Indiana American, Volume 18, Number 1, Brookville, Franklin County, 28 December 1849 — Page 2
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Fell C 'e Sennrr mn4 Htc tj Krfrrtrntmtivrt : Sixty years have elapsed since the establishment of the Governmeut; and the Congress of tho United States hs again assembled to legislate for or empire of freemen . The prediction of evil prophet who formerly pretended to foretall the downfall of our institution, are now remembered only to be derided, and the Uuit-d State ef America, at this moment present to the world the most stable and permauent government on earth.
Such U the result of the labors of those who
have gone before o. Upon Cogress will emi
liently depend the futuie maintenance of our system of free government, and the transmission
of it unimpaired lo posterity
We are at peace with all the world, and seek
to maiuUin.iurcherished relations of amity with
the rest of mankind. During the past year we
htve been blessed by a kind Providence with an abundance of the frails of the earth, and although the dastroying angel, for a :ime, visited exlenive portions of our territory with the ravages
of a dreadful pestilence, yet the Almighty has al leugth deigned to stay his hand and restore the inestimable blesing of general health to a people who have acknowledged his power, deprecated his wrath and implored hi merciful protection. While enjoying the benefits of amicable luterronrse with foreign nations we have not been insensible to the detraction and wars which have
prevailed in other quarters of the worid. It U a proper theme of thanksgiving to Him who rules the destinies of nations, that we have been able to maintain, amidst all their contests an independent and nentrai position towards all Belligerent powers. Our relations with Great Britain are of the most friendly character. In consequence of the recent alterations of the British Navigation Acts,
British vessels, from British and other foreign ports, will (under existing laws) after the first of January next, be admitted to entry in our ports, with cargoes of the growth, manufacture or production of any part of the world, on the eame'terms, as to duties, imports, and charges, as vessels of the Uuited States with their cargoes; and our vessels will be admitted to the same advantages in British ports, entering them on the same terms as British vessels. Should no order
in council disturb this Let-lalive arrangement, the late Act of the British Parliament, by whioh
Great Britain as brought within the terms pro
posed bv the Act of Congress, of the first of
March, 1817, it is hoped will be productive of benefit to both countries. A slight interruption of diplomatic intercourse which occurred between this Government and France, I am happy to say hes been terminated, and our Minister there has been received. It is therefore -unecessary to refer uow to the circumstances which led to that interruption. I need not express to you the siucere satisfaction
with which we shall welcome the arrival of another Euvoy Extraordinary and Minister FUtni- " potentiary from a sister Republic, to which we have so long been aud still remain bound by the strongest ties of amity. Shortly after I had entered upon the discharge . of the Executive duties, I n apprised that a
war steamer, belonging to the German Empire was being fitted out in the harbor of New York,
with the aid of some of our Naval officers, rendered under the permission of the late Secretary of the Navy. This permission was granted during an armistice between that Empire and the Kingdom or Denmark, which had been engaged in the Schleswig Hols Win war. Apprehensive that this act of intervention on our part might be received as a violation of our neutral obligations, tncutred by the treaty with Denmark, and
of the provisions of the act of Congress of the
20th of April, 1S18, I directed that uo farther aid should be rendered by any agent or officer of the Navy; and I iustrucU-d the Secretary of State to apprise the Minister of the German Empire ..credited to this Government, of my determination to execute the law of the United States, and to niaiutaiu the faith of the treaty with all nations.
The correspondence which ensued between the Department of Slate and the Minister of the German Empire, is herewith Uid before yn. The execution of the law aud the observance of the treaty were deemed by me to be due to the honor of the couulry as well as to the sacred obligations of the Coiistiution. I shall uot fail to pursue this course should a similar case arise with any other uation. Having avowed the opinion, on taking iheToath of office, that in dis
putes between conflicting Govrruuieuts it is our iuterest, not less than our duty, to remain strictly neutral, I shall not abandun it. You will percvive, from the correspondence submitted to you, in connection with the subject, that the course adopted in this ease has been property regarded by the belligerent powers interested in
the matter. Although a Minister of the United Slates to the German Empire was appelated by my predecessor, in August, 184, and has for a long time been in attendance at Fraukfort-on-the-Maine; and although a Minister appointed to represent that Empire was received aud accredited here, yet uo such Govrernment as the tierman Empire has been definitely constituted.
Mr. Douelson, our representative at Frankfort, remained there several months, in expectation that a anion of the German Slates, under one constitutional form of government, might at length be orgauized. It is believed by those well acquainted with the existing relalioLS between Prussia and the Slates of Germany, that no such uuiou can be permanently established without her co-operation. la the event of the formation of such a onion and the organization of a central power in Germany, in which she should form part, it would, become necessary to withdraw our Minister at Berlin; but while Prussia exists as an independent kingdom, and diplomatic relations are maintained with her, there can be no necessity for the cvn,liquauce of the mission lo Frankfort Having been apprised that a considerable number of adventurers were engaged In fitting out a
military expediton, within, the United Stales, against . foreigu eouutry, aud believing froia the best information I could obtain it was destined to invade the island of Cuba, I deemed il due te the friendly relation existing between the United, Spates and Spain to the treaty belweeu
the two nations Iq, the laws oi the Unid ,
the Eeecutive faithfully to obey its injuctions.
While this expedition was in progress, I was nformed that a foreigner who claimed our pro
tection, had been clandestinely and was sup
posed, forcibly carried off in a vessel from New Orleans to the Island of Cuba. I immediately caused such steps as I thought necessary incase
the information I had received should prove correctto vindicate the honor of the country and the right of every person seeking an asylum on our soil to the protection of our lawa. The person alleged to have been abducted was promptly restored, and the circumstances of the case are now about lo undergo au investigation before a Judicial tribunal. I would respectfully suggest, that although the crime charged to have been
committed in this case is held odious as being in
faires at Bogota has been directed to make such representations to the Governmentof New Grenada as will, it is hoped, lead to a prompt removal of this cause of complaint.
The sanguinary civil war with which the Republic of Venezuela has for some time past been ravaged, has been brought to a close. Iu its pro
gress the rights of some of our citizens, resident
accede to the proposition for the purchase of the vided by Congress for California, the peo-
right of way, probably, because it had already pie Ol mat I errnory, imp-..-" contracted with private individuals for the con- ceseities of their poliiiral condition, retruction of a passage from the Guasacuulco riv- cently met in convention for the purpose
erto Tehuaulepec. I shall not renew any proposition to purchase, for money, a right which ought lo be equally secured to all Natious on
payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of
- 1 i . I, or trading there, have been violated. The res- I tho improvement, who would doubtless be well
toralioc of order will afford the Yeuczuelau Gov- t contented with that compensilion, and the ernment an opportunity to examiue and redress ; guarautees of the maritime Slates of the world
their grievances, and others of longer standing, which our representation at Caraccas have hitherto ineffectually urged upon the attention of that Government. The extension of the coast of the Uuited Stales
on the Pacific, aud the unexampled rapidity with ! than auy other reasonable consideration that
i i.i..l .-i i.. . -t - . .i. t ijl- rr i . i 1 : I 1 r 1 ,4 Iia
conflict with our opinions on the subject of na- ! wu,cn ln8 oi ainoruia especially, cou.o oe onereu; ana as ..is.- rr--.. - tional sovereignty and personal freedom, there ! increasing in numbers, have imparled new , Ihe greatest gainer by the opening of this cornis no prohibition of it or punishment for it pro- ! consequence lo onr relations with theothercoun- muuication between the Gulf aud the Pacific vided in any act of Congress. The expediency i trie" whoM territories border upon that ocean. j Ocean, it is presumed that she would not hesof u,m!viu this defect in ourcri.niual code, is . U probable lhat the intercourse between those j itute to yield her aid, in the manner proposed to
therefore recommended to your consideration, j countries and our possessions in that quarter, I have scrupulously avoided any interference I Prticularly with the Republic of Chili, will bein the wars and contentious which have recent-! con'8 nl mutually advantageous in ly disturbed Europe. proportion as California and Oregon shall increase
. . .... .,. . . . ... j ! populaton and wealth. It is desirable there in i rr . thm 1Ia munii'l h t v.pn Austria inn .
... . .i . .l i fore, that this Government should do every thing
of forming a constitution and State Gov
ernment, which ihe latest advices give me reason to suppose has been accomplished, and it is believed ihey will shortly apply for the admission of California into the Uniona. a sovereign State. Should such
be the case, and should their constitution
be conformable to the requi-iiious of the
I constitution of the United Slates, I rccom-
mein 10 uruir.i m .. , ... ,. i ii the workf Such guarantee, mend their application to the favorable
consiuerauou ui vuutiwo.
The people of New Mexico will also,
it is believed, at no very distant period,
..a . B
n separate treaties negotiated wun Mexico, hinHioir her and them to protect those who
should coustruct
would do more to secure the completion of the
communication through the territory of Mexico
II .. ,L. a.. I ,1.., lh
e . , in its power to foster and strengthen its relations latter might become an independent Nation. o . . . .... , . 1 . . i will those States, and that the spirit of amily However faint that prospect at the tune appei r- .... r
... , . ", , ... snouiu do mutual and cordial.
ea, l inougiii il my auty in accomauce wun ine general sentiineut of the American People, who
deeply sympathised with the Magyar Patriots,
lo stand prepared upon the contingency of the establishment by her of a permauent Govern
ment, to be the first lo welcome independent Hungary into the family of Natiens. Fortius purpose I invested an agent then in Europe with power to declare our willingness promptly to recognize her impendence, in the event of her ability to sosUiu it. The powerful intervention of Russi.i in the
contest extinguished the hopes of the struggling
Magyars. The United Slates did tiot, at any
lime, interfere in the contests but the feelings of
the Nation were strongly eulisled in the cause, and by the sufferings of a brave people who had
made a gallant tho unsuccessful effort to be free. Our claims upon Portugal have been, during the past year, prosecuted with renewed vigor, aud it has been my object lp employ every effort of honorable diplomacy to procure their adjustment.
Our late Charge d'Affairs at Lisbon, the Hon
orable George W. Hopkins, made able and en
ergetic, but unsuccessful efforts to settle these
nupleasant matters of controversy, aud to obtain iudemuity for the wrongs which were the
subjects of complaint. Our present Charge d'-
Affaires al lhat Court will also bring to the pros'
ecution of these claims ability and zeal. The
revolutionary and distracted condition of Portu-! gal, il) past limes, has been represented as oue of j the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying
; our suffering citizens, but I must now say it is
a matter of profound regret that these claims have not yet been settled. The omission of Portugal to do justice to the Americau claimaulshas uow assumed a character fa grave and serious
thai 1 shall shortly make il the subject of a special message to Congress, with a view to such ultimate action as its wisdom aud patriotism may suggest. With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, pen-
mark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Ital
ian Stales, we still maintain our accustomed amicable relations.
During the recent revolution iu the Papa! States our Charge d'Affaires at Rome has been
unable to present his letter of credence, which, indeed, he was directed by my predecessor lo withhold until he should receive further orders. Such was the unsettled condition of things in
those Sutes that it was not deemed expedient to give him any instructions ou the subject of presenting his credential letter different from those
with which he had been furnished by the late Administration until the 25th of June last; when, in consequence of the want of accurate information of the exact state of things at that
I recommend the observauce of the same course towards all other American Stales. The United States stand as the great American power to
which, as their natural ally aud friend, they will always be disposed first to look for meditiou
accomplish an improvement so important to her own best iuterests. We have reason to hope that the proposed railroad across the Isthmus of Pauama, will be successfully constructed under the protection of the late treaty with New Granada ratified and exchanged by my predecessor on Hie 10th day of
July, 1S4-, which guarantees the perfect neutrality of the Isthmus and the right of soverignty and properly of New Grenada over that territory, with a view Uiat the free trausit from ocean to ocean may not be interrupted or embarrassed during the existence of the treaty.
Il is our policy to. encourage every procitcable
aud assistance in the event of collision between ' route across the Isthmus which counects North them and any European nation. As such we ""d South America either by railroad or canal,
may often kindly meditate !u their behalf, with
out entangling ourselves in foreign wars or on-1 necessary controversies. Whenever the faith of our treaties with any of them shall require onr interference we must necessarily iuterpose. A convention has been negotiated with Brazil providing for the satisfaction of American
claims on thai Government, and it will be sub-
milted to the Senate. Since the last session of Congress we have received an Envoy Extra
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from lhat
tni pi re, and our relations with it are founded
upon the most amicable understanding. V ... . ....
our aiieiiiion is earnestly invited to an
amendment of our existing laws relative to the African slave trade, with a view to the effectual
suppressien of that barbarous traffic. It is nol
to bedeuied that this trade is still, iu part, car
ried on by moans of Vessels built in the United
Slates, and ownad or navigated by some of onr
citizens. Ths correspondence between the De
parlment of State, and the Minister aud Consul
of the U. Stales at llio de Janeiro, which has
from lime to time beeu laid before Congress, represents that it is the customary devise to evade
the penalties of our laws bv the means of sea
letters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when, provided
with such papers by the Consul, instead of re
turning to the United Slates for a new register
proceed at once to the coast of Africa for the pur pose of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much ad
dilional information of the same character has
recently been transmitted to the Department o
Stale.
Il has not beeu considered the policy of ou
laws to subject an American citizen, who, in
foreign country, purchases a vessel built in ih
Uuited Stales lo the inconvenience of sending her home for a new register before permitting her to proceed on a voyage. Any alteration of Ihe laws which might have a tendency to impede the free transfer of property in vessels between our citizens, or the free navigation of those vessels botween different parts of the world, when employed in lawful commerce, should be well and cautiously considered : but
I trust lhat your wisdom will devise a method by which our general policy, iu this respect, ! may be preserved, and at the same time theaj buse of our flag by the means of sea letters, in ; the mauner, iudlcated, may be prevented.
Having ascertained that there is tie prospect
which the energy aud enterprise of our citizens may induce them to com-plele; and I consider it
obligatory upon me to adopt that policy espe-
ially, iu cousennence of the absolute necessity
of facilitating intercourse with our possession
ou the rucihc.
The position of the Sandwich Islands
with reference to the territory of the Uni
ted States on the Pacific, the success of
our persevering ana Denevoient citizens
who have repaired to lhat remote quarter,
n Christianizing the natives, and induc
ing them to adopt a system of Government and laws suited to their capacity
and wants, and the use made by our nu
merous whale ships of the harbors of the
Mamis as places ot resort lor obtaining
refreshments and repairs, all combined to render their destiny peculialy interesting
to us. It is our duty to encourage the au
thorities of those Islands in their efforts to improve and elevate the moral and po
litical condition of the inhabitants; and
we should make reasonable allowances for the difficulties inseparable from this task. We desire that the Islands may maintain their independence, and that
other nations should concur with us in
this sentiment. We could in no event be
indifferent to their passing under the do minion of any other power. The princi
pal commercial Slates have in this a com
mon iutcrest, and is to be hoped that no
one of them will attempt to interpose ob
staples to the entire independence of the Islands.
The receipts into the Trucasury for the
emling on the 30th of June
present themselves for admission into the
Union. Preparatory to the admission of
California and New Mexico, the people of each will have instituted for themselves
a republican form of government, laying
its formation in such principles, anil or
ganizing its powers in such forms, as to
them shall seem Iikdy to etlect their salety and happiness. By awaiting their, action, all causes of uneasiness may be avoided, and confidence and kind feeling established. With a view of maintaining the harmony and tranquility so dear to all, we should abI stain from the introduction of those exciting topics of a sectional character, which 'have hitherto produced painful apprehen
sions in the public mind, and I repeat the solemn warning of the first and most il
lustrious of my predecessors, agiust furnishing any ground for characterizing parlies by geographical discriminations. A Collector has been appointed at San Francisco, under the act of Congress, ex
tending our revenue laws over California, and measures have been taken to organize
mate of the cost of its construction and support. For further views on these and other
matters connected with the duties of the
Iome Department, I refer you to the re
port of the Secretary of the Interior.
1 recommend early appropriations mr continuing the River and Harbor improve
ments which have been alreauy Degun,
and also for the construction of those for
which estimates have been made, as well
as for examinations and estimates prepara
tory to the commencement of such others as the wants of the country and especial
ly the advance of our population over
new districts, and the extension oi commerce, mav render necessary. An esti
mate of the amount which can be advan
tageously expended within the next fiscul year, under the direction of the Bureau
of Toposraphical Engineers, accompanies
the report of the Secretary of War, to
which I respectfully invite the attention of
Congress.
The cession of territory made Dy me
late treaty with Mexico, has greatly ex
tended our exposed frontier, anu rendered its defence iiore difficult. That treaty has also brought us under obligation to Mexico, to comply with which a military force is requisite. But our military es
tablishment is not materially changed, as to efficiency, from the condilion in which
it stood before the commencemant ol the
Mexican War. Some addition to it will,
therefore.be necessary; and I recommend
to the favorable consideration of Congress
an increase of the several corps of tht army at our distant Western posts, as pro
posed in the accompanying report of the
Secretary of V or,
Great embarrassment has resulted from
the effect upon rank in the army, hereto-
the Custom Houses A that and the other fore given to the brevet and staff commis-
arli- sion. The views of the Secretary of war
h cr r I vo'i r
ti-VUl I VUIJ Vliviilii.
last, were in cash, $48,830,097 50, and in Treasury notes funded $10,833,000,
making an aggregate of $59,063,097 50,
and the expenditures for the same time were in cash $46,798,667 82, and in Treasury Notes funded $10,833,000, making an aggregate of $57,631,607 82. The accounts and estimates, which will be submitted lo Congress in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, show that there will probably be a deficit, occasioned by tho expenses of the Mexican War and Treaty, on the 1st day of July next,
points mentioned in that act, at the earl
est period practicable. The collector proceeded overland, and advices have not yet
been received of his arrival at San f rancisco. Meanwhile it is understood that the customs have continued to be collected there by officers acting under the military authority, as they were during the administration of my predecessor. It will, I think, he expedient to confirm the col
lections thus made, and direct the avails (after such allowances as Congress may
see at to authorize), to be expneded with
in the I erritory, or be paid into the treasury for the purpose of meeting appropriations for the improvement of iis rivers and harbors.
A party engaged on the Coast Survey was dispatched to Oregon in January last. According to the latest advices they had not left California, and directions have been given to them that as soon as they shall have fixed on the sites of two light
houses and the buoys authorized to be constructed and placed in Oregon, to pro
ceed, without delay, to make a reconnois-
ance of the most important points of the
coast or California, and especially to examine and determine on sites for lirht
houses on that coast, the speedy erection of which i3 urgently demanded by our rapidly increasing commerce. I have transferred the Indian Agencies
from Upper Missouri and Council Bluffs
to Santa I e and Salt Lake; and have caused to be appointed sub-agents in the tallies ol Gila, the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Slill further legal provisions will be necessary for the effective and successful extension of our system of Indian intercourse over the new Territories. I recommend the establishment ot a branch mint in California, as it will in my
opinion afford important facilities to those engaged in mining, as well as to the Gov-
on this subject are deemed important, and
if carried into effect, will, it is believed,
promote the harmony of the service. The plan proposed for relieving disabled officers, and providing an asylum for &uch of the rank and file as from age, and wounds and other infirmities occasioned
by service, have become unfit to perform their respective duties, is recommended
as a means of increasing the efficiency of the army, and as an act oi justice, due from a grateful country to the faithful
soldiers.
The accompanying report of the Sec
retary of ihe Navy presents a full and satisfactory account of the condition and operations of the Naval service during
the last year, liur citizens engaged in
By an act of the 3d March, 1849, a Board was constituted lo make arrangements for taking the seventh census, composed of the Secretary of State, the Attor
ney Iteneral, and the I'ostmaster General, and it was made the duty of this Board "to prepare and cause lo be printed such forms and schedules for connecting in .,
tistical tables, under proper heads, such
information as lo mines, agriculture, com
merce, manutactures, education and oilier
topics as would exhibit a lull view of the
pursuits, industry, education and resour
ces of the country." The duties enjoin
ed upon the Census Board, thus estab
lished, having been performed, it now rests with Congress to enact a law for
the carrying into effect the provision of the Constitution which requires an actual enumeration of the people of the United States whhin the ensuing year. Our Government is one of limited power, and iis successful administration depends on the confinement of each of its i: i .
tu-uiuiiiaii; uiuuviius wuiiiii us own an.
propriate sphere. The first section of the
Constitution ordains lhat "all legislative
powers therein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which
shall consist of a Senate and House of
Representatives."
The Lxecutive has authority to rccom-
mend (not to dictate) measures to Congress. Having performed that duty, the
Executive Department of the Government cannot rightfully control the decision of
Congress i.n any subject of legislation, until that decision shall have been officially submitted to the President for approval. Among the duties assigned by the Constitution to the General Government, is
one of local and limited application, but not on that account the less obligatory: I allude to the trust committed to Congress, as the exclusive legislator and sole guardian of the interests ol" the District of Columbia. I beg to commend their interests to your kind attention. As the National Metropolis, the City of Washington must be an object of general interest, and founded, as it was, under the auspices of him whose immortal name it bears, its claims to the fostering care of Congress present themselves with additional stren
gth. v naiever can coninoute lo its pros
perity must enlist the feelings of its constitutional guardians, and command their favorable consideration. The check provided by the Constitution, in the clause conferring the qualified veto, will never be exercised by me except in the case contemplated by the fathers of the Republic. 1 view it as an ex-
the legitimate pursuits of commerce have tremc measure to be resorted to only in
i of the re-union of the five States of Central
of $5,828,121 60, and on the 1st day o( f rnme,,t 5,1 lhe disposition of the mineral
July, 1851, of $10, 547, 092 73; making,
in the whole, a probable dehcit to be provided for of $10,575, 214 39, The extraordinary expenses of the war with Mexico, and the purchase of California and New Mexico, exceed in amount this de-
couiract having been concluded with the! ficit, together with the loans heretofore of Nicaragua by a company composed oflmade for those objects. I, therefore, re
commend that authority be given to borrow whatever sum may bo necessary to cover that deficit. 1 recommend tho ob
servance of strict economy in the appro
rJ ict sk it rm frnm i m A atai I ul tar tirt lit avuPnioA :
, . . , u. n-. .l America, which former y composed the Henubhia own discretion in presenting himself to lhe , , ' ' ivepuu
i Ihen existing Government, if, iu his judgment, i . , . "Paie.y negotiated
sufficiently stable, or if not, to await fnrthar i ' . , " "my aua com .1... j i. .....i merce wh,ch 1M fore the Senate.
v. auv isu, . iuu itviiim I lug aa IIUI l I'UU . . nls.a. raunl..!!... - .l K -U:.l I Ii a ... ...KK-l. '
n ir i SUte
. ;...,ir !,;. .,;,.im..: .. ! Am"'cn citizens for the purpose of construct-
wilh it j MK th'P canal though the territory of that tv.i .i r ii- r m i. . i Su,te to conuect the Atantic aud Facific Oceans. ith lhe Republic of Mexico, it is our true 1 . . ,. , . -. ixon, .. . . . ' 1 nave directed the neiroti.itinn r a trat
policy lo cultivate Hie most friendly relations. . XT. , ,. . ' " i ' -""" iwc ojjmu- , t .. , f , ' 0. Since the ratification of the treaty of Guaa.lupe ! c""Sa I'P-f " over,.ments to pro- priation and expenditure of public IU0-. '"PJ f " 'f m,S 1,be,ral . a
ii , i .i i f icv. uiwfj wuo snttii eneBge in and perrect the
character to disturb the? in. A faithful obitervauce of the Trenly and a finer re respect for
riVnl hV urh from ... . ... l 1 ... - -"1
fidence and friendship or lhat Republic. The ! . , J " " -"""gemem, wi:( . me ngni oruuiy 01 congress to encourmessage or my predecessor to the House r 'i protection or this great iuter-oceanic : age domestic industry, which is the groat Representees, f the Fth of February last. co,"mon,ca,' " T power which might ! cause of national as well as individual
. ... . , seeK to obstruct it or to monopolize its advanta-! wea'lh and nrnsneritv. 1 Innb m tho
ges. All Slates entering into such a treaty will wisdom end patriotism of Con press for
a cj -
lands
i also recommenu mat commissioners
be appointed by Congress to examine and
decide upon the validity of the present subsisting land titles in California and New Mexico; and that provision be made for the establishment of offices of Survey
or General in New Mexico, California, and Oregon; and for the surveying and bringing into market the public lands in those territories. Those lands remote in
position and difficulty of access, ought to
work. All oilier natious ars invited by the Stale of Nicaragua to enter iuto the same treaty : stipulations with her; and the benefit to bed-
ney. I recommend a revision of the existing tariff and its adjustment on a basis which
may augment the revenue. 1 do not doubt
communicating in compliance with a resolution
tl.-f l.nrlv - ..tl-.l ... .1 1
signed at (uere!ro on lhe 30th of May, 1848, ! ",Jy 1 - r;cht orPB thro.gh the canal, on ! the adoption of a system which will place
by the Commissioners or the United Sutes and ' " . """" I nomc ,aDor al I" on 8 8ure permaihe Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mexiean I ' conF,ruct,'1 ttnT ihe guaran- nent footing, and by due encouragement
Government, having been a subject of corres-: " urcw,no " Donu 01 P'ace "'stead of a oi manuiac;ures, give a new ana increaspondence between the Department or Stat, and i uhJwtof ""lotion and strife, between the na- ! ed Stimulus 10 agriculture, and promote the Envoy Extraordinary of that Republic B0. l,on f ' Should the maritime Slatesthe development of our vast resources and credited to this Government, a transcript or lhat ' "f Eur0pe ct,I",ent to this arrangement, and we j the extentlOn of our commerce. Believ-
correspondence is herewith submilted. ,u "ppse mat a proposition so 3 Ji i- i- ouainiueni Ol U1CS8 enUS The Commissioner on the part or the Uuited rH,r "nd honorabIe be opposed by any, the J as well as the necessary augmentation of Stales for marking the boundary between the "nerEie f l" P'ple nd ours will co-operate ( the revenue and the prevention of frauds, two Reptblics, though delayed iu reaching San ,n Pro,,,olin- l't success or the enterprise. I do a system of specific duties is best adaptDiego, by uuforseen obstacles, arrived at lhat i not recom,',en "y appropriation from the Na-: ed, I strongly recommend to Congress the
place v. ithin a short period after the time required by the Treaty, aud was there joined by the Commissioners on the part nf Mexico. They entered upon their duties, and at the dale or the latest intelligence from that quarter, some prog
ress had been made in the survey. The rxpen
especially favorable to the early emigrants
In order that the situation and character of the principal mineral deposits of Cali
fornia may be asceitained, I recommend that a geological and mineralogical exploration be connected with the linear surveys, and that the mineral lands be divided into small lots suitable for mining, and be disposed of by sale or lease, so as to give our citizens an opportunity of procuring a
permanent right of property in the soil.
j ins wouiu seem 10 oe as important to
me success ot mining as ol agricultural
pursum. The great mineral wealth of Californi
and the advantages which its oorts and
harbors, and those of Oregon afford to
orgress, especially with the islands of
tlie Tacilic and Indian Oceans, snd lhe
populous regions of Eastern Asia, make
it certain that there will arise in a few-.
tional Treasury for this numose. norHn I hii..' adoption of that system, fixinsr the duties 1 years large and prosperous communities
that such an appropriation is necessary. Trieste at rates high cnouh to afford substantial i on our western coasts. It therefore be
enterprise, if properly protected, will complete ! a,ul sufficient encouragement to our own ; comes important that a line of communithe work, should it prove to be feasible. The industry, at the same timo so adjusted as,cat'.on' lhe Desl ano most expeditious,
parlies who have procured the charter from'10 ,nsure stability. (wnicil me l
. r t. . ....
..-.-(. ,, construction, desire no assis
nature of the country will ad
The question of the continuance of the rni1' 8"ould be open within the territory of
; . ! c.i. T ,ii . 1 li, ITniiM r. .1 . - . , '
e inri.um n ih. r n,- r :. "- ' uovernmeiit bevond iis nrnt-e. i-sury system is respectiuilv sub-1 ' -.-, nom me naviffaoie wa-
i :. - i .i ....... .ntl-.,..... I rr i r
sion aud to iu conveyance to the point where ito 1 5 "UQ ,ne' ProI,,es u,al "' '"mined the , ' u-'ii oi congress, n conoperations were to begin, have so much reduced ' Pr0Po,ed ,iue r communication, they will be!llnuel, '"iPOlta.lt modifications of it aptherund appropriated by Congress, that a rar- I r'"dy l comnce lhe undertaking whenever, P0" o b. indispensable, ther sum to cover the charge, which must be in- ,hat " extended to them ,For further details and views of the curred during the present fiscal year, will be ' Should there PP be reaaous on examining j b0ve, and Other matters connected with .-. .. ..... i the whole eci.li.iip. in -ni,-: . : commerce, the finances ami rpvonnoc I
necessary. ne greal lengtn ol ironlier along ; , , ' ..... . r.,u. UUUUi - - i . - . c which ih. boundary extend., the nature of the ' of lh' Pility orcon.tructing such .canal , k "P f the Secretary of the, lhew shes and wants of the country
' ,1.., J 1. i ... ... .1 rooeiiru
uuuui cuuio oe speeaiiy solved by an actual I --
ters of the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexi-
eo, to the l'acific. Opinion as unlimie.l
and expressed by two large and respectable conventions, lately assembled at St. Louis and Memphis, points to a railroad,
that which, if practicable, will best meet
exploration or the roale.
I Should such a work be constructed on
But while this, if in successful onera-
No direct aid has been given bv the' ,ion' would be a work of great national
General Go.ernment to the improvements-importance, and of a value to the country
of agriculture, except by the expenditure! wmch lt would be difficult to estimate, it
. U . I 1 .. -
adjacent territory, and the difficulty of obUtiuing
supplies except al or near the extremes or the
line, reuder it also tudispeusible that a libera! pro- ' U,U "Uch ork led under the vision should ha made to meet the nocessarv cm,non Paction or all Nations, forequal benchargesduriug the fiscal year.endingen the 30th ! U;OI,'l,il W0U'd ne,thN or expediof June 1S51. I accordingly recommend this "1 0r '""""me State should .i .... i Command the rnmmiinic.iu. T-u . ..
sunieci lo your attention. , - i-rruory ... --- - - -. ,
i .L- . i- . . . . . . . iiiruuEu wnicn ine cmiai mv iw. nnnui i.. ; iuuo iai ijqiu iui uui ui ine i mem iiimi. --.... uujucira in lis nan-
mo l wo nations iq, me Wwa oj l ie t'u ted i" vie aujusuneui ot ine claims ol American , - . r"is"i . . , . . . . .-..,; j ,, .... . . . baUM..n4.bov.....,o,h.A,e.uh.vlor;." Mexico, provided for by the l.te! U f'm "T P. I Ji.o fvTto il' r" Whlly. f Ed Siaormt M .... . . .... ' ... .i . . . . ' i No such newer shoalJ ncr nr.. . .u.. i Q oate to si ve to this leading branch of A. ! -ure anu Uisapnomtinent, to enable Con.
exeriinatawtnl anlhorlty ol tins Oovrrnmeut in eroptoyuieni ol couusel on the part ., . . . rl ';,-, , , . . imM In iiulm h.il,.;- .k i- - - J ..... . a.-nn ia --i.i. ., I.-. ri... . niericaii i ml ust rv t he enc nura o-mn ,.l,:i. er-sa to luufe wneiner in tn enmlninn nf
---en-iee so control- : ' - -e'-" . . -..-.... .,1
suppressing the expedition aud preventing the : he ttovernmenl may become important, for Invasion. To this end I issned a proclamation ' tl purposa -f assisting Ine Coinniissioners in enjoying t upon thn officers of the V. Slates rto,-"lug lhe iolereaU of the VuUed States. civil and tn;;iUiry to use all lawM means ' 1 reconimeud this subject te the eaily aud favowithin their power to that eud, A cepy or lhat I "b, consideration ef Congress, proclamation is herewith mbmjUed, The r t. ! Complaints have been made in regard to. the p-ditloa has been snpureoed. Po long a lhe ' inefficiency of the means provided by the Govnot of pongress or thoSOth or April, gJ8, which ernment or New Grenada, for transporting ihe weaiu exjstenee to the law. of naliou. and to United States Mail across lhe lath in us of Paoaihe policy of Vsshington himself, shall remain ' ma, pursuant to our postal conventiou with lhat Pn eurststl!. fceok. I hold it to be the duty of Republic of March blh, 184G. Our Charge dAf-
wouiaeuauie il nerealter to exercise so control
ling an Influence over the commerce or the
world, or to construct a highway which oughr to be dedicated to the common uses of mankind. The routes across ihe Isthmus at Tehoantanec'
aud Kanama are also wof.hv of our .,t -gncuuunsi 10 increase nis pros
slsntios. They did not faU to enea-e the eri,y and t0 extcnJ his means of useful-
altenyoM o my predecessor. The ue.niiinr ,"-;?a l" ",s -uiiy, uy uiuuipjyine nis
of the Treat of (....t..n- TI;.lt I Sources
j - j. was III-
it merits, respectfully recommend the establishment of an Agricultural Bureau, 10 be connected w'uh the department of the Interior. To elevate the social condition
of the agriculturist to increase his
the country through which it might pass, the work be feasible, and if it be fonnd so, whether it should be undertaken as a national improvement or left to the individual enterprise, and in the latter alternative what aid. if any, ought to be extended lo it by the Government, I lecommend as a nr.
of information, should be ihel '""'nary measure a Carelul reconnoisanoe
and a primary!0, the several proposed routes by a scien- ?. i l'fic corps, and a report as to the nractica.
No civil Government having been pro-j 'h'y of making such a road, with an esti-
s . wwr a -
enjoy eu its Denenis. tvnereverour na
tional vessels have gone they have been received with respect. Our officers have been treated with kindness and courtesy, and they have on all occasions pursued a course of strict neutrality, in accordance with the policy of our Government. The naval force at present, in commis-
sion is as large as is admissible with the
number of men authorized by Congress to be employed. I invite your attention to the recomen-
dation of lhe Secretary of the Navy on the
subject of a reorganization of the Navy
in its various grades of officers, and the establishing of a retired list for such of the
officers as are disqualified for active and effective service. Should Congress adopt
some such measure as is recommended, it
will greatly increase the efficiency of the
IVavy and reduce its expenditures. I also ask your attention to the views expressed by him in reference to the em
ployment of war steamers; and in regard to the contracts for the transportation of the United States mails and the operation
of the system upon the prosperity of the Navy. By an act of Congress, passed August 14th, 1848, provision was made for extending Post Office and mail accommoda
tions to California and Oregon. Exertions have been made to execute that law, but the limited provisions of the act, the
inadequacy of the mean, it authorizes,
the inadaption of our Post Office laws to
the situation of that country, and the measure of compensation for services allowed
by those laws, compared with the prices of labor and rent in California, renders
those exertions in a great degree ineffectual. More particular and efficient pro
visions by law is required on this subject. The act of 1845, reducing postage, has now by its operation during four years.
produced results fully showing that them - j come from such reduced postage is sufficient to sustain the whole expense of the service of the Post Office Department, not including the cost of transportation on mail steamers, on the lines from New York to Chagres from Panama to Astoria, which have not been considered by Congress as properly belonging to the mail service. It is submilted to the wisdom of Congress whether a further reduction of postage should not now be made, more particularly on the letter correspondence
This should be relieved from the unjust I .1 r . .. .... .
uunuen oi transporting and delivering the frank matter of Congress; for which public service provision should be made from the Treasury. I confidently believe that a change may safely be made, reducing all.single letters to the uniform rate of five cents, regardless of distance, without thereby imposing any greater tax on the Treasury than wonld constitute a very moderate compensation for this public e rvice, and I therefore respecfully recomend such a reduction. Should Congress nrpfcr t
abolish the franking privelige entirely, it seems probable that no demand on the Treasury would result from the proposed reduction of postage. Whether any diminution should now be made, or theresuit of the reduction to five cents which
i uve recommended should be first tested,
i- Buumiticu io your decision. c: . i
oiuce ine commencement of the last
session oi congress, a Postal Treaty with Great Hnti an has heen received and rat-
U.-U, uu sucn regulations have been
imu ior ine good ol the Post Office De
extraordinary cases, as where it may be
come noressary to defend the Executive against the encroachments of the the legislative power, or to prevent hasty and inconsiderate, or unconstitutional legislation. By cautiously confining this remedy within ihe sphere prescribed lo it, in lhe contemporaneous exposition of ihe franicrs
oi me Vvoimiimion, ine win ot hc people legitimately expressed on all subjects of legislation, through iheir constitutional organs, the Senators and l.eprrscntatives of the United States, will have its full effed. As indispensable lo the preservation of our system of self-government, ih independence of the Ueprescntativcs of the
States and the people is guaranteed by tle
Constitution; anu they owe no responsibility to any human power but their constituents.
By holding the lie prescntaiive responsible only to the people, and exempting him lrom all other influences, we elevate the character ot the constituent and quicken his sense of his responsibility lo his
countrv. It is under these circumstances
only lhat the elector can feel that in the
choice of the law-maker he is himself truly a component part of the Sovereign Power of the Nation. With equal care wc slmuJ study to defend the rights of the Executive and Judicial departments. Our Government can only be preserved in its puri'y by the suppression and entire extermination of every claim or tendency of one coordinate branch lo encroach
ment upon another. With the strict observance of this rule and the other induction of the Constitution with the sedulous inculcation of tiiat respect and love for the Union of the States which our fathers cherished and enjoined upon their children, and with the aid of that overruling Providence i hich has so long ami so kimllv jruarded onr liberties and in.ti-
o
tutions, we may reasonably expect to trans
mit them with their innumerable blessings to the remotest posterity. But attachment io the union of the Slates should be habitually fostered in every American heart. 1'or more than halt a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken; the patriots who formed it have long since desended to the grave; yet still it remains the proudest monument to llicir memory, and the object of affection, and admiration with every one, worthy to bear the American name. In my judgment its dissolution would be the greatest of calamities, and to avert that should be the study of every American. Upon its preservation must depend our own happiness, and that of countless generations to come. Whatever dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its integrity to the fu! extent of the obligations imposed, and the power conferred upon me by the Constitution. TAYLOR, Washington, Dec. 4th, 1819.
.traded to offer a very large earn f money for . 01 every staifslan and a primary! ",e "Krai proposed routes by a scien
the right of trausit across Hie Isthmus of Tehu- ! V"JC eveTy g'Siaire. uu a repori aa io ue praciica
autenec. The Mexican Government did not
anc of that treaty, as tocarry'its provi
eTJnd thrU- The a-pt to
net been equally
as not been
cdme rnnirin.n.i .1 ,
i.-i.i r. : 'jj-iu-ni inrougn
--..gi-.i-, i- x ranee, has net successful; but tho purpose h
- uilUVHCU. ot toTubhV CnneC,?d Wi'h t US po t oft p8Cr,Ce 1 rfer ,u e report ot the Postmaster General.
California Coat of Arms. California has prepared a coat of arms aud a seal. Upon the forcgreund is a grizzly bear, feeding on a cluster of grapes. Upon the right is a representation ot Minerva, holding the Gorgon shield in o& hand, and a spear in the other. The reverse is the representation of the miner with pick and spade and implements ot mining, toiling for the precious treasure. In the middle, a river, in which are seen steamboats. I n the distance is the snowclad tops of the Serra Nevada; and on the top the motto "Eur-ka" (I have found Distressing Death. We learn, says the Louisville Courier lhat Miss Matilda Bache, daughter of Mr. Lewis Bache, suddenly fell dead in the street last night. We could learn no particulars further thau that she had been to a dancing party, and was returning home when the distressing circum-l-" occurred.