4aii6'0, 2 044104 . 3i,
'ti ~
CELB.LIILII, '
WEDNESDAY, DECEABER 4, 1850
.THANIKSGIVINftII)4Ir,
Pennsylvania, as.—/n the name and by the au ,
• thority of the Commonwealth of renneylva . -
nia. -By Wm. P. Johnston: Governor
_of said
Commonwealth.
A PROCLAMATION. .
Another revolution of the seasons has been
almost completed. 'Peace with all nations has
been vouchsafed to our country by the SUPREME
DISPENSER .of national blessingS. A benificont
PEQVIDENCE hto continued_ His guardian cart;
:Over the
.people of • this Commonwealth. the
ame•preserved us, under. the institutions vitro& ,
Government, in the quiet and undisturbed en
joyment of civil and religious , liberty. HE has
favored us with healthful seasons and abundant
harvests. Individual, happiness rewards the
enterprize of rthe citizen.; -"Thu earth is full of
•the-goodness orthe Long." While the inesti
mable bounties of PROVIDENOE liwnish a suits-
Ags_subjeet for,mutuaLgratulation and_gratefuL
acknowledgmcnton enlightened:mese of duty
and gratitude to that BEING from whom they
low, admonishes us to unite as one People, in
offering up the tribute of -fervent thanksgiving
and praise to 'Hut who watched' over the des
tinies of nations"—"who searched' the hearts
of the children"of .men,"—. l who bath prepared
Has Throne -in the Heavens, and 'whose King
dom ruled' eve' 411."
Deeply•iniKessed.ivlth,the ;propriety at tide
duty, in accordance with a venerated custom,
and in complitincemith the wishes of the great
body.. - of ';the ;people, I,VILLIAM F. Joims•rox,
'Governor. of the said Commonwealth, do hereby
appoint and designate Thursday, the 12th day
of Decembernext, as tCday of general Thanks
giving throughout the ,State, and I hereby rec
ommend and earnestly invite all the good pea.
-pie .of , this Commonwealth, to 'a sincere and
! prayerful 'observance of the same.
Given undermy•hand and the Great Spat of the
State -at Harrisburg; this twenty-eighth day •
of October, in the year of our Lord, one thou
- !sanid,•oight hundred and fifty, and of the
Commonwealth, the seventy-fifth. •
By the Goverucir:
. A. L. RUSSELL.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
‘Ve aro indebted to the courteous atten
tion Jones, EN. Post-Mdster at Har
risburg,- for an early copy of the President's
'Message. The official. copies, intended to be
deposited with the Post-Master here, were not
received.
The PreiridenVegfessage.
Tih
almond session of the Present Congress
co%menced on Monday last, :and there being , a
quorum of members present, the first annual
Message - of 'President 'FiLtsionz was rend on
the same day. We hostenoo spread it before
ourreaders. The messagois a.very..able docu,
inept; decided but coneilittlory is its tone;
strongly censervativein its character, and char
acterized, by en earnest devotion to the Cluton, •
'On the subject of Slavery it takes pound in
favor of the general policy embodied to the
justment measures. of the last session, and ex
presses the hope that all further agitalkin of
this exciting question may be avoided. 'the
President firmly expresses his. determination to
sea the laws faithfully executed.
In reference to the Tariff; he rdconi9inds the
sulatuitutloa of specific+ for ad valorem duties ;
and if. this cannot be 'accomplished, that at all
events a home valuation shall be adopted. He
advjges; • also, the appointment of ambulatory
- appraisers, to exercise. a general supervision,
.with irviow to uniformity in the rates of levy.
log duties, as well as to prevent the 'frauds
w hich,,under our present system operate to les
sen the amount of revenue, while at the same
• 'time, they are of serious injury to the borne ..
'manufacture. • The iron and coal interests are
specially considered; and Internal Improve._
manta, end - other subjeciii of national concern
and importance, are fully and wisely discussed.
We le i_rnirom_Washington that-the-Trerisu.7---1
_ 17,Report is not- yet•completed - iand way not bie
furnished to-Congress for a week to come. It
.will be an able-and valuable paper, full of de
tails concerning the'Tariff, and our commer
cial. affairs generally, and will, probably, be of •
about the same length ..as A 9 r. Mereclith,sreport
at the last session. There is entire concur
rence of opinion between President Fillmore
- • anciTt3coretorreorwin on questions of domes.
tic polidy.
The Postomster*General in his report tenons
mends that a uniform rate of poetage for let
ters shall be :adopted, .viz : three cents when
prepaid, andfive cents when not prepaid. He
recommends, also, a reduction in the rates of
of leiter postage to California and Oregon ; a
reduction on. Newspaper postage when within
one hundred miles of the.place of publication;
and a' reduction generally on phamphlets and
magazines.
All the reports .of tho :Secretaries,
,except
tlutt of the Treasury, aro rcldy and in print.
Manumit CAztriecm.---One of the largest and
finest. heads of. cabbage we ever saw woe pre
sonted to.us a clay ortwo since by Maj. Joseph-
Patton, "mine host" of •the Mansion House
It weigliod 23 pounds, and moasured 40 Melte!!
'round.:
.It was:raised by Mr. JIMICE McCul
loch near Newville, along with .(as ho eays) a
bout 5000'hoads of the same-sort t•
.A Truirer,vacut BARNUM lieu of Jenny
as.will be seen by an advertisement, Mr.
Barnum, the,grand .caterer :to the • amusement
and enjoyment of the public .has provided for
our • community a novel onlotlaitu r nont in the
performances of the Lancashire Bell Ringers
qnd the.Clunceo Family. Read the advertise.;
iipent and go and bear them. •
Gay..Qorrmsx.--A•despatch from the South,
eays, the "warrant for the arrest of Ono. Quit
man; for being implicated in the Gabon lova
sionJis been received at Jackson, Miss., from
New Orleans. It is said that the object of the .
Governor's calling an extra eeseion of the Li
gislature, was , to prevent him from arrest.
A CM:IIICH WITpOIIT A BISIIOP.—The Spe
zia' Convention of the 'Protestant Episcopal
Church, which was held in New York last
week adjourned sine'die, after a three days,
session, in which it was found impossible to e
lect a•provisional Bishop forjhe ,Now York di
ocese.- The diocese remains therefore-without
'An acting Bishop for another year.
.„.,_zipkOTVAND- --URITTENDiN.- = A correspondent
'or the Norrisfatoniferatd; augieste the names of
Gem Winfield Scott, for_President;' - and filet
Hon. John .if.• Crittenden, of 'Kentucky; for
yice:President. This would be o capital'tide4
04:undone which would command an enthusi- ,
ststlo support in oJi sections of the Union.
viZIPThe. trial of the Virginians charged
co.nnection tvilh the Slave difficul•
ties at Varriaburg 801110 months sincei , came off
last week and resulted in their acquittal.
/ 11 Joseph Milligan, the lad . charged with
burning the C t iark's Ferry Bridge, was tried last
tv.:e. ',Cot Ilairieburg and -found . guilty. He is
?pit yore of eke.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
. . , . .
'Petlone-citizens of the Senate, '
Being suddenly aelle:'eicjd
House-of RapVesentatives— •' • -
the midst. , of the
last sessiork of Gongress, by a•painful dispense
Lion Of Divine Providence, to thavesponeible
Station Whiala now hold, I contented myself .
with 11 1.113licommunittitions to the Legislature
as the exigency, or the moment seemed •to re- n
9uire: The country was shrOuded in Meriiiii;"
ing for the loss of its venerated., Chief Magis
trate, end all hearts were penetrated with grief.
Neither, the time nor the occasion appeared to'
require or to justify, on my part , any general
cxptession of political opinions,.or any an•
nouncement of the principleiPs which would
govern main the discharge of (ho duties to the
performance of wMch I had been so unetspect ?
cdly called. I trust, therefore, that it may not
be deemed inappropriate, if I avail myself of
this opportunity of the rc-assembling of Con
gress to leaks known my.sentiments, in a-gen.
eral in - annex, in regard to. the policy which
_ought to . be•pursued by the Government, both
in its intercourse wtth'foreign nations, and in'
its management and• administration of infernal
ntTairs.
Nations, like individuals in a stale of natyro,
are equal and independent, possessing certain
rights, and owing eerie imdujies to each other,
arising 'from theiritecessary and unavoidable re•
Jations; which rights and. duties there is no
common human authority PS iirmeCt and en
force. Still, they arc rights and duties, bin
ding in morals, in conscience, end in honor,
Irtnnrgh - thereltrrro - tribunh 11 - 0 - Wlfitli injw- -
red party can appeal but the disinterested
judgment of mankind, and ultimately the ar
bitrament of the sward.
Among the aclinow leilged rights of nations
is that, which each possesses of establishing
that form of government which it may deem
most conducive to the happiness and prosperi
ty of its own citizens; of changing that form,
as circumstances may require; and of manag
ing its internal affairs according to its own
will. The people of the United States claim
this right for themselves, and they readily con
cede it to others. Hence it becomes an imper
ative duty notto interfere in the government
or internal policy of other nations; .and, al
though we may sympathize with (the unfortu
nate or the oppressed, every wlrdre, in their
struggles for freedom, our principles rabid us
from taking any part in such foreign contests.
We make no wars to promote or do
any
successions - to thrones ;to maintain any theory
of a.balance.of power; or to suppress the ac
tual government which any country -chooses to
establish for itself. We instigate no revolt'•
lions, nor stiffer any hostile military rospedi
lions to be fitted out in the United States to
invade the territory or prrivinces of -a friendly,
nation .° The great law
~ .of morality ought to
have a national as well as a personal and inch•
viduhl, application. We should act towards
other nations as we wish them -inwards us; and
justice and conscience should font - Abe rule of
conduct between governments, instead of mere
power, self-interest, or the desire. of aggran
dizement. To maintain a strict' neutrality in
foreign wars, to cultivate friendly relations,
to reciprocate every noble and generous act,
and to perform punctually tied scrupulously ev
ery treaty obligation—these are the. duties
which we owe to-other States, and by the per
formance of which we best entitle ourselves to
like treatment from them; or if that , in any
case, be refused, we can, enforce our own
rights with jostle° and a clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution will
be my guide and in .questions of doubt, .1 shall
look for its interpretation to the judicial deci
sions of_ that-tribunal,-whieth .wae established lo
expound it, and to the usage of .the Govern.
inent ' sanctioned by the acquiescence of the
country, I regard all its Provisions as equally
binding. In all its parts it is the will of the peo
ple, expressed in;the Most solemn form, and
the constituted authorities, ore but agents to
carry that will into effect. Every power which
'it has granted is to be exercised for the public
good; but no pretence of utility, no honest con
vietion, even, of what might he expedient,
can justify the assumption of any power not
granted. The powers conferred upon the Gov
ernment and their distribution to the several
departments, are as clearly expressed in that
sacred instrument as the imperfection of hu
man language will allow; and '1 deem it my
first duty, not to question its wisdom, add to
its provisions, evade its requirements, or nulli
fy its commands.
•
Upon you, felloW-citizefia, as the representa
tives of the States and tho people, is Wisely
devolved the legislative power. I.shall com
ply with'my duty, in laying 'before you, from
time to, time. any information calculated to en
able you to discharge your high and responsible
trust, forthe benefit of our common conatitu
cols. -
My' opinions will be frankly expressed Upon
et- leading - subjects - of — legislation; --- end -- if;'
which I do not anticipate, any act should pass
the two Houses of. Congress which should [m
ien. to me uncianstitntional,_ar_rat_eincroachi._
ment on the just powers of other departments,
or with provisions hastily adopted,.wnd likely
to produce consequences injurious and unfor
seen, I should not shrink from•the duty, of re
turning it to you; with my reasons,
for your
further consideration. Beyond the due pefor
mance of these constitutional obligations, 6th
my respect-for'-thelegislature-and.-mY—sense
r st.,
propriety will restrain me from any,attempt to
control or influence your proceedings. With
-you-is-the power ; -the-honor, and the responsi
bility of the legislation of the country.
The Government of the United States is a
limited Government. It is confined to the ex
ercise of powers expressly granted, and such
others as may he necessary for carrying those
powers into effect; and it is at all times an es.
pecial duty to guard against any infringement
on the just rights of the States. Over the ob
jects and subjects Intrusted to Congress, its leg.:
islative authority is supreme. But hero that
authority ceases, and every citizen who truly
loves the Constitution, and desires the contin
uance of its existence and its blessings, will
resolutely and firmly resist any interference in
those domestic airairs,',which- the Constitution
has clearly and unequivocally left to the exclu
sive authority of the States. And every such
citizen' will also depredate useless irritation a
mong the several members of the Union, and
all reproach and criminalion tending to alien
ate one portion of the country from another. , --
The beauty of our system of Government con
sists, and its safety and durability must consist,
in avoiding mutual collisions and encroach-
Ments, and in the regular'separate action of all,
while each is revolving in its own distindt orbit.
_____.
The Constitutioh hag made it the duty of tThi
President to take core that the laws aro faith
fully executed. In a Government like ours, in
which all laws are pasied by a majority of the
representatives of the people, and these repro
sentatives are chosen for such short-periods,'
that any injurious or obnoxious law can very .
soon 'be repealed, It Would .appear unlikely that
any great numbers should be found ready tere
sist the execution of the laws. But it must lie
borne in mind that the country is extensive,
that there may be local interests or prejudices
rendering, a law odious in one part, which is
not so in another, and the thoughtless and in
considerate, misled by their passions, or their
imaginations, may be induced madly to resist
such laws as they disapprove. Such peisons
should recollect that, without law, there can
• be - no real practical liberty ; that, When law is'
trampled under foot, tyranny'rules, win:wiled t •
appears in the form of a military despotism or
a popular violence. The law is the only sure
protection or the week,eind the ' only .efficlent
restraint upon the strong. When impartially .
and faithfully administered, none is beneath its
protection, and none above its control. You,
gentlemen, and the country may bo .assured,
that to the Utmost of my ability, and to the exr
tent of the - power vested in me, I - shall at all
limes, and in all places, takemare that the laws
„beini.thfu/ly. executed. In the discharge of
this dilly, solemnly imposed upon me by the
Constitution, and by my oath of office, I shall
shrink from no responsibility, and shall endow
tor to Inca events as they may arise, with firm
ness, as well as ;with prudence and discretion
_ .
The appointing power Is one of the most de
licate willi n hich the Executive is investekl.—
I regard it es a sacred trust, to be exercised
iiiitli the solo slow of advancing tile pro4perity
and happinesS of the people. It shall he_my
effert-to elevate the - standard of official employ
ment, by selecting for places of importance in
dividualaTitted, for the posts to which they are
' assigned, by heir known integrity, talents and
virtues.
,lu . !mire a country, with so
great a popul li - and ‘l)e - r4i few ne.sons ap
pointed to office ea be kniiivn to 'the appoint.
.tug power, - mistakes 1 I, S otnetimes unavoidn
' hly happen;'end unfortu le appointments, be
' made, notwithstanding the .greatest , darc.,• In
such cases,rho pOiver of rOmiivol may be pro
perly exercised; 'ondmegleat ,pf duty or mai
femme° in office will be no inure, tolerated in
individuals appointed by myself than in these
appointed by others.. - . _ • • • ,
•
I am happy in being able to say that no unfa
YOrtiblei change moor foreign_relations-lias;-ta
ken place since the message at thii - open* of
(hi last amnion of ',Cop'groes. Wo aro at peace
with all pations,and wo .enjoy 'in an eminent
degiCA the .blesAingsbf t at ponce, in a pros!
porous mid dowing commerce,—and_ln 'all
the forms of amicable nationo I intercourse:
!The.unexampled :growth .of the country,, the---
predent amount:of its population, And its ample
moaned, self-protection, assure for it the res
pect
of All.pations ;.whle it is trusted that its
character for justice, and
,a regard to the rights
of other pieta, will cause that respect to bo
cheerfully paid: '
° --- A ----- coliventlan was negoinifed between' the,
United Stales and Great Britain, in April last,
for facilitating and protecting the construction
of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Paci
fic Oceans, and 'for other purposes. 'fine in
strument has since been ratified by the contrac
ting parties, the exchange of ratifications has
been effected, and proclamation thereof has
been duly made.
In addition to the .stipulations - 'contained in
this convention, two other objects neon in to be
accomplished between the contracting powers.
First, the de , ighation and establishment of a
free, port at each end of the canal., •
Second, an 'agreement fixing-the distance feens
the shore within which belligerent maritime
operations shall not be carried on. On these
points there is little doubt-that the two govern.
rants will come to an understanding. ,
The company of citizens -of the U. States
who have acquired from the State of Nicara.
Igoe the pr ivelege or:Constructing n ship canal
betweenithe two oceans, through the territory
of that State, have made progrbgs in their pre
liminary arrangements. 'file treaty bet Ween,
ifte - United -- Stmes — critl -= Great --- Bri t
19th of April last, above referred to, being
now in operation, it is to be liop}ai that the,
guaranties which it offers will be sufficient to
secure the, completion of the work with all
practicable. expedition. It is obvious that this
result, would be indefinitely postponed, if any
other than peaceful measures, for the purpose
of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory
in that quartet) should be adopted. It will con
sequently be my endeavor to cause any further
negotiations on the part of this Government;
which .may lie requisite for this purpose, to Le
so conducted as to bring them to a speedy and
successful cjese.
Some unavoidable delay ,has occurred, ari
sing frost distance nod the difficulty of inter
course* bettt een this .Government and that of
N,icaragua „Mit, as intelligence has just been
reociied of the appointment of an Envoy Ex
traordinary and itilinisler Plenipotentiary of
Bird country to' reside at- -Washington,- whose
arrival may soon be expected, it is hoped that
no further hopediments will be experienced in
the prompt trasactiun of business between the
two a Governments. -
Citizens, of tho United States have underta
ken the coimexion‘of the two oceans by means
of a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuante
pec, undd grants of the Mexican Gbvernrnent
to a citizen of that-Republic. It is understood
that a 'thorough- survey of the course of tho
communication, is in preparation, and there-is
every reason to expect that it will be proaccu
led with characteristic energy, especially when
that Government shall have consented to such
stipulutiobs with the Government of the Uni
ted States es may bo necessaty to impart - a
feeling of security to those who may embark
their property in the enterprise. Negotiations
are pending for the accomplishment of that ob
ject, and a hope is confidently entertained that,
when the Government...of Mexico,shall_becomo._
duly sensible of the advantages which that
country cannot fail to derive from the work,
and learn thattlio, Government of the United
States desires that the right of sovereignty of
Mexico in the IsthMus shall remain unimpair—
ed, the Stipulations referred to will be agreed
to with alacrity. . •
'By the last advices from Mexico it would ap
pear, however, that that Government entertains
strong objections to some of the stipulations -
which. the parties concerned in the project of
the railroad deem necessary for their protection
and socarity. Further consideration, it is Co
be hoped, or stone modification of terms, may
yet reconcile .the differences existing between
the two governments in this respect. •
Fresh .instructions have recently been given
the Minister of the 'United States in Mexico,
who is ,prosecuting the subject with , prompti •
tudo and ability. -
Although the negotiations with Portugal', for
the payment of claims of citizens of the United
States against that Governn tent, have not yet
resulted in is. formal treaty, yet a proposition
made by the Government of Portugal for the
Snap adjustment and paymeniSof those blaints,
has recently been accepted on the part of the
United States. It gives me pleasure to say that 1
Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiation on the part
of the United &Mos had been entrusted, dis
charged the duties of his appointment with a
bility and discretion, acting always within the
instiactions of bin Government.
It is expected that a 'regular aanvention will
liciinina - dialCbi negotiated for carrying the a
greement between the two Governments into
effect. -
Thotommisaionerappointed - turder — thcr = act—Ll
.of_Congress.for_carrying-Into effect the convert- •
Rion with Brazil, of the 27th of January, 1849,
has entered upon, the performance of tho duties
imposed,upon Min by-that act. It Is to be hoped
that those duties may ho completed within tho
time which it prescribes. The documents, how-'.
over, which the I roperild _thavernment,_by -the •
third article of the convention, stipulates to
furnish to the Government - of the United States,
,
have not yet been received. As it is presumed
that those documents will be cheential lor the •
correct disposition of the claims, it, may become
necessary for Congress to extend the period hin
ted for the duration of the commission. The
pun stipulated by the 4th article of the conh'en
(ion to bo paid to this Government has been re
ceived.
The collection in the ports of the United
States of discriminating duties upon the vessels
of Chili and their cargoes has been suspended,
pursuant to the provisions of tho act of Con
gress ore the 24th of May, 1828. It is to be
bo hoped "that this measure "will iniphrt a fresh
impulse to the commerce between the two coon-
trice, which, of late, and especially since our
acquisitimi of California, has, to the mutual ad.
vantage of the partica, been muclumenented.
Peruvian guano has beeemo so desirable an
article to the-agricultural-interest -of-the-United
Stales, that it is the duty of the Government to
employ all the means propoily in its power for
the purpuspf causing that article to bo impor
ted into the country at a reasonable price.—
Nothing will be omitted on my. part towards
accomplishing this desirable end. 1 am per
suaded that in removing any restraint on ,this
traffic, the Peruvian government will promote
its!own, best interests, it will- Word a
proof of a friendly 'disposition towards this
country, which will be duly appreciated.
The treaty between the United States and
Ills Majesty the Iftng of the flawailan Islands,
whicli-has-reccntly-been-maele-publiclll,ltlS
believed, have a beneficial abet upon the rela
tions between the two countries.
Tim relations between those parts of the Is
land of St. Domingo, which were formerly col
union of Spain and . Franco, respectively, uro
still in an unsettled condition. Irlie proximity
of that Island tothe United States, and the del
icate questions involved in the existing Conti°.
way there, render it desirable that it should be
. .
permamintly and speedily adjusted. Thu in
terests ofinimanity and of general commerce
also demand this ; and, ae intiniatione of the
mine sentiment have been icceived from other
Governments; it fs to be - hoped that some plan
may ',feed be'devisod to effect tho object in a
'manner likely,to give general satisfaotion.-i-
The Government of the United Slates will nut
fail, by the exorcise of all proper filen* ofri.
cos, to do all in its power to put an end to . the
destructiye war.whieli ha raged between the
'different parts of the island, and to secure to
them bath the benefits of peace and commerce.
I refer you to'the report of the SecretaiSr of
the Treasury for a detailed statement of the fi
nance&
Tho total receipts into the Treasury, for tho
,year'ending 30th of Juno Mat, wore forty-seven
million four hundred and twenty-one thousand
raven linndred and forty-eight dollars arid-nine
ty cents, (647,421;7(8.904 . •
' The total expenditures, during the same pa
rind were forty-thrarrmillion two thpusand one
hundred and sixty.elght dollars , and ninety
cents, (643,002,109 .- 90: • • •
Tho public debt hue boon reduced, since the
last annual-ropdit from the. Treasury Depart-,
ent, four hundred and ninety-five . thtlusand
o hundred and seventy six dollars and soyen
ty Ono cent.,-(495,270 79.)
the 19t soCtiop df the net of 28th Jand-
sry, 1847, the proceeds of the salon of the pub.
lie lands were pledged. for the interest andprin
cipal of lho public debt. - The groat amount bf
these, lands subsequently granted; by .'Congress
for military, bounties, will; it Is believed, vary
nearly supply the public demand roc novena,
yearn to come, and but httio reliance can; Otero.'
fore*, be placed on that hiihoite frult(u), entiree
Aside from-010 permanent annual' expondtr
turee, whiohlieve ponosearily'leqnlyilonreased,
, •
a ,portion of the !Mille debt, amounting to"Olglib
million 'evenly-five thousand nine hundred and'
. eightyrsix dollars and filty-nine, canto (8,076 r
986 .59) must be-provided for within'thu next
two fiscal, yeara. It is most desirable that these.
accruing demands should he met without re
sorting to now loans-
All experieticilias demonefrated the'wisdom
and policy of robing .8 largo portion of revo-
Ipo,forthe-support-of Goverhrnentiroin_dutiss.
on goods Imp Oiled. The power to lay these 1
duties is unquestionable, and its chief object,
of course , is to -replenish the Treasury. But'
if, in doing this •an incidental,' advantage may
be gained by encouraging the industry, of our
own citizens, it, is our duty to avail ourselves of
that advantage.
A duty laid upon an article which cannot be
produced in this do.untry7sueleas tenor pollee
—adds to the cuet of - the ertiele, and is chiefly
or wb u oll o v an aiff ilrtioio
bythe consumer. But a duty
laidp
Own country to produce the sumo article, which
here, stlatulaterrithe sk s i v l i l lic a h nd m i a n y clu b :tr p y jo o d f u o ce u d r
is brought into the market in competition With
the - foreign - 'article, and the. importer is thus
compelled to roduce his price to that,
at whin!'
the domestic article can-be sold, thereby throw
ing a part of tha.duty *upon the producer of the
foreign article., The continuance of this pro.
sees creates the skill. and invites the capital,
which finally enables us to produce the. article
!nucleoli - Miner than it meld hove been procured i
from abroad, thereby benefiting both the pro
deceiand the consumer at home. The cense.
- quencif - tlriir - iscthrit - the - artisan - , - ank tho og
rieulturiet, aro brought together, each affords a
readrmarket4er,tho produce of the other, the
whole country becomes prosperous ; and the
ability to produce every necessary of life rem
dere us independent in war as well es in peace.
A high tariff can never be permanent. It
will cause dissatisfaction and will be changed.
It excludes competition, and thereby invites the
investment of capital in manufactures to such
excess, that when changed it brings lainkrupt
ey, distress and ruin, upon all who have been
misled by its faithless protection. What the
manufacturer wants is Uniformity and puma.'
nency, that he may feel a confidence that he is
not to lie refried by sudden' changes. But. to:
make a tariffAntiform and permanent, it is not
only necessary that the law should not bo'ul
tined,- hitt that duty should not fiuctuate..--
To effect 'this, all .ditties should ho specific.
wherever the nature of the article is such as to
ideal - of it. - Ad Valorem duties - fluetuate with:
the price; and offer strong temptations to fraud
and'perjury. Specific duties, on tiro contrary,
are equal' and uniform in all ports, and at all
times, and-'offer a strong inducement 'to the
importer to bring the best article, as he pays
no moredutympcm,that, than upon one of info.
rior quality. I therefore strongly recommend
a modification of the present tariff, which hes
prostrated some of our most important andme.
cessary manufactures, and that specific dmies
be imposed sufficient to raise the requisite rev
enue, making such discrimination in favor of
the industrial pursuits of our own country as
to encourage home. production, without exclud.
Mg foreign competition. It is also important
that an unfortunate provision in the present ta
riff which imposes a much higher duty, upon
the raw material that enters into our manacle..
tune than upon the manufactured article, - should.
be remedied. •
• -Tile papers accompanying the report of the'
Secretary, of the Treasury will disclose frauds
attempted_ . upomilia revenue, in variety and a.
mount so greet,.as to justify the conclusion that
it is impossible, under any
: system of ad valo
rem-dutles-levied upon the foreign - cost or va
lue of the article, to Bettis° an lamest observ
ance and an effectual administration of the
laws. The fraudulent devices to evade the law
which have beau deibeted by the vigilance of
the appraisers leave no room to doubt that si
milar impositions not discpvered, to a large a
mount, liavbeen successfully practised .since
the enactment of the law now in force. This
state of things has already had a prejudicial
influence upon those engaged in foreign com
merce. It has a tendency to drive the honest
trailer- from -the business of importing, and
to throw that important branch...Dl employment
into the hands of unscrupulous end dishonest
men, who. ape - Atka regardless of law and the
obligations ?fen oath. By , these means 'the
plain inten tees of Congress, as expressed in
the law, ar t doily defeated. Every motive of
policy anti-': lily, iherefore, impel mo to ask' the
earnest atli 'on of Congress to this subject.
If Congrue i . .auto &Ora it titicise-to attempt
any import., iliungos in the system of levying
duties at thi ession, it will become indispen
sable to the p tection of the revenue that such
-remedies, afil,• the judgment of Congress ,may
mitigate the Ile complained of, should be at
once applied.,,
.
As befere-Granted,ed, specific duties wouldon my
opinion; afford the most perfect remedy for this
evil ; but if you should not concur in this view,
then, as a partial remedy, I beg leave respect
fully to recommend that, instead of taking the
- invoice - of thcrarticleatirerid as a means of - tc :1 -
torinining fie value here, the •eorreetness -of
which invoice it is in inany.cases impossible to
verify, the law be so changed as to require a
, horns valuation or appraisal, to Inc reguluted in
I such manner as to give, as far as practicable,
uniformity in•the several ports.
—There- being- no -mint-in -California-1-am in
formed that the laborers in the mines arc com
pelled to dispose of -their gold dust at a !aria
discount. This appears to me to be a heavy
and unjust toP:4pon the labor.of those employ
ed in -extracting this precious metal; and I
dobbt not,you will bo disposed, at the earliest
ported possible, to relieve them from it by the
establishment- of a mint. In the nicantiine as
an asseyer's office is establishedlhere, I would
respectfully submit for your consideration the
propriety of authorizing gold bullion, which
has been assayed and stamped, to be received
in payment ofi4overnment duos. I cannot con•
ceive -that the treasury would suffer any loss
by such a provision, which will at once, raise
bullion to its par value, and thereby save (if I
am rightly informed) many millions of dollars
to the laborers, which aro now paid in broker
age to convert this precious metal into available
'funds, This discOunt upon-their hard earnings
is a heavy tat, and every effort should be made
-by- the Government-to relievethem Tromso great
a burden. '
Moro than three-fourths of our population
are engaged in the cultivation of the soil.—
The commercial, manufacturing, end navignt
log)
in testa are all, to e groat extent dependent
on the a ricuituraf. It ie,thereloro the moat
importa interest of the nation, and line a just .
claim i the teetering care • and protection of
the 9 verorneht, so fur as they con be extundrod
comixtently with the provisions of the Coneti-
ration. As this catinot bo dtdiohy the ordina
ry modes of legislation, 'I respectfully recom
mend the establishment of an Agricultural
_Bureau,- to -bo charged-with -theuduly-of-giving
to this loading branch of American industry
the encouragement which it so well deserves.—
In view of the immense mineral resources of
our country, provision should also be made for .
the employment ci a competent mineralogist'
add 'chemist, who should be required, under the'
diroction obthO hood of the bureau, to milieu
opeciinens of the various minerals of our coun
try, and io iOnstriha, by careful analysis, their
respective oternonts and proportion, and their,
adaptation to useful purposes. He should also
bo required to exainlne and, report upon the
qualities of different. soils, and 05 manures
best calculated to improve their productiveness.
By-publishink the results of ouch experiments,:
with suitable. explanations, and by the collec. l
lion, and distribution of rare seeds and plants,.
with instructions as to the beat system of cul.
tivation, much may be done to promote this
great oedema interest.
do compliance with the act.'of Congress,
passed on..tlin 28d of. May, 1850, providing. a
mong other things, fur taking the seventh eon-.
sus, a superintendent was appointed, and all
other measures adopted .which were doomed
inieessary to ensure the. prompt and faithful
performance of that duty, The appropriation
already mado will, it is_ believed, be sufficient to
dafray.,-the—tsbulel—exponso'-ot the work; but
furilicri legislation' may be necessaryln regard
to the componicitisin of some of thy insishals of
um', Torrit o o m p. It•Wili also bop oiler to make
prOrision by law, at an early.da , for the pub
lication of such abstracts us the, r urns aa,the
public interests may require.
The unprecedented growth Dicier ' irlturies
on - the Pacific. in' wealth and population, and
the consequent increase of their social and Corn
march) relations with the AtlantieStates,seem
to render it the duty . of the °oversta:4st to two
all Its. constitutional power to linprove the
moans of intorcouthe with thein.- The 'lmpel':
tattoo of opening "aline of communreation,•thM
best and most expeditious of , which thy natn i rq
of the country well gdrillt," betWeiMlhe valley
of the Micisiscuppl'and.tho Pacific,' was brought
to your notice by ime prede a e Rear , in his annual
nlVlsmlge i and as The readona which ho.presess
tetkirk.,favor. ef.:tholnsiasuro, still esist - Jr! ;lull '
forCii; k hygienics to call,your attention to Chain,
and to repeat the recommendations then made
by him, „
, .
The uncertainty which exists in regard to
the validity of land titleain, California is a sub
''ject which demands your early consideration.-;-•
Large' bodies of' laud in. that Sliitd are claimed
undergrante said to have been:rriaderby author
ity of the Spanish and. MexicariGuvernmente.'...
Many of these have 'not been perfected. others),
have been revoked; and some are ; believed to be'
'fraudulent. But until they shall / have been
judicially investig'aled, they hull continuo to
'retard - 6Z settlement and improvement of the
country. I, therefore,
respectfully recommend'
that provision be made by law, teethe appoint
ment of commissioners to , examine all such
claims with a view:to their GAO adjustment.
I also beg leave to call Tour attention to
the propriety of extending, at an early day,
our system of land laws, with such modifica
tion's as may be necessary over the State of
California and the territories of Utah and
New Max ice, The mineral lands of Cali.
forma will, of course, form an exception. to
' any general system -which may be adopted.
Various methods of - disposing of them have
been' suggested. I was at first inclined 'te
favor the system of leasing, as it seemed to
- promise the larges't revenue to the Govern,
meet and to afford the best security against
monopolies; but further reflection, and our
experience in leasing the lead mines and sel
ling lands upon credit, have brought my mind
to the conclusion that there would be greet
difficulty in collectini:the rents, and that the
relation of debtor and creditor, between the
citizens and the Government, would be at
tended with.many mischievous consequences.
—I thereforo-recommend_Aliat,_instetut_cd_re
taming the mineral lands under the perma
nent control of the Government, they be di
vided into small parcels and sold; under such
restrictions, as to quantity and time, as will
insure the best price, and guard most effectu
ally against combinations of capitalists to
obtain monopolies.
The annexation'of Texas and the nequisi-,
tion of California and New Mexico have giv
en increas,ed impoeance to our Indian rela
tions. The various tribes brought under our
jurisdiction by-these enlargements of our
boundaries are estimated to embrace a popu-
Wien of one hundred and twenty four thens•
and:
Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by
powerful tribes of Indians, who are a source
of - constant' terror and annoyance, to the in--
habitants. 'Separating into small predatory
bands, and always mounted, they overrun
the country,- deveitating -farms, destroying
crops, driving off whole herds of cattle, and
occasionally murdering the inhabitants or
carrying them into captivity. The greet
roads-leading into the country are infested
with them, whereby travelling is rendered
extremely dangerous, and emigration
is al
most entirely arrested. The Mexican Iron--
tier, which, by the 11th article of the treaty
of uadalupe Hidalgo, we are bound to pros
tort against tlfe Indians within our border, is
exposed to these incursions equally with our
own. 'The military force stationed in that
dountry (although forming a large proportion
of the army) is represented as entirely inade
quate to our own protection and the fulfil
ment of our treaty stipulations with Mexico.
The principal deficiency is in cavalry, and I
recommend that Congress should, at an eer
ily period as practicable, provide for the real
ing-of one or more regiments of mounted
men.
F'or further suggestions on this subject, and
others connected with our domestic interests,
and the defence of otrrfrentier, I refer you to
the report of the Secretary of the Interior
and of the Secretary oft War. _
I recommend also to your . favorable con
sideration the suggestion contained in the last
mentioned report, and in the letter of the
General-in.chief, relative to the establish•
ment of an'asylum for the relief of disabled
and destitute soldiers. This subject appeals
so strongly to your sympathies that it would
be superfluous in me to say any thing more,
than barely to express my cordial approba
tion of the proposed object.
The navy continues to give protection to
our commerce and other nritiotfal interests in
the•different quarters of the globe, and, with
the exception of a single steamer on the Nor
thern lakes, the vessels in commission• are
distributed in six different squadrons. I
The report of the head of that Department
will exhibit the services of these squadrons,
and of the several vessels employed in each
during the past year. It is a source of grat
ification that, while they have been constant
ly prepared for any hostile emergency, they'
have every where met w•ittt the respect and
courtesy, due as well to the dignity as to the
peaceful dispositions and juht purposes of the
nation.
The two brigantines accepted by the Gov_
ernment from a generous citizen of New
York, and placed tinder the command of an
_officer of.the_navy„.to procecd_to-the-Aretic
seas in quest of the British commander, Sir
John Franklin, and his companions, in com
pliance with the act of C.ligress, approved
marl - F I 'ITIHRtiw • • ear. rom, pen
_etrated_into_n_high_horthern_latitude4 but. -
the success of this noble and humane enter
prise is yet uncertain.
I invite your attention to the view of our
present naval establishment and resources
presented in the report of the Secretary of
_ the Navy, and. the suggestions..therein
for its improvement, together. with the naval
policy recommended for the security of our
Pacific Coast, and the protection and exten
sion of our commerce with Eastern Agin.--
Our facilities for a larger participation in the
trade of the East, by means of out recent set.
tlements on the shores of the Pacific, are too
--obvious to he overlooked or disregarded.
The questions in relation to rank in the'
army and navy, end relative rank' between of
ficers of the two branches of the service, pre.
sented,fo the Executive by certain resole•
tions of the House of Representatives, at the
last session of Congress, have been, submit
ted to a board of officers in each branch ,of
the service, and- their report may , be expec- .
ted nt nn early day.
I also,earnestly recommend the enactment
of a law authorizing officers of the army and
navy to be retired from the service, when in
competent for its vigorous and active duties, -
taking core to make suitable provision for .
those who have faithfully served their co en
try, and awarded distinctions, by retaining
in appropriate commands. those who have
been particularly conspicuous for gallantry ,
and good conduct. While the obligation of
the pantry to maintain and honor those who,
to the exclusion of other pursuits, have devo
• ted•themselves to its arduous - service ; this
obligation shOuld not bo permitted to inter.
fere with the efficiency of the service
it
sel
I am gratified in being able ,to state, that
the estimates of expenditure for the navy in
,the ensuing year are less, by more than one
-- million -of dollars,-than those - of - the - present;
excepting the appropriation which . may be•
come necessary for the construction of a dock
on the timid of tlia\Pactfic, propositions for
which are now:, being considered, and on
which a special report Inv be expected ear
ly in your present session
There is an evideht justness in the sugges-
tion of the same ?sport, that appropriations
for the naval service iiroper should be sepa
rated from those for fixed and permanent ob•
jects, such as building docks and navy yards,
and thel fixtures attached ; and from ~ t htv'ex
Arnordinary objects under the,,care of, the De
partment, which, however important - A are not
..essentially naval.
A revision of the code for the vivernment
of Om navy seemsto require the immediate
consideration of 'Congress. .Its system of
crimes and punishments had undergone no,
change for half a century,' until the last ses
sion, though its defects have been often and
ably pointed out, and the, abolition of a par
ticular species of arporeal punishmont,which
•then took place, without providing any sub,
stitute,'has left the service...in n state of de-.
fectiveness, which calls for proMpt correc
tion. I therefore recommend that the whole
subject be revised without de!ak, and such a
system established kir the enforcement of dis-
cipline, as shall be et Duce humane and effec-
, The accompanying report of the Postmai'.
er general, presents a-salisfabtory, view-tif,
he operation antreontlition of that 'Depart.
IMIII
At the close of the last fiscal, year, 'the
ength of the inland mail routes in. the UM.:
ed Stnter-(not embracing the service in 0r...
egon and - Californip) was l 'one hundred and
seyents eight thousand six hundred and sev-
enty two voiles; the annual .iranspOrtation
thereon forty.siic million, five hundred and
forty one thousand lour hundret. and twenty.
three miles; and the annual cost Qt 'each,
transportation two millions enroll •hundred'
and 'twenty four thousand four hundred and•
twenty six dollars., • •
The increase of th i n online] transportation
over that or the preeeeding year woe three
millions nine hundredand ninety-seven thou.
sand three hundred,and firty-fOur miles, and.
the increase of cost vas , threelundred ,and
forty-two thOusand fourybund • - and 'forty':
'dollars.. ,
The number of, post °Was in he United
Stains, on the first day of July last, was eigh
teen thetwaifd'four hundred and -seventeen—
being an increase of sixteen hundred and
seventy during the preceding year.
The gross rovetines of the Department for
"'the fiscal year ending June 30thi-'1800;
amounted to'five millions five hundred and
fifty-two thousand nine hundred and Seventy
one dollars and forty-eight cents, including
the, annual appropriation of two hundred
-thousand dollar's for the -franked matter of
the departments, and excluding the foreign
postnges collected for and payable to the
British Government. .
The expenditures for the same period were
five million two hundred and twelve thouv
and nine hundred and fifty-three-dollars and
forty-three cents - leaving a balance of reve
nue over expenditures of three hundred and
forty thousand and eighteen dollars and live
cents.
I nm happrto find that the fiscal condition
of the Department is such as to justify the
Postmaster General in recommending the re
duction of our inland letter postage to three
cents the single letter when prepaid, rind five
cents when not' prepaid. lle. also recom•
mends that the prepaid rate shall be reduced
to two cents whenever the' revenues of the
Department, after the reduction ' shall exceed
its expenditures by more than five per cent.
for two conseeutive-years.; that the postage
upon California and other letters sent by our
ocean steamers shrill be much Jeduc_e_d_;_aml_
that 'the rates of postage on newspapers,
pamphlets, periodicals, and other printed
matter shall be modified, and some reduction
thereon - made.
It cannot be doubted that the proposed re
ductions will, for the present, diminish the
revenues of - the Department. It is believed
that the deficiency, after the surplus already
accumulated shall be exhausted, may be al
most wholly - filet, either by abolishing the
existing privileges of sending free mutter
through the mails, or by payini , ' out of the
Treasury to the Post -O ffi ce Departmeri a
semi equivalent to the postage of which i ,is
deprived by such privileges. 'rite last is I
supposed to be the preferable mode, and wi ,
if not entirely, so nearly supply that de -
ciency as to Make any.-further appropriatio
\
that may be found necessary so inconsidera
ble as to form no obstacle to the proposed re.
Aluctions, •
I entertain no doubt of the authority of
Congress to make appropriations for leading
objects in that clasi of public works coin=
I
prising what are usually called - worksof in•
ternal improvement. 'Ph i s authority I sup
pose to be derived chiefly from the power of
regulating commerce with foreign nations,
and among the states, and the power of lay
ing and collecting imposts. Where commerce
is to be carried on, and imposts collected,
there must be ports and harhots;;ns a vell rie
wharves and custom houses. If ships; laden
with valuable cargoes, approach the shore,
or sail along the coast, light-houses are ne
cessary at suitable points for the protection
of life and property. Other facilities and
securities for commerce and navigation are
hardly less important ' • and those clauses of
the Constitution, therefore, to which I have
referred, have received from the origin of
the Government a liberal and beneficial con'
struction. Not only have lighthouses, buoys,
end beacons been established, and flouting
lights, been - maintained, but harbors have - 1
beencleared and• improved, piers construct
ad,
and even break-waters-for the safety-of
shipping, and sea walls to 5 protect harbors
from being filled up, and rendered useless by
the action of the ocean,
have been erected at
a very great expense. AO this construction
of the Constitution appears more reasonable
from the consideration, that if these works,
of.such evident importance and utility, are
not to he accomplished bY , Congress, , they
cannot be accomplisherht all, By the adop
tion of the Constitution the several States
voluntarily parted with the poWer of col
lecting duties &imposts in their own ports ;
and it is not to be expected that they should
,raise money, - by internal taxation, direct or
indirect, for the benefit of that commerce,
the revenues derived from Which do not, &-
thyr in whole or in, part, go into their own
treasuries. Nor do I perceive'any difference
between the power of Congress to make al-i
-nt-Optimums for objects of this kind on the,
ocean and the power to make appropriations
lerslinilar objects on lakes and, rivers, wher
ever they are large pougli to bear on their
waters an extensive reaffic. The magnificent
Mississippi and its tributaries, and the vast
lakes of the north and the northwest, ap
pear to me to fall within the exercise of the
power, as justly and clearly as the Ocean
and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a mistake to
teg:ard._.oxpondituraft..judiciously.._rnade_ for
these obj&' as expenditures for local pur
poses. ..rle position, or site of the work, is
necessarily local ; but its utility is general.
• hip canstai mind the fati-traf-Stary-of
less than a mile in length,.thoughlocal-mits
construction,„wonlA yet_ be national in its
purpoie and its benefits, us it would remove
the only obstruction to navigation of more
than - a thousand' . miles, effecting several
States, as welt as our commercial relations
with Canada. 50 . ,. too, the BlerikwateLat
the mouth of the Delaware is erected, not for
the exclusive benefit of the States bordering
on the bay and river of that name, but for
that of the whole coastwise navigation of the !
United States, and to a considerable extent
also, of foreign eommerce. If a ship be lost'
on the bar at the entrance of a southern port
for want of sufficient depth of water, it IS
very likely_ to be n northern ship ; and if a
steamboat be sunk in any part of the Miss•
issippi, on account. of its channel riot havini:
been properly cleared of its obstructions,
may be a^boat belong ing to either of eight or
ten Stares. I may a dd, as somewhat reinar•
!cable, that among all the thirty•one States,
there is none that is not, to a greater or less
extent, bounded on the ocean,or the Gulf of
Mexico, or one of Thu grealakes; or some
navigable river.
In fulfilling our constitutional dutieS, fel•
fellow citizensi - on this subject, as in — crlify.
lug into effect,pll other powers conferred by
the Constitution, We should consider our.
solves as deliberating and acting for one and
the same country, and bear constantly in
mind, that our regard and our dutyure due,
not to a particular part only, but to the
whole.
I, therefore recommend that rippropSiatinns
be made for completing such works es have
been already begun, and for commencing
such others as may seem to the wisdom o
Congress to be of publia and general impor
EMI
The difficulties and delays, incident to the
sett' meat - of _priyate__claims by_ Congress,
amdpnt in many, cases to a denial of justice.
TheiC is reason to apprehend that many un.
fortunate creditors of the Government have
thereby been unavoidably Alined. Congress
has so much business of a 'public character,
that it•is impossible it should give much at
tention,to mere private claims, and their ac.
cumulation is now Bo great that-many claim
ants must despair of ever being able to ob
fain a bearing. ' It may well be doubtet
whether Congress, from the nature of its or
ganizstion,is properly constituted to decide
upon such cases. It is impossible that each
member should examine the merits of every
claim on Which he is compelled to vote; and
it is pieposteroei to risk - e judge to decide a
case which he has, never heard. y Such deci
sions may, and frequently Must, do injustice
either to the claimant or the Government,
. ,
and I perceive .no better remedy (or this
growing evil than the establishment of some
tribunal to adjiidicate,upon such claitn
beg leave therefore, most respectfully, to
recommend that provision be made by law
for the appointment of a commission to set
'tie all private claims against „Jim United
States ; and, as an ex mete hearing must in
all contested Cases be very. unsatisfactory, 1
also fecbminend the appoititment•of a Solici
tor, whose dot . ) , it shall be to represent the
Government; before such commission, and
'protect it against all illegal, fraiulti!ea.t, or
unitist chillies,/ which may be presented_ for
their adjudication. •
This Die' riet, which has neither voice Lir
Note in your .deliberations, ' looks to you'for
protection and aid, and I commend all ite
wants to your favoriblet consideration, with
n full confiderkco that you will meet them not
only with jutitieo' hut with 'llinnality.
nhonld ho borne in.mind flirt in thin oity,laid
. .
out by Washington, and. consecrated .by his
murk, le loeuted tho Ra\ 401 of our nation,
the emblem of our Union uttho syrobol 'of
our groa.nose....llerii , eldo arl4
Routed all the
puldicilulltliriO noaessaiy..fia - thc'use of the
Government, and all thaw are so:inept from
taxation. - IL iiluauld hoth o ,prldri.of Arneri—
• cans 1.0 ' rerldOi•klihis_:, Plaid' attractiviLio dhe .
people oftho wliOldßopublicond canyon lent
and;aefo for,,ilicjiansuction 'of tho public bu.
eincsa,enCtlio , pie,aorration of Alio public ro- -
..,..._ .._____ •
, . .
cord. I. The. 'Government should, therefore,
bear a liberal proportion of the burdens of rill
necessary and "useful' improvements,--- And,
s nothing ; could "contribute' more to the
, he Ith,uomfort: 'and safety of the city, and
' the ecurity of the public-- buildings and rec
ords, than an abundant supply of pure writer,
rc, ions for obtaining' the same as In
.1 res ectfully recommend that you make such
pwi
your
'wisdom you may deem proper..
The act passed at your last - session, ma
king certain propositions to Texas for tutting
the disputed boundary betiveorr that, Stole
.and the Territory of New - Mexico, wee, im
mediately on its passage, transmitted by ex•
press to the Governor of Texas, to be laid by
him before the , encral Assembly Or - its
agreement,thereto.` Its receipt was duly ac
knowledged, but no official information has
yet been received of the actiun of the Getter
al Assembly thereon ;, it may, however, be
' , very soon .expected, as, by the terms of the
propositions , submitted„ they were_ to have
been acted upon, on or before the first day of
the present month.
It was hardly to have been' expected that
the series of measures passed at your last
session, with the view of healing the section•
al differences which had_sprung from the
slavery and territorial questions, should at
,once have realized theirbeneficent purpose.
All mutual concession . in the nature of-ti
,compromise must necessarily, be unwelcome
ar.rnen of extreme opinions'. And though
_ w i thout_ottelt_conceosione-our-Constirmion
could not , have been forme I, and cannot be
permanently sustained,. yet we hove seen
theM made the subject of bitter controversy
in both sections of the Republic. It required
many months of discussion end deliberation
to secure th concurrence of a majority of
Congress in heir favor. It would be strange
if they It been received with immediate ap
probation by people and States, prejudiced
and heated by , the exciting controversies of
their representatives. I believe those meas
ures to have been' required by the circum
stances and condition of the count” y; I be-
Rove they were. necessary to allay asperities
and animosities that were rapidly alienating
one section of the country from another, and '
de, ,stroying those fraternal sentinients which
are" the strongest supports of the Constitution.
They were adopted in the spirit of conciliation
and for the purpose of conciliation. I be
lieve that - a greatmajolity of our fellew citi
zens sympathize in that spirit, and that pur
pose, and in the main approve ; and are
-prepared, In' all respects, to sustain these
eriactutentl. I cannot doubt l'hat the Amer
ican:people, bound together by kindred blood
and common traditions, -still cherish a pare
mount regard for the Union of their fathers ;
and that.they.are ready to rebuke any attempt
to- vielate-its-integrity; to 'disturb the compro
misesron which it is based, or to , resist the
lawS which havo'been enacted, under its au-
thority.
The series of meatfures to which I have
alluded are regarded by me as a settlement,
in principal and substatice—a final settlement,-
of the dangerous and exciting subjects which
they embraced. Most of these subjects,
Indeed, ore beyond your reach, as the legisla—
tioq.which_disposed of them was, in. its char— -
acter,, final and irrevocable. It may be pre—
sumed from the opposition which they, all
encountered that none of-those measures was
free from imperfections, but in their, mutual
dependence onto-connexion they formedia
system of compromise, the most conciliatory,
and best for the entire country, that could be
obtained from conflicting sectional. intetests
and opinions.
For this reason I recommend your adhe—
rence to the adjustment established by those
measures, until time and experience shall
demonstrate the necessity of further legislation
to guard against evasion or abuse.
By that adjustment we have been rescued.
from the -wide and boundless agitation that
surrounded us, and have a firm, di•tinci?and
legal ground to rest up . n. And the occasion,
I trust, will justify me in exhorting my coun—
trymen to rally upon and maintain that ground ,
as the best, if not the only means, Of restoring •
peace and quiet to the country, and maintain—,
ing inviolate the integrity of the Union.
And now, fellow-citizens, I cannot bring
this 'communication to a close without invo—
king you to join me in humble and devout
thanks to the Great Ruler.cif nltions, (or the
multiplied blessings which ho has graciously
bestowed upon us. His hand, so often widble
in our preservation, has stayed the pestilence,
eaved us from foreign wars and domestic
disturbances, and scattered plenty throughou
the land.
- —Our libertiesTreligionsand cirilyhave been
maintained ; the fountains of knowedge have,.
all been kept open, and means of happiness
widely a read and
.enerall en'o , ed, _renter
than have to en to t e lot of any other na
tion. - And, while. deeply penetrated with
gratitude for the past, let us hope that his all
wise Providence will so guide our counsels,
as that they shall result intiving satisfaction
fo our constituents, securing the peace °Nile
country, and adding new strengthyo the uni
ted-Government - nuder - wirich -- we ive.
MILLARD .FILLIVIORE
WastuNoToN DECEMBER 2d, 1850.
I" Whiga of Connecticut, assembled
lately in State Convention, passed the follow.
ing resolution relative to the Fugitive Slave
Bill. 6.l>e - inild, patriotic and conservative:—
Resolved, pita while we recognize the pro
visions of the Constitution, relative to We deliv
ering up of fugitives from service, as binding
tied obligatory, we believethat the present fu
gitive slave law should he so modified as to be
no longer a source of fraternal discord ; but we
disclaim all fellowship with nullification in any
of its forms, whether South or Noith, and w ill
always adopt as our motto. "The Union, the
Constitution, end the Laws," end by this wo
will Aland or fall.
MORE SOUTII CAROLINA MCISTE - RING.--ili 1.110
the, Charleston Mercury we find, a correspon
dence hotweon a rifle corps ut Wulteritorough,
attached to the '3d ,regiment of infantry, and
Governor Seabrook, of South Carolina. Tim
'Soldiers tender their services table Excellency,
should illey be required to fight for Southern.
independence. They suy they have 'plenty - of '
knapsacks; pcnvder-lioXns, Sayks, belts and
knives." The Governor accepted their servi
ces:
GEORGIA STRONG FOR THE UNION —Augusta,
Nov. 27.—An election took plac6 ; throughnit
Georgia for delegates to the Conventitin,,order
ed by the last Legislature to bo called by the
Governor in the event of the passage by Con
gress of the bill admitting California ns-a State
of the Union. Too Union party have carzied-Th
the plate`by .an overwhelming majority—poi-.
aps 30;000. In 23 counties thePisanionists
avo carried but Mice tiy an aggregate, major
ty nfless than two hundred.
CALIFORNIA Wlllo.—Tito citations' In
turnip have gone in fii'vor of the Whigs, when
ever piny politics wore made a question at 010
pulls. In vomit districts in thu iuturitir, the
Squuttur party were sucqcssful. It is said in-----
the San Frandsen Courier, that the Whigs have
a majority Of 'two in the Senate, and have BOHM
hopes of the Assembly. A Senator is to be
elected In Col. Fremont's medal. Thu new ,
capital will be at,Vallejo instead of San Jose,
0::1" dJtlßandolph; and not CJlhoun,
joyelthe eredit of havini orimated ttie phrase.
a '_•tvise_and metier/1i inactivity," tvhiell has or
late years become no common in dieotheing po.
Mica! topies. - The phrasO , oceora 'rep.,eatetlly
111 , 110 spoidtes. 111 r. alludelplrrila . u. •61.igiut.
Ord the P aying, true es preaching , that the
't , pentecreett in ihis,anniry is the nature/ ally p.lr
slqvcry." - )..
„ • .
Pavel])Ercr•uv Alexice;--Ily advice.] r`aceiv,v4:,
Orlue . ne, it eseeraiti ed 'that
rich bee been elected Ti4ldinit or that lt,..puh.
licbg largo, inajui:l44,-,t'f•i-Z
Tfto Leglelttture'.of Vermont ah pratiitt ,
ited tlte'rele, s'Abordorey
except for Medical, clievaidttl anti Mooiiatjoit -
pprpo3c's... • '