Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 27, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 December 1850 — Page 2

PRESIDENTS: MESSAGE ! Telegraphed by the O'Reilly Line TOE THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL. FtHow Cilizciis of the Senate ' and House cf Jlepretentatirtsr . Being snddculy alled in the midst of tfic last session of Congress by a piinful dispensation of Divino Providence, to a responsible station which I now hold, I contented myself with such communications to the Legislature as the exigencies of the moment seemed to rc. quire. The country was shrouded in mourning by the loss of its venerated Chief Magistrate, and all parts were penetrated with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion appeared to requiro or justify on my part, any general expression of political opinions or any announcement of the principles which would govern me in the discharge of the duties, to the performance of which I had been so unexpectedly called. I trust, therefore, that it may not be deetied inappropriate if I avail myself of this opportunity of the reassembling of Congress, to make known my sentiments in a general manner, in regird Xrt the policy which ought to lie pursued by the Government, both in its intercourse with foreign nations, and in its management and administration of intersal adliirs. Nations, like individual, in a state of nature, are equal and independent, possessing certain rights and owing certain duties to each other, arising from their necessary and unavoidable relations, which rights and duties there is no common human authority to enforce. Still they are rights and duties, binding in moral, in conscience, and in honor, although there is no tribunal through which an injured party can appeal, but tho inte. rested judgment uf mankind, and ultimately the arbitrament of tho sword. m Among tho acknowledged rights, of nations is that which each possesses of establishing that form of government which it may deem most conducive to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizen,- of changing that form as circumstances may require, and of managing in internal affairs according to its own will. The people of the United State claim this right for themsolves, ami they readily concede it to others. Hence it becomes our imperative duty not to interfere in the government or internal policy of other nations, and alt'iough we may sympathize with the unfortunate or the oppressed everywhere in their struggles for freedom, oar principles forbid us from taking any part in such foreign contests. We make no wars to promote or prevent successions to thrones, to maintain any theory of a balance of power, or to suppress the actual government which any government chooses to establish for itself. We instigate no revolutions nor suffer any hostile military expeditions to be fitted out in tho United States, to invade tha territory or provinces of a friendly nation. The great law of mortality ought t j have a national a well as a personal individual application. We should act towards other nations as we wish them to act towards us, and justice and conscience should form the rule of condactof governments, instead of mere power, self-interest or the desire of aggrandizement. To maintain a strict neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly relations, to reciprocate every noble and generous act, and to perform, punctually and scrupulously, every treaty obligation, these are the duties which we owe to other States, and lv the performance of which we best entitle ourselves to like treatment from them, or if that in anv case be refused, we can enforce our own rights with jus-tiec nnd a clear conscience. lij our domestic policy, the Constitution will be my guide, and in questions of doubt, I shall look for its interpretation to the judicial decisions of that tribunal which was established to expound it, and to the usage of the government, sanctioned bv the country. I regard all its provisions as equally binding.- In all its parts it is the will of the people, expressed in the most solemn form, and the constitutional authorities are but the agents to carry that will into execution. Every power which it has granted is to lie exercised for the public good, bat r.o pretence f utility no honest conviction, even, of what might be expedient can justify the assumption of any power not granted. The powers conferred upon the government, and their distribution to the several departments, are as clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as the imperfection of human language will allow; and I deem it my first duty not to question its wisdom, add to its provisions, evade its requirements, or nullify its commands. . Upon you, fellow-citizens, as the representatives of the Mate's and the people, is wisely devolved the legislative power. I shall comply with my duties in laying before you fom time to time any information calculated to enable you to discharge your high and responsible trust, for the benefit of our common constituents. My opinions will be frankly expressed npon the leading subjects of legislation, and if, which I do not anticipite. any act should pass the two Houses of Congress w. ich should appear to rua unconstitutional, or an encroachment on the just powers of other department, or with provisions hastily adopted and likely to produce -onsequenecs injurious and unforeseen, I should not shrink from my duty to you, with my reasons for your further consideration". Beyond the due performance of these Constitutional obligations, both my respect for the legit and ray sense of propriety will restrain me from any attempt to control or influence your proceedings. With you is the power, the honor, and the responsibility of the legislation of this country. TLc government of the United States is a limited govcnmient. It is confined to the exercise of powets expressly granted., and such others as may be necessary in irryi.ig those powers into effect, and it is at all times an especial duty to guard against any infringement on die just rights of the States. 0."er tfie objects and subjects entrusted to Congress, its legislative authority is supreme, but here that authority ceases, and every citi:nhi truly loves the Constitution ai d desires the continuance of its existence and blessings, will resolutely and firmly resist any interference in those domestic aff.tirs which the Constitution has clearly and unequivocally left to the exclusive authority of the States. And every such citien will deprecate useless irritation among the several members of the Union, and all reproach and crimination tending to alienato one portion f thi? country from another. The beauty of our system f government consists, and its safety and durability must ConsUt, in avoiding mutual collisions, and encroachments, ar.d in the regular, separate action of all, while each is revolving in its distinct orbit. The Constitution Las made it the duty of the President to tike care that the laws he faithfully executed. In a government like ours, in which all laws are passed by a mijority of the Representatives of the people, and these Representatives are ehosen for such shoi t periods, that any injurious or obnoxions law can very soon be repealcd, it would appear unlikely 1'iat any great number should be found ready to resist the execution of the laws. Hut it must be lorn3 "in mind that the country is extensive, that there may be local interests or prejudices rendering a law odious in one part, which is not so in another, and that the thoughtless and inconsiderate, misled by their passions. r by their imaginations, may be induced madly to resist such laws as they disapprove. Such persons should recoileet, that wituoyt law, there can be no practical liberty, that whtu law is trampled underfoot tiranny rules, whether it appears in the form of a military despotism r of popular v olence. The law is the u!y sure protection of the weak, and the only efficient restraint upon the strong. When impartially" and faithfully administered, one are 4elow its protection, and none above its control. You, gentlemen, and the country, may- be assured, that to the utmost of my ability and to the extent of the power vested i-i m?, I shall at !1 time, and in all place, take care that the Uvrt. b fairlifully executed. In the discharge of this duty, solemnly imposed upon me by the Constitution and by my o:th of office. I shall shrink from no responsibility, and shall endeavor to meet events as they may arise, with firmness as will as prudence and discretion. The appointing power isoneof the most delicats with which tiie Executive is invested. I regard it as a sacred trust, to le exerc:sed with the sole view of advancing che prosperity and happiness of tho people. It shall be i:y effort to elevate the standard of official employment, j 'selecting for places of importance individuals fitted f r rhe post to which they are assigned, by their known integrity, talents and virtues. In so extensive country, with so great a population, ami where so few persons appoint d to office can be known to the appointing power, mistakes will sometimes unavoidably happen, and unfortwiate appointment be made, notwithstanding the greatest care. In such cases the power of re. tooval may l properly exercised, and neglect of duty or malfmsance in office will he no more tolerated in individuals appointed by myself, than in those appointed by others. I am happy In eing able to say, that no unfavorable . change ia onr foreign relations has taken place since the message at ibe opening of the last session of Congress. " We are at peace wkh all nations, and we enjoy in an eminent degree tho idesing of that peace in a prosper, ows and growing toaameroe, and in all the forms of amicable and national intercourse. The unexampled growth of the conntry, the present amount of its population, and its ample means of self-protection, assure lor it the respeet of all nations, while it is trusted that its character for justice, and a regard t the rights of other States, will cause that respect to be readily and cheerfully paid. A Conversion was negotiated between the United

States and Great Britain in April last, for facilitating and protecting tlx construction of a Ship Canal between the Atlantic and Pacifie coast, and for other purposes. Tbis iof rument has sinoe lieen ratified ly tuw contract ing parties. The exehane of ratifications has been cffwted and proclamation thereof has lcon duly made. . In addition U the stipulation ontaioed in this Conven tion two other' objects remaia- to be acwrroplished be , tweca tfct coatrcturg-.PiTwcrs2

1st. The designation and establishment of a free port at each end of the Canal. 2d. An agreement fixiDg the distance from the shore within which belligerent maratine operations shall not be carried on. On these points there is little doubt that the two governments will come to an understanding. The company of citizens of the United States who have acquired from the State of Nicaragua the privilege of constructing a Ship Canal between the two coasts through the territory of that State, Lave made progress in their preliminary arrangements. The treaty between the United States and Great Britain of tho 19th of April last, alove referred to, being now in operation, it is to be hoped that the guarantees which it offers will be sufficient to secure the completion of the work with all practicable expedition. It is obvious that this result would be indefinitely postponed, if any other than peaceful measures, for the purpose of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory in that quarter, should am adopted. It will consequently be my endeavor to cause any other ncgociations on the part of this government, which may be requisite for this purpose, to be so conducted as to bring them to a speedy and successful close. Some unavoidable "delay has occurred, arising from distance and the difficulty, of intercourse between this government. and that of Nicaragua, but, as intelligence has just been received of the appointment of an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of that government to reside at Washington, whose arrival may soon be expected it is hoped that no further impediments will be experienced in the prompt transaction of business between the two governments. Citizens of the United States have undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a Railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec under grants of the Mexican government to a citizen of that Republic. It is understood that a thorough survey of the course of the communication is in course of preparation, and there is every, reason. to expect that it will be prosecuted with characteristic energy, especially when that government shall have-consented to such stipulations with the government of the United States as. may be necessary to impart a feeling; of security "to those who may embark their property in tho enterprise. Negotiations are pending for the accomplishment of that object, and a hope is confidently entertained that when the government of Mexicoshall become duly sensible of the advantages which that countrv cannot fail to derive from the work, and learn that the government of the United States desires that tho right of sovereignty to Mexico in the'lsthmus shall remain unimpaired, the stipulations referred to will be agreed to with alacrity. By tho last advices from Mexico, it would appear, however, that that government entertains strong objections to some of the stipulations which the parties concurred in, the project of the railroad being necessary for their protection and security. Further considerations, it is to b hoped, or some modification of terms, may yet reconcile tue differences existing between the two governments in this respect. Fresh instructions have recently been given to the minister of the United States in Mexico, who is prosecuting tho subject with promptitude and ability. Although the negotiations with Portugal for the payment of claims of citizens of the United States against that government, have not yet resulted in a formal treatv. yet a proposition made By the government of Portugal for the final adjustment and payment of these claims has recently lecn accepted on the part of tho United States, it gives me pleasure to say that Mr. Clay, to whom the negociation on the part of tho United States

has been entrusted, discharged the duties of his appointmcnt with ability and discretion, acting always within the instructions of his government. It is exnected that a regular Convention will immedidiatelv negotiate for carrying the agreement between the two governments into effect. The Commissioner appointed under the act of Congress for carrying into effect the Convention with Brazil, 27th Januarv, has entered upon the performance of the duties Imposed upon him by that act. It is hoped that those duties may be completed within the time which it prescribes. Tbc documents, however, which the Imperial government, by the 3d article of the Convention, stipulates to furnish to the government of the United Stites, have not been yet received. As it is presumed that those documents will be essential for the correct disposition of the claims, it may become necessary for Congress to extend the period limited for the duration of the Commission. The sum stipulated by the 4th article of the Convention to he paid to this government has been received. The collection of the ports of the United States, of discriminating duties upon tho vessels of Chili and their cargoes, has leen suspended pursuant to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of May. 1S2S. It is to Imj hoped this measure will impart a fresh impulse to the commerce between the two countries, which of late, especially since our acquisition of California, has, to the mutual advantage of the parties augmented. Peruvian Guano has !eeome so desirnblc an article to the agricultural interest of the United States, that it is the duty of the Government to employ all proper means for the purpose of causing that article to be imported into the country at a reasonable price. Nothing will Iks omitted on my part towards accomplishing this desirabio end. I am persuaded that in removing any restraints on this traffic, the Peruvian Government will promote its own best interests, while it will afford a proof of a friendly disposition towards this country, which will be duly appreciated. The treaty between tho United States and His Majesty, the King of the Hawaiian Island, which has recently been made public, will, it is believed, have a beneficial effect on the relations between the two countries. The relations between those parts of the islands of St. Domingo, which were formerly colonies of Spain and France, respectively, are still in an unsettled condition. The proximity of that island to the United States, and the delicate questions involved in the existing controversy there, render it desirable that it should be permanently and speedily adjusted. The interests of humanity and general commerce also demand this, and as intimations of t'.ie same sentiment have been received from other governments, it is hoped that some plan mar soon be devised to effect the object in a manner likely to give satisfaction. The government of the United States will not fail by the exercise of all friendly offers to do all in its power to put an end to the destructive war which has raged between the different parts, and to secure to them both the benefits of peace and commerce. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury for a detailed statcmei.t of the finances. The tot il receipts into the Treasury for the year ecding 30th June last, were $47,421,74 t0. The total expenditures during the same period, were $43,216,890. The public debt has lieen reduced since the last annual report from the Treasury Department. $495,276 79. Bv the 19th section of th act of 2Sth of January, 1S4 , the proceeds of the sales of the public lands were pledged for the principal and interest of the public debt. The great amount of tlioso lands subsequently granted for Military Bounties, will, it is believed, very nearly supply the public demands for several years to come, and but little reliance can thereforo be placed on that hitherto fruitful source of revenue. Aside from the permanent annual expenditures which have necessarily largely increased, a portion of the public debt, amounting to $3,705,9SG 59 must be provided for within the next two years. It is most desirable that these accruing demands should be met without resorting to new loans. All experience has demonstrated the wisdom and policy of raising a large portion of revenue for the support of government from duties on goods imported. The power to lay these duties is unquestionable, and its chill" object, of course, is to replenish tho Treasury. But if, in doing this, an incidental advantage may be gained by encouraging the industry of our own citizens, it is our duty to avail ourselves of that advantage. A duty laid upon an article which cannot be produced in this country, such as tea or coffee, adds to the cost of the article, and is chiefly if not wholly paid by the consumer. But a duty laid upon an article which may be produced here, stimulates tho skill and industry of our own country io produce the same article, which is brought to tho market in compctiton with the foreign article, and the importer is thus compelled to rednco his price to that at which the domestic article can be sold, thereby throwing a part of the duty upon the producer of the foreign article. The continuanco of this process creates the skill and invites the capital which finally enables us to produce the article much cheaper than it could have been procured from abroad, thereby benefiting loth the producer and the consnmer at home. The consequence of this is, that the artisan and the agriculturalist, nre brought together, each affording a ready market for the produce of the other, the whole country liwomci prosperous, and the ability to produce every necessary of life, renders us independent in war as well as in peace. A high tariiT can never le permanent. It will cause dissatisfaction and will be changed. It excludes competition, and thereby invites the investment of capital in manufactures to such an excess, that when changed it brings distress and bankruptcy and ruin upon all wbo have been misled by its faithless protection. What the manufacturer wants, is uniformity and permanency, that he may feel a confidence that he is not to be ruined by sudden changes.. But to make a tariff uniform and permanent, it is not only necessary that the law should not onl v not be altered, but the duty should not fluctuate. To effect this, all duties should be specific whenever the natnre of the article is such as to admit of it. Advalorem duties fluctubte with the price, and offer strong temptations for fraud and perjury. Specific duties, on the contrary, are equal and uniform in all parts, and at all times, and offer a strong inducement to the importer to hriug the best article, as he pays no more duty upon that than upon one of inferior quality. I therefore strongly recommend a modification of the present tariff", which has prostrated soma of our most important and necessary manufactures, and that specific duties should .be imposed luifcient-toraist-taa rpq;.ritU'e revenue, Jntfc.

king such discrimination in favor of the industrial parsuits of our own country as to encourage home productions, without excluding foreign competition. It is also important that an unfortunate provision in the present tariff, which imposes a much higher duty upon tha raw material that enters into onr manufactures than upon the manufactured article, should be remedied. Tfce papers accompanying the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, will disclose frauds attempted upon the revenue in variety and amount so great as to justify the conclusion that it is impossible under any system of advalorem levied cost or value of the article, to secure an honest observance and an effectual administration of the laws. The fraudulent devices to evade the law which have been detected by the vigilence of the appraiser leave no room to doubt that similar impositions not discovered to a large amount have been successfully practised since tha enactment of the law now in force. This state of things has already had a prejudicial influence on those engaged in foreign commerce. It has a tendency to drive the honest trader from the business of importing, and to throw that important branch of commerce into the hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men, who are always alike regardless of law and the obligations of an oath. By these means the plain intentions of Congresss as expressed in the law, are daily defeated Every motive of policy and duty, therefore, impel me to ask the earnest attention of Congress to this subject. If Congress, should deem it unwise to attempt any important changes in this system, of laying duties at this session, it will become indispensaple to the protection of the revenue, that such remedies as in the judgment of Congress as may mitigate the evils complained of should be at once applied. As before stated, specific duties would, in my opinion, afford the most perfect remedy for this evil. But if you should not concur in this view, then, as a practica! remedy, I beg leave, resectfully to recommend that, instead of making the invoice of the article abroad as a means of determining its value here, the correctness of which invoice it is, in many cases, impossible to verify, the law be so changed as to require a home valuation or appraisment to be regulated in such manner to give, as fair as practicable, uniformity in the ports. There being no Mint in California, I am informed that the laWers in the mines are compelled to dispose of their gold at a large discount. This appears to me to be a heavy and unjust tax on the labor of those employed in extracting the precious metal, and I doubt not you will be disposed, at the earliest period possible, to relieve them from it by the establishment of a Mint. In the meantime, as an assayer's office is established there, I would respectfully submit for your consideration, the propriety of authorizing gold bullion, which has been assayed and stamped, to be received in payment of government dues. I cannot conceive that the Treasury would suffer any loss by such a provision, which will at once raise bullion to its par value and thereby save (if I am rightly informed) many millions of dollars to the laborers which are now paid in brokerage to convert this precious metal into available funds. This discount upon their hard earnings is a heavy tax, and every effort should be made by the government to relieve them from so great a burden. More than three-fourths of our population are engaged in the cultivation of the soil. The Commerce, Manufacturing, and Navigating interests are all, to a great extent, dependent upon the Agricultural. It is, therefore, the most important interest of the nation, and has a just claim to the fostering care and protection of this government, so far as they can be extended consistent with the previsions of the Constitution. As this cannot le done by the ordinary modes of legislation, I respectfully recommend the establishment of an Agricultural Bureau, to be charged with the duty of giving to this leading branch of American industry the encouragement which it so well deserves. In view" of the immense mineral resources of our country, provision should be required, under the direction of the head of the Bureau, to collect specimens of the various minerals of our country, and to ascertain by careful analysis their respective elements and properties, and their adaptation to useful purposes. Ho should, also, be required to examine and report upon the qualities of different soils, and tho mannure best calculated to improvt their productiveness. By publishing the results of such experiments with suitable explanations, and by the collection and distribution of rare seeds and plants, with instructions as to the best system of cultivation, much may be done to promote this great national interest. In compliance with the act of Congress, passed on the 23d of May, 1S50, providing, among other things, for taking the 7th Ceasus, a superintendnnt was appointed and all other measures adopted which were deemed necessary to ensure the prompt and faithful performance of that duty. The appropriation already made will it is believed, le sufficient to defray the whole expense of the work, but further legislation may lie necessary in regard to tho compensation of some of the Marshals of the Territories. It will, also, be proper to make a provision by law at an early day, for the publication of such abstracts of the returns, as the public interest may require The unprecedented growth of our territories on the Pacific in wealth and population, and the consequent increase of their social and commercial relations with the Atlantic States seemed to render it the duty of the Government to use all its Constitutional powers to improve the means of intercourse with them. The importance of opening a line of communication, the best and most expeditious of which the nature of the country will admit, between the valley of the Mississippi and the Pacific was brought to your notice by my predecessor, in his annual message, and to the reasons which ho presented in favor of the measure, and which still exist in full force, I beg leave to call your attention, and to repeat the recommendations then made by him. The uncertainty which exists in regard to the validity of land titles in California is a subject which demands your early consideration Large bodies of land in that State are claimed under grants, said to have been made by authority of the Spanish and Mexican Governments. Many of these have not been perfected, others have been revoked, and some are believed to be fraudulent. But until they shall have been judicially investigated, they will continue to retard the settlement and improvement of the conntry. I therefore, respectfully, recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of Commissioners to examine all such claims, with a view to their final adjustment. I also leg leave to call your attention to the propriety of extending, at an early day, our system of land laws, with such modifications as may I necessary, over the State of California and the territories of Utah and New Mexico. The mineral lands of California will, of course, form an exception to any general system which may be adopted. Various methods of disposing of them have been suggested. I was at first inclined to favor the system of leasing, as it seemed to promise the largest revenue to the government, and to afford the best security against monopolists, but further reflection, and tmr experience in leasing the lead mines and selling lands upon credit, have brought my mind to the conclusion that there would be great difficulty in collecting the rents, and that the relation of debtor and creditor between the citizen and the government would he attended with many mischievous consequences. I therefore recommend that, instead of retaining the mineral lands under the permanent control of the government, they be divided into small parcels and sold, ander such restrictions as to qantity and time as will insure the best price and guard, most effectually against combinations of capitalists to obtain monopolies. The annexation of Texas and the acquistion of California and New Mexico, have given increased importance to our Indian relations. The various tribes brought under our jurisdiction by theso enlargements of our

bonndaries are estimated to embrace a population of Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes of Indians who are a souice of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabitants. Separating into small predatory bands, and always mounted, they overrun the country devastating farms, destroying crops, driviing off whole herds ot cattle, and occasionally murdering tue inhabitants or carrying them into captivity. The great roads leading into the country are infested with them, whereby traveling is rendered extremely dangerous, and immigration entirely arested. The Mexican frontier which by the 11th article of the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, we are bound to protect against the Indians within our borders, is exposed in these incursions equal to our own. The military forca stationed in that country is although forming a large proportion of our amy, is represented as entirely inadequate to our own protection, and the fulfilment of our treaty stipulations with Mexico. The principal deficiency is in cavalry, and I recommend that Congress should, at as early a period as practicable provide for the raising of one or more regiments of mounted men. For further suggestions on this subject, and others connected with our domestic interests, and the defence of our frontier, I refer yon to the reports of the Secretary of tha interior and the Secretary ot War. I commend, also, to your favorable consideration the suggestions contained in the last mentioned report, and in the letter of the General-in-Chief relative to the establishment of an Asylum for the relief of disabled and desti. tute soldiers. This subject appeals so strongly to your sympathies that it would be superfluous in me to say any thing more than barely to express my cordial approbation of the proposed object. The navy continues to give protection to our commerce and other national interests in the different quarters of the plohe; and with the exception of a single steamer on the northern lakes, the vessels in commission are distributed in six different squadrons.' The report of the head f that Department will exhibit the services of these squadrons, and of the several vessels employed in each, during the past jur. It is a source of gratification that while tbey have been constantly prepared (or any hostile emergency they hare erywberonjet .ithihe-tcsptcH -tad. slviSxtj. dueal

well to the dignity as to the peaceful disposition and just purposes of the nation. The two brigantines accepted by the Govermneat from a generous citizen of New York, and placed uudcr tho command of an officer of the Navy, to proceed to the Arctic Seas in quest of the British commander, Sir John Franklin, and his companions, in comfdiance with the Act of Congress, approved in May ast, had, when last heard from, penetrated into a high northern latitude, but the suoeess of this noble aod humane enterprise is yet uncertain. I invite your attention to the view of our present Naval establishment, and resources presented in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, and in the suggestions therin made for its improvement, together with the Naval policy recommended for the security ef the Pacific coast and the protection and extension of our commerce with Eastern Asia. Our facilities for larger participation in the trade of the East by means of our recent settlements on the shores of the Pacific, are too obvious to bo overlooked or disregarded. The question in relation to rank in the army and navy and the relative rank between officers of the two branches of the service presented to the Executive, by certain resolutions of the House of Representatives at the last session of Congress, have been submitted to a board of officers in each branch of the service, and their report may be expected at an eurly day. I also earnestly recommend the enactment of a law authorizing officers of the army and navy to be relieved from the service, when incompetent for its vigorous and active duties, taking care to make suitable provision for those who have faithfully served their country, and awarding distinctions by retaining in appropriate commands those who have been particularly conspicuous for gallantry and good conduct. While the obligation of the country to maintain and honor those who, to the exclusion of other pursuits, have devoted themselves to its arduous service, this obligation should not be permitted to interfere with the efficiency of the service itself. I am gratified in being able to state that the estimates of expenditures for the navy iiiihe ensuing year are less, by more than $1 ,000,000 than those of the present, excepting the appropjiation which may become neecssary for the construction of a dock on the coast of the Pacific, propositions for which are now being considered, and on which a special report may be expected early in your present session. There is an evident justness in the suggestion of the same reports, that appropriations for tho naval service proper, should be separated from those for the fixed and permanent objects, such as building docks and navy vards and the fixtures attached, and from the extraordinary objects under the care of the departments which, however important, are not essentially naval. A revision of the code for the government of the navy seems to reqire the immediate consideration of Congress. Its system of crimes and punishments has undergone no change for half a century until the last session, thoHgh its defects have leen often and ably pointed out and the altolition of a particular species of corporeal punishment, which then took place without providing any substitute, has left the service in a state of defectiveness which calls for prompt correction. I therefore recommend that the whole subject be revised without delay, and such a system established for the enforcement of discipline as shall be at once humane and effectual. The accompanying report of the Post Master General presents a satisfactory view of the operations and conditions of that Department. At the close of the last fiscal year the length -of the inland mail routes in the United States, and not emltracing the service in Oregon and California was 17S.672 miles . The annual transportation thereon 46,541.423 miles and the annual cost ot such transportation $2,724,426 00.

The increase of the annual transportation over that of tne preceding year, was 3,997,3j4 miles, and the increase in cost was $342,440. The numlx- .if Post Offices in the United States on the 1st day i." July last, was 18,417, being an increase of 1,670 during the preceding year. The gross revenues of the Department for the fiscal year ending Juno 30, 1350, amounted to $5.552,971 43, including the annual appropriation of $200,000. for the franked matter of the departments, and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British government. The expenditures for the same period were $5.212,953 43, leaving a bajance of revenue over expenditures of $340,013 05. I am happy to find that the fiscal condition of the Department is such as to justify the Postmaster General in recommending the reduction of our inland letter postage to 3 cents tho single letter when pre paid, and 5 cents when not pre-paid. He also recommends that the prepaid rate shall be reduced to two cents whenever the revenue of the Department after the reduction, shall ex ceed its expenditures by more than five per cer.t. for two consecutive years, that the postage upon Calilornin and other letters sent by our ocean steamers shall be much reduced, and that "the rates of postage on newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals, and other printed matter shall be modified, and some reduction thereon made. It cannot be doubted that the proposed reduction, will for the present, diminish the revenues of the department. It is believed that the deficiency after the surplus already accumulated shall be exhausted, may be almost wholly met, either by abolishing the existing privileges of send ing free matter through the mails, or by paying out of the treasury to the post office department a sum equivalent to the postage of which it is deprived by sneh privileges. The last is supposed to be the preferable mode, and will, if not entirely, so nearly supply that deficiency as to make any further appropriation that may be found necessary so inconsiderable as to form no obstacle to the proposed reductions. .1 entertain no doubt of the authority of Congress to make appropriations for leading objects in that class of public works comprising what are usually called works of internal improvement, l ins auinority i suppose, io uc derived chiefly from the power of regulating commerce with foreign nations and among the several States and the power of laying and collecting imports. When commerce is to be carried on, and imports collected there must be ports and harbors, as well as wharfs and custom houses. If ships, laden with valuable cargoes, approach the shore or sail along the coast light houses are necessary at suitable points for the protection of life and property. Other facilities and securities for commerce and navigation are hardly less important, and those clauses of the Con stitution, therefore, to which I have referred, have re. ceived from the origin of the government a liberal and beneficial construction. Not only have light houses, buoys, and beacons been established, and floating lights maintained, but harbors have been cleared and improv. ed, piers constructed and even break-waters, for the safety of shipping and sea vessels, to protect harbors from being filled up and rendered useless by the action of the ocean, have become erected at a very great expense. And this construction of the Constitution appears the more reasonable from the consideration, that if these works of such evident import and utility, are not to lie accomplished by Congress, they cannot be accomplished at all. By the adoption of the Constitution, the several States voluntarily parted with the power of collecting duties of import in their own ports, and it is not to le expected that they sheuld raise money by internal taxation direct, or indirect, for the benefit of that commerce, the revenues derived from which, do not either in whole or in part, go into their own treasuries, nor do I perceive any difference between the power of Congress to make appropriatiens for objects of this kind on the can, and the power to make appropriations for similar objects, on lakes and rivers, wherever they are large enough to bear on their waters an extensive traffic. The magnificent Mississippi and its tributaries, and the vast Lakes of the North and North-West, appear to me to fall within the power as justly and as clearly as the Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico." It is a mistake to regard expenditures judiciously made for these odjects as expenditures lor local purposes; the position or site of the work is necessarily local, but its utility is general. A ship canal around the falls of St. Mary of less than a mile in length, though local in its construction would yet be national in its purpose and benefits, as it would remove the only obstruction to a navigation of more than a thousand miles, affecting several States as well as our commercial relations with Canada. So, too, the breakwater at the mouth of the Delaware, is erected, not for the exclusive benefit of the States Wdering on the bay and river of that name, but for that of the whole coastwise navigation of the United States, and to a considerable extent also of foreign commerce. If a ship should be lost on the bar at the entranco of a Southern port, for the want of sufficient depth of water, it is veryjikely to he a Northern ship; and if a stenralioat be sank on any part of the Mississippi on accoont of its channel not having been properly cleared of obstructions, it may be a boat belonging to either of eight or tea States. I may add. as somewhat remarkable, that among all the thirtyone States there is none that is not to a greater or less extent bounded on the one side or the other by the Ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico, or one of the Great Lakes, or some navigable river. In fulfilling cur constitutional duties, as well as of citzens on this subject, as in carrying into effect all other powers conferred on Congress by the Constitution, we should consider ourselves as deliberating and acting for one and the same conntry, and bear constantly in mind that our regard and our duty are due, not to a particulur part only, but to the whole. I, therefore, recommend that appropriations be made for completing such works as have been already begun, and for commencing such ethers as may seem to the wisdom of Congress to be of public tnd general importance. The difficulties and delays incident to the settlement of private claims by Congress, amount, in many cases to a denial of justice. There is reason to apprehend that many unfortunate creditors of the Government have thereby been unavoidably ruined. Congress has so much iusise? of . public .twtC7.lhj;t it b-aJnasKt brirosiiJe

it should give much attention to mere private claims, and their accumulation is new so great that many claim ants must despair of ever being able to obtain a hearing. It may well be doubted whether Congress, from the nature of its organization, is properly constituted to deckle npon steh eases. It is impossible that each member should examine the merits ofevery claim on which he is compeled to vote. And it is preposterous to ask a

j-idge to decide a case which he has never heard. Such de cisions may, and must do injustice, either to the claimant or to the Government, and I conceive no better remedy for this growing evil, than the establishment of some tribunal to adjudicate upon such claims. I beg leave, therefore, most respectfully, to recommend that provision be made by law for "the "appointment of a commissioner to settle all private claims against the United States, and as an expartt hearing must, in all contested cases, be very unsatisfactory, I also recommend the appointment of a solicitor, whose duty it shall be to represent the Government before such commission, and protect it against all illegal, fraudulent, or unjust claims which may be presented for their adjudication. This district, which has neither voice nor vote in your deliberations, looks to y6n for protection, and I commend all its wants to your favorable consideration, in the full confidence that you will meet them not ony with justice, but liberality. It should be borne in mind, that in this city, laid out by Washington, and consecrated by his name, is located the Capital of our nation, the emblem of our Union, and the symbol of onr greatness. Here, also, are situated all the public buildings necessary for the use of the government, and all these are exempt from taxation. It should be the pride of Americans to render t!.is place attactive to the people of tho whole republic, aid convenient and safe for the transaction of the public business, and the preservation of the public records. The government should, therefore, bear a liberal proportion of the burthens of all necessary and useful improvements. And as nothing could contribute more to the health, com Tort, and safety of theeity and security ! -r -i i p. i m r t t J . . J : of the public buildings and records, than an abundant ! supply of water, I respectfully recommend that vou make such provision for obtaining the same as in your wisdom you may deem proper. The act passed at your last session making certain propositions to Texas on settling the disputed boundary between that State and the Territory of New Mexico, was immediately on its passage transmitted to the General Assembly for its agreement thereto. Its receipt was duly acknowledged, but no official information has yet been received of the action of the General Assembly thereon. It may, however, be very soon expected, as by the terms of the propositions submitted they were to have been acted upon on or before the first day of the present month. - It was hardly to be expected that the series of measures passed at vour last session, with a view of having the sectional difficulties which had sprung "from the slavery and territorial questions, should, at once, have realized their beneficent purpose. All national concessions in the nature of a compromise, must necessarily be unwelcome to persons of extreme opinions; and though without such concessions our Constitution could not have been framed and cannot be permanently sustained, yet we have seen them made the subject of bitter controversy in both sections of the Republic. It required many months of discussion and deliberation to secure the concurrence of a majority of Congress in their favor. It would be strange if they had lieen received with immediate approbation by people and States prejudiced and heated by the excited controversies of their representatives. I lelieve those measures to have been required by the circumstances and condition of the country. I believe they were necessary to allay asperities and animosities that were rapidly alienating one section of the country from the other, and destroving those fraternal sentiments which are the strongest supports of the Constitution. They were adopted in the spirit of conciliation. I believe that a great majority of our fellow citizens sympathize in that spirit and that purpose, and in the main approve, and are prepared in all respects to sustain those enactments. I cannot doubt that the American people, loiind together ly kindred blood and common tradition, still cherished paramount regard for the Union of their fathers: and. that they are ready to rebuke any attempt to violate its integrity to disturb the compromises npon which it is based, or to violate the laws which have been enacted under its authority. The series of measnres to which I have alluded, are regarded bv me as a settlement in principle and substance and final, of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced. Most of these subjects, indeed, are leyond our reach, as the legislation which disposed of them was, in its character, final and irrevocable. It may be presumed, from the opposition which they all encountered, that none of these measures was free from imperfections; but, in their mutual dependence and connection, they form a system of compromise the roost conciliatory and best for'the entire country that could be obtained from conflicting sectional interests and opinions. For this reason I recommend your adherence t the adjustment established by those means, until time and experience should demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse. By that adjustment we have been rescued from the wide and lioundless agitation that surrounded us, and have a firm, distinct, and legal ground to rest upon And Ahe occasion. I trust, will justify mo in exhorting my countrymen to rally upon and maintain that ground as the best, if not the only means of restoring peace and quiet to the country, and maintaining inviolate the integrity of the Union. And now fellow citizens, I cannot bring this commu nication to a close, without invoking yoa to join me inj humble and devout thanks to the Great Ruler of Nations for the manifold blessings which He has graciously bestowed upon rs. His hand, so often visible in our preservation, has stayed the pestilence, saved us from foreign wars and domestic disturbances, and scattered plenty throughout the land. Our liberties, religious and civil, have been maintained. The fountains of knowledge have all been kept open, and the means of happiness widely spread and generally enjoyed, greater than have fallen to the lot of any other nation. And, while deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past, let us hope that His allwise Providence will so gnide our councils as that they shall result in giving satisfaction to our constituents, securing the peace of the country, and adding new strength to the United Government under which we live. MILLARD FILLMORE. Washikctox, Dec. 2, 1S50. ITWe see it stated that Fillmore has taken out a'nolicy of insurance upon his life to the amount of $4.000. The whiir party ought to attend to such business when they nominate a candidate. ET Michigan Legislature. The Detroit Advertiser thus estimates the state of parties in the Legislature elect. Senate Democrats, 15; Whigs, 5; Free Soil, 2. House Democrats, 40; Whigs, 26. UTThe Hon. Robt. J. Walker arrived in New York on Wednesday, on his way to Europe, it was said, upon business for our Government. C7 The figures expressing the number of the United States have at last changed. The old "13" is turned round into 31. CCThe Boston Post says the paying of $650 for one of Jenny Lind's tickets by Col. Ross, of Providence, is the greatest act of Jenny Host-it y on record. C? No less than six hundred and seventy-eight Emi grants reached New Orleans on tho 17th, from England nud Germany. Retired. Mr. Einerick f the Goshen Democrat, has retired from the editorial charge of that p'iper. It will hereafter be conducted by Robert Lowry, Esq. 1 fC There are 1,077 Universalist Societies in the Uni ted States, with only 674 clergymen. IM ature lo a man ol deep emctions. nature is a mirror full of shifting images; to an unmoved one, only a window, through which he views what is goi-jg on around him. C7" Light keeps men alive without fire, candles, meat, drink, or clothing; all he asks is a-bed. The poorest man is happy as a king as soon as he lies down, and, fortunately, he has to stand op only half his time. IT The Washington Monument is now seventy-six feet high, and attracts the notice of travellers on the Potomac. Sinco the 1st of January the receipts have averaged 2,800 per month. The New Albany Ledger says that a cave almost as large as the Mammoth Cave, has recently been discovered about eleven miles from Cor yd on, in the direction of Leavenworth. IT The only capital punishment the ladies of this village are in favor of is hanging round the ueckt. Capital enough. ttIn some persons" old maidenhood" never commences for they never grow old Youth of heart may exist for a hundred years, or more. Packets on the canal, between Terrr Haute and Lafayette, have ceastii running for the scaron...

BY MGxETICTELEGIUPIL From the Madison Paper J. Arrival of the Europa Haut at, Nov. 23. The steamer Europa has arrived from Liverpool with dafs from that place of the 16th, London tc the 15th, and Paris to the 14th. The steamer Asia was passed at 7 o'clock on tho evening of the 16th. twenty miles wett of lloljhead The America arrived at LiverjHxd on Monday. FaAKCK. Louis Napoleon has sent a long- message to the Assembly, which has given general satisfaction. He disclaims all personal ambition. The Gekmait DirnenTies. The renewed, misunderstanding between Prussia and Austria is coo firmed. Austria and Bavaria are in arms. Prussia has drawn the first blood. Her troops occupied the village of Bydlzell, upon which the Austrians advanced with their swords sheathed, were at once fired upon, and several of their number wounded. The shots were returned, and the Prussians finally evacuated the place carrying off their wounded with them. France, England, and Russia have offered their mediation on the German question. The latest accounts are most peaceable, although ia Vienna war is looked upon as certain. Ekglakd. The no-Popery cry is getting down in England. They are a little ashamed at having been frightened at a Catholic hierarchy on paper. It appears that there are only half a million of Roman Catholics in all England, and eight millions in all Ireland, Canada, and Anstraiia. Provisions. The beef market continues without any symptom of improvement, and sales are light. Pork is inactive and a reduction is demanded. Bacon sells in small lots at improved rates; shoulders meet with ready

saies ui previous prices; nams move more Ireelr. hue have not improved. There is an improved demand for lard at an advance of ten per cent. The stock in first hands is very small. Locisville, Nov. 29, 8 P. M. I learn from boats from Wlow, that the Griffin Yeatman has sprung a few planks while lying on French Island dam. She had about four feet water in the hold, which had nearly been pumped out, and it was thought that, as the river was rising, she would soon float off. The three fugitive sl.ves arrested and confined at New Albany, were brought to this city by the United States marshal for Indiana, and delivered up to their owner, a citizen of Arkansas. The thing was done very secretly. A lawyer was consulted to examine the owner's papers, who considered the title good and a trial on the part of the slaves useless. Gentlemen who saw them say that the mother and grandson are peifectly white, and that the boy's mother has a little Indian bfood, which is acknowedged by the mother. Baltimore, Nov. 29. The grand jury -of Harford county has presented the following persons for embezzlement of the Havre de Grace Bank: Moses Y. Beach and Henry Beach, of New York . J JJollison and Joseph M. Plater, Buffalo ; Nathan Jenkins, Milan, Ohio; and Ezra CoLier, Havre de Grace with the sum of ten lhouand dollars each. The Governor will immediately issue requisitions for the persons indicated . Baltimore, Nov. 29, 8 P. M. We have just heard that the steamer Columlnis, run ning between Baltimore and Richmond, was totally burnt, otf the mouth of the Potinisc, yesinday. No lives lost. LorisviLLE, N v. 30, S P. M. River at a stand with five f ct tiiiee incLt-s iu the canal. Weather pleasant. The alleged fugitives have lecn released by con'rihutions. New Albany rnied $575 of the purcha"e monev. The steamer Gem has arrived from New Oi leans. ' It is now doubtful whether the Fasi.ion can le raised. Hogs range from $3 75 to $3 90. All the houses are in full operation. Padccah, Ky.. Nov. 29. Aliout 2 o'clock on Wednesday evening t ie most destrm tive tornado which has leeii experienced in the Mississippi valb y for years, swept over Cape Girardeau, Mo., demolishing some sevetif y or eighty of the fi it-st l.nil. linns. Tuo telegraph masts t.f the St. Louis and New O "ii'iins .ompany were blown d wn and Lroken as if they were pipe stdiis. Thetovinis .iU-ral'y torn to piei-es. The loi u-y yreiit. Many lives were 1 st, arid many persons weretiiu'lv injured. " A cow was lifted up to a l.'i:Li of fori , "fct aiid deposited in the top of a t cc. The Saranac N . 2, which bad jtu-t loaiided to, had all her upper works blown off, and se vcrnl persrr s on l.er were hadly iujured. Tne wharf-bout was also blown from her moorings and badly wrecked. LoCisvlle, Nov. 30. The Cumberland river has risen four feet ; it is now falling slowly, with a prospect of rain and a rise from head waters. The steamer Gavosn, a Memphis and Arkansas pack, ct, was destroyed by fire at Memphis. The lxat was scuttled and sunk. She was insured for $19,000. The fire communicated to the Swallow, and old stern-wheel boat, which was Uo di-stroved. L:ss $2000. During the week ending Noveniler 16th fiere were 147 interments at New Orleans, of which fifty were of cholera. The cholera is also at Flaqucraine. Bcffalo. Nov. 2"?. The brig Robert Burns for this port with "1 .500 luirr Is of flour, 6,000 bushels of wheat, went as' ore at the head of Lake Erie, and is full of water. Vessel and cargo are fully insured. Washington, Deceml-er 2. 12 M. ' The Senate was called to order by the President. Mr. Sturgeon offered a resolution that the Secretary inform the House that this Ix-dy. having a quorum present, is readv to proceed to buines. Adopted. On motion of Mr. Dodge of Iowa, it was ordered that Senators be allowed newspapers equal to the cost of four dailies. On motion, it was ordered that the hour of meeting he 12 o'clock. A message was received from the House that a quorum was present in that IkxIv Mr. Berrien submiit.-d a rcs-olution that a committee of two 1 1'.' af.jtoiiit.il by the Chair, to net wiMt a like committee of the House, and inform t :e President that a quorum was present in each l'y. aod tluit they are ready to receive any comnii:niea!ion from I i. ; whi h was adopted, and Messrs. Beiru-n and Dickinson appointed said commit te. Thecommittee retired at twenty-five minutes before two o'clock, and returned and reported hat they had seen the President, and that he would communicate without delay ; and in five minutes thereafter themessage of the President was received and is now being read by the Secretary. HorsE. The galleries were well filled, the memlrs en the floor were exchanging salutations, and great con. fusion of tongues prevailed, which was silenced at 12 o'clock by the Speaker calling to order. Seats were taken and comparative stillness ensued. The Clerk called the roll, when one hundred and sixty members answered to their names. Hon. Geo. M. Morrison, elected a member from New Hampshire in place of James Wilson, resigned, was qualified and took his seat. Mr. York presented the memorial of Jared Perkins, contesting the seat of Morrison; which was referred to the committee on elections. Mr. Johnson of Arkansas offered a resolution that members vacate their scats and that they proceed to draw for choice. Several amendments were proposed, only one of which was adapted, providing that Mr. Owens, who is sick in this city, shall have the privilege of drawing through a friend. The resolution, thus amended, was adopted. Members vacated their seats and their names were placed if to a box. and, as euch name w as draw n, the metaler. selected. Mr. Ililliard, from the joint committee, reported that the Preside it would immediately send his roes:ige to Itoth house. It was then announced od handed by the Speaker to the Clcik, w ho read it. Mr. Bayly moved that the message and accompany ing documents Ih.i referred to the if mmi'tee of ibe whole on the state of the Union, and that 13,000 extra copiea be printml, which was agreed to. Mr. Wei.tvvorth gave notice that, at an early day, he would move lo take up the river and harbor bill. Baltimore, Nov. 30. Steamboat Columbus w ith a valuable cargo burned ta the water's edge ; nine lives lost, Lss one huudred audi fifty thousand dollars. 0The Brazilian law against the slava trade, weal into operation on the 4th of Septemler. By this decree Brazilian men-of-war are ordered to use special eflorts to seize slavers, and to hand over their crew s and oflicers to the civil tribunals for trial. The ships and car. goes are to be sold at auction, and the proceeds, after deducting forty dollars for the expense ol tending back to Africa each recaptured negro, divided as priae reoaey among the officers and crew of the ship making the cap. tore. The party denouncing a slaver to the Govern, ment is aNo to share in the prize money. No Brazilian vessel is to lie allowed to clear the coast of Africa with, out the owner's giving security that it shall not take slaves ahoard. The introduction of slaves into anv part of the Empire is made piracy and pnnishable with death. A special law, hereafter to be framed, will determine the punishment to be inflicted on the captains of slavers. ETThe Washington Republic mentions that a watch is up for raffle in that city, encompassed with 200 die. monds of magnificent lcautv, and worth $0,000: tho k shares, 500, at$20 ch.