Terre-Haute Journal, Volume 2, Number 10, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 6 December 1850 — Page 2

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message.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives Being suddenly called in the midst of the last session of Congress by the painful dispensation of

Divine Provident to a responsible station which I now hold, I contented my sell with such communications to the Legislature as the exigency of the moment seemed to require. The country was shrouded in mourning for the loss of its venerated Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were penetrated with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion appeared to require or to 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 deemed inappropriate, if I avail myself of this opportunity of tbe re-assembling of Congress, to make known my sentiments in a general manner in regard to the policy which ought to be pursued by the govern-

ment, both in its intercourse wiih foreign nations, and in its management and administration of internal affairs.

Nations. like individuals, in a state of nature, are equal and independent, possessing certain rights und owing certain duties to each other, arising from their necessary and unavoidable relations, which right* and duties there is no common human authority to protect and enforce. Still, they arfrights and duties,binding in morale, in conscience, s, nnd in honor, .Although there is no tribunal, to which an injured party can appeal, but the diainlerested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the arbitration ot the sword. I Among the acknowledged rights of nations, is that which each possessss of establishing that form of government which it may deem most conducive to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens, of changing that form ss circumstances may retjuiro, aud of managing its internal affairs according to its own will. The people of the United States claim this right for tliemselvea, and they cordiallv concede it to others. Hence it becomes an imperalive duly not to interfere in the government or internal policy of other nations, and although we may sympathise with the unfortunate or the oppressed everywhere, in their struggles lor freedom, our principles forbid us from taking any part in such contests.

We make no wnrs to promote nr to prevent succession to thrones, to maintain any theory of a balance of power, or to suppress the actual government which any country chooses to establish for ilaelf. We instigate no revolutions, nor snfF»r nnv hostile expeditions to be fitted out in the United States to invade the territory or province of a lendly nation. The great luw of mortality oupht to have a national as 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 conduct between governments, instead of mere power. To niaintnin a strict neutralily in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly relations, te reciprocate every generous und noble act, and to perform punctually and scrupulously ever) treaty obligation—these are the duties which we owe to other States, and by *n« performance of which we best can entitle ourselves to like treatment from them or if that, in any case be refused, we can enforce our own rights with juttice and a clear conscience. 'In our domestic policy the Constitution will be my guide, and in questions of doubt 1 shall look lor its intnrpivt.ition to the Judicial decisions

that tribunal, which s* established to expound fft and to the usage ot the Government sanctiotlerHiy •lie acquiescence of Urn country. 1 regard all its provisions ap^unlly binding. 1$ all its parts Jt is ie will of the people expressed in the most solemn tnrm, and the constituted authorities, are but ageitts to carry thfct will into execution. Every power which it has granted is to be exercised for the'pul:* He gjod, hoi no pretence ot' utility, no honest conviction, ev«n of what might be expedient, can jusriiy the assumption of uny power not granted.— The powers coiilerrud upon the Government, and their distribution to the several Departments, are »4 cfewrly Expressed in that sncred instrument as ue importation 6f human language will allow aitd I deem it my lirst duty not to question its wisdom,'add to its provisions, evade its requirements, or nullify its commands.

Upon vuu. felhm-citizens, as the Representatives of the State* ami the people, is wi*«.-ly devolved the U»ghiiaUvw power. I shall comply with my duty in tuning before you* to time, any inlovmatiou caluolated to enable J'ou to discharge \our high nud responsible trusivfor the benefit of our aout'non constituents.

My'opiniona will be frankly expressed upon the leading subjeuts ot legisliiiiou, and if, which I do wot anticipate, any »ut stiouM pasa the two Houses of Congress, which should appear to me uutsotisttlutivimd, or an oncro ich.m«mt upon the just powers Qt other departmottis.' or with provisions hastily adopted, and likel) to produce consequences injuiious ftiut unforseen, should not shrink from my •"duty of returning it to you, with my reasons, for your lurther iH^riiidefation Bt*yotid the d\ie porionnartre ot tnts^e i.,6ri»f1furionul obligations, both »nv renpfect Tor tf&» L»'gi^l»»ture «and my sense ol t,i*H»»'tt»lv will restruhi me from any -attempt to con* Wot or i-.illuriu**! your jroceedi«igs. With ytm is 1 the power, the uom.r. and rs^ponsibiiity of the leui*Uiioiiof Hie coiinny. J, gov^rmneot ot the 'tTrntei! States is a limit1 -*d tie.vernu»ent. W confitied to the exercise of powers expr^ssh' yrauttvi. and such others as may uy neue^a.y in"u«rfy»% these powers into eflect iiti«l tr i« «t all tnues tin espeetil duty to guard any internet* on the just rights of the y»»wlos. Uv»* the o«'j«Hit| nod iut jects entrust ed to fc'jujrew. i^-iegtslftii^tt authority supreme. hut here tUut afttbeHty ceases, and every citizen who truly KsVe* the OimMituiion,'^ and desires the c^rttitfuauee ot its exi-»tence and blessings, will reaolutety at»d ti*mlv resist «»»y interference in those «iotijf#tw.' atfatr# tne Constitution has clearly «ud utequivo» .»» left to the exclusive authority of the Stale*. Aud t^Vy such citrt^n will abodepriH^tt* uselen* jent tttou among ihe several mem-

MW tde tuloit. reptortch and crttninaivn teHdK'g alivosie ooa }«»rtion of the eountfy ,tVO, Huoln^f. Tbe beauty oi our °r Kov* tv«nn»iV amNts safwty «ud du.ibiiitv must in coiUsions and encroach«*»d regulur sejrfiratd action of all,

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d,s^uct orbit*

Cut&taf&Ht made it the ^utv of the 'wkf carv lost tbe laws be iaith(ully ]li» gweruiueut like ours' is wfcwh all iwa atw t\ n». jo«:ty the reprenitatTW*

ihw van verj n* «uld appear tlv to rvaist tbe vx^utioa of ttw Uws. But 'ttHi iiiinit tuit.U ui»t Uiti couiatrj is txttn*t tuefe u,»y fce W» *****P^dicas *a oviuus iu one j)iiwhich ia oot so

th? piO||»lrr and uMrse reprvsNK»taiv«)* are choseli, not vet been received. ^fta a is pie atw»t shmed that those documents wiU be e&euti*l*> ti»* coi^wrt dis^ostfion the claiow It iriay nevoe^tary lor Congress to extend the pe^od limited for the'du ration of ie commissioo. l"ht sum stipulated W tbe 4»h anicle ©f the Convention, te be paid to t^ Goveruinent. hai been receivetl. *l^he cwllecttoo at the ports of the Uuifed States of di«eriQua«ting pities upon thw-vesarts of Chili and their cargoes, h»* been usp«nded pursusnt to the provUious of the au of Congress ol' the i-'oth of

Miougtules*, wmI inconsidii nossloMl. or their unagitia.unlaws gch p«rs#w recollect vau inl wo k»c«M r*.opied utidlr foot tyrmnny txitt IIW (twrnV military

wpon tb«

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^tent of |he po^tjr invested fin ipfi" shall, at i. and in all places, take ba^thattth^ l|ws bi ithfully executed. In the ^iscyiarge iftf thw du: lemoly imposed upon me bf the CorisJttuMd". id by mv oath of o/fice. I shall shrink fron/ no

libility, and shall en|?a?Qr to ineet,ev ay arise, with firmnsas, bs well as vjflh pnice and discretion. The appointing power is one of tlte^rooft delicate jwith which the Execuifve is in.vtmted. 1 regaJ'tit as a Mefed trust, to be exi^feed with the sole view of advancing the prosy&riiy and happiness of'the people. It shall be ity effort to elevate the standard of oiticial employment, by selecting for places of injportance, iuoividuals fitted for ttie posil to which they ere wwigued, by their known integrity, Ja'.ents, and msxofe. In so extensive a country, with 9o greats populetien, and where f"w persons appointed t^tjffice, can be 'xoown to the

I am Ytappp in being able to say that &o unl'avorabl« zthange iu our foreign relations has ta'cee place since the meja&ja at t^ie opetiing of the last s^rsinn of CongreM. VVa are at peaus with all :mAiona, and w» enjoy, ra an eminent degree, the blessings of that p#uee, in a prosperous aud grow-* ingicoinmerce, and in all the lortns of amicable national intercourse. The unexampled growth of the country, tlMpreseat amount of, the papulation* an! fin ample iueans of self-protecfion, ass,ure for i! {!i«t respecto#^il nations, whils it is trusted that its charactt?i%!r justice and a regsrd lo the rights of othor St ite*, will cause that raspect to be readily and cheerfullp paid.

A convention was negotiated between the United States ami Great Britain in April last, for facilitating ond protecting the construction n! a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and for other purpose*- This instrument has since been ratified by tbe contracting poitic-s the exchsnge has been elfected, and proclamation thereof has been duly made.

In addrtfnns to the stipulations contained in this Convention, two other objects remain to be eccom)lishetl petween tlie contracting powers: 1st. The designation and establishment of a free port at each end of the cana'. 2d, An agreement fixing the distance from the shore, witBTwWhich beligercut maritime operations shall notice on.

On th/sc joinL|ihere is little d»jbt that the two Government* wiiMoms to an undnrst Hiding. Tee cbinpiiny oT^^iiizfiis of the United States, who have acquire fra^i tiie Slate of Nicaragua, the privilege of constructing, a ship canai between the two coasts, through (hi) territory of that State, nave made progress in their pn liminary or.'ungem.'iita. The Jreaiy but«veen the Unliud Slates and Great Britain, ol the 19th of April lav.t, above referred to. being now in operation, it is to be hoped th,it the gusranties wltich it ofltrs, will be sullicient to secure the completion of the work wijh all practicable expedition. It is obvious that this result would be indefinitely postponed, if any other than peucclul measures, for the purpose of harmonizing conflicting claims to territory in that quarter,.should bo adopted. It will, consequently, be my Endeavor to cause any other negotiations on the purl of this Government, which may be requisite lor Ibis purpose, tube %eo

Hy the last advises from Mexico it would appear. however, that the Government entertains strong objections to some of the stipulations which the partiffs concerned in project of the railroad consider necessary for their protection arid security. Further consideration, it is to be hoped, or some modification of terms, may yet reconcile the difirenees existing between the two Governments in this respect.

Fresh instructions have recently been gived to the Minister of the United Stirtcs in Mexico, who is prosecuting the subject with promptitude and ability*,,, i, -/•./

Altbougn the negotiations wTth Portugal for the payment ot claims of eiuzens uf the United States agaiusUhttl government, have not yet resulted in a formal |b*ty. vet a pioposision tuadc by ilu Goverumetifof Portugal, far the final adjustment and payment of those claims, ha* recently «een accpled on the part of the United Slates, it gives me pleasure to say that Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiation ou the pert uf the U. Slates has bevn entrusted. discharged the duties of his ^ppoiimnent with ability and discretion, acting always within the instructions of,his Governuiout.

It is expected tnat a regular convention will be immediately negotiated f»r carrying the agreement of the two Govuinbtoutt into effect.

The commissioner appointed under the art of Congress for carryiugjnto etlevl the convention wuirif«util, on tins 2Tt» ifnuary 1849. has entered upon tiie pert'onuaucc of tft} iuties udposed upon him by thai act. is hope^'ha! those duties may b« completed within the timev wh«^i it prescribes. The documents, however, which the imperial Government, by tbe third article ©TX^ stiouUtrs to furnish the Goveriiiwetst

appointing power^mistakes will some times una- adjusted. T5ie interests of humanity and of general voidably havpenyand tiniortun^tfl appointmenta be commerce also depiand this and, as intimations of mtde. notwithsuuidiBg the greatest care. In such case* tbe gow^r of removal ma/ be properly exercised, and ueglect of duty, or teal-feasance in off.ce, will hd. no more tolerated in individuals appointed Uy myself, than ihc#-* oj»poiaisdbX ethers,

conducted as to bring them to a

fpeedy and tuccessful closs. Souie unavoidable delay has occorreil, arising fiynn,distance"and the dillicully of interctiui.se betwOfee^his Upvertyiwtit and that of .Nicaragua but 4t has just been received of liip WpbiuiTnenrV 4n Enviy Ettraurdinary aud MinisV-r i'lenipotentiirV of that Ciovernmeut, to reside at Washington,-Irhose arsival may soon be exited* it is hoped that no further imp^iineuts will be t.xpdrienced iu the promqt frans^ctiun ol busine^sbc* tween the two Governments.

Citizens ol the United States have undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of railroad across the Isthmus of Tebunntepec. under grants of the Mexican Government to a citizen ol that Hepublic. It is understood that a thorough survey of the line of communication, is iu cour.se of preparation, und there is every reason to expect that it will be prosecuted with characteristic energy, especially when that Government shull have consented to such stipulation with the Government of the United States as may be necessary to impart a feeling of security to those who may embark their proper'y in the enterprise. Negotiations are pending lor the accomplishment of that object, und and a hope is confidently entertained that when the Government of Mexico shall become duly sensible of the advantages which that country cannot fail to derive frdm the work, and learn that the government of the United States desires that the right of sovereignty to Mexico in the Isthmus shall remain unimpaired, the stipulations referred to will be agreed to with alacrity.

a» convention.

Stipulates to furnish the Govemmentof the U«.ited

May, 1628. it is to be hoped tlws measure will |iu|Mft afresh impulse to *\n commeree between the i*o couuuie*, which of Yue, especially aiuce our acqui»itiou of California, haSyto me mutual ad^ vantage of the parries, been much augmented. gualic^has bcs«mic so deiirable a«. to the rgrn^ihucal iateeesls of the U. Spates, ^hat the laborers iu the

dialjit ut» Uutjf ol the t«o*en»«*ent to ewpioy all pose o* taeir gum wg" Uusaf properly Us fpow«r, for the purpose of j*ears to too to be a Heavy and unjusl^^ tha a^ucip to W «§pon«4iato the coamujr Ubor of thus# employed ut extneoui^iM

[a reasonable peii^| Nothing will be oiiMtie^oii part toward* accomplishing this desi^*bl»j cod. ftni persuaded tfiat lit removing any r^lraint* oti tfais tr ifiic. the Peruvian Governnx-wt wilf promote j|sowu best interests, while it will alford a pro«f of

ts frifndly tlispoj?it)«M» towards ibis country, which will be duly appreciated. Tho treaty bt-tween tbe United Statfs and hi.«

Msjatty, the King of the Hawnimii Inlands w!)icb has recently been made public, will ir is twliHV^d have a benefi»al«0«ct ou Umj relational between th»two countries.

The relations between those part? of the Wand of St.Domingo, which were f«m*rlv colonies ot Spain and Prance, 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 deelrable that it should be permanently and speedily

the same sontin^nt have heen received from other Goverrm^nts, it is hopeu thet sonje plan may soon be devised to effect the object in a nanner likely to give satisfaction. The Government of the United States will not fail, by the exercise of all proper friendly offers, to do all in its power to put an end to the destructive war which has raged between the different pcrts of tba'LsJand. and to secure to them both tha benefits of peac and commerce.

I refer you to the report of the Secretary of tfie Treasury for a detailed statement of the finance*. The total raceipts ifito the Treasury for the year ^ep^iil'g June last, were §47.421.748 90. The total, e^n ditiues during the same period were, ftt&u07l68iw. The public debt has been red eu siitce the last annual report from the Treasi department. $495 276 79.

By the 19th section ol the act of 28th January. 1847. the proceeds of the si^es of the public lands were pledged for the principal and interest of the public debf. The great amount of those Imd* subsequently granted by Congress (or military bounties, will, it believed, very nearly supply the put lie demand lor several years to come. HM! but liUi? reliance can thetelo^a be placed ou that bithemf fruitful source of revenue.

Aside from the permanent annual expenditures which have necessarily largely increased, a portion of the public debt, amounting to §8 075 9U6 59 must be provided tor within the next two years. It is most desirable tliat these accruing demands should be met without resorting to new loans.

All experience has demonstrated tiie wisdom and policy of raising a large portion of revenue tor the support of Government I'roin duties on goods imported. The-power »o levy these duties i.s unquestionable. and its chief obj -ct of course, is to rejdepish the Treasury. But if. in doing this, an inei dental advantage, may be gained by encouraging the industry of «ur own citizens, it is our duly to avail ourselves of liiat advantage.

A du'y laid upon HU article which cannot he produced in this country, such as tea and coff e. »idls to the cost ol tiie article, and is ebielly. or wholly paid by the consumer. i3ul a duty laid upon an article which may be produced here, stimulates tinskill and iudustry of our own country to produce the same article, which is brought to the market iu competition with tile foreign article, and t:ie impoit er is thus compelled to reduce his price to that at which the domestic article can be sold, tuerenjthrowing a part oft tie duly upon the producer of tin foreign article. The continuance of this proeesa creates the skill and invites tiie capital which iiiiallv enables us to produce th*» article much cheapc than it could |iav« been piocured Irom abroad thereby benefiting both tbe producer and Hie conturner ut home. l"' consequent^ of 'hisj^,.that the ara&tn and till- HgrwtUliurdist a**} to" g^ttier. each Hll'irding ready irket lor ttiii pry tiuce ot the otlif^.( *ie wlifclu couftfrY lial^diSt prosperous, and the abiiil) to produce every neilfe!n saiy of life I' liders us iintependuiil in war.us well us in peace.

A high Tariff can rtev^r be perm iwwit. It will 0 .use ui»satisf.cti"ii. and will be changed. IteX «lude.s competition, aud thereby luvnes the investment of capital iu manufaciures to such e.\u*ss tliat when changed, it brings distress, bankrupto) and ruin, upon all who have been misled by it? faithless protection. V\ hat the manufacturer wants is uniformity and permHiiency. tlwit lie ni iy lee! confidence lhat he is not to be reined by sudden changes. Uut to uiuko a Tariff uniform and per inauenU it is not only necessary tliat the law slioul* not bo altered, but th.tt the duty snould not Hue tuate. To eifeut tiiis. all duties should be specific, whenever the nature of the arnde is such as to ad mit of it. Ad valorem duties fluctuate with the price and offer strong temptations lo fraud and peijury Specific duties, ou the co.utrary, ai\* equ^l unU uni form in ull ports, and at all times, and oiler a .strung inducement to Hie importer to tiring the best aiti cle. us lie pay* no moio dut) upotyttiat than upon one of interior quality. 1 therefore strongly recommend a modification ot the present Tariff, which has prostrated some of our most impoitant ami necessary inauuladtures, aud tnat specific duties should be imposed, outli cient to raise the requisite revenue, making such disenminution iu favor of the industrial pursuits ot sur own country, as to enoourage home produc tioiis, without excluding foreigu oompetition. It is also important that the untortunate provision in the present Tariff, whicti imposes a much higher duh upon the raw material mat enttus into our manufactures than upon tbe uiauufoctured article, s'douid be remedied.

The papers accompanying the report of the Seu retary ot ttie Tie»sur will Un»ii«e frauds attempt ed udon Uie revenue, in variety aud attount MO great as to justify ttie conclusion that it is nnpossi bie under any system ot ad valorem dutk-s levied upon the loretgu cost or value of the arttcie. to se cure au iiouest observance,and au etltt.'iu4|administration of the law.s. The frau^iuienl dtyices to evade the law, wlncti have been Uetected by the vigilance ol the appraisers, leave no room jo doubt, tnat similar impositions not Uisuorered. ti a large amount, have been successfully practiced aince ute enactment of the law now tu torce. Tiie state oi things has already had a prejudicial infitence upon loose engaged in foreign comlinrce. It has a tendency to drive the honest trader from tne business ol importing, and to throw lb s! iitporiaiti bianch ot employ menl into uie hnnda ot Uiaciu pulsus and distiouest uteu. who ate Always altke'ie£ardle»s ot law and lne onhgalions al oalii tiy n»ese meaus the plain lotenUt^ns ot' Uongress. as expressed in the Uw. aie da'tiy defeated tWv ry u)(.ii*e vt policy Mid duty, therefore, imfel n*v tu ask the earnest attention ot Congress tonus subject. If Coogresa sftouid deetu it unwfte to attempt any ttuportanl ctuui£e» in the aystam ol' lev* ui|t duues, at this seastou. it will become wtlupen* «abf4ito the protection ot tne revenue, Uiat such remelies as ui-tnv judgment uf Congrea^uni mitigate Aae e*ils cO*npi«iu«d ot, aaoutU oe at ouceapt^ted. -j?,*4'

AabtSHfre

atated specific duties would, in ny

'opintoui a&rd the moat periect remedy for uus vtL, Hut it you SOUUID not concur tnta VIEW, U«NJ as a n*xu*l njineiJy, Oeg leava respecttuUy lore cottnufn4, lhat tukktii vi makittg ttwi mvotc# «u the article *i*oarU, «a awtm ot dtrt«nmning lis value »«. the uorrectMca«MH which invoice ilia in tuauy intae» in»pus»iaie to veoiy,

i«w te so

chanjpd te r€qutps a hou* ot aj-pra-setneirt to he r^guiated to auc| manner jt» iu $he, as far «a pr*oi«.-aol«, uuuJonny

iQ tt}e

parts. fuera beinjc do mini in California* {im u/ortted to Mia l«OM of their gold du*t a iarga

several

nmm%

«re

earliie^t period' po*&iole to rtfieve the»n from it by tne estaullsbmeuf' of a mint. In the roaaiuimfc, as o(Tkle

an assager oRm» is established there. 1 would respectfulla supirtiHor your consideration the propriety of authorizing gold bullion which has been assayed and stamped, to be' received in payment of Government dues. 1 cannot conceive that the

Treasury would suffer any lot*by siloli a provision which will at once raise bullion to its par value, and lhereby save ^if I am rightly informed) many millions of dollars lo the laborers which are now paid in brokerage to conveft tins preciotrs metal into available luntW. This» dfcjcouot upon their-hard earnings is a heavy tax. and ererp effort should be by rtie Government (6 relieve them from so great a burden.

More than three-fourths of our population are engaged in Hie cultivation of the soil. The commercial, manufacturing, and navigating interests are all, to a great extent, dependent on ttie agricultural. it is, therefore, the most important intetest of the nation, and iias a just claim to the fostering Cere and proiectioti of this Government, so for as* they can be extended, consistendy with the provisions of the Constitution, es this cannot be done by The ordinary modes of legislation. I respectfully recommend the establishment of an agncultural bureau, lobe charged with giving to this, the leading branch of American industry, the encouragement which it ao well deserves.

Iu view of the immense mineral resource* of out couutry, provisions should be required, under the direction of the head of the bureau to collect specimens ol the various minerals of our country, liud to ascertain, by careful analysis, their respective elements and properties, aud their adaptation to the useful purposes, lie should also be requir'ed to examine aud report upon the qualities ot different sods, and the manures best calculated to improve their productiveness. By publishing the results of suo'i 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 ba done to promote tins great national interest.

In compliance with the act of Congress passed on the ^31 uf May. i860, providing, amoiijf other things, lor taking the seventh ceiiNUS. a superintendent was appointed, and all other measures adopted wniuii were deemed necessary to insure the prompt and uttn'ul performance of tlutt duty.— The appropriation already made will, it is believed, be suiiicieni to defray tiie whole expense of the work but further legislation may be necessary iu regard lo the compensation of some of the Mar.•Miuls of the Territories will also be proper to make provision by law at an early day. los the publication of sucii abstracts of the returns as the public interest may require.

Ttie unpiecodenteii growth of our territories on the Pacific, in wealth and population, aud the eonsequent increase of their social ami commercial relations witii ihe Atlantic States, seem to render it te duty of the Government to use ail its Constilutoii il power to improve tiie ineat^| oi intercourse w.tn Hum. Tne impoilance of opeuing a line ol conimuiiictiiioti, tne best and most expeditious ol wiiicu lias nature of the country will admit, between me vallev of ihe Mississippi uud t.ie Pacific, was brought lo your notice by my predecessor, iu his nt-t aiiKuai message, aud his reasons which he presented in favor of the measure still exist in full torce. I bug leave to call your attention to them, .(Hi io repeat the recommendation made by him. i'h unceriumty which exists ill regard to the v^li'.luy ol laud titlos in California, is the subject wnicii demands your early consideration. Large iiuuics of land iu tliat State are claimed under grants, sutd to havo been made by authority of the Spgtttiiih nnd Mexican -Governments. Muny ot ^eivhilv%uoi beeu jmrfected others have been re'V^keu^^lsoitio are believed lobe fraudulent.— uut until they shall have been judicially investigated. they will condone to retard tiie settlement and improvement of the county. I therefore, respectfull* iccommend that provisions be made by law. ioi tne appointment ot commissioners to examine all &uch claims, witii a view to their inal adjustment. 1 also beg leave to call your attention to the pro pr.eiy of extending., at au early day, our system ol land laws, with such modifications as may be necessary, over the State of California, aud the territories of Utah and New Mexico. The mineral lauds ol California will of course form an exception to any general system which may be adopted, ari iui iiu tiiods of disposing of them have been suggested. I was at first inclined to favor the system oi leasing, as it seemed to promise the largest revenue to Ihe Government, and to afford the best security ugainst monopolies, but further reflection ahd'our xperieuoe iu leasing ihe lead mines and selling lands upon credit, have brought my mind to the conclusion thai there would be great difficulty in collecting the rents, and that the relation of debtor and creditor between the citizens and the Gov eminent would be attended with many mischievous consequences I therefore recommend lhat instead of retaining the mineral lands under the permanent control of the Government, they be divided into smali parcels aud sold under such restrictions as to quantity and tune as will insure the be»t price, aud guard most effectually ugiinst combinations ol capital Us to obtain monopolies. «*,* he armexatiou of Texas aud the acquisition of California and New Mexrfco have given increased importance to our Indian relations. The various ui ies brought under our jurisdiction by these enlargements of our boun iarit-s, are estimated to emora a population ot 1£4 000.

Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by pow-c-riul tribes of Indians, who are a source of constuM leiror and annoyance to the iuhabitauts. Separating into small predatory bands, and always mounted, they overrun the country, devastating farms, destroy iug crops, driving off whole herds of cailie. an 1 occasion-tiiy murdering ihe inhabitants, or carry iug liiem iito capdvity* The great roads leading into the country are iufested with theoi. whereov traveling is reuuercd extremely dangerous, and immigration is almost entirely arrested. The Mexican frontier, winch, by the 1 Ith article of tbe treaty of ®uada'oupe Hidalgo. are bound to protect ag iust the- Indian* wilbiri odr borders, is exposed to in»**e incuraious equally with our own i'fw military torce stationed iu Ittat country, al though forming a large proportion of the army, represented a» entirely inauequate to our own pro lei tiou. and tne fulfilment of our treaty fctipuiatiout toim Mcxi$u The principal deficiency is in cava^ ry and recommend that Congress should, at early a period as practicable, provide for the raisidj ot one or more regiments of mounted mem

For funneir suggestions on this subject, and often connected with our domestic intere»ls. and me deiense of our frontiers. I refer you to the reporfof the Sccrx-ury ol tbe Interior! and the Secretary ot V!*r.s?«|

I commend also to your favorable considertaon the sugge tiou contained iu the last mentiomH| port, aud in the tetter of the General-m -ChiJHjV Uve to the establishment of an asylum tor th^Pmef of disabled and destitute soldiers*. This lubject appeal* t-o strongly to your sympathiee that it woukl be supe«llti«us iu me to say anytlhing more tf »n barely to express my cordial approbation o{f

prapweiJ object. i'Oit S**y continues to give prrtectioa to oar commerce, and other national inter»«ts io ifie diflerem quarters o» the ghtfbe. and witlt the exception oi a Kiitgie tteuner on the North**® Laltea, tne vea*efc» iu comttiasion are d«irUiu*ed iu six

racial, aud, dotMrt nol, you will be disposed at the year. It is a source of gratiOoatitm that, while they have been conslantiy prepared for any hostile emergency, they btffe everpwheremet witli(the res-

whim

tllff

di&rent

afMtlnos. fue reuort of tlie oT that Depa#iimeiit will iXhlt)Jttli« ...... ro«»c^i mofio^A io eaara duriag me pact

,•

Ik^,

pect and courtesy due as welt to tlie dignity as to the peaceful dispositions and just purposes of the nation.

The two brigantines accepted by the Government, from a generous citizen of New York and placed under tbe command of an officer of the Navy to-pniceed to the Arctic seas, in quest of the British Commander, Sir John Franklin, and his companions, in compliance with the act of Congress, approved in May last, had, when last heard from, penetrated into a high northern latitude, but the success of this noble and humane enterprise is yet uncertain. 1 invita vwir attention to the view of our present Naval establishment, and resources presented in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, and in the suggestion therein made for its improvement, together with the Naval policy recommended for the security of the Pacific coast, and the protection and extension of our commerce with eastern Asia t)nr facilities for a larger participation in the trade of the East, by means of our recent settlements on ihe shores of the Pacific, are too obvious to be 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, presenten to the Executive, by certain resolutions of the House of Representatives, at the last session of Congress, have been submitted to aboard of officers in each brunch of the service, and their report tnry be expected at an early day. 1 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 faithfullyserved their country, and awarding distinctions, by rejaining 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 exclusiou of other pursuits, have devoted them selves to its arduous service, this obligation should not be permitted to interfero with the efficiency of the service itself.

I am gratified in being able to state that the es timates of expenditure for the Navy in the ensuing year are less, by more than Si.000,000 than those of the present, excepting the appropriation which may become necessarry for the construction of a dock on the coast of the Pacific, propositions for which are now being considered, and on which special report may be expected early in your pie sent session. 'There is an evident justness in the suggestion of the same report, that appropriations for the Noval service proper should be separated fromthoso fixed aud permanent objects, such as building docks uud navy yaids, and the fixtures attatehed. and from the extraordinary objects under care of the department which, however important, are not essentially Naval.

A revision of the code for the goveanment nf the Navy seems to require the immediate considera lion of Congress. Its systems of crimes and punishments have undergone no change for half a century until tho last session, though its defects have been ofien and ably pointed out ami the abol ition of particular species of corporeal punishment, which then took place, without providing any sub stitute, has left the service in a state of defectiveness, which calls for prompt correction. 1 therefore recommend that the whole subject he revised without delay, and sucn a system established for the enforcement of discipline as shull be at otice humane and effectual.

The accompanying report of tho Postmaster General presents a satisfactory view of the operations and condition of lhat Department.

After the close

the last ^fiicaf year, tho length

ol the in-land mail routes in tho U. States, and not embracing the servibe in Oregon and California was 170.672 miles. 'The annual transportation thereon 46.541.423 miles, and the annual oo»t ol such transportation. ©2.724.426. 'The increase of the annual transportation over that of the proceeding year, was 3 997,361 mles, aud the increase in cost was $342,440.

The number of post offices in the United $6fes on '.he 1st day of July last was 18.517 an increase of 1 670 during the preceding year.

The gross revenues of the department for tlie fiscal year ending June 30th, 1850. ammounted to 35.652 971.48 including the annual appropriation of $200,800, for tho franked matter of the dtpartments, and excluding the foreign postages coilecled for, and payable to the British Government.*

Tl« expeuuitures for the tame period were five millions lwo liunared and twelve thousand nine hundred undliflyihrfle .dollars uud forty-three cent*. Leaving a baluice of revenue over expenditures of three hnndrod aud fortylhou«and ifud eighteen dollars and five cents. 1 ai| happy to find that the fiscal condition of tbo Dopartintals, is nuch at to jintlify the Ponl-Maxter Gowral in rccorrfnending a reduction of our inland letter postage lo three ^.Tits for a single letter, when pr p-iid, and lira cents when hot pr.'pilJ. lie also recommends that the pre-paid rates hall be reduced to two cents whenever the revenue of tha Department, after the reduction, shall exceed Its expenditures by more thun five per cent for two yeur.*, tluit tlie portage upon California, and other letters sent by our ocean ileamers, shall be much reduced, and that the mt«ft of posttge on newspapers, pamphlet*, periodical* and oilier printed mutter, shall be niouiiieli, and some reduction ihere-

nnot be doubted that the proponed redaction will, for ent diminish the revenue of tbe department. It Is that the deficiency ufn-r the imrplua already accushall be exhausted, may bo almost wholly met, eithabollshing existing privileges of tending free matter the mails, or by paying out of the Treasury to the Poftijffic« 'Depart.nent, a sun equivalent to tbe postage of

it is deprived by such privileges. The but Is suppomf te be the preferable mode, and will if not entirely, so ueafy supply the deficiency, as to make any further appropriation necessary, so inconsiderable as to form no obstacle to Be proposed reductions. fjeutertnia no doabt of the antbority of ^Congress to

Ak approprUUons for leading objects iu that chum of pub* WsrXa comprising What are usually called works of iuai improvement Tills authority, I aupposed to be deed chiefly frotn tbe power to reguiat* commerce with fort nations, and among JC eevpral duties, and tho power laying and collecting import*. Where commerce is to carried on, and imports collected, there must be ports harbors, as weft as wharfs and custom-houses. Jf nhips bdenad with valuable cargoM approach tha shore, or suit along tbe coast, light houses ara necoassary at sultuble porta for tne protection of file and property. Uther facilities aud and securities for commerce and navigation are hardly less important, aud Uioae clauses of Ihe Constitution, therefore, to whicti I have referred, have "received, from the origin of Ute government, a liberal and beneficial construction. Not only lignl-houses, buoys, and beacons been established, and floating lights muittihiued, but harbors have been cleared ana improved. Pier* eouttrncted, and evan break-waters for trw tefcty of shipping, and sea-walls to profrct harbors Oom beiug blieu up aud remiered aaelesa by tbe action of the ocean, fo«va been erected at vary great expense. And tbis construction of tb« Coiutiiation ppeers the mora ieuKOuabte from the coaaBeration Uiat if ttum Work* of »och eTiient ltrfportance end tirlHty are not te be aocompliohed bv Congtm*,

0tej c*uuol

be accomplisfaed at all.

By U*e aiiOtHioa of the Constitution, the several States volnntarily parte.i with power of collecting duties of imports in Uielr own ports, and it ts not be expetfeu tbat Uiev sho&ld raise money by inti^raal taxation, direct er ln ireoi- tor tbe benefit of Uwt Commerce, the revenues derived

ich do not eitlwr la whole or in part go into their uwn tiwasariea. Nor do 1 perceive any uifference between

power of Zc of rem to nuke approprtition* for objacU IMS kind, lile ocaan, or the power to make appropriab«*e (or siaiUxr ob^K on Lakes and Riven, wherever tbey ara large eaofgh to bew on tbeir waters an extetndre ira&ic. The

mmfmOceut

the

Misabinppi asd iia tribnUries,

an^Uie vast Lake* of tb* Xorth and North Went, appear toAtafaH wltliinO^pww as jasty aadaa ctoarly a* UM Oosea aM ttoe Oaif^of Mexico. It la a mbuko to reMid wpeKiitaraa jaaicioittbf made for Umm objects aa exoeodttorea for load parpoMw tiw jhwIIIOO or site of tbe mirk* aurwosrr knat, b« tts atUitj ia generaL ,A ar.l^ «laal aroaad tbe

of At Mary ef lees (ban a alia ia

length, ^o»ga local lnita eowtr»c«on wo«db yet jJwd in Its puwm*** benefit*, aa it wank remove tbe oatv (rttNmiH to a navigation of mora tiw.n a utileea&etiiif several States aa veil aa onrcoaua tidJona with C«uai*- So, toe, tbe bredtwater al the ef taelMawnre. is krected not for tbo exeiuiva the bordering aa tbe bay, and river ol that

1 V.-

h»t far lhat of She whole co? Elates, and to ft coosi ler«W tUeHfc. Jf a slip shonld be of &3oritiiernJport, for the w. it is very likely tube a boat besutu on aoy jnirt of the its channel'tiot having bren propyl imay be boa' belonging io eil I limy add, as Munewimt reinff" thirty-one thens ts non extent bounded on the one cean, or th* Gulf of Mexico, or imlgabl* river.

Ja-fuliUiiug our couUiuUon reason this subject,

tnch

It W4t well be doubled \vh» of its organimion, Is propj atich ca»s. It in impossible amine ihe merits of every c! to vote. And it is propo'ster case which he has never he must do injustice, either to and I conceive no belter rem, "the establishment of soma trll claims.

I bfjj leave, therefore, in that provision be made by la inirfsioner'to settle all privi aud as an ejparte bearing very unsatisfactory, I, also, a solicitor, whose duty it sit mem before such comnilsMo gal, fruudulent, or unjust

The (i over nine lit shou ti a of the burthens of n9iit!«. And, IM nothing cmil'ort, and sulety ol tli ii: buildings and renor i.~ I respectfully recouuii.' a.itiiiiiing Ihe silme |.roper. .The urt passed nt yon »ationa to Texas for sett ii«t 8lute uud tho ten lft-ly ou its pussnge, ti nr Its agreement iher--•tiiged, but no otticiul the uction of the (ieue rtVer, Iw very soon exn tlous Hubmltti'd they before the lirvt day of

It was liuraly to be pushed ut your Inst lioiull dlmculiies wbi territorial questions, benchcieut purpose, of a compromise, min sons of extreme 0|i cesMlons our Coustit cannot bo p"rm»n ii nude the subject of the republic.

It retjuirud many to secure tbe coucu fnvor. ll would b.^ immediate upprobui heuted by the excil I believe those mo: cumstniices and wcyo necessnry to rujddly ulieintiing er, uml destroying utrougest supports ed iu the spirit of

Tbe series, of garded liy me us linnl.of tho dnti^ embraced. Mo*t

pi)

do of the United

foreign corts-

'•a'' tlw entrance

cil!t

depth of wj-

fp nd If a steain-

lsh'P

on acconnt of

red

,f obstructions

"®ffl«l or tan States. nnong all the •ot n. a greater or '•w ot'iw by the 0d»e Grout Lakes,

», AS well as of cili-i effect all other powwe should acting fur one and Kn mini lhat our re•articular part only,

8(1

iu carry

ers taaferred on Congress by consider ourselves as deUbera the same country, and bear co gard

0Nr

!•titution,

jU|y are due,

but to Ui* whole. I* therefore, rocoommend thi completing

jprtationj be made for already begnn, and iieni to the wisdom of mportance. I to tlie settlement of many cases to a depprehend lhat many 'iiment have thereby as so much business impossible it should lalms.nnd their uccululmants must dispair

works as hi

commencing such others a Congress to be of public and 1 he difficulties and delays private claims by Congress, nlal of justice. *'I*here Is re*sj unfortunate creditors of UU been ti avoidably rallied. Cd of a public character that it give much attention to mere mutation is now so great that] of ever being able to obuhi a

igress, from the nature ,,tituted to decide upon eh member should exwhich he is compelled ask a judge to decide a ncli decisions may, and uut or the governinont this growing evil, thau io adjudicate upon such

ctl"ully, to recommend nappointment ol a com* against tho U. States, all contested oases, bo cud tho uppoiutinenl of represent the Governprotecl it against nil ille[which may be prcscutcd

tor their adjudication. This district, which he* deliberations, looks to you all its wants to your favora fidenoe that you will meet llbfrality.

It should be borne in Wwhlngton, and cons cr Capitol of our nation, the symbol of our greatness. public buildings n.*ces«Hry aiw tall these are exempt pr je of Americana to people of tho whole repuj tlii- truusuciiou of the pu of the public records.

voieo nor vote in your oteciion, and 1 commend .(deration, in the full conot oui) with justice, but

in this city, laid out by his name, is located the of our Union, and tho ulso, are situated all the use of tbe (Jciveruinent, x.Ulon. It shotdd bo tho ,litis placo attractive to tho convenient and safe for jsiness, aud the preservation

ifreforc, Iwar a liberal proporicessary and useful improvoontritiuto more lo the health, uud tho security of the puban ultundaut supply of water, I yon niiiko such provisions your wisdom yon may doom

uwlon linking cert In propodioputed lioundarr between New Mexico, waii imniedlIted to the General \ssembly receipt was duly nckiiowlntion has yet bet'H received of uibly thereon, ll may, howbs by ihe torins of the proposl,Jo have beun acted upon ou or sent month. lhat tho series of niensnrea i, with a view of having tho sec-

I sprung from tho slavery and I.I, ut once, have realized their tational concession, In the naturo necessarily bo unwelcome to peril and though without such conronld not liuve been fruinod, and istaiiied, y-t, wo havo seen them controversy, in both sections of

itlis of discussion and deliberation of majority of Congress In their if they peoplo iliiroversies to have been require on of tho country ilius and ^tiiimoal the country from tho oth-.* rual sonllinents which aro tho

jorlty of Congress In their be re iv it and States rejudlced*a||" of their repr-uelilalivw. f. |uired by tho rlr-t I ,1 bellevo tbey 1' nobles that werofc m,'

iitfuqr itio« fnloi of 9 fnilnrual

I believe that a puthlzo in that sp prove, aud are pr uclineiits. 1 cannot doubt by klud.jkf blood regard for tho ready to rebuke turb ihe compro the biws which ii

IHi faMM lltM At ll

Constitution. They ware adoptiicli'Uiiou. majority of our fellow-cltlzonBsym-nn! that purpose, and iu tho main ap eo in all respects to sustain those en

the American people, bouid together men tra.litlon, *till cherish paraiooun II of their fathers nnd, tlint they nr« attempt to violutn IU integrity, lo clin »H upeii which it ii biiNnd or to viola been enacted under its authority. to which havo alluded, are re-tlli-inent iit principle and Htilmtnnco and ous iMid exc.tting Huhjects which tliey these subjycts Uuiowl urt beyond yonr

reach, as tho le^Wtilioi! whieli dispoaod of tKjoi wus, in its character, hnal iiud irrevocable. ll may be presumed, fron the opponlfton Which they nil encountered, tliat tifiip of those iiMfunuresjwan free from imperfections but, in their mutual dependejeeund coiiuec* lion, they form a nyttein of comprouiiso tha most conciliatory and best for thijentire country that colld bo obtuined from oonflicti|g skbuuuI interests and opiupiis.

For this refson Ijrecomtqenn yaur atlheibuce to tbe adjustment efbiftjlslic cnce shall lie iionst to guard ugiW/ist ev/olon or aliune.

bgul

MM I VIS? |«V »»'V

by thpse tneaiiH, until time and expertate tl^b necessity of fustier legislation

By tlist «/jnstmfnt wo sfiaro been rescneif from tba wide nnd bound/*«s sgliit'on tlist surrounded us,ami have a firm uiittlnct un-J

jground to ro«l upon. Aiid the occasion,

I trust, will justify me lit exhorting my Countrymen to ralup on an a a at as he if no only means of restoring peace and quiet to the country and maintaining Inviolate H14 jwtwrlly of the Union.

And now, fellow-citizens, I caiuiot bring this communication toa (tliwe without (ffvoklng you to join mo Mi humble a»t devout thanks to tho Great Ruler of Nations for the rauliipltgd blessing* which lie linn graciously bestowed upon us. flls hand, so olleu visible In oitr preaervutiou, baa ityed lift Pestilence, saved o* from foreign wars and domestic disllrbuncee, and scattered plenty throughout the laud.

Our libiMrtle*, religious and civil, huve been maintained. The fouafciiisof knowledge have all been kept open, and the m«ai* of happiness widely spread aud generally enjoyed, greater than navo fallen to the lot of any other nation. I And, wlpSe deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past, let us litee tlist ilia all-wine Providence will so guide our I council# as that they shall result in giving satisfaction to onr cojititiienU, securing tbe peace of the country, an' jlrength to tha United Government under*" -M1LLARL) FILL? ,, 1 0TQ», Dec. S, 1&50.

I fenntor Down* of Lotiilaia.

Moxaox, Leuu'A**, J^evem^eXid* 1etncn :—I ha.ve thi* moment recAWed of tbe 26th ult.. piopoundiug to mqyM1®

«au»e of tbe legislation at ibf late fiaaiow C«, greaa 1" tf* And fully recognizing your right.« my conslituenta. to do ao, 1 atiawer unhe to each and all of them, decidedly No.

My late Mobile letter, to which I refe# jJ, taina my

viewu on theac poiitfa more at Respectfully^

niof» b+u

S'H

acverity-eiglil prom in en I democrat who recuntly addressed letter, emL direct and Important question# to tildretmed A similar letter fit tlie saK ator DOWIM, Mr. Downs made a poni the following terms— fv 3^-

l««flowing interrogatonwi:— f' Arc you in favor of a tlHsokitfewi of 1Uv now or hereafter, because of tlie fcgislatup Ime ae«sion of Congreta **,Are you in favor of establishing Gwdtiltracy, bvw or htreafter. bec»o«e «^i»iimi at the Into aeasiot) of Congrra* '1

gkjuiion at the late session "Arc you io favor of a aeceaiion of thoi Louisiana from the Union.

now or herear. h|

!. your obdOient aervaftt

P»J

S. w.f4

Wagner, J- C. Larti^ 11. W. W. Kio^

»oii,f

if.

80t

ee Blade jay a the/ *eal to oft* hint/ day by

bim

aaid he/*w4®

100fnt

lSr