Richmond Palladium (Weekly), Volume 22, Number 51, 8 December 1852 — Page 2

President’* Message. PeUnt tiliitmt */ the Senate anil of (he Haute ts Repreeentatieel: The brief epee* which bee elapsed einee *be eleee of. peer feel eeeeioe bee bee* marked by no cxlraordlna- | ry political event. The quadrennial eleetion of OSief Magistrate hoe passed off with free (ben ihe usual eicilrmeet. However individeel? end partite may have bee* disappointed in lb* reenil, it la neverlheleee a eabject of national congratulation that the choice baa ber effected by Ihe independent eoffreaee of a free neonle. nndtetorbrd by Ihoae influences which In other enaatries have too often affected the parity of pspolar

1 Oar flralefol tfianba are due to an All-merciful Previdenee, nolonfy for ‘ h * for crowning the fwfofraMfti -RlHbtirfiHtn 'Ulh Tfti nbundant harvest, and the nation geaorally with the bleseings of peace and prosperity. Within n lew werbe lbs publle mind ha* been deeply effected by the death of Daniel Webster, Ailing at his deeeaee the ofibre of Secretary of Stale. His associates In the Bsecntive government have sincerely sympathised with Ills family and the public generally on this mournful occasion, ilia commanding talents, hie great political and prafeseional eminence, hi* welltried patriotism, and lII* long aud faithful services, in the meat important public traata, have canned hi* death to be lamented throughout the country, and have

earned for him a place hi oar hiatoty. In the coofae of the last summer considerable anxiety was caused for a short lime by an officinl intimation from the government of Great Britain thatordsra had bean given for the protection of the fisheries upon the coasts of the British province* lit North America against the alleged encroachment* of the Ashing vessel* of the United Slate* and Franca. Th* *b rrtnea* of thla notice and the season of the year aeamad to mihe it a matter of argent importance, ft was at Aral apprehended that an incraaaed naval fore# had been ordered to the flailing ground* ta carry Into effect the British interpretation of those provisions In Ih* convention of Itttfi, In reference to lit* tree Intent of which th* two government* differ. It wu soon discovered that such was not Hi* design es (.rent Britain, and satisfactory explanations of the real übjjiet* of th* Th* unadjusted difference, however, between the two government* a* to the interpretation of lbs Aral article of the convention of 1816 I* still a matter of importance. American fishing vsssels with! i nine or |an rears have been excluded from water* to which IheV hau free access for twenty-five years after the negotiation et the f**aty. In 1845 this exclusion was relaxad an far a* oetteu/u* llid Bes of Fundy, but th* just and liberal intention es tiiw government, in compliance with what we think th* true construction es the convention, to open all the outer ba. *° <,,f fishermen, waa abandoned, in consequence of the od CoeUmii of the culonie*. Notwithstanding till*, the lilted States have, staco th* Bay of Fundy was reopened to our fishermen In 184 j, pursued the most liberal course toward the colon!*) Ashing Interests By the revenue law* of 1848, th* duties of eo'oa al fldi entering our port* were very greatly reduced, an I by the warehousing act It la allowed to b* sutered In bond without payment of duty. In thla way colonial flah has acquired the monopoly of the export trade In our market, and I* entering to earn* extent Into the home consumption, These tacts were among these which Increased the sensibility of oar fishing Interest, t the movement In qneetiou. These circumstances and the Incidents abovs allud-

ed to hava led me to think the moment favorable fora reconsideration of Ills entire subject of the fisher! a en (W coasts of the British province!, with a view In place them enon a mars liberal Tooting of reciprocal privilege. A willingness to meet u* In some arrangement of thla kind la understood to exist, eu the part of Great Britain, with a dealre on her part to Include In one comprehensive settlement, as well thie subject as Ih* edbimercial intercourse between Ihs United State* and the British provinces. 1 have thought tht whatever arrangements may be mnd* on these two subjects, It I* expedient that tlieV should be embraced in asp*, rate convention*. The illness and death of the late Secretary es State prevented ths commencement of the contemplated negotiation. Pain* have been taken to collect the Information required for th* detail* of lueh an arrangement. Th* subject la attended with considerable difficulty. If It is found practicable to nemo to an agreement mutually acceptable to the two parties, conventions may He conclud'd In the course •f the present winter. Tbs Control of Congress oyer I all the provision* of such an arrangement, affecting the revenue, will of course be reserved.

' * * * u 1 *>vurßo ob resßrvGu* The affair* of Cuba formed a prominent toplo in my last annual message. They remaiu in an uneasy condillont and a feeling es alarm and Irritation on the JiAM 01 tmOllfcßH BBlhtathhit itppawv U mwtat. Till* deling ha* interfered with the regular aommerelal intercourse between the Uulted States and the Island, plim. - Hut the USpMih General'of Cuba Is clolhtd with no power to treat with foreign governments, nor I* It# in any degree under th* control es the Bpanleh Minister at Washington. Any communication which h* may hold with an agent of a foreign pewer t* informs! sad metier of courtesy. Anaious to put au end to the existing inconveniences, (which seemed to rest ii i misconception,) 1 directed the newly appointed Minister to Mexico to visit Havana on hi* way to Vera Crua. H* waa respectfully received by the Captain General, who conferred with him freely on the recent occurreuteei but no permanent arrangement wee effected.

In th* meantime the refusal nf the Captain General to sllew psnaetigera and the mail t* be leaded in eerteiu osees, fer s reaeon which doee not Furnish iu th* opinion of this Government tvon s good prasumnlivo ground for nuch a prohibition, has been made the Subject of * serious remonstrance *t Madrid; and I havsns reason to doubt that due respect will bo paid by Ihs government of Her Catholic Mqjetly to the roprosenlation* which our Miuister has boon instructed to make on Ihe subject. It ie but jnaliee to Ihe Captain General to add, that hi* conduct toward ths steamers employed to carry the mails of the United Bt*leu to Hnvann has, with the exceptions above alluded to, been marked with kindI>r„ and liberality, noil Indicate* no general purpose of interfering with the commercial correspondence and intercom** between the Island and this country. Early in Ihe present year official notes were received l>oirt th* Mintatora of France nnd England, inviting tho Government of the United Staten to becomes party with Grant Britain and France to n tripartite Convention, in virtue nf which Ihe three powers should Severally and collectively disclaim, now nnd fhr the future, nil intention to obtain possession of the lotead of Cuba, and should bind thsmselves to diaeunntenancs all attempts to that rffeci on the part of) any power or Individual whatever- Thfe invitation hat been rvtpectinlly declined, far reasons which it weald occupy too much space in this communication testate in detail,but which led me to think thet the proposed measure would b* of doubtfel constitutionality. impolitic, and unavailing. 1 have, however, in common wilh several nr mv predecessor*, directed Ih* Minister* es France and England tn ho assured that Ih* United States eatertaioa no design* ageiuel Cuba; bat that, on th* eentrary, I should regard it* incorporation into the Union at th* prooont tins* ss fraught With serious peril.

Wot* this island comparatively deetitnte es inhabitant*, nr occupied by a kindred race, I should regard it, tr voluntarily coded by Spain, a* a moot desirable acquisition. But, under existing cirenmstancea, I ■honld look span its incorporation fat* onr Union a* a very hasardoa* measure. It would bring into the Confederacy a population nf a different national aleck, apeaking a different langnece, and ant likely ta harmonize with th* athar members. It wanld probably affect in a judicial meaner the industrial interests of Ihe South; and It might revive them conflicts of opinion between Ihe different sections es th* ewaatry. which lately shook th* Union to its centra, and which have bean so happily compromised-

Th* rejection by the Mexican Congress af tho Convention which had been concluded between that Republic and the United Slate*, fer Ihe praleclten af a transit way acres* th* Isthmus of Trhnuatepee, and or the interest* es these ciUtena es th* United State* who had become proprietor* of the rights which Mexico had conferred on oa* of her own ettixeaa fa regard to that transit, hue thrown a serioa* obsta'l* i* Mm way of th* atteiaamat of a very desirable nations! object. I am still willing ta heps that th* diflbrawee* on the •object which exist, or may hereafter arise between the governments, may be amicably adjusted. This eabject, hawevev, ban already engaged the attention of Ih* Senate af the United Slates, and require* an further comment in thie eemmnnieaUen.

TkeueUleiaeatef lira MfKti>|t lk part •f Sun Ja* 4a NicuMfcua.MMl •( the eeatieveny between tka lepuMiea af Carta Rica art Nicaragua ia regard la Hrtir hcauderiee. waa caasrtarM iadiapaaaaMa la Ika M—lirtwiat af tke skip court rtiaraa ilia twu ccvcou, aMt waa Ika subject af ika Caanaliaa but were Ika Dw'N Stetaa art Greet Britain af ika IMI af April. IBSI. Aarti|lj a prapaailiaa far tka aaata parpaaaa rtdwwl la ika taa gawraaaaala ia ikal ands Ika Moegaite Indians, waa apart la ia April lari ki Ika Secretary af State mad Ika Miniate* af kk Brittaare Majaaty. Hearten Ika wink la art ia raeaaciliag Ika AMforawtea af U iwa npaMin, I engaged ia Ika aagatiataaa from a dearie la pleat Ike (teal walk af a akip canal ketweea ika Iwaacaaaa aadar aaa jenerftelrea, and la aatafcNah die impartaal part af Sun Juan da Niafcaiagaa aadar Bin goitinaval af a mikaed pnwer. •we prapaaMea ia gnortruu waa aawewSed la ky Carta R tee and Ika lfeegeite ladiaea. It kaa aat peered equally ataaplak*! U Nirarages, Wat it ia kapad tkr I ika will ka carried an ia Ikal ppirit af ceaeilMtiea and

compromise which onght jflwey# o prevail on such *- i cssions, and that they wifi lead to n sstiefeetory roaull. I have Iho eolieloelion Jo Inform you that the exoentive government of Venexoel* has acknowledged some eleimtof cilixsn* #f the United Stole*, v-hieh 1 have for many year* peel bom urged by oor ehntf I d'afleir* at Carnece*. It I* hoped thet the same none* I of jostiee will actnat# the Congress of that Republic ! )■ providing the moan* for their psyment. The recent revolution in Bueno* Ayres and

the confederated States having opened the prospect of an improved state of things in tbst quarter, the governments of Orest Britain and France determined to negotiate with the chief of the new Confederacy for the free access of

their commerce to the extensive country watered by the tributaries of the La Plata) and they gave a friendly notice of this purpose to the Nfntqs. that we might if wn thmighl proper pursue the same course. In compliance with this invitation, our minister at Rio Janeiro

and our charge d’affairs at Buenos Ayres have been fully authorized to conclude treaties with the nowly organized Confederation, or the States composing ft. The delays which have taken place In the formation of the new government have as yet prevented the execution of those inatructione; but there ia every reason to hope that theae vast countries will be eventually opened to our commerce.

A treaty of commerce hat been concluded between the United State* and the Oriental Republic of Uraguay, which will be laid before the Senate. Should the Convention go into operation, it will open to the commercial enterprise of our citizens a country of great extent and unsurpassed in natural resources, but from which foreign nations have hitherto been almost wholy excluded.

The correspondence of the late Secretary of State with the Peruvian charge d’affaira relative to the Lobos Islands was communicated to Congress toward the close of the last session. h-ftijCW ttiUl 1444 U( Wli 4UII-V- ... c . * r( f _ subject, the doubts which find been entertained of the title of Peru to those Islands have been removed; and I have deemed it just that the temporary wrong which had been unintentionally done her, from want of information, should be repaired by an unreserved acknowldgemen! of her sovereignty. 1 have the satiafaction to inform you that the course pursued by Peru has been creditable to the JiberaMty of her government. Before it waa known by her that her title would be acknowledged at Washington, bar Minister of foreign affairs had authorized our charge d'affaires at Lima to announce to the American vessels which had gone to the Lobos for Guano, that the Perurian Government waa willing to freight them on its own account. This intention has been carried into effect by the Peruvian Minister here, by an arrangement which ia believed to be advantageous to tha par.lea interested.

Our settlements on the shores of tha Pacific have already given a great extension, and in some respects anew direction to our commerce on that ocean. A direct and rapidly increasing intercoursa has sprung up with Eastern Asia. The waters of the Northern Pacific, even into the Arctic sea, have of late years been frequented by our whelemen. The application of steam to the purpose of navigation is becoming daily more common, and makes it desirable to obtain fuel and other necceasary supplies at convenient points on the route between Asia and our Pacific shores. Our unfortunate countrymen who Rom time to time suffer shipwreck on the ennnt* f d* •<-- r e e**. i titled to protection. Besides these specific objects, the general prosperity of our States on the Pacific requires that an attempt should be made to open the opposite regions of Asia to a mutually beneficial intercourse.

, It ia obvious that this attempt could be made bv no power to so great advantage as by the encies. I have accordingly been led to order an appropriate naval force to Japan, under the command of a discreet and intelligent officer of the highest rank known to our service. He is instructed to endeavor to obtain from the Sivernment of that country eome relaxation of e inhospitable and anti-social system which it has pursued for about two centuries. He has been directed particularly to remonstrate in the strongest language against the cruel treatment to which our shipwrecked mariners have been subjected, and to insist that they shall be treated With humanity. He is instructed, however, at the same time to give that government the amplest assurances that the objects of the United Slates are soch end such only a* I have indicated, and that the expedition is friendly end peaceful. Notwithstanding the jealousy with which the governments of eastern Asia regard all Overtures from foreigners, I am not without hopes ol a beneficial result or the expedition. Should it be crowned with success, the advantages will not be confined to the United States, but as in the case of China, will be equally enjoyed by all the other maritime powers. I have much satisfaction in atating that in all the steps preparatory to this expedition the Governin'”" the United States has beer, materially aided by • '[>? good offices of the King of the Netherlands W Only European power having any commercial relations with Japan.

In passing from this survey of our foreign relations, I invite the attention of Congress to the condition of that department of the Government to which this branch of the public business is intrusted. Our intercourse with for-

eign powers has of late years greatly increased, both in consequence of our own growth and the introduction of many naw States into the family of nations. In this way the Department of State has become overburdened. It has, by the recent eetsblishment of the Department of the Interior, been relieved of some portion of the domestic business. If the residue of the business of that kind, such as the distribution of Congressional documents, the keeping, publishing and distribution of the laws of the United States, the execution of the copyright law, the subject of reprieves and pardons, and some other subjects relating to interior administration, should be transfer-

red from the Department of State, it would unquestionably be for the benefit of the public service. I would alao suggest that the building appropriated to the State Department is not fire-proof; that there ia reason to think there are defects in its construction, and that the archives of the Government in charge of the Department, with the precious collections of the manuscript papers of Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe, are exposed to destruction by fire. A similsr remark may be made of the buildings appropriated to the War and Navy Department.

The condition of the Treasury is exhibited in the annuel report from that Department. The cash receipts into the Treasury for the fiscal year ending the 30th of June last, exclusive of trust funds, were forty-nine million seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand three hundred end eighty-six dollars and eighty-nine cents, ($49,728,388 **,) and the expenditures for the same period, likewise exclusive of trust funds, were forty-six mill.oi s seven thousand eight hundred and ninety six dollars and twenty cents, (#4ff,007,890 20;) of which nine millions font hundred and fifty-five thousand eight hundred and fifteen dollars and eigty-thiee cents, ($9,485,814 88,) was on account of the principle nnd interest of the public debt, inclu-

ding the lest instalment of the indemnity to Mexico, under the treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo, leaving n balance of $14,882,107 91 in the Treasury on the first of July last. Since thie latter period, further purchases of the principal of the public debt have ben made to the extent of two million* four hundred and fiftysix thousand five hundred and forty-seven dollars and forty-nine cents, ($2,468,647 49,) and the surplus in the Treasury will continue to be applied to that subject whenever the stock can be procured within the limits, as to price, authorized by law.

The value of foreign merchandize imported during the last fiscal year was two hundred and seven millions two hundred and forty thousand one hundred and one dollars, (207,240,101!) and tha value of domestic productions exported was one hundred and forty-nine millions eight hundred and sixty-one thousand nine hundred and eleven dollars, ($149,861,911;! besides seventeen million two hundred and four thousand and twenty-six dollars, ($17,204,-

020,) of foreign merchandise exported; making the aggregate of the entire exports one hundred and sixty-seven millions sixty-five thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven dollars, ($107,009,987;) exclusive of the above there was exported forty-two millions five hundred and seven thousand two hundred and eightyfive dollars, ($42,507,286.) in specie, and imported from foreign ports five millions two hundred and aixty-two thousand six hundred and forty-three dollars, (6,202,848.) In my first annual msseaga to Congress 1 called your attention to what seemed to me some defects in tha.’ present tariff, and racom- - mended auch modifications as in my judgment were best adapted to remedy Its evils and promote the prosperity of the country. Nothing has since occurred to change my views on this

iffl oWe?tag.. aiguiue.-.-in my former messags, In favor of discriminating, protective duties, 1 deem it my duty to call your attention to one or two othet considerations affecting this subject. The first is, the effect of large importations of foreign goods upon our currsncy. Most of the gold of California, as fast as it is coined, finds its way directly to Europe in payment for goods purchased. In the second place, ea our manufacturing ea tablishments are broken down by competition with foreigners, the capital invested in them is lost, thousands of honest and industrious citizens ars thrown out of employment, nnd the farmer to that extent is deprived of a home market for tha sale of his surplus produce. In the third place, the destruction of our manufactures leaves the foreigner without competition in the market, and he consequently raises the price of the article sent here for sale, as is now seen in the increased cost of iron imported from England. The prospefity and wealth of every nation must depend Upon its productive industry. The farmer is stimulated to exertion by finding ready market for his surplus products, and benefited by being able to exchange them, without loss of time or expense of transportation, for the manufactures which his comfort or convenience requires. This is always done to tha best advantage where a portion of the community in which he lives is engaged in other pursuits. But most manufactures require an amount of capital and a practical skill which cannot be commanded unless they be protected for a time frees ruinous competin'l front abroad.

Hence the necessity of laying those duties upon imported goodstwhich the Constitution authorises for revenue, in such a manner aa to protect and encourage the labor of our own citizens. Duties, however, should not be fixed at a rate so high as to exclude the foreign article, t>ui V. mn graduated mm to enable the domestic manufacturer fairly to COlß|>*t* this competition to reduce tHe price of the manufactured article to the consumer to the lowest rate at which it can be produced. This policy would place the mechanic by the side of the farmer, create a mutual interchange of their ■ respective commodities, and thus stimulate the industry of the whole country, and render us independent of foreign nations for the supplies required by the habits or necessities of the people. Another question, wholly’independent of protection, presents itself, end that is, whether the duties levied should be upon the value of the article at the place of shipment, or, where it is practicable, g duty, graduated accordtng to quantity, aa ascertained by weight or measure. All our duties are si present ad valorem. A certain per centage ia levied on the firice of the goods at the port of shipment in a oreign country. Most commercial nations have found it indispensable, for the purposes of preventing Baud and purjury, to make the duties specific whenever the article i* of such a uniform value in weight or measure as to justify such a duty. Legislation should never encourage dishonesty or crime. It is impossible that the revenue officer* at the port where the . good* axe entered and the duties paid should know with certainty what they cost in a foreign country. Yet the law require* that they should 1 levy the duty according to such cost. They are therefore compelled to resort to very unsatisfactory evidence to ascertain what that cost woe. They take the invoice of the importer, attested by hie oath, aa the best evidence of which the nature of the case admits. But every one must see that the invoice may be fabricated, end the oath by which it ie supported false, by reason of which the dishonest importer nay* a pert only of the duties which are paid by the honest one, end thus indirectly receives from the Treasury of the United States a reward for his fraud end purjury. Th* report* of the Secretary of the Treasury heretofore made on thi* subject show conclusively that these fraud* have been practiced to a great extent. Th* tendency is to destroy that nigh moral character for which our merchants have long been distinguished; to defraud the Government of its revenue; to break down the honest importer by a dishonest competition; aud, finally to transfer the business of importation to foreign and irresponsible agents, to the great detriment of our own citisen*. I therefore again most earnestly recommend the adoption of specific duties, wherever it is practicable, or a home valuation to prevent these frauds. I would also again call yoar attention to the fact that the present tariff ia some cases imposes a higher duty upon the raw material imported thaa upon the article manufactured from it, the consequence of which is that the duty operates to the encouragement of the foreigner and discouragement of oar own citicens.

For full and detailed infomatioa ia regard to the general condition of our Indian affairs, I respectfully refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Interior and the accompanying documents. The Senate not having thought proper to ratify the treaties which had been negotiated with the tribes of Indians in California and Oregon, oar relatione with them have been left in n very aaaatisfaetory condition. In other parts of oar territory particnUr districts of onr country have been set apart; for the exclusive occupation of the Mriy, i and their right to the lands within those limits! has been acknowledged and respected. Bat in California and Oregon then has been no n- 1 cognition by the Government of the exclusive

right of the Indium to any part of the country. They ere therefore mere tenants at sufferance ad liable to be drieen from place to place, at the pleasure of the whites. I The treaties which hare been rejected pro-; posed to remedy this eril by allotting to the | different tribes districts of country suitable to their habits of life, and sufficient for their sapport. This provision* more than any other, I it w beliered, led to their rejection; and as no ( substitute for it has been adopted by Congress, it has not been deemed advisable to attempt |

to enter into new treaties of a permanent. character, although no effort has been spared j by temporary arrangements to perserre friend-, ly relations with them. ; If it be the desire of Congress to remove them from the country altogether, or to assign to them particular districts more remote from the settlements of the whites, it will be proper to set apart by law the territory which they are to occupy, and to provide the means necessary for removing them to it. Justice alike to our own citizens and to the Indian requires the prompt notion of Congress on this sub-

ject. The amendments proposed by the Senate, to the treaties which were negotiated with the Sioux Indians of Minnesota, have been submitted to the tribes who are parties to them, and have received tlieir ascent, A large tract of valuable territory has thus been opened for settlement and cultivation, and all danger of collision with these powerful and warlike bands

has been happily removed. The removal of the remnant of the tribe of Seminole Indian* from Florida has long been a cherished object of the Government, ana it is one to which my attention has been directed. Admonished by past experience of the difficulty and cost of attempts to remove them by millitary force, resort has been had to conciliatory missioffer ’XSairs?" oPtne principal chiefs recently visited Washington, and whilst here, acknowledged in writing the obligation of tlieir tribe to remove with the least possible delay. Late advices from the special agent of the Government represent that t iey adhere to their promise, and that a e mncil of their people has been oalled to make their preliminary arrangements. A 'general emigration may therefore be confidently expected at an early day. The report from the General Land Office shows increased actirity In its operations. The survey of the northern boundary of lowa has been completed with Unexampled despatch. Within the last year, 9,622,953 acres of public land have been conveyed, and 8,032,468 acres brought into market. In the I Hit far Hi yrnt liter* were eo'tl MW,071 rre. Mettled with I’otinty letitl warrants 3,‘,'lli.SM “ Located with ether conlficttei 113,0; 3 "

Making a total at 4,870,007 In addition there ware Reported under wain|i land f-anla 5.21D.1P8 “ Knr Inumal Improvement,, ratlnai't, 40. ?,G35.9£0 •• Making an agfrecal* of 13,115,175 “ Being an increase in the amount of lands sold and located under the land warrants, of 569, 220 acres over the previous year. The whole amount thus sold, located under land warrants, reported under swamp land grants, and selected for internal improvements, exceeds that of the previous year by 3,349,32* acres; and the sales would, without doubt, have been much larger, but f or the extensive reservation for railroads in Missouri, Mississippi and Alabama. For the quarter ending 30th September, 1852, there were sold 243,266 acres. Located with land warrants 1,387,115 " Located with other certificates 16,649 " Reported under swamp land grants 2,485,233 “ Maninif HU ngutegnte All the quarter ui ° s.ui.ioj Much the larger portion of the labor of arranging and classifying the returns of the last census has been finished, and it will now devolve on Congress to make the necessary provision for the publication of the results in such form as shall be deemed best. The apportionment of representatives, on the basis of the new census, has been made by the Secretary of the Interior in conformity with the provisions of law relating to that subject, and the recent elections have been made in accordance with it. I commend to vour favorable regard the suggestions Co!ttnin p d |n the report of the Secretary of the Interior, that provision be made by law for the publication and distribution, periodically, of an analytical digest of all the patents which have been, or may hereafter be, giantcd for useful inventions anil discoveries, with such discriptions and illustrations as may be necessary to present an intelligible view of tlieir nature ana operation. The cojt of such publication could easily be defrayed out of the patent fund, and I am pursuaded that it could be applied to no object more acceptable to inventors and beneficial to the public at large. An appropriation or SIOO,OOO having been made at the last session for the purchase of a suitable site, and for the erection, furnishing, and fitting up of an Asylum for the Insane of the District of Columbia, and of the Army and Navy of the United States, the proper measures have been adopted to carry this benificcnt purpose into effect. By the latest advices from the Mexican Boundary Commissioners it appears that the( survey or the river Gila, from its confluence with the Colorado to its supposed intersection with the western line of New Mexico, has been completed. The survey of the Rio Grande has also been finished from the point agreed on by the Commissioners as "the point where it strikes the southern boundary of New Mexico” to s point one hundred and thirty miles below Eagle Pass, which is about two-thirds of the distance along the course of the river to its mouth.

The appropriation which was made at the last session of Congress for the continuation of the survey is subject to the following proviso: " Protidei, That no part of this appropriation shall be used or expended until it shall be made satisfactorily to appear to the President of the United States that the southern boundry of New Mexico is not established by the commissioner or surveyor of the United States farther north of the town called ‘Paso’ than the same is laid down in Distnrnall’s map, which is added to the treaty.” My attention was drawn to this subject by a Rport from the Department of the Intenor, which reviewed all the facts of the case, and submitted for my decision the question whether under existing circumstances, any part of the appropriation could be lawfully used or expended for the further prosecution'of the work! After a careful consideration of the subject, I came to the conclusion that it could not, and informed the head of that Department. Orders were immediately issued by him to the commissioner and surveyor to make no further requisitions on the Department, as they could eot be paid; and to discontinue all operations on the southern line of New Mexico. But as the Department had no exact information as to the amount of provisions and money unexpended in the hands of the commissioner and surveyor ; rt was discretionary with them to continue'the I survey dAwn the Rio Grande as far as the | me * n * * l their disposal would enable them, or i at once to disband the Commission, i special messenger has since arrived from the ©nicer in charge of the survey on the river

with information the^fandssabject^l.lj 1 control were exhausted, Mkl that the ©ffic* and others employed In the Service were | tute alike of the meaXs of prtwecutmg the doiflt and of returning to their hotoes. i Jt. The objeet of the provlsofwas doubt*** KT 1 arrest the survey of the sod them and western lines of New Mexico, in regard to which different I opinions have been expressed; for it is hardly to be supposed that there could be any objection ! to that part of the line which extends along the I channel of the Rio Grande. But the terms of the law are so broad as to forbid the use of any ! part of the money for the prosecution of the | work, or even for the payment, to the officers ; and agents, of the arrearages of pay, which

are justly dae to them. I earnestly invite your prompt attention to this subject, and recommend a modification of the terms of the proviso so as to enable the Department to use as much of the appropriation as will be necessary to discharge the existing obligations of the Government, and to complete the survey of the Rio Grande to its mouth.

It will also be proper to make further provision by law for the fulfillment of our treaty with Mexico for running and marking the residue of the boundary line between the two countries. Permit me to invite your particular attention to the interests of the District of Columbia, which are confided by the constitution to your peculiar care. Among the measures which seem to me of the greatest importance to its prosperity are tlie introduction of a oopioUs supply of water into the City of Washington, and the construction of suitable bridges across the Potomac to replace those which were distroyed by high water in the early part of the present year.

At the last session of Congress an appropiation was made to defray the cost of the surveys Ottcessarr for determining the best means of anoraing an untaiung suppiy ui (juuj rum ni,t. some water.—Some progress had been made in the survey, and as soon as it has been completed, the result will be laid before you. Further appropriations will also be necessary for grading and paving the streets and avenues, and enclosing and embellishing the public grounds Within the city of Washington. I commend all these objects, together with the charitable Institutions of the District, to your favorable regard. Every effort has been made to jliWseet diir frontier, nnJ that of the rtdj'crfhfnV Mexican States, from the incursion of the Indian tribes. Os about 11,000 men, of which the army is composed, r.early 0,030 are employed in the defence of the newly acquired territory, (fndd* ding Texts,) and emigrants proceeding thereto. I am gratified to stiy that these efforts have been unusually successful. With the exception of some partial outbreaks in California ana Oregon, and occasional depredatioHs on a portion of the Rio Grande, owing, it is believed, to the disturbed slate of that border region, the inroads of the Indians have been effectually restrained.

Experience lias shown, however, that whenever the two rnces nre brought into contact, collisions will inevitably occur. To prevent these collisions the United States have generally set apart portions of their territory for the exclusive occupation of the Indian tribus. A dilficu'ty occurs, however, in the application of this policy to Texas. By the terms of the compact by which that State was admitted into the Union, she retained the ownership of all the vacant lands within her limits. The government of that State, it is understood, has assigned no portion of her territory to the Indians; but as fast ns her settlements advance, lays it off into counties, and proceeds to survey and sell it. This policy Manifestly tends not only to alarm and irritate the Indians, but to compel them to resort, to nlnmjer for silbsistancc. It also deprives this Government of that influence and control over them without which no durable peace can ever exist between them and the whites. 1 trust, therefore, that a due regard for her own interest, apart from the considerations of humanity and justice, will induce the State to assign a small portion of her vast domain for the provisional occupancy for the small remnants of tribes within her borders, subject of course to her ownership and eventual jurisdiction. If she should fail to do this, the fulfillment our treaty stipulations with Mexico, and our duty to the Indians themselves, will, it is feared, become a subject of serious embarrassment to the Government. It is hoped, however, that a timely and just provision by Texas may avert this evil.

No appropriations for fortifications were made at the last two sessions of Congress. The cause of its omission is, probably, to be found in a growing belief that the system of fortifieaions adopted in 1846, and heretofore acted on, requires revision. The subject certainly deserves full and careful investigation; but it should not be delayed longer than can be avoided. In the mean time there are certain works that have been commenced—sonic of them nearly completed—designed to protect our principal seaports from Boston to New Orleans, and a few other important points. In regard to the necessity for these works, it is believed that little difference lof opinion exists among military men. I therefore recommend that the necessary appropriations to prosecute them be made. your attention to the remarks on this subject, and on others connected with his Department, contained in the accompanying report of the Secretary of War.

Mcaurcs have been takon to carry into effect the law of the last session making provision for the improvement of certain rivers and habors, and it is believed that the arrangements made lor that purpose will combine efficiency with economy. Owing chiefly to the advanced season when the act was passed, little has yet been done in regard to many public works, beyond making the necessary preparations. With respect to a few of the improvements, the sums already appropriated will suffice to complete them, but most of them will require additional appropriations.

I trust that these appropriations will be made, and that thiswise and henifeent policy, so auspiciously resumed, will be continued. Great care should be taken, however, to commence no work which ia not of sufficient importance to the commerce of the country to be viewed as national in iis character. But wor.ss which haw been commenced should not bo discontinued until completed, as otherwise the sums expended will, in most, cases, he lost. The report from the Navy Department will inform you of the prosperous condition of the branch of public service committed to its charge. It presents to your consideration many topics and suggestions of which l ask your approval. It exhibits an Unusual degree us activity in the operations of the Department during the past year. The preparations for the Japan expedition, to which I have already alluded; the arrangements made for the exploration and survey of the China seas, the Northern Pacific, and Behring’s Straits; the incipient measures taken towards a reconnoissancc of the continent of Africa eastward of Liberia, the preparation for an early examination of the tributaries of the river La Plata, which a recent decree of tho provisional chief the Argentine Confederation has ; opened to navigation; all these enterprises, and

the ifiandly are proposed to K accopplisWd, havewbmrtanded my full ap _ ” batidpv, aaiUl have sis doubt will be product:,, of mast useful results. r UC,IVe T^°%' r 8 ‘!j| na , vy , we,e bere *fore i„. sfructfrd ttrixplorff me whole extent of the Am azon river from the confines of Peru to esting and valuable account of the characie and resources of a country abounding materials of commerce, -aUcP.miichy to the industry of the world, will prove an in exhaustible fund of wealth. The reporroTtTn* exploration Wtll be CommunttAtiii to y ou ,!! Soon as ff is completed. v '**’

Among other XUbjerti Offered t<? your notice by the Secretary of the Navy/1 select for Sp ec j. al commendation, in view of its connection wip, the interests of the navy, the plan submitted fry him for the establishment 6f a permanentcerfa of seamen, anil the Suggestion he has presented for the reorganization of the Naval Academy In reference to the firat of these, I take oect. sion lo say that I think it Will greatly improvo the efficiency of the service, end ftiat I feedtl it as still moro entitled to faVOr for tfte Salutary influence H must ertert upon the naval discip 7 line, now greatly disturbed by the IncreSsin* spirit of insubordination, resulting from our present system. The plan proposed for the re organization of the seamen furnishes a jadi c j! ous substitute for rhe law of September, IgJo abolishing corporal punishment, and satisfac. torily sustains the policy of that act, under conditions well adapted to maintain the authority of command and the order and Security of our ships.

It is believedthat any change which proposes permanently to dispense with this mode of punishment, should be preceded by S System of enlistment which shall supply the naVy with seamen of (he most maritorUUs class, whose good ”■■■* r-u. of churXctermar prechvh all occasion for ft resort to penalties of a harsh or degrading nature, The safety of a ship and crow is often dependent upon imme liate obedience toft command, and the authority to enforco it must be equally ready. The arrest of refractory seamen, in sttch moments, not only dc prives tile ship of indispensible aid; butimpej. os a necessity fordouble service on others whose fidelity to their duty may be relied upon in such an emergency. The exposure of this increased and sr lumis labor, since the passage of the act of iB6O, has already had, to a no it observable and injurious extent, the effect of preventing the enlistment of the best seamen in the navy. The plan now suggested ia designed to promote a condi tion of servici in which this objection will no longer exist. The details of this plan may be established in great part. If no*, altogeiher, b the Executive, under the authority of existing laws; but t have thought it proper, in ance with the suggestion of the Secretary of the Navy, to submit it to your approval. The establishment of a corps of apprentice* for the navy, or boys to be enlisted until they become of age, and to be employed under sudi regulations os the Navy Department may devise, as proposed in the report, 1 cordially approve and commend to your consideration; and I also concur in the suggestion that this system for the early training of seamen mny be most usefully engrafted upon the service of our merchant marine.

The other proposition of the report to which I have referred—the reorganization of the Naval Academy—l recommend to your attention as a project worthy of your encouragement on 1 support. The valuable services already rendered by this institution entitle it to the continunme of your fostering rare. Your attention is respectfully called to the >ep*4 *f ike Puaimniu, Cen*rnl fo* tbit, detailed operation of this Department rltlvinn the last fiscal year, from which it will be seen that the receipts from postages for that time were !** by $1,481,096 than for the preceding year, being n decrease of about 23 per cent. This diminution is attributable to the retbir. tion in the rates of postage ma le bv the acl nf March 8, 1852, which reduction took effect et the commencement of the fiscal year. Although in its operation during the last fiscal year the act referred to lias not fulfilled tbs predictions of its friends by increasing the correspondence of the country in proportion to the reduction of.postage, 1 should nevertheless question the policy of returning to higher rotes.— Experience warrants the expectation that as the community becomes accustomed to cheap postage, correspondence will Increase. It is believed that from this cause, and from the ri*pi<l growth of the country in population and business, the receipts of the deportment must ultimately exceed its expenses, and that the country may safely rely upon the present cheap rate of postage. In former messages I have among other things.

respectfully recommended to the consideration of Congress the propriety and necessity of further legislation for the protection anti punishment of foreign consuls residing in the United Staten; to revive, with certain act of 10th March, 1838, to restrain unlawful military expeditions against the inhabitants of conterminious States or territories; for the preservation and protection from rnutuiation or theft of the papers, records, and archives of the nation; for authorizing the surplus revenoe to be applied to the payment of the public debt in advance of the time wdien it will become due; for the establishment of land oflices for the sale of the public lands in California and the Territory of Oregon; for the construction of a road from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific oceao; for the establishment of a bureau of agriculture for the protection of that Itiiuresl, perhaps the most important in the country; for the prevention of frauds upon the Government in applic* - lions far pensions and bounty lands; for thee* tablishment of a uniform fee bill, prescribing a specific compensation for every service required of clerks, district attorneys, and marshals.

For authorising an additional regiment of mounted men, for thadefenca of our frontier against tho Indians, and for fulfilling our treaty stipulations with Mexico to defend her citizen* against the Indians “with equal diligence and energy as our own;” for determining the rela live rank between the naval and civil officers in our public ahips, and between the officers of th' 1 Army and Navy in the various grades of each, for reorganising the naval establishment by ing the number of officers in each grade, *<* * providing fora retired list upon reduced p)’ , ', : those unfit for active duty; for prescribing 1 regulating punishments in the navy; for the appointment of a commission to revise the pubh 1 statutes of the United States, by arranging then in order, supplying deficiencies, correcting i congruities, simplifying their language, and * porting them to Congress for its final action and for the establishment of a commission adjudicate and settle private claims against if’ United States. lam not aware, however, that any of these subjects have been finally ,ctt ' upon by Congress. Without repeating there ß sons for legislation on these subjects W * K have been assigned in former messages, I reap* fully recommend them again to your •**’•**• consideration. I think it due to the several Eciitt** partuoents of this Government to bear ny to the efficiency and integrity with w * ,t they are conducted. With all thecarefol