VOL. V, No. 10.]
MESSAGE
OF TIIC PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
TO THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS, AT TAR•
410314eINCEIENT OF TILE FIRST SESSION OF
TUE TWENTY•EIXTII CONORE.,S.
Irellato Citizens of the Senate and
House of Representatives:
I regret that I cannot, on thin occasion
congratulate you that the past year has been
one of unalloyed prosperity. The !flanges of
Are and disease have painfully afflicted other
wise flourisliiiig portions of our country; and
serious embarrassments vet derange the trade
•f many of our citnis.—But, notwithstanding,
these adverse circumstances, that general
prosperity which has heretofore so bountifully
bestowed upon us by the Author of all good,
till continues to call for our warmest grafi-
B tude. Especially have we reason to rejoice
iu the exuberant harvests which have lavish
ly recompensed well directed industry, and
given to it that sure reward which is vainly
nought in visionary speculations, I cannot
indeed view, without pe.culiar satisfaction,
the evidences afforded by the past season of
the benefits that spring from the steady devo
tion of the husbandman to his honorable pur
suit. No means of individual comfort is more
certain, and no source of national prosperity
is so sure.—Nuthing can compensate a pen•
pie for a dependence upon others fur the bread
they eat; and that cheerful abundance on
which the happiness of every ono so much
depends, is to be looked fur now here with
such sore reliance as in the: rulustry of the
agriculturalist and the bounties of the earth.
With tbreign countries our relations ex
hibit the same favourable aspect which was
presented in my last annual message, arid
afford continued pool of the wisdom of the
pacific; just arid ferbearing policy adopted by
the first administration of the federal govern
ment, and pursued by its successors. The
extraordinary powers vested in ice by an act
of Congress, for the defence of the country
in an emergency, considered so fur probable
as to require that the eyccutive should pos.
seas ample means to meet it, have not been
exerted. They have, therefore, been atten
ded with no other result than to increase, by
the confidence thus reposed in me, by oblige-,
tions to maintain, with religious exactness!
the cardinal principles that govern our in
tercourse with other nations. Happily in our
pending questions with Great Britain, out of
which this unusual grant of authority arose,
nothing has occurred to require its exertion;
end as it is about to return to the legislature,
I trust that no future necessity may call for
its exercise by them or its delegation to ano
ther department of the goVernment.
For the setlement of our Northeastern
boundary, the proposition promised by Great
Britain tor a commission of exploration and
survey, has been received, and a counter pro.
ject, including also a provision for the cer
tain and final adjustment of the limits in :lis
pute, is now before the British Government
fur its consideration: A just regard to the
dei4eate state of the question, and proper res•
yet tbr the natural impatience of the State
of Maine, not leas than a conviction that the
negotiation has been already protracted lon
ger than is prudent on the part of either Gov
ernment, have led me to bele; ve that the pre-
Sent favorable stoniest should on no account
he suffered to pass without putting the ques
tion for ever at rest. I feel confident that
the Government of her Britanic Majesty will ,
take the saute view of this subject, as I am
persuaded it is governed by desires equally
strong and sincere fur the amicable termina
tion of the controversy
To the intrinsic difficulties of piestions of
boundary lines, especially those described in
regiond unoccupied, and but partially known,
is to be added in our country the einbarras
ments necessarily arising out dour Constitu
tion, by which the General Government is
made the organ of negotiating, and deciding
upon the particular interests vi the States on
whose frontiers these lines aro to be traced.
To avoid another controversy in which a
State Government might rightfully claim to
have her wishes consulted, previously to the
conclusion of conventional arrangement con
cerning her rights of jurisdiction or territory,
I have thought it necessary to call the atten
tion of the Government of Great Britain to
another portion of our conterminous dominion
of which the division still remains to be ad
justed. I refer to the line from the entrance
of Lake Superior to the most northwestern
point of the Lake of the Woods, stipulations
for the settlement of which are to be found
in the seventh article of the treaty of Ghent.
The commissioners appointed under that ar
ticle by the two governtuente having differed
in their opinions, made seperate reports, ac
cording to the stipulations, upon the points of
disagreemeut, and these differences are now
to be submitted to the arbitration of sonic
friendly sovereign or State. The disputed
points should be settled, and the lino desig
nated, before the territorial government, of
which it is one of the boundries, takes its
place in the Union as aState; and I rely upon
the cordial co-operation of the British Gov
ernment to effect that object.
There is every reason to believe that dis
turbances like those which lately agitated
the neighboring British provinces will no:
again prove the sources of border contention,
or interpose obstacles to the continuance of
that good understanding which it is thasniu
tual interest of Great Britain and the United
States to preserve and maintain.
Within the provinces themselves tranquili
ty is restored, and on our trontier that mis
guided sympathy in favor of what was
presumed to be a general effort in behalf of
popular rights, and which in some instances
misled a few of our more inexperienced citi
zens, has subsided into a rational conviction
strongly opposed to ell intermeddling with
the internal affairs of our neighbors. The
Weide of the Un,itetj elates, feel, as it is
THE JOURNAL.
hoped they always will, a warm solicitude fir
the success of all who are sincerely endeavor
ing to improve the political condition of man
kind. This generous fueling they cherish
towards the most distant relations ; and it
was natarsi theretbre, that it should be
awakened with more than common warmth
in behalf of their immediate neighbors. But
it does not belong to their ,tharactor, as a
corntnunity, to seek the gratification of those
feelings in acts which violate their duty as
citizens, endanger the peace of their country
and tend to bring upon it the stain of a viola
ted faith towards foreign nations. If, zealous
to conftr benefits on others, they appear for
a moment to loose eight of the permanent
obligation imposed on them as citizens they aro
seldom long misled. From all the informa
tion I receive, confirmed to some extent, by
personal observatior, I am satisfied that no
one can now hope to engage in such enter•
prises without encountering public indigna
tion, in addition to the severevt penalties of
the law.
Recent information also leads me to hope
that the emigrants form her Majesty's pro
vinces, who have sought refuge within our
boundaries, are disposed to become peaceable
residents, and to abstain from all attempts to
endanger the peace of that country which has
afforded them an asylum. On a review of the
occurrences on both sides of the line, it is
satisfactory to reflect, that in almost every
complaint against our country, the offence
may be traced to emigrants from the provinces
who have sought refuge here. lit the few
instances in which they were aided by citi
zens of the United States, the acts of these
misguided men were not only in direct con
travention of the laws and well known wishes
of their own government, but net with the
decided disapprobation of the people of the
United States.
I regret to state the appearance of a differ
ent spirit among her Majesty's subjects in the
Canadas. 'rho sentiments of hostility to our
people and institutions, which have been so
frequently expressed there, and the disregard
of our rights which have been manifested on
some occasions, have, I am sorry to say, been
applauded and encouraged by the people, and
even by some of the subordinate local author
ities of the provinces.-- - -The chief officers in
Canada, fortunately, have uot entertained the
same feeling, and have probably prevented
excesses that must have been fatal to the
peace of the two couutries.
I look forward anxiously to a period when
all the transactions which have grown out of
this ...tondition of our affairs, and which
have been made the subjects ofcnniplaint and
remonstrance by the two governmentsrespec
tively, shall be fully examined, and the pro
per satisfaction given where it is due from
either side,
Nothing has occurred to disturb the bar •
teony of our intercourse with Austria, lielgi
urn, Denmark, France, Naples, Portugal,
Prussia, Russia, and Sweden. The internal
stats of Spain has sensibly improved, and a
well-grounded hope exists that the return of
peace will restore to the people of that coun
try their former prosperity, and enable the
government to fulfil all its obligations at
home and abroad. The government of Por
tugal, I have the satisfaction to state, has
paid in full the eleventh and last instalment
due to our citizens fur the claims embraced
in the settlement made with it on the 3d of
Mare.h, 1887.
I lay before you treaties of commerce, ne
gotiated with the kings of Sardinia and of
the Netherlands, the ratifications of which
have been exchanged since the adjournment
of Congress. The liberal principles of these
treaties will recommend them to your apprc
bation. That with Sardinia is the first treaty
of commerce formed by that kingdom, and it
will, I trust, answer the expectat i ons of the
present sovereign, by aiding the development
of the resources of his country, and stimula
ting the enterprise of his people. That with
the Netherlands hapily terminates a long
existing subject of dispute, and removes from
our future commercial intercourse, ail appre•
hensions of embarrasment. The king of the
Netherlands has also, in future illustration
of his character for justice, and of his desire
to remove es cry cause of dissatisfactionone do
compensation for an American vessel captur
ed in 1800, by a French privateer, and car
ried into Curacoa, where the proceeds were
appropriated to the use of the colony, then,
and for a short time after, under the dominion
of Holland.
The death of the late Sultan, him produced
no alteration in our relations with Turkey.
Our newly appointed Minister Resident, has
reached Constantinople, and I have received
assurances from the present Ruler, that the
obligations of our treaty, and those of friend.
ship, will be fulfilled by !dwelt in the same
spirit that actuated his illustrious father.
I regret to be obliged to inform you, that
no convention tbr the settlement of the claims
of our citizeus upon Mexico has yet been
ratified by the Government of that country.
The first convention formed for that purpose
wos not presented by the President of Mexi
co, for the appaohation of its Congress, from
a belief that the King of Prussia, the arbitra
tor in case of disagreement in the joint com
mission to be appointed by the United States
and Mexico, would not conset to take upon
himself that friendly office. Although not
entirely satisfied with the course pursued by
Mexico, I felt no hesitation in receiving in
the most conciliatory spirit, the explanation
offerded, and also, cheerfully consented to a
new convention, in order to arrange the pay
ments proposed to be made to our citizens, in
a mariner which, while equally just to them,
was deemed less onerous and inconvenient
to the Mexican . government. Relying con
' fidently upon the intentions of that Govern
ment, Mr. Ellis was directed to repair to
Mexico, and diplomatic intercourse has been
resumed betwean the two countries. ' The
} new convention has, ho informs us, been re
cently submitted by the President of that
I Republic to its Congress, under eircumstan.
"ONE COUNTRY, ONE CONSTITUTION, ONE DESTINY•"
A. W. ! fl VDICT PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR.
HUNTINGDON, PEANSYLVANIA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1840
ces which promise a speedy ratification; a
result which I cannot allow myself to doubt.
Instructions have been given to the Com
missioners of the United States, under our
Convention with Texas, for the demarcation
of the line which separates us from that Its
public. The commissioners of both govern
meats met in New Orleans, in August last.
The joint commission was organized, and
adjourned to convene at the same place on
the twelfth of October. It is presumed to be
now in the performances of its duties.
The new Governmem, of Texas has shown
its desire to cultivate friendly relations with
us, by a prompt reparation fgr injuries corn.
plained of in the cases of two vessels of the
United States.
With Central America, a convention has
been concluded for the reneu al of its former
treaty with the United States. This was
not ratified befbre the departure of our late
Charge d'Affaires from that country, and the
copy of it brought by him, was not received
before the adjournment of the Senate at the
last session. In the mean while the period
limited for the exchange of ratifications hav
ing expired, I deemed it expedient, in conse
quence of the death of thefGharge d'Affaires
to send a special agent to Central America,
to close the affairs of our mission there, and
to arrange with the government an extension
of the time for the exchange of ratifications.
The commission created by the States
which formerly composed the Republic of
Columbia, for adjusting the claims against
that government, has, by a very unexpected
construction of the treaty .ender which it acts,
decided that no provision was made for those
claims of citizens of the United States, which
arose from captures by Columbian privateers, '
and were adjudged against the claimants in
the judicial tribunals. This decision will
compel the United States to apply to the
several governments formerly united for re,
dress. With all these—New Granada, Ven
ezuela and Ecuador—a perfectly good un
derstanding exists. Our treaty with Vene
zula is faithfully carried into execution ; and
that country, in the enjoyment of tranquility
is gradually advancing in prosperity under
the guidance of its present distinguished
President, General Paez. With Ecuador, a
liberal commercial convention has lately been
concluded, which will be transmitted to the
Senate at an early date.
With the great American empire of Brazil
our relaticiis continuo unchanged, as doe ,
our friendly intercourse with the other Gov
ernmcnts of South America—the Argentine
Republic, and the Republics of Uruguay,'
Chili, Peru and Bolivia. The dissolution of ,
the Peru• Bolivian Confederation may occa
sion acute temporary inconvenience to cur ,
citizens in that quarter, but the obligations on
the new governments which have arisen out
of that confederation to observe its treaty
stipulations, will no doubt be soon understood,
and it is presumed that no indisposition will
exist to fulfil those which it contracted with
the United States.
The financial operations of the Government
during the present year, have, I am happy to
say, been very successful. The difficulties
under which the Treasury Department has
labored from known defects in the existing
laWs relative to the safe keeping of the pubic
moneys, aggravated by the suspension of spe
cie payments by several of the banks holding
pu' tic depositee, or indebted to public officers
for notes received :a payment for public dues,
have been surmounted to a very gratifying
extent. 'The large current expenditures
have been punctually met, and the faith of
the Government in all its pecuniary con
corns has been scrupulously maintained.
The 19,000,000 of Treasury Notes, au
thorized by the act of Congress of 1937,
and the modifications thereof, with a view
to the indulgence of merchants on their du
ty bonds, and of the deposit,: banks in the
payment of public monies held by them,
I have been so punctually redeemed as to leave'
less than the original 10,000,000 outstanding
at any one time, and the whole amount unre
deemed now falls short of 3,000,000. Of
these the chief portion is not duo till next
year, and the whole would have been already
extinguished could the Treasury have realiz
ed payments due to it from the banks. If
these due from them during the next year
shall be punctually made, and if Congress
shall keep the appropriations within tho es
timates, there is every reason to believe:hat
all the outstanding Treasury Notes can be
redeemed, and the ordinary expenses defray
ed, without imposing on the people any
additional burden, either of loans or increased
taxes.
To avoid this, and to keep the expenditures
within reasonable bounds, is a duty second
only in importance to the preservation of our
national character, and the protection of our
citizens in their civil and political rights.
The creation, in the time of peace, of a debt
likely to become permanent is an evil for
which there is no equivilant. The rapidity
with which many of the States are apparently
approaching to this condition admonishes us
of our own duties, inn manner too impressive
to be disregarded. One, not the least impor
tant, is to keep the Federal Government al
wait; in a cendition to discharge with ease
and visor its highest functions, should their
exercise be required by any sudden conjnne
tore of public affairs—a condition to which
we aro al ways exposed, and which may occur
when it is least expected. To this end it is
indispensable that its finances should be un
trammelled, and its resources, as far as practi
cable, unincumbered. No circumstance could
present greater obstacles to the accomplish
ment of these vitally important objects than
the creation of an onerous national debt. Our
own experience and also that of other na . tions,
have demonstrated the unavoidable and Tear
ful rapidity with which a public debt is in
creased, when the Government has once
surrendered itself to the ruinous practice of
supplying its supposed necessities by new
loans. Ihe struggle, therefore, on our part to
be successful, must be made at the threshold.
To make our efforts effective, severe economy
is necessary. This is the surest provision for
the national welfare; and it is, at the same
time, the best preservative of the principles
on which our instieutions rest. Simplicity
and economy in the affairs of State, have never
failed to chasten and invigorate republican
principles, while these have been as surely
subverted by national prodigality, under
whatever specious pretext it may have been
introduced or fostered.
These considerations cannot be lost upon
a people who have never been inattentive to
the effectof their policy upon the institutions
they have created for themselves; but at the
present moment their tone is augmented by
the necessity which a decreasing revenue
must impose. The check lately given to im
portation of articles subject to duties, the de
rangements in the operational:if internal trade
and, especially, the reduction gradually taking
place in our tariffof duties, ell tend mate.
rially to lesson our receipts, indeed it is pro
bable that the diminution resulting from the
last cause alone will not fall short of $5,000-
000 in the year 1842, as the final reduction
of all duties to 20 per cent. then takes ef
fect. The whole revenue then accruing
from the customs and from the sales of
lands, if not more, will undoubtedly be
wanted to defray the expenses of the Govern
ment under the most prudent administration
of its affairs. These are circumstances rat
impose the necessity of rigid economy and
require its prompt and constant exercise.
With the Legislature rest the power and
duty of so adjusting the public expenditure as
to promote this end. By the provisions of
the constitution it is only in consequence of
appropriations made by law that money can
be drawn from the 'rreasury; no instance bas
occured since the establishment of the Gov
ernment in which the Executive, though a
component part of the legislative power, has
interposed an objection to an appropriation
bill on the sole ground of its extravagance.
Hisduty in this respect has been considered
fulfilled by requesting such appropriations
only as the public service may be reasonably
expected to require, In the present earnest
direction of the public mind towards thi'
subject, both the Executive and the Legisla
ture have evidence of the strict responsibility
to which they will bo held; and while 1 am
conscious of my own anxious efforts to per
form with fidelity, this portion of my public
functions, it is a satisfaction to me to be able
to count on a cordial co-operation from you.
At the time I entered upon my present du
ties, our ordinary disbursements—without in
cluding those on account of the public debt,
the post office and the trust funds in charge
ofthe goverument—had been largely increased
by appropriations for the removals of the In
dians, for repelling Indian hostilities; and o
ther less urgent expenses which grew out of
an overflowing Treasury. Independent of
the redemption of the public debt and trusts,
the gross expenditure of seventeen and sigh'
teen millions in 1834 and 1835, had by these
causes, swelled to twenty nine millions in
1830; and the appropriations for 1837, made
previously to the 4th of March, caused the
expenditures to raise to the very large a
mount of thirty-three millions. We were
enabled during the year 1839, notwithstan
ding the continuance of our Indian embarrass
ments, somewhat to reduce this amount; and
that for the present year 1839, will not, in all
probability exceed twenty-six-millions, or
six millions less than it was last year. With
the determination, so fax as it depends on me
to continue this reduction, I have directed
the estimate fur 1840 to bo subjected to the
absolute requirements of the public service.
They will be found less than the expenditures
ef 18;39 by over five millions of dollars.
The precautionary measures which will
he recommended by the Secretary of the
Treasury, to protect faithfully the public
credit under the fluctuations and contingen
cies to which our receipts and expenditures
are exposed, and especially in a commercial
crisis like the present, are commended to
your early attention.
On a former occasion your attention was
invited to various considerations in support
of a pre-eruption law, in behalf of the settlers
on the public lands ; and also of a law gradu
ating the prices for such lands as had long
been in the market unsold, in consequence
of their inferior quality. The execution of
the act which was passed on the first subject
has been attended with the happiest conse
quences, in quieting titles, and securing im
provements to the industrious; and it has
alas, to a very gratifying extent, been exempt
from the frauds which were practised under
the previous pre-emption laws. It has at the
same time, as was anticipated, contributed
liberally during the present year to the re
ceipts of the Trea-ury.
The passage of a graduation low, with
the guards before recommended, would
also, 1 am persuaded, add considerably to
the revenue for several years, and prove
in other respects just and beneficial.
Your early consideration of the subject,
is, therefore, once more earnestly reques
ted.
- -
I he present condition of the defences
of our principal seaports and navy-yards,
as represented by the accompanying re
port, of the Secretary of War, calls for
the early & serious attention of Congress;
and, as connecting itself immediately with
the subject, I cannot recommend too
strongly to your consideration, the plan
submitted by that ()Ulcer fur the organi
zation of the militia of the United States.
In conformity with the expressed wish
es of Congress, an al tempt was made in
the spring to terminate the Florida war
by negociation. It is to be regretted that
these humane intentions should hsve been
frustrated, and that the *fort to bring
these unhappy di fficultics to a satisfacto
iry conclusion should have failed. But,
after enteritis into solemn engagements
with the Commanding Oeneral, the Ind'.
ana, without any provocation recommen
ced their acts of treachery and murder.
The renewal of hostilities in that Territo
ry render it nec , ,ssary ~ .hat I should rec
ommend to your favorable consideration,
the plan which will be ..übmitted to you
by the Secretary of War, in order to ena
ble that department to conduct them to a
successful um...
H aving . had an opporf cnity of personal.
ly inspecting a pc. tion of the troops during
the last summer, it gives me pleasure to
bear testimony to the success of the effort
to improve their discipline, by keeping
them together in as large bodies as the na
ture of our service will permit. I recom
mend, therefore, that commodioos and
permanent barracks be constructed, at
the several posts designated by the Sec
retary of War. Notwithstanding the high
state of their discipline and cmcelient po
lice, the evils resulting to the service from
the deficiency of company eflicers, were
very apparent, and I recommend that the
staff °dicers be permanently seperated
from that of the line.
The navy has been usefully and honor
ably employed in protecting the rights
and property of our citizens, wherever the
condition of affairs scenic-I to require its
presence. With the exception of one
instance, where an outrhge, accompanied
by murder, was committed on a vessel of
the United States, while engaged in a law
ful commerce, nothing is known to have
occurreti to impede or molest the enter
, prize of our citizens cn that element where
it is so signally disrinyed. Oa learning
this daring act of piracy, Commodore Reed
proceeded immediately to the spot, and
receiving no satisfaction, either in the
surrender of the murderers, or the resto
ration of the plundered property, inflicted
severe and merited chastisement on the
barbarians.
It will be seen, by the report of the Sec
retary of the Navy, respecting the dispo
sition of our ships of war, that it has been
deemed necessary to station a competent
force on the coast of Africa, to prevent a
fraudulent use of our flag by foreigners.
Recent experience has shown that the
previsions in our existing laws which re
late to the sale and transfer of American
vessels, while abroad, are extremely de
fective. Advantage has been taken of
these defects, to give to vessels wholly
belonging to foreigners, and navigating
the ocean an apparent American owner
ship. 'Phis character has been so well
simulated as to afford them comparative
security in prosecuting the slave trade, a
traffic emphatically denounced in our sta
tutes, regarded with ablio3rence by our
citizens, and of which the effectual sup
pression is nowhere more sincerely desired
than in the United States. These circum
stances make it necessary to recommend
o your early attention a careful revision
tf those laws, au that, without impeding
ohe freedom and facilities of our naviga
ton, or impairing an important branch of
our industry, connected with it the integ
rity and honor of our flag, may be care •
fully preserved. Information derived
from our Consul at Havanna, showing the
necessity of this, was communicated to a
Committee of the Senate, near the close
of lust session, but too late, as it appeared,
to be acted upon. It will be brought to
your notice by the proper department,
with additional communications from oth
er sources.
The latest accounts of the Exploring
Expedition, represent it as proceeding
successfully in ite objects, and promising
results no less useful to trade and naviga
tion, than to science.
The extent of post roads covered by
mail service, on the let of July last, was
about 133,999 miles, and the rate of an •
nual transportation upon them 34,498,
878 miles. The number of post-officer,
on that day was 12,780, end on the 30th.
ultimo 13,028.
The revenue of the Post Office depart
ment for the year ending the 30th June
last, was four millions four hundred and
seventy.six thousand six hundred and
thirty-eight dollars— exhibiting an in
crease over the preceding year, of to
hundred and forty-one thousand bye
hundred and sixty dollars. The engagee
meuts and liabilities of the Departmen
for the same period, are four millitiLs six
hundred and twenty-four thousand one
hundred and seventeen dollars.
The liabilities over the revenue, fur the
last two years has been met out of the
surplus which had previously accumula
ted. 'rise cash on hand, on the 30th ult.,
was about 8206,701 95, and the current
income of the Department varies very
little from the current expenditures.--
Most of the service suspended last year
has been restored, and most of the new
routes established by the act of July, 18.
38, ha.te been set in operation at an annu
al cost of 6136,963. Notwithstanding
the pecuniary difficulties of the country,
[Wror.: No. 218,
the revenue of the Department appears to
be increasing; and unless it shall be seri
ously checked by the recent auspensien of
:Tecie payments by so many of the banks,
it will be able nut only to preserve the
preaent mail see:ice, but in a short time:
to extend it, It is gratifying to witness
the promptitude and fidelity with which
the agents of this Department in general
perform their public duties.
Soma difficulties have arisen is religion'
to contracts for the transportation of the
mails, by railroad and steamboat comps-.
rues, It appears that the maximum of
compensation provided by Congress fur
the transportation of the mails upon rail
roads, is not sufficient to induce some of
the companies to convey them at such
hours as are required for the accommoda
tion of the public. It is one of the most
important duties of the General Govern
! merit to provide and maintain for the use
of the people of the States the best prac
ticable mail establishment. To arrive at
that end it is indespensiblo that the Post
Office Department shall be able to con
trol the hours at which the mail shall be
carried over iailroads as it now does over
all other roads. Should serious inconve
nience arise from the inadequacy of the
compensation now provided by law, or
from unreasonable demands by any of We
railroad companies, the subject is of such
general lin pc:tance as to require to prompt
attention of Congress.
In relation to steamboat lines, the most
efficient remedy is obvious, and has been
suggested by the Postmaster General.
The war and Navy departments already
employ steamboats in their service, and
although it is by no means desirable that
the Government should undertake the
transportation of passengers or freight as
a business, there can be no reasonable ob
jection to running boats, temporarily,
whenever it may be necesauy to put
down attempts at extortion, to be discos
tinued as soon as czasonable contracts
can be übtained.
The suggestions of the Postma ster Gee
eral relative to the inadequacy of tho le
gal allowance to evitnesses in cases of
proseceitinn for mail depredations, merit
your serious consideration. The safety
of the mails requires that such prosecu
tions shall be rflitient, and justice to the
citizens those time is repuired to be giv
en to the publin, demands net only that
his exrensee should be paid, but that be
should receive a reasonable couTensa
lion.
The reports of the War, Navy, and
Post Office departments, will accompany
thin communication, and one from (be
Treasury department will be presented
to Congress in a few days.
For various details in respect to matter
in charge of these departments, I would
refer you to these important documents,
satisfied that you will find in them many
valuable suggestions, which will be found
well deserving the attention cf the Login.
lature.
From a report made in December of
last year by the Secretary of State to the
Senate, showing the trial docket of
each of the circuit courts, and the nuns
bar of miles each judge. has to travel its.
the performance of his duties, a great in
equallity appears in the amount of labor
assigned to each judge. —The number of
terms to be held in each of the courts corn
posing the ninth circuit, the distances be
tween the places at which they sit, and
from thence to the scat of Government,
are represented to be such as to render it
impossible for the judge of that circuit to
perform, in a insulier coi responding with
the public exigencies, his term and circuit
duties. A revision, therefore, of the
present arrangement of the circuits seems
to be called for, and it is recoonnosesded
to vour notica.
I think it proper to call your attention
to the •power assumed by the Territorial
Legislatures, to authorize the issue of
bonds by corporate companies on the guar
antes of the Territory. Congress passed
a law in 1836, providing that no act of a
Territorial Legislature incorporating
banks should have the force of law not
approved by Congress, but acts of a very
exceptionable character previously pas
sed by the Legislature of Florida, were
suffered to remain in force, by virtue of
which, bonds may be issued to a very
large amount by those institution., upon
the faith of the Territory. A resolution,
intending to be a joint ons, passed the
Senate at the same session, expreasing
the sense of Congress tbat the laws its
question should not be permitted to re
main in force unless amended in many
material respects, but it failed in the house
of Representatives for want of time, and
the desired amendments have net been
made. The interest, involved are of
great importance, sad the subject de
. serves your early and careful attention.
• Thu contin uarl ;cgitation of the questions
relative to the best mode of Leering and
• disbursing the public money, still injuri—
otircly alli , cts the t usinese of the country.
The suspension of specie payments ias
, 1837 rendered the use c.l Alt osite bahloss