'tf. -L-'.-JW' .. J I JJ-U.il XL1. S...L !J
Al 13 9 ft AOG
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P11ESIBE.1T OF TDK EXITED STATES. 1
FtMotf Citistnt of lK ' . , )
erii lA ttf Reprt$tmtUivt ;i
The annual meeting of Congrilwsyssn
tntereetipg event. The Keprpeeoistiveeof tho
States and nf the people coim ireeh front then
constituent to tali oon'sel together lor Hi com
mon good. Alter, en existence of ne three
fourth k cen'ury at a free and tndf pendent
republic, the problem nn longer remain to be
aulted, whether uian i capsble'of eelf govern -ment.
The euoceea or our admirable system is
conclusive refutation of the- trieortee of those
in other countries who maintain that ' fsvored
few" are burn to rule, and Ihst the ntsssof msn
kind must be governed by turco. ' ' Subject to no
arbitrary or hereditary authority, the people are
tbo only sovereigns recogniied by our constitu.
twin. Numerous emigrants nf every lineage
and language, attracted by the civil and reli
gion freedom wwewjny; and by chir heppf con
dition, annually crowd to our shares, and trans
fer (heir heart, nut. lee? thsn their allegiance,
to llio country whose ilominion belongs alone to
tbe people. "' ' ' ' ':
No country has been so mnch favored, or
ahould acknowledge with, deeper reverence the
manifestation of the )ivine protection. . An
all-wise Creator directed and, guarded aa in our
infant struggle tor freedom, and has crnsiantly
watched over our aurpriaing progress, until we
hive become one of tbe great nations of tbe
earth.
It is in a country thus favored, and under a
government in which the executive and legist,
tive branch hold their authority tor limited
periods, alike from the pvople, and where all
are responsible trv thr?ir respective conatituen
cies, that it in again my duty In communicate
with Congress upon the stale or the Union, and
the present condition of public affairs. '
During the past . year the most gratifying
proofs are presented .that nor country has been
blessed with , wide-spresd and universal pros,
perity. There has been no period since the
government was founded, when all the industri
al pumiitvot ur people have been more sue,
ueaaful, or when labor in all branches of busi-.
ness has received a fairer or better rewrd.
From our abundance wo have been enabled to
perform the pleasant duty of furnishing fond lor
tbe starving millions of less favored countries.
In the enji'vment of the bounties rj Provi
dence at home, uch aa have rarely fallen to the j
lot of any people, it is cause or congratulation,
that our 'intercourse with sll the powers of the
earth, except Mexico, continue to be of aa ami.
cable character. , .
It haa ever been our cherished policy to culti
vate peace and goodwill with all nations; and
thi policy has been steadily pursued by me. '
No change ha tkn place m our relations
with Mexico since the adjournment of the . last
Congress. The wsr in which the United States
were forced to engage with tbe government of
that country atill continues.
' I deem it unnecessary, after tbe full exposi
tion of them contained in my message of the e
leventhof May, 1840,. and in my annual mes
sage at the commencement ot the session of
Congress in December last, to reiterate t to se
rious causes of complaint which we had against
Mexico before she commenced hostilities. -,,
It is sufficient on the present nccaaion ta aay,
that the wanton violation of the rigbta of person
and property ot our cilitens committed by Mexi
co, bcr repeated acta of bad laith, through a long
eerie of years, and her die-regard of rolemn trea
ties, stipulating tor indemnity to our injured ci
titens, not only constituted ample cause of war
on our part, but were o' tuch an aggravated
character aa would have justified lis before the
whole world in retorting to this extreme reme
dy. Wiih an sxioua dusire to avoid rupture
between the two countries, wo forbore for years
to assert our clear lights by force, and continu
ed toaeek redrew for the wrongs ere had st ered
bv amieeb'e nejrotiation, in hope that Mexico
might yield to pic i fin councils and the demands
of jutce. In this hope we were dieepointed.
Our minister ot peace sent to Mexico was in
sultingly mjecled. The Mexican government
refused even to hear the terms of adjustment
which he was authorized to propose; add, final.
If, under wholly unjustifiable pretexts, involved
(be two coumrie in' war, by Invading the terri
tory of the State of Texas, striking the first
bt9w, and hed.1inf tho blood of our citizens on
our own soil.
Though the United States were the aggrie
ved nation, Mexico commenced the War, and
are were compelled, in sell-delence, MA repel
the invader, and to vindicate the national honor
and interest by prosecuting" it with vigor until
we ro Id obtain a just and honorable peace.
On learning that hostilities had. been com
menced by Mexico, 1 promptly communicated
that tact, accompanied with succinct state
ment of our other ceue of complaint against
Mexico to Congress; and that body, by the act
of the Kith of May 184.1. declared that -by the
act of the republic of Mexico, a state of war ex
ists between that government and the United
Rtatea" litis set declaring "the war to exist by
the act of the republic of Mexico." -and making
orovisinn fur its prosecution "to a speedy aod
successful termination," waa passed with greet
unanimity bv Ooocrens, there being butt we -ne
getiv votes in the Senate, and but fourteen in
Hie tlouaeof Representative. '
The tixistence of the war having thus been
declared by Congress, U bewme ny duty, under
theeontimiimn aid the Jaw, to conduct and
proaecutn it. Tbis duty haa been performed
" and though. 'at every stage of its 'progress.
have manifested a willingness to Wmiitste it by
a just peace, Mexico has refused to accede 'o
any terma which conld be accepted by the U
- States, corikistently with the national honor and
interest, . u 4i
i Tue tapid and brilliant successes of our arms,
and the vast extent ul the enemy s territory
which had been overrun and conquered, before
the rlne of lift reniun ot Congiese, were tally
known to that body. Hincu thst lime the war
has been prnMseo'ed wilt increased enrgy, and
. 1 am graitfiVd tu state with. success -wtch
ommsuds tinmiersal admiration.... History pre
tenia no pirrallel of so many glorious victories
ehieved bv any natuvt wnnin so suori a pertoa
tlMf srmy. regulars and voloataers, have cover
ed ilieewelvee with impvibeble honor a,. When
aver and wherever our fvreea have encounter
ed the enemy, though he was in vsstly superior
numbers. and often entrenenetf tn mrtinee post.
ihws of his own seiioi. an ol great strength,
he hs been detested. Too much prsise cannot
" be bistowsd upon our officers and men, rgsra
and volunteer, for. their ga.ianiry, emipune,
tnilnmiuhle ennrava and neraeveranee, all aeek
in the ooat of danger, and vietng with each o-
ther in deeds of noWe dsriag. ' -.'
While aver natrtol'a heart must exult, and
- ieM national pride animate every bosom, in be
holding tbe high proofs of eoerage, consummate
military skill, staid discipline, erU haaMait
to the vsrquished enemy exhibited by our falj
lant army, tne nmon is cane w mourw ovey
the lose of many brave officer tod sold y who
have fallen in defence or ajslr euntr honor,
and Interests. The hve West! 1net their me.
ancholy 'ste In a foreign land, nobly dieoharg
ing their duty, and with their eountry'a flag
waving triumphantly tn the face ot the foe.
Their patriotic deeda are justly appreciated, and
will long be remembered by their grateful rutin,
trymen. The parenul care of the government
they loved and served, h'uld be! extended to
their aurvivng families
Shortly after tlieaitifHirnnientTof the last ses
sion of GiWrea,'Uhf yriiAfy'Mir mtelligenre
Vtftt-, Uteouirq the United cttate io
ber Trxaa, by eurtehdeing Mo MeXito'
wss received of the signal .victory pt Huena Via-1 thst part of the territory of that Slate lying be
is ana ni me mil ot tne city ot vera L-rut, ana
g 4! Jll li . i lL " 1 UL'JJ - 'I '- ! V-'-l
late for kf restoration to Mexico of all out oth. ;
ert-mj.H;. u ft ' r'r'..vn' f -" .
JL iti territory u be admiised b he bound-,
ryjprrpnJd tnMit i eatimaUxl to It olgreater
value than a ftft ftJuivafcntforWjoit demands,'
nur commissioner wassothotited tostipulstetor
the payment of each additional pecuniary Consi
deration imii dWemed reasonable.' ' . ' '
The terms ot a treaty proposed by the Mexi
ras commissioners were wholly tnadmisssble.
They negotiated aa Jf Mexico were the victon.
qus, and not the vanqiitsheil parly. 1 hey must
hsve known that 'heir ultimatum could never
be accent
dismemb
SKwejnaBwar
Pefeons and property, might at least be inclined
to foreign influences, and to cast theeteelves in
to the srm of anme Curopetn monarch for pro-
with it the strong castle of 8n Jimnide Ulloa,
by which it wa defended. . B-lieving thai after
these and other eurreeees, so lionorable loom
arms and so 'ilisasimue In Mexico,' the period
waa propitious to eftiwft her knot her oflportunily,
if she thiHight noyt lit embrace it, toeiiler into
negotiations for peace, a commissioner was ap
pointed to proceed tn the headqtiariers nf our ar
my, with full powers to enter upon negotiations
and to conclude a jm-t snd hotmnihle treaty' of
pcaee., ; lie was mil directed to mnke aay new
overtures of neaeej but wss ihe bearer of a des
pittch from the Secretary of Slate of Ihc United
Slates to the M mister o Fore-gh AfTairsnf Mex
ico. tn reply o rme ree. ived from the latter ot
the 22d of F. brnary, 1847, in' which li e Mexi
can government waa in'oimed of his appoint
ment, and of his presence at Ihe headquarters of
our army, sm: in it lie was inverted with full
powers tn conclude a d flint treaty nf peace,
whenever Ihe Mexican pnvernmetil might ei
nify a d.eire to do so While I was unwilling
to subject the United S'sie to annlh r indig.
nant refusal. I was yet reolved thai the evils of
the war should not bo protracted a day longer
than might be rendered. aot-olulely neceeeary by
tn Alex iran government. . , , , , .
Care waa taken to give ne instrnctions to tbe
Commissioner which could, in any way, interfere
with our military opera tisna, or relax our ener
giea in tbe prosecution of the war. He potsesaed
no authority in any manner to control these ope
rations. : He ws authorised to exhibit his in
atrurtiona to the General in command of tbe ar
my $ and in the event of a treaty being concluded
and ratified on the part of Mexico, be waa direc
ted to five him notice of that lsi-t On the hap
pening of auch contingency, and on receiving no
tice thereof, tbe General; in- ronimarxt waa in
structed by the Secretary of War to suspend fur
ther active military operations ntitil further or
ders. These instructions were given with a
view to intermit host i I it tea. until tbe treaty tbua
ratified by Mexico could be transmitted to Wash
ington, and receive lbs action of tbe government
of the United Slates. . . .,..
Th commissioner was also directed, on reach
ing the army, to deliver to th General in com
mand the deepatcb which he bore from tbe Se
cretary of Slate to Ibe Minister of Foreign Af
faire of Mextro, and on receiving it. tbe General
waa instructed by the Secretary of War to'caiue
it to be tranamitled to the eommamler of the
Mexican fortes, with a request J bat it might b
communicated to his government.
Tbe commissioner did not rescb tbe headqsar
tera of tbe army until after another brilliant vie
tor bad crowned onr arnia at Crrro Gordo.' '
The despatch which he bure from lbs Secrets
ry of Wsr to the General in command of the ar
my was received by that officer, then at Jalara,
on th 7th day of Mav, together with lh
despatch Irom the Secretary of Stat to th Min
ister of Foreign Affair of Mexico, having been
transmitted to him at Vera Crux.- Tbe commit
sioner srrived at the hesdqusrters of the army a
few day afterwards. His presence wiih tbe r
my and his diplomatic character were made
known tn the Mexican government, from Pnebla.
on the 12th of June. 1847, by the transmission of
the despatch from Ihe Secretary of btat to Jfce
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico ' ' "
. : Many weeks el pied after its receipt, and no
overtures were made, nor wss any d--ire expret
sed by the Mexican government to enter into oe
eolations for nere. ;-.
- Oar army tMirsued it mar-rh ipfl the capita t,
and, aa it appioacbed it, waa met by formidable
reaistance, Uur forces tint enrouutereo me en
emy, and achieved signs! victories in the severe
y contested battles of Cootreressnd Cbertibneeo
It wss not until after these actions bail resulted
in dec iaive victoriea, atid ihe capital of the enemy
waa within our po-nrer, nat Hie Mexican govern
ment manifeeted apyderpoaSlKni to enter into ne-
gociationa for peace, and even then, aa event
have proved, there ia too much veaaon to bvlieve
they were inainrere, end that in agreeing te go
through Ibe ferma ol th snciatua. lbs oitivrt
waa tofainpme to strengthen .lbs defences of
their capital, snd to prepare for frrsn reaistance.
The General in. command of the army deemed
it expedient to auapend hostilities temporarily
by entering into an srmistice with a view to th
onenii'g of negotiations Commissioners were
spnointed on the psrt of Mexico lo meet the rem.
missioneren the part of the United Metes. Tf
result of the conferences which took plsce be
weeu these functionaries of the two governments
wss a failure to conclude a treat of near.
The commiasinser of th United Slates loox
with bim the project of a treaty already prepared
by th term of which tbe indemnity required by
b United Sfatea waa a cession of lerniery.
It is well known thst the enly indemnity which
it is n th power of Mexico to melee in fstisTae
tion of the just and long defereed claim of onr ci
tixer.a against her and tbe enly mesas by which
sb can reimburse th U, State for he expenaea
of tbe war, ia a reasion to th United Stales of
portion of her territory." Mexico bss no mene
io psy, and no ether means of making the reqn
fss" indemnity, If w refuse this, w csri ebisin
notbmg els. To reject indemnity, bv refuting
to accept a eession of territory, would be to a
bandon all onr jimf demand, and to wag th
war, bearing all ita expenaea. without a purpose
or definite object. ..:,,.,,..
The term of the tresiy proposed hy the Un-
trd S'atsa were n' t only tost tn Mexico, but.
considering the character and amount of our
claims,. the unjustificstle and uoorovoked com
mencement ol host ilit k hy her, the expenses of
the wsr to which we he been subjected, and
the idecesa which had attended onr arms, were
deemed lo be of a moet liberal character. i-
. The commissioner ot lite United pistes waa
authorised lo agree to the eelabtishment of Ihe
Rio Granite as ihe boundary, fiom lis entrance
into the tititf tu iia intersection with the south,
rrn b nndsry of New Mexico, in north latitude
about 83 degrees, and li obisin a resip to I ho
United Ststes of the provinces of. New .Mexico
snd the California, and Ihe privilege of the
right of way aeross lh isthmus nf Trhusntepec.
The boundary f Ihe Rio Grande, and tbe cea
kin to ihe United States of Js'ew Mexico and
Upper California, conrtituird ( an ehimaliim
which pur com nuns ion rr wss, under do circum
atanees, to yield. '
That it might be manifest not only te Mexico,
but lo all other nations, tbet tbe United Stales
were not disposed lo tske advsnisge of a feeble
power, by insisting upon wresting from her all
the ether provinces, including many of her prin
cipal towns and cities, which we bad conquered
and held in our mil tsry occupation, but were
willing tn conclude a treaty in s spirit ot libe
rality, eur commissioner was autborixtd to sif ju-
1 ween the Nueces and Ihe Kio Gande, included
within hef Irntit by her laws when the was an
independent n pub'ie, end. when the. waa an
'lexed to the Uoiled States and. admitted by
Congress ss one ot Ihe Slatea of nor Union. It
contained no provi'on M the psyment "of 'the
juel claims ol our crtifee-na ft reuired indent-1
nity in Mexican . cilixene injur M a they may
have sustained by nur troops in ihe prneecttton
of the wkr. 1 ft demsnited the'r'ght for Mexico
tu levy and collect the Mexican riff of duties
on goods imported, into her ports while in our
military occupation during the war, and the
owners of which had raid .tn i flicers of ihe Uni
ted Stsles the mililsiy contribution which had
ben levied noon them; end it (tT-red to cede
tn the United Stales, fi.r a pecuniary consider
tion, that part of Upier California ly:nc n.irth
of latitude 87 degrees. Such were lb- r.nrea
eonable terms proporcd f y the Mixican com
miesinnera. ' " " . n e- "' -.
The cersion to Jhe United Ststes by Mexico,
of the provinces of New Mi xico and th-- Csli
fotfii. ss prt-oeed by ihe commissioner nf the
United Sj lee, "il wae believed, woti be more
in accordance with ihe convenience and ..inte
rest of both ns irons, than-any other cesMnt of
t'-rntory which it was probable Mex'co could be
induced to" make.' . r.-
It ia manifest to all who have observed ihe
actual comiitiun of tbe Mi xrsn government, for
me years pset, and al present, that it the pro-
nice should be retained by her, she could not
long cootmue to hi Id nd govern th m. ' Mexi
co is leeUe power to govern hee prnvin
cce. lying as they do. at a dietnnce ol more than
Ihniisaod miles from her capital, snd. if at
nipled io be retained by ber, they wotild con
stitute hut lor a short tune, even nominally, a
part ol her dinniiiona. . ..
This would be erpeeislly the coe with Up-.
per California. The sagacity nf powerful Eurir
pen nation has Inngsmce directed their std n-
inn lo the ciwnmereisl importance if that prov
ince, sod there ran be little doubt thai the mo
ment the Uniled State ahall relinquish their
prei nt occupation of it, and their cUim to it aa
indemnity, an effort would be made by some
foreign Powtr to possets ii, either by ennqueat
or by norcnase. II no loreign government
should acquire it in ciihet of ifot-e im-iirs, an
ludep ndtut revolotu-nary goeernmeiit would
probably be eetaUielted by the inhabitants, ami
auch foreigner as ina remain m or temove to
the country, asfom as it shall be known thst the
United Sistes hsve ebanduned it. Such a go
vemment would he km leeble Imig lo maintain
ii sepsrai: independent existence,, and. win Id
finally become aniirxd to. or be a drpendepi
coloiiy ot, some more powerful aisle,
from 1-3 of one per eent. to 3 per cent above
par. .The premium has been paid iniothe Trea
sury j ano tne eame awaraea on post ted in pe-
would nue. Tbie for our own safety, and in
pursuance of our established policy, we should be
compelled; to resist We could never content
Ihhl'MrgiCO should be thus converted hi to a mo
narchy governed by a loreign prine.
' n the future prosecution of the wsr tbe ene
my must be made to feel it prerure more than
they have heretofore dime.' At it commence
ment, ii waa deemed proper to conduct It in e
pint pf lorbearaace and lib-rahty.. ...
The Mexican having thus shown themselves
Job wholly incapable of appreeratmgeoe for
bearanceand liberality, it wss deemed proper
to chance the manner of conducting the war, by
making them feel it pressure according lo the
usages observed under similar circumstances by
all other civilized nations. . ....... ,
Aecordingly, as early aa the 22d of Septem
ber, l4fi, iiistructions were given by the Secre
tary if War to Mj f Jen. Taylor, to sirs w sup
pi us" for the army "Irom the enemy, without
paying for them, and to require contributions
lor it supporl," if in thai way he wa sell-fled
he Could "get abundant supplies lor his force."
In directing the execution of these instructions,
much wss necessarily left tothediecretannof Ihe
commanding officer, who was best acquainted
with Ihe circumstnncis by which he was sur
rounded, the wants of Ihe army, and the practi
cability of enforcing the measure. ?1 '
. Gen. Taylor, on .the 26th or October, 1940,
replied from Mnuterey, that "it would have been
impossible hitherto, and in so now, tosustsin tbe
srmy to any extent by torced contributions of
ootiey of sirrr'.lie.' For'fhe ressons assigned
by him, be dm not adopt , the policy nf his in
strnctions, but declsred his resdiness to do so,
elipu'd the army, ir, its future operations, seech
a poitmn of the country which may be made to
supply the lri4ips with advantage'" He contin
ued to pay for the article of supply which were
drawn tn-m the enemy's country. , . ,
Similar inet met ions were ieued to Maj Gnn.
Scwlt nn 3il of April. V47. who replied from J
lapa. on Ihe 20th of May, 1647. that if it .te ex
p cted ''the army is to support itself front forced
coiilribulionS levied upon the country, we msy
ruin and rxsepemt- Ihe inhsbilsnts, and sisrve
nnr'lvew The same direction was given to
him that had been lo Gen Taylor in this re.
M-ect i Gen Scnit, for Ihe reneona sssigned bv
t.im. sho continued In pay for the articles of
supvly for the s;my which were drswn from
ihe enemy. ' ' .
'' Oa the Slit of March fst, I caused an order
tn be issued In ur military and naval command
era to l vy and collect a military contribution
upon all veasela and merchandise which might
enter any ol the ports ol Mexico in our occupa
tion, and to apply such Contributions towards lie
Iraymg Ihe expense of the war. '
.. For ihe amount of contribution which hsve
been I-vied in tltin form, I refer you lo the ac
Companying reports of the Secretary nf Warsul
ol ihe Secretary nf the Navy, by which it ap
pears thst a sum exceeding half a million oldol
lars hss b en collected --r, ., ...
Tlti mount would undoubtedly haye been
much larger, but for ihe fJScully of keeping o
pen commucicaiiona between the cnst aud the
interior, so as tn enable the owner of the mer
chandise imiioriedr so I ran port and vend it to
"S"JSa
lection from the anarchy and suffering whieb 1 cle n the.ireasury aa fssf as U .wss required by
the wants oi tne government,
To meet the expenditures for the remainder
of tbe present and lot the next fUcal year, end
ing on the 30th ot June, 1S49, a further Uun in
aid of the ordinary revenuea of the government,
will be necesssry. Retaining a sufficient sur
plus in the treasury, the loan required far the fe
rn inder nf the present fiscal year will be about
$18800000 a
Should th war wkb Maxigo h eesitmned rfn
til the 90ih of June. 1S49, it is estimated that a
further loan of t?0 300.000 will be require? for
the fiacal year, ending nn that day. incase no duty
he imposed on tea and coffee, ami the pub'ic land
be not reduced and graduated in paiee. and no mi
litary cnntribuUona ahall b collected in Metieo.
If the duty on tea and coffee be imposed, and tbe
lands b reduced and graduated in price, aprnpo
aed. the loan may be reduced to g17.OOO.00O'. and
will be subject lo b sac all further reduced by lh
mount of th military contribution which may
be collected in Mexico. , - ....,.
1 refer you to the accompanying report of the
Pottmaater General for a detailed and atiitnrto-
ry account of Ihe condition and operation of that
department during th past year. It is grslfyiog
to find thst. within so short a period after the re-
rtuc'irtn in (h fates of pnntsge, snd notwithstan
ding tbe great increase of mail aervirethe reve
nue received for Ihe year will be sufficient to de
fray all the expenaei, and that, no further aid
will be required from the treasury for that par
no. . I
Invoking the Netting of the Almighty Ruler
of th Universe upon your deliberations, it will
be mf highest duty, n less fhsn my sincere
pleasure, foro-operste with.ynn in all meaturef
which msy tend to promote lb honor and endn
ring welfare of onr common eonnrrv. '
.- .....--. i- r JAMUIt. rut..
WsnisnToit, Decfmbsr, 147.
TUB Ar.IEIlICAN.
Malwrdag, Dtttmbtr 47.
U !!-lt-U UU.Lt-.
V. n. IAIMKH, , ml Me M
tmtt mnd faaa fSSBer, cwewsr ef:ti anti Vhttnut
Whawsm 'eeW, Alas tVeft,' ij.' Ortkeri Has,
llntee eiwf Cahfri Ms. ,' Itmtttmm, stnst ,V I S
&tmt kltttf, not'mm, it mthHd la act e
Jlgtnl, mrd ttctlfA fee svA mutmUt d thl
MRfe, for ntbicrifrtlint sse mdvrrHnlnft
E. W.CARR, rarnet'tr. Third and Dock
Strrelty Sun liuihlinfct, ' tppntite HUrfhanl$'
Exckanpe, PhUndetpKik, is also author i$eJ to
act as our Agent. ' " ' 1 "
Slould any ftreign government attempt to lhe inh,bitanla of the country.
possess it ss a eohmv.'.H-iberwiee to inenrpo
rate it with Uself, Hie principle aeowed by Pre
s.Ceut Monroe in If24, and resffiiniid in my
first annusl niissgi,ths(tto foreign Power ahall,
with our consent, be permitted lo plant or csls-biii-h
any new c I. ny nr dominHm on y part
I the Ninth Amerireneotii incut. .it.nat be nisin-
taioid. In maintaining this principle, snd in
r rit irg this invsrion by sny foreign Power, we
mikht be involved in othT wers mure expen-
sive aod wore difficuil than that in which we
are now Mtgaged. ,;
Our arms having been everywhere victorious.
liny. tig subjected to our militsry rccor-atien a
laree portii-n ot trie enemy a country, including
hrerapiial, and negutiaiions for pxsce having
failed, Ihe important oiteklMins snee, in wpsl
manner lte war ought to be rorrulel ! and
what should be our tnture policy I I CMinnt
doubt that we ahould secure and render avail'
ble Ihe cerx-ueeta tt hicb wc have already made;
and that, wuh Una view, we rlnutd hold and oc
cupy, by ur naval and military forces, all ihe
ports, towns, cities, and provinces now in our
ocrupat-oo, or which may hereafter tall into nur
poesetSMm; that we etiould prese torwarg our
miliisry nperstii ns, ai d levy such niilnsry fim
irihuiiotis in the eiumy ss may, as far as practi
Cable, defray'lhe future tXpenre nf the war.' '
"f ' E,rly''ter lh ciiitinence-
ment nf the- war. JNew M Xion and ihe Califor
nun. were takt n peMoevion -d by our forcer., Our
litiltiliry and naval couiuiaiuler. were ,irriered
loeonquorand hold ihem, subject to be dir-potted
ol by a lieaty of peace. "
T!iee prosim ea aie now in bur ubdispoled
occupation, and have born en for maay muni lis;
all resistance on Ibe part ol Mexico having cea
sed within th ir limits. am satiefird Ihst ihey
should never be Surrendered to Mexico. Should
Congress Concur with me in this opinion,; and
that Ihey should be retained by Ihe .United
Ststes as indemnity, I can perceive no gord res,
ton why1 the civil jurtedictien and Uws of the
Uniled testes ebon Id not al erice be extended n
ver litem. To wart for a treaty of pesc, such
aa we sre, willing lo mske, by which our fi ls-
t inn towards Wo m would not be ctvingen, can-
hot be good policy; whi!t mirown Interest and
that ol iheeopl inhsbitn.g them, require that
a stabie, lesfxmsibre, snd a free government un
der mir authority should, ss oon aa passible, be
eslsblishrd over thrm. Should Confers lliers-
lore deleimine to hold these provinces perms.
neatly, and that Ihey shall hereafter be consi
dered aa constituent parts of pnr. rminiry, ibe
early eslablielinient id territorial governrpertl
over them will be important lor Hie inoie per.
feet protection of persons snd 'prnper'y and I
rertHnmend that such territorial govern -neat he
rstehlu-hed, ll will p-ooioie peace snd tran
quility among the inhabilints, hy allaymg all
apnrehension that Ihey may slid entensin id lie
teg sgain stihjeeted to the jnrisd ctmn rd M'Xi
c I invite Ilia early and hvorsbU eonNdera
tion of Congress tu thja subject. . , . ,
With a people distisctrd and divided by con
tending fHdions, sn'l a government subject to
constant changes, by successive revnlutinn, tl
continued eneosse ef or arms may ran la se
cure a satisfactory pence. , In ouch event ,il
mav become rroper tor our eommapdinf gepa
rale in Ihe flsid lo give encouragement and sa
snrance of protect x n In the friends of pesre in
Megien, in the eslsblishment and maintenance
nf a free republican government nf their ewn
choice, able and willing In conclude a peace
which would be just lo ibf'n, and securstons
ihe indemnity we demem. . w
IW id e. there ia danger! if nor troops were
withdrawn before a peacn waa concluded, that
the Mexican people, wearfrd wiih successive
revolutions, and drptived of protection for their
I recommend, aleo, thai authority be given by
law in call Tt and accept the a- rvtce of an ad
ditional number of volunteers, to be exereiaed
at such tune and to such extent a Ihe emergen
ctea ol the service msy require. ,
A detsiled etatement of tbe condition nf Ihe
finances will be presented in tbe annusl report
of ibe Secretary of the Treasury. The imports
tor the last ncsl year, ending on the iflfth of
Jtne, 1847, were of the vaiue of Sl4Q.M5i
ot which Ihe amount exported wa $S.l))il,159,
leaving I38,o34,4oU, in the country lor domes
tic use. 1 The value of the export for the same
period was 158.649.6; of winch l).fOT.-
4T4 consisted of domestic productions, and
sJl 1.158, of foreign srticles. .
Tne receipts into Ihe Iressury for the same
period smounted to 1326 346.700 37. of whicn.
there wss deprived from customs 23 747 804 66;
Irom sale ol, public lands, K.4Ue),:TO '4) and
from incidental and miscellaneous sources, flOOc
570 51. The list fiscsl year, during which
this s mount wa received, embraced five months
undef llie-operations of tariff set of 1842, and
seven monih during which m, tariff act, pf
1640 wa in force. During the five month un
drr the acl of 1842. the amount received from
custom was $7 842.306 00. and during the se
ven months under the set ef 1646, the amount
received was $15 005,257 76. ;
The nett revenue from custom during the
yesr ending on Ihe first ol December, 1R46, be
ing the last rar under the rperation of ttr.e la
nd act of 1842, waa Cf22.071.40a 10; and Ihe
netl revenue trom cuatume during ihe year end
ing on the ft 'at of December, 1,47, bein? the
first year omler Ihe nperalmn of the tariff act
of 1846, was shout $31,5(10000; being an in.
ereaeo nf revenue for the first' year under '.he
tantf act of 1846, of more than $,500,000 over
thai of the last year under Ihe arid of 1842.
1 he expenditure during the fiscal year end.
ing on the 30hof June laat, were $50,451,177
65; of which $3 522 082 37 wss on account ot
payment ot principal and interest ot Ihe public
v'ebt, including treasury . notes notes redeemed
and not lunded. 1 he expenditure, exclusive
of payment of public debt, were $55 020.005 28
ll m etimaid that the receipt into ihe trea
sury forthe 6ca year ending on the 30th ef
une, 1848, including ihe balance in th tra-o-
ry nn Ihe lf uf July lat, will tmnml to S4Z-
r3.545 ?0,of which $31,000,000, it Is eJ-ims-
led, will be derived Irom etMoms; $.t.rrfliTIXl
from the sale of Ihe public land-,' $400,000
from incidental sources, including ssle msde hy
the Solicitor of the Treasury,' and $6285193
55 fn m leans already authorised by law, which,
lege her with Ihe balance in ihe iressury no the
li it July laat. make Ihe sum estimated, i.....
i he expendiluree for th same permit, it
re-ire with Mxico shtll-ntt he concluded, and
the army shall be increased aa is proposed, will
amount, including the necessary payment nn
account of priucpil aqd mle'eet.r Ihe public
Vlehl and Ireatury notes. In 58,615,6fif07. .
'On Ihe first of Ihe present month, the amount
of the public debt actually incurred, including
tresmry notes, was 45 650.650 4(1 Tbe pub
lic debt due on th 4th ns ,Msrch,'184 inclu
ding treasury note, waa f 17.788.700 62, and
consequently he addition mde In the public
debt since Ihst lime is 127.870,650 78.
(f ihe hn of C3.000(i0a anthoriaed by the
set of lh 28l b nf January, 1847. the sum nf A,
000.000 ass paid out In the public creditor a. m?
exchanged, s par for specie, Iheremsiaing 18,.
000,000 wa oflVryd for specie to Ibe.higheet
bidder not below par, by ae advertisement ie
sued by the 8eertry nr Ibe Trcawiry, and mt
lithed from Ihe 0th of Fbraary iintiL Ihe 10th
of April, 1847, when it wa awarded ft the se
veral highest bidders, at pretnlome -versing
Correspondent of the Public Ledger )
' FROM WASHINGTON.
' ' Wnt(iT05, Dec 9, 1847.
Tb intrigue for Ibe Speakership ar rife, and
every day bring forth new candidate. Win
thron and Smith, of Indiana, teem to be tb ' two
strongest men, snd though Winthrop is a gentle
man ef high breeding and erudition, yet Smith i
so much better a politician, that I am rather in
clineil to think th latter will carry the day. I
look upon th chance of th election of Mr.
IMIiaid aa equal to aero. There is as yet n
Taylor party organized in Congrett. What the
session may bring forth I know nut, and no one
el te Joet, I believe. AH lean aee and learn,
however, convince ms that parties are eager for
lh fray, and will at an early day commence in
troducing retolutiona. Tbat af Gen. Heury
Foeta. of Mississippi, , in the Senate, will pro
bably attonitb both parties, and perhaps tbe ad
ministration to boat.
Gen Quitman', who is now on the way to the
seat of government, has written a letter te a Sen
ator here, giving bis reaons why we should keep
permanent poasession of Mel ice I will apeak
on this subject mors fully in my fitat letter.
Among th arguments used by tboss of lbs
Whig party who have advocated the giving op to
Mexico ef at! the country wett of the Vueeea. it
has been stated that the principal portion af the
land between that river an tbe Rio Grand, was
k barren, wort ble deeert. . Tbi ia net the rat.
A vry great portion of th rountry between
tho river is very fertile. Those uted to Ihe
Kentucky. bottoms and t the rich lands of the
Western Statea and of Penntylvania, comparing
them with tbe lands in Southern climates, con.
dema the latter.' They do not appreciate the
difference id the climate, its effect upon sll ve
getable production, and do not reflect that if lh
rich Western rountry land were In such southern
climate, thsy would be ao unhealthy at te be on
fit for cultivation What would north of 33 be
regarded aa poor pin barren aouth of 3 1 ia th
mert desirsbte tend; because readily cleared, at
email expen,' eaaily 'cultivated,' and- generally
healthy. I learn that G: Z-Taylor who ia
rail known aa a practiesd plantar, recently paid
$80,000 for a Mexican grant of eleven leagues,
(about 4000 acrss of lead,) between tbe Nuec
aai tbe Rin.Graud ; and I am salisfisd tbat most
of lb land called ZWrt Caiitnttt, on lb other
id of tbe Rio Grande, dawn te tb Sierra Ma
drs is susceptible of profitsble cultiestion. As
to the waat nf water, and the supposed necessity
for artificial irrigation, il ia known thai Ihe Mexi
can complained oftle lande in Tcxaa now plan
ted profitably by our aouthern aud western far
mer a. aa eubjeet le Ibe tame drawback. 'This
abjection seems now to be considered as wholly
without foundation. .....
. Gen. Rotk, of Texas, baa arrived here to-dsy.
but his eol!agne, Gen. Sam llouiton, will not
till Jsnuary Th Legislature nf Texas meets
next Monday, and he will probably b re elected
for the next ix years, tbei being no opposition
to him whatever.
; ; ; for presidf-nt; . r zzc
en. ZACIIAIIY TAYI.OK.
Democratic Central Taylor Com
mittee. ; i' j
Hon John C Rneher, of Dauphin ennnty' '
Hon John M Read, of Philadelphia city ' ' '
Hon Richard Vaux do do " f ; ,
Robert A Ilea, F.q - do 'do
Andrew Miller, K-q Philadelphia county
Samuel D Patterson, Ftq Monignmery county
Franklin Vanxant, F.tq. Buck county
Joseph J Lewis Eq Chester eoartty
Dr William Gray, Delaware county - "
Henry W Smith, F.tq Berks county . -
Hon F.IU Lewis, Lancaster county
Charle W Hegint. Eq. Norihumberland re
Hon John Snyder, Union county .:.
Col Jsmra Burntide., Centre co'inty
Robert J Fiaher. Erq. Vork county . , j. ij'
Oliver Walton, jr F.sq Lycoming county ,
Gen J. K Morehead. Allegheny county
Col Itrael Painter, Wearmoreland county
Thomas J Power, Etq B-aver county
Hon Kitvcard Herrick, Pradford county
Hehdrirk P. Wright, F.nq Lii7.erne county
Francis W. Httghet, F.iq S huylkili comity
James L. Gtllit. F.tq. F.Ik county
.tames Pnacock. V.ra of Dauphin county
Hon William Dock
Gen Simon Cameron
hVnjamin Park, F.tq.
fi.,n Chritian Seiler
Philip Dnueherty, Etq.
O. Barrett. Fq.
Francis C Csrann, Esq.
Jsme Brsdy. Etq.
Edward A. Lealey, Eq
do
do
do
do.
do
do
do
do
do
ujT" Th PsEtiiiRNT't Mksao. We hasten
to lay before our readers a portion of the Mes
tsge, thi week. Its great length prevents us
giving more than auch portion at will be of the
mott interest. .The Mettage it an able document,
and ditcuttes the wsr quettion at great length
Ilia viewa on thia subject are clear ai.d explicit,
and will be responded to by tbe democracy of the
whole country. This portion of the Messst e we
lay before our resders ' ICs'xt wee V we will fur
nish our reader an abttrart of the remainder.;
C7" C.oitcassa. The melange and proceedings
of Congress, have crowded out nearly all other
matter, Ibis week, ;
C3r" CeT. Wii.kkb On our first pg will
be found an interesting sketch of tbe life nf th
gallant Capt. Walker, whot denth ha probably
been more aerioutly regretted than any other of
ficer who had fallen in Mexico.
l.o.- ' ' - :l.
' XST" Fasm roaSAt. We call the attention
of our rradera to the tale of a farm in Upper An
gntta, formerly belonging to Wit. ami Robert
Hunter, which will be sold on the 3d of Jsnoary
next. - - .. - v-
Also, to a form ia Shamnkin township, belong
ing td b heirs of John Yoeum, dee'd. f '
Oassavsa
Cngrtlnal'cMCc, '
' ' - WaMiHTON, Dee." 5.''
Tbe caucus of tbe Demorrstic members ef
Congress adjourned, last waning without making
any nominal ion
1 1 V hig caucus nominated Mr wintnropas
Speaker Mr. Campbell, of Tenhettee, at Clerk ;
Nathan Sargant a Sergeant at Arms i Mr Ho
mer. of Nf w Jersey, aa, oo keeper, and Mr
MrCormic as Poatmaater.
'" Mr. Tintoo wa at first nominated nearly 0
nanitoously for Speaker, bul declined. . , ,
' Watt 8mi.i. w-a no witsi Mtxicot Nowtht
lb ftghtiag is aver in Mexico, Ik officers, who
with th aid ef their bra and scantily paid sal
diers have contributed to lh ucceaes which
form tb briehtett ng in-onr conntry' histo-
ry. 'are returning lo reap tb honors so justly
(heir pue, and giv to their countrymen in bene
fit of their experience toward solving tb ques
tion whst shall we do with Mexico t". Gen.
Quitman is on ef the distiagaisbsd psrsons who
have lately given lh public tb beoelt of their
view apoa tbis quytion. He propoaea three
modes of further proaecuting th wr. One. to
ierae eur lore tn fifty thousand men, aad e
vcrrun tb whoi eeantry, garrnon very Stat
capital, and tak ry eoaaiderabl city. Tb
second, ta withdraw ear armi from Ik country,
and take ap Ibe proposed defensive lias. Tbe
third, If necapy th Im, or eeriaia po'a in it,
and alae to bold, not enly lb line snd ths ports,
bat tb capital, preserving aa open comment,
lion with Iks Gulf., Th ktst be condre to he
th f rae poll' of th eouatry. tb irl hsing tee
expensive, and lh ascend weald piotract Ihe
wsr indefinitely. . ' v- ' , - -(
Cnaae to Nartca Jl ia said that rx Spea.
ksr Davis will rsctiv th srpoiatmMt of Charg
i , '
C7"T Scieiwric ' Asixbicsn. Will tbe
editor of thi excellent paper see 'that it is for
warded to ua more regularly, aa per contract f
t Jfaples.
077 A, Naw Corasc or Taaoa Accordirg ta
the Danville papers, a cargo of 3.300 bushela of
wheat, for Peter Baldy, Etq., arrived at that
place about ten days ago, from Baltimore, and
another cargo waa daily expected. Mr. Van Al
len alae received a cargo from .Baltimore. A
bout tbe same timo, Capt. II. Simpson, of this
place, brought a lot of flour from Faltimore, for
tale and home enntumpt ion. '.'The manufacturing
and mining operation! in this section af lbs stt,
togsther with th scarcity, affords eur farmer a
better grain market, at preeent, than the eitiea.
03" SsaT or Jesricx. -Th peopl of Potts
ville.'the paper ssy," are very generally satitfieil
with thy location, for th court bouse. It i a
heaatil'ttl apot, and may be known by tbe atone
bouse on tbe tight, as yoe enter Poitsville frem
th Sunbury toad. Sixteen thousand dollar have
already been subscribed for the eraction of tbe
buildings. , :,
Ugr Raaavar. or ma Seat or Jrst rex -On
Tossdag week 'st, ths gnodk peopl of Bloom
burg cam down to Danvilf with an omnibus
and bther Vihertes, and removed Ihe" eeeonl of
Columbia tounty from tbe eld court house le tb
new building f reeled at Bluomaburg, the new
seat of jut tic., tTh Sbsriff. Protbenetary, R
gitter and Recorder, Clerk. &c., wer all obli
ged to pack an their' dud and go along. A sum
brfoftbs members of tbsVar, at Danville, have
filed exceptions le tbe report of I ho commission
ers, and tb decre ef the ort Ihercea, ordering
the removal. The "main exeeptioa i. lh un
coattitutiepality of lh law, the principles, it
waa alleged, having been recently decided by tbe
Supreme Court, al Pitlsbarg, ia the license ques
tion, which ia an enalagmis cess. The quest ten
will Ihersfore com up be for tb Suprtm Court,
at thia place, in July next. ' .', ',''.,',.
' C3e tiasav Loss eg Llri. Tb papers give a
paelanchelly account ef lbs burning uf th iImoi
r Phmoix. oa Lake Mickigaa, and lb lot ef se
veral beadr) live, ameng lhn 190 Hollander,
moving to tho Weei The aavticolari kav bees
gl ewded oot, this wg.
I
I