Newspaper Page Text
VOL. I.
Tl JduTHßfeN SENTINEL
Is Thursday Evening,
’1 ,1a Columbus, Go.
n cHAimiiis,
|l'ililor end froprieto^
K Office up fit Corner yf Bred and Randolph ts.
•f*ms of Subscription- |^,
One copy ‘ x A&BmmmSi m advance, - - - S- 50
>• •* “ TjT At. the end of the year, 3 O‘J
• •* f ‘J After lbc’year expires, 4 G
*I? at,, ‘lvcrli'ijl?.
•• • • 81 M|
dr 4 */. * t „ ■*'* lUtcrt'.Oll, - - 5U
6* r -''.otr'cttJk* m- -jfh| r *>lvert!si n s by the quarter, J
0r b tbn y ■**#• . b from the above rules, j
All , bin VarW 1 fiutices must be accompanied
*/• ynußav3 B<, 0(i fberetu.-y exceed onfetequa-o
*ey vrifi ij . 3t*:'!i'r advert scaionts.
p i'o CMam jj’l'i tt —communications nitis* be j
**dfj. .58Sfc ; u> tlie.i*ro|>ri'tor- at this place.
Mb ucoSr-*r'ani‘ .i with the real name j
#£®r§ —_
V Lis in tlic Town of.
G if'igHt El 4> Ei PE, j
tH'l'ijr the owner of 600 acres !
o’ I.hiu;, \V <’i ... I Flint Pivor. or which he •
Jtfliitli-Western Railroad will, tor tit*’ present, and per
haps to- many years o> o mo, terminate, will soon have
it BUiVOM-d and divided into I,nts of suit able size for bu
efs . mi private rises fen „•<•*, and wifi offer them for sale,
at politic outcry on the preinir .-s, on the 16th day of’
Jnnui. y iir.rt.
T ? ‘ ’ *te of the crntturtp’. ied town is in Macon conn- ‘
t}‘, Ji,t *wo miles o.aeve i r.t< eilt i'k Rest, upon high, (
dry Amt elevated pate lan 1, \v,th good pure water, free |
frorjji I'lite. On the West Miff Nd tlfe River (foie is but ;
a nut row atrip of second low ground, entirely free from )
tnarij its and lagoons.
plan of the town v. id v on he lithographed and ;
cojjla distributed in the prim: pa’ towns and cities of the i
Hijj*, for inspection by tho-si* v>! onr-te wish to purchase •
fofly An act of iucorporutio.i, tinder the name of the j
ioHf'l ot UgU-tiiorp*!, will !>e appiud for at the approach- j
tP>| tsjion of the L- gfe’ah.r.-. It s now certain that the j
Railroad will be oofnpjt-iod to (Hat point in time for the I
rrrj j of I*so. Tbfgrad.ug spn pressing rapidly, and >
the iron for the Road as far a, Og! ithorpe is contracted ‘
f . to be deljv. .eu m Savannah next .January.
’ ’he attention of capitalists. and ‘fail who mnv wish j
to i hare in the husiifess which will .spring up in a place j
wh -re ci least 7.U.00U bales of eottoi tviil he sold an- 1
ttm ily, is respect fully invited t” the sal” of the lots above
specified. An inspection of the map v.'il! show that it is j
the pin; where the bushiest.-* of the greet eotton-jjrowijijr i
s-r’.ior. of Georgia will tstmcentratc. It will be a trade ;
worth c inter.ding for. Not only will the counties West j
of Flint Kireriiow furii s!i atn.ually 7(J, I fib bales of cot-i
ton tt> be shipped from Oglethorpe, lnit tin; opening of a I
Railroad to that point will bring that important and grow-!
iiig s etion of Georgia into close proximity to a market
for thir produce and wi[ be the. m. ans ofUringlng into
cultis uioii tlionsnnds of acres of land now lying idle, and ;
thus vquantity of cotton produced will lie greatly in- ■
en a id.
The forms of the sale, will lie. librr. \ being one-fourth ‘
ruth, arid the remainder* in two w. 1 itis*aPjjr><*tlß of one
anTTiwo ‘"rffi* titles w:i mi-isputiiblo. 1 have;
a complete, unbroken eltaiii of i.i- s. fiom the hit:;.e down
to myself. E. V. 1 /?.!.V/.S.V.
Novtii&ber Ist, 1C13.’ 4-I—rs I
SSO REWARD.
IB® UN A WAV from the snle * riFor. abmit the 15th ;
. Ki’brmirv last, a small mulattn vvotnan, by lie!
name of FR- 1 XCIZB, she is nbr.'.t fmr feet ten r, ole-;
wen inches high, speaks a iiek and laughs loud, with ra- :
‘.Her a squeaking voice, iter nose and mouth project ra
ther tiror - than is eouunen for mu.altos; she had rings
t .. r ears wliw. she left, and fdv ays Wears someth ng *
ion her b***d I will pay fiftydoi’nrs for the opprcbiu- .
won and safe keeping of her so that I can get h> r. 1
(rill also pay a liberal reward for pr iof Buffeieiit to eoi - j
,-ict any person of harboring her, as l have reasons to Lie -,
ii-*ve she is concealed bv someone. :
A. T. AUSTIN.
J Xoveinbcr 1, _ dhf
imEsm, “” ;
PT.P di\. ?_g QT> * ? 8
IATK of New Vurk. bpgs resptwiluilv to an-1
J nmirvo I.’ tin* citizens id f'olnnjbus and its vi- j
cimlv. that he baa taken a store on Rroad st. opposite
ulie ••’l'imes Oilict;,” wirerc he intends carrying on the
nbavc busirn ss.
Persons seeking bn utiafehcled gentl ‘manly garment,
| will do well to avail theif.selws of his’ sup; rior style of
tli nik fully received, r-.ud ptuicutally
a!tended to. Observe the uebiress.
• J. SM FT PON, Tailor,
Rroud st. oppu.-ite llie limes * iliiee.
O. fuller Iv,UM9- 4-—3 in
THOMAS MHN, TAILOR,
■wßargOUl.r) resp-'etfu'ij’infonn t'ie public, that, he
‘vw leas removed of Ihoad andlfan
-4 dph streets, in tin'room mer C. My gait's store, oru
d ior aP-ivc J. OJ. and is prep ared to make geu
tleincu'h A *’ .
( OATS. VESA'S AM) P\\T\Loo.\S,
•in the latest stvh- and w an s* maimer.
(Rint'emcn furhisirinffllieir own materia!.-, will find it
io their advantage to a call.
jp f/;.t price s mil! !>’ mn-hratr, and no effort on his
part shall bo wanting to gl- . p-*rfect satisfyetiou.
CUTTING and HUP A HUNG done a; short notice,
(hiliiinbns,N*>v. !> in!: 1 . 43—it
A CARD.
Ke.storatlon mul Piescnation of (he Hair,
IJY 51. A. mtsf: a- son. tr viruinsa.
A. WISH tV. SON. In dice it idtogeib-r impossi
jl S eihle t<‘ lUteml person.ll\ to the event nun.tier of
daily applications, from all sections of the Union, for
their liomedv for Faithless, and for their celebrat'd
.HAIR TONGA have found’ it necessary to appoint a
litnernl Tfdr.eUing A pent, to visit different cities and
towns throughout the United States, vesting ltiuuiujf
authority to appoint so! -;\g* i.is, use and veiuJ *Jieijinw
‘Tonic, and apply the HECTOR A Ti\ E. and put them
into the hands of those lie may appoint to operate v her
.ever n sufficient iiuniber ot patients in any town or neigh -
berborhtwri sliall he ohfnined.
CAPE. GEORG /i <A EVERT, of Fauquier cc.
Va. is alone authorised to act as ; General Trav elling
Agent, with the powers above indicited.
it.!apt. C. may lie o.vueeted to visit. a*r spofdiiv as
speedily as practicable, the prinegial cites and towns of
.th.e Union.
N. If. Caps, (’alvert will.ways hive on hand a full sup
.j>!y of the HA IR TO A It', ,whi*|i cleanses the head of
•dandruff, strengthens ami Invigorated the hair, ; ud pre
vents it. als’i, from fuHmg 8If7) fori the region oi country
most contiguous t o his oji rations tor * may always 1m
obtained, at wholesale, at:J forwutied to any pr.it jif the
Union, by addressing the proprietor, ?,I. V, RSE t SON,
Hichniond,
!Cr § J per dozen, cash. Six Males for $5 ct one
dollar for a single bottle.
Dec. 13, 1849. 50 2m.
Foi* Shlc.
A\ ALh ABLE FLAN i .\ll(i'\ containing 400
J^u^aJiy^^L n ' : '''iiig n.'.n 1000
WLw.
FOH TtIF. SOtrTJIF.RN SENTINEL.
The 0!d, to the New Year.
All hail ! with thy brow of unruffled youth,
V Thy hopes imfad* J and bright,
Which hallow thy dawn like beams of truth
Upon the bosom of night.
Thou’rt welcomed with joy, like kings in their strength,
Or victor from war’s red plain—
By the glad and the weary, for Hope, at length,
j Renews h* r visions again ;
j l)v the young—for in their beauty and pride,
Thou wak'st the dream of fresh joys ;
Alas! we bear them away on our tide,
Where grief each vision destroys.
For too much like the human heart are vve—
We boast onr winter and spring;
.Then list! to the tale I bear unto thee’,
And be strong, ex’e youth Xuketh winm
For age comet 1; on—and decay all stern
Will wither the wreath on thy brow ;
(. loud* lie sleeping in the Future’s dark urn,
That will blight thy joyousness now.
Go so-th in thy strength ! while cold in the grave
Os the l’ast, I sleep i vermore ;
Carry joy. where grief’s broad shadow doth wave,
And bopefrto the weary and sore.
Go! heal with sweet balm the canker of caro
; I've left in many a breast—
Strew flowers across the path of despair,
j And peace, to tho soul of unrest.
Farewell ! I die ; the rose, and the leaf
On rrjy brow is withered and sere ;
With the young, and old, thy stay is full brief—
Then give them a happy New Year! .
M. H. c.
THE PHESIDEXT’S MESSAGE.
| Fellow-Citizens of the Senate
and House, of Representatives :
Sixty years liava elapsed since the establish*
j ment of this government, and the Congress of
; the United States again assembles to legislate
i fur an empire of freemen. The predictions of
evil prophets, who lormerly pretended to foretell
the downfall of our institutions, are now remetn
i here 1 only to he <! ‘*4* J, and the United States
ot America at this moment present to the world
the most stable and permanent government on
| earth.
! Such is the result of the labors of those who
: have gone before us. Upon Congress will emi
nently depend the future maintenance of our
; system of free government, and the transmis
i sion of it unimpaired to posterity.
YV e are at peace with all the nations of the
’ world, and seek to maintain our cherished rela
tions- of amity with them. During the past year
we have been blessed, by a kind Providence,
with an abundance of the fruits of the earth;
and although the destroying angel, for a time,
visited extensive portions of our territory with
! the ravages of a dreadful pestilence, yet the Al
| mighty has at length deigned to stay his hand,
| and to restore tho inestimable blessing of gen
! era! health to a people who have acknowledged
: his power, deprecated lus wrath, and implored
| his merciful protection.
; While enjoying the benefits of amicable in
tercourse with foreign nations, we have not been
; insensible to the distractions and wars which
have prevailed in other quarters of the world.
; II is a proper theme ofthanksgiving to Him who
I rules tiie destinies of nations, that we have been
able to maintain, amidst all these contests, an
; independent and neutral position towards all be 1-
j !ige:ent powers.
j Our relations with Groat Britain are of the
| must friendly character. In consequence of the*
j recent alteration ol the British navigation acts,
British vessels, from British and other foreign
po ts, will, (under our existing laws,) after the
Airs’ (lay,of January next, be admitted to entry
r in our ports, with cargoes of the growth, tnanu
l:u tut, or production of any part of the world,
jnntha same terms, <is to duties, imports, and
i ciiargG, as vessels of the United States with
their cargoes ; and our vessels will lie admitted
lo ih” mine advantages in British ports, entering
therein hn the same terms as British vessels.
; order in council disturb this legisla
tive ai laugemenf, the late act of the British JPar
■ Lament, by which Great Britain is brought with
in the Utir proposed by the act of Congress of
the Ist of M arch, 1817, it is hoped, will be pro
i duolive ot llenelit. to both countries.
A slight interruption of diplomatic intercourse,
which occurred between this government and
Fiance, 1 am happy to say, has been terminated,
. and our ..liniskp- received. It is, therefore, un
necessary to refer now to the circumstances
■ which h*d to that interruption. I need not ex
press to you ta* sincere satisfaction with which
we shall wolc >me the arrival of another envoy
t xtraordinaty ml minister plenipotentiary from
Ia sister republi: So which we have so long been,
and stiil remain, ‘bound by the strongest ties of
amity.
’ i Shortly after I had entered upon the discharge
! of the executive duties, I was apprised that a
; war-steamer beloi ging to the German empire
was being fitted o it in the harbor of New York,
with the aid of son a, otj *our naval officers, ren
!; dor'ed unde, the permission of the late Secrcta
.jry of the N ivy. ‘i is permission was granted
■! during an armistice Gitween that empire and the
: kingdom of Denmark,Which had been engaged
in the Schleswig-Holstein war. Apprehensive
that this act of intervention, on our part, might
■ j be viewed as a violat nil of our neutral nbliga
-1 j tions, incurred by the treaty with Denmark, and
| of the provisions ot the\act of Congress of the
f | 20th of April, 1818, 1 directed that no blither
■ j aid should be rendered f>y any agent or officer
G of the navy; and I instructed the Secretary of
? j State to apprise the minister of the German ein
i pire, accredited to this government, of mydeter
’ i initiation to execute the law of the United States,
■ | and to maintain the fait!Af treaties with all na
tions. The correspond™* i-vliich ensued be
j tween the Department and the. minister
i of the German empire *\vith laid before
j you. The. execution of the in v and the obser
| vanee of by me to be
the well to
t i (
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kkir u.
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COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 3, 1850.
time been in attendance at Frankfort-on-the-
Main, and although a minister appointed to rep
resent that empire was received and accredited
here, yet no such government as that of the Ger
man empire has been definitely constituted. Mr.
Donelson, our representative at Frankfort, re
mained there several months, in the expecta
tion that a union of the German States, under
one constitution or form of government, might at
length be organized. It is believed, by those
well acquainted with the existing relations
bt tween Prussia and the States of Germany, that
no such unii n can be permanently established
without her co-operation. In the event of the
formation of.such a union, and t’ e organization
of a central power in Germany, of which she
should firm a part, it would become necessary to
withdraw ourmini-ter at Berlin ; but while Prus
sia exists as an independent kingdom, and diplo
matic relations are maintained with her. there
canjje no necessity for the continuance of the
mission to Frankfort. II save, therefore, recall- i
eJ Mr. Donelson, and directed the archives of
the legation at Frankfort to be transferred to the
American legation at Berlin.
Having been apprised that a considerable j
number of adventurers were engaged in fitting 1
out a military expedition within the United ‘
States against a foreign country, and believing J
from the best information I could obtain, that ii’
was destined to invade the island ofCulia, I deem- ;
ed it due to the friendly relations existing between i
the United States and Spain, to the treaty be- I
tween the two nations', to the laws of the United i
States, and, above all, to the American honor, to j
exert the lawful authority of this government in
suppressing the expedition and preventing the in
vasion. ‘l'o this end, l issued a proclamation,
enjoining it upon the officers of the United ;
States, civil and military, to use all lawful means !
within their power. A copy of that proeiama- i
lion is herewith submitted. The expedition has j
been suppressed. So long as the act of Con
gress ol the 20th of April, 1818, which owes its
existence to the law of nations and to the policy j
of Washington himself, shall remain on our stat- j
ute book, 1 hold it to be the duty of the Execu
tive faithfully to obey its injunctions.
Y\ bile this expedition was in progress%l was ;
informed that a foreigner, who claimed our pro- i
tection, had been clandestinely, and, as was sup
posed, forcibly carried off in a vessel from New
Orleans to the Island of Cuba. I immediately j
caused such steps to be taken as I thought rie- i
cessary. in case the information I had received |
should prove correct, to vindicate the honor of
the country, and the right of every person seek
ing an asylum on our soil to the protection of
our laws. The person alledged to have been
abducted was promptly restored, and the circum
stances of the case are now about to undergo in
vestigation before a judicial tribunal. 1 would
respectfully suggest that, although the crime
charged to have been committed in this case is
held odious, as being in conflict with our opin
ions on the subject of national sovereignty and
personal freedom, there is no prohibition of it,
or punishment for it, provided in any act of Con
gress. The expediency of supplying this defect ;
in our criminal code is therefore recommended
to your consideration.
1 have scrupulously avoided any interference
in the wars and contentions which have recent
ly distracted Europe.
During the late conflict between Austria and
Hungary, there seemed to be a prospect that the
latter might become an independent nation.
However taint that prospect at the time appear
ed, I thought it my duty, in accordance with the
general sentiment of the American people, who
deeply sympathized with the Magyar patriots, to
stand prepared, upon (he contingency of the es
tablishment by her of a permanent government,
to be the first to welcome independent Hungary
into the family of nations. For this purpose l
invested an agent, then in Europe, with power
to declare our willingness promptly to recognize
lier independence, in the event of her ability to
sustain it. The powerful intervention of Russia
in the contest extinguished the hopes of the
| struggling Magyars. The United States did not,
!at any time, interfere in the contest; but the
; feelings of the nation were strongly enlisted in
I the cause, and by the sufferings of a brave peo
! pie. who had made a gallant though unsuccess
! tol eftbrt to be tree.
Our claims upon Portugal have been during
i the past year prosecuted with renewed vigor,
\ and it has been my object to employ every eif n't
i of honorable diplomacy to procure their adjust
| ment. Our late charge at Lisbon, the
; Hon. George YV. Hopkins, made able and ener
j getie, but unsuccessful, efforts to settle these tin
i pleasant matters of’ controversy, and to obtain
indemnity for tlie wrongs which were the sub-
I jects ot complaint. Our ‘present charge d’af
: Ik ires at that court will also bring to the prosecu
| lion of these claims ability and zeal. The revo
: lutionary and distracted condition of Portugal in
I past times has been represented as one of the
I leading causes of her delay in indemnifying onr
| suffering citizens. But 1 must now say it is a
| matter of profound regret that these claims have
; not vet been settled. The omission of Portugal
| to do justice to the American claimants has now
| assumed a character so grave and serious that 1
j shall shortly make it the subject of a special
i message to Congress, with a iiew to such ulti
mate action as its wisdom and patriotism may
suggest.
\Y ith Russia. Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Den
| mark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and t6e [tali
j an States, we still maintain our accustomed am
! icalde relations.
During the recent revolutions in the Papal
j States, our charge rl'afiaires at Rome has been
: unable to present his letter of credence, w hich,
! indeed, he was directed by my predecessor to
j withhold until he should receive further orders'.
! Such was the unsettled condition of things in
■ those States, that it was not deemed expedient
to give him any instructions on the subject of
: presenting his credential letter different from
those with which he had been furnished by the
! late administration, until the 25th of June la*t ;
when, in consequence of the want of accurate
information of the exact state of things at that
distance from us, he was instructed to exercise
his own discretion in presenting himself to the
then existing government, if in his judgment suf- j
Hciently stable; or, if not, to await further!
events. Since that period Rome has undergone
another revolution, an 1 he abides the establish- !
ment of a government sufficiently permanent to j
justify him in opening diplomatic intercourse’
with it.
! With the republic of Mexico it is'our true pol.
; icy to cultivate the most friendly lelalions. ilince
the ratification of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidal
go, nothing has occurred of a serious character
to disturb them. A faithful observance.of ihe
t-ieaty, and a sincere respect for her rigVs, can-
not fail to secure the lasting confidence and
friendship of that republic. The message of my
predecessor to the House of Representatives, of
the Bth of February last, communicating, in
compliance with a resolution of that body, a
copy ol a paper called a Protocol, signed at Que
retaro on the 30th of May. 1848, by the commis
sioners of the United States and the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Mexican government,
having been a subject of correspondence I e
tween the Department of State and the envoy ex
traordinary and minister plenipotentiary of that
republic accredited to this government, a tran
script of that correspondence is herewith submit
ted.
The commissioner on the part of the United
Slates ior marking the boundary between the
two republics, though delayed in reaching San
Di ego by unforeseen obstacles, arrived at that
place within a short period after the time requir
ed by the treaty, and was there joined by the
commissioner on the part of Mexico. They en
tered upon their du ies ; and, at the date of the
latest intelligence from that quarter, some pro
gress had been made In the survey. The ex
penses incident to the organ'zation of the com
mission. and to its conveyance to the point
where its operations were to begin, have so
much reduced the fund appropriated by Con
gress, that a further sum, to cover the charges
which must be incurred during the present fiscal
year, will be necessary. The great length of
frontier along which the boundary extends, the
nature of the adjacent territory, and the difficul
ty of obtaining supplies, except at or near the ex
tremes of the line.“render it also indispensable
that a liberal provision should be made to meet
the necessary charges during File fiscal year end
ing on the 3J;h of Juno, 1601. I accordingly
recommend this subject to your attention.
In *he adjustment of the claims of American
citizens on Mexico, provided for by the late trea
ty, the employment of counsel on the part of the
government may become important, for the pur
pose of assisting the commissioners in protect
ing the interests of the United States. 1 recom
mend this subject to the early and favorable
consideration o. Congress.
Complaints have been made in regard to the
inefficiency of the means provided by the gov
ernment of New Granada for transporting the
United States mail across the Isthmus of Pana
ma, pursuant to our postal convention with that
republic, of the 6th of .March, 1S 14. Our charge
d’affaires at Bogota h is been directed to make
such representations to the government of New
Granada as will, it is hoped, lead to a prompt re
moval of this cause of complaint.
The sanguinary civil war with which the re
public of Venezuela has for some time past been
ravaged, has been brought to a close. In its
progress the rights of some of our citizens, resi
dent or trading there, have been violated. The
restoration of order will afford to the Venezue
lan government an opportunity to examine and
redress these grievances, and others of longstan
ding, which our representatives at Caraooas
have hitherto ineffectually urged upon the atten
tion of that government.
The extension of the coast of the United States
on the Pacific, and the unexampled rapidity with
which the inhabitants of California especially
are increasing it; numbers, have imparted new
consequence to our relations with the other
countries whose territories border up m that
ocean. It is probable that the intercourse be
tween those countries and our possessions in
ilia’ quarter, particularly with the republic of
Chili, will become extensive and mutually ad
vantageous in proportion as California and Ore
gon shall increase in population and wealth.
It is desirab e, therefore, that this government
should and: everything in its power to foster and
strengthen its relations with those States, and
that the spirit of amity between us should be mu
tual and cordial.
I recommend the observance of the same
course to wards nil other American States. The
United States stand as a.great American pow
i"-, to which, as their natural ally and friend,
they will always be disposed first to look for me
diation and assistance, in the event of any col
lision between them and any European nation.
As such, we may often kindly mediate in their
behalf, without entangling ourselves in foreign
wars or unnecessary controversies. Whenever
the faith of our treaties with any of them shall
require our interference, wo must necessarily
interpose.
A convention has been negotiated with Brazil,
providing for the satisfaction of American claims
ou that government, and it will be submitted to
the Senate. Since the last session of Congress,
we have received an envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary from that einpirh, and
our relations with it are founded upon the most
amicable understanding.
Yoiii* attention is earnestly invited to an
amendment of our existing laws relating to the
African slave trade, with a view to the effectual
suppression of that barbarous traffic. It is not
to be denied that this trade is still, in part, car
ried on by means of vessels built in the United
Stated and owned or navigated by some ol our
citizens. The correspondence between the De
partment ofState and the minister and consul of
;ho United States at Rio de Janeiro, which has
from time to time been laid before Congress, re
pi ’.gents that it is a customary device to evade
the penalties of our laws by means of sea-let
ters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provided
with such papers by the consul, instead of re
turning to the United States for anew register,
proceed at once to the coast of Africa, for the
purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much
additional inhumation, of the same character,
has recently been transmitted to the Department
of State. It has not been considered the policy
of our laws to subject an American citizen, who,
in a foreign country, purchases a vessel bu! t in
the United States, to the inconvenience of send
ing her home tor anew register, before permit
ting her to proceed on a voyage. Any alteration
of the laws which might have a tendency to im
pede the free transfer ot property in vessels be
tween our citizens, or the tree navigation
of those vessels between different parts of
the w.uld, when employed in lawful commerce,
should be well and cautiously considered; but l
trust that your wisdom will devise a method by
which our general policy, in this respect, may
be preserved, and at the same time the abuse of
our flag, by means of sea-fetters, in the manner
indicated, may be pievented.
A contract having been concluded will) the
State of Nicaragua, by a company composed of
American citizens, tor the purpose of construct
ing a ship canal through the territory,f that
State, to connactihe Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
I ha*s directed the negotiation of a treaty with Ni
caragua, pledging both governments to protect
those who shail engage in and nrotcct the work.
Vr 3
All other nations arc invited by the State of Ni
caragua to enter into the same treaty stipulations
with her; aud the benefit to be derived by each
from such an arrangement will be the protection
of this great inter-oceanic communication against
any power which might seek to obstruct it, or to
monopolize its advantages. All Spates entering
into such a treaty will enjoy the right of passage
through the canal, on payment of the same tolls.
The work, ifconstiucled under these guaran
ties, will become a bond of peace, instead of a
subject of contention and strife between the na
tions of earth. Should the great maritime States
of Europe consent to this arrangement, (and we
have no reason to suppose that a proposition so |
fair and honorable will be opposed by any,) the
energies of their people and ours will co-opeiato
in promoting the success of the enterprise. 1
do not recommend any appropriation from the
national treasury for this purpose,Tier do I be
lieve that such an appropriation is necessary.—
Private enterprise, if properly protected, will
complete the.work, should it prove feasible, —
‘Fhe parties who have procured the charter fr*m
Nicaragua for its construction, desire no assist
ance from this government beyond its protec
tion ; and they profess that, having examined j
the proposed line of communication, they will
be ready to commence the imdeifakutg wlfenev- j
er that protection shall lie extended to thou.— j
Should there appear to lie reason, on examining I
the whole evidence, to entertain a serious rfoub.
<>f the practicability of cgtstmeting such a canal
that could lie speedily solved by an actual ex
ploration of the route.
Should such a work be constructed, under the
common protection ol all nations, lor equal ben
efits to all, it would be neither just nor expedi
ent thatauy great maritime State should command
the communication. The territory through
which the canal may he opened ought to he
heed from the claims of-any foreign power. No
such power should occupy a position that would
enable it hereafter to exercise so controlling an
influence over the commerce of the world, or to
obstruct a highway which ought to be dedicated
to the common uses of mankind.
‘Fhe routes across the Isthmus, at Tehuantepec
and Panama, are also worthy ot our serious con
sideration. They did not fail to engage the at
tention of my predecessor. ‘Fhe negotiator ol
the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was instructed
to offer a very large sum of money lbr the right
of transit across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.—
The Mexican government did not accede to tFie
proposition for the purchase of the right of way,
probably because it had already contracted with
private individuals for the construction of a pass
age from the river to Tehuantepec.
I shall not renew any proposition to purchase,
for money, a right which ought to be equally se
cured to all nations, on payment of a teasonubie
toil to the owners of the improvement, who
would, doubtless, be well contented with that
compensation and the guaranties of the maran
time States oi the world, in separate treaties ne
gotiated with Mexico, binding her and them to
protect those who should construct the work.—
Such guaranties would do more to secure the
completion through the territory of Mexico than
any other reasonable consideration that could
be offered ; and as Mexico herself \v ( uid be tin
greatest gainer by the opening of this commu
nication between the Gulf and the Pacific ocean,
it is presumed that she would not hesitate to
yield her aid, in the mmiter proposed, to the ac
complishment of an improvement so important to
her own best interests.
\Y r e h ave reason to hope that the proposed
Railroad across the Isthmus at Panama will be
successfully constructed, under the protection r f
the late treaty with New Granada, ra'ified and
exchanged by my predecessor on the l Jihdayot’
June, 1848, which guaranties the perfect lieu
trality of the Isthmus, and the rights of sovereign
ty and property of New Granada over that teiri
tory, “with a view that the free transit from ocean
to ocean may not be interiTipted or embarrass
ed” during the existence ofihe treaty. It is our
policy to encourage every practicable route
across the Isthmus, which connects North and
South America, either by Railroad or Canal,
which the energy and enterprise of our citizens
may induce them to complete ; and I consider it
obligatory on me to adopt that policy, os; ceiallv
in consequence of the absolute necessity of fa
cilitating intercourse with our possessions on the
Pacific.
The position of the Sandwich Islands with ref
erence to the territory ol the United States on the
Pacific ; the success of our persevering an i be
nevolent citizens who have repaired to that le
inote quarter in Christianizing the natives and
inducing them to adopt a sys em ol goverunii u
aryl laws suited to their capacity and wants ; and
the use made by our numerous whale-ships ol
the harbors of the islands as places of resort for
obtaining refreshments and l-erieirtt.-.-all combine
to render their destiny nteresting to
us. It is our duty to eneour^vf-ihe authorities
of those islands i:t their, effects to improve and
elevate the moral and political condition of the
inhabitants ; and we should make reasonable al
lowances for the difficulties inseparable from this
task. We desire that the islands may maintain
their independence, and that other nations should
concur with us in this sentiment. We could in
no event be indifferent to their passing under
the dominion of any ot heir power. The princi
pal commercial States have in this a common in
terest, and it is to be hoped that no one of them
will attempt to interpose obstacles to the inde
pendence of the islands.
The receipts into the treasury for the fiscal
year ending on the thirtieth of June last, were,
in cash, forty-eight millions eight hundred and
thirty-seven thousand ninety-seven dollars and
fifty cents, ($43 837,097 sft.) and in treasury
notes funded, ten million eight hundred and thir
ty-three thousand dollars, ($10,833,00;).) making
an aggregate of fifty-nine million six bundled,
and sixty-three thousand ninety-seven dollars and
fifty cents, ($59,653 097 50 ;) and the expendi
tures for the same time were, in cash, forv-six
million seven hundred and ninety : eig!it thousand
six hundred and sixty-seven dollars and eighty
two cents, ($43 798 657 82) and in treasury
notes funded, ten million eight hundred and thir
ty- three thousand dollars, ($10,833 000 ) making
an aggregate of fifty-seven million six hundred
and thirty-one thousand six hundred and stxty
seven dollars and eighiy-ccuts, ($57,631 667 82.;
The accounts and estimates which wi:i be
submitted to Congress in the report of the Sec
retary of the Treasury, show that there will
probably be a deficit, occasioned by the expen
ses of the Mexican war and treaty, on tne first
day of July next, of five million eight humhed
and twenty-eight thousand one hundred and
twenty-one dollars and sixty-six cents. ($5 828,-
121 65.) and on the first day of Joy, 185), of
1 ten million five hundred and forty-seven bou-
‘find no ! ninetv-iwo dollars and seventy-!hreo
cents, (lb *47,092 73 ) making in the whole a
probable (Via 0, to be provided tor, of sixteen
million three hundred and seventy-five thousand
two hundred ands u dollars anti ninety.one
cents (sls 375214 91.) ‘Fhe extraordinary ex*
pet ses of the war with M<vxi< c, and the purchase
ol Ca iluriiia and New Mexico,exceed in amount
ibis deficit. together with the loans heretofore
made for those objects. I therefore recommend
t!:al authority lie given to borrow whatever sum
may be necessary to cover that deficit. I re
commend the observance of strict economy in
he appropriation and expenditure of the public
money.
I recommend a revision of the existing tariff
, and its adjustment on a basis which may aug
jinrntthe revenue. I do not doubt the right or
| duty o! Congress to encourage domestic indus
i try, whi<'h is the grekt source of national as well
as individual wealth and prosperity. I look to
ihe wisdom and patriotism of Congress for tho
adoption of a system which may place home la
| hor at last on a sure and permanent footing, and,
| by due encouragement of manufactures, give a
I new and increased stimulus to agriculture, and
j promote the development of our vast resources
; and the extension of our commerce. Believing
| that to the ntiainment of these ends (as well as
; the necessary augmentation of the revenue and
1 the prevention of fra ml.-) a system of specific du
i ties is bo*’ adapted, I strongly recommend to
I Congress the adoption of that system, fixing the
i duties ->: rates high etc'Ugh to siffoid substantial
I and sum ion* encouragement to our own nidu*.
| trv. a.ci ! the Sana* same time, so adjuM'ed S9
jto insure ,1 t biiity.
! ‘Flic q.!-'>■ ioifof the continuance of tV e sub.
i treasury system is respectfully submitted to the
| wisdom oi Congress. If continued, important
; modifications of it u)>pear to be iiuli-peusalile*
i For farther details and views o# the above,
j and other matters connected with commerce, tho
finances and revenue. I* refer to the report of the
! Seereta \ of the T esuiy.
I No direct aid has been given by the general
j government to the improvement of agriculture,
! except by the expenditure of small sums for tho
j collection and publication of agricultural statia
; tics, and for some chemical analysis, which have
| been, thus !ar, paid for out of the patent fund.—>
| This aid is, in my opinion, wholly inadequate.
To give to this leading branch of American in
duslry the encouragement which it merits, 1 re
specti’ully lecommend the establishment of an
Agricultural Bureau, to be connected with th
j Department of the interior. To elevate the social
! condition of the agriculturist, to increase his
j prosperity and to extend Ids means of usefulness
I to ids country, by multiplying his sources of in
j formation, should be the'stu iy of every statesman,
! and a primary object with every legislator,
j No civil government having been provided bjr
j Congress lot California, tbe people of that Ter*
| ritory. impeded by the necessities of their polit
| ieal conili ion, recently met in convention for the
i purpose of forming a constitution and State-gov
, eminent, which the latest advices give the rea
son to suppose nas been accomplished ; and it is
believed they will shortly apply for the admis
sion of California into the Union as a sovereign
S;aie. Should such be tin- case, and should
i their constitution lie conformable to the reqtiisi
j tions of the constitution of the United Stales, I
| recommend -their application to the favorable
| considei ation of Congress.
The people of New Mexico will a!sc?, it is fie
! lievod, at no very distant period, present them
! selves for admission into the Union. Prepara
tory to the admission of California and Now Mex
ico, the people of yach will have instituted lor
themselves a republican government, ‘‘laying its
foundation in such principles, and organizing its
j powe/sln such form, as to them shall seem most
I likely to effect their safety and happiness.”
I Bv a waiting their action, all causes of unea
j siness may be avoided, and confidence and kind
j feeling preserved. YViiJva view of maintaining
i the harmony and tranquility so dear to all, wo
| should abstain from the inti< (lociion of those ex.
j citing topics of a sectional cha. actor which have
hitherto-produced painlul appr- 11l usions in the
I public mind ; and 1 repeat tbe solemn warnings
! of the first and most illustrious of my predecess
| ors against furnishing ‘'any g ound for eharnc*
j ierizing parties by geograph. :al discrimina
tions.”
A coliector has been appoint; Jat san Fran
cisco, under the art of Congress extending the
revenue laws over California ; and measures
I have been taken to organize the custom-house*
: at that am! the other ports mentioned in that act,
jat the earliest period practicable. The collector
j proceeded overland., and advices have not yet
j been received of his arrival at San Francisco.
] Meanwhile, it is understood that the custom*
| have continued to be collected there by the offi
! cers acting under the military, as they were du
i ring ‘he administration of my predecessor. It
i wilt, I think, be expedient to confitni thecollec
| tioris thus nuuig. and direct the avails (after such
i allowances as Congress may think lit to author*
; ize) to be expended within the territory, or be
paid in t tithe treasury, for the purpose of meeting
i appropriations for the improvement of its river*
and harbors.
A party, engaged on the coast survey, was de
spatched to Oregon in January last. According
to the iatest advices, they had not left California;
and diiections have been-given to them, as soon
as they shall-have fixed on the sets of the two
light-houses and buoys authorized to ‘ e construc
ted and placed in Oregon, to proceed without de
lay to make reconnoi.* ances of the most import
ant points oft the coast of California, and espe*
| cialiy ti examine and determine on sites for
| light-houses on.that coast, the speedy erection of
j which is ardently demanded by our rapidly in*
| creasing commerce.
i 1 have transferred the Indian agencies from
; Up er Missouri and Council B uffs to Santa Fe
land Sa t lake, and have caused to be appointed
] sub-agents in the valleys of the Gila, the Sacra
; mento, and San Joaquin rivers. Still further
’ legal provisions will be necessary for the cffcc
! the and successful extension of our system oi In-
I Jian intercourse over the new territories.
1 1 recommend tbe establishment of a branch mint in
! f’ahloniia. as it aid, in inv opinion, afford important
! facilities to those engage,! in mirentr, as well as to
| the government in the disposition of the mineral
j lands.
1 I also recommend that commissions be organized
j bv Congress to examine and decide upon the validity
of the present subsisting land titles in California and
j New Mexico; -and that provisions be made for the
i establ rdnneu! bf offices of serve- r gen°ra! of Mex-
I fen. California and Oregon, an.i tor the surveying
and hriaL'ifig into in u ket the public lands in those
Tjrr Juries. Those lauds, remote in position and
difficult of.acres*, ought to he disposed of on term*
; libera! to all, but especial.y favorable to tire early
i emi: rods,
* In order that she situation and character of the
print pal mineral r!ep**itr** in California raar he *•*
NO. 1.