w . i' 1
act referred to, I caused the stock to lc pre
pared, aiid the five lui'lions which are to be is
sued unconditionally, bearing an interest of five
per cent, froin the 1st day of January, 1851,
have been for some time ready to be delivered
to the State of Texas. The authorities of Texas,
up to the present time, have not authorized any
one to receive their stock, and it remains in the
Treasury Department, subject "to the order of
Texas.
The releases, required by law to be deposited
in the Treasury, not having been filed there, the
n.inniniwxr v millions have not beCIl lSSlied.
This last amount of the stock will be withheld
from Texas until the conditions upon which it
is to delivered shall be complied with by the
creditors of that State, unless Congress shall
otherwise direct by a modification of the law.
In my last annual message, to which I respect
fully refer, I stated briefly the reasons which
iuduced me to recommend a modification of the
rrescnt tariff", by converting the ad valorem into
. .nn-ifii ihitr. wherever the article imported ,
,.f n h a rlmrnrter ns to rermit it. and that:
Kiirh a. discrimination should be made, in favor i
..f tl.n industrial i.nrsuits of our own country, as
to encouracc home production without excluding
foreign competition.
The numerous frauds which continue to be
practised upon the revenue, by false invoices
and undervaluations, constitute an unanswerable
reason for adopting specific instead of ad valorem
duties in all cases where the nature of the com
modity does not forbid it. A striking illustra
tion of these frauds will be exhibited in the lie
port of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing j
the custom-house valuation of articles imported j
under a former law subject to specific duties,
when there was no inducement to undervaluation,
and the custom-house valuations of the same
articles, under the present system of ad valorem
duties, so greatly reduced as to leave no doubt
of the existence of the most flagrant abuses un
der the existing laws. This practical evasion
of the present law, combined with the languish
ing condition of some of the great interests of
the country, caused by over importations and
consequent depressed prices, and with the failure
in obtaining a foreign market for our increasing
eurnlus of breadstuff's and provisions, has m-i
duced me aj;ain to lecouimend a modification ot,
the existing tariff.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior,
which accompanies this communication, will
present a condensed statement of the operation
of that important department of the Govern
ment. It will be 6eer tlwit the cash sales of the pub
lic lands exceed those of the proceeding year,
and that there is- reason to anticipate a still fur
ther increase, notwithstanding the large dona
tions which have been made to many of the
States, and the liberal grants to individuals as
a reward for military services. This fact fur
nishes very gratifying evidence of the growing
wealth and prosperity of our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for com
mencing the survey of the public lands in Cali
fornia and Oregon. Surveying parties have been
organized, and some progress has been made in
establishing the princiial base and meridian
lines. Cut further legislation and additional
appropriations will be necessary before the pro
per subdivisions can be made, and the general
laud system extended over those remote parts of
our territory.
On the 3d of March last an act was passed
providing for the appointment of three commis
sioners to settle private land claims in Califor
nia. Three persons were immediately appoint
ed, all of whom, however, declined accepting
the office, in consequence of the inadequacy of
the compensation. Others were promptly se
lected, who, for the same reason, also declined;
and it was not until late in the season that the
services of suitable persons could be secured. A
maioritv of the commissioners convened, in this
city, ou the 10th of September last, when de
tailed instructions were given to them in regard
to their duties. Their first meeting for the
transaction of business will be held in San
Francisco on the eighth day of the pryo;it
month.
I have thought it proper to refer to these facts
not only to explain th i causes of the delay in
filling the commission, but to call your attention
to the propriety of increasing the compensiou of
Of the commissioners. The office is one of great
labor and responsibility, and the compensation
should be such as to command men of a high
order of talents and the most unquestionable
integrity.
The proper disposal of the mineral lands of
California is a subject surrounded by great dif
ficulties. In my last annual message I recom
mended the survey and sale of them in small
parcels, under such restrictions as would effec
tually guard against monopoly and speculation.
But uon further information, and in deference
to the opinions of persons familiar with the sub
ject, I am inclined to change that recommenda
tion, and to advise that they may be permitted
to remain, as at present, a common field, open
to the enterprise and industry of all our citizens,
until further experience shall have developed
the best policy to be ultimately adopted in re
gard to them. It is safer to suffer the incon
veniences that now exist, for a short period,
than, by premature legislation, to fasten on the
country a system founded in error, which may
place the whole subject beyond the future con
trol of Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be
surveyed and brought into market with as little
delay as possible, that the titles may become
settled, and the inhabitants stimulated to make
permanent improvements, and enter on the or
dinary pursuits of life. To effect these objects
it is desirable that the necessary provisions be
made by law for the establishment of land offices
in California and Oregon, and for the efficient
prosecution of the surveys at an early day.
Some difiicultics have occurred in organizing
the Territorial governments of New Mexico and
Utah ; and, when more accurate information
shall be obtained of the causes, a further com
munication will be made on that subject.
In my last annual communication to Congress
I recommended the establishment of an Agri
cultural liurcau, and I take this occasion again
to invoke your favorable consideration "the
subject.
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the
great interest of our people. Four-fifths of our
active population are employed in the cultivation
of the soil, and the rapid expansion of our settle
ments Over IIPW tfHritrtiMr ia rluiltr nil.Kn
- - - . . . w . j umuj uuuiii .'J Lilt;
number of those engaged in that vocation.
Justice ami sound policy, therefore, alike require
that the Government should use all the means
authorised by the Constitution to promote the
interests and welfare of that important class of
our fellow-citizens. And yet it is a singular
fact that, whilst the manufacturing and confmer
cial interests have engaged the attention of Con
gress during a largo portion of every session,
and our statutes abound in provisions for their
protection and encouragement, little has vet
.r. .i. ,i;ti -.1 - J .
'iin-v.njr ui uj uiiueiiicm oi agri
culture. . . It is time that this reproach to our
legislation should be removed; and I sincerely
hope that the present Congress will not close
their labors without adopting efficient means to
supply the omissions of those who have preceded
them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the
duty of collecting and disseminating correct in
formation as to the best modes of cultivation,
and of the most effectual means of preserving
and restoring the fertility of the soil, and of
procuring and distributing seeds and plants und
other vegetable productions, with instructions in j
regard to the soil, climate, and treatment best
adapted to their growth, could not fail to be, in
the language of Washington, in his last annual
message to Congress, a "very cheap instrument
of immense national benefit."
Regarding the act of Congress approved 28th
September, 1-U, granting bounty lauds to per
been leit, by the officers entrusted with its im-
mediate execution, to irive momi.t effect to its
provisions. All the means within their control
were, therefore, brought into requisition to ex
pedite the adjudication of claims, and 1 am
gratified to be able to state that near one hun
dred thousand applications have been considered,
and about seventy thousand warrants issued
within the short space of nine months. If ade
quate provision be made by law to carry into
cnect the recommendations of the Department,
it is confidently expected that, before the close
oi me next, nscai year, an who are entitled to
the benefits of the act will have received their
warrants.
The Secretary of the Interior has suggested in
.his report various amendments of the laws rela-
""ft lu pensions aim uoumy lanus, lor me lur
pose of more effectually guarding against abuse:
; abuses
aud frauds on the Government, to all of which I
invite your particular attention.
The large accessions to our Indian population
consequent upon the acquisition of New Mexico
and California, and the extension of our settle
ments into Utah and Oregon, have given increased
interest and importance to our relations with the
aboriginal race.
No material change has taken place, within
the last year, m the condition and prospect of
the Indian tribes who reside in the Northwestern
Territory and west of the Mississippi river. We
are at peace with all of them; and it will be a
source of pleasure to you to learn that they are
gradually advancing in civilization and the pur
suits of social life.
Along the Mexican frontier, and in California,
and Oregon, there have been occasional mani
festations of unfriendly feeling, and some depre
dations committed. I am satisfied, however.
that they resulted more Irom the destitute and
starving conuiiion oi ine inuians man irom any
settled hostility toward the whites. All the set
tlements of our citizens progress towards them,
the game upon which they mainlj- rely for sub
sistence is driven off or destroj'cd, and the only
alternative left to them is starvation or plunder.
It becomes us to consider, in view of this condi
tion, of things, whether justice and humanity, as
well as an enlightened economy, do not require
that, instead of seeking to punish them for of
fences which arc the result of our own policy
towards them, we should not provide for their
immediate wants and encourage them to engage
in agriculture, and to rely on their labor, instead
of the chase, for the means of support.
Various important treaties have been negotia
ted with different tribes during the year, by
which their title to large and valuable tracts of
country has been extinguished, all of which will,
at the proper time, be submited to the Senate
for ratification.
The joint commission under the treaty of Gua
dalupe Hidalgo has been actively engaged in
running and marking the boundary line between
the United States and Mexico. It was 6tated,
in the last annual report of the Secretary of the
Interior, that the initial point oa the Pacific and
the point of junction of the Gila with the Colo
rado river had been determined, and the inter
vening line, about one hundred and, fifty miles
in length, run and marked by temporary monu
ments. Siuec that time a monument ol" marble
has becu erected at the initial point, and perraar
nent landmarks of iron have been placed at suita
ble distances along the line.
The initial point on the Rio Grande has also
been fixed by the commissioners at latitude 32
22', and at the date of the last communication
the survey of the line had been made thence
westward about one hundred and fifty miles to
tic neighborhood of the copper mines.
The commission Oh CVT fart was at first or
ganized on a scalo which experience proved to
be unwieldy and attended with unnecessary cx -
pensc. Orders have, therefore, been issued for
the reduction of the number of persons employed
within the smallest limits, consistent with the
safety of those engaged in the service, and the
prompt aud efficient execution of their important
duties.
"Returns have been received from all the offi
cers engaged in taking the census in the States
and Territories, except California. The super
intendent employed to make the enumeration in
that State has not yet niude his full report, from
causes, as he alleges, beyond his? control. This
failure is niueh to be regretted, as it has pre
vented the Secretary of the Interior from making
the decennial apportionment of representatives
among the States, as required by the act ap
proved May 23, 1SG0. It is hoped, however,
that the returns will soon be received, and no
time will then be lost in making the necessary
apportionment, aud in transmitting the certifi
cates required by law. .
The Superintendent of the Seventh Census is
diligently employed under the direction of the
Secretary of the Interior, in classifying and ar
ranging, in tabular form, all the statistical in
formation derived from the returns of the mar
shals, aud it is believed that when the work
shall be completed it will exhibit a more perfect
view of the population, wealth, occupations, aud
social condition of a great country than has
ever been presented to the world. The value of
such a work, as the basis of enlightened legis
lation, can hardly be over estimated ; and I
earnestly hope that Congress will lose no time
in making the appropriations necessary to com
plete the classifications, aud to publish the re
sults in a- style worthy of the subject and of our
national character.
The want of a uniform fee bill prescribing the
compensation to be allowed district attorneys,
clerks, marshals and commissioners in civil and
criminal cases, is the cause of much vexation,
injustice, and complaint. I would recommend a
thorough revision of the laws ou the whole sub
ject, and the adoption of a tariff of fees which,
as tar as practicable, should be uniform, and
prescribe a specific compensation for every ser
vice which the officer may be required to per
form. This subject will be fully presented in
the report of the Secretary of the Interior.
In my last annual message 1 gave briefly my
reasons for believing that you possessed the con
stitutional power to improve the harbors of our
great lakes and seacoasts, and the navigation of
our principal rivers, and recommended that ap
propriations should be made for completing
such .works as has already been comracuccd and
for commencing such others as might seem to
the wisdom of Congress to be of public and
general importance. Without repeating the rea
son then urged, I deem it my duty again to call
your attention to this important subject. The
works on many of the harbors were left in an
unfinished state, and consequently exposed to
the action of the elements, wluch is fast destroy
ing them. Great numbers of lives and. vast
amounts of property arc annually lost for want
ot eafe and convenient harbors on the lakes
None but those who have been exposed to that
uangcrons navigation can fully appreciate the
importance of this subject. The whole north
west appeals to you for relief, and I trust their
appeal will receive due consideration at your
hands.
The same is in a measure true in regard to
some of the harbors and inlets on the scacoast.
The unobstructed navigation of I,.
vers is of equal importance. Our settlements
sons who had been engaged in the military ser- Congress to make such appropriations lor these
vice of the country, as a great measure of nation- improvements as they may deem necessary,
al justice and munificence, an anxious desire has The survey of the Delta of the Missisiiii.
are now extending to the sources of the great
rivers which empty into, and form a part of the
Mississippi, and the value of the public lands in
those regions would be greatly enhanced by
freeing the navigation of those waters from ob
structions. In view, therefore, of this creat in-
a i .1 : a. ,i A . c
""si, x uci-iu ii my uuiy ajrain to ur"c
witn a view to the prevention of the overflows
that have Droved so disastrous tn i.,it i.ri,. i,i
country, nave been nearly completed, and the
ii e 1 - '
reports thereof are now in course of preparation,
and will shortly be laid before you.
The protection of our southwestern frontier,
and of the adjacent Mexican States, against the
Indian tribes within our boarder, has claimed
my earnest and constant attention. Congress
having failed, at the last session, to adopt my
recommendation that an additional regiment of
mounted men specially adapted to that service
should be raised, all that remained to be done
was to make the best use of the means at mv
disposal. Accordingly, all the troops adapted to
mat. service mat could properly be spared from
other quarters have been concentrated on that
frontier, and officers of high reputation selected
to commauc them. A new arrangement of tl
military posts has also been made, whereby the
troops are brought nearer the Mexican frontier
and to the tribes they are intended to overawe.
Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realize
all the benefits that are expected to result from
these arrangements, but 1 have every reason to
hope that they will effectually check their ma
rauding expeditious. The nature of the coun
try, which furnishes little for thjrfJiupport of the
army and abounds in places of refuge and con
cealment, is remarkably well adapted to this
predatory warfare ; and we can scarcely hope
that any military force, combined with the
greatest vigilance, can entirely suppress it.
By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we arc
bound to protect the territory of Mexico against
the incursions of the savage tribes within our
border "with equal diligence and energy" as if
the same were made within our territory or
against our citizens. I have endeavored to com
ply, as far as possible, with this provision of the
treaty, urders have been given to the ofheers
commanding ou that frontier to consider the
Mexican territory and its inhabitants as equally
with our own entitled to their protection and to
make all their plans and arrangements with a
view to the attainment of this object. Instruc
tions have also been given to the Indian com
missioners and agents among these tribes, in all
treaties, to make the clauses designed for the
protection of our own citizens apply also to those
ot .Mexico. 1 have no reason to doubt that
these instructions have been fully carried into
effect. Nevertheless, it is probable that, in spite I
of all our efforts, some of the neighboring States
of Mexico may havo suffered, as our own have,
from depredation by the Indians.
To the difficulties of defending our own terri
tory, as above mentioned, are superadded, in
defending that of Mexico, those that arise from
its remoteness, from the fact that we have no
right to- station our troops within her limits, and
that there is no efficient military force on the
Mexican side to co-operate with our own. So
long as this shall continue to be the case, the
number and activity of our troops will rather
increase than diminish the evil, as the Indians
will naturally turn towards that country where
they encounter the least resistance. Yet these
troops are necessary to subdue them, and to
compel them to make aud observe treaties. Until
this shall have been done, ueithcr country -will
enjoy any security from their attacks.
The Indians in California, who had previously
appeared of a peaceable character, and disposed
to cultivate the friendship of the whites, have
recently committed several acts of hostility. As
a large portion of the f iinforcctnejtt to the
Mexican- frontier were drawn from, the Paci5c,
the military force now stationed there is con
sidered entirely inadequate to its defence. It
cannot be increased, however, without an in
crease of the army; and I again recommend that
measure as indispensable to the protection of the
ironuei;
I invite your attention to the eut'festiong on
thi3 subject, ana on Others connected with his
Department, iu the report of the Secretary of
War.
The appropriations for the support of the ar
my during the curreut fiscal year ending 30th
J une next, we reduced far below the estimate
submitted by the Department. The consequence
of this reduction is a considerable deficiency,, to
which I invite your early attention.
The expenditures of that Department, for the
year ending 30th June last, were $9,000,208 58.
The estimates fr the year commencing 1st July
next and ending June 30th, 1853, arc $7,898,
775 83, showing a reduction of $1,101, 102 75.
The Board of Commissioners, to whom the
management of the affairs of the Military Asy
lum created by the act of 3d March last was
entrusted, have selected a site far the establish
ment of an Asylum in the vicinity of this city,
which has been approved by me, subject to the
production of a satisfactory title.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy will
exhibit the condition of the public service under
the supervision of that Department. Our naval
force afloat during the present year has been
actively and usefully employed in giving pro
tection to our widely-extended and increasing
commerce and interests in the various quarters
of the globe, and our flag has everywhere af
forded the security and received the respect in
spired by the justice and liberality of our inter
course, and the dignity aud power of the nation.
The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De
Haven, despatched iu search of the British com
mander, Sir John Frauklin, and his companions
in the Artie Seas, returned to New York in the
month of October, after having undergone great
peril aud suffering from au unknown aud dan
gerous navigation and the rigors of a northern
climate, without any satisfactory information of
the objocts ot their search, but with new contri
butions to science and navigation from the un
frequented polar regions. The officers and men
of the expedition, having been all volunteers
for this service, and having so conducted it as
to meet the entire approbation of the Govern
ment, it is suggested, as an act of grace and
generosity, that the same allowance of extra
pay aud emoluments be extended to them that
were made to the officers and men of like rating
iu the late exploring expedition to the South
Seas.
I earnestly recommend to your attention the
necessity of reorganizing the Naval Establish
ment, apportioning and fixing the number of
officers in each grade, providing some mode of
promotion to .the higher grades of the navv.
having reference to merit and capacity, rather
than seniority or date of entry into the service,
and for retiring from the effective list upou re
duced pay those who may be incompetent to the
performance of active duty. As a measure of
economy as well , as of efficiency in this arm of
the service, the provision last mentioned is emi
nently worthy of your consideration.
The determination of the questions of relative
rank between the sea officers and civil officers of
the navy, and between officers of the army and
navy, in the various grades of each, will also
merit your attention. The failure to provide
any substitute, when corporal punishment was
abolished for offences in the navy, has occa
sioned the convening of numerous courts-martial
upon the arrival of vessels in port, aud is
believed to have had an injurious effect upon
the discipline aud efficiency of the service To
moderate punishment from one grade to another
i nnii
A A '
is among the humane reforms of the age; but
to abolish one of severity, which applied so
generally to offences on ship-board, and provide
nothing in its stead, is to suppose a progress of
improvement in every individual among seamen
which is not assumed by the Legislature in re
spect to any other class of men. It is hoped
that Congress, in the ample opportunity afford
ed by the present session, will thoroughly in
vestigate this important subject, and establish
such modes of determining guilt, and such gra
dations of punishineut as are consistent with
humanity and the personal rights of individuals,
and at the same time shall ensure the most en
ergetic and efficient performance of duty and
the suppression of crime in our ships of war.
The stone dock in the navy yard at New York
which was ten years in process of construction,
has been so far finished as to be surrendered up
to the authorities of the yard. The dry dock
at Philadelphia is reported as completed, and is
expected soon to be tested and delivered ever to
the ageuts of the Government. That at Ports
mouth, New Hampshire, is also nearly ready
for delivery; and a contract has been eouclsded,
agreeably to the act of Congress at its last ses
sion, for a floating sectional dock on the Bay of
San Francisco. 1 invite your attention to the
recommendation of the Department touching
the establishment of a navy yard in conjunction
with this dock on the Pacific. Such a station is
highly necessary to the convenience and effect
iveness of our fleet in that ocean, which must
be expected to increase w ith the grow th of com
merce, and the rapid extension of our whale
fisheries over its waters.
The Naval Academy at Annapolis, under a
revised and improved system of regulations,
now affords opportunities of education and in
struction to the pupils quite equal, it is believed,
for professional improvement, to those enjoyed
by the cadets in the Military Academy. A large
class of acting midshipmen was received at the
commencement of the last academic term, and
a practice ship has been attached to the institu
tion, to afford the amplest means to regular in
struction in seamanship, as well as for cruises
during the vacations of three or four months in
each year.
Ihe advantages of science in nautical affairs
have rarely been more strikingly illustrated than
in the fact stated in the report of the Navy De
partment, that, by means of the wind and cur
rent charts projected and prepared by Lieuten
ant Maury, the Superintendant of the Naval
Ubscrvatory, the passage irom the Atlantic to
the Pacific ports of our country has been short-
ened by about forty days.
The estimates for the support of the Navy
aud Marine Corps the ensuing fiscal year will
be found to be $-3, 850,472 IU, the estimates for
the current year being $-5,000,021.
The estimates for special objects under the
control of this. Department amount to $2,084, -
220 80, against $2,210,080 for the present year,
the increase being occasioned by tie additional; Houses of Congress, with sufficient acconmioda
mail service on the Pacific coast and the con-' tioris for spectators, and suitable apartments for
structioii of the dock in California, authorized I the committees and officers of the two branches
at the last session of Congress, and some slight-ef the Legislature. It was also elesirable not to
additions under the head of improvements aiid mar the harmony and beauty of the present
repairs in navy yards, buildings and machinery, structure, which, as a specimen of architecture,
I deem it of much importance to a just econ-lis so universally admired. Keeping those ob
omy and a correct understanding of naval cx-'jects in view, I concluded to make the addition
penditurcs, that there should be an entire sep- j by wings, detached from the present building,
aratiou of the appropriations for the support of :yet connected with it by corridors. This mode
the naval service proper from those for perma- j of enlargement will leave the present Capitol
neut improvements at navy yards and stations, uninjured, and afford great advantages for ven
aud from ocean steam -mail service, and other ' tilation and the admissie.n of light, and will en
special objects assigned to the supervision of : able the work to progress without interrupting
this Department. jthe deliberations of Cingress. To carry this
The report of the Postmaster General, here- plan into effect I have appointed an experienced
with communicated, presents an interesting view j aud competent architect. The corner-stone was
of the progress, operations, aud condition of j laid ou the 4th day of July last, with suitable
his Department- j ceremonies, since which timo the work has ad-
At the close of the last fiscal rear, the length vanecd with commendable rapidity, aud the foun-
of mail routes within the United States w as
of mail routes within the United States was d
100,290 miles; the annual transportation there
on 53,272,252 miles ; and the annual cost of i ii
such transportation 5r'o,421,754.
The length of the foreign mail routes is csti-' inhabitants have no voice in the choice ot repre
matcd at 18,349 miles; and the annual trans-! seutatives in Congress, they are not the leswen
povtatiou thereon at G15,20G miles. The annual ! titled to a just aud liberal consideration ii your
cost of the service L $1,472,187, of which j legislation. My opinions on this subject were
$418,937 is paid by the Post Office Department, ! more fully expressed in my last annual commu
and $1,023,250 is paid through the Navy Dc-! nicatron,
-rtracat, I Other subjects- were browgkt to the attention
The annual transportation1 !' -' in the United ,
States ("excluding the service in Califoni: and ;
Oregon, which isow.for the first time, reported .
and embraced in the tabular statements cf the!
Department) exceeds that of the precediug year recommendation for the appointment of a com
r. i; R.-,Sm;iM nt fininorMsp.l cost of M7. 110. mission to settle private claims agains the Lnj-
The whole number of post offices iu the Uni
ted States, on- the 30th day of June last, was
10,790. There were 1,008 post offices estab
lished, and 25G discontinued, during the year.
The gross revenues of the Department for the
fiscal year, including the appropriations for the
franked matter of Congress, of the Departments,
and officers of Government, aud excluding the
foreign postages, collected for and payable to, the
British post office, amounted to $0,727,800 78.
The expenditures for the same period (exclu
ding $20,509 40, paid under an award of the
Auditor, in pursuance of a resolution of the
l ist Congress, for mail service on the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers in 1832 and 1833, and the
amount paid to the British post office for foreign
postages collected for aud payable to that office)
amounted to $6,021,500 79; leaving a balance
of revenue over the proper expenditures of the
year of $703,209 99.
The receipts for postages during the year
(excluding the foreign postages collected for
and payable to the British post office) amounted
to $0,345,747 21, being au increase of 997,
010 79, or 18.G5-100 per cent, over the like re
ceipts for the precceling year.
The reduction of postage, under the act of
March last, did not trke effect until the com
mencement of the present fiscal year. The ac
counts for the first quarter, under the operation
of the reduced rates, will not be settled before
January next; and no reliable estimate of the
receipts for the present year can yet be made.
It is believed, however, that they will fall far
short of those of tho last year. The surplus of
the revenues now on hand is, however, so large
that no further appropriation from the treasury,
in aid of the revenues of the Department, is re
quired for the current fiscal year; but an addi
tional appropriation for the year ending June
30, 1853, will probably be found necessary when
the receipts of the first two quarters of the fis
cal year are fully ascertained.
In his last annual report the Postmaster Gen
eral recommended a reduction of postage to
rates which he deemed as low as could be pru
dently adopted, unless Congress was prepared
to appropriate from the treasury, for the sup
port of the Department, a sum more than equi
valent to the mail services performed by it for
the Government. Ihe recommendations of the
Postmaster General, in respect to letter postage,
except on letters from and to California and
Oregon, were substantially adopted by the last
Congress, lie now recommends adherence to
tho present letter rates, and advises against a
further reduction until justified by the revenue
of the Department.
He also recommends that the rates of postage
on printed matter be so revised as to render
them more simple, and more uniform in their
operation upon all classes of printed matter. I
submit the recommendations of the report to
your favorable consideration.
The public statutes of the United States have
now been accumulating for more than sixty
years, and interspersed with private acts, arc
scattered through numerous volumes, and, from
the cost of the whole, have become almost in
accessible to tho great mass of tho community.
They also exhibit much of the incongruity and
imperfection of hasty legislation. As it seems
to be generally conceded that thpre is no "com
mon law " of the United States to supply the
defects of their legislation, it is most important
that that legislation should be as perfect us pos
sible, defining every power intended to be con
ferred, every crime intended to be made punish
able, and prescribing the punishment to be in
tiictcd. hi addition to some particular cases
spoken of iiu.ro at length, the whole criminal
code is now lamentably detective. Some offen
ces are imperfectly described, and others are
entirely omitted; so that flagrant crimes may
be committed with impunity. The scale of puu
ishmeut is not iu all cases graduated according
to the degree and Mature of the offence, and is
often rendered more unequal by he different
modes of imprisonment, or penitentiary con
finemracnt, in the diff erent States
Many laws of a permanent character have
been introduced into appropriation bills, and it
is often difficult to determine whether the par
ticular clause expires with the temporary act of
which it is a part, or continues in force. It has
also frequently happened that enactments aud
provisions of law have been introduced into
bills, with the title or general subject of which
they have little or no connexion or relation. In
this mode of legislation so many enactments
have been heaped upon each other, and often
with but little consideration, that, in many in
stances, it is difficult to search out and deter
mine what is the law.
The Government of the United States is em
phatically a government of written laws. The
statutes should, therefore, as far as practicable,
not only be made accessible to all, but be ex
pressed in language so plain and simple as to
be understood by all, and arranged in such
method as to give perspicuity to every subject.
Many of the States have revised their public
acts- with great aud manifest benefit; and I re
commend that provision be made by law for the
appointment ot a commission to revise the pub
lic statutes of the United States, arranging them
in order, supplying deficiencies, correcting in
congruities, simplifying their language, and re
porting them to Congress for its action.
An act of Congress approved 30th September,
180O, contained a provision for the extension of
the Capitol, according to such plan as might be
approved by the President, and appropriated one
hundred thousand dollars to be expended under j
! his direction, by such architect as he should ap-
: point to execute the same.- uu examining me
.various plans which had been submitted by dif-
ferent architects; in pursuance of an advertise-
1 ment by a committee of the Senate, no one was
i found to be entirely satisfactory, aud it was
thercf re deemed advisable to combine and adept
j the advantages of several.
The great object to be accomplished was to
i make such an addition as would afford ample and
'convenient halls for the deliberations of the two
datious of both wings-are new nearly complete.
I again comiueud to your favorable regard the
interests of the District of Columbia, and deem
li only necessary to remind- yeu,iat although its
of Congress in my last annual menage, to which
l wouiu rcspccnuuy reier.
But there w as one
of ni?re than ordinary interest to which I again
invite your spcCl attention. I allude to the
ted .states, justice to mumuusis s nv."
the Government imperatively demands that
some more convenient and expeditious mode
than an appeal to Congress should be adopted.
It is deeply to be regretted that in several m-
stances officers of the Government, in attempt
ing t execute the law for the return of fugitives
from labor, have been openly resisted, and their
efforts frustrate! aud defeated by lawless and
violent mobs ; that iu one case such resistance
resulted in the death of an estimable citizen, and
in others serious injury ensued'to those officers
and to individuals who were using their endeav
ors to sustain the laws. Prosecutions have been
instituted against the alledged offenders, so far
as they ctuld be identified, and are still pending.
I have regarded it as my duty, in these cases, to
give all aid legally in my power to the enforce
ment of the laws," and 1 shall continue to do so
wherever and wheucver their execution may be
resisted-
The act of Congress for the return of fugi
tives from labor is one required and demanded
by the express words of the Constitution.
The Constitution declares, " That no person
held to service or labor in one State, under the
laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in
consequence of any law or regulation therein,
'be discharged from such service or labor,. but
shall be delivered up on claim of the pasty to
whom such service or labor may be due."' This
constitutional provision is equally obligatory
upon the Legislative, the Executive and. Judi
cial Departments of the Government, and upon
every citizen of the United States.
Congress, however, must, from necessity, first
act upon the subject, by prescribing the procee
dings necessary to ascertain that the pessouis.a
fugitive, and the means to be used for his resto
ration to the claimant. This was done by an aet
passed during the first term of President Wash
ington, wVich was amended by that enacted by
the last Congress, and it now remains for the
Executive and Judicial Departments to take care
that these laws be faithfully executed: This in
iunction of the Constitution is as peremptory
and binding as any other; it stands exactly on
the same foundation as that clause which pro
vides for the return of fugitives from justice, or
that which declares that no bill of attainder or
,r nost facto law shall be passed, or that which
provides for an equality of taxation, according
to the census, or tho clause declaring that all
duties shall bo- miform throughout the United
States, or the important provision that the trial
of all crimes shall be by jury, inese several
articles and clauses of the Constitution, all rcst
inr on the same authority, must stand or fall to
gether. Some objections have been urged against
the details Ot Uie act lor me icium ui iwgimcs
frnm labor: but it is worthy of remark that the
main opposition is aimed against the Constitu
tion itself, and proceeds from persons and class
es of persons, many of whom declare their wish
to see that Constitution overturned. They avow
their hostility to any law which shall give full
and practical effect to this requirement of the
Constitution. Fortunately, the number of these
norsnna is comparatively small, and is believed
to be daily diminishing, but the issue which they
present is one which involves the supremacy
even the existence of the Constitution.
Causes havo heretofore arisen in which ' r
vidua Is have denied the binding authorit
acts of Congress, and even states have pror '
to nullify such acts, upon the ground that'tt
constitution was the supreme law of the 1 a
and that those acts of Congress were repurn
to that instrument; but nullification is now
ed, not so much against particular laws tS"
ing inconsistant with the Constitution as au
the Constitution itself; and it is not to ho J'1
sed that a spirit exists and has been actWeU
work to rend asunder this Union. wW : " x
ciiensneu mueriiauce irom our. retoluti
. i . i . - i . t- 13
our
fathsrs. UVJ
Iu my last annual message I stated tbt
Considered the scries of measure?, which h i
been adopted at the previous session, In ref
ence to the igitation growing out of the teri'tT
rial and slavery question, as a final scttlcmeilt
in principle and substance of the dangerous t&
exciting subjects whijh they embraced: anj i
recommended adherence to the adjustment
tablishcd by those measures; until time and ti
perience should demonstrate the necessity f
further legislation to guard against evasion
abuse. 1 was not induced to make this ree-oi
inundation because I thought those measurti
perfect, for no human legislation can be perfect
Wide differanccs and jarring opinions ean ou'v
be reconciled by yicdling something on all sid
and this result had been reached after an hurv
CO lliict of many mouths, in w hich one part Jf
the country was arrayed against another, a!l.
violent convulsion seemed to be emminent. Lock
ing at the interests of the whole country, 1 ft
it to be my duty te seize upon this compromise
as me uest mat couiu ue obtained amid conflic
ting interests, and to insut upon it as a fh,av
settlement, to be adhered to by all who value
the peace and welfare of the country. A yew
has now elapsed since that recommendation
made. To that recommendation I still adhere
aud I congratulate you and the country upon the
general acquiescence in these measures of peace
which has been exib'.ted in all parts of the Re
public. Aud not only is there this general
acquiescence in these measures, but the spirit if
conciliation w hich has been manifested hi re
gard to thsni in all parts of the country. Las
removed doubts and uncertainties in tlie iiinl
of thousands of good meu concerning the dura
bility of our popular institutions, and given re
newed assurance that our Liberty and our Union
may subsist together for the benefit of tSis an 1
all succeeding generations.
MILLARD FILLMORE.
"Washington, December 2r 1 851.
MOUNTAIN SilTIML
ANDREW J. RIIEV EDITOR.
EliENSBURG, PA.
Tliiirsriiiy, lccemler 11, 1
FOR I'HESIllK.VT OF THE V.MTtl) STATES,
JAMES BUCHANAN
OF PENNSYLVANIA.
SQT' The President's Message occupies so
much space in our paper that but little room is
left for general news. We are satisfied that
nothing could be published more interesting to
our numerous readers ; and as a history of the
affairs of the nation for the past year it is
worthy of being carefully read, and remem
bered. J63? The annual distribution of Paintings by
the American Art Union, of New York, takes
place on Friday, 19th inst. Every subscriber
of is- erUut of receiving six fine American
engravings, worth at feast '2of and about 400
magnificent paintings are to be distributed ly
lot. Subscriptias received until the loth inst.
The Bulletin fo December bus been received
and maintains its well deserved reputation.
The card of Mess- Russel & Fps, Man
ufacturers and wholesale dealers in Boots awl
Shoes, No. 7, North Fourth Street, Philadelphia,
will be found in another column. The firm of
fers goods at fair prices, and we recommenl
them to the patronage of our merchant.
Tlic IMnils.
No Philadelphia papers of this week have yet
reached us up to tlus morning, Thursday. Pa
tience is a great blessing but iu this particular
we have lost all we laid claim to. The very fact
of not having received any papers from Phila-,
for four days, is almost sufficient worldly exen.-c
for tusan-eiJe on the part of any editor. IK-ff-ever,
we don't expect to be guilty of " laying vio
lent hands" upon ourself, but if we "find out"
the fellow who detains the newspaper mail we
wHl "stretch him limb from limb" over the
left. Uncle Sam must have a Mail Agent at the
"Intersection," near llollidaysburg, to assort
and seud forward the documents, or we will have
to "come down" on Mr. P. M. G. Hall, "like a
thousand of brickbats." The letter niail'couies
as regularly " as the law allows," and if it j
out of tune we would scarcely complain, as our
letters are nearly all dun.
T. S. We learn that Copt. W. K. Piper has
takea the contract for carrying the mail from
llollidaysburg to Dlairsville, to run daily. H
will put the matter through, and he can count
on us for oysters for two, (wejtan't offer better, )e
if he has a through mail kere every day..
LATEST X12WS.
The steamship Humboldt arrived at Statca
Island, below New York, on Friday morning,
having among her passengers Governor Kossuth
and suite, and Lola Montes, the danseust, Co"n'
tess of Landsfeld. Kossuth, was welcomed oa
behalf of the citizens by Dr. Doane, and oa be
half of the military by Maj. Hagadon, to botfc
of whom he responded in an eloquent manner
He proceeded to New York on Saturday,
was- received and welcomed by iLiyor Kingsl8'!
The day was- beautiful and the rece-ptioa mag
nificent. Five thousand military cscorto!
through the stree ts and the concourse of peopk
is stated at 100,000. The buildings were covered
with flags, streamers and mottoes. Kossuth, "1
attempting to speak in reply to the Mayori
cordial welcome, after proceeding a few miau'
found it impossible to go on, in consequcr.ee o
the confusion, and desisted, promising hirnotc
to the press. Three hundred Germans seren'
ded him on Saturday evening, at the Ir '
House. .
In Congress nothing of interest has transrirc
The committees" vfcre to be announced by t
Speaker of the n0use oa Monday. In the Senate.