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SATURDAY, I'EO. 9.
..»*• »««■»**• &
To the almost satire exolusiod of gper
leading matter, we are entitled tojjpy Pres
ident Pierce'* Message before oitf readers
this morning. It will be found to be a plain,
straight forward/ practical document, fur
nishing a clear perspicuous view of the
present condition of the many important
-and diversified interests of the^oonfryVvth
tn respect to our foreign relations and do
mestic policy. It also makes many wise and
writ considered suggestions, worthy the
-careful attention of Congress, respecting
. future measures deemod advisable for the
better maintainance of the various interests
of the country. Altogether it is an able
and statesmanlike document, and will wel
repay an attentive perusal.
Election* on Monday,
We learn from the Savannah papers of
Tuesday morning, that the election in that
eity on Monday resulted in the election of
the “People’s Ticket” for Mayor and Alder
men entire. Edward C. Anderson’s majori-
ity, for Mayor, over Dr. Richard Wayne,
the Democratic candidate, was 250. The
following is the Board of Aldermen elected:
John Mallory, John M. Lewis, Geo. W.
Garmany, Gilbert Butler, A. N. Miller,
John R. Wilder, R. A. Allen, E. E. Ilertz,
Jos. G. Rogers, P. W. Alexander, Dr. C.
W. West, Thus. H. Harden.
In Montgomery, Ala., on the* same day,
Hansford, Know Nothing, was elected
Mayor by 205 majority over Brittain,
Democrat.
MempUt* a Charleston Railroad.
From an articlo in the last Charleston
Mercury, we aie glad to perceive that the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad Compa
ny have not been seriously impeded in their
operations by the unusual pressure of tho
money market, for the past few months, as
has been the case with many other' compa
nies, but have continued to urge forward
the construction of this great enterprise
with uuceasing energy and vigor. One
hundred and eight miles of the road, in two
secticns, are already in successful operation.
The western section connects Memphis with
Lagrange; the eastern compasses the long
line of rapids in the Tennessee river, known
as the muscle Shoals. The distance from
Decatur, at tho eastern end of the shoals,
eighty-three miles, are graded, to S oven-
son, the point of junction with the Chatta
nooga & Nashville road. The bridgo over
the Tennessee jit Decatur, a noble structure,
200 feet long, is progressing rapidly and is
expected to be ready to receive the railway
track in January. Twenty-fivo miles east
ward from Lagrange, have been graded and
are about ready for the iron, giving seventy
five miles on the western, and one hundred
and twenty-seven on tho eastern section, of
finished road, nil of which will be ready for
operation by the commencement of the next
business season. There will then remain
only a section of seventy-five miles in the
eastern part of Mississippi and the western
part of Alabama, to complete the wholo of
this noble thoroughfare.
The Mercury thinks that on the comple
tion of this road, and the Nashville dr Chat
tanooga road, the Western A Atlantic road
will be entirely inadequate to perform the
increased business which will he necessari
ly thrown upon it. Such an event is quite
probable, and in view of it, it will become
our next legislature to take the matter into
serious consideration' and provide measures
for increasing the capacities of the road to
meet the rapidly increasing demands of bus
iness. It is not unlikely that in a very few
years a double track throughout tho entire
distance from Atlanta to Chattanooga will
he absolutely indispensihlo to accommodate
the flood of business which will be attracted
from the West upon the completion of con
necting roads already in progiess.
PRESIDENT xfilltACh.
Fellow- Citizen* of the Senate and of the
»- HmieofTItiprcseniativcs: .
The pftst his been an eventful year, and
will be hereafter referred to as a marked
epoch iakhe - history of the world. While
we have been happily preserved from the
calamities of war, our domestic prosperity
has not" been entirely uninterrupted. The
crops, in portions of the country, have been
nearly cut off. Disease has prevailed to a
greater extent than usual, and the sacrifice
of human life, through casualties by sea and
land, is without a parallel. But the pesti
lence hAs swept by, and restored salubrity in- ,
vites the absent to their homes, and the re-
tarn of business to its ordinary channels.—
If die earth has rewarded the labor of the
husbandman less bountifully than in pre
ceding seasons, it has left him with abun
dance for domestic wants, and a large sur
plus for exportation. In the pre-ent, there
fore, os in the past, we find ample grounds
for reverent thankfulness to the God of
Grace and Providence for Ilis protecting
care and merciful dealings with us as a
people.
Although our attention has liecn arrested
by painful interest in passing events, yet our
country feels no more than the slight vihra-
brations of the convulsions, which have
shaken Europe. As individuals, we cannot
repress sympathy with human suffering, nor
regret for the causes which produce it. As
a nation, we are reminded, that whatever in
terrupts the peace, or checks the prosperity
of any part of Christendom, tends, more or
less, to involve our own. The condition of
States is not unlike that of individuals.—
They are mutually dependent npon each
other. Amicable relations between them,
and reciprocal good will, are essential for
the promotion of whatever is desirable in
their moral, social and political condition.
Hence, it has been my earnest endeavor to
maintain peace and friendly intercourse with
all nations. - - '
The wise theory of this government, so
earlv adopted and steadily pursued, of
avoiding all entangliug alliances, has hith
erto exempted it from many complications,
in which it otherwise would have become in
volved. Notwithstanding this, our clearly
defined and well sustained course of action,
and our geographical position so remote
from Europe, increasing disposition has
been manifested, by someof its governments,
to supervise, and, in certain respects, to di
rect, our foreign poliev. In plans for ad
justing the balance of power among them
selves, they have assumed to take us into
account, and would constrain us to conform
our conduct to their views. One or another
of the powers of Europe has, from time to
time, undertaken to enforce arbitrary reg
ulations, contrary in many respects to es
tablished principles of international law.—
That law, the United States have, in their
foreign intercourse, uniformly respected and
observed, and they cannot recognize any
such interpolations therein, as the tempo
rary interests of others may suggest. They
do not admit, that the sovereigns of one
continent, or of a particular community of
states, can legislate for all others.
Leaving the trans-atlantic nations to ad
just their political system, in the way they
tuay think best for their common welfare,
the independent powers of this continent
may well assert the right to be exempt from
all annoying interference on their part.—
Systematic abstinence from intimate politi
cal connexion with distant foreign nations
dues not conflict with giving the widest
range to our foreign commerce. This dis
tinction, so clearly marked in history, seems
to have been overlooked, or disregarded,
by some leading foreign States. Our refus
al to be brought within, and subjected to,
their peculiar system, has, I fear, created a
jealous distrust of our conduct, and induced,
on their part, occasional acts of disturbing
effect upon our foreign relations. Our pres
ent attitude and past course give assurances,
which should not be questioned, that our
purposes are not aggressive, nor threatening
to the safety and welfare of other nations.
Our military establishment, in time of
peace, is adapted to maintain exterior de
fences, and to preserve order among the ab
original tribes within the limits of the Un
ion. Our naval force is intended only for
tho protection of our citizens abroad, and of
our commerce, diffused, as it is, over all the
seas of the globe. The government of the
United States, being essentially pacific in
policy, stands prepared to repel invasion by
the voluntary service of a patriotic people,
and provides no permanent means of foreign
aggression. These considerations should
Now that tho smoke has disapppeared, I allay all apprehension, that we are disposed
and politicians are able to take a clear view ’ to encroach on the rights, or endanger the
of the field, (says the Charleston Standard) i Be< ^ unt y ot 01 tatcs ‘
v . , * , . . . Some European powers have regarded,
the Nebraska men do not appear to have j ^ d ;quieting concern, the territorial ex-
come out of their recent elections so badly I pansion of tho United States. This
beaten as even they were led to suppose— I rapid growth has resulted from the legiti-
neverthelesK, their defeat is sufficiently over- ■ mate exercise of sovereign rights, belonging
. , . ...... . r 1 alike to all nations, and by many liberally
whelming to dispirit them, were it not for | „ ercised Under 6Uch circumstances, ft
the fact, that they will still have a majority j cou j d hardly have been expected that those
in the United States jSonatc, and, conse-; among them, which have, within a compar-
quently, that tho recent important act of j atively recent period, subdued and absorbed
, , .. , ‘ ancient kingdoms, planted the r standards
Congress cannot be repealed until the peo on ove rv continent, Ld now possess, or claim
pie have had time to revolve “the sober sec- i t h c control of, the islands of every ocean as
ond thought.” ; their appropriate domain, would look with
— 1 unfriendly sentiments upon the acquisitions
The Charleston Artesian Well has I 0 f this country, in every instance honorably
been carried to a depth of 1,211 feet, of 1 obtained, or would feel themselves justified
which 1,200 have been tubed. A vein has in imputing our advancement to a state of
n nt tho ! aggression or to a passion for political pre
dominance.
r.n i Onr foreign commerce has reached a maz-
Hopcs are entertained, that a full supply n5tude and b extent near i v equal to that of
of good water will soon be obtained. ! , j 10 fj r8 t maritime power of the earth, and
~ ~ ' exceeding that of any other. Over this
The Southern Literary Messenger.— great interest, in which not only our mer-
Tlie December number of the above work, j chants, but all classes of citizens at least
with an unusually interesting table of con- j indirectly, are concerned, _ it is the duty of
tents, has been received. Tho Messenger is
acknowledged to he one of the liest literary
monthlies in the country. Published by
Macfarlane, Furgusson & Co., Richmond,
Ya., at three dollars per annum.
been reached which yields a stream at the j a ££ r . 09sl ‘
the executive and legislative branches of
the government to exercise a careful super
vision, and adopt proper measures for its
protection. The policy which I have had
in view, in regard to this interest, embraces
its future as well as its present security.
Long experience has shown t iat, in gen-
The Mails.—We arc glad to notice that I orat ’ when ‘ h ® P rinci P al powers of Europe
, . nu t * n ore encaged in war, the rights of neutral
the Charleston Chamber of Commerce are ! nation9 V re endangered. This considers-
already taking steps to secure an uninter- ; tion led, in the progress of the war of our
rupted transportation of the mails over the ! independence, to the formation of the cele-
South Carolina Railroad, after the first of j brated confederacy of armed neutrality, a
January. A meeting has been called to j primary objec't of which was, to assert the
take the matter into consideration. j doctrine, that free ships make free goods,
1 except in the case of articles contraband
Theatrical.—Mr. W. n. Crisp and com- i ‘>f war: a doctrine which, from the very
panv have been playing in Augusta since | ® on,m9nce 1 me ? t , °f na, * ‘ n;, l being, has
their -Icparture from Atlanta. Mr
has been starring it during the Fair week j every maritime power has, by sonic solemn
to crowded houses. .Judging from the com- j treaty stipulation, recognised that princi-
ments of the Augusta press, his perform- : P' u: an< i might have been hoped that it
ances have been no less favorably received I would * ime tobe , ““Wwsally received and
, . , . . . , I respected as a rule of international law.—
in that city than they wore m At.nnta.— ] g u t the refusal of one power prevented
Mr. R. left many appreciative and enthusi- this, and in the next great war which eu-
astic admirers of his acting in this city, and ! *ued, that of the French revolution, it fail :
we hope we shall have the pleasure of see-! >° respected among the belligerent
,. . , J 1 , , , | state of Europe. Notwithstanding this, the
nig hnn again on our hoards before he takes | pr ; ncip i e ; 8 generally admitted to he a
his final leave of Georgia. j sound and salutary one; so much so, that,
• • ■ — I at the commencement of the existing war
A party of Philadelphians have j in Europe, Great Britain and France nn-
gonc on to New York to look for the hidden | nouneed their purpose to observe it for the
treasures of Oa'pt. Kidd. They wish in ! P rePen .‘ » nat -. however, as a recognised in-
* , , • „ , ternntional right, but as a mere conce-sioii
these Ught times to develop all die “re- j f(jr the time being. The co-operation, how-
sources of the country. , ever> G f these two powerful maiitime na-
~ ,, Y ■ , lions in the interest of neutral rights, ap-
o o. i. . , a on Orleans | j >cared to me to afford an occasi<>n, inviting
Picayune sajs that estimates ot the cotton and justifying, on the part of the United
crop can now he made with some degree
approaching accuracy. The lowest figure
named is now 3,100,1)00 to 3,150,000 bales,
and it is more than likely that they are
right.
■ The Washington Union pays a well-
deserved tribute to Gen. Richardson of Ill
inois ; and in rejoicing over his re-election,
dues hut offer congratulations in which eve
ry Nebraska man and every good Demucrai
heartily concurs. Gen. K. as Chairman of
the committee on Territories had the pilot
ing of die Nebraska bill Utrough die House
of Representatives. We bad some opportu
nity of witnessing the fidelity and courage
with which he discharged his duty. It is
very gratifying to find him, amid the free-
soil panic that bos been created, triumph
antly sustained by bis constituents.
States, a renewed effort to make the doc
trine in question a principle of internation
al law, by means of special conventions be
tween. the several powers of Europe and
America. Accordingly, a proposition, em
bracing not only the rule, that f. ee ships
make tree goods, except contraband articles,
but also the less contested one, that neutiai
property, other thnn contraband, though on
hoard enemy’s ships, shall he exempt from
confiscation, has been submitted by this
government to those of Europe and America.
Russia acted promptly in this matter, auti
a convention was concluded, between that
count-y and the United States, pr tiding
for the observance of the principles an
nounced, not only as between themselves,
but also as between them and all other na
tions, which shall enter into like stipula
tions. None of the other powers have as
yet taken final action on the subject. 1 aui
not aware, however, that any objection to
the proposed stipulation bos been made; but,
on the contrary, they are tfjfcnuwledged t<
be essential to the sedurity of neutral com
merae; And the only apparent obstacle t<
their general adoption is in the possibility
that it may be encumbered by inadmissibh
conditions.
The King of the Two Sicilies has express
ed to our minister at Naples his readines
to concur in our proposition rerative to neu
tral rights, and to enter into a convcntioi
on that subject.
The King of Prussia entirely approve
of the project of a treaty to the same effec*
submitted to him. but proposes an addition
al article providing for the renunciation oi
privateering. Such an article, for
obvious reasons, is much desired by nation
having naval establishments, large in pro
portion to their foreign commerce. If r
were adopted as an international rule, tin-
commerce of a nation having comparatively
a small naval force, would he very much at
the mercy of its enemy, in case of wa‘
with a power of decided naval superiority.
The hate statement of the condition u
which the United Sta’es would be placed,
after having surrendered the right to resort
to privateers, in the event of a war with a
belligerent of naval supremacy, will show
that tliis government could never listen to
such a proposition. The navy of the first
maritime power in Europe is at least tei.
times as large as that of tbo United State*.
The foreign commerce of the two countrie-
is nearly equal, and about equally exposed
to hostile depredations. In war between
that power and the United State*, with on.
resort on our part to our mercantile marine,
the means of our enemy to inflict injury
npon our commerce would he tenfold grea •
er than ours to retaliate. We could not ex
tricate our country' from this unequal con
dition, with such an enemy, unless we a:
once departed from our present peaceful
policy, and became a great naval power.—
Nor would this country be better situated,
in war with one of tne secondary naval
powers. Though the naval disparity would
he less, the greater extent, and more expos
ed condition of our wide-spread commerce,
would give any of them. a like advantage
over u».
The proposition to enter into engagements
to forego resort to priva*eers, in case this
country should be forced into war with the
great naval power, is not entitled to more
lavorahle consideration than would be a pro
position to agree not to accept the services
of volunteers for operations on land.. When
the honor or the rights of our country re
quire it to assume a hostile attitude, it con
fidently relics upon the patriotism of its cit
izens, not ordinarily devoted to the military
profession, to augment the army and the na
vy, so as to make them fully adequate to the
emergency which calls them into action.—
The proposal to surrender the right to em
ploy privateers is professedly founded upon
the principle, that private property of unof
fending non-combatants, though enemies,
should be exempt from the ravages of the
war; but the proposed surrender goes but
little way in carrying out that principle,
which equally requires that such private
property should not he seized or molested by
national ships of war. Should the leading
powers of Europe concur in proposing, as a
rule of international law, to exempt private
property, upon the ocean, from seizure by
public armed cruisers, as well as by priva
teers, the United States will readily meet
them upon that broad ground.
Since the adjournment of Congress, the
ratifications of the treaty between the Unit
ed States and Great Britain, relative to the
cuast fisheries, and to reciprocal trade with
the British North American provinces, have
been exchanged, and some of its anticipated
advantages are already enjoyed by us, al
though its full execution was to abide cer
tain ncte of legislation not yet fully perform
ed. So soon as it was ratified. Great Britain
opened to our commerce the free navigation
of the river St. Lawi ence. and to our fisher
men unmolested access to the shores and
bays, from which they had been previously
excluded, on the coast of her North Ameri
can provinces: in return for which, she ask
ed for the introduction, free of duty, into
the ports of the United States, of the fish
caught on the same coast by British fishnt>
men. This being the compensation, stipu
lated in the treaty, for privileges of the high
est importance and value to the United
States, which were thus voluntarily yielded
before it became effective, the request seem
ed to mo to he a reasonable one; hut it
could not be acceded to. from want of au
thority to suspend our laws imposing duties
on all foreign fish. In the meantime, the
Treasury Department issued a regulation,
to ascertain tne duties paid or secured by
bonds on iish caught on the coasts of the
British province*, and brought to our mar
kets by British subjects, after the fishing
grounds had been made fully accessible to
the citizens of the United States. I recom
mend to your favorable consideration a
proposition which will he submitted to you.
for authority to refund the duties and cancel
the bonds thus received. The provinces of
Canada and Now Brunswick ha\e also an
ticipated the full operation of the treaty, by
legislate e arrangements, respectively, to
admit, free of duty, the products of the
U. ited States mentioned in the free list of
the treaty: and an arrangement, pimilar to
that regarding British fish, has been made
for duties notv chargeable on the products of
those provinces enumerated in the same free
list, and introduced therefrom into the U.
States ; a proposition for refunding which
will, in my judgment, he in like manner
entitled to your favorable consideration.
There is difference of opinion between the
United State* and Great Britian, a« to the
boundary line of the Tc'ritory of Washing
ton adjoining the British possessions on the
Pacific, which has already led to difficulties
on the part of the citizens and local authori
ties of the two governments. I recommend
that provision be made for a commission, to
be joined by one on the part of her Britan
nic Majesty, for the purpose of running and
establishing the line in controversy. Cer
tain stipulations of the third and fourth ar
ticles of the treaty concluded by the United
States and Groat Britain in 184G, regarding
possessory rights of the Hudson’s Bay Com
pany, ana property of the Puget’s Sound
Agricultural Company, have given rise to
serious disputes, and it is important to all
concerned, that summary means of settling
them amicably should he devised. I have
reason to believe that an arrangement can
he made on just, terms, for the extinguish
ment of the rights in question, embracing,
also, the right of the Ilud on’s Bay Compa
ny to the navigation of the river Columbia;
and I therefore suggest to your considera
tion, the expediency of making a contingent
appropriation for that purpose.
France was the earl}- and efficient ally of
the United States in their struggle for inde
pendence. From that time to the pre-ent,
with occasional slight interruptions, cordial
.relations of friendship have existed bet ween
the governments and the people of the two
countries. The kindly sentiments cherish
ed alike by both nations, have led to exten
sive social and commercial intercourse,
which I trust, will not be interrupted or
checked by any casual event of an apparent
ly unsatisfactory charac er. The French
consul at San Francisco was, not long since,
brought into the Uuited States District
Court a’ that place, by compulsory process,
as a witness in favor of another foreign con
sul, in violation, as the French government
conceives, of his privileges under our Consu
lar convention with France. There being
nothing in tho transaction which could im
ply any disrespect to France of its consul,
such explanation has been made, as I hope
will Ire satisfactory. Subsequently, misun
derstanding arose on the subject of the
French government having, as it appeared
abruptly excluded the American Minister
to S|iain from passing through France, on
his way from London to Madrid. But that
government has unequivocally disavowed
any design to deny the right of transit to
the Minister of the United States; and. af
ter explanations to this effect, he has resum
ed his journey; and actually returned
through France to Sfiain. I herewith lay
before Congress the correspondence on this
subject between our envoy at Paris, and the
Minister of Foreign Relations of the French
Government.
The position of our affairs with Spain re
mains a* at tlic clo>e of your last session.—
Internal agitation, assuming very nearly
the character of political revolution", .has re
cently c mvubed that country. The late
ministers were violently expolleil from power,
and men, of very different views in relation
o its internal
Since this charge,
ious opportunity
for t*
ucceeiled.— j charge
n no propi- steant
press on, well...
it of serious' fiction
^nwtft-lad
forwumOBt and the United {plate*. There
s retson to believe that our minister will
ind the present government more favorably
aclined than the proceeding to comp y
vith nor just demand*, and to make suita
ble arrangements for restoring harmony and
•reserving peeee between the twu eountries,
Negotiations are pending with Denmark
o discontinue the practice of levying tolls
in onr vessels and their cargos passing
hrough the Sound. I do. nut doubt that wc
am claim exemption therefrom os a matter
>f right. It is admitted on all hand*, that
his exaction is sanctioned, not by special
-• inventions, which most uf the commercial
nations have entered into with Denmark.
The fifth article of our treaty of 1826 with
Denmark provides, that there shall not be
•aid, on the vessels of the United Stale and
heir cargos when passing through the
y>und, higher duties than those of the most
avored nations. This may l>e regarded a*
ut implied agreement to submit to the tolls
luring the continuance of tho treaty, and,
-onsequently, may emharrass the assertion
if our right to be released therefrom. There
ire also other provisions in tho treaty which
ought to be modified. It was to remain in
force for ten years, and until one yoar after
either party should give notice to the other-
•f intention to terminate it. I deem it ex-
ledicnt that the contemplated notice should
be given to the government of Denmark.
The naval expedition, despatched about
two year* since for the purpose of establish-
ng relations with the empire of Japan, has
oeen ably and skilfully conducted to a suc
cessful termination by the officer to whom it
was entrusted. A treaty, opening certain
>f the ports of that populous country, Tia*~
been negotiated; ana in order to give full-
effect thereto, it only remains to exchange
ratifications, and adopt requisite commercial'
egulations.
The treaty lately concluded between the
United States and' Mexico settled some of
>ur most embarrassing difficulties with that
country, hat numeroas claims upon it for
wrongs and injuries to our citizens remained
unadjusted, and many new ca*es have been
ecently added to the former list of grievan--
ce*. Our legation has been ea -nest in his
endeavors to obtain, from the Mexican gov— with rudene**and violence those who sought
eminent, a favorable consideration of these
claims but hitherto without success. This
failure is, probably, in some measure, to he
ascribed to the disturbed condition of that
country. It has been my anxious desire to
maintain friendly relations with the Mexi
can republic, and to cause its rights and
.erritories to be respected, not on'y by our
citizens, but by foreigners who have resorted
to the United States for the purpose of of :
ganizing hostile expeditions against some of
the Sta es of that Republic. The defence
less condition, in which its frontiers have
been left, has stimulated lawless adventurers
to embark in these enterprise*, and greatly
increa-ed the difficulty of enforcing our
obligations of neutrality. Regarding it as
my solemn duty to fullfil, efficiently, these
obligations, not only towards Mexico, but
other foreign nations, I have exerted all the
powers with which I am invested to defeat
such criminal proceedings, and bring to
punishment those who, by taking a part
therein, violated our laws. The energy and
activity of our civil and military authorise*
have frustrated the designs of those who
meditated expeditions of this character, ex
cept in two instances. One of these, com
posed of foreigners, was at first countenanced
and aided by the Mexican government itself,
it having been deceived as to their real object.
The other, small in number, eluded the vigi
lance of the magistrates at San Francisco,
and succeeded in reaching the Mexican ter
ritories ; but the effective measures taken by
this government compelled the abandonment
of the undertaking.
The Commission to establish the newline
between the United States and Mexico, ac
cording to the provisions of the treaty ol
the 30th of December last, has been organ
ized, and the work is already commenced.
Oar treaties with the Argentine Confede
ration. and with the Republics of Uruguay
and Paraguay, secure to us the free naviga
tion of the river La Plata, and some,of its
larger tributaries; but the same success hne
not attended our endeavors to open the Am
azon. The reasons in favor of the free u-e
of that river, I had occasion to present fully,
in a former message; and, considering ttie
cordial relations which hate long existed
between this government and Brazil, it may
be expected that pending negotiations will,
eventually, reach a favorable result.
Convenient means of transit, between the
several parts of a country, arc not only de
sirahle for the object of commercial and
personal communication, but essential to in
existence, under one governmemt. Separa
ted as are the Atlantic and Pacific coast ol
the United States by the whole breadth ot
the continent, still the inhabitants of each
are closely bound together by community ol
origin and institutions, and by strong at
tachment to the Union. Hence the constant,
and increasing intercourse, and vast inter
change of commercial productions, between
these remote divisions of the Republic. At
the present time, tho most practical and uu-
i ly commodious routes for communication
| between them are by the way of the Ishmus
of Central America. It is tho duty of the
government to secure the-e avenues against
all danger of interruption.
In relation to Central America, perplexing
questions existed between the United States
and Great Britain at the time of the cession
of California. The-e, as well as questions
which sub-equently arose concerning inter-
oceanic communication across the Ishmus,
were, as it was supposed, adjusted by the
treaty of April 19,1850; but, unfortunately,
they have been re-opened by serious misun
derstanding as to the import of some of its
provisians, a re adjustment of which is now
under consideration. Our minister at Lon
don has made strenuous efforts to accomplish
this desirable object, but has not yet found
it possible to bring the negotiations to a ter
mination.
As incidental to these questions, I deem
it proper to notice an occurrence which hap
pened in Central America, near the clo-e
of the last session of Congress. So soon as
the necessity was perceived of establishing
inter-oceanic communications across the
Isthmus, a company was organized, under
authority of the State of Nicaragua, but
composed, for the most part, of citizens of
the United States, for the purposs of ope
ning 6uch & transit way, by the river San
Juan and Lake Nicaragua, which soon be
came an eligible and. much used route in
the transportation of our citizens and their
property between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Meanwhile, and in anticipation of the com
pletion and importance of this transit way,
a number of adventurers had taken posses
sion of the old Spanish port at the mouth
of the river San Juan, in open defiance of
the States or. States of Central America,
which, upon their becoming independent,
had rightfully succeeded to the local sove
reignty and jurisdiction of Spain. The ad
venturers undertook to change the name of
the place from San Juan del Norte to Grey-
town. and, though at first pie.ending.to act
as the subjects of the fictitious sovereign of
the Mosquito Indians, thoy rub*equently
repudiated the control of any power what
ever, assumed to adopt a distinct political
organization, and declared themselves an
independent sovereign State. If, at some
time, a faint hope irtw entertained that they
might become a stable and respectable com
munity, that hope soon vanished. They
proceeded to assert unfounded claims to civ
il jurisdiction over Punta Arena*, a position
on tire opposite side of the river San Juan,
which was in possession, under a title wholly
independent of them, of citizens of the
United State*, interested in the Nicaragua
Transit Company, and which was indispen
sably necessary to the prosperous operation
of that route across the Isthmus. The
company resisted their groundless claims;
whereupon they proceeded to destroy some
of its buildings, and attempted violently to
dispossess it.
At a later period they organized a strong
force for the purpose of demolishing the es
tablishment at Punta Arena*, but this mis-
ch'evious design was defeated by the inter
position of one of our ships of war, at that
time in tho harbor of San Juan. Subse
quently to this, in May last, a body of men
from Grey town crossed over to Punta Ate*
a as, arrogating authority to arrest, on the
IptoraBffF "‘one of the
ran si rampanty. Being
thayla imt-towteruise juris*
resisted then, as it
ocarion-*, they went
proparett*) a Start it by force ofarut* Our
tninisterto Central 'America happened to be
pre-ent-qn that occasion. Believing that
the captain of the steamboat was innocent
for he witnessed the transaction on which
the charge wa* founded and believing, also.
that the intruding party, baviugiiojuristUe^ recklesaly sacrificed, and.tho blood of the
tion over the place where they proposed to
mate the arrest, would enconter desperate
resistance'if they persisted in their purpose"
he intorposed.ed'ectuail)’, to prevent vio
lence and. bloodshed. The American minis
ter Afterward* visited Gieytowu, and whilst
he was there, a mob. including certain of
the »o called noblie functionaries of the
place, surrounded the house . in which he
wo*, avowing that they had come to ariest
him, by order of sotne porson exercising the
chief authority. While pa: laying with diem
be was wounded by a missile from the
crowd.- A b.>ar. dispatched from the Amer
ican steamer “Northern Light” to release
him.from the perilous situation-in which he
was understood to lie. was tired into by the
town guard, and compelled to return.
These incidents, together, with the known
character of the population of Grey town,
and their excited sfn e. induced ju*t ar.p’e-
Lensiors that the lives andjproperty of our
citizens at Punta Aienas wouid he in immi
nent danger after the departure of the stea
mer, with her passengers, for, New York,
unless a guard was left for their protection.
For this purpose, anti in order to en*ui e
the safety <>f t assengsrs and property pass
ing over the route, a temporary force was
organized, at considerable expense to the
Uiiited States, for which provision was made
at the last session of Congress.
This pretended community, a heterogene
ous assemblage gathe ed from various coun
tries, and composed, for the mn&t part/ oi
blacks and jtersons -of mixed blood, had
previously given other indications of mis
chievous and dangerous propensities. Early
in the same month, property was clande*
.riuely. abstrac ed from tho depot of the
Transit Company, and taken to Greytown.
The plunderers obtained shelter there, and
their pursuers were driven hack by its
people! who not only protected the wrong
doers and shared the plunder, hut treated
to recover their pnqerty.
Such, in substance, a; e the facts submitted
to my con-ideratiun, and proved by trust
worthy evidence. I could not doubt tha*
the case demanded the interposition of this
government. Justice required that repara
tion should he made for so many and such
gross wrongs, and that a course of insolence
and plunder, tending directly to tho insecu
rity of the lives of numerous travellers,
anti of the rich treasure belonging to our
citizens, passing over this transit way,
should be perempterily arrested. Whatever
it might he in other respects, the commu
nity in question, in power to do mischief,
was not despicable. It was well provided
with ordnance, small arms and ammunition,
aiid might ea*i!y seize on the unarmed
b.iats, freighted with millions of properly,
which passed almost daily within its reach.
It did not profess to belong to any regular
government, and had, in fact, no recognized
dependence on, or connexion with, any one
to which the United Srates or their injured
citizens might apply for redress, or which
coaid be held responsible, in any way, for
the outrage* committed. Not standing be
fore the world in an attitude of an organiz
ed political society, being neither competent
to exercise the rights nor to discharge the
obligations of a government it was. in fac\
a marauding establishment, too dangerous
to ho disregarded, and to pass unpunished,
and yet incapable of being tre ited in any
other way than a* a piratical resort of out
law*. or a camp of savage*, depredating on
emigrant trains or caravans aud the frontier
settlements of cililized States.
Seasonable notice was given to the people
of Greytown that this government required
them to repair the iniurie* they had done
to our citizons, and to make suitable apolo
gy f >r their insult of our minister: and tha’
a ship-of war would he dispatched thidierto
enforce compliance with thc.-e demand*.—
But the notice passed unheeded. Tlie:e-
upon, a commander .>f the navy, in charge
of the *lo ip-of-war Cyanc wa* ordered to re
peat the demand*, and to insist upon a c >m-
p'.iance therewith. Finding that neither the
populace, n >r those assuming to have au
thority over them, manifested any disposition
•m tna'ce the te [uired reparation, or even to
offer cxcu-e for their conduct, ho warned
them by a public proclamation, that if they
did not give satisfaction within a time spe
cified, he would bombard the town. By this
procedure he afforded them opprtunity to
provide for their personal safety. To those
also who desired to avoid loss of property,
in the punishment about to he inflicted on
tho offending town, he furnished the means
of removing their effects, by the boats of his
own ship, and of a steamer which lie pr -
cured and tendered to them for that purpose.
At length,'perceiving no disposition on
the part of the town t * comply with his re
quisitions, he appe .led to tho commander ot
her Britanic Myesty'n schooner Bermuda,
who wa* seen to have intercourse, and ap
parently much influence with the leaders
among them,—to interpose, and persuade
them to take some course calculated to save
the necessity of resorting to the extreme
measure inuica'ed in his proclamation ; but
that officer, instead of according to the
request, did nothing more than to protest
against the contemphved bombardment.
No steps of any sort woo taken, by the pe >-
pie, to give the satisfaction required. No
individuals, if any there were, who regarded
them*elves a* not responsible for the mis
conduct of the- community, ad >pted any
means to separate them-elve* from the fate
of the guilty. The several charges on
which the demand* for redress we e found
ed, had been publicly known to all for some
time, and wc e again announced to them.
They did not deny any of these chargo*.
they offered no explanation, nothing in ex
tenuation of their conduct: but contuma
ciously refused to hold any intercourse with
the commander of the “Cyanc.” By their
obstinate silence they seemed rather desir
ous to provoke chastiscme.it than to escape
There is ample reason to believe that
thiR conduct of wanton defiance, on their
part, is imputable chiofly to tho delusive
i«J5a that tho American government would
he deferred from punishing them, through
fear of displeasing a formidable foreign pow
er, .which, they ptesumedto think, looked,
with Complacency upon their aggre/tve and
insulting deportmeut towards tho United
State*: The “Cyane” at length fired upon
town. Before much injury had been done:
the fite was twice suspended, in order to af
ford opportunity for an arrangement; hut
this was declined. Most of the buildings of
the-place, of little value generally, were, in
the sequel,, destroyed; but, owing to the
considerate precautions taken by our naval
Commander, there was no destruction of
life.
When the“ Cyano” was ordered to Cen
tral America, it was confidently hoped and
expected that no occasion would arise for
“a resort to violence and destruction of prop
erty and loss of life” Instructions to that
effect were given to her cnmtnande •: and no
extreme act would have beon requisite had
not the people them elves, by their extra
ordinary conduct in the affair, frustm'edall
the possible mild measures for obtaining
satisfaction. A withdrawal fixun the place,
the object of his visit entirely defeated, would
under the circumstances in which the com
mander of the Cyane found himself, have
been absolute •tiandonment of all claim of
our citizens for indemnification, and sul>-
missive acquie cencc in national indignity
complaint on tbo part of some foreign pow
ers, and has be|a characterized with more
of harshnflss.tiBta-of^gst^fi.^Jffocu™^^
to present rep|jfcei|yi«tan8fet in the
of state* standing in the efhy'front
ivilixationZ-whetre communities,
have”been ehasthee
severity, and where not cities only have
been laid in ruins, hat human life has been
innucent made profusely to mingle with
that of the gniltv.
Passing from foreign to domestic affairs,
yuqr a,ttention.ia naturally directed to the.fi-
nancial condition ot the country, always a
subject of general interest. For complete
and exact information regarding the finan
ces, aud the various branches of the public
service connected therewith, I refer you to
i he report of the Secretary of the Treasury;
from which it will appear, that the amount
of revenue, during the last fiscal year, from
til srarn-c*, was seventy-nine million five
hundred and forty-nine thousand seven
hundred and five dollars; and that the pub
lic expenditures for the same period, exclu
sive of payments on account of the public
debt, amounted to fifty-one million eighteen
thousand two hundred and forty-nine dol
lars. During the same period, the payments
made in redemption of the public debt, in
cluding interest and premium, amounted to
rwenty-four million three hundred and thir
ty-six thousand three hundred and eighty dol
lars. To the sum total of the receipts of that
year is to be added a balance remaining in
the Treasury, at the commencement thereof,
amounting to twenty-ono million niue hun
dred and forty-two thousand eight hundred
and ninety-two dollars; and at the close of
the same year, a corresponding balance
amounting to twenty million one hundred
and thirty-seven thousand nine hundred and
sixty-seven dollars of receipts above expen
ditures, also remained in the Treasury. Al
though. in the opinion of tho Secretary of
the Treasury, the receipts of the current
fiscal year are not likely to equal in amount
those of the last, yet they will undoubtedly
exceed the amount of expenditures by at
.ea*t fifteen millions of dollars.
1 shall, therefore, continue to direct that
tlie surplus revenue he applied, so far as it
can he judiciously and economically done,
to the reduction of the public debt, the
amount of which, at the commecment of the
last fiscal year, was sixty-seven million three
hundred and forty thousand six hundred and
twenty-eight dollars; of which there had
been paid on the twentieth day of November,
1854. the sum of twenty-two million three
hundred and sixty-five thousand one hun
dred and seventy-two dollars; leaving a
balajiee of outstanding public debt of only
forty-four million nine hundred and seventy-
five thousand four hundred and fifty-six
dollars, redeemable at different period,*
within fourteen years. There are also rem
nants of other government stocks, most of
which are already due, and on which the
interest has ceased, but which have not yet
been presented for payment, amounting to
two hundred and thirty-three thousand one
hundred and seventy-nine dollars. This
statement exhibits the fact, that the annual
income of the government greatly oxceeds
the amount of its public debt, which latter
remains unpaid, only because the time of
payment has not yet matured, and it cannot
be discharged at once, except at the option
of public creditors, who prefer to retain the
seeurities of the United States; and the
other fact, not less striking, that the annual
revenue from all source* exceeds, by many
millions of dollars, the amount needed for a
prudent and economical administration of
the Government.
The estimates presented to Congress from
the different Executive Departments, at the
I i*t session, amounted to thirty-eight mil
lion four hundred and six thousand five
hundred and eighty one dollars ; and the ap
propriations made to the sum of fifty-eight
millions one hundred and sixteen thousand
nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars. Of
this excess of appropriations over estimate*,
however, more than twenty millions wa*
ipplicablo to extraordinary objects, having
no refe.ence to the usual annual expendi
ture*. Among there objects was embraced
leu million.* to meet- the third article of the
t eaty between the United States and Mexi
co ; so that, in fact, for objects of ordinary
e.v .enditui-e, the appropriations were limi-
cd to considerably Ie*s than forty millions
of d dlars.. I therefore renew my recotuoda*
tion fir a reduction ofthe duties on imports.
I’lte report of the secretary of the Treasury
presents a series of table* showing the oper
ation of the revenue system for several suc
cessive yo irs, and as the general principle
of reduction of duties with a view to reven
ue and not protection may now be regarded
a* tho settled policy of the country, I trust
that little difficulty will be encountered in
settling the details of a measure to that ef
fect.
In connexion with this subject. I recom
mend a chatigo in tho laws, which recent
exper enco has shown to be essential to the
protection of the government. There is no
express provisions of law, requiring the re
cords and papers of a public character, of
the several officers of the government, to he
left in their offices for the use of their suc
cessor*. nor any provision declaring it felo
ny on their part to make false entries in the
books, or return false accounts. In the ab
sence of such express provision by law, the
outgoing officer*, in many instances, have
claimed and exercised the right to take into
their own possession, important books and
papers, on the ground that these were their
private property; and have placed them be
yond the reach of the government. Con
fine t of this character, brought in several
instance* to the notice of the prosent Secre
tary of the Treasury, naturally awakened
his suspicion, and resulted in the disclosure
that at four ports, Oswego, Toledo, aud
Milwaukee, tho treasury had, by false en
tries, been defrauded, within the four years
next preceding March 1853 ofthe sum of one
hundred and ninety-eight thousand dollars.
The great difficulty with which the detection
of these frauds has been attended, in conse
quence of the abstraction of books and
papers by the rctiriug officers, nod the fa
cility with which similar frauds in the pub
lic service may he perpetrated, render the
necessity of now legal enactments, in the
respects" above referred to, quite obvious.—
For other material modifications of the
revenue laws which seem to me desirable, I
refer you to the report of the Secretary of
the Treasury. That report, and the tables
which accompany it, furnish ample proofs
of the solid foundation on which the finan
cial security of the country rests, and of the
salutary influence of the independent treas
ury system upon commerce and all moneta
ry operations.
" Tho experience of tho last year furnish-
os additional reasons, I regret to say, of a
painful character, for the recommendation
heretofore made, to provide for increasing
he military force employed in the territory
inhabited by the Indians. The settlers on
the frontier have suffeied much front the
incursions of predator}- hands, and large
parties of emigrants to our Pacific posses
sions have been niassaerecd with impunity.
The recurrence of such scenes can only be
prevented by teaching these wild tribe* the
power of. and their responsibility to, the U.
State*. From the garrisons of our frontier
posts, it is only possible to detach troops in
small bodies; and these have on all occasions
displayed a gallantry and stern devotion to
duty, which on a larger field would have
commanded universal admiration, they have
usually suffered severely in these conflicts
with superior numbers, and have sometimes
been entirely sacrificed.
All the disposable force of the army is
already employed on this service, and is
known to be wholly inadequate to the pro
rank and file
cial results, not
listments, but in obvi-
the classs of men who
t that correspond-
not bestowed on the
iw of their character and
_ than services, and the expenses to which they are
neater 'necessarily subject, receive at present what
- * is, in my judgment, inadequate compensa
tion.
The valuable services ft>nstRni
ed by the Army, and its inestimable impor.
tance as the nucleus around which tb^,yal
increase of the i
the Army has, ha
*>nly in-facilitating
ous improvement r
enter the service./
ing conaideratior
Officers, who, inj
extent, a t-harg
cost of moil tre
June 30, 1354,ij
by ft>q
unteer forces of the nation can promptly rai^t> *five thousand five hundred and thir^ t ^
...fltoiAiit.lv at- dollars. The aggregate amount of land,
It would have encourage 1 in tlic*e lawle-* j tection which should be afforded. The public
men a spirit of insolence and rapine most j mind of the country has been recootly
dangerous to the live* and property of our • shocked by savage atroeitie; committed upon
citizens at Punta Arena*, and probably j defenceless emigrants and border settle-
emboldened them to grasp at the trea-urc.* | meats, and hardly le*s by tho unnecessary
destruction of valuable Uv
and valuable merchandise doutinually pars
ing over the Nicaragua rout. It certainly
would luue been most satisfactory to me if
tho objects of the “Cyane’s mission could
have been consumina ed without any act
of public force; hut the arrogant contumacy
of the offenders rendered it impossible to
avoid tho-alternatlve-, either tu b eik up
their establishment or to leave them im
pressed with the idea that they- ni ght per-
rc\c e with iinnuniiy in a career of inso
lence and plunder.
This transaction has bees the aubjoot of
es, whore inade
quate detachments of troops have underta
ken to furnish the needod aid. Without
increase of the military force, these scenes
will lie repeated, it is to be feared on a lar
ger scale, and with more disastrous conse
quence*. Congress. I atn sure, will perceive
t hiit the plainest duties and re*ponsibilties
of g.nornment are involved in this question,
and I doubt not that prompt action may be
confidently anticipated when delay must he
attended fiy such fearful hazards.
The bill of the last session, providing for
gather in the hour of da nger, sufficientlv a^
test the wisaoin of maintaining a .military
peace establishment; but the theory of our
system and the wise practice under if, re
quire that any proposed augmentation, in
time of peace be only commeusurate with
out extended limits and frontier relations.
While scrupulously adhering to this princi
ple, I find, in existing circumstances, ft ne
cessity for increase of our military force,
and it is believed that four new regiments,
two of mounted men, will be sufficient to
weigh the cost in a case of such urgency,
it would be shown that the additional ex
pence would be comparatively light.
With the increase of tho numerical force
of the army should, I think, he combines cer
tain measures of reform on its organic ar
rangement and administration. The pres
ent organization is the result of partial leg
islation often directed to special objects and
interests ; aud the laws regulating rank and
command having been adopted many years
ago from the British code, are not always
applicable to our service. It is not surpri
sing, therefore, tha: the system should be
deficient in the symmetry and simplicity
essential to the harmonious working of its
several parts and require a earefui revision.
The present organization, by maintaining
large staff corps or departments, separates
many officers from that close connexion
with troops, and those active duties in the
field which are deemed requisite to qualify
them for the varied responsibilities of high
command. Were the duties of the army
staff mainly discharged by officers detached
from their regiments, it is believed that the
special service would be equally well per
formed, and the discipline and instructions
of tho army be improved. Wbile due regard
to the security of the lights of officers, and
to tho nice sense of honor which should bo
cultivated among them, would seem to exact
compliance with the established rule of
promotion in ordinary cases, still it can
hardly be doubted that the range of promo
tion by selection, which is now practically-
confined to the grade of general officers,
might bo somewhat extended with benefit
to the public service. Observance of the
rule of seniority sometime* leads, especially
in time of peace, to the promotion of officers
who, after moritorious and even distinguish
ed service, may have been rendered by age
or infirmity incapable of performing active
duty, and whose advancement, therefore,
would tend to impair the efficiency of the
army. Suitable provision for this class of
officers, by tho creation of a retired list,
would remody the evil, without wounding
the just pride of men, who, by past ser
vices, havo established a claim to high con
sideration. In again commending this
measure to the favorable consideration of
Congress, I would suggest that the power of
placing oflicors on the retired list bo limited
to one year. Tho practical operation of the
measuro would thus be tested, and if, after
the lapse of years, there should be occasion
to renew the provision, it can be re-produc
ed with any improvements which experience
may indicate. The present organization of
the artillery into regiments, is liablo to
obvious objections. The service of artillery
is that of batteries, and an organization of
batteries into a corps of artillery would be
more consistent with the nature of their
duties. A large part of the troops now
called artillery are, and have been, on duty
as infantry ; the distinction between the two
arms being merely nominal.
This nominal artillery in our service is
entirely disproportionate to the whole force,
and greater than the wants of the country
demand. I therefore commend the discon
tinuance of a distinction, which has no
foundation in either the arms used or tho
character of the service expected to bo per
formed.
In connection with the proposition for
the increase of the army, I have presented
these suggestions with regard to certain
measures of reform, a* the complement of I
a system, which would produce the happiest |
results from a given expenditure, and which
I hope may attract the early attention and
be deemed worthy of tho approval of Con
gress.
The recommendation of the Secretary oi
the Navy, having reference to more ample
provisions for the discipline and general
improvement in the character of seamen,
ana for the re-organization and grad tal in
crease of the Navy, 1 deem eminently wor
thy of your favorable consideration.
The principles, which have controlled our poli
cy in relation to the permanent military force,
by sea and land, nro s mud, consistent with the
theory of our system, and should not bo disregard
ed. But, limiting the force to the objects partic
ularly set forth in tho preceding part of this mes
sage, we should not overlook the present magni
tude and prospective extension of our commercial
mariuo, nor fail to give due weigh' to tho fact that,
besides two thousand miles of Atlantic seuboord.
we have now a Pacific coast, stretching from
Mexico to tho British possessions in the North,
teoming with wealth and enterprise, and demand
ing the constant presence of snips of war. The
augmentation of tho Navy has nut kopt pace with
the duties properly and profitably assigned to it in
the time of peace, and it is inadequate for the
large field of its operations, not merely in the
present but still more in the progressively increas
ing exigencies of the wealth and commerce in the
United States. I cordially approye of the propos
ed apprentice system for our national vessels, re
commended by the Secretary of the Navy.
The occurrence, during the last few months, ol
marino disasters of the most tragic nature, involv
ing great loss of human life, hasproducod intense
"■““—.•asj'
•rS“»C&
oiwrs.
of mail transportation by
immend tho •ng*ration, 7 ( >;
sral to you* ssrly attention %
fiscal yoar eleven million
hundred and thlrty-fiv^**’*-
tnc punue mk<u h»vo been surveyed
million one hundred and ninety thousand
teen seres, brought into market The n»mu ,,, ‘'
■eras.oaMr.Ta..seven- miUum thirtv-hT,
seven hundred and thirty-five; and the^*" 11
received: therefor nine million two humto2 0ttlt
aiirliK-Jrva l.hnilRRiw) fivn hitn/lvod n
aggregate amount of lands
rated under military scrip end lend warrant/ *
looted as, swamp lands by States, and by ln^/ ( ^ '
under grants for roads, is upwards of twentra*
million* of aerea. The increase of lands sold ^
the previous year is about six millions of . ° v "
and tbo sales during the two first quarters om! 1
current year present the extraordinary «.. .
five and a half, million sold, exceeding by n £
four millions of acres the sales of the corrtsn j
ing quarters of the last year, thus increasin* '
an extent unparalleled during any like period ' 5
our past history the amount of revenue p ro ^Hj
from this source for the Federal Treasury; ia *
The commendable policy of the govermn 6 m •
relation to setting apart public domain f or tk U
who have served their country in time of wa/' 1
illustrated by tho fact, that sinco 1790 no l 6M * “
thirty millions of acres havo been applied to iV*
object. tlu
The suggestion, which I submitted in my Mr ,
al message of last year, in reference to graati i
land in aid of tho construction of railway; » °
less full and explicit than the magnitude of 5»
subject and subsequent developments would
to render propor and desirable. Of the soundna
of the principle then asserted, with regard to S'
limitation of tho power of Congress, I enters
no doubt; but in its application it is not enoJ
that tho valuo of lands in a particular locality mf
bo enhanced; that, in fact, a largor amount,J
money may probably be received, in a given tij
for alternate sections, than could have been reali
ed for all the aoctions, without tho impulse and in'
fhiencc of tho proposed improvements. A tins'
dent proprietor looks beyond limited section,Ti
bis domain, beyond present results, to the ultinuj
effect which a particular liue of policy is likely •
produco upon all his possessions and interest', '
Tho government, which is trusteo in this matt»
ior the people of the States, is bound to tak, jj
sarno wise and comprehensive view.
Prior to and during the last session of Conn*,,
upwards of thirty millions of acres of land w.*
withdrawn from public sale with a view to tm
cations for grants of tbia character pending b*fo'
Congress. A careful review of the whole mbim
led me to direct that all such orders be abroeat i
aud tho lands restored to market, and instruct^"'
were given to that effect. The applications at tkl
last session contemplated tho construction of an/
thnn fivo thousand miles of road, and grants t u
amount of nearly twenty millions of acres of
public domain. Even admitting the right on iil
part of Congress to bo unquestionable, is it quit!
clear that the proposed grants would be productir,
of good, and not evil? The different project,
confined, for tho presort, to eleven States of a?
Union, and ono Territory. The reasons assist!
for the grants show that it is proposed toput ij
works speedily in process of construction. iy|j,
we reflect, that since tho commencement of th"
construction of railways in the United States
stimulated as they have been by the large dir
dends realised from the earlior works over it'
great thoroughfares, und between the most impqj
taut points of commerce and population, cncwii.
aged by State legislation, and pressed forward h
the amazing enorgy of privato enterprise, on!;
seventeen thousand miles have been completed i-
all tho States in a quarter of a century
we see the crippled condition of many works com.
mouccd and prosecuted npon what we deemed u
be sound principles and safe calculationi; wbr
we contemplate the enormous absorption of cap;,
tal withdrawn from the ordinary channels of bc.j
ness, the exirnvag mt rates of interest at this mo
went paid to continue operation, and bankrupted
not merely in money but in character, and the in
evitablo effect upon finances generally;—can itt<
doubted that the tendency is to run to excess z
this matter? Is it wise to augment this cxcesab;
encouraging hopes of sudden wealth expecting i<
flow from magnificent schemes dependent upon ii,
action of Congress ? Does the spirit which hit
produced such results noed to be stimulated«
checked ? Is it not the better rule to leave
these works to private enterprise, regulated, ud
when expedient, aided by the co-operation c
States ? If constructed by private capital, tb
.itimulant and the check go togother, and fund,:
a .-alutarv restraint against speculative sebemti
and extravagance. But it is manifest that, wit:
the most effoetivo guards, there is danger of goitn
too fast and too far.
We may weil pauso before a proposition contra,
plating a simultaneous movement torthoconstra
lion of railroads, which, in extent, will equal, ei
elusive of tho greut Pacific road and all its branc:
cs, nearly one-third of the entire length of sue;
works, now completed, in the United States, an:
which cannot cost, with equipments, less than on
hundred and fifty millions of dollars. The dungm
likely to result from combinations of interests c
ibis character, can hardly be over-estimated. Bu:
independently of these considerations, where hfii
accurate knowledge, tho comprehensive intelii.
gence, which shall discriminate between the rri.
tivo claims of these twenty-eight proposed rmi
i.i eleven States and one Territory ? Where *l
you begin, and where end ? If to enable ih«
companies to execute their proposed works, ii j
uecessury that the aid of the general govenm.it:
be primarily given, the policy wili present a plot
lorn so comprehensive in its bearings, and so im
portnnt to our political and social well being, a, a
claim, in anticipation the severest analysis. L.
tertaining these views, I recur with satislactioi. j
the experience and action of the last session i
Congiess, as furnishing assurance that the suOj„;
will not fail to elicit a careful re-examinutiun it:
rigid scrutiny.
It was my intention to present, on this on.
siou, some suggestions regarding internal imjirav
ments by the general government, which wmirf
lime at the close of the last session prevented t;
submitting on the return to the House of Rqj
soutatives, of the bill entitled, “an act makingi:-
propriations for the repair, preservation aud cut
pletion of certain public works heretolore m
menced under authority of law but the space:
this communication already occupied with utic
matter of immediate public exigency construe
me to reserve that subject for a special me;u.i
which will be transmitted to tho two house! i
Congress at an early day.
Tne judicial establishment of the U. States rs
quires modification, and certain reforms in u
manner of conducting tho legal business of ci
government are also much needed; but as 1 In
addressed yon upon both of these subjects atlcnp
before, I have only to call your attention to ’5
suggestions then made.
:\ly former recommendations, in relation to tc.'.
able provision for various objects of deep mu:
st to tho inhabitants of the District of Colnmh
are renewed. iVlany of these objects partake Iar t r
ly of a national character, and aro important. :■
emotions of sympathy and sorrow throughout the i ^
T * * V. *1,1 v , , . ; u lu „ ' the only considerable organized community in J
country. It may well be doubted whether all : Unioll ' ntirelv unrenrefl ° nted in
those calamitous events aro wholly attributable to
the necessary and inevitable daugers of the goa.
The merchants, mariners, and shipbuilders of the
United States, aro, it is true, unsurpassed in far-
reaching enterprise, skill, intelligence and courage,
by auy others in tho world. But with the increas
ing amount of our commercial tonnago in tho ag
gregate, and the larger sized and improved equip
ment of tho ships now constructed, a deficiency in
tho supply of reliable seamen begins to bo very se
riously felt. Tho inconvonienco may, perhaps,
bo met in part, by due regulation for the introdu; -
tion, into our merchant ships, of indented appren
tices, which, while it would afford useful and eli
gible occupation to numerous youug men, would
havo a tendency to raise the character of seamen
as a class. And it is deserving of serious reflec
tion, whether it may not be des.rable to revise the
the existing .Laws, lor the maintainauce of discip
line at sea, upon which the security of life aud
property on the ocean must to so great an extent
depend. Although much attention has already
boen given by Congress to the proper construction
and arrangement of steam vessels and passenger
ships, still it is believed that tho achievements
of science and mechanical skill in this direction
havo not been oxhamted. No good reason exists
for tho marked distinction, which appears upon
our statutes between the laws for protecting life
and property at sea, and tboso for protecting them
on land. In most of the States severe penalties
Union ontirely unrepresented in Congress.
I have thus presented suggestions on such its-
jocts as appear to mo to bo of particular istcre*::
importance, and therefor" most worthy of con:.:
oration during the short remaining period alns-
to tho labors of the present Congriss.
Our forefathers of the thirteen United Colour
in acquiring their independence, and in found-:
this Republic of tho United States of A mew
have devolved upon us, their descendant;, ~
greatest and most noble trust ever committed
the hands of man, imposing npon all, and cr*'
cially such as the public will may h»ve inte; -
.'or tho time being, with political functions, -
most sacrod obligations. Wo have to mainuz-'
violate tho great doctrine of tho inherent righ:
popular sell-government; to reconcile the lar^
liberty of tho individual citizen, with complete*
curity of the public order; to render chuennh*
dieuce to the laws of the land, to unito in sat*
ing their execution, and to frown indignant!; •
all combinations to resist, them; to hartucmK 1
siucero and ardont devotion to the institution
religious faith with the most universal reiif»-
toleration; to preser ve the rights of all, by cam-
each to respect tboso of the other; to carrv !>•'
ward every improvement to the utmost limi:'
human perfeotability, by the free action of a^-
upon mind, not by the ’ obtrusivo intervention -
misapplied force: to uphold the integrity andpa-
the limitations of our organic law: to preser*** 1
acts of insubordination, cuwardieo, or other mis-
cond uet on tho part of masters and mariners, pro-
ibis Union, as tho only sure foundation on
j .he hopes of civil liberty rest; to administer p'
, . • • • - , ,. „ .r®.Pro- eminent with vigilant integrity and rigid ee-
ductng mjury or death to passengers on tho high I to cultivate jieace and friendship iri'h
Ind whoro h°t U r‘ • ° U ° l aU }' 01 lh , e t5 , tatC , S ’ "-"ens, and to demand and exact equal ;«*<
t a- °? y tV " m »«» bia "rang to none; to eschew *
o ! , r nln fr whole subject .» termo ddlmg with tho national policy and tlx*
! consideration. mestie repose of other governments, and to"!*
v ,!rC, r 10 P ° Stra:, . 8tL ' r l ’o»oral, to which it from ^ ow nove Ao shrink from war
you are referred tor many interesting details m the rights tho honor of tho country cgi!w a
relation U> this important and rapidly extending . to cultivate in preterei.ee tbearti ‘
branch of the public service, shows that the ex- ! 0 seck enlorgoment J tll0 righu 0 f ue u.rf
pcudituro or the year ending June 30. I So*, in- I t and eIovHto aud i iberali ze inter, ourac d*
eluding one hundred and thirty-three thousand Uon ,. and b such justaIld honorablt .
tour hundred and o.ghty-three dollu. s ot balance j such t , nl Whilst exalting the condition of the B'
due to feraign offices, amounted to eight million bu & aasure to it th £ , ogitimale influ c 0 c<‘
seven hundred and ten thousand nine hundred and 1 - - “
seven dollars. Tho gross re . eipts during the miuic
period amounted to six millions nine hundred and
fifty-fivo thousand five hundred and eighty-six
dollars: exhibiting an expenditure over income of
one million seven hundred and fifiy-fivu thousand
three hundred and twonty-one dollars, and a di
minution of deficiency, as compared with the last
year, of three hundred aud sixty-ono thousand
seven hundred and fifty-six dollar*. Tho ineroaso
of tho revenue ofthe department, for the year end
ing Juno 30, 1854, ovor tho proceeding year, was
nine hundrodand seventy t'musand three hundred
and ninety-nine doilnrs. No proportionate in
crease, however, can he anticipated for the cur
rent year, iu consequence of the act o£ Congross of
Jane 23, 1854, providing for increased compensa
tion to all postmasters. From these statements, it
is apparentthat the Post Office Department, in
stead of defraying its expenses, according to the
design at tho time of its creation, is now, aud un
der existing laws must oontinoe to be, to no small
the la-nigu authority of a great example
all tho powers of Christendom. .
Undor tho solemnity of these convictions. *
blessing of Almighty God is earnestly invoke •
attend upon your deliberations, anil upon 1
counsel* and" acts of the Government, to the 'j
that, with common zeal aud common effort*’
may, in humblo sut mission to the Divine will,
operate for tho promotion of the supreme
these Uuited States. FRANKLIN PIER 1 "
Wasiiixgtox, December 4, 1854.
Bank of Milledgeville.—Tito
of Tuesday says that tho Bank of
ville closed its doors on Weduesdav,
29th inst.
Miss Julia Dean commenced an w 1 **?
ment at the Charleston theatre MoW*
night.