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JOHN FOESYTHf
EDIfOR. 4
JOHN FORSYTH, R. ELLlstf 00,
PROPRIETORS ASD PUBLISHERS, li;
The Times is published every Tuesday*]
Homing ou the West side of Broad street,
nearly opposite “ Winter’s Exchange.
TekXS—meiiy, T®o Doffars and a Halfper
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So paper will be discontinued while any
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presidents message.
FtUow-ciUztns of the Senate
and of the House of jßepresentatives:
Bernjt suddenly called, in the midst of
the lastsessien of Congress, by a painful
dispensation of Divine Providence, to the
responsible station which I now hold, 1
contented myself with such communica
tions to the Legislature as the exigency of
the moment seemed to require. The coun
try was shrouded in mourning for the loss
of its venerated Chief Magistrate, and all
hearts were penetrated with grief. Neith
er the time nor the occasion appeared to
require or to justify, oi. my part, any gen
eral expression of political opinions, or any j
announcement of the principles which j
would gorern me in the discharge of the j
duties to the performance of which I had
been so unexpectedly called. I trust, !
therefore, that it may not be deemed map- j
propriate. if l avail myself of this opportu- j
oily of ‘he re-asseinblmg of Congress, to j
make kuown my sentiments, in a general j
manner, in regard to the policy which |
ought to be pursued by the Government, j
both in its intercourse with foreign nations i
and in its management and administration
of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state of ‘
nature, are equal and independent, pos
sessing certain rights, and owing certain
duties to each other, arising from their ne- :
ceesary and unavoidable relations; which I
rights and duties there is no common hu- i
man authority to protect and enforce.— ;
Still, they are rights and duties, binding in 1
morals, in conscience, and in honor, ul
though there is no tribunal 10 which an j
injured party can appeal but the dismter- j
eated judgment of mankind, and ultimate
ly the arbitrament of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights of na
tions is that, which each possesses of.es
tablishing that form of government which
it may deem most conducive tv* the happi
ness and prosperity of its own citizens;
of changing that form, as circumstances j
may require; aud of managing its internal j
affairs according to its own will. Tilt- peo- j
pie of the United States claim this right for
themselves, and they readily concede it to
others. Hence it becomes an imperative
duty not to itueifere in the government or
internal |>oiicy of other n j lions , and, al
though we may syiuj athize with the un
fortunate or oppressed, everywhere, in
their struggles for freedom, our principles
forbid us from taking any part in such
foreign contests. We make no wars to
promote or to prevent successions to thrones:
to maintain any -Theory of a balance of
power; or to suppress tTu? actuakgovern
iiteui which any country chooses to esUTfrv
lisii for itself. We instigate no revolu
tions, nor suffer any hostile military expe
ditious to be fitted out in the U. Slates to
invade the territory’ or provinces of a
friendly nation. The great law of tnoiali
ty ought to have a national, as well jis u
personal and 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 con
duct between Governments, instead o!
mere power,self-interest, or the dtsire of
aggrandizement. To maintain a strict
neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate
friendly relations, to reciprocate every no
b'e and generous act, and* to perform
punctually and scrupulously every’ obliga
tion —these ure the duties which we owe
to other States, aud by the performance of
which we best entitle ourselves to like
treatment from them ; or if that, in any
case,"be refused, we can enforce our own
right3 with justice and a clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
will be my guide; and in questions of
doubt, l shall look for its interpretation to
the judicialdecisions of that tribunal, which
was established to expound it, and to the
usage of toe Government, sanctioned by
the acquiescence of the country. I re
fard all its provisions as equally’ binding.
nail its parts it is the will of the people,
expressed in the most solemn form, and
the constituted authorities are but agents
to carry that will into effect. Every pow
er which it has granted is to be exercised
for the public good ; but no pretence of
utility, no honest conviction, even, of what
might be expedient, can justify the as
sumption of any power not granted. The
powers conferred upon the Government
and their distribution to the several depart-
ments, are as clearly expressed in that sa
cred instrument as the imperfection of hu
man language will allow ; and l deem it
my duty, not to question its wisdom, add j
to its provisions, evade its requirements, or j
nullify its commands.
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the repre
sentatives of the States and the people, is
wisely devolved the legislative power. I
shall comply with my duty, in laying be
fore you, from time to time, any informa
tion calculated to enable you to discharge
your high and responsible trust, for the
benefit of our common constituents.
Mv opinions will be irankly expressed j
open” the leading subjects ol legislation ; !
and if, which I do not anticipate, any act .
should pass the two Houses of Congress j
which should appear tome unconstitution
al or an encroachment on the just powers j
of other departments, or with provisions ]
hastily adopted, and likely to produce con- j
sequences injuriousand unforeseenlshould !
not shrink from the duty of returning it j
to you, with my reasons, for your further j
consideration. Beyond the due perform
ance of these constitutional obligations, .
both my respect for the legislature and my ;
snse of propriety will restrain me from !
any attempt to control or Ttifiuence your
proceedings. With you is the power, the j
honor, and the responsibility ol the legis- i
lation of the country.
The g. wermnent of the United States is i
a limited government. It is confined to i
the exercise ot powers expressly granted, !
and such others as may be necessary for
carrying those powers into effect; and it j
is at all times an especial duty to guard j
against any infringement on the just rights i
of the States. Over the objects and sub
jects intrusted to Congress, its legislative
authority is supreme. But here that au
thority ceases, and every citizen who truly
loves “the constitution, and desires the con
tinuance of its existence and its blessings,
will resolutely and firmly resist any inter
ference in those domestic affairs, which the
constitution has clearly and unequivocally
left to the exclusive authority of the States.
And every such citizen will also deprecate
useless irritation among the several mem
bers of the Union, s and all reproach, and
crimination tending to alienate one portion
of the country from another. The beauty
of our system of government consists, and
its safety and durability must consist, in
avoiding mutual collisions, and encroach
ments, and in the regular separate action
of all, whi*e each is revolving in its own
The constitution has made it the duty of
the President to take care that the laws be\
iaithtuily executed. In a government like*
ours, in which all laws are passed by a)
majority of the representatives of the peo-\
plaT and these representatives are chosen
in such short perieds, that any injurious
VOLUME X. M >
:
I or obnoxious law can verf sbon be repeal,
ed, it woald appear unlikely-thafanygreat
] numbers should be found ready to resist
j the execution of the laws. But it must
j be borne in mind that the country is ex
! tensive, that there may be local interests or
prejudices rendering a law odious in one
part, which is not so in another, and that
the thoughtless and inconsiderate, misled
by their passions, or their imaginations,
may be induced madly to resist such laws
as they disapprove. Such persons should
recollect that, W'ithout law, there can be
no real practical liberty ; that when law is
trampled under foot, tyranny rules, wheth
| er it appears in the form of a military des
potism or of popular violence. The law
I is the only sure protection of the weak,
: and the only efficient restraint upon the
; strong. When impartially and faithfully
| administered, none is beneath its protec
i lion, and none above its control, You,gen
| tiemen, and the country may be assured,
that to the utmost of my ability’, and to the
extent of the power .vested in me, I shall at
svii times, arid i.i all places, take care that
the laws be faithfully executed. In the
discharge of this duly, solemnly imposed
upon me by the constitution, and by my
‘ oath of office, I shall shrink from no re
sponsibility, and shall endeavor to meet
I events as they may arise, with firmness, as
i well as with prudence and discretion.
The appointing power is one of the most
i delicate with which the Executive is in
| vested. I regard it as a sacred trust, to
j be exercised with the sole view of advan
j cing the prosperity and happiness of the
! people. It shall be my effort to elevate the
’ standard of official employment, by select
ing for places of importance individuals
fitted for the posts to which they are as
signed, by their known integrity, talents,
and virtues. In so extensive a country,
with so great a population, and where few
persons appointed to office can be known
to the appointing power, mistakes will
j sometimes unavoidably happen, and unfor
| tunale appointments be made, notwilh
| standing the greatest care. In such cases,
the power of removal may be properly ex
ercised ; and neglect of duty or manfeas
ance in office will be no more tolerated in
individuals appointed by myself, than in
those appointed by others.
I am happy in being able to say that no
unfavorable change in our relations lias ta
ken place since the message atlhe opening
of the last session of Congress. We are
at peace With all nations, and we enjoy in
an eminent degree the blessings of that
peace, in a prosperous and growing com
merce, and in aJI tfie forms of amicable
national intercourse. The unexampled
growth bTTtttr-couutry, the present amount
of its population, and its ample means of
self protection, assure for it the respect of
all nations; while it is trusted that iis char
acter for justice, and a regard to the rights
of other States, will cause that respect to
be readily and cheerfully paid.
A convention was negotiated between
the United States and Great Britain, in
April last, for facilitating and protecting
the construction of a ship canal between
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and for
other purposes. This instrument has since
been ratified by the contracting parties, the
exchange of ratification has teen effected,
and proclamation thereof has been duly
made.
In addition to the stipulations c ntained
in this convention, two other objects re
main to be accomplished between the con
tracting powers.
First, the designation and establishment
of a free port at each end of the canal.
Second, an agreement fixing the distance
from the shore within which belligerent
inaratime operations shall not bv carried
on. On these points there is a little doubt
that the two governments will come to an
understands g.
The company of citizens of the United
States who have acquired from the State
ofNicaragua the privilege of constructing
a ship canal between the two oceans,
through the territory of that Stale, have
made progress in their preliminary ar
rangements. The treaty between the Uni
ted States and Gfteat Britain, of the 19th
of April last, above referred to, being now
in operation, it is to be hoped that the
guaranties which it offers will be sufficient
to secure the completion of the work with
| all practicable expedition. It is obvious
I that this result would be indefinitely post-
| poned, if any other than peaceful measur
( es, for the purpose of harmonizing conflict
| ing claims to territory in that quarter,
j should be adopted. It will consequently
| be iiiv endeavor to cause any further ne
i goiiaticn on the part of this Government,
which may be requisite for this purpose,
to be sb conducted as to bring them to a
speedy and successful close.
Some unavoidable delay has occurred,
arising from distance and the difficulty of
intercourse between this Government and
i tlmt of Nicaragua, but, as intelligence has
! just been receivtd of the appointment of an
! Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Ple.ii
! p otentiary of that Government to reside
I Washington, whose arrival may soon be
i expected, it is hoped that no further impe
diments will be experienced in tne prompt
! transaction of business between the two
I Governments,
Citizens of the U. States have under
i taken the connection of the two oceans by
means of a railroad across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, under grants of the Mexi
! can Governments to a citizen of the Re
i public. It is understood that a thorough
j survey of the course of the Communica
l tion is in preparation, and there is every
reason to expect that it will be prosecuted
with characteristic, energy, especially when
that Government shall have consented to
such stipulations with the Government of
the United States as may be necessary to
imparl a feeling ol security to those who
may embark their property, in the enter
prise. Negotiations are pending for the
accomplishment of that objeet.anJ a hope
is confidently entertained that when the
Government of Mexico stiall be come duly
sensible of the advantages which that
country cannot fail to derive from the
work, and learn that the Government of
she United States desires th it the right ol
sovereignty of Mexico in the isthmus shad
remain unimpaired, the stipulations refer
red to will be agreed to with alacrity.
Bv the last advices from Mexico it would
appear, however, that that Government en
tertains strong objection to some of the sti
pulations which the parties concerned in
the project of the railroad deem necessary
for their protection and security. Furth
er consideration, it is to be hoped, or some
modification of terms, may yet reconcile
the differences existing between the two
Governments in this respect.
Fresh instructions have recently been
given to the Minister of the United States
in Mexico, who is prosecuting the subject
with promptitude and ability.
Although the negotiotions with Portu-
Igal, for the payment of claims of citizens
of the United States against that Govern
ment, have not yet resulted in a forma] trea
ty, yat a proposition made by the Govern-
W of PortugaJ forth, final adjustment
<Hfi£ ‘ §l§o (firmer
Jm s*****}&? *"• r 'v‘ v - Vr
and payment f those claims, has recently
States. It gives me pleasure to say
Mr. Clay, to whom“the negofraWh on the
part of the United States had been entrus
ted, discharged the duties of his appoint
ment with ability and discretion, acting
always within jhe instructions of his Gov
ernment.
It is expected that a regular convention
will be immediately negotiated for carry
ing the agreement between the two Gov
ernments into effect.
The Commissioner appointed under the
act of Congress for carrying into effect the
convention with Brazil, of the 27th of Jan
uary, 1849, has entered upon the perfor
mance of the duties imposed upon him by
that act. It is hoped that those duties may
be completed within the time which it pre
scribes. The documents, however, which
the Imperial Government, by the third ar
ticle of the convention, stipulates to furn
ish to the Government of the United States,
have not yet been received. As it is pre
sumed that those documents will be ys
sentiaj for the correct disposition of the
claims, it may become necessary for Con
gress to extend the period limited for the
duration of the commission. ‘1 he sum
stipulated by the fourth article of the con
vention to be paid to this Government has
been received.
The collection in the ports of the Uni
ted States of discriminating duties upon
the vessels of Chili and their cargoes has
beer, suspended pursuant to the provis
ions of the act of Congress of the 24th
of May, 1828. It is to be hoped that
this measure will impart a fresh im
pulse to the commerce oetween the two
countries, which, of late, and especially
since our acquisition of California, has to
the mutual advantage of the parties, been
much augmented.
Peruvian guano has become so desirable
an article to the agricultural interests of
the United States; that it is the duty of
the Government to employ all the means
properly in its power for the purpose of
causing that article to be imported into the
the country at a reasonable price. Noth
ing will be omitted on my part towards ac
complishing this desirable end. lam per
suaded that in removing any restraints on
this traffic, the Peruvian Government will
promote its own Ust interests, while it
will afford a proof of a friendly disposition
towards this country, which will be duly
appreciated.
The treaty between the United Slates
and His Majesty the King of the Hawa
iian Islands, which has recently been made
public, will; it is believed, have a benefi
cial effect upon the relations between the
two countries.
The relations between those parts of the
Island of St. Domingo, which were former
i v colonies of Spain and France, respect
ively, are still in itn unsettled condition.
The proximity of that Island to the Uni
ted States,and the delicate questions involv
ed in the existing controversy there, ren
der it desirable that it should be perma
nently and speedily adjusted, The mfer
ests of humanity and of general commerce
also demand this; and, as intimations of
the same sentiment have been received
from other Governments, it is hoped that
some plan may soon be devised to effect
the object in a manner likely to give gen
eral satisfaction The Government of the
United States will not fail by the exercise
of all proper friendly offices, to do all in its
power to put an end to the destructive war
which has raged between the different
parts of the inland, and to secure to them
both the benefits of peace and commerce.
I reler you to the report of the Secreta
ry of the Treasury for a detail statement
of the finances.
The total receipts into the Treasury, for
the year ending 20th es June last, were
forty-seven tniMion four hundred and twen.
ty-one thousand seven hundred and forty
eight dolars and ninety cents, f547,421,748
90.;
The total expenditures during the same
period were forty-three million two thous
and oue hundred and sixty eight dol
lars and ninety cent5,*(43,002, 168 90. j
The public debt has been reduced,since
the las’ annual report from the Treasury
Department, $495,271) 79.
By the lOih section of the act of 28th
January 1847, the proceeds of the sales
ol the public lands were pledged for the
interest and principal of the public debt.
The great amount of those lands subse
quently granted by Congress for military
bounties, will, it is believed, very nearly
supply the demand for several years‘to
come, and but iiltle reliance can therefore,
be placed on that hitherto fruitful source of
revenua.
Aside from the permanant annual ex
penditures. which have nece sarily large
ly increased, a portion of the public debt,
amounting to $8,075,986 59 must be pro
vided for within the next next two fiscal
years. It is most desirable that jhese ac
cruing demands should be met without re
sorting to new loans.
All experience has demonstrated the
wisdom and policy of raising a large por
tion of revenue, for the support of Govern
ment from duties on goods imported. The
power to lay these duties is unquestiona
ble, and its chief object, of course, is to
replenish the treasury. But if in doing
this, an incidental advantage may be gain
ed bv encouraging the industry of our own
citizens, it is our duty to avail ourselves
of that advantage.
A duty laid upon an article which can-
not be produced in this country—such as
tea or coffee—adds to the cost cf the ar
ticle, and is chiefly or wholly paid
by the consumer. But a duty laid up
on an article which may be produced here
stimulates the skill and industry of our
own country to produce the same article,
which is brought into the market in com
petition with the foreign article, and the
importer is thus compelled to reduce his
price to that at which the domestic article
can be sold, thereby throwing a part of the
duty upon the producer of the foreign ar
ticle. The continuance of this process
creates the skill, and invites the capital,
which finally enable us to produce the ar
ticle much cheaper than it could have
been pr cured from abroad, thereby bene
fiting both the producer and the consum
er at home. The consequence of this is,
that the artizan and the agriculturist, are
brought together, each affords a ready mar
ket for the produce of the other, the whole
county becomes prosperous; and the abil
ity to produce every necessary of life rend
ers us independent in war as well as in
peace.
A high tariff can never be permanent.
It will cause dissatisfaction and will be
changed. It excludes competition, and
thereby invites the investment of capital
in manufactures to such excess, that when
changed it brings distress, bankruptcy, and
ruin, upon all who have been mis
led by its faithless protection. What
the manufacturer wants, is uniformi
ty and permanency, that he may feel a
confidence that he is not to be rained by
“THE OF THE STATES ASH THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE STATES.”
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA,
L ■ ■ J* 1 - - • 1
j form aud permanent,it is not only nec^ss-
I ary that -the law shouid-trftt be altered
7l>ut that the duty should fluctuate. To
effect this, all duties should be specific,
wherever the nature of the article is such
as to admit of it. Ad valorem duties fluc
tuate with the price, and offer strong temp
tations to fraud and perjury. Specific du
ties, on the contrary, are equal and uni
form in all por s, and at all times; and of-*
fer a strong inducement to the importer to
bring the best article, as he pays no more
duty upon that than upon oue of inferior
quality. I therefore strongly recommend a
modification of the present tariff which has
prostrated some of our most important neces
sary manufactures, and that specific duties
be'imposed sufficient to raise the requisite
revenue, making such discrimination in
favor of the iridustiial pursuits of our own
country as to encourage home production,
without excluding foreign competition. It
is also important that an unfortunate pro
vision in the present tariff, which imposes
a much higher duty upon the raw mate
rial that enters into our manufactures than
upon the manufactured article, should fce
remedied.
The papers accompanying the report of
the Secretary of the Treasury will disclose
frauds attempted upon the revenue, in va
riety and amount so great, as to justify the
conclusion that it is impossible, under any
system of ad valorem duties levied upon
the foreign cost or value of the article, to
secure an honest observance and an effec
tual administration of the laws. The
fraudulent devices to evade the law, which
have been detected by the vigilance of the
appraisers, leave no room to doubt that
similar impositions not discovered, to a
large amount, have been successfully prac
tised since the enactment of the law now
in force. This state of things has already
had a prejudicial influence upon those en
gaged in foreign commerce. It lias a ten
dency to drive the honest trader from the
business of importing, and to throw that
important branch of employment into the
hands of unscrupulous and dishonest men,
who are alike regardless of law and the
obligations of an oath By these means
the plain intentions of Congress, as ex
pressed in the law, are daily defeated.—
Every motive of policy’ and duty, there
fore, impel me to ask the earnest attention
of Congress to this subject. * If Congress
should deem it unwise to attempt any im
portant changes in the system of levying
duties at this session, it will become indis
pensable to the protection of the revenue
that such remedies, as in the judgment of
Congress may mitigate the evils complain
ed of, should be at once applied.
As before stated, specific duties, in rny
opinion, afford the most perfect remedy for
this evil ; but if you should not concur in
this view, then, as a partial remedy, I beg
leave respectfully to recommend that, in
stead of taking the invoice abroad, as a
means of determining its value here, the
correctness of which invoice it is in many
cases impossible to verify, the law be so
changed as to require a borne valuation or
appraisal, to be regulated in such manner
as to give, as far as practicable, uniformity’
in the several ports.
There being no mint in California, I am
informed that the laborers in the mines
are compelled to dispose of their gold dust
at a large discount. This appears to me
to be a heavy and unjust tax upon the labor
of those employed in extracting this pre
cious metal; and [doubt not you will be
disposed, at the earliest period possible, to
relieve them from it by the establishment
of a mint. In the meantime, as an assay
er’s office is established there, I wou-d
respectfully’ submit for y r our consideration
the propriety of authorizing gold bullion,
which lias been assayed and stamped, to
be received in payment us Government
dues. I cannot conceive that the Treasury
would suffer any loss by such a provision,
which will at once raise bullion to its par
value, and thereby save (if I am rightly in
formed ; many millions of dollars to the la
borers which are now paid in brokerage to
convert this precious metal into available
funds. This discount upon their hard
earnings is a heavy tax, and every effort
should be made by the Government to re
lieve them from so great a burden.
M ore than three-fourths of our popula
tion are engaged in the. cultivation of the
soil. The commercial, manufacturing, and
navigating interests are all to a great ex
tent, dependent on the agricultural. It is,
therefore, the most important interest of
the nation, and has just claim to the fos
tering care and protection of the Govern
ment, so far as they can be extended con
sistently with the provisions of the Consti
tution, As this cannot be done by the or
dinary modes of legislation, I respectfully
recommend the establishment of an Agri
cultural Bureau, to be charged with the
duty of giving to this leading branch of
American industry the encouragement
which it so well deserves. In view of the
immense mineral resources of our country,
provision should be made for the employ
ment of a competent mineralogist and
chemist, who should be required, under
the direction of the head of the bureau, to
collect speecimens of the various minerals
of our country, and to ascertain, by care
ful analysis, their respective elements and
properties, and their adaptation to useful
purposes. He should also be required to
examine an report upon the qualities of
different soils, and the manures best cal
culated to improve the productiveness. By
publishing the results cf such experiment,
with suitable explanations, and by the col
lection and distribution of rare seeds and
plants, with instructions as to the best sys
‘em of cultivation, much may be done to
promote this great national interest.
In compliance with the act of Congress
passed on the 23d of May, 1850, providing
among other things for taking the seventh
census,a superintendent was appointed, and
all other measures adopted which were
deemed neccessary to insure the prompt
and faithful performance of that duty.
The appropriation, already made will, it
is believed, be sufficient to defray the
whole expense of the woik ; but further
legislation may be necessary in regard to
the compensation of some of the marshals
of the Territories. It will also be proper
to make provision by law, at an eariy day,
for the publication of such abstracts of the
the returns as the public interest may re
quire. . ftwiaWTifa
The unprecedented growth of our Ter
ritories on the Pacific in wealth and popu
lation, and the consequent increase of their
social and commercial relations with the
Atlantic States, seem to render it the duty
of the Government to use all its constitu
tional power to improve the means of in
tercourse with them. The importance of
epening ‘*a iioe of communication, the
best and most expeditious of which the na
ture of the country will admit,” 1 between
the Valley of the Mississippi and the Pa
cific, was brought to your notice by my
predecessor in his annual message; and as
the reasons which he presented in favor
of the measure still exist in full force, I
beg leave to call your attention to them,
m
The uncertainty which exists in regard
to the validity of land titles in California
is a subject which demands your eariy con
sideration. Large bodies of land in that
State are claimed under grants said to have
been made by authority of the Spanish
and Mexican governments. Many of these
have not been perfected, others have been
revoked, and some are believed to be frau
dulent. But until they shall have been
judicially investigated, they will continue
to retard the settlement and improvement
of the country. I, therefore, respectfully
recommend that provision be made by law.
for the appointment of commissioners to
examine all such claims with a view to
their finai adjustment.
I also beg leave to call your attention to
the propriety of extending, at an early day,
our system of land laws, with such modi
fications as inay be necessary over the
State of California and the territories of
Utah and New Mexico. The mineral
lands of California will, of course, form an
exception to* any general system which
may be adopted. Various methods of dis
posing of them have been SAiggested. I
was at first inclined to favor the system of
leasing, as it seemed to promise the larg
est revenue to the Government, arid to af
ford the best security against monopolies;
but further reflection, and our experience
in leasing the lead mines and selling lands
upon credit, have brought my mind to the
conclusion that there would be great diffi
culty in collecting the rents, and that the
relation of debtor arid creditor, between the
citizens and the Government, would beat
tended with many mischievous consequen
ces. I therefore recommend that, instead
of retaining the mineral lands under the
permanetitconlrol of the Government, they
be uivided into small parcels and sold, un
der such restrictions, os to quantity and ;
time, as will insure the best and
guard most effectually agarnst combinations
of capitalists to obtain mum polies.
The annexation of Texas and the acqui
sition of Calif, rnia and New Mexico, luve
given increased importance to our Indian
relations. The various tribes brought uti
de i our jurisdiction by the enlargements
of our boundaries, are estimated to embrace
a population of one hundred and twenty- j
four thousand. 1
Texas and New Mexico are surround- >
ed by powerful tribes of Indians, who are j
a source of constant terror arid annoyance
to the inhabitants. Separating into small
predatory bands, and always mourned, they
overrun the couriuy, devastating farms, j
destroying crops, driving off whole herds
of cattle audViccasionally murdering the in
habitants or carrying them into captivity.
The great roads leading into the country
! are infested with them, whereby unveiling
j is render-, and extremely dangerous, and im
migration is almost entirely arrested.—
The Mexican frontier, which, by the
eleventh article of the treaty of Guade
loupe Hidalgo, we are bound to protect
against the Indians within our border, is
exposed to these incursions equally with
our own. The military force stationed
in that country (although forming a large
portion of the anuyj is represented as en
tirely inadequate to our own protection
and the fulfilment of our treaty stipula
tions with Mexico. The principal defi
ciency is in Cavalry, and I recommend
that Congress should, at as early a day
as practicable, provide for the raising of
one or more regiments of mounted men.
For further suggestions on this subject,
and others connected with our domestic
interests, and the defence of our frontier,
I refer you to the report of the Secretary of
the Interior und of the Secretary’ of War.
I recommend aiso to your favorable con
sideration the suggestion contained in the
last mentioned report, and in the letter of
tlie General-in-chief, relative to the eslab
lisement of an asylum for the relief of dis
abled and destitute soldiers. This subject
appeals so strongly to your sympathies
that it would be superfluous in me to say
any thing more than barely, to express
my cordial approbation ofthe proposed sub
ject.
The navy continues to give protection
to our commerce and other national inter
ests in the different quarters of the globe, .
with the excepuon of a single steamer on
the Northern lakes, the vessels in com
mission are distributed iu six different
squad rons.
The report of the head of that Depart
ment will exhibit the services of these
squadrons, and of the several vessels em
ployed in each during the past year. It
is a source ot gratification that, while they
have been cons antly prepared for any hos
tile emergency, they have every where,
met with the respect and courtesy,due as
well to the dignity, as to the peaceful
dispositions and just purposes of the na
tion.
The two brigantines accepted by the
Government from a geimruu. citizen of N. !
York, and placed under the command of
an officer of the navy, to proceed to the
Arctic seas in quest of the British com
mander, Sir John Franklin, and liis com
panions, m compliance with the act of Con
gress, approved in May last, had, when
last heard from, penetrated into a high
Northern latitude; hut the success of this
noble and humane enterprise is yet un
certain.
I invite your attention to the view of our
prtsent naval establishment and resources
presented in the report of the Secretary
of the Navy, am the suggestions therein
made for its improvement, together with
the naval policy recommended for the se
curity of our Pacific Coast, and the pro
tection and extension of our commerce with
Eastern Asia. Our facilities fora larger
participation in the trader,! the East, by
means of our recent settlements on the
shores of the Pacific, are too obvious to be
overlooked or disregarded.
Tiie Questions iu relation to rank in the army
ar.d navy, and relative rank between officer* of the
two branches of the service, presented to the Ex
e< ulive by certain resolutions of the House of
Representatives, at the last session of Cungies*,
have been submitted to a board of officers in each
branch of the service, anti their report may be ex
pected at an early day,
I also earnestly recommend the enactment of a
law authorizing officers of the army and navy to be
retired from the service, when incompetent tor its
vigorous and a> live duties, taking care to make
suitable provision for those who have faithfully
served their country, and awarding- distinctions, by
retaining in appropriate commands those who have
been particularly conspicuous for gallantry and
good conduct. While the obligation of the country
to maintain and honor those who, to the exclusion
of other pursuits, have devoted themselves to its
arduous service, this obligation should not be per.
milled to interfere 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 one million of dollars,
than those of the present, excepting the appropria
tion which may become necessary for the construc
tion of a d->ck on the coast of the Pacific, proposi
sitions for which are now being considered, and on
which a special report may be expected early in
your present session.
There is an evident just- tm in the suggestion of
the si me report, that appropriations for the naval
service proper, should be separated from those for
fixed and permanent objects, such as building docks
■ad navy yards and the fixtures attached, apd bora
the extraordinary objects under the cars of the
Department which, however important, are not
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1850.
—
A revision of the code for the government of the
Navy seems to require the immediate consideration
of Congress. Its system of crimes and punishments
had undergone no change for half a gentury, until
the last session, though its defects have been often
and ably pointed out. and the abnlitio'n of a particu
lar species of corporal punishment, which then took
place, without provi,ling nnv substitute, has left the
service in a state of defectiveness, which calls for
prompt correction. I therefore recorn nend that the
whole subject be revised without delay, and such a
system established for the enforcement of discipline,
as shall he at once humane and effectu; 1.
The accompanying report of the Postmaster Gen
ereal. presents a satisfactory view of the operations
and condition ol that Department.
At the close of the last fiscal year, the length of
the inland mail routes in the United States (not em
bracing the service in Oregon and California) was
one hundred ami sev-*titv-eight thousand six hull*
dred and soverity-two miles; the annual tianspor
! tation therein forty-six million five hundred and
forty-one thousand four hundred and twenty-three
miles: and the annual cost of such transportation
two millions seven hundred and twenty-four thous
and four hundred and twenty-six dollars.
The increase of the annual transportation over
that of the preceding year, was three millioa nine
hundred and ninety seven thousand three hundred
and fifty-four miles, and the increase in cost was
th.ee hundred and forty-two thousand four hundred
and forty dollars.
Toe number of post offices in the United Stales,
on the first day of July last, was eighteen thousand
four hundred and seventeen —living _n increase of
sixteen hundred and seventy during the preceding
year.
The gross revenue of the Department for the
fiscal year ending June 30th, 1800, amounted to
live million five hundred and liftv-two thousand
nine hundred and seventy-one dollars aud forty
eight con'.*, including the annual appropriation cf
two hundred thousand dollars for the franked mat
ter of the Department, and excluding the foreign
postage collected lor and payable to the Bri ish
Government.
The expenditures for the same period wero five
million two hundred and twelve thousand nine
hundred and fifty-th'ee dollars and forty-three
cents; leaving a balance of revenue over expendi
j tnres of three hundred and forty thonsuiid and
! eighteen dollars and five cents,
j lam happy to find tfut the fiscal condition of the
j Department >s such as to justify the Postmaster
Geiunl in recommending the reduction of our in
land letter postage to three cents the single letter
when pre.paid, and five cents when not pre-paid.
He also recommends that tho pre-paid rates shall
lie reduced to two cents whenever the revenues of
the Department, after the reduction, shall exceed
its expenditures by moie than five per cent, for two
consecu'ive years; that tin; postage upon Califor
nia and other letters sent by our ocean steamer-
I shall he much reduced ; and that tile rates of post-
I age on newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals and other
I printed mattcr.shall be modified, and some reduction
I thereon nude.
| It cannot he doubted that the proposed reductions
will, for the presepl diminish the revenues of the
Department. It is believed that the deficiency,
alter the surplus already accumulated shall bo ex
j hansted, inay bo almost wholly mot, either by abol
ishing the existing privileges ol sending free matter
through the mails, or by paving out of the Treasury
to the Post Office Department, a sum equivalent to
i the postage ot which it is deprived by such privi
leges. ‘Pile last is supposed to be the preferable
mode, and will, if not entirely, so nearly supply that
deficiency ns to make ary further appropriation
thatmavbo found necessary so inconsiderabb as to
form no obstacle to the proposed reductions.
I entertain no doubt of the authority of Con
gress to make approoiiationa for leading objects
in that class of public works comprising what arc
actually called works of internal improvement.
This authority 1 suppose to lie derived chiefly from
the power of regulating commerce with foreign
nations, anil among the States, and the power of
laying and collecting imposts.. Where commerce
is to be carried on, and imposts collected, there
must be ports and harbors, as well as wharves
and custom-houses. If ships, laden with valua
ble cargoes, approach the shore, or sail along the
coast, light-houses are necessary at suitable points
for the protection of life and. property. Other
facilities and securities for commerce and naviga
tion are hardly less important; and those clauses
of the Constitution, therefore, to which I have re
ferred, have received Irom the origin of the (iov
ernmeut a liberal and beueficient construction.
Not only have lighthouses, buoys, and beacons
been established, and floating lights maintained,
hut harbors have been cleared and improved, piers
constructed, and even breakwaters for the safety
of shipping, and sea walls to protect harbors from
being filled up, and rendered useless, by the ac
tion of tne ocean, have been i reefed at a very
great expense. And this construction ofthe Con
stitution appears the more reasonable from the
consideration, that if these works, of such evi
dent importance and utility, are not to be accomp
lished by Congress, they cannot he accomplished
at all. By the adoption of the Constitution the
several States voluntarily parted with the power
of collecting duties of imposts in their own ports;
and it is not to be expeeted that they.should raise
money by internal taxation, direct or indirect, for
the benefit of that commerce, the revenues dcriv
ei from which do not, either in whole or in part,
go into their own treasuries.
Nor do I perceive any difference between the
j power of Congress to make appropriations for ob
jects of this kind on the ocean and the power to
i make appropriations for similar objects on lakes and
rivers, wherever they are large enough to hear on
their waters an extens : ve traffic. The magnificent
Mississippi and its Irihutaries, anti the vast lakes of
the north and the north-west, appear to me to fall
within the exercise of the power,*as justly and as
clearly as the Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is
a rnislake to regard expenditures judiciously made
for these objects as expenditures for local purposes
The position, or si e of the work, is necessarily
I ica’: but its utility i< general. A ship canal
around ihe falls of St Mary of less than a mile in
length, though local iu its construction, would yet
lie national in its purpose and its benefits, as it
would remove the only obstruction to a navigation
of more than a thousand miles, affecting several
States, as well as our commercial relations with
Canada. So, too, the Breakwater at the mouth
ofthe Delaware is erected, not for the exclusive
benefit of the States bordering on the hay and river
of that name, but lor that of the whole coastwiso
navigation of the U States, and to a considerable
extent also, of foreign commerce. If a ship he lost
on me liar at the entrance of a southern port, for
want of * sufficient depth of water, it is very likely
to he a northern ship; and if a steamboat be sunk
it: any part of the Mississippi, on account of its
channel not having been properly cleared of ob
structions, it may be a boat belonging to cither if
eight or ten Stales. I may add, as somewhat re
markable, lhat among all Urn thitly-ooe States,
there is none that is not, to a greater or foss extent,
hounded on the Ocean, ot the Gulf of Mexico, or
one of the great lakes, onome navigable river.
In fulfilling our constitutional duties, fellow-citi
zens, on this subject, or in carrying into effect all
other powers conferred by the Constitution, we
should consider ourselves a* deliberating and acting
for one and the same country, and hear constantly
in mind, that our regard and our duty are due, not
to a particular part only, but to the whole.
I therefore recommend that appropriations be
made for completing such works as havo been al
ready begun, and tor commencing such others as
may seem to the wisdom ot Congress to be of pub
lic and general importance.
The difficulties and delays, incident to the set
tlement of private claims by Congress, amount in
many cases to a denial ofjustice. There is reason
to apprehend that many unfortunate creditors of
the Government have thereby been unavoidably
ruined. Congress has .-o much business of a public
character, that it is impossible it should give much
attention to mere private claims, and their accumu
lation is now so great that many claimants must
despair of ever being able to obtain a hearing. It
may well be doubted whither Congress, from the
nature of its organization, is properly constituted
to decide upon such cases. It is impossible that
each member should examine the merits of every
claim on which he is compelled to rote; and it is
preposterous to ask a judge to decide a case which
be has never beard. Such decisions may, and fre
quently must, do injustice either to the claimant or
the Government, and I perceive no better remedy
for this growing evil than tbe establishment of some
tribunal to adjudicate tpon such claims. I beg
leave, therefore, most respectfu'ly, to recommend
that provision ba made by law for tbe appointment
of a commission to settle all private claims against
tbe U States; and,as gn eiparte bearing must to
all contested cases be very unsatisfactory, I also re
commend the appointment of a solicitor, whose
duty it shall be to represent the Government be
fore such commission, and protect it against all
illegal,fraudulent or unjust claims, which may be
presented for their adjudication.
This district, wbicb has nether voice nor vote
in your deliberations, looks to you tap protection
and aid, and I commend aft its wants ® your favor
able consideration, with a full confidd®* that yon
will meet them not only with justice, hut with
liberality. It should.he borne in mind that in this
city, laid out by Washington, and consecrated by
his name, is located the Capitol of our nation,
the emblem of our union and the symbol of our
ffteatness. Hfn also are situated all tbe pubj e
| NUMBER 52.
buildings necessary for the use of Government, and
all these are exempt from taxation. It should be
tbe pride of American- to render this place attrac
tive to the people of the whole Republic, and con
venient and safe for the transaction of the public
business and the preservation of the public records.
The Government should, therefore, bear a liberal j
proportion of the burdens of all necessary and use
ful improvements. And, as nothing, could cote j
I tribute more to the health, comfort and safety of]
I the city, and the security of the public buildings
j and records, than an abundant supply of pure water, l
j I respectfully recommend that you make such pro- j
visions for obtaining the same as in your wisdom
you may deem proper. (
The act passed at ydur last session, making cer- j
lain propositions to Texas for settling the disputed i
boundary between that State and the Territory of j
New Mexico, was,immediately on ilspasssge trails- j
milted by express to the Governor ot Texas, to j
lie laid by him Vfore the General Assembly for its
agreement thereto. Its receipt was duly acknowl
edged, but no official information lias vet been
toceived of the action of the General Assembly
thereon; it may, however, he very soon cxMct: and,
as by the terms pf the proposition submitter!, they
were to have been acted upon, on or before the first
day of the present month.
It was hardly to hnve been expected lhat the
teries of measures passed at your last session, with
the view of healing the ttection.il differences which
had sprung from the slavery and territorial que .-
:io a, should at once hate realized their beneficent
purpose. All mutual concession in the nature of
a compromise mu>t necessarily be unwelcome In
men of extreme opinions. And though without
such concessions our Constitution could not have
been formed, nnd cannot be permanently sustained,
yet wo have seen them made the subject of bill >r
controversy in both sections of the Republic. It
required maev months ol discussion and delibera
tion to secure the concurrence ol a majority of
Congress in their favor. It would be strange it
thov tied been received with immediate appro’ aii >n
by people and States, prejudiced ami l u lled by the
exciting controversies of their representatives. I be
lieve these measures In have been required bv the
circumstances and condition of ihe country. 1 be
lieve they were necessary to alia u.perinea und
animosit es that wore rapidly alienat ng one sec
tion of the country fiom another, and destroying
those fraternal sentiments which are the strongest
supports of the Cunstitutipn. They were adopted
in the spirit of conciliation. I lielieve lhat a gwat
majority of our fellow citizens sympathize in that
spirit, and that purpose, and in the mu'll approve,
and are prepared, in all respects, to sustain the e
enactments. I eannot doubt that the American
people, hound together bv kindred blood and com
m n traditions, still cherish a paramount regard
for the Union of their fathers; and thnt they are
ready to rebuke anv attempt to violate its integrity,
to disturb tlie compromises on which it is based, or
to resist the laws which have been enacted under
its authority.
The series of measures to which I havo allured,
are regarded ns a settlement, in principle and sub
stance—a final settlement, ofthe dangerous and
exciting subjects, which they embraced. Most ol
•the subjects, indeed, are beyond your reach, as the
legislation which disposed of thorn was, iu itschnr
actor, lina! ami irrevocable. It may be presumed
from the opposition which they all encountered,
that none of these measures was free from imper
fections, but in their mutual dependence and con
nexion they formed a system ot compromise, the
most conciliatory, and “best for the entire country,
that could lie obtained from conflicting sectional
interests and opinions.
For this reason, 1 recommend your adherence
to the adjustment established by those measures,
until i ime and experience shall demonstrate tlie ne
cessity of further legislation to guard against eva
sion or abuse.
- By that adjustment we havo been rescued from
the wide and boundless agitation that surrounded
us, and have a firm, distinct and legal ground to
rest upon. And the occasion, I trust, will justify
me in exhorting my countrymen to rally upon
and maintatin that ground as the best, if not tlie on
ly means, of restoring peace and quiet to the coun
try, and maintaining inviolable the integrity ot the
Uuion.
And now, fellow citizens. I cannot bring this
communication to a close without invoking you to
join me in humble and devout thanks to the Great
Ruler of nations, for the multiplied blessings which
He has graciously bestowed upon us. His hand,
so often visible in our preservation, has stayed the
pestilence, saved us front loreigu wars and domestic
disturbances, and scattered plenty-- throughout the
land.
Our liberties, religious and civil, have been main
tained; tlie fountains of knowledge have all been
kept open, and means of happiness widely spread
and generally enjoyed, greater limn have fallen to
the lot of uny other nation. Ami, while deeply
penetrated with gratitude for the past, let us hope
lhat his all-wise Providence will so guide our coun
sels as that they shall result iu giving satisfaction to
our constituents, securing the peace of the country,
ams adding new strength to tho United Govern
ment under which we live.
MILLARD FILLMORE,
Washingion, Dec. 2d, 1800.
FRIDAY, NOVMMRMR 2J),
From the N Orleans Delta.
MEETING OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATTOF.
MESSAGE OF GOV. QUITMAN.
Both branches of the Legislature, says
the Vicksburg Sentinel of tho 19th inst.,
met yesterday, according to the proclama
tion of the Governor.
In the Senate, Hon John I Gtnon was
elected President, and a joint committee
appointed to wait on tho Governor.
In the House. Mr Sp euker Mcßae took
the chair, and about seventy members an
swered to their names. A joint committee
was appointed to wait on tho Governor,
and in tlie interim many members gave
notices of bills. At 12 o’clock Gov Quit
man transmitted his message. •
We are compelled to limit ourselves to
a synopsis of the Governor’s message.
The Governor without preamble or pre
liminary flourish, proceeds to give his tea
sons for convoking an extra session of the
Legislature, though he thinks ho migh
point to the firm and patriotic resolutions
of the previous session, as a lull justifica
tion of his course.
The Governor then refers to the delete
rious effects of contest- between difiuient
portions ofthe same country,growing out |
of local or sectional differences. He adds:
“ The contest which has long been waged bv
the northern or non slavgholding Stales, led on by
New England, against the southern or slaveholj
ing Male*, has begun to partake nt the latter char
acter. It commenced iu a conflict of interests,
about manufacturers, navigation laws, local appro
priations, &c., and has ended in a war of exter
mination against the institution of domestic slave
ry, or rather against the States in which the sys
tem exists.”
He then proceeds to sot forth the extent
of the abolition excitement of the north,
in the following forcible terms :
“ This hostility to slavery has now become the
all-ahsorning, all-controlling element of polities!
action and party movement, both in Oongress and
throughout the Northern Strife*. Political panic*
unite, separate, and are modified with reference to
it. Political pla'fiirms are built upon it. It ivthe
main question in the selection of candidates lor ail
office*. It i* the active element of religious, be
nevolent, charitable, and even literary associations,
and the spice which season* private society. The
Constitution of the United States, the rights of the
States, the gravest questions of public policy, ail are
construed and determined with reference to this
question of domestic slavery; and the Congress of
the U States, whose powers are limited mainly o
the regulation of national and external objects, are
now found devoting nearly all their time to sub
jects of a domestic netore, over which it was never
intended that they should exercise jurisdiction.”
He then sketches the origin and progress
ot the difficulty growing out of the admis
sion of California, and styles the attempt
to bring that province into the Union, as
“a stupendous fraud on the South.” He
then proceeds:
“80 palpable did it* real purposes appear to
those who had closely watched iu progress that
both pur Senator* in Congress, end all opr Repre
sentatives, in an official communication |dd reared
to me, to be laid before the Legislature and the
-til. rk.KIC i (UlFiei *••
rjr Celumtms Jttatrs.
Pamphlets, { Hand Bill*,
Business Cards, j Way Bill*,
Visiting do j Circular*,
Ball Tickets, j Blank Jjiotea,
and everything else intbit line
and with Ditpatch.
BLANKS OF ALL KINDS PRINTED TO
OKDKK. ■
people, declared that they tegatdcil this measure,
the admission ot California, a* the Wiimot Proviso
in another form. It was too. gr. ss!y unjust to bo
urred as a measure by its. If. Its deformity wee
too apparent. Even its principal sponsors did not
I in the commencement, venture to auvocate tbe
j proposition alone. To hrek tlie force of the blow,
| and to palliate its effects, they connitod it wills
other im-asun s, some of them objectionable, and
othi ra particularly useless and immaterial, it was
i called coni promise, an adjustment, and many pat*
I riotio in ihe South, were, no doubt, misled hf the
j liilsft. hollow and deceptive appliances, which were,
i without scruple, resorted to, to bolster up andaua
tain it.”
He then refers* to the position assumed
| by the Legislature, and by the South gen*
lerallp, and adds;
•* But unfortunately for the people of the court
try. defections from our ranksoecunsd, the attitude
of the south ceased to command respect, and the
obnoxious measures, which bad been debated by
Com;reus tor nine months, became Jaw*.
“ Bv these means, ihe slavelioldmg Stales have
lieen absolutely excluded Irom the greater poittou,
and bv lar the most valuable part, nt all the territo
ry acquired Irom Mexico, romprnbemfod within thu
limits ot California, nod cnn>ei*fog th whofa
coast of tbp Pacific, the go|,| mines, and an area
large enmiqh for ten S ales of medium site; and
although the less important to-filorie* of L’lah and
New Mexico have Item nigaiiixrd without the
Wilmot proviso, vet in li-hli • !-> ,-.i,e< >he majoit
ty iu Congress expir.sly relused to repeal or -us
petltl the Mexican laws, which were vuppowd to
nlvrdict the introduction l oluvcrv into these rs.
ginns. The doubt and danger, therefore, which
surround its introduction into these territories,
amount to an actual prohibition, anil suit was con*
afoered by .he majority i-i Congress, who stood
ready, had tho emergency rcquir. il it, to slop the.
extension otslaverv by | u-iih-c . prohibitions.”
Tlie Governor then refers, incidentally,
to the appropriation of ten millions, rais
ed by taxation from the industry of the
country, to convert a large portion ot the-
State of Texas into free soil territory. But
ho confines his remarks chiefly to the
California question, and entorsinto a sum
mary of tin; great loss to the South by
their exclusion Irom this new ami rich
country. The political bearings of such
a precedent, uru also forcibly exhibited.
•• The admission of California ha- liirui.had, for
all lime to r.uno, a moat dangerous precedent of
Exec olive, n.lcrfor nee iu tho cr-.ation ot Mates.—
IJv iw odmission it i* mow cm,ceded tuat dip first
body ofmfvbnlur ‘.who mav chance to a— emlils
l| n tho public doinoiu. mav usurp iitisnlufo domin
ion over it, and appropriate ii to themselves, re
gar i less of the rights nfllu- people ot tht sovereign
states of fhc U. ion. The precedent is now set
that no legal authority, civil urgai iz.ilion, enumer
ation of inhabitants, qualifications of electors, or
olhrr formalities, arc , in-cea-urv ti constitute a
State, or to admit her into the Union,provided tb
institution of domestic slavery h* excluded.”
He then enters into the constitutional
objections to the admission of California,
showing that the country did not possess
the constitutional requisites. He sums up
his argument as follows:
“ h seems, then, t >■> evident to admit of dispute,
that all the nets ot California, the assumption of
sovereign power, the r real ion of a State, the fixing
id her extensive boundaries, mid the exclusion of
slavery therein, if vnud. derive their validity solely
from the action ol Congress. In fact, they are lh*
acts ol Congress; mid, as Congress ha* no power
to create a tjlato or to prohit it slavery either in lh*
Territories or the State. Ihe acts are unconstitu
tional nnd void, and as such should forever b re
sisted by tho aggrieved Slate*- • • •
* * * Nori. thn motive of Com,
gress. in ratifying the act* of California. • object
of doubt. It. was to prevent the extension ofthe
institution of slavery. The indirection of the pro
cess cannot conceal its character. It was an ex
clusion by the action of Con gross of the people of
the slaveholding Slate. Irom an equal enjoyment
of the common pi open vof the Stales. It w**. in
tael, the application olthe • \A i.nmt Proviso* to this
territory.”
He then refers to the bill abolishing tho
slave trade in tlie District of Columbia,
and to other indications ot “dangers which
from these quarters lower in the horizon,
ot the future
-“ In my opinion it would be weak, timid, ami
disastrous policy to shut our eyvs to these danger*
—it is the part of wisdom to inn ! them. Let u*
then survey our position and that of our opponents,
“Tlie.ro is nothing to encourage thn hope that
there will bo anv respite from aggre.-iou. Never
has lioatility to slavery been more distinctly Mark
ed i r more openly asserted. Shade* of dilforene*
iu opinion uiuy distinguish Northern statesmen
but all unite in stern opposition to the extension
of slavery, and in declarations of their fixed deter
initiation to onnfiue ii to its present limits, and for
ever to close, the public territory against us.”
lie then dwells on the imminent peril*
which at present surround the institution
of slavery, from the control assumed over
it by a government hostile to its existence:-
“To state the proposition deary : The Or v
ernmdit of the *,J Stales i now hostile to slaver*
It will hereafter ho selected with .rterence u> it*,
hostility to till- intercsl, nod it* activity in the ue
ofthe meal's of doing injury. If ibis great nml
vital interest, then, remains subject to Ihe govern
ment arid control of its oneiry. rr xtirr pksish!
Sooner or Idler. 1 repeat, it must perish. To nr
it. to preserve it irom destruction, nr nt feast from
a mckly. lu-genug. ili-iemperi and and piccariru* ex
istence, it must tie protected bv guaranties more
available that, the present Cm amotion form-nrs,
or it must t>e wrested f um the cm t>oi of n power
which i* ll tstilo to it, and which seek* it* ilr.triie
ti >n. It mu.', like every other gnat interest, b*
placed in charge of it* friend*.”
He does not believe that result*
will bo brought about by summary aboli
tion by Congress, butwiil flow fijom “in
terferences, agitations, disturb.mces an 4
injurious regulations, carrying in their
train poverty, desolation, and eventual
rum to tho Southern States. These effects
begin already to be manifested in tho
South, by the necessity of new police reg
ulations, the withdrawal of capital, and the
decay of towns.”
In such a state oi things, Gov Quitman
thinks that resolutions not lo submit to
further aggressions, would but invite lur*
ther aggressions, “it it did not subject us
to the scorn and contempt of mankind.”
He tiien states tlie position of tho Stale of
Mississippi: %
“ The practical good some of the people of Mi*-
sissippi discards the shallow excuse. Relying upon
truth and justice, she dares meet the question*"!
look it in Ihe face. Her Tegolntfoi . ha*, long
since been proclaimed to the w ,rid, l iat she VfouM
not submit. (She will not submit. fShc will, how
ever, select her mode anil measure ot redress, w.lh
firmness, lut with wisdom and p. mlence. Neith
er her Li'i;i* alure nor ln-r Executive, have power
or authority to proclaim vvliat will lie her rem-dy.
Their duty will ho iJiscl.arg and by calling into aetiv*
blteration the sovereign pow. r of the Mate, lacili-
tating the full crjrcist: of Ms authority, and provid
ing in the meantime that the Stale shall be pre
pared for any probable emergency.” ~
% Ho then proceeds to recommend the
Bolding of a State... Convention
•• To devisi anJ ca:rv into olli cl the best means
of redress for tbe pit, an) to out, .in c-rtaiu sec i
rily for the future. I recommend thit a leg*
convention of the people ot the State *h wild be call
ed, with full and ample poster* to take into con
sideration our Fede a! reb tjon*. the agg'esmon#
which hsve been committed upon the right* of the
Southern States, the dangers which I uea'en our
domestic institutions, and all kinds A subjects;
and jointly with other Stales, or tt uratety, to
adopt sqch measures as may best comfort with the
dignity and safety of tbe State, and elfec.us.ly
correct the evil*complained of. A cenvcrtion thus
assembled, and representing the sovereignty of the
State, would, of course, possess plenary powar*.
uncontrolled by ear instructions or restrietmas,
which the Legislature might interpose,”
Gov Quitman then following
allusion to the apprehended necessity of
secession, and gives some recommenda
tions as to the only modes by which that/
dire result may be avoided: ,