amounting to $6,237,931
35, as well as any appropriations which
may be made beyond the estimates.
In thus referring to the estimated ex
penditures on account of our newly-ac
quired Territories, I may express tho
hope that Congress will concur with me in
tbo dosiro that a liberal course of policy
maybe pursued towards them, aud that
every obligation, expressed or implied,
entered into in consequence of their ac
quisition, shall bo fulfilled by the most lib
eral appropriations for that purposo.
The values of our domestic exports for
the last fiscal year, as compared with those
of the previous year, exhibit an incroasc
of $43,040,322. At first view this con-
dition of our trade with foreign nations
would seem to present tho most flattering
hopes of its future prosperity. An exam
ination of the details of our exports, how
ever, will show that the increased valuo of
our exports for the lost fiscal year is to ho
found in the high price of cotton which
prevailed during the first half of that year
which price has sinco deolined about oue
half.
Tho value of our exports of
and provisions, which it was supposed tho
incentive of a low tariff and large impor
tations from abroad would have greatly
augmented, has fallen from $68,701,921,
in 1847, to $26,051,378, in 1850, aud to
$21,048,653 in 1851, with a strong prob
ability, amounting almost to a certainty
of a still further reduction in the current
year.
Tho aggrogato value of rice exported
during the last fiscal year, as compared
with the previous year, also exhibit a de
crease amounting to $400,917, whioh, with
a decline iq the values of tlie exports of
tobacoa for tbe same period, make an ag
gregate decrease in these two articles of
$1,156,751.
The policy which dictated a low rate of
duties on foreign merchandise, it was
thought by those who promoted and estab
lished it, would tend to benefit the farm
ing population of this country, by increas
ing the demand and raising the prioe of
agricultural products in foreign markets.
The forgoing facts, however, seem to
show inoontestibly that no such result has
followed the adoption of thiß policy. On
the contrary, notwithstanding the repeal
of the restrictive oorn laws in England,
the foreign demand for the products of
the American farmer has steadily declined
since the short orops and consequent fam
ine in a portion of Europe have been hap
pily replaced by full orops and compara
tive ahundanoeof food.
It will be seen,by recurring to the com
mercial statistics for tho past year, that
the value of our domestio exports has been
increased in the single item of raw ootton
by 840,000,000 over the value of that ex
port for the year proceeding. This is not
[Two Dollars per Asua.
NUMBER 46.
due to any increased general demand for
that article, but to llio short crop of the
preceeding year which created au increas
ed demand and an augmented price for
the crop of last year, should the cotton
crop now going forward to market bo only
equal in quantity to that of the year pro
ceeding, and bo sold at the present pricos
then would be a falling offiutho
raluiopf our exports for the present fiscal
year of at least $40,000 000, compared
with the amount exported for the year en
ding 30tb June, 1651.
The production of gold in California
for the past year seems to prowiso a largo
supply of that metal from that quarter for
some time to como. This lurgo annual in
crease Vf the currency of the world must
be attended with its usual results. "1 lies-;
have been already pattially cnsclosed ill
the enhancement of prices and a rising
spirit of speculation and adventure, tend
ing to overtrading, as well at hou-e as
abroad. Uu'css so nc salutary check shall
bo given to these tendencies, it is to bo
feared that iinp irtations of foreign goods
beyond a healthy demand in this country
will lead to a sudden drain of the prcciou3
metals from us, brining with it, as it has
done in former times, the most disastrous
consequences to the business and capital
of the American people.
t he exports of specie to liquidate our
foreign debt during the past fiscal ) car have
been 824,20:1,079, over the cm mat of
sproie imported, The exports of specie
during the first quarter of the present fis
cal year have been $14,05 L,827. Should
pecie continue to be exported at this rate
fjr the remaining three quarters of this
y< ar, it will dtain l'rotn our metallic cur
rency during the year ending 30th June
1852, the euorm us amount of 853,007,-
308.
In the prosperous condition of the na*
tional finances, it tvill become the duly" of
Congress to consider the best mode of pay
ing off the public debt. l#lhe present and
anticipated surplus in the Treasury should
not be absorbed by appriations of an ex
traordinary character, 'h s 6urpius sh uld
be employed in such way and under such
restrictions, as Congress may enact, in
extinguishing the out standing debt of tho
nation.
By reference to the act of Confers approved
Oth September, I*6o, it wit be seen that, iu
consideration ofmrtuu one odious by the State
of Texas, it is provided that the "United States
Mull pay to the S ate ot Texas the sum often
'millions of dollars, in a stock bearingfive r
'cent, interest, anil redeemable at the end of
'fourteen year?, the iiueifsi payibla half yearly*
•at the Treasury ol the UnileJ St. t s "
In the same sect ion °t the tawit is further
provided ••that no worn than five widioos of said
alt ck shall be issued until the creditors ol the
State holding bonds and other certificates of
st< ck of Texas, for which (tutUs on imports
wctH tpcciully pledged, shall first file at tiia
Ti asury of the United S.ati 9, for or on account
of said b nds or certificate-, in such form as shall
be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury,
and approved by the President of the Uuilcd
States." .
The form of release thus provided tor has
been prescribed by the Secretaiy of the Tieasu
ry, and approved. It has been published in all
the leading newspapers in the commercial cities
of the United States, and all penons holding
claims of the kind specified in the forgoing pro
viso were lequired to file their releases (in tue
form thui prescribed) in t lie Treasury ol the
United S ate*.on or before the first day of Octo
ber, 1851. Although this publication has been
continued froui the2slh day ot March, ISol, >et
up to it e Ist of October last comparatively few
releases bid 16JU filed by the creditors ot iex-
The authorities of the Sta'e ot Texas, at tha
request ot the Secretary ol the Treasury, have
furnished a schedule ot the public debt ot that
State create.l prior to her adunsdoii into the Un
ion, witii a copy of the laws under w inch eat It
class was contracted.
I have, from the documents furnished bv the
S ate ot Tex is, determined the classes ot claims
which in my judgement fall within the provis
ions of the act of Congress ot the y til of Septemt
otr, fbfi J.
On being officially informed ot the acceptance
by Texas ot tho propositions contained in the
act referred to, 1 caused the slock to bo pre
pared, and the live millions which uie to be is
su id unconditionally, hearing an interest ol fi-vu
per tent from ihe Ist day ol Jauuary, lbhl, have
been for some time rea-iy to be delivered to the
S ate ol Texas. The authorities ot Texas, up to
the pr sent lime, have not authorized any ona
to receive this slock.and it remains in the 1 rsas
uiy Department subject to the order ot lexas.
The releases, required by law to be deposi
ted in the Treasuiy, not having been filed there,
the remaining five millions have not been issued.
This last imount ol the stock will be withheld
Irotn Texas until the conditions upon which it
is to be deliveied shall be complied with by thn
creditors of that State, unless Congress shall
otherwi,e direct by a modification if the law.
In my last annual message, to which
I respectfully refer, 1 staled briefly tho
reasons which induced me to recommend
a modification of the present tariff, by
converiug the ad valorem into a specific
duty, wherever the article imported was
of such a character as to permit it, and
that such a discrimination should be made
in favor of the industrial pursuits of our
own country, as to encourage home pro
duction without excluding foreign compe
tition.
The numerous frauds which continue
to be practised upon the revenue, by ialse
invoices and undervaluations, constitute an
unanswerable reason for adopting specific
instead of ail valorem duties in all cases
where the nature of the commodity does
not forbid it. A striking illustration of
these frauds will be exhibited in the Report
of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing
the custom-house valuation, and the custom
house valuations of t|te same at tides,under
the present system of ad valorem duties
so greatly reduced as to leave no doubt of
the existence of the most flagrant abus
under tho existing laws. This practice
evasion of the present law, combined wi
the languishing condition of some of tl,
great interests of the country, caused I
over-importations and cousequent depres
ed prices, and with the failure in obtainii
a foreign market for our increasing surph
of breadstuff a and provisions, has indue
me again to reccnmmend a modification '
the existing tariff,
j {Continued on fourth Page)