113
[common mow veer nal ),
One alleged cause for procrastipatioa, in the
examination and adjustment of our claims, .
NCB from an obstacle which it is' tale' - ditty of the
Spanish government to remove. 'Whilst the
captain-general of Cuba, is invested with general
despotic authority in the government of that is
land, the power is withheld from him to exam
ine and redress wrongs ' committed by officials
under his control, on citizens of the United
States. Instead of making our complaints di
rectly to him at Havana, we are obliged to pre
sent through our minister at Madrid. These are
then referred back to the Captain-general for in
formation ; and muoh time is thus consumed in
preliminary investigations and correspondence
between Madrid and Cuba, before the Spanish
Government will consent to proceed Co negotia
tion. Macy of the difficulties between the two
Governmets would be obviated, and a long train
of negotiation avoided, if the Captain-general
were invested with authority to settle questionli
of easy solution on the spot, where all the facts
are fresh, and could be promptly and satisfactor
ily ascertained. We have hitherto in vain ur
ged upon the Spanish government, to confer this
power upon the Captain-general, and our minis 7
ter to Spain' will again be instructed , to urge this
subject on their notice. In this respect we oc
cupy a different position from the powers of
Europe. Cuba is almost within: sight of our
shores ; our commerce with it ie far greater than
any other nation, including Spain itself, and our
citizens are in habit of daily and extended per
sonal intercourse with every part of the island.
It is, therefore, a great grievance that, when
any difficulty °cents, no matterhow unimportant
which might be readily settled, at the moment,
we should be obliged to resort to Madrid, especi
ally when the very first step to be taken there is
to refer it book to Cuba.
CUBA AND MI SLAVE TRADE.
The .truth is that Cubs, finite existing Colonial
oondition, is
.a constant source of injury and
Annoyance to the American people. It is the
Only split in • the civilized world where the
AfrioAn.
,elave-trade is tolerated; and we are
bound by treaty with Great Britain, to main
tain a naval force on the coast of Africa, at
much expense both of life and treasure, solely
for the purpose of arresting slavers ound to
that island. The into serious difficulties between
the United States and Great Britain respecting'
the right of eenroh, now so happily terminated,
amid never have arisen if Cuba had not afforded
a market for slaves. As long as this market
shall remain open, there can be no hope for the
civilization of benighted Africa. Whilst, the
demand for eaves continues in Cuba, wars will
be wnged among the petty and barbarous chiefs
in Africa, for the purpose of seizing subjects to
supply this trade. In such a condition of
affairs, it is impOssible that the light of civiliza
tion and rolligin van ever penetrate the!Ht dark
clouds.
ACQUISITION OF CUItA.
It has been made known to the world by my ,
predecessors, that the United States have, on
several ocoasions, endeavored' 'to imiquire" Cuba
from Spain by honorable negotiation. if this
were aooomplished the last relio of the African
slave•trade would instantly disappear. We
would not, if we could, acquire Cuba in any
other manner. • This is due to our national
character. All the territory which we have ac
quired since the origin of the Government, has
been by fair purchase from France, Spain and
Mexico, or by the free and voluntary act of the
Independent State of Texas, in blending her
destinies with our own. This course we shall
pursue, unless circumstances • should occur,
whioh wo do not now anticipate, rendering a
departure from it olearly justifiable, under the
imperative and overruling law of eelf-preserva-
Lion.
The blend of Chiba from its geographical position; com
mends the mouth of the Mississippi, and the immense end
anuually Maculates trade, foretgu nud constewlee, from the
valley ofthat noble river, now embracing half the sover
eign States of the Colon. With that Island tinder the do-
Minion of a sietant foreign power, this trade, of vital im
port/time to these States, is exposed to the danger of being
destroyed In the time of war, and it has hitherto been sub
jected to perpetual injury and annoyance in time or peace
Oar relations with Spain, which ought to be of the moat
friendly character, must always be placed in jeopardy
whilst the existing Colonial Government over the bland
shall remain in its present condition.
Whilst the posscasioti of the Wind would be of vest tot
portame to the United States, Its value to Spahr is, com
paratively, unimportant. Such wastherelativesituation of
the parties. when the great Napoleon transferred Louisiana
to the United States. Jealous, as he ever was, oftbo nation
al honor and interests of France, no person throughout the
world, has imputed to him, blame Orr accepting a pecuniary
equivalent for this coselott.
The publicity which has been given to one former nego
tiations upon this subject, and tho large opproprtatien
which may be required to effect the purpose, render it ex.
pedient, before making - another attempt to renew the ne
gotiation, that I shoidd lay the whole subject before Con-
Thin is especially necetwary, as it may become tn
iriasiel iisable to allocate, that I should ho intrusted with the
means of making an advance to the Spanish government
immediately after the signing of the treaty without await•
ibg the ratification of tt by the Senate. I am encouraged
to make this suggestion, by the example of Mr. Johnson
previous to the purchase of Loulalana from France, and by
that of Mr. Polk in yiesitof the acquisition of territory from
Maxie°. I refer the whittle subject to Congress, and com
mend it to their careful consideration.
THE AMISTEAD CASE.
I repeat the recommendation , made in my
message of December last, in favor of an ap
propriation "to be paid to the Spanish govern
ment for the purpose of distribution among the
claimants in the Amiatad case." President
Polk Brat made a similar recommendation in
December, 1847, and it was repeated by my im-
mediate predecessor in December, 1863. I en
tertain no doubt, that indemnity is fairly due to
these claimants under our treaty with Spain of
the 27th of October 1796; and whilst -demand
ingjustice we ouKitt 'to do justice. An appro
priation promptly made for this purpose, could
not fail to exert. a favorable influence on our ne
gotiations with Spain. _
MEXIOO.
Oar position in relation to the independent
States south of us on this continent, and espec
ially those within the limits of North America,
is of a peculiar ohmmeter: The northern bounds
ry of Mexico is coineident•with our own south
ern boundary from ocean to ocean; and We must
necessarily feel a deep interest in all that con
- -oerna the well being and the fate of so near a
neighbor. We have always cherished the kind
eat wishes fOr the success of that - republic, and
have indulged the hope that it might at last,
after all its trials, enjoy peace and prosperity
tinder a free and stable govornment. We have
never hitherto interfered, directly or indirectly,
with its internal affairs, and it is a duty which
we owo.to ourselves, to protect the integrity of
its territory, against the hostile interference of
any other power. Our geographical position,
our direct interest in all that concerns' Mexico,
and our well settled policy in regard to the
North American continent, render this an indis
pensable duty,
Mexico has been in a state of constant revolution,
almost ever since it achieved its independence. One
military leader after another has tntorped•the govern
ment in rapid succession; and the various Constitu
tions from time to time adopted have been set at
naught almost as soon as they wore proclaimed. The
successive Governments have afforded no adequate
protection, either to Mexican citizens or foreign reed
. dents, against lawless violence. Heretofore, a seizure
of the Capital by .e military chieftain has been gen
*rally followed by at least the nominal submission of
the country to his rale for a brief period; but not so
at the present crideof Mexican affairs. A civil war
has been raging for acme time throughout - the Repub
lic, between the Central Goiernment at the city of
Mexico, which him endeavored to subvert the consti
tution last framed, by military power, and those who
maintain the authority of that constitution. The
antagonist parties each hold possession of different
Stites of the Republic, and the for tunes of the war
• are constantly changing. Meanwhile, the most re
prehensible moans have been employed by both par
ities o extort money from foreigners, as well as na
tivesi to carry on this ruinous contest.. The truth is
that this tine country, blessed with a productive soil
and a'benign climate, has been reduced by civil dis
sension, to a condition of almost hopeless anarchy
and imbecility., It would be vain for this Government
to attempt to enforce payment in money of the claims
of American citizens, now amounting to more than
ten million dollars, against Mexico, because she is
destitute of all pecuniary, moans to satisfy these de
mends.
Our late minister was furnished with ample powers
and instructions for the adjustment of all pending
questions with the Central Government of Mexico,
and be performed his duty with seal and ability.
The claims of our citizens, some of them arising out
of the violation of an express provision of the treaty
of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and others frotegross inju
ries to persons as well as property, have remained •
unredreesed and even unnoticed. Remonstrances
against these grievanoes have been addressed with
out effect to that Government Meantime, in various
parts of the Republic, instances have . been numerous _ of the murder, imprisonment and plunder of our cit
izens, by different parties claiming and exeroising
local jurisdiction; but the Central Government, al
though repeatedly urged thereto, have made no effort
either to punish the authors of these o u trages or to
prevent their rectureursh No American citizen can
now visit Mexico on lawful business, without immi
nent danger to his person and property. There is
no adequate protection to either; and in this respect
our treaty with that Republic is - almost a dead letter,
This state of affairs was brought to a crisis in
May last, by the promulgation of a decree levy
ing a contributien pro rata upon all the capital
in the Ripublio, between certain specified
amounts, whether held by Mexicans or foreign
ers. Mr. Forsyth regarding this decree in the,
net of a "foroerlobn," formalljj P A roteseed
spinet its application to his countrymen, and
advised them not to pay the contribution, but to
suffer it to be forcibly exacted. Acting upon
this advice, an American citizen refused to pay
the contribution, and his property was seized by
armed men to satisfy the amount. Not content
with this, the Government proceeded still fur
ther, and issued a decree ' banishing him from
the country. Our minister immediately notified
them that -if this decree should be carried into
execution he would feel it to be his duty to
adopt "the most decided measures that belong
to the powers and obligations of the representa
tive office." Notwithstanding this warning, the
banishment was enforced, and Mr. Forsyth
promptly announced to the goveinment ibis sus
pension of the political relations of his legation
with them until the pleasure of his own govern
ment should be ascertained.
This government did not regard-the contribution
imposed by thideereo of the 15th May feat, to bo in
strictness a "forced loan," and as such prohibited
by the 10th article of the treaty of 1826 between
Great Britain and Mexico to the benefits of, which
American citizens are entitled by. treaty; yet the ha.
position of the contribution upon foreigners, was con
sidered an unjust and oppressive measure. Besides, •
internal factions in other parts of the Republio wore
at the same time levying similar exaotions upon the
property of our eitizens,and interrupting thole:3=-
11mm°. There had been an entire failure on the.part
of our minister Lo secure redress for the wrongs
which our citizens had endured, notwithstanding
his persevering efforts. And from the temper mani
fested by the Mexican government, he had repeated
lrassured us that no favorable change could lie ex
pected, until the United States should "give striking
evidence of their will and power to protect their Citi-
ZeII8,", and that "severe chastisement is • the only .
• earthly remedy for our grievances." From this
statement of facts, it would have been worse. than:
to direct Mr Forsyth to retrace hia steps and .
resume diplomatio relations with that - Government;
and it was, therefore, deemed proper to sanction hie
withdrawal of the legation from the city of Mexico. ,
Abundant cause now undoubtedly exists, fora raz_
sort who:unities against the Government still hold
ing pease:3 . 4ton of the capital. Should they auooeed
subduing the constitutional forces, all reaseoable
hope will thou have expired ofa peaceful settlement.
of our difficulties. -, • •
On the other heed, should the constitutional party
prevail, and their authority be established over the
Republic, there is reason to hope that they will be;
animated by a less unfriendly spirit, and may grant
that redress to American citizens which justice re
quires,
so far as they may possess the moans. But
for this expectation, I should at once have repom- '
mended to Congress to grant tho necessary power to
the President, to take possession of a sufficient por
tion of the remote and unsettled territory - of Mexico,
to be-
held in pledge until our injuries should be re
dressel and eerjust demands be satisfied. We have
already exhausted every milder means of obtaining
justice. In nosh a case, this remedy of reprisals is
recognized by the law of nations, not only as just in ,
itself, but as a means of preventing actual war.
But there is another view of our relations with
Mexico, arising from the-unhappy condition of
affairs eleilg oar toiluthwestera •
frontier, which
demands immediate action. In that remote re
gion, where there are but few white inhabitants,
large bands of hostile and predatory Indians
roam
- promiscuously over the Mexican States of
Chihuahua and Sonora, and our adjoining Ter
ritories. The local Governments of these States
are perfectly , helpless, and are kept in a slate of
constant alarm by the Litmus. They have not
the power, if they possessed the will even, to re
strain lawless Mexicans from passing the border
and committing depredations on our remote stt
tiers. -Acetate of anarchy and violence prevails
throughout that distant frontier. The laws are
a dead letter, 'and life and
_property are wholly
insecure. For this reason the settlement of Ari
zona is arrested, whilst it is of great importance
that a chain of inhabitants
.should extend all
along its southern border, sufficient for their
own proteotion and that of the' United States
mail passing to and from California. Well
founded apprehensions are now entertained, that
the Indians, and wandering Mexicans equally
lawless, will break up the important stage 'and
postal communication recently established be
tween our Atlantic and Pacific" possessions.—
This passes very near to the Mexican boundary,
throughout the whole length of Arizona; I eau
imagine no possible remedy for these evils,• and
no mode of restoring law and order on that re
mote and unsettled frontier, but for the Govern
ment of the United States to assume a temporary
protectorate over the northern portions "of Chi
huahua and Sonora, and to establish military
posts within the same—and this I earnestly rec
ommend to Congress. This protection may be
withdrawn, as soon as local Governments shall
be established in these Mexican States, capable
of performing their duties to the United States,
restraining the lawless and preserving peace
along the borders.
I do not doubt that this measure will be view
ed in a friendly spirit by the Government and
people of Chihuahua and Sonora, se it will prove
equally effectual for the protection of their citi
zens on that remote and lawless frontier, as for
citizens of the United States.
ABrLONA
And in this connection, permit me to call yonr
attention to the condition of Arizona. The
population of that Territory, numbering, as is
alleged, more than ten thousand. souls, are prac
tically without a government, without laws, and
without any regular administration of justice.
Murder and other crimes are committed with
impunity. This state of things calls loudly for
redress; and I therefore repeat my recommenda
tion for the establishment of a Territorial Govern
ment over Arizona.
, THE TRANSIT ROUTES.
The political condition of the narrow Isthmus
of Central America through which, transit routes
pass, between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans,
presents a subject of deep interest. Wall commer
cial nations. It. is over .these transits that
a large proportion of the trade and travel , be
tween the European and Asiatic continents is des
tined to pass. To the United States these
routes are of incalculable importanoe as a means
of communication between their Atlantic and
Pacific possessions. The latter now extend
throughout seventeen degrees of latitude on the
Pacific cost, embracing the important State of
California and the flourishing Territories of
Oregon and Washington: All commercial na
tions, therefore, have a deep and direct interest
that these communications shall be tendered se
cure from interruption. If an arm of the sea,
connecting the two oceans, penetratea through
Nicaragua and Costa Rica, it could not be pre
tended that those States would have the right to
arrest or retard its navigation, to the injury of
other nations. The transit by land over this
narrow isthmus, occupies nearly the same posi
tion. It is a highway in which they themselves
have little interest, when compared with the
vast interests of the rest of the world. Whilst
their rights of sovereignty ought to be reipeat
ed, it is the duty of other nations to require. that.
this important passage shall not be interrupted
by.the civil wars and revolutionary outbreaks
which have so frequently occurred in that region.
The stake is too important to be lefttathe mercy
of rival companies, claiming to hold conflicting
contracts with Nicaragua.
The commerce of other nations is not to stand still
and.await the adjustment of such petty, controver
ales. The Government of- the United States expect
no More than this, and they will not'be aatiefied with
less. They would not, if they mild, derive any ad
vantage from the Nicaragua transit, not common to
the rest of the world. Its neutrality and protection
for the common use of all nations, is their only ob
ject- They have no objection that Nicaragua shall
demand and receive aisle compensation from the
companies and individuals who may tr averse the •
route; but they insist that it shall never hereafter he
closed,
close, by an arbitrary decree of that Government.
If disputes arise between it S and those with whom '
they may have entered into contracts;'these must be
adjusted by some fair tribunal provided for the pur
pose, and the route must not be closed pending the
controversy. This is our whole policy, and it cannot
fail to be acceptable to other nations.
All those difficulties might be avoided, If, consistently
with tho good faith of Nicaragua, the nee of this transit
could be thrown open to general competition; providing at
the same time for the payment of a reasonable rate to tlils
Nicaraguan govenimen t, on passengers and freight.
In August, 1862, the Accessory Transit Company made Its
first interoceank trip over the Nicaraguan mots, and con
tinued in surxtesefol operation, with great advantage to the
public, until the 18th _February, 1868, when• it was closed,
and the grant to this company, as well as its charter. were
summarily and arbitrarily revoked by the Government of
viPt -, sident Bless. Pre ous to this date, however. in 18444
serious disinter concerning the settlement of their accounts
Lad 51114 , 011botereeu theoom pony end the Govero meat, threat
suing the int rruption of the route et any moment.. These
the United States in vain endeavored to compose. 11 would
be useless to narrate the residue proceedings whkh took..
place between them parties, op to the time when the transit
was discontinued. Baffles it to say that since February,
1658,1 t lies remained closed [ greatly to the prejudice of cit.
liens of the United Stater. Since that time the competition
has ceased between the motes , of Panama and' Nicaragua,
and, In consequence thereof, en anion and unreasonable
• areetint'has belie exacted from our citizens for their peerage
to and from Oalifbrobt.
A treaty was signed nu the 16th day of November, 1867,
by the.Secrelary of State and Minister of Nicaragua, un
der the stiPulatione of which thi nee',and protection of
the transit route would have been secured, not only to the
United States, but equally to altother nations. How and
on what pretexts this treaty has failed to resolve the rat.
Ification of the Nicaraguan government, 'will appear by
the papers herewith communicated from the State Depart
ment. The principal objection seems M hails been, to the
provision authorising the United States to employ farce to
keep the route open, in case Nicaragua should fail to per
form her duty In this respect. From the feebleness of that
Republic, its frequent changes of government, and its con
slant .internal dissent:lens, this bad become a mat Impor
tant stipulation, and one awsentialty mesentery not enty
for the security or the route; but for the safety 01'A:inert
can citizens passing and repassing to and;from burl'acifici
possessions. Were each a stipulation embraced In a trea
ty between the United Staten and Nicaragua, the knowl•
Tim PRESBYTERIAN BANNER AND ADVOCA
edge of ads • fact would of itself moist probably prevent
hostile parties from committing aggressions on the rents
and render our actual interference for its protection is...
neceesary.
The tixecuGro Government of this country, in its inter
course with foreign nations, is limited to the employment
of diplomacy lion. When this fails, it can proceed no
further. It cannot legitimately resort to force, without
the direct authority of Congress, except in resisting and
repelling hostile attacks It would have no authority to
enter the Territory of Nicaragua, oven to prevent the de
struction of the trasit, an drotect the lives and rop
.erty or our own c itiz en s on the p ir passage. It is true p that
on a sudden emerger:cy of this character, the President
s!
wen' direct any armed torso in the vicinity to march to
their relief; but lu doing this he would act upon his own
reeponsibility.
Under these circumstances, I earnestly recommend to
Congress, the passage of au act nnthorizing the President
uder vomit restriction es they may deem proper, to em
cloy tire land and naval force of the United States in pre
venting the transit front being obstructed or closed by law,
leas violence, and in protecting the lives and property of
Antericen citizens traveling tire requiring at the
stone time that these feces shall withdrawu the moment,
the danger alien have pained away. Without such a pro.'
vision, our citaeus will be contently exposed to leterrup.
lion in their progress, and to lawless violence.
A thriller necessity elide for the.pasertge of such an act
fur the protection of the Perramo.and Tehuantepec routes.
In reference to the Panama route, the United States, by
'their existing treaty with new Grenada, expressly guaran
tee the neutrality of the Istinnus,Pwith the view. that tiro
free transit from the ono to the other sea may not be inter
mitted or embarrassed in any future time while this treaty
exists."
In regerd to the Tehuantepec route, which has been re
cently opened under the most Covetable novice°, our treaty
with Mexico of the 30th December,lB33, secures to the citi
zens of the United States a right of transit over it for their
persons and merchandise, and stipulates that. neither gov
ernment shall' "interpose story obstacle" thereto. it also
concedes to the United States the "right to transport errors
the Isthmus in closed bap; the mails of the United States
not intend ed distribution along the line of the commu
nication; also, the effects of the United States government
audits citizens which may ho iutended for transit, and not
ftie distribution on the Isthmus, free of custom-hottee or
Other charges by the Mexican goverument." •
. 'These treaty stipulations with New Granada .
• and Mexico, in addition to the considerations
•applioable to the Nicaraguan route, seems to re
' • (lilies: legislation for the purpose of carrying
them lute etfeot..
.•. • • •
• .
COSTA I!.10A AND ITIOA11;d011A
Tb 6 injuries which have been inflicted 'upon.
our citizens in Costa - Rica and Nicaragua, drt-,
ring the' last two or three years, . have received
the prompt attention of this Goiernment, Some
of these injuries were of the most aggravated'
Character. The transaction ak Virgin Bay •in
April, 1866, when a company of•unarmedAmeri
cans, who were in no way connected with any,
belligerent conduct or party, were fired upon by
the troops of Costa Rica, and numbers of them
killed add wounded, was brought to the knowl
edge of Congress by my:predecessor soon after
its ocourrenoe, and was also presented to the
Government of Costa Rica, for that immediate
investigation and redress which the nature or
the case demanded. A similar course was pur
sued with reference to other outrages in these
countries, some of which were hardly less aggra
vated in their character than the transaction at
Virgin Bay. At the time, however, when our•
present minister to Nicaragua was appointed, in
December, 18,57, 110 redress had been obtained . ,
for any of these wrongs, and no reply even had
been received to the demands which bad been
made by this Government upon that of Costa
Rica, more than'a year before. Our minister
was instructed, therefore, to lose no time in ex
pressing to those Governments the deep regret
-with which the President' bad witnessed this
inattention to the just claims of' th e United States
and in demanding their prompt and satisfactory
adjustment.
Unless this demand shill be.complied with at an
early day, it will only remain for this Government to
adopt such other measures as may-be necessary, in
order to obtain for itselfthat
,justieewhich it has in
vain attempted to secure by peaceEd means, from
the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
While it has shown, and will continue to show, the
most sincere regard for the rights and honor of these
Republics, it cannot permit this regard,to .be.met by
an utter neglect, on their part, of what is duo to the
Government and-citizens of the United States.
NEW CiRANADA-
Against New Granada we have lone-staading
causes of complaint; arising out - of the unsatis
fied claims of our citizens upon- that Republic;
and to these have been more recently added the
outrages committed upon,our citizens at Pana
ma in April, '1856. A. treaty for the adjust
ment of these difficulties was concluded by the
Secretary of State and the minister of New Gre
nada, in September, 1867, which contained just
and acceptable provisions• for that purpose.—
This treaty was transmitted to Bogota,-,and was
ratified by the Government. of New Granada,
but with certain amendment& It was not, how
ever, returned - to this city until after.the close.
of_ the last - iession of the Senate. It will be
immediately transmitted to that body for their
advice and consent; and should this be obtained'
it will remove all our . existing causes of cow,
plaint against New Granada on the subject of
claims.
Questions have arisen between the two Gov
ernments, se to the right of New Grenada to.
levy a tonnage duty upon the vessels of the Uni
ted States in its ports of the Isthmus, and to
levy a passenger tax upon our citizens arriving
in that country, whether with a design to remain
there or to pass from ocean to ocean by the Tran
sit route;' and also a tax upon the mail of the U.
States transported over the Panama Railroad.
The Government of New Granada has been in
formed, that the United States would consider
the collection of these taxes, as an sot in viola
tion of the treaty between the two countries,
and as such would be resisted by the - United
States. At the same time, we axe prepared
to discuss these questions in a spirit of amity
and justice, but with a sincere desire to adjust
them in a satisfactory manner. A negotiation
for that purpose has already been commenced.
No effort has recently been made to collect these
taxes, nor is any anticipated under present cir
cumstances.
BRAZIL.
'With the empire of Brazil our relations are of the most
friendly character. The productions of the two countries,'
and especially those of an agricultural nature, are such as
to invite extensive mutual exchanges. A large quantity of
American near is consumed in Brazil; whilst mere than
treble the amount in value of Brazilian coffee is consumed
'in the United States. 1% Met th'a is the case, a heavy duty
has been levied, nut it very recently, upon the importation
of American Hour into Brazil. I•am gratified however' .to
be able to inform you that in September last this has been
reduced Item $1,3:1 to about forty•ciae - Cents per barrel, and
the duties on other article' of our production have been di•
minished in nearly the same proportion.
I regret to state that the Government of Brazil still con
tinues to levy anaxport duty of about 11 per cent. on coffee
notwithstanding this article is admitted free from duty in
the United States. This is a heavy chirge upon 'the con
sumers of coffee in our country, as we purchase half of the
entire surplus crop of that article raised In Brazil- Our
minister, under inatnictions, will reiterate his efforts to
have this export duty removed; and it is hoped that the en.
lightened Govrrnmeut of the Emperor will adopt this wile,
just andequal - policy. In that event, there is rood reason
to believe that the commerce between the two countries will
greatly increase. mock to the advantage of both..
The claims of our citizens against the Gov
ernment of Brazil are not, in the aggregate, of
very loge amount ; but some of these rest up
on plain principles ofjustice, and their settle
ment ought not to be longer delayed.. A re
newed and earnest, and 1 trust a successful
effort; will be made .by our Minister to procure
their final Adjustment.' • -
PARAGUAY
On the 22d of June last, Congress passed a
joint resolution authorizing the .President "to
adopt such,measurea - and use sueh force as, in
his judgment, may be necessary and advise
bfe' ."focthe purpose of adjusting the differences
betiveen the United States, and thellepnblie of
Paraguay, in connexion with the attack on
the Unites States steamer Water Witch, and
with other measures referred to" in his
al message. And on the 12th of July follow
ing, they made an appropriation to defray the
expenses and compensation of a Commissioner
to that Republic, shouldthe President deem it
proper to make such an appointritent.
In compliance with these enactments, I have :
appointed a-Commissioner, who has proceeded
to Paraguay, with full powers and instrcutions
to settle these differences in an amicable and
peaceful manner, if this be practicable. His
experience and dizeretion justify the ho . pe,
that he may prove successful in convincing
the Paraguayan Government, that it is due
both to honor and justice, that they should
voluntarily and promptly make atonement for
the wrongs which they have committed against
the United States, and indemnify our injured
citizens whom they have forcibly despoiled of
their property.
Should our Commissioner prove unsuccess
ful, after a sincere and most earnest effort to
accomplish the object-of his 'mission, then no
alternative will remain, but -the employment
of . force to obtain "just satisfaction" from Par
aguay. In-view of this contingency, the Secre
tary of the Navy,nnder my direction, has fit
ted out and dispatched a naval force, to ren
dezvous near Buenos Ayres, which, itis be
lieved, will proVe eicient for the occasion..
It is my earnest desire, liciwever, that it may
not he found necessary to resort to this last al
ternative.
BUSINESS OF THE COUNTRY.
When Congress mot in December last the business
Of the country had just been crushed by one-of those
periodical rovulsions which are the inevitable conse
.
quence of our unsound and e xt ravagant , •sstem
of bank credits and inflated' currency. With all' the
elements of national wealth inabundance our menu,
factures were suspended; our useful puhlio and.pri
rate enterprises were arrested, and thousands of la
borers were deprived of employment and reduced to
want. Universal diStress prevailed among the com...
Meseta], manufacturing, and'inechanical classes.—
This revulsion was felt the more severely in the
United States, because similar causes had produced
the like deplorable effects throughout the commer ci4l
nations of Burope. - All wine.experiencing sad re.- .
verses at the same monient. 'Oar manufacturers
everywhere suffered severely, not because of the re
cent redaction in the tariff of duties on imports, but
because there was no demand at any price for their
productions. The people wore obliged. to restrict
themselves, in their purchases, to articles. of prime
necessity.'
In the geoeral prostration of business, the iron
Manufeciturers in different States probably suffered
more than any other class, and much destitution was
the inevitable oonsequence, among the great Lllllll-
bar of workmen who had been employed in this use
ful branch of our industry. There could be no supply
where there was no demand. Td present an example:
there could be no demand for railroad iron after our
magnificent system of railroads, extending its benefitS
to every portion of the Union, had been brought to a
dead pause. - The same consequences have resulted
from similar causes to many other branches of
usoful manufactures. It is self evident that where
there is no ability to purchase manufactured articles,
those cannot be sold, and :consequently must
cease to be produced. No Government, and es
pecially a _Government of - such limited powers as
that of the United States; 'could have prevented the
late revulsion. The whole commercial world seemed
for years to have been rushing to this catastrophe.
The same ruinous consequences would have followed
in the United States whether-the duties upon foreign
imports had remained as they were under the tariff
of 1,1346 or had•been raised to a much higher stand
ard. Tho tariff of 185 had' o agency in the resulf.
• The general causes existing throughout the world
could'not have beentiontrolled • by tho legislation of
any particular country. . ,
The periodical revulsionewliieh have existed in
. our past history, must cenitnueto return at intervals,
.• so long as. oar
. ..resent unbounded, system of bank
oiedits Shill: prevail. They however, probably
be the less severe in future; because it is not to be
.expected, atleaet for many years to come,.that the
. commercial nations of Europe, with whose interests
otir own are sematerially.indfl) ved, will expose them- -
/selves to similar ,calamities. But this subjeot was
treated so muoh at large in. - my last annual message
that I shall not now pursue it further. Still, I re
epecifully renew the recommendation, in favor of
the passage of a uniform - BankruptLaw, applicable to
• banking institutions. This is all the-power over the
sibject which,l believe, theFederal.G overnmen t pos
-1 leases. Such a law would mitigate, though it might
not prevent the evil. The , inatinot of self-preservation -
mightproduoe a wholesome restraint upon their bank
ing business, if they knew in advance, that a suspen
sion of specie 'payments . would inevitably produce
their Chit death: , But the' effeots of the revul
sion are now slowly but surely passing away. The •
energy and - enterprise of our citizens, with our un
bounded resources, will, Within. the period of another
year, restore a state of wholesome industry and trade.
Capital has again accumulated in our large cities;
the rate of interest is there very low. Confidence is
gradually reviving, and-so soon :as Witt discovered
that this capit al can be profitably employed in com
• mercial and m anufacturing enterprises, and in the
eanstruotton Of railroads-and other works of public
and private improvement, prosperity will again smlik
throughout the land. I t viiii;however, to disguise
the fact from. ourselves that a.speculativelnflation
of our currency, without a corresponding inflation
in other countries whose manufactures come in corn
petition with our.own must ever produce disastrous
results to our domestic 'manufacturers. No tariff
short of absolute prohibition can . ..prevent these evil
consequenies..
THE TARIFF:
In connection with this subject it is proper to refer
to our financial condition. Tile same causes which
haio produced - pecuniary' :distress throughout the
country, have so reduced the amount of imports from
foreign countries, that the revenue has proved inade,
gusto to meet the necessarylipenses of the Govern
ment. To supply the defuiiency, Congress by the
Act of the . 23cl December, 1857, Authorised the issue
of $20,000,000 of Treasury notes, and this proving
inadequate, they authorised by the Act of June 14th,
1858, a loan of $20,800,000,.t0 be applied to the pay
ment of appropriations made by law. No states
man would advise that we should go on increasing
the national debt, to meet• the ordinary expenses
of the Government; this would be a must ruinous
policy. In case of war, our credit must be our-chief
resource, at least for the first , year, and this would be
ireatly inipaired : by, having' contracted a large debt
in•time of peado. It . is our true
: policy, to increase
our revenue so as to equal - our expenditures.—
It would be ruinous to continue to borrow. Be
sides it may be proper to observe, that the inciden
tal protection thus afforded by a revenue'tariff would
at the present moment, to some extent, increase the
confidence of the manufacturing interests, and give
a fresh impulse to - onr reviving business. To this
surely no person will object. In regard to the mode
of assessing and "(inflecting duties under a strictly
revenue tariff, I havalong entertained and often ex
pressed the opinion that sound policy requires that
this 'should be. done by's-y:4oo'c'. dtdies.in cases to.
which these can be properly applied: they are well
.
adapted: to' cominodities, which' are usually sold by
weight or by measure, and.whieli from their nature
are of equal or nearly equal value; such, for example,
are the articles of iron of different classes, raw sugar
and foreign wines and spirits. In my deliberate
judgment, specific dutiekt`are the best if not the only
Means 'of securing the revenue against false and
fraudulent invoices, and'such has been the practice
adopted for this purpose by other commercial nations.
Besides, specific duties-would afford to the Anieri-
Call manufacturer the'incidental advantages to which
he is fairly entitled underarevenue tariff. The pres-
ent system is a sliding scale to his disadvantage.
Under it, when prices are high and business is pros
perous, the duties rise in amount, when he least re
quires their aid; on the contrary, when prices fall
and be is struggling against adversity, the duties are
diminished, in the same proportion, greatly to his
injury; neither would there be danger•that -a higher
rate of duty than that intended by Congress should
be levied in the form of specific duties. It would he
easy to ascertain the average value of any imported
article for a series of years, and instead of subjecting
it to an advalorem duty, at a certain rate per centum,
to substitute in its place en equivalent specific duty.
By such arrangement the consumer would not be
injured; it is true that he might have to pay a little
more duty on a given article in one year; but if so,
he would pay a little less in another, and in a series
of-years, these would counterbalance each other, and
amount to the same thing so fat as his interest is
concerned. The inconvenience would bo trifling
when contrasted with the additionalsecurity thus af
forded against frauds upon the revenue, in which
'every consumer is directly interested. I have thrown
'ant these suggestions aa the fruit of .my own °bum
witions, to which Congress in their better judgment
will give such weight as they may justly deserie.
PTNA.wcES. -
The report of the .Becretary of the Treasury
will eFplain in . deteil the operations of that de
partment of the government. The receipts into
the.treasury from all sources> during the fiscal
year ending 80th June, 1858, including the
treasury notes authorized by the act of Decem
ber 28, 1857, were seventy million two hundred
and seventy-three thousand eight hundred and
sixty-nine dollars and fifty-nine cents, ($70,273,-
869.590 which amount, with the balance of
seventeen million seven hundred and ten thou
. Sand one hundred and fourteen dollars and
_ twenty-seven cents ($17,710,114.27,) remaining
in the treasury at the commencement'of the
year, made an aggregate for the service of the
year of eighty-seven million nine hundred .and
eighty-three thonsatid nine hundred and eighty
three dollars add lighty-six cents, ($87,083,-
983.86.) • •
The public expenditures during the fiscal
year ending. Juno 30, 1858; amounted to eighty
one million five hundred and eighty-five thou
sand six hundred and sixty seven dollars and
severity-six .cents, ($81,685,667.76,) of which .
nine million Six hundred and eighty•four thou
sand five hundred and thirty seven dollars and
,
ninety-nine cents ($9,684,687 99,) were applied
te'the payment of the public debt, and the re
demption of treasury notes with the interest
thereon, leaving in the treasury on July 1, 1858,
being the ,commeneement 'of the present 'fiscal
year, six million three hundred and ninety-eight
thousand three hundred and sixteen dollars and
ten cents, ($6.398,816.10.)
The receipts Into the . treasury, during the
first quarter of the present fiscal year,. com
mencing the_first of July, 1858, including: one
half of the loan of twenty millions of dollars;
with the premiuM upon it, authorized by the
act of I.4tli.June 'lB6B, were fwenty-five million
two hundred andthirty thousand eight huodred
•and seventy-nine,-dollars and forty six cents,
($25,230,879.46,) and•the estimated-receipts for
the remaining three quarters to the 30th Jane,
1859, from ordinary sourcs, are thirty-eight
- million five hundred 'thousand dollars,. ($38,-
500,000,) maidng, with- the balance before •
stated, an aggregate of seventy million one
hundred and twenty nine thousand one hundred
and ninety-five dollars and fifty-six Cents,
• ($70,129,195.56.).
.The'expenditures, during the first quarter of
•' the Present fiical'year, were twenty,one million •
seven hundred and eight thousand one hundred
and ninety-eight,- dollars and fifty-one cents,
. ($21,708,198 b 1,:) of which one million and. ten
.thousand_ one hundred and forty two dollars and
thirty seven, cents(sl;olo,l42 37) were ap
plied to tlfq . paymezit of the
,publio debt and the
redemption of.treaeury notes and the interest
thereon. -'The - estimated expenditures, _during
the remaining three quarters to 30th JunP, 1859,
are fifty-two: - million three hundred and fifty
seven thousand 'six hundred and ninety-eight
dollars and for,ty : eight cents, ($62,367,698: 48,)
making an aggregate of seventy-four million
sixty-five thousand eight' hundred and ninety
. dollars, and ninety nine cents,: ($74 065 , 896
9 1 4)being an exams of 'expenditure, beyond the
estimated receipts into the treasury from or
dinary sources, during the fiscal year to th e
30th June, 1859, of three million nine himdred
and thirty-six thousand !seven hundred and one
dollars and forty-three cents, ($3,936,70 1 43 )
Extraordinary means are placed by law within •
the command of the Secretary of the Treasury,
-by the reissue of treasury notes redeemed, and
by negotiating the balance of the loan author
ized by the act of 14th June, 1868, to the ex
tent of eleven millions of dollars, which, if
realized during the preient fisoal,year, will leave
a balance in the treasury, on the first day of
July, 1869, of seven million sixty-three thou
sand two hundred and ninety-eight dollars and
fifty-seven cents, ($7,063,298 57.)
The estimated receipts during the next fiscal
yenr ending 30th June, 1860, are sixty.two
millions of dollars, ($62,000,000) which, with
the above estimated balance of seven million
sixty three thousand two hundred and. ninety
eight dollars and fifty seven cents, ($7,063,298
57) make an aggregate for the service of the
next fiscal year, of sixty nine million sixty
three thousand two hundred and 'ninety eight
dollars and fifty seven cents, ($611,063,298 67 )
The estimated expenditures, during the neat
fiscal year ending 30th June, 1860, are seventy
three million one hundred and thirty nine thou
sand one hundred and forty seven,dollars and
forty six cents, ($78,139,147 46,) which leave
a deficit of estimated means, compared with
the estimated expendituree for that year, com
mencing on the Ist of July, 1869, of four millions
and seventy five thousand eight hundred and
forty eight dollars , and. eighty mine, cents, ($4,-
076,848 89.)
In addition to this sum, the Postmaster Gen- •
oral will require- from the treasury, for the ser
vice of the Post Office Department, three mil
lions eight hundred and thirty-eight thousand
seven hundred and twenty eight dollars, ($3,-
838,728) as explained the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury, which will increase
the estimated deficit on the 30th of-June, 1860,
to seven - millions nine hundred and fourteen
thousand, five hundred and seSenty six dollars
and eighty-nine cents, ($7,914,676.89) To
provide for the-payment of this estimated deft •
cienoy, which will be increased by sneh,appro
priations as may be made by Congress, not
estimated for in tile report of the Treasury
Department, as well as to' prOvide for the grad
ual redemption, from year to year, of the out
standing notes, the SeCretary of the
Treasury recommends such a revision of, the
present tariff at will raise the required amount.
After what I have already said, I need scarcely
add that I concur in the opinion expressed in
his report—that the public debt should not be
increased by an additional loan, and would
therefore strongly:urge upon Congress the duty of
making, at their present session,- the necessary
provision for meeting these liabilities.
PUBLIC DEBTS
• The public debten the lst.of July, 1856, the*
commencement of the present fiscal year, was
$25,166,977.00. •
During the Drat quarter of the present year,
the sum of $ 10,000.000 has been negotiated of
the loan authorized by the Act of 14th Juno,
'lBsB—malting the present' outstanding public
debt,. exclusive of Treasury notes, $0,155,977.-
66. There was, on the Ist of July 1868, of
treasury notes issued by authority of the act of
December 23. 1857, unredeemed, the sum of
$19,764,800 --making the amount of actual in
debtedness, at that date, $54,910,777.66.. To
this will be added $10,000,000 during the pres
entfiscal year—this being the remaining half of
the loan:of $20,000,000' not yet negotiated.
The rapid increase of the public debt; and the
tecessity which exists for a modification of the
tariff, to meet even the ordinary expenses of the.
Government, ought to admonish us ail,-in-our .
respective spheres of duty, to the practice of
rigid economy. -The objects of -expenditure
should be limited in number, as far as this may
be practicable, and the appropriations necessary
to carry them into effect, ought to be disbursed
under the strictest accountability. Enlightened
economy does not . consist in the refusal to appro
priate money for constitutional purposes,. essen
tial to the defence, progress, and, prosperity of
the Republic, but in taking care that none of this
money shall be wasted by mismanagement, in
its application to the objects designated , by law:
Comparisons between the annual expenditures
at the present time, and what it was ten or
twenty years ago,. are altogether fallacious. The
rapid increase of our country in extent and pop
ulation, renders a corresponding increase:of ex
penditure, to some - extent, unavoidable. This
is constantly creating 'new Obrettitilt ; of expendi
ture, and augmenting the amount required for_
old. The true
.questions then, die, have those
objects been unnecessarily multiplied! or, has
the amount expended uportany or a11 , .0f them,
been larger than comportOrith due economy ?
In accordance with these prineiples, the heads
of the different Executive Departments . of the.
Government, have been instructed to reduce their
estimates for the next fiscal year, to the lowest
standard consistent with the efficiency- of the
service, and this duty they have performed'in a
spirit of just economy. The estimates "of the
Treasury, War, Navy, and Interior Departments,
have each been in some degree reduced; and
unless a sudden and unforeseen emergency
should arise, it is not anticipated that a defici
ency will exist in either within the present or
-the next &seal year. - The Post Office Depart
ment is placed in a peculiar position, different
from the other Departments, and to this 'I shall
hereafter refer. . *
I invite Congress to institute a rigid scrutiny
to ascertain whether the expenses in all the De
partments cannot be still' farther -reduced ; and
I promise them all the in my power in pursn:
i og the investigation.
TuE DEPARTMENTS. .
I transmit herewith the Reports made tomtby
the Secretaries of War t of the Navy, of _the In—
.
tenor, and the Postmaster thineral. . They each
. information'and
contain valuable - impor tant re
commendations, to which I invite the attention Of
Congress.
In my. last annual message, I took occasion to
recommend the immediate constructi onn, of • ten
small steamers, of light draught; for tho 'purpose
of inoreasing'the efficiency of the navy.. Con
gress responded to the recommendation, by au
thorizing .the construction of eight of them.
The progrevs which has b een made in executiOg_
this authority, is stated in the report Of the Sec
retary of the Navy. I concur with him in the
opinion, that a greater number of this class of
vessels is necessary, for the purpose of-protect
ing in a more efficient manner the persons and
property of American citivens on the high seas,
and in foreign countries, as well as in guarding
more effectually our own. coasts. I accordisigly
recommend the passage of an act for this pur
pose. -
The suggestions contained lathe report , of the Secreta
ry of the interkwespecially those le regard to the dis
position of the Pilblic Domain, the Pertalon and bounty
laml system, the policy toward the Indians, and the
amendment of one patent laws, are worthy of the sextons
consideration of Oongoss. . 7 • - i
The Post Office Deportment occupies a position xer . y .
differcnt from that of the other - Departments. For nuseTs
years it was the policy of the Government to render this is.
sellenstaining Department; and if this carnet now be De
compliatied, , in Our present condition of the country, we
ought to make as near an approach to it as may be petal:
cable.
The Postmaster General is placed in a moat embarrass
ing position by the existing lawa. He is obliged to carry
these into effect. He has no other alternative. He finds,
however, that this caninit bedone without heavy demands
upon time treasury over and above what is received for
postage; and these have been progressively increasing
from year to year, until they amounted kr Um last fiscal
year ending on the 30th Juno, 18s.8, to more than four
millions and a half of dot } are; - whilst it is Estimated that
for the present fiscal year they will amount to e6,290,000_
Those sums are exclusive of the annual appropriation of
8700,000 for "compensation for the matinee - vice performed
for the two Houses of Gengress and the other Departments'
and officeni of the government in the transportation of
free matter." .
The cause of those large deficits is mainly attributable
to the inereased expense of transporting the mails. In
1852 the sum paid for this service was but a fraction above
four millions and a quarter. Since that year it has annu
ally increased until 1858 it has reached mote- than eight
millions and a quarter; and for the service of 1859, it is
estimated that it willamonnt to more than ten million,
of dollars.
The receipts of the Poet Office Department can be made
to approach or to equal its expenditure, only by means of
the legislation of Congrees. In applying any remedy,
care should be taken that the people shall not be deprived
of the advantages which they are fairly entitled to enjoy
from the Poet Office Department. The principal remedies
recommended to the consideration of .oongress by the
Postmaster General, are to restore the former rate or port
age upon stogie letters; to five cents; to entertitule for the
1 franking privilege the delivery to th ose now . entitlea to
!
enjoy it, of Poet offiseetimps for their correspondence, and
to direct, the Department, in making rants acts for the
transportation of themall, to confirm Itself to the pay
ment of the sum necessary for this single purpose, witn
out. requiring UM be transported in post coaches er car
riages orally particular description. Und,r the present
system. the expenses to the Government are greatly in
creased, by requiring that the mail shall be carried in such
I vehicles as will accommodate Plaserigere. This will be
done without pay trom the repaulmeet, over all roads
where the travel will recnnuerate the cootracters.
. :These recommendations deserve the grave CO/IbitieritiOn
a Congress.
PACIFIC RAILROAD
I would again eel your attention to the construction of
st.P•clat Rotluied. Time and reflection hare but served to
aonfl , m me in the truth and juvtice Of the observations
sc•t
Which I made r on this
sa , in my last annual mes
sage, to which 1 beg learn tinily to r o g er .
. • It Is Seely admitted, th would
would be insipodleut for
this Government to exercise o power ofooustrnoting the
Pacific Railroad Vita cu - n immediate agents. Such a
.pulley would increase the patronage of the Executive to a
dangerous extent, and introduce a ryslem of jobbing and
corruption, which no 'vigilance on the part of federal MS,
eials, could either prevent or detect : This can only - be
done by the keen eye, and active and carefd supervision,
of individual and private interests.., The enietruction of
this road ought, therefore, to be committed to companits
incorporated by the States, or other agencies abase peed.
Liary interests would be directly invoiced. °Gerais
might then assist them in the work, by grants of landor
of money, or bath, under such condition troops and IraM*l-
s and restrictions
and that of the United
as would secure the transportation of
'llOlllB o' war free from any charge,
,Mates mail at 'a fair and reasonable price.
The progress of events since the commence
ment of your last session, hap shown how soon
difficulties disappear before afirm and deter
ad
to
mined resolution. At that time, stech aro
be n
was deemed by wise and patriotic men,
visionary -project. The great distance to be
overcome, and the interven nn
ing mountains and
deserts in the way, were obstacles whiehi
the opinion-of many, could not be'surmounted.
Now, after the lapse of but a, single year, these
obstacles, it has been discovered, a
to re t
beess
ar l
formidable than they were Supposed ; and.
mail stages, with passengers, now pass and re
'pass regularly, twice in each week, by a common
wagon road between -San Francisco and St
'Louis and Memphis, in less than twenty five
days. The service has been as regularly per
' formed`; as it was, in former years, between
New York and this oily.
Whilst disclaiming all authority to appropriate
money for. the construction of this road, except
that derived from the making power of the
Constitution, there are important collateral con-
Edderations urging us to undertake the work as
speedily as possible. _ is
The first and most momentous of these
that such a road would- be a powerful bond of
union.between the States East and West of the.
Rocky motintains. This is, so self-evident as to
require no illustration. ,
Bat again, in a commercial` point of, view, I
consider this the great question of tfie:',llay.
With the Eastern front of our Republic stretch
ing along the Atlantic, and its Western front
along the Pacific, if'all - the parte should ,be
united by a safe, easy, and rapid_communies
ilea, we must necessarily command - every large
proportion of the trade both of 'Europe., and
Asia. Oar recent treaties with data and Japan
will open these rich and populoue empires to
our commerce ; and the history .of the world
proves,. that the nation which has gained.pos
session of the trade with Eastern Asia, has
alwayi beCome , Wealthy_ arid' powerful. The
peculiar geographical position of California and
our Paelfic.possesaions, invites American capital
and enterprise into this fruitful field. To reap
the rich harvest, however, it is an indispensable
prerequisite, that we shall first-have a railrot d,
to convey and circulate its products throughout
every portion of the Union. Besides such railroad through our, temperate latitude, which
would not be impeded. by the frosts and snows
of Winter, nor by the - tropical heats of Summer,
would attract to itself much- of the travel and '
the trade of all nations passing between Europe
and Asia.,
THE SLAVER. ECHO
On the 21st of August last, , Lieut..T.N. Maffit,
of the-United States brig "Dolphin;" - captured
the slaver "Echo," (formerly the " MAW/0 of
New Orleans;) near-licy Verde, on the coast of
Cuba, with More than _three hundred African
negroes on hoard: The prize, under the command
of Lieut. Bradford of the United States' navy;
arrived at Charleston on the 27th of August;
when - the negroes, three hundred and. six in
number, were delivered into the custody of the
United States Marshal for the district of South
Carolina. They were —first placed in Castle
Pinkney, and afterwards in- Fort Sunder, for
safe:keeping, and were,detained there until the
19th September, when the survivors,two hundred
and seventy-one in number, were 'delivered on
board the United States steamer Niagara," to
be transported to the coast of Africa, under the
charge of the agent of the United States, pnrsn
ant to the provisions of the Act of- 8d March,
1819, "in addition to the acts prohibiting the
Slave-trade." Uttler the 2d section of this act;
the President is " authorized to make such
regulations and arrangements as he may diem
expedient, for the safe keeping, support, and
removal beyond the litnite of the United States;
of all- such negroes, mulattoes, or persons .of
color" captured by vessels of the-United States,
as may be delivered to the - Marshal of the district
into which they are brought ; T' and to appoint
a proper person or persons residing upon the
coast of Africa, as agent or agents for receiving
the•megroes, Mulattoes, or. "persons, of color,
delivered from, on board vessels seized in the
prosecution of the Slave-trade by commanders of
the United Slides armed vessels."
A doubt immediately arose as to the true con
struction of; this act. It is'quite clear'front its
'terms that , the - President was tsuthorized ta.pro
vide " for the safe-keeping, support, and re
trieval" of these negroes op till the time of their
delivery telthe `agent on: thc coast ef Africa ;
but no express provision was made- for their pro
tection and support , after they. had. reached the
place of their destination. Still, an agent was
thins -appointed to receive them in Africa ; and
it - Coultritot have been Sup Posed that Congress
iriteaded he should desert them at the 'moment
they received, and turn them loose on that
inhospitable coast to perish for want of food, - or
to become again the victims of the Slave trade.
Had this been the - intention of Congress, the em
ployment of an agent to receive them, who is
required to reside on the coast, was unnecessary,
and they, mighthave beenjandedby'our vessels
anywhere in Africa ; and left exposed to'the suf
ferings and the fate which would certainly await
them.
-Mr t Monroe, in_ his specialmessage of 17th
December, 14319, 'at the first session after the
act was passed, announced to - Congress-what, in
his °Pinion, was its true Ciinstruction.
believed it to> be his duty under it, to follow
these unfortunate's into Africa, and make provi
ifon for them there, until they - Shouldle able to
provide for themselves. In Communicating this
interpretation-of the. act -to Congress, he stated
that some doubt had been entertained as to its
true intent-and meaning, and, he submitted the
qUeitron to them, so that they might, "should
it be deemed advisable, amend the same before
proceedings are had under= it." Nothing was
done by Congress to explain the act, and Mr.
-Monroe proceeded to- carry it into execution
aucording to his own interpretation. This, then,
becarne the practical. construction. When the
"Afrioans from - on board the Folio were delivered
t'o the Marshal- at Charleston, it became my
duty-to consider= what disposition ought, to 'be
made of them under the law. For any rea
sons, it expedient to remove them'from that
locality as speedily as possible. Altherigh the
conduct of the authorities 'and Citizens of
Charleston, in-giving countenance to the execu
tion of the law, was just what might have been
expected from their high character, yet, a its.
longed continuance of three hundred Africans
in the immediate vicinity of- , that city, could
not have failed to become a. source of inconven—
ience and anxiety to its inhabitants. Where to
send them was the question. - There 'was' no
portion of the- coast of Africa, to which they
could be removed with any .regerd to humanity,
except to Liberia. Under these circumstances,
an agreement was entered into, ith the Coloni—
zation SOciety on the 7th of September last, a
copy of Which is herewith transmitted, under
which the' Society engaged, for the considera—
Aion .of forty five thousand dollars, to:-receive.
these Africans in Litieria from the agent of
the United' - States,, and farnish them dicing
the' period -of one 2 year 'thereafter, with com—
fortable shelter, clothing, provisions, and
medical , attendance, tuaming, thecldldren to
receive schooling Laud all, whethe r children
Or adults, to be intrusted in the arts of civilized
life, suitable to their condition. This aggregate
of forty five thousand dollars was based-upon an
allowance, of one hundred and fifty dollars for
-each individual, and as there has beenconskl
erable mortality among them, and may be more
before they reach Africa, the Society have
~ ,agreed,--irestneiptitable spirit; to•nuke such a
deduction 'from the amount, as under the
,circumstances may appear just and reasonable.
This cannot be fixed until we shall ascertain the
actual number 'which may becomes charge to
the Society.
It was also distinctly agreed, that, under no
circumstances, shall this government be - called
uponfor any additional expenees.
The agents of the society maruleeted'a lauda
ble desire to conform to the wishes' of the gov
eminent, throughout the trimeatition: They as
sured me that, aftera carefulnalmaletion, they
would be required to expend the
.s e am of one
hundred'and fifty dollars on each individual in
complying With the agreement, and they would
have nothing left to remunerate them for their
care, 'trouble, and responsibility. At all events,
I could make no better arrangement, and there
was no other alternative. During the period
when • the governinent itself, through- 'its 'own
agents, undertook ,- the"task of providing -for
captured negroes in • Africa, the - cost per head
was very much greater. There having been no
outstanding appropriations applicable to this
purpose, I could-not advance-any money on the
agreement. I Therefore recommend that an ap
propriation may he made, of the -amount neme
eery to carry it into effect. -
Other captures ef siimlar charaeter ma,
and probably 'will, be made by our naml farces y ;
and I earnestly recommend, that Congress may
amend the second section oflhe Act of March
:3, 1819; so as to free its construction - front-AIM
ambiguity which hantio tang existed; and render
the duty of the President plain in executing its
provisions.
THE DETHIOT
T recommend to your favorable rpglr
local interests of the District of ColinnU .
the residence 'of Congress and the Ex, cut .,
Departments of the Government, we cannf
to feel a , deep -concern in its welfare.
heightened by , the high character and
reaceful-and orderly conduct of its rolltti
habitants.
ICONOLI'SION.
I cannot conclude .without t;,.
agreeable duty, .of expressing my gr at; tic
that Congress so kindly responded to tit
niendation - of my last annual mer- sig „ ,
offal ding me sufficient time before the el.
their brte session, for the examination ~f „ oio
bills presetted to me for approval. Thi
in the practice of Congress, has proved t 1„.",
wholesome reform. It exerted a bow fi t lo .
fluence on the transaction of legislative,
•ness; and elicited the general approbation o f ,„.,
country. It enabled Congress to adjourn
that dignity and deliberation so becoming !,
Representatives of Attie great Republic,
having.crowded into general appropriatio n : 6l
provisions foreign to their nature, ant
doubtful constitutionality and expediency. L,,
me warmly and sit ongly commend this preccdtrt
established by themselves, as a guide to th,C,
proceedings during the presentJAMES
u
B sess c io H m
AsIN.
WASHISTIVIN Orr; 'December 6, 1858.
AD•VERTISE - MENTS.
DR - - M'LANE'S
CELEBRATED
VERMIFUGE
AND
LIVER PILLS.
WE beg leave to call the atten
tion of the Trade, and more
especially the Physicians of the
country, to two of the most popu
lar remedies now before the public.
We refer to
elias. !Plane's Celebrated.
Vermifuge and Liver Pills,
We do not, recommend them as
universal Cure-alls, but simply for
what_their name purports, viz.:
THE V ERMIFITGE,
For expelling Worms from the
human system. It has also been
administered with the most satis
factory results to various Animals
subject to Worms.
THE LIVER PILLS,
Forthe.cure of LIVER COMPLAINTS,
dill - mous DERANGEMENTS, SICK
HEAD-ACHE, &C. In cases of
FEVER AND AGUE)
preparatory to or after taking Qui
nine, they almost invariably make
a speedy and permanent cure.
As specifics for the above men
tioned diseases, they are Unrivaled,
and. never known to fail when ad-
Ministered. in accordance with the
direction&
Their, unprecedented popularly )
has induced the proprietors
FLEmiNG 'BROTHERS,
- PITTSBURGI4, PA.
to dispose of their Drug business,
in which - theY-Tiiv — en success
fully engaged for the last Twenty
Years, and they will now give their
undivided time and attention to
their manufacture. - And being de
termined that Dr. M'Lane's Cele
brated VerruifUge and. Liver Pills
shall continue to occupy the high
position they now hold among the
great remedies of the day, they
will continue to spare neither time
nor expense in procuring the Best
and Purest material, and com
pound diem in the- most thorough
171 nnef. Address all orders to
FLEMING BROS. Pittsburgh, Pa.
P. S.- Theaters and Physicians ordering from ntivtg
tan. Bit*ill do well to write their oni rt
distinctly, and take tune but - .Dr. whines, priparcd
/Taxing Brot„ . .Pfitisbisrph, its. To those wishing to
them a trial, We will :forward per mail, post paid. to any
part of the United States, one box of Pills for
three-cant pOstagef stamps, or: one - tial of Termifuee
fourtesen three-cent stamps. Ail orders from Canada u..7:.4
be, acomnpankd by, twenty cents extra.
angl4-Ty-
UM BOLAKITIO COLLEGEOF IC EDI.
T
CUM, CINCINNATI, 0.
• • The WiNTNR -8.103810 N of 1858-9, will conizef•'u, ET:
the 13th day of October, and continue sixteen aeea
full and thorough course , of Lectures will be given. = z - s
ins six or sevanho ra daily, with good opportunizi,:.!e.
tension to p natomy, and with ample Clint al
Ities at the Commercial Boagtal.
TIM arringemenfof the Obahe will be as follows :
T. IL S. JOHN.
Professorr of - Atudcatymmi Phykiology.
.T. P. JUDGE, MD..
Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacy.
Pridessor of Surgery.
0. H..OLDAVELAND,
Professor of Malaria' Medico and Therapent,
WM. STIEBWOOD. M.D.,
Professor of Medical Practice and Patholocy.
J. R. BUCHANAN, M.D.,
Emeritus Professor oteerebral Physiology and lc
of Medicine.
dOTIN BING,
Professor- Obstetrks and Diseases of W. In,:
_ .
Children.
The Terms for the Session will be the same as Le-:' .
visz—lffatricubdion $5OO. Tuition, 520.00. DK: L .:.
tok's 3r,W4 PAO: iNvery Student is requi:ed i e-r
dissection one session before grwitiatiOn.) Gran , .
- $25.00. Tieket to Commercial Hospital, (opticnsl2,
The . Lecture Booms are newly finished, nrat..l=. -
fortablii, and in a central locality (in College Hall. IN
'Street,) where _students st i ll find it convenient tr. ,
their arrival.
Tiekehf Sir the eeattimi may be obtained of the
the_Rireauity, at his once, No. 113 Smith Street, cr
C. IL Clealeland, Secretary of the Ytteuity, o .
Street, near 111 m. JOHN £INI3, 31-D,
173•61 a
paRNAMIENT OFFICE.- COMPLYING
ii with the el/artist request of hundreds of th..l: r
tiessb; - • -
DRS. C. M. FITCH AND J. W. SYKES,
Have concluded to remain
P.ISCR3tA3F,ENTL 1" IN PITY SB CE CL ,
Aud may be cousulted at their office.
. II 0 . IVI PENN S TENET.
orpmrx MS ST. CULT, HOTEL.
Daily, (except Sundays) for CONSUMPTION. AST 11:0-
X-RONCRITIS and all other CHRONIC COMPIAENT: s r :
pliested with Or othaing Pulmonary Disease. tuilrd,!4 , C
Math. Heart. Disease, Affections of the 'Aso - ,
Gastritis* Female Complaints, etc.
DRS. FITCH 4t SYKES would state that the it trea:L
of 00 / 04 ta WWI la hand upon the feet that the d
in the blood and system at large, both before and durlc
development in the lungs, and they
aunties', Hygienic ant Medicinal remedies to ronlY
blood and the system. - With there
alliatives
Medicinal Ira which they value
therefore tut}
ibmterivo curative effect when utkd L •
~-
luvalidSOroMltatAkr cautioned again et waking t 1 rt
time of outaldlST on teal treatment based upon ft., '
bie, but Abet Ides that the ex seat of the dis,a , c cos
reached in a direct reataier by Inhalation." fc r ti 5 t :T.
stated, the neat of the dieeeee Is in the blood and it, , •
only in the lungs.
Xi' No charge toe coasultattion.
A list of questions will be Mit to those R ishinx t<
BUR us by later.
- -
WWI' .% -
LIBERTY ACAD NT.
This - Institution, Monad near West .
County, will trainman* its first Session on the FIL.`
'MONDAY OF SEBIE3IBIIIt, Is4s. It if. intended i r ,
ductiticin of males and tamales in all the branche ,
and ansamental i which as usually taught in our
Seminaries of lesxmlug. It Is under the .fupei
A,. F. Bean, late Pi t)al!ttata. of Lannusga in Beth:a y e , •
'who 11 8 1 dol'ote Ida entire time and attention to its ,'r
and management:. Ito effort or expenditure a ill he -l=";'.
to render this en Inathntien entirely worth ,- ef tf.r =
confidante and patronage. I.be PTiacipal tif. is
. TWlleaaa t of twenty ItaMaa a College Frofesi.cr.
but aseomplitifted instructors *hall be mplr a in
partment.
The /acetic* Is remarkably heallhful. e><.l the Fllrt
lag country , le noted for its fertility, And the
bewail of liencenery.
The b e arding house for females will be in eharire
Wtei-Aikie. is whom the public can hate the •--
conthigni3b..• About twenty young men ran be sco
dated with boarding at the house of the Principal. ac
der his fromediate oversight. Circulars deteilin;'
lam 41111 be bad bs appliaatiott to the Principal.
Ard.l-t1 A. F Princ4t •
11
pri