M E S S A G E
ru i:m t t v
T ihv Smiife anil rinse of
llcjirvHtatu'r of ikr Unii'd Slulis:
Wf have continued cause fur expressing our
"r.ilitudu to the Supreme Killer of tin' Universe
for the benefit nnd blessings which our country,
under hid kind Providence, ha enjoyed during
the past year. Notwithstanding tlio oxi-iiiuy
scenes through which v.e have passed, nothing;
has occurred to disturb the general pence, or to
derange the harmony d"our political system.
The great inornl spectacle has been exhibited
nf nation, Approximating in ntitnhrr toytMMKi,
IMM) of people, having pcrfonncil the high and
important function of electinjj their Chief Ma
gistrate fur the term of four years, without the
commission of any nets of violence, or the mani
festation ofn spirit of insubordination tothc laws
The groat nnd inestimable right of um (1 mire
has been exercised by all who were inve-'ied
wiih it, iimler the laws of the diHeront Suites,
in a spirit dictated alone by a desire, in the so
lection of the ngent, to advance the interests of
the mil nt ry, and to place beyond jeopardy the
institutions under which it is our happiness to
live. That the deepest interest has been mani
fested by all our countrymen in the result of the
elertion is not less true, than highly credilnhlp
to them. Vast multitudes have assembled, from
tiiiii; to time nt various places, for the purpose
ofiennvassing the merits and pretensions of those
who were presented for their sulfniges, but no
n rined soldiery has been necessary to restrain,
within proper limits, the popular zeal, or to
prevent violent outbreaks.
A principle much more contro'ling was found
in the love of order and obedience to the laws,
which, wiih mere individual exceptions, cv,?ry
where possesses the American mind, and con
trols wiih an influence far more powerful than
bo-Is of armed men. We cannot dwell upon
this picture without recognizing in it that deep
und devoted attachment on the pari of the peo
ple, to tlve institutions under which we live,
which proclaims their perpetuity. The great
objection which has always prevailed against
the election, by the people, of their Chief Kx
renlive otlicer, has been the apprehension of tu
mults and disorders, w Inch might involve in ruin
tip-? entire (loiernment. A seen it y against this
i-found not only in the fact before alluded to,
h'll m the additional fact that we live under a
confederacy embracing already twenty-six
States ; no one of which has power to control
the election. The popular vote in ench State is
t.ikeii at the time appointed by the laws, nnd
Mich vote is announced by the -Flectoral Col
lege, without reference to the decision of the
nlht r Stales.
The right ol suffrage, and the mode of con
ducting the election, is regulated by the laws of
each Slate; and the election is distinctly fedt-ra-tue
in nil its prominent features. Thus it is that
unlike what might be the results under n conso
lidated system, riotous proceedings, sliouhl they
prevail, couid only offect the elections in single
Slates, without disturbing, toony dnngerou ex
tent, the tranquility of others. The great ex
periment ofn political confederacy each mem
ber of which is supreme as to all matters up
pertaining to its local interests, and its internal
pence nnd hippiiicss while by a voluntary
compact with others, it coufidi s to the united
power of all, the protection oi'its citizens, in
matters not domestic has been so far c-rovviiod
w ith complete success.
The world has witnessed its rapid growth in
wealth U4id population; and under the guide and
direction of a superintending Providence, the de
velopments of the pist may bo regarded but as
'the shadowing forth of the mighty future. In
the brigiit prospects of that futurp, we shall
I'm. I. as patriots and philanthropists, the highest
inducements to cultivate and rlierish a love of
union, snd to frown down every measure or ef
. .. I ' .1 I 1 1: .. . .1 . ... .
, "'" - "i.i.f, :
or i tie people ol I lie .Males, in sentiment unit
feeling, from each other. A rigid and close ml
lieience to the terms ot our political compact,
and, above till, a sacred observance of the pua
ranteesof the constitution, will preserve union
on a foundation which cannot be shaken ; while
personal liberty is placed beyond hazard or jeo
pa rdy.
The guarantee of religious freedom, of the
freedom ol'ihe picss, of the liberty of speech. of
the trial by jury, of the habeas corpus, and of the
domestic institutions of each of the States leav
ing lie.' private citizen in the full exercise of the
high and euobling attributes of his nature, nnd
l each Slate the privilege w h cli can only be
judiciously exerted by itself, of consulting the
means best calculated to advance its own hap.
pines ; these ore the prent and important pua
rantees of Ihe Constitution, which the lovers of
liberty must cherish and the advocates of union
must ever cultivutc. Preserving these, and a
voiding all interHilations by forced construction,
miller the gii'se of an imagined expediency upon
lie; Constitution, (he inlluence of our political
system is dcliucd to ih as actively and as ben
eficially fell on tint distant shores of the Pacific
as it is now on those of the Atlantic Ocean.
The only fonuid.tlhe impediment in the way
of its successful expansion (time and space) are
fi tar in the progress of modification, by the im
provements ol the age, as to render no longer
speculative the ability of Representative from
that remote region to come up to the Capital, so
ih it their coiistilueutsbhall participate in all the
benefits of federal legislation. Thus it is, that
in the progress of lime, the inestimable princi
ples of civil liberty will be enjoyed by millions
yet unborn, and the great benefits of our system
, of ( Iovernment be extended to nowdistant and
uninhabited region. In view of the vast wil
ilerniss v et lo be reclaimed, we may well in
vile the lover of freedom, of every land, to take
up bis a bin 1 1) among us, and assist us in the preat
work of advancing the standard of civilization,
and giving u wider spread to the arts und re
finements of cultivated life. Our prayers should
evermore be ollored up to the fFutber of the U-
iiivl'su lur bis wisdom to direct us in the path of
our duty, so as to e.iublc us to consumate these
iHiih purposes.
One of the strongest objections which lias
been urged ngain-l conb deracies, by w riters on
I v eminent, is, tin: liability of Ihe members to
be tampered with liv foreign (iiiveriinieuts, or
the pie of loreign States, either in their lo-
c i! nlfiirs, or in such as alfected the peace of
others, or endangered the safety of the whole
'ml'cderney. We cannot hope lo lit" entirely
reinpl from such uttoinpi on our peace and
mb ty. The United States ore becoming ti
important in population and resources not to at
irtct Ihe observation of other lint ions. It there
fore may, in the progress of lime, occur
ilint opinions entirely abstract in the States in
which they may prevail, and in no degree atl'ec
ting their domestic institutions, nny he artfully,
it secretly encouraged, with a view to under-
mine the Union. Such opinions may become
Hie fouudritioo of political purties, until ot last
tlio court ic t of opinion, uroducing an alienation
of friendly feeling among the people of the dif
ferent Slates, may involve in oiip general di s
t Miction the happy institutions under which we
live.
It should ever be Isirno in mind, that what is
true in regard to individuals, is equally so in re
gard to Slate. An interference of one in the
allairs of another is the fruitful source of family
dissensions (ind neighlxirhooil disputes ; nnd the
same cause n fleets the peacp, Imppiness nnd
prosperity nl States. It may be ino-t devoutly
hoped that the pood sense of the Aniericnn pen
pin w ill ever he ready to repel all such attempts,
should they ever be made.
The President here refers to our foreign rela
tions, which remain without change.
The negotiations respecting Oregon nrt still
pending. Tin1 establishment of military posts
along the line of travel, to protect the emigrants
to that country, is again recommended.
The set! lenient ami adjustment of claims for
seizures of A merienn vessels by British ships are
not yet completed.
Our (I'overninent continues to receive assuran
ces of the most friendly feelings on t!m part of
the various Kuiopean powers.
The failure of the Senate to nrt upon the Zoll
Vcrein Treaty has hail the elfect of virtually re
jecting. The l'xecntive have given instructions
to our .Minister nt I'.erlin to re-open the negotia
tions so fur as to obtain an extension of time for
the exchange of ratifications; but the Minister
has, so far, been unsuccessful in Ins efforts.
Belgium has by an "aitcte rnyale," issued in
July last, assimilated the dan of the "1'nited States
toher own, as far as the direct trade between
the two countries is concerned. This ineasme
will prove of great service to our shipping inte
rest, the trade having heretofore been carried on
(hit-fly in foreign bottoms.
No definitive intelligence has Vet been received
from our Minister, of the conclusion of a treaty
with the Chinese Umpire ; but enough is known
to induce the strongest hope that the mission will
be crow ned with success.
Our relations with Pia.il are of the most
friendly character.
Claims for indemnity against New Cienada
anil Chili are still unsettled.
The Convention with the Republic of Peru,
providing for the adjustment of the claims of ci
tizens of the Cnited States against that Republic,
is again submitted to the attention of Congress
In my Inst Annual Message, I felt it to be my
duty to make known to Congress, in terms both
plain nnd emphatic, my opinion in regard to the
war which has so long i xisted between Mexico
nnd Tt x-is ; w hich, since the buttle of San Ja
cinto, has consisted nltogether of predatory in
cursions, attended by circumstiiices revolting to
Imi nut ii it y . I repent now, what I then said, that,
alter eight yeirs of feeble und ineffectual efforts
to recover Texas, it was time that the war
should have censed. The IT. States had n direct
interest in the question, i he contiguity ol the
two nations to our territory was but too well
calculated to involve our peace. Unjust suspi
cions were engendered in the mind of one or the
other of the belligetnnts against us; and lis a
necessary consequence, American interests
were Jnade to stiller, and our peace became dai
ly endangered.
In addition to which, it must have been obvi
ous to all, that the exhaustion produced by the
war, subjected both Mexico nnd Texas to the
interference of other powers; which, w ithout
the inti-rnosif if.n of this (!iivrrni il. iniirht n.
ventilate in the most serious injury to Hie United 1
Slates. This (iovernment, from time to lime,
exerted its friendly offices to bring about a ter-
miuitioii ol hostilities, upon terms honorable a
lke , ,., ,(, ,(.!ijrf.raiits,
Its efforts in this
behalf proved unavailing. Mexico seemed, al
most without on object, to persevere in the war,
nnd nootliei alternative was left the I'.xecuiive
but to take advantage of the well known dispo
sition of Texas, nnd to invite her to enter into
a treaty for annexing her territor) to that of the
United Slates.
Since your last session. Mexico has threaten
ed to renew the war, and hns either made, or
proposes to make, formidable preparations lor
invading Texas. She has issued il.crecs and
proclamations, preparatory to Ihe commence
ment of hostilities, full of threats, revolting lo
humanity, nnd which, if carried into effect,
would arouse the attention of all Christendom.
This new deinostration of feeling, there is ton
much reason to believe, has been produced in
consequence ot the negotiation of the lute treaty
of annexation with Texas. The Uxecntive,
therefore, could not be indifferent lo such pro
ceedings ; and it felt it to be due, as well to it
self as to the honor ot the country, thut a strong
representation bhould be made to the Mexican
(joferiuuetit upon this subject. This wax ac
cordingly done; as will be seen by the copy of
the accompany ing despatch from the Secretary
ot Slate lo the United Slates Knvoy at Mexico.
Mexico has no right lo jeopard Ihe peace (' ihe
world by urging any longer an useless and fruit,
less contest. Such a condition ot things would
not lie tolerated on the I'uropeun continent.
Why should it be on II, is
A wur of desolation, such as is now threat
ened by Mexico, cannot be waged without in
volving our peace and tranquility. It is idle to
believe that such a war could be looked upon
with indifference by our own citizens, inhabit
ing adjoining States ; and our neutrality would
In; violated, in despite of all cllort on the part
of the (iovernment to prevent it. I he country
is settled by emigrants from the United Slntes,
under invitations held out lo them by Spain and
Mexico. Those emigrants have left behind
them friends and relatives who would not tin I
to sympathize wiih them in their ditfcull ies,
and who would be led by tho-e sympathies to
participate in their struggles, however ener
getic the action ofthe (iovern.lient to prevent
it. Nor would the uomeroiis and formidable
bands of Indians, the most warlike lo be found
m any land, vv Inch occupy the extensive regions
! contiguous to Ihe State of Arkansas and Mis
j soiiri, and who are in possession of large tracts
of country w ilhin the limits of Texts, be likely
In remain passive. Tin; inclination of those
! numerous tribes lead them invariably to wur
; whenever pretext exiht.
i Mexico hud no just ground of displeasure a
gainst this (iovcrniiu nt or people for negotia
ting Ihe treaty. What interest others was at
I I'ecled by the trPBty 1 She was despoiled ofno
: Ihing, since Texas w as forever lost to her. The
j independence of Texas was recognized by eve
; ral of the leading power of the earth. She was
' freo to treat free lo adopt her ow ri line of poli
cy free to tuke ihe course w hich she believed
was best calculated to secure her happiness.
Her (iov'Prmiient and people decided on annex
ation to the U. State; and the Kxt cutive saw,
in the acquisition of such a territory, the mean.
of advancing Iheir prrmnnent happiness and pin
ry. What principle of pood faith then was vio
lated ! Whnt rule of political morals trampled
under foot ! Sofar as Mexico herself was con
cerned, th measure should have been regarded
by her as highly beneficial. Her inability to
reconq ier Texas had Iter n exhibited, I repent,
by eight now nine years of fruitless ond ru
inous mutest.
In the mean time, Texas has been growing in
population mid resources, '.migration has flow
ed into her territory, from nil parts of the world,
in a current which continues to incrense in
strength. Mexico requires a permanent brum-
liury between that young republic and herself.
Texas at no distant day, if she continues sepa
rate nnd detached from the United State, will
inevitably seek to consolidate l.er strength by
adding to her domain the contigioos provinces
of Mexico. The spirit if revolt from the run
trol of" the Cenlral (Jnverninent lias, heretofore,
manifested itself in some of those provinces; and
it is tiiir to infer that Ihey would be inclined to
take the first fa Vornble opportunity to proclaim
iheir independence, and to form close alliaiirr
villi Texas. The war would thus lie rnde- ;
or, if cessatinnsof hostilities should occur, they
would only i nilure for a season.
I lie interests ot .Vloxico, then-tore, coulil in
nothing be better consulted 'ban in a pence with t
ner neighbors, vv men woniii resun in rue esia- ;
blishment of a permanent boundary. Upon the
ratification of the treaty, the l'xecutivn was pre. ;
pared to Irent with her on the most liberal basis. 1
I lence the Im. lindanes of Texas were lett unde
fined by the Iretity. The executive prnpo-ed to
settle these upon terms that all the world should :
have pronounct d just and reasonable. No nego
tiation upon that point could have been under- i
taken belw ei n the United Slates rflid Mi xico, in !
advance of Ihe ratification of the trerity. We
should have had no right no power no author
ity, to have conducted such a negocialion ; nnd
to have undertaken it, would have been an ns
suinp'ion equally revolting to the pride of Mex
ico and Texas, and subjecting lis lo the rlinrpe ,
of arrogance : while to have proposed in nil
vnnce of iinuexntion, to satisfy Mexico f r any
cent logout in'i rest she might h ive in Texas,
would have been to treat Texas, not as an
independent ower, bill as a mere dependen
cy ol M x co.
This assumption could not hive hern acted on
ly the I'xeciilive, without setting nt drfiirnee
your own solemn declaration that thnt Republic
w ns mi independent Slate. Mexico had, it is
tine, threatened war against the United Slates,
in the event t lit? Tienly of Annexation w as rati
fied. The Kxrcutive could not permit itself to
bo influenced by this threat. It represented in
Ibis the spirit of our people, w ho are ready to
sacrifice much tor peace, but nothing to intimi
dation. A war under any circumstances, is
greatly tube deplored, and the United Stales is
the last nation to desire it ; but if, as the condi
tion of peace, it be required of us to forego Ihe
uuqiifst tunable right of treating wiih an inde
pendent Pow er, of our own Continent, upon mat
ters highly interesting to both, and that upon n
naked and uusustained pretension of claim by a
third Pow er to control the free will of (he Pow
er With whom we treat devoted as we may be
to peace, nnd anxious to cultivate friendly rela
tions with the whole world, the Kx cotive does
not hesitate lo say that the People of Ihe United
Stites woiibi be ready to brave all consequen
ces, sooner than submit to such condit ion.
Hut no apprehensions of war was entertained
by the Executive ; nnd 1 must express frankly
I lie i p nion licit, had ihe Treaty been r:. titled by
the Senate, it vvnubl have been followed bj a
prompt retili ment to the cut re rat sfai tion ot
MiXiin, ot ever) matter in dillerciicc between
the two countries. Seeing, then, that new prepa
rations tiir hostile invasion of Texas were about
' b,; 'l"l,-'d by Mexico, mid that
these were
brought about lit cause Texas had adopted the
suggestions ol the Km cutive nimn lie- sul ji ct i f
Alinexal i in, il could not passively have folded its
i arms nud permuted a war, threatened to be ac
companied by every net marking a bar! ari us
, to be w ugi d against lu r becuuse she had done so.
(liber ronsiilernl ions ol a coniroll ing chnrc
i ler inllueiiced the cause of the K.veciilive. The
treaty which bad thus been liegociated, bail fai-
led lo receive the ratification ol the Senate. ( bio
; of the chief objections w hicfi wire urged against
I it, was found to consist in tho fuel that the qiies
I I ion of uutu xutioii had not been submitted to
the ordeal ot public opinion in the United Stales.
! """fver unit liable such nu objection wa i rs-
teemed to be, m view of ihe niiouestionable
power ofthe I'.xecutive to negociale the treaty,
nnd ll.e great and lasting interests involved in
the qui sti n, 1 fell it lo be my duty to submit
the whole subject to Congress ns the hist t X
I'ounders ofpi polar sentiment. No definite nc
t o hi I. living bun taken (in the subject by Con
gress, the question referred itself directly toll.e
decision of the States nnd the people. The
greut popular electn n w bich has just terminated
uflordcil Ihe best opportunity of ascertaining the
will of the Slates nud people upon it.
Pending that issue, il became ihe imperative
duly ot Ihe U.veculive lo inform Mexico ll ul
the question ot annexnt ion was still before the
American people, nnd that, until their decision
w as pronounced, any serious invasion of Texas
would lie regarded ns an attempt lo forestall t
their judgment, and could ni t be looki d upon
with iuditlercnce. I inn most happy to inform '
you thnt no such inva-inu lias taken place, and '
I trust that vvbati v r oiir action mny he upon '
il, Mexico will see the luiporiam e of deciding
the mutter by a resort to peaceful expedients,
in preference to those ol arms. The decision of j
the People and the Stales, on this great nnd in-
I lererting subject, has bt en decis'vely inaiutes
j ted. The quest it n ol annexation has been pre.
seiited nakedly to their consideration. Put the
treaty, itself, all collateral and incidental issues,
which were calculated to div de a lid distract
the public councils were carefully avoided
These were let) lo the w isdom of Ihe future to
determine. It presented, I repeat, ihe isolated
iiiicstinn of annexation ; and in that form il has
In en submitted to the ordeal ol public sentiment.
A controlling majority of the People, and a
large majority ofthe Stales, have decided in fa
vor of iinnieiliiite nnnexalioii.
Instructions havethiH come up to both bran
cht s of Coiigrt'rs, from Iheir respective constit
uents, in terms the most emphatic. It is the
will ot both the people and ihe Slates, that Tex
as shall be annexed to ihe Union promptly and
immediately. It may lie hoped that, in carry
mg into execution the pnb'ic will, thus declared,
all collateral issues may be avoided. Future
legislatures cm la st decide as to the number
of Stales which should be formed out of the ter
ritory, vv lien the lime Ims arrived for deciding
thut question. So wild til others, lly the trea
ty, the United States assumed Ihe payment of
the debt of Texas, loan amount not exceeding
tj.llMHHMM.10, to be paid, with the exception ot a
sum fulling short of kKKMHNI, exclusively out
of the proceeds nt the sales of tier public lands.
We could not, with honor, take the lands, with
out assuming the full payment of all incum
brances upon tlicin.
Nothing has occurred since your last session,
to induce a doubt thnt the disxsiliou of Texas
renin ins unaltered. No intimation of an altered
determination, on the part ot her Government
and People, has been fin nished to the F.xccu-
i vp. She still nesires lo throw herself under
the protection of our laws, and to partake of the
tuessings ol tlio lederntive system ; w lnlo every
American interest would seem lo require it.
Thp extension of our coastwise and foreign
trade, to an amount nlinnst incalculable the
enlargement ot Ihe market for our manufactures
a constantly growing mnrket for agricultural
productions safety to our frontiers-, nnd addi
tional st rent. th nnd stability to the Union
j these nre the results w hich would rapidly devel-
ope themselves, upon the consummation of the
. measure of annexation. In Mich event, I w ill
net doubt but that Mexico wi old find In r true
interest to consist in meeting the mlviitices of
j this (iovernment in a spirit of amity.
I Nor do I apprehend any seiimis compUint
; from tiny oilier quarter; no sufficient ground
exists for such complaint. We should interfere
! in no respect w iih the rights of nny other nation.
I There cannot tie gathered from the act, uny de
' sign on our part to do so with their possessions
j i n Ibis Com mi nt. We have interposed no im
pediments in the wv ol such acquisitions of
territory, large rind extensive as many of them
"re, n me i nog powers ol r.urope nave inane
from time to time, in every part of the world,
e seek no conquest made by war. No intrigue
will have been resorted to, or acts of diplomacy
essayed, to Accomplish the amit xntino of Texas.
Free and independent herselti she asks tube re
ceived into our Union. i is a question for our
ow n decision, w hether she shall be received or
not.
'I he two (iovernmr tits having already agreed,
through their respective organs, on the terms ol
annexation, I would recommend their adoption
by Congress in the toriu of n joint resolution, or
act, to be perfected and nimle binding on the
two countries, when adopted in like niuiiner by
the (iovernmeiit of Texas.
In order that the subject may be fully pre
sented in all its-bearings, ll.e correspondence
wh rli has laken place, in reference to it, since
the niljoiirnmeiit of ( impress, between the IJ
Stales, Texas and Mexico, is herewith trans- i
milled.
The amendment proposed by the Senate to
the Cor.v ( nt ion concluded betwenlhe United
Stale and Mex co on the '-'(Mi of November.
have la i n transmuted through our Minis
ter tor the concurrence of fie Mex cnn (iovern
meiit; but, nlthoiigh uracil Iherelo, no nct on
has et been bad on the subject ; nor hns nny
answer been given which would authorize a
favorable conclusion in the fuliiie.
The I lecree of September, lw i:t, in relation
to Ihe retail triide, the order for the expulsion of
foreigners, nnd that ol n morn rrcent dale in re
garil to passports all of which are cot sidered
as in violation oi me I reniy or Aiuiiy nnil ( om
ruerce between the two montm s have led lo
a correspondence of considerable length lie.
tw een Ihe Minister tor Foreign Relation nni!
our Representative nt Mexico, hut without nny
satisfactory result. They rema n still in. adjust
ed ; and upoy nnd serious inconveniences have
already resulted to our citizens in consequence
of them.
(iuestion growing out of the net of disarm
ing n hodv of Texan trm ps under ihe conuiinnil
of Mitj. Snively, by nn i flict r in ti e serv ice of
ihe U. Stall s, ucling mnler the orders ot our
( iovcrninent ; nnd the forcible entrv into ll.e
Custom Utilise nt Rrynrlj's Lnmling, on Red j
River, by certain citizens of the U. Stales, and 1
taking aw ay then from Ihe goods seized by the
: Collector of the Customs, as fotfeited under Ihe
: laws of Texas, have been adjusted, o tar ns the j
power of the F.xecu'ive extend. The rorres-
( pooiience eeiwecn u p ivvo internments in re
! It rence lo both subjects, will be found amongst
the nrcniiipnnying documents. It contains a
lull stati ment of all the tact nnil circun.stiinc
es, with Ihe v lew s taken on both sub s, nud the
pr licipb s on w Inch Hit; questions have been
ailjiisttd. Il n mo ns for Congress lo make lite j
( iir cessary appropriation to carry the arrange
ment inljtlfcct, which I respectfully recoin- '
; mend.
j The greatly improved condition of ihe Trea- i
' suty affords a sul ju t for i t neral congr ilulation. I
f he paralysis winch had tiillrn on trade and!
j commerce, and whtch subjected IheCovern-'
ment to the necessity of retorting to b.nns, nrd '
j the issue ot Tn usury notes, to a large nmoui.l, I
j hns passed nwny ; and atti r the pat ment of up- j
I wards of f 7,f ( t'.l l ll, on ncconnt ol the interest, :
I nnd in redemption of iron- than .".('( H 1,1 1( 1 1 of
the public dt hi. w bich bills due on the 1st of!
Jami'irv next, nud ti tling npnrt upwards of ;
; ,( HKM '!( tor the pMiri rt ot oi.tstniiiluipTrra.
sury n:ites. and inciting nu ii stain cut of the i
j drill of the corHirnte cities of the Uistrict of '
Colmnhin, an es. minted siirp'us of upwards of
, ",( HM Mmi, over nnd r.ltive the existing appro-
! printions, will remain in the Tieastiry at Ihe
j close of the fi-cal year.
Should the Treasury notes continue outstant!
: ing, as heretofore, that surplus w ill be consider
! ably n i . o 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 . Although nil interest has
' ceasetl upon Iht m, nnd the (iovernment has in. 1
j vited their return to the Trentnry, yet they're.
' main outstanding ; affording great 'facilities to
commerce, nnd eslnhlishirir the fact that, under
a well regulated sjstt m of finance, the (lovern
l ment has resources w il tun itself, which render
i it independent in lime (if need, pot only of
: private loans, but olso of bank facilities.
The only remaining subject of regret i. that
j the remaining stocks of the (Iov nune'it do not
fall due at nn inrl.er day; sinre Iheir redemp
1 lion would be entirely within its control. Asil
' is, it may be well worthy Ihe consilient 'on of
Congress, whether Ihe law establishing the
!: sinking fund under the operation of winch the
debts of ihe Revolt, lion nnd the Inst warwith
Croat Unlaid were, to a great extent, rxtin-
' guished should not, with proper modifications,
: (so as to prevent nn accumulation of Fur
pluses, and limited in amount lo a specific
: sum.) be re-enacted,
! Such provisions, which would authorize the
i Cevernmcnt lo po inl'j ihe market for a pur
I chase of lis own sti ck, on fair terms, would serve
to maintain its credit nt the highest point, and
I prevent, ton great extent, thte fluctuations in
the price of its securities, which might, under
other circumstances-, atioct its credit. No ap
i prehension of tins sort is, alibis moment, entcr
j tained ; since the stocks of the (Iovernment
w Inch but two years ago were offered for sale to
capitalists, nt home and abroad, at a deprecia
! lion and could find no purchasers, are now great
ly above par in the hand of the holders ; but a
wise and prudent forecast admonishes us to
place beyond the reach of contingency the pub
lic credit.
It must also be a matter of unminglpil gratifi
cation, that under the existing financial system,
resting upon Ihe act oi l""!!, and the resolution
oflr-Ki the currency ot the country has nt
lainod a state of perfect soundness; and Ihe
riles of exchange between different purls of I lip
L' n ion, which, in 1 w 1 1 denoted, by their enor
iiious amount, tho preat depreciation, nnd, in
fact, worlhlessness of the currency in most of
the Stales, arc now reduced to little more than
the inero expense of transporting specie from
place to plucc, and the risk incidi n al to the o
perntion. In a new country like that of the United
StatPF w here so many inducement are held
out for pei illation the doi ositi.ru s of the stir
plus revi line, cotisistii g ol Hanks of any descrip
tion, when it reachesany considerable amount,
require Ihe closest vigilance on the part of the
( iovernnit nt.
All banking institutions, under whatever de
nomination they mny pass, are governed by an
almost exclusive regard to the interest of the
stockholders. That interest consists in thp
oiieiiieniatinn of profits, in the form ot dividends,
and a large surplus revenue entrusted to their
custody is but. loo npl to lead to excessive lenns
nud to extravagantly large issues of papf r. As
n necrssnry consequence, prices arc nominally
increased, and Ihe speculative mnnia every
where seizes upon the public mind. A ficti
tious slate of prosperity for a season exists, and,
in the language of the day, money becomes
plenty, Contracts ore entered nto by individu
nls, resting on fins unsubsiaiiinl si io of rbingsj
hut flic delusion speedily passes away, and he
coimry is overcome by an indebedness o
weigh)- as fo overwhelm moriy, and In visi c
very deparmen of indusry wwli greaf and ru
inous cu.harrossmcn.
The prenes vigilance becomes necessary on
he par of (iovernrneri o guard npninsZ 'lis
sae of liings. The deposiorics mils be given
(listinrly tr uni!er-fanil hat he favors of he
(o vermuch will be alogcher wididrawn. or
subsanf ally diminished, if is revenues shali lie
regarded ns addiions oheir banking catiial. j
or as he fiiundaien of an enlarged circulaion. j
The (lovernmeii, hrough is revenue has, al I
all lines, an imiuriiii part In perform in con !
necion wihlie currency ; mid it greatly i'e-
pemls upon its vigilance and cart;, whether the 1
ci iintry be involved in i nibir risMnei t-similar ;
to those wh ch it hus had ic.'t n'ly tucnrouiiti r;
or, aided by the nrtion of the Treasury, shall !
he preserved ill a sound and henlthv rond.tion. ;
I"lie d.ii gers to be guarded ngnim-t v re greatly
nugim nted by too Isrge nsuiplus of revenue.
When that surplus ereatlv exceeds in amount
w hat shall be ri quired by a w i.-e ai d prudent
forecast to meet unforseen contingencies, the
Icgisbiluie itself tuny come lo be st ized with n
ili.-positn n lo indulge in extravagant appropria
tions to objects, many of'which may, and most
probably would be found to col.tlict with the
Constitution. A fancied expediency is clew
led nbi-v e const I'utional authority, and a reck
less and wasteful extrnvngnnce but loo certain
ly follow. The important mwrr ot axation,
winch, w lien exercised m its most restricted
form, is a burden on la born ud nroduciun, is re-
! ",U ti '" '""!' r vnf''ls prerxs, f r purprw
having no r, Minify tn he moives which dicaed
is gran, nnd he ( xravagance ol (inverumcn
siinulaes individual f xravngance, uuil he
spiri of u w ild and ill-regtilaed sp( culnion in-
inlto. nno Rtitl nil in i iiiirnrnnnfi, rnt.nl. In
view of such fain cons, quenccs. i may be laid
down nsnn nxiom, founded on moral and poll-
ical ui.'h, hn no grcat r axes should be iiii
p ised hm nre nocessrry for nu economical nil
iniliisrninn of he (it vt rnmen.nnil ha whu
everexiss bev nnil should be rciluci d or modified.
This docrine dors in no wa v conl'i w ih (he
i exercise of n sound discriminnion in he s-lrc-i
ion of he oricle .) be axed, which a due re-
1 enrtl ii hp Oltlllte unn U'OtiM fi nit lines winr.
ges o he legislative mind. 1
range of sclecinn undefined ; nnd
ions should always be made wih
he grea ineress of he roimry.
leaves me
such selec
on eve In
i . . . ., '
Ci imposed
1 ns is he t nion, of scpnrne and itiilepentlei.
j Snes, a pntrioie I.egislaure will n fail in
i coiisii!iiig fhe in'erest ot he pnrs, o udop such
1 course as ill be Its calcnln'etl ondvunce the
i harmony if he whole; nnd hut- insure hn
! perm nncnev in be ixdiry of he (iovernmen
i w ilioi 7 w hn h nil t llins o nilviince he public
! prosperiy are vain nnd fruiles. 'I bis grea
snd vialiv imporan ask re.-s wih Congress ;
I and be F.xecuive can do no more linn recoin
I mend he general pru.C'ples which should go
vern in is execution.
I refer yon In the repor of he St creary of
War for an rxliibiion of he cotulilon of he ar
my ; and recommend In y--u, as well worhy
your bes consideraion, many of he suggestions
i c tiain The Secrenry in no degree rx.ig
g( rnos be gren importance of pressing for
ward w iloii delay, in be work of t recing
and finishing be fi-rificnioi,s. lo which be par
icu'or'y allude. Much has been done ownrd-i
ph. c ng our ciics anil roadscads in a sne of
st rnriy ngains be hnzinls nf hrs.b; nnck,
will in tip I st (our Jtars, bjt censith ri;g the
1 1 t It n t i t- w bit h baelc. n,i f late ye:ir-, i ni-
lev ttl in tbr proicllii g of shins, and ihe formida
ble implt incuts of tlf-tnif-i. n which have hren
drought into seivire, wp cannot lie too ai-iiie or
vigilant in piepaiing snd pf' feting the means of
tit lei re. I n lc r you, il,, in lis report furs ft II 1
l'i inciit of ibe condition of lip Indian t i ho
wl I, in our juritutii-iiun. i
The F.ierinive ha al a'fd no rlTiri in ra'rvinjr ,
inlo t Iferl the urll-cstablishcd policy of 0 (i .
vcrinicnl. which ronirmpl tips removal of 'l ihe
tribes resitting within the limits of ihe eeral ,
Shoes, I cvoiul those limits; ami it is now- ma- '
I b if to congraiula'e the col niiy at the i n p ct ol
ii rvly ceiisumm .liiin oflhis ol ject. Many of
ihe trilus hvf ulrentl v n-ade ireni progress in the
m Is rl c it ihzfd life ; and through he o r ilitui ot
ihe schools ( still. hshi d ain. i g ihrni. ni.led I v Ihe
i Ifurls of the pious men of various icliginu- tier o
t ii alien- ho dt vote tin nisf Ives t.iilo- ticket
iheir iiiq rttvt niriii we in y foniHy I 0 e ihut I lu
ll mniiiits ef if c f.'in id.tl le trih wl ich t r oi re
the li listers of this country, wi'l, in iheir trxn lb II
fiem ihe tsvngp sUte, lo a coniliiioii i f r. fun incut
and ciiliivatiun, add anolhi r biighl Irnphv lo adorn
Ibe lul or of a Wi tl-ilirt'ctfil pliiliinlhrophv.
The accompany ing report i f the fr-ecrcla'y of
II e Navy, wdl t ipU n lo veu ihe tituatinn of
itint blanch if the servics. 'J'he resent oig.in i.i
lion of ihe Dt' arliiic ul imports In ia ppriaiious
grral efficiency ; but I concur fully in the proprii tv
of a division t f the ltnrtau of Coiistiuctinn. R
tpi nn nt, and Repairs, into two ItiirtHUi The
nil jccls as now arranged, are incongruous, and
require lo a ci-iuin ri'rnt, ii fnuiutl hi and quali
fication alleged. er di-siiniinr.
The operations of the stpiatlron on the coast
ol All ien have been conducted with all due alten-
t inn to the object which led to its organization ;
ami 1 am happy to say that the olticcra and crews
have enjoyed the best possible health, under the
system adopted by ihe olficer in command. It
is believed the L . States is the only nation winch
has, by its law s, subjected to the punishment of
death, aa pirates, those who may be engaged in
the klav-trade. A similar enactment on the
part of other nations would not fail to be atten
ded by beneficial results.
In consequence of the difficulties which have
existed in thp way of securing titles forth ne
(essary grounds, opcrat ions have not yet been
commenced toward the establishment of the Na
vy Yard at Memphis So soon as the title is per
fected, no further delay w ill be permitted to in-
- j tcivcne It is well w orthy of your consideration
whether Congress should not direct the establish,
ment of a rope-walk, in connection with the
contemplated Navy Ynrd, as a measure not only
of economy, but as highly useful und necessary.
The only establishment of the sort now connect
ed with the servicsis located nt Huston ; am) the
advantages of a similar establishment, conveni
ent to the hemp-growing region, must be appar
ent to ill I,
The report of the Secretary presents otber
matters to your consideration, of on important
chnracter in connection with the service.
In referring you to the accompanying report
of the Postmaster (Jcneral, it affords me conti
nued cause of gratification to be able to advert to
the fact, that the affairs of the Department, for
thp lust four years, have been so conducted as,
fiom it unaided resources, to meet its large ex
penditures. On my coming into office a debt of
neaily f.'iOO.OOO existed against ihe Department,
which Congress disclmigedby an appropriation
from the Treasury. The Department . on the -fth
ol .Maich nut, will be found, under the manaje
ment of the present ellicient head, free of debt or
t nibiinassment, which could only have been done
by the observance and practice of the greatest
vigilancennd economy. The laws have contem
plated, throughout, that the Department should
be self-sustained : but it may become necessary,
with the wisest regard to politic interest", to in
troduce amendments and alterations in the sys
tem. There is a strong desire manifested in many
quarters. o to alter the tariff of letter postage
as lo reduce the amount ol" tax nt present im
posed. Should such a measure be can ted into
! effect, to the full extent desire.', it i.,niot Well
tie doubted but that, for the fust year of its op-
eratinn, a diminished revenue would lie collect
oil, the supply of which would necessarily con
stitute a charge upon the Treasury. Whether
such a result would be desirable, it will lie for
Congress, in its wisdom, to determine. It may
in general be asserted, that radical alterations in
any system should rather be brought about grad-
: "in lly. than by sudden changes ; and by pursuing
tJnis prudent policy in the reduction of letter
, postage, the Department might still sustain it
. self through the revenue which would accrue by
( the increase of b-tters. The state ami condition
. of Ihe public Treasury has. heretnl'ore. been
; such ns to have precluded the recommendation
of nny material change. The dilfictilties upon
this head have, however, ceasetl, ami a large dis
I cretion is now left to the Covernmer.f .
j I cannot too strongly urge the policy of author
i izing t lit? establishment of a line of steamships
i legnlarly to ply b-tween this country ami foreign
1 parts, anil upon our own waters, for the trans
I pollution of the mail. Tin- example of the I'.ri
I tish (iovernment is well worthy of imitation in
this respect. The belief is strongly entertained
that the emoluments arising fiom the transporta
I t ion of mail matter to foreign countries, would
, operate of itself us an inducement to cause indi
vidual enferpi is: to undertake that branch of the
i task
i won
ami the remuneration of the (!nvernmnt
consist in the addition readily made to
our st. atn navy in case of emergency by the ships
so employed.
Should this suggestion meet vonr approval, the
propriety of placing such ships under the com
mand of experienced officers of the Navy will
not escape your observation. The application
" ,r!u" th." ,,lr' ! navn!
i '.'"''n-Jsaii extrnsivf steam
artare, cogent-
marine as im
portant in estimating the defences ofthe country.
j Fortunately this may be attained bv ns to a great
j extent without incnri ing any l.irgeamount of ex
penditure. Steam vessels to be engaged in the
transportation of the mails on out principal
water-courses, lakes, ami parts of our const,
. could also be constructed as to be ellicient as
, war vess-N when needed; nnd would of them
selves constitute a foimnlable force in order to
repel attacks from abroad. We cannot be blind
to the fact, that other nations have already added
large numbers of steamship- to their naval urma-
1 nienN. and that this new and powerful agent is
oesi.te-ii to e, oi ii i join ,, in coniimnn oi nie
i woibl. It becomes the United States, therefore,
, looking to their security, to adopt a similar poli
; cy : and the plan suggi-ted will enable them to
j do so at a small comparative cost.
1 take the gn at' st pleasure in bearing testi
mony to the zeal ami untiring industry which has
characterized the conduct ol the members of tie!
1 l'xecntive Cabinet. l at h, in his nppropi iate
I sphere, I. as lemlereil me the most ciricicnt aid in
ferrying on the (,'overnmeiit. and it will not. I
ti n-t. appear out of place for me to - al this pub
' lie t-stiinonv The cardinal obj -i ts which should
; 'v'r b- beitl in view by those entrusted with tl
iitlministiation of the public affairs, are rigitly.
and without favour or affection, so to interpiel
the national will, expressed in the laws, as that
injustice should be done to mine ju-tiee to all
This has b 'en tie- rule upon whiih they hav
acted; ami thus it is b lieved that few cases, il
any, exist, wheiein our fellow citiz ns, who
from time to time have been drawn to the Si at
ol (iovei nun lit lor the settlement of their trans
actions with the lioverniiient, have gone away
tlissat isfiptl.
Where the testimony has been perfected, an '
was esteemed sat slactorv, their claims havf
been promptly audit' d ; ami this in the absenci
ot all favoritism oi partiality 1 he l.overnmen
i whiih is not ju-t to its own p ople. can ueithe
claim their alb et ion nor the respect of tin
woi Id. At the same time the closest nttentioi
has been paid to 1 hose matte is which relate men
immediately to the great concern ofthe conn
try. Older ami elliciency in each branch of tin
public service, have prevailed, accoininied by
a system ofthe most rigid responsibility on iht
part ofthe receiving and disbursing agents. Th;
fact, in illustration of the truth el this rem.'ul.
deserves to be noticed, that the revenues of th
(Jov ci nine nt. amounting in the last four years I
upwards of - l-.'U. HOI). ( (ill, have been collectt
and disbursed, through the numerous, (ioveri
mental agents, without the loss, by default, of ai
amount of serious commentary.
The appropriations made by Congress for tl
improvement of the rivers of the West, and t
the harbors, on the lakes, are in n course of judi
cious expenditure under suitable agents, ami or
destined, it is to be hoped, to realize all the bei
plit designed tn be accomplished by Congres;
I cannot, however, sulliciently impress upo
Congress the great importance of withhn!diii
appropriations from iinpiovemenU which are
not ascertained, by previous examination and sur
vey, tube necessary for the shelter anil protection
of trade front the danger of ktormsaml tempests.
Without this precaution, the expenditure are but
too apt to eniiie to the benefit of individuals
without reference to the only consideration
which can rentier them constitutional ihe pub
lic interest ami the general good.
I cannot too earnestly urge ujion you the inter
ests ofthis District, over which, by thp Consti-
tution. Congress has exclusive jurisdiction. It
would be deeply to be regrettetl should there be,
ut anv time , ground to complain of neglect on the
J part of a community which, detntched as it is
: from the parental care of the Hate of Virginia
; and Maryland, can only expect aid from Congress
as its local legislature. Amongst thp subjects
wh'cri claim your attention, is the prompt organ
ization of an asylum for the insane, who may be
found, from time to time, sojourning within the
District. Such course is also demanded by con
siderations which apply to branches of the pub
lic service. For the necessities in this behalf,
1 invite your particular attention to the report of
the Secretary ol the Navy.
I have thus, gentlemen of the two Houses of
Congress, presented you a true and faithful pic-
1 turc of the condition of public affairs, both lor