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SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1851.
THE DAILY MORNING NEWS.
BY JOHN M. COOPER.
u n.l.mi t. THOMPSON, EDITOR.
DAILY rAPKK.. -»5 00 ) TM-WKKKLY *3 00
.\nn Adecrtitcmcniatoill appear in both paper,.
Largest Circulation in the City!!!
Wednesday Morning, December 3, 1831*
BY MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH.
ITr.nsmiU.il expro.sly for tho Daily Morning Now..]
Now York Cotton .Market, dec.
Nkw York, Dec. 2, 6 I\ M.
Ill the New Yolk Cotton market to-day,
Tuesday, only three hundred hales of cotton
have been sold. The stock is li”lit and tho
market dull. Cotton has declined ouc-quartcr
to three-eighths of a cent (j to jc.) since Inst
week. Naval stores arc firmer.
The President's Message was delivered to
Congress to-day.
The President’s Message.—The agent of
the Government nrrived last evening by the
.Northern lloat with tho President’s Message,
■which wus delivered to our Post Master, who
furnished copies to the difieruut newspaper ofiiccs.
To tho exclusion of much other mutter and
many advertisements, we lay this long, but inter
esting document before our renders this morning.
The President recommends suitable provision
for Kossuth, coming here on tho invitation of
Congress. The Spanish question is also fully
discussed.
We are pleased to notice that the May
or, at the request of a portion of our citizens,
calls a meeting, to bo held at iho Exchange long
room, this day, ut 12 o’clock, for the purpose of
tendering to the Members of our Legislature
now in session, his Excellency the Governor, mid
the officers ol the State House, nil invitation to
visit Snvunnali, as tho guests of the city.
Arrival of tiik Alabama Tho steamship
Alabama, Cnpt. Ludi.ow, urrived yesterday
forenoon, in sixty hours, from New York. Wo
are indebted to Cnpt. Ludlow nnd Mr. Camp
bell for tiles of Into papers, and to our New
York contemporaries for their usual favors.
ty The St. Andbew’s Society of tho City
of Savannah celebrated their anniversary with a
a supper, on Monday night, at their new Hull.
The supper, which wus prepared by Mr. Uon-
ai.dson, ol the Thistle House, a member of tlis
Society, wus ono of the most perfect in its nppear-
unec and gastronomic qualities wo liuvo over ant
down to in Suvniinuh. It was oxcollent, and did
credit to tho worthy caterer.
Never, perhaps, in tho history of this Society,
wn* seen a mole genial, social re-union, a more
happy, joyous gutlieriug of old mid young.—
From tho presiding oilicor, who, thirty years be
fore, had first taken his scat in tho Society, to the
twelve enthusiastic juniors who on this occasion
made their first appearance, there was hut one
feeling; and merriment, springing from their
proverbially social natures, mingled witli the ur-
dent love of their native laud nnd native customs,
guvo an nilcctionale and happy tone to tho en
joyments of the evening.
This was the christening of their splendid
Hall recently built; und an original song, writ
ten by an absent member, was sung in honor of
the occasion. Tho usual regular toasts wore
drunk, mid many appropriate volunteer senti
ments. Music of no ordinary stamp, and anec
dotes richly given, kept the room ringing with
merriment und applause. In the early part of
tno oveqmg a telegraphic dispatch requested
the pleasure of a gluss of wine witli the Charles
ton Society; which was replied to “ with three
times three,” and tho three times three—und
three more—were given in enthusiastic style.
The party broke up at an early hour, ill the
Horning, with ‘‘Auld Lung Syno,” and, not
withstanding the repeated assertions of their
determination, that they “ would’nt go homo till
morning!" wo believo there were none left to
rciteiute that hold dcliauco of domestic regula
tions—" when daylight did appear!”
Died.—William Thompson, who was.
stubbed mi Sunday night lust, while walking in
Uryuu street, died ut the Hospital on Moudny
morning, from the effect of his wounds. He re
ceived three severe wounds, all of which wore
of a serious nature.
Drowned.—As the Charleston steamer was
leaving hor wharf yesterday morning al4 o’clock,
a man, whose name wo did not learn, accidently
fell into the river from tho wharf and was
drowned. Those present made evory effort to
savo him, but it was unavailing. His body was
recovered and taken churge of by the Coroner.
Died Suddenly.—Mr. M. L. Morrell 1
about 25 years of age, and a native of Maine
died from uu apoplectic fit, yesterday. He was
one of the Custom House Boat lmnds,unci we are
told was a worthy and good citizen.
SPECIAL NOTICES.
, Savannah, Doc. 2d, 1851.
lion Riciubs Wayne, Mayor.
Dear Sir :—It ts the desire of a largo numbor of the
citizens of Savaunah to oxtoud an invitation to tile
members of the Legislature, now in Session, Uis Excel,
loucy tile Governor, and dtuto House omcore, to visit
our oily, and to partake tile hospitalities of our peo
ple. Assured tliui an interview of this kind will be
service, we beg that you, as the Chief Magistiute of the
city, will call a meeting of all our felluw citizens with
out distinction of party, to assemble at the Exchango
tomorrow, «l 12 Meridiau.
Wo liavo tho houor to he
Your fallowdnttzeiis.
Mayor’s Office, City of Savannah, J
Sd Dccotnbor, 1851. J
In conformity witli the above requost, the citizens —
Savannah generally are respectfully invited to ultond
a Public Meeting, to bo held at tho Exclmngo Loug
Jtoom, on Wednesday, tho 3d Docombor, 1851, at
o'clock, 51. K. WAYNE, Mayor.
{L. s.] Attest:
Eowabd G. Wilson, Clerk of Council.
“UAttU UF ltlSAI.'1'li. '
Au Extra Meeting of tho Board of Health will be
held tbts day, at 12 o’clock, M. The members arc
^.requested to examioo their Wards und ho punctual in
^etleuduncc, as business of importance will be brought
before them. By order of
s . _ , HARDEN, Chairman.
D A. r. LaWEEncE, Secretnra
„ . 1 '° 'he Votw. uf CUutlmin County.
/ rteadt and Fellaic Citizen, ■ 5
CLErV TTVZZ?'”' 1 ™ lu «>■. office of
CLERIT of the SUPERIOR tt ud inferior
COURTS, and rexpectfully solicit your , U p port al „
election in January next.
dec3 J.F.OMLMArtin,
Tito Diploma of the Mass. Institute, awarded
to Ayer', Cherry Pectoral, by Prof. Webster, when
Chairman of their Committee on Chemicals, is
exhibition at the American College in this city.
It is set with tho medallion awards of the three great
Institutes of Art in this country; aud also the Gold
Medal of the Medical Institute «t Naples. Surely this
discovery has received the honors of the great, as well
as the gratitude of the humble it cures.—Philad. Sat.
Courier. 6 dec 3
PRESIDENT^ MESSAGE
Felloio Citizens qf the Senate,
and of the House qf Representatives:
I congratulate you and our common constitu
ency upon the favorable auspices under which
you meet for your first session. Our country 13
ut peace with all ifio world. The agitation
which, for a time, threatened to disturb the fra
ternal relations which mukc ub one people, is fust
subsiding ; and a year of general prosperity nnd
health has crowned tho nation with unusual
blessings. None cun look hack to the dungciB
which arc pussed, or forward to the bright pros
pect before us, without feeling a thrill of gratifi
cation, ut the same time that he must be im
pressed with a grateful sense of our profound
obligations to a beneficent Providence, whose
puterual care is so manifest in the happiness of
this highly favored land.
TIIK CUBAN QUESTION.
Since the close of the lust Congress, certain
Cubans and other foreigners resident in the Uni
ted States, who were more or Icsb concerned in
the previous invasion of Cuba, instead of being
discouraged by its fuilurc, Imvcuguin abused the
hospitality ol this country, by making it (he
scene of tho equipment of unother military expe
dition against that possession of her Catholic
Majesty, in which they were countenanced,
aided und joined by citizens of the United States.
On receiving intelligence that such designs were
entertained, 1 lost no timo in issuing such instruc
tions to the proper officers of tho United States
us seemed to ho culled for by the occusion. Bv
tho proclamation, a copy of which is herewith
submitted, l also warned those who might bo in
(lunger of being inveigled into tins scheme, of its
uuluwful character, and of the penalties which
they would incur. For some time there was
reason to hope that these measures lmd sufficed
to prevent any such attempt. This hone, how
ever, proved Io bo delusive. Very curly in the
morning of the third of August, a steamer called
the Puniporo departed from New Orleans lor
Cuba, having on hoard upwards of four hundred
armed men, with evident intentions to make war
upon the uuthoritios of the island. This expedi
tion was set on foot in palpable violation of the
laws of the United estates. Its louder was a
►'Spaniard, and several of tho chief officers, und
some others enguged in it, were foreigners. The
persons composing it, however, were mostly
citizens of the United States.
Before Che expedition set out, nnd probably
before it was organized, a slight insurrection
ary movement, which appears to have been
soon suppressed, had takcu place in tho eastern
quarter of Cuba. The importance of this
movement was unfortunately so much exag
gerated in the accounts of it published in this
country, that these adventurers seem to have
been led to believe that the Creole population
of tho island not only desired to throw off the
authority of tho mother country, but had re
solved upon that step, and had begun a well-
concerted enterprise for effecting it. The per
sons engaged in the expedition were generally
young and ill-informed. Tho steamer in
which they embarked left New Orleans stealth
ily and without a clearance. After touching
at Key West, she proceeded to tho coast of
Cuba, and, on tho night between the 11th and
12th of August, landed the persons on board
«»l Playtas, within about twenty leagues of
Havana.
Tho main body of them proceeded to, and
took possession of, an inland village, six
leagues distant, leaving others to follow in
charge of the baggage, as soon as the meant
of transportation could be obtained. The lat
ter, having taken up their line of march to
connect themselves with the main body, and
having proceeded about four leagues into the
country, were attacked on tho morning of tho
13th by a body of Spanish troops, and a bloody
conflict ensued; after which they retreated to
the place of diccinburcnliou, where about fifty
' them obtained boats and re embarked there-
They were, however, intercepted ninoug
the keys near the shore by a Spanish steamer
cruising on the coast, captured and carried to
llavunu, and, utter being examined before a
military court, were sentenced to be publicly
executed, aud tho senteuco was carried into
effect on the Kith of August.
On receiving information of what had oc
curred, Commodore Foxhall A. Parker was
instructed to proceed in tho steam frigate Sar
anac to Havana, and inquire iuto the chargee
against tho persons executed, the circumstan
ces under which they were taken,and whatso
ever referred to their trial aud sentence. Co
pies of the instructions from the Department
of Slate to him, und of his letters to that De
partment, are herewith submitted.
According to tho record of the examination,
the prisoners all admitted the offences charged
against them, of being hostile invaders of the
Islaud. At tho time of their trial and execu
tion the main body of the invaders was still in
the field, making war upon the Spanish au
thorities and Spanish subjects. After the
lapse of some days, being overcome by the
Spanish troops, they dispersed on tho 24th ol
August. Lopez, their leader, was captured
some days after, aud executed on tho 1st of
September. Many of his remaining followers
were killed, or died of hunger and fatigue,
aud the rest were made prisoners. Of these,
none appeared to have been tried or executed.
Several of them were pardoned upon applica
tion of their friends and others, and the rest,
about one hqndred and sixty m number, were
sent to Spain. Of the final disposition made
of these we have no official Information.
Such is the inelaucholly result of this illegal
and ill-fated expedition. Thus, thoughtless
young men have, been induced, by false and
fraudulent representations, to violate tho law
of their country, through rash and unfounded
expectations of assisting to accomplish politi
cal revolutions in other States, and have lost
their lives in tho undertaking. Too soycre a
judgment can hardly be passud, by the indig
nant sense ef the community, upon those who,
being better informed themselves, have yet
led away tho ardor of youth and an ill-directed
love of political liberty. Tho correspondence
between tins Government and that of Spain
relating to this transaction is herewith com
municated.
Although theso offenders against the laws
have forfeited the protection of their country,
yet the Government may, so far as is consist-
cut with its obligations to other countries, and
its fixed purpose to maintain and enforce the
laws, entertain sympathy for their unoffend
ing lamilies and ft lends, as well as a feeling of
compassion for themselves. Accordingly no
proper effort has been spared, and none will be
spared, to procure the release of such citizens
of thp United States, engaged in this unlawful
enterprise, as are now in confinement in Spain;
but It is to be hoped thatsuch interposition with
the government of that country may not bo
considered as affording any ground of expect
ation that the Government of tho United States
will, hereafter, feci itself under any obligation
of duty to intercede for the liberation or par
don of such persons as are flagrant offenders
against the law of nations andthe laws of tho
• united States. These laws must be executed.
If we desire to maintain our respectability
among the nations of tho earth, it behoves us
to cnlorce steadily and sternly tho neutrality
acts passed by Congress, and to follow, as far
as may be, the violation of those ucts with
condign puuishrncnt.
But what gives a peculiar criminality to this
invasion of Cuba is, that under the lead of Span
ish subjects and with the aid of citizens of the
United Slates, it had its origin, with many, in
motives of cupidity. Mouey was advanced by
individuals, probably in considerable amounts
to purchase Cuban bonds, as they have bceu
called, issued by Lopez, sold, doubtless, at a
vory large discount, and for the payment of
which the public lands and public property of
Cuba, of whatever kind, and the fiscal resour
ces of the people and government of that is
land, from whatever source to bo derived,were
pledged, as well as the good faith of the gov
ernment expected to be established. All these
means of payment, it is evident, were only to
be obtained by a processor bloodshed, war,aud
revolution. None will deny that those who set
on foot military expeditions against foreign
States by means like these, are far moro cul
pable than the ignorant and the necessitous
whom they induce to go foflh as the ostensi
ble parties in the proceeding. J These origina
tors of the invasion of Cuba seem to have de
termined, with coolness and system, upon an
pndertaking which should disgrace their couu-
It?;, nf Uw *» » nd P”‘ hazard tire
lives of ill-informed and deluded mon. You
.will consider whether further legislation be
l..?" voo ‘ lho P« r Peiralion of such
of other nations an well as our own. But while
such are the sentiments of this Government,
it may bo added that every independent nation
must bo presumed to bo ablo to defend its
K ossessions against unauthorized individuals
traded together to attack them. The Govern
ment of the United States, at all times since its
establishment, has abstained and has sought
to restraiu the citizens of the country, from
entering intocontioversics between other pow
ers, and to observe all the duties of neutrality.
At an early period of the Government, in the
administration of Washington, soveral laws
were passed for this purpose. The main pro
visions of theso laws were rc-cnacted by the
act of April, 1818, by which, amongst other
things, it was declared that if any person shall,
within the territory or jurisdiction of the Uni
ted States, begin, or set on foot, or provide, or
preparo the means for any military expedition
or enterprise to bo carried on from tbcncu
against the territory or dominion ofany foreign
prince or State, or of any colony, district, or
people with whom the United States nro at
peace, every person to offendiug shall be
deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and
shall be fined, not exceeding three thousaud
dollars, and imprisoned not moro than three
years; and this law has been executed and
enforced, to the full extent of the power of the
Government, from that day to this.
In proclaiming and adhering to the doctrine
of neutrality and non-intervention, the United
Stales have not followed tho load of other civ
ilized nations; they have taken tho lend them
selves, and have been followed by others.—
This was admitted by one of the most emi
nent of modorn British statesmen, who said
in Parliament, while a minister of the crown,
“that, if ho wished for a guide in a system of
neutrality, he should lake that laid down by
America in the days of Washington and the
secretaryship of Jefferson ;” and wc see, in
fact, that the act of Congress of 1813 was fol
lowed, tho succeeding year, by an act of the
Parliament of England, substantially the
same in its generul provisions. Up to that
time there had been no similar law in Eng
land, except certain highly penal statutes
passed in tho reign of George 11., prohibiting
English subjects from enlisting in foreign
service, tho avowed object of which statutes
was, that foreign armies, raised for the pur
pose of restoring tho house oi Stuart to tho
throne, should not be strengthened by rccruit6
from England herself.
All must sec that difficulties may ariso in
carrying the laws referred to into execution
in a country now having three or four thou
sand miles of sea coast, with an infinite num
ber of ports and harbors and small inlets,
from some of which unlawful expeditions
may suddenly sot forth, without the knowl
edge of Government, ugainst the possessions
of foreign States.
Friendly relations with all, but entangling
alliances with none, has long been a maxim
with us. Our true mission ia not to propa
gate our opinions, or impose upon other coun
tries our form of government, by artifice or
force; but to teach by example, and show by
our success, moderation and justico, the bless
ings of solf-govermuent, and tho advantages
of free institutions. Let every people choose
for itself, and make and alter its political in
stitutions to suit its own condition nnd conve
nicncc. But, while wc avow and maintain
this neutral policy ourselves, we arc anxious
to sec the same forbearance on tho part' of
other nations, whoso forms of government are
different from our own. Tho deep Interest
which wc feel in tho spread of liberal princi
ples and the establishment of free govern
ments, und the sympathy with which wo wit
ness every struggle against oppression, forbid
that we should bo indifferent to a case in
which tho strong urm of & foreign power is
invoked to stifle public sentiment and repress
tjio spirit of freedom in any country
HAVANNAH MUTUAL LOAN ASSOCIA
TION.
Aa adjourned meeting will be held on Thursday
Evening, 4th tout., at 7^ o’clock,
dec 2 2
offences in future.
OUR FOREIGN POLICY.
No individuals have a right to hazard the
peace of the country or to violate its laws upon
vague notions of altering or reforming gov-
eminent? in other States. This principle is
not only reasonable in itself, and in accordance
J. M. GCERARD, Sec’y. J with public law* but is engrafted into the codes
Tho Governments of Great Britain and
France have issued ordero to their naval com
manders on the West India station to prevent
by force, if necessary, the landing of adven
turers from any nation on the island of Cuba,
with hostile intent^ The copy of a memoran
dum of a conversation on this subject between
the Chargo d’Affaires of her Britanic Majesty
and tho acting Secretary of State, and of a sub
sequent noto of the former to the Department
of State, are herewith submitted, together
with a copy of a note of tho Acting Secretary
of State to the^Minister of .tho French Repub
lic, and of tire reply of the latter, on the came
subject. These papers will acquaint you with
tho grounds of this interposition of tho two
leading commercial powers of Europe, and
with tho apprehensious, which this Govern
ment could not fail to cntcitain, that such in
terposition, if carried into effect, might lead
to abuses in derogation of tho maritime rights
of the United States. The maritime rights of
the United States aro founded on a firm, se-
cure and well-defined basis; they stand upon
tho ground of National Independence and pub-
lie law, and will be maintained in ail their
full and just extent. '
The principle which this Government has
heretofore solemnly announced it still adheres
to, aud will maintain under all circumstances
and at all hazards. That principle is, that in
every regularly documented merchant vessel
the crow who navigate it, and those on board
of it, will find their protection in the fl**
which is over them. * No American ship enj
be allowed to be visited or searched lor the
purpoao of ascertaining tho character of indi
viduals on board, nor can there be allowed any
watch by the vessels of any foreign nation
over American vessels on the coasts of the Uni
ted States, or the seas adjacent thereto. It will
be seen by the last communication from the
British Charge d’Affaires to the Department of
State, that he is authorized to assure the Sec
retary of Slate, that every care will betaken
that, in executing the preventive measures
against tho expeditions, which the United
Slates Government itself has denounced a3not
being entitled to the protection of any govern
ment, nointerference shall take p’aco with the
lawful commerce of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this
subject, herewith submitted, official informa
tion has been received at the Department of
State, of tho assurances by the French govern
ment that, in the orders given to the French
naval forces, they were expressly instructed,
in any operations they might engage in, to
respect the flag of tho Uuitcd States wherever
it might appear, and to commit no act of hos
tility upon any vessel or armament under its
protection.
ATTACK UPON THE SPANISH CONSUL AT NEW
OULEAN0.
Ministers and cousuls of foreign nations are
the means and agents of communication be
tween us and thoso nations, and it is of the
utmost importance that, while residing in tho
country, they should feel a perfeot security so
long as thsy faithfully discharge lhair respective
duties and arc guilty of no violation of our
laws. This is the admitted law of nations,
and no country has a deeper interest in main
taining it than the United States. Our com
merce spreads over every sea and visits every
clime, and our minister* <u.d < ousub arc ap
pointed to protect the iitleicst* ut that com
merce, as well us to guard the pcaco of the
country and maintain tho honor of its flag.
But how can they discharge these duties un
less they bo themselves protected; and, if pro
tected, it must be by the laws of the country
in which they reside. And what is due to our
own public functionaries residing in foreign
nations is exactly lho measure of what is due
to the functionaries of other governments re
siding here. As in war, tho bearers of flan- 3
of truce are sacred, or else wars would bo in
terminable, so in peace, embassadors, public
ministers, and consuls, charged with friendly
national intercourse, are objects of especial re
spect and protection, each according to the
r.ghts belonging to his rank and station.
In view of these important principles, it is
with deep mortification and regret 1 announce
to you that, during tho excitement growing out
of tho executions at Havana, tho oilicc of her
Catholic majesty’s consul at New Orleans was
assailed by a mob, his property destroyed, tho
Spanish flag found in the office carried oft’ and
torn in pieces, and lie himself induced to flee
for his personal safety, which he supposed to be
in danger. On receiving intelligence of theso
evonts, I forthwith directed the attorney of the
United States residing at Now Orleans to inquire
into tho facts and tho extent of the pccuniaay
loss sustained by tho consul, with the intention
of laying thorn before you, that you might make
provision for such indemnity to him as a just re
gard for tho honor of the nation and the respect
which is duo to a friendly power might, in your
judgment, seem to require. The correspond
ence upon this subject between the Secretary
of State and her Catholic majesty’s minister
plenipotentiary, is herewith transmitted.
The occurrence at New Orleans has led me to
give my attention to the state of our laws in re
gard to foreign ambassadors, ministers, and con
suls. i think tho legislation of the country is
deficient in not providing sufficiently either for
tho protection or tho punishment of consuls. I
therefore recommend the subject to the consid
eration of Congress.
RECIPROCAL TI1ADE BETWEEN THE U. STATES
AND CANADA.
Your attention is again invited to tho ques
tion of reciprocal trado between the United
States and Canada and other British posses
sions near our frontier. Overtures for a con
vention upon this subject have been received
from her Britanic Majesty’s Ministar Plenipo
tentiary, but it seems to bo in many respects
preferable that the matter should be regulated
by reciprocal legislation. Documents arc laid
before you showing tho terms which the Brit
ish government is willing to offer, and the
measures which it may adopt, if some ar
rangement upon this subject shall not bo
made.
OREGON BOUNDARY.
From the accompanying copy of a noto from
tho British Legation at Washington, nnd the
reply of the Department of State thereto, it
will appear that her Britanic Majesty’s gov
ernment is desirous that a part of tho bounda
ry lino between Oregon and the British posses
sions should bo authoritatively marked out,
nnd that an intention was expressed to np
ply to Congress for an appropriation to defray
tho expense thereof on the part of tho United
StateB. Your attention to this subject is ac
cordingly invited, and a proper appropiiation
recommended.
CLAIMS AGAINST PORTUGAL.
A convention for the adjustment of claims of
citizens of flio United States against Portugal
has been concluded, and the ratifications have
been exchanged. The first installment of the
amount to ho paid by Portugal, fell duo on tho
30ih of .September Inst, and lias been paid.
'Phe President of the French Republic, ac
cording to the provisions of the Convention, has
been selected us arbiter in the case of the Gen.
Armstrong; and lias signified that he accepts
the trust and the high satisfaction lie feels in
acting ns the common friend of two nations, with
which Franco is united by uontiinents of sincere
and lasting amity.
* RECEPTION OK KOSSUTH.
The Turkish government lius expressed its
thanks for the kind reception given to the Sul
tan’s agent, Amin Bey, on the occasion of his
recent visit to the United States. On the 28th of
February last, a despatch wus addressed by the
Secretary of State to Mr. Marsh, the American
Minister at Constantinople, instructing him to
ask of the Turkish government permission for
the Hungarians, then imprisoned within tiie do
minions of the Sublime Porte, to remove to this
country. On the 3d of Murch lust, both Houses
of Congress passed a icsolution requesting tho
President to authorize the employment of a pub
lic vessol to convey to this country, Louis Kos
suth und his associates in captivity.
The instruction above rclcrrod to was com
plied with, and the Turkish government hav
ing released Governor Kossuth nnd his com
panions from prison, on tho 10th of September
last they embarked on board of the United
States steam-frigate Mississippi, which was
eolccted to carry into effect the resolution of
Congress. Governor Kossuth left the Mis
sissippi at Gibraltar, for the purposcof making
a visit to England, and may shoitly be ex
pected in New York. By- communications
to the Department of State he has expressed
his grateful acknowledgments for tho inter
position of this Government in. behalf of him
self and his associates. This country has been
justly regarded as a safe asylum for those
whom political eventsdiavc exiled from their
own homes in Europe; aud it is recommended
to Congress to consider in what manner Gov
ernor Kossuth nnd liis companions, brought
hither by its authority, shall bo received aud
treated.
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
It ia earnestly to be hoped that the differences
which have for some time past been pending
between the government ol the French repub
lic and that of tho Sandwich islands, may be
peaceably and durably adjusted, so as tosccuro
lho independence of those islands. Loug before
the events which have ofv late imparted so
much importance to lira possessions of the
United Slates on the Pacific, wc acknowledged
the independence of the Hawaiian government
This Government was first in taking that step
and several of tho leading powers of Europe
immediately followed. YVo were influenced
in this measure by the existing and prospec
tive impor tanco of the islands as a place of re
fuge and refreshment for our vessels engaged
in the whale fishery, and by the consideration
that they lie in the course of the great trade
which must, at no distaut day, bo carried on
between lho western coast of North America
and Eastern Asia.
YVe were also influenced by a desire that
those islands should not pass under the con
trol of any other great maritime Since, but
should remain in an independent condition,
and so be accessible and useful to lho com
merce of all nations. I need not say that the
importance of these considerations has been
greatly enhanced by the sudden and vast de
velopment which the interests of tho United
States have attained in California and Oregon;
and the policy heretofore adopted in regard to
those islands will.be steadily pursued.
It ia gratifying not only to those who con
sider the comtnorcial interests of nations, but
also to all who favor the progress of knowledge
and the diffusion of religion, to see a commu
nity emerge from a savage state and attain
such a degree of civilization in thoso distant
seas.
INSURRECTION ON THE MEXICAN FRONTIER.
It is much to bo' deplored that tho internal
tranquility of the Mexican republic should
again be seriously disturbed; for, since the
peace between that republic and tho United
States.it had enjoyed such comparative fepose
that the moat favorable anticipations for the
future might, with a degree of confidence,
have been indulged. These, however, have
bccq thwarted by the recent outbreak in the
State of Tamaulipas, on the right bank of the
Rio Bravo. Having received information that
persons from the United States had taken part
in the insurrection, aud apprehending that
their example might be followed by others, 1
caused orders to bo issued for the purpose of
preventing any hostile expeditions against
Mexico from being set on foot in violation of
the laws of the United States. I likewise is
sued a proclamation upon the subject, a copy
of which is herewith laid before you. This
appeared to bo rendered imperative by the
obligations of treaties and the general duties
of good neighborhood.
TEHUANTEPEC CANAL AND PANAMA RAILROAD.
In my last annual message I informed Con
gress that citizens of the United States had
undertaken tho connexion of the two oceans
by means of a railroad across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, under a grant of the Mexican
government to a citizen of that republic; and
that this enterprise would probably bo prose
cuted with energy whenever Mexico should
consent to suoh stipulations with the Govern
ment of the United States as should impart a
feoliug of security to those who should invest
their property in the enterprise.
A convention between the two government
for the accomplishment of that end has been
ratified by this Government, and only awaits
the decision of the Congress and the Executive
of that republic.
Somo unexpected difficulties and delays
have arisen in tho ratification of that conve-
tion by Mexico, but it is to be presumed that
tier decision will ho governed by just and en
lightened views, as woll of the general impor
tance of the object, as of her own interests
and obligations.
In negotiating upon this important subject,
this Government has had in view one, and
only one object. That object has been, and ia,
the construction or attainment of a passage
fra in ocean to ocean, tho shortest aud the beet
for travellers and merchandise, and cqunlly
open to all the world. It has sought to obtain
uo territorial acquisition, nor any advantages
peculiar to itself; and it would see, with the
greatest regret, that Mexico should oppose any
obstaclo to tho accomplishment of an enter
prise which promises so much convenience to
the whole commercial world, and such emin
ent advantages to Mexico herself. Impressed
with these sentiments and these convictions
the Government will continue to exert all pro
per efforts to bring about tho necessary ar
rangement. with the republic of Mexico for the
speedy completion of the work.
For some months past the republic of Nica
ragua has been the theatre of ono of thoso civil
convulsions, from which the cause of free in-
stitutitions, and the general prosperity and
social progress of tho Slates of Central Ameri
ca, have so often and so severely suffered.
Until quiet 6ball hnvo been restored, and a
government apparently stable shall have beep
organized, no adyance can prudently be made
in disposing of tbo questions pending between
(lie two countries.
I nm happy to announce that an inter-occ-
anic communication from the mouth of the
St. John to the Pacific has been so far accom
plished as that passengers have actually tra
versed it and merchandise has been transport
ed over it; and when the canal shall have been
completed, according to the original plan, the
means of communication will be further im
proved.
It is understood that a considerable part of
tbo railroad ucross the Isthmus of Panama has
been completed, and that the mail and pas
sengers will in future be conveyed thereon.
YVhichever of tho several routes between tho
two oceans may ultimately prove ino9t eligible
for travellers to and from tho different States
on the Atlantic nnd Gulf of Mexico and our
coast on the Pacific, there is little reason to
doubt that all of them will be useful to the
public, and will liberally icward that individ
ual enterprise, by which alone they have been
or aro expcctod to be carried into effect.
ST. DOMINGO.
Pence has been concluded between tho con
tending parlies in tho Island of St. Domingo,
nnd it is hoped upon a durable basis. Such is
the extent of our commercial relations with
that island, that the United Slates cannot fail
to lecl a strong interest in its tranquility.
COMMISSIONER TO CHINA.
The office of Commissioner to China remains
unfilled; several persons have bceu appointed,
and the place bos been offered to others, all of
whom have declined its acceptance, on the
ground of the inadequacy of the compensation.
Tho annual allowance by law is six thousand
dollars, and their is no provision for any outfit.
1 earnestly recommend tho consideration of this
subject to Congress. Our commerce with Ohina
is highly important, and is becoming more and
more so, in consequence of the increasing in
tercourse between our ports on tho Pacific coast
nnd Eastern Asia. China is understood to be n
country in which living is very expensive, nnd I
know of no reason why the American Commis
sioner sent thither should not be placed', in re
gard to compensation, on nn equal footing with
ministers who represent this country at the
courts of Europe.
FINANCES, PUBLIC DElfTS, AC.
By reference to tho Report of the Secretary
of the Treasury, it will be seen that the aggre
gate receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to
§52,312,979 87; which, with the balance in the
Treasury on the 1st July, 1850,gave, ns the avail
able means for the year, tho sum of #63,917,-
524 3G.
The total expenditures for the same poriod
were #48,005,878 G8,
The total imports for the year ending 30th
June, 1851, were $215,725,995
Of which there were in specie... . 4,967,901
Tho exports for the same period
were $217,517,130
Of which there were
of domestic pro
ducts $178,516,555
Foreign goods re-ex
ported 9,733,695
Specio 29,231,880
$217,517,130
Since the 1st of December Inst the payments
in cash on account of tho public debt, exclu
sive of interest, have amounted to $7,501,456
56; which, however, includes the smn of $3,*
242,400 paid tender the 12th article of tho treaty
with Mexico, nnd the further sum of $2,591,-
213 45, being the amount of awards to Ameri
can citizens under the late treaty with Mexico,
for which the issue of stock was authorized,but
which was paid in cash from tho Treasury.
The public debt on the 20th ultimo, exclu
sive of the stock authorized to be issued to
Texas by the net of tho 9th September, 1850,
was $62,660,395 26. *
Tho receipts for the next fiscal year arc es
timated at $51,800,000, which, wiih the pro
bable unappropriated balance in the Treasury,
on the 30th June next, will give, ns the proba
ble available means fur that year, tho sum of
$63,258,743 09.
It has been deemed proper, in view of the
largo expenditures consequent upon tho acqui
sition of territory from Mexico, that the esti
mates for the next fiscal ycur should be !«;»!
before Congress in such manner as to distiii
guish the expenditures so required from the
otherwise ordinary demands upon the Trea
sury.
The total cxpediturcs for the next fiscal year
are estimated at $42,892,299 19, of which
there is required for the ordinary purposes of
the Government, other than thoso consequent
upon the acquisition of our new Territories,
and deducting tho payments on account o(.the
public debt, the sum of $33,343,198 03; and
for tho purposes connected directly or indirect
ly with those Territories,and in tho fulfilmentof
the obligations of the Government, contracted
in consequence of their acquisition, the sum of
$9,549,101 11.
If the views of tho Secretary of the Treasury
in reference to the expenditures required for
these Territories shall be met by correspond
ing action on the part of Congress, and appro
priations made in accordance therewith, there
will be nn estimated unappropriated balance
in the Treasury on the 30th June, 1853, of
$20,366,443 90, wherewith to meet that por
tion of tho public debt due on the first July
following, amounting to $6,237,931 35, ns
well as any appropriations which may be
made beyond the estimates.
Iu thus referring to tho estimated expenditure
on uccount of our newly ucquircd Territories, I
may express the hope that Congress will concur
with me in tho desire that a liberal course of
policy may be pursued towards them, and that
every obligation, express or implied, entered
into in consequence of their acquisition, shall
be lullilied by the most liberal appropriations for
that purpose.
OUR EXPORTS AND IMPORTS.
’I’lie values of our domestic exports for the last
fiscal year, us compared with those of the pre
vious year, exhibit an increase ol $43,646,322.
At first view', this condition of our trado with
foreign nations would seem to present the most
flattering hopes of its future prosperity. An
examination of the details of our exports, how
ever, will show that the increased vulue of our
exports for the last fiscal year is to be found in
the high price of Cotton which prevailed during
tho first liulCof that year, which price has since
declined about one-hulf.
Tho value of our exports of breadstuffs and
provisions, which it was supposed the incen
tive of a low tariff and large importations from
abroad, would have greatly augmented, Whs
fallen from $63,701,921, in 1847, to $26,051,-
373 in 1850, and to $21,943,653, in 1851,with a
strong probability, amounting almost to a cer
tainty, of a still fuither reduction in the cur
rent year.
The aggregate values of rico exported dur
ing the last fiscal yeur, as compared with the
previous year, also exhibit & dccicase amount
ing to $460,917, whiph, with a decline in the
values of the exports of tobacco for the same
period, make an aggregate decrease in these
two articles of $1,166,751.
The policy which dictated a low rate of du
tics on foreign merchandize, it was thought by
thoso who promoted and established it, would
tend to benefit tho farming population of this
country, by increasing the demand and raia
ing the price of agricultural products in for
eign markets.
The foregoing facts, however, sesm to show
incontcstibly, that no such result has followed
the adoption of this policy. On the contrary,
notwithstanding the repeal of the restrictive
corn laws in England, the foreign demand for
the products of the American farmer lias stead
ily declined, since the short crops and conse
quent famine in a portion of Europe have been
happily replaced by full crops and compara
live abundance of food.
It will be seen, by recurring to the com
mcrciul statistics for the past year, that the
value of our domestic exports has been in
creased in the single item of raw cottou by
$40,000,000 over the value of that export for
the year preceding. This is not due to any
increased general demand for that article, but
to the short crop of tho preceding year, which
created an increased demand and an augment
ed price for the crop of last year. Should tho
cotton crop now going forward to market bo
only equal in quantity to that of the year pre
ceding, and be sold at the present prices, then
there would be a falling off iu the value of our
exports for the present fiscal year of at least
$40,000,000, compared with the amount ex
ported for the year ending 30ih June, 1851.
CALIFORNIA GOLD—EXPORTS OF SPECIE.’
Tiie production of gold in California for the
past year seems to promise a large supply of
that metal from that quarter for somo time to
como. This large annual increase of the cur
rency of tho world roust be attended with its
usual results. These have been already par
tially disclosed in the enhancement of prices
and ft rising spirit of speculation and adven
ture, tending; to overtrading, &s well at boroo
as abroad. Unices some salutary check shall
be given to these tendencies, it is to be feared
that importations of foreign goods beyond a
healthy demand in this country will lead to a
Siudden drain of the precious metals from us,
bringing with it, as ii has dooo in former
times, the most disastrous consequences to the
business ami capital of the American people.
The exports of specie to liquidate out foreign,
debt during the past fiscal year havo been
$24,263,979 over lho amount of spccio im
ported. The exports of specie during the first
quarter of lho present fiscal year have been
$141,651,827. Should specie continue to bo
exported at this rate for the remaining three
quarters of this year, it will drain from our
metallic cuirency during the yeai cnding30th
June, 1852, the enormous amount of $68,607 .
308. * * '*
PUBLIC’DEBT.
In the present prosperous condition of the
national finances, it will become the duty of
Congress to coqsider the best modo of paying
off the public debt. If the present and amici-
pated surplus in tho Treasury should not bo
absorbed by appropriations of an extraordinary
character, this surplus should be employed in
such way, and unde/ such restrictions, to
Congress may enact, in extinguishing the out
standing debt of the nation.
TEXA8 DEBT.
By reference to the act of Congress ftpprovdd
9th September, 1850, it will be seen that, in
consideration of certain concessions by the
State of Texas, ibis providod that tho “United
StatCB shall pay to the State of Texas the sum
of ten millions of dollars, in a stock bearing
five per cent, interest, and redeemable at the "
end of fourteen years, the interest payable half;
yearly at the treasury of the United States.’*
In the same section of the law it is further
provided “that no more than five millions of
said stock shall be issued until the creditors of
tbo Stale holding bonds and olher certificates
of stock of Texas, for which duties on imports
were specially pledged, shall first file at tho
Treasury of the United States releases of all
claims against the United States, for or on ac
count ol said bonds or certificates, in such
form as shall be prescribed by the Secretary
of the Treasury, nnd approved by the Presi
dent of the United States.’*
Tho form of release thus provided for has
been prescribed by the Secretary of the Trea
sury, aud approved. It has been published in
all the leading newspapers in the commercial
cities of the United States, and all persons
holding claims of tho kind specified in tho
foregoing proviso were required to file their
releases (in the form thus prescribed) in the
Treasury ot tho United States, on or beforo
the 1st day of October, 1851. Although this
publication has been continued from the 25th
day of March, 1851, yet up to the 1st of Octo-
her last comparatively few releases had been
filed by the creditors of Texas.
Tho authorities of the State of Texas, at
the request of tho Secrotary of the Treasury,
have furnised a schedule oi the public debt of
that State created prior to her admission into
the Union, with a copy of tho laws under
which each class was contracted.
I have, from tho documents furnished by the
State of Texas, determined the classes of claims
which, in my jndgment, fall within the pro
visions of tho act of Congress of tho 9th of Sep
tember, 1850.
On being officially informed of the acceptanco
by Texas ol the propositions contained in the
act referred to, I cnus.d the stock to be prepar
ed, and the five millions which are to be issued
unconditionally, bearing an interest of five per
cent, from the 1st day of January, 1851, have
been for some time ready to bo delivered to tho
Stnto of Texas. The authorities of Texas, up
to tho present time, have not authorized any ono
to receive ibis stock, nnd it remains in the
Treasury Department, subject to the order of
Texas.
The releases, required by law to be deposited
in the Treasury, not having been filed there, tho
remaining five millions have not been issued.
This last amount of the stock will be withheld
from Texas until the conditions upon which it ia
to he delivered shall be complied with by the
creditors of that State, unless Congress shall
otherwise direct by a modification of the law.
THE TARIFF.
• In my last annual messeage, to which I re
spectfully refer, 1 stated briefly tbe reasons
which induce me to recommend a modifica
tion of the present tariff, by converting the
ad valorem into a specific duty, fwherever tho
article imported was of such a character as to
permit it, and that such a discrimination
should bo made, in favor of tho industrial pur
suits of our own country, aa to encourage
homo production without excluding foreign
competition.
. The numerous frauds which continue to bo
practiced upon the revenue, by false invoices
and undervaluations, constitute an unanswera
ble reason for adopting specific instead of ad
volorcm duties in all cases where the nature of
tiie commodity docs not forbid it.» A striking
illustration of these frauds will be exhibited in
the Repot t of the Secretary of the Treasury,
showing thccustom-hou8u valuation of articles
imported under a former law subject to speci
fic duties, when there was no inducement to
undervaluation, and the custom-hsuse valua
tions of lho same articles, under the present
system of ad valorem duties, so greatly reduc
ed as to leave no doubt of the existence of the
most flagrant abuses under tho existing
laws. This practical evasion of the present
la>V combined with the languishing condition
of some of the groat interests of the country,
caused by over importations and consequent
depressed prices, aud w’ilh tho failure in ob-
taing a foreign market for our increasing sur
plus of breadstuffs and provisions, has induc
ed inc again to recommend a modification of
the existing tariff.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior,
which accdninaoies this communication, will
present a condensed statement of the operations
of tlmt important department of tho Government.
It will be seen that the cuslv sales of the pub
lic iunds exceed those of the preceding year,
and that there is reason to anticipate a still furth
er increase, notwithstanding tho large donutioua
which have been made to rnuny ol the {States,
and the liberal grants to individuals as a reward
for military services. This fact furnishes very
gratifying evidence of the growing wealth and
prosperity of our country.
Suituble measures have been adopted for com
mencing the survey of the public lunds inCuli
fornia and Oregon. Surveying parties have been
orguuised, and somo progress lias been made in
establishing the principal base and meridian
lines. But further legislation aud additional
appropriations will be necessary before the
proper subdivisions can be made, and the general
land system extended over those remote purts of
our territory.
On the 3d of March last an act was p .ssed
providing for the appointment of three com
missioners to settle private land claims in
California. Three prisons were immediately
appointed, all of whom, however, declined ac
cepting the office, in cousequcnce of tbe inad
equacy of the compensation. Others were
promptly selected, who, for the same reason,
also declined; and it was not until l&to in the
season that the services of suitable persons
could be secured. A majority of the com
missioners convened, in this city, on the 10th
of September last, when detailed instructions
were given to them in regard to their duties*
Their first meeting for tho transaction ofbusi-
ness will be held in San Francisco on the 8th
day of the present month.
1 havo thought it proper to refer to these
fact3, not only to explain the causes of the
delay in filling the commission, but to call
your attention to tho propriety of increasing
the compensation of the commissioners. The
office is ono of great labor and responsibility,
and tbe compensation 6heuld bo such ns to
command men of a high order of talents and
the most unquestionable integrity.
The proper disposal of the mineral lands oj
California is a subject surrounded by great
difficulties. In my last annual message, l re
commended tho survey and sale of hem in
small parcels, under such restrictions ns would
effectually guard against monopoly and »P c p*
ulntion. But upon further information, and In
deference to tho opinions of persona familiar
with the subject, I am inclined to change that
recommendation, and to advise that they bo
permitted to lemain as at present, a common
field, open to the enterprise and industry of alt
our citizens, until further experience shall
havo developed the best policy to be ultimately
adopted in regard to them. It ia safer to suner
the inconveniences that now exist, for a short
period, than, by premature legislation, to fast
en on the country a system founded in erior,
which may place tho whole subject beyond tno
future control of Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, bo
surveyed and brought into market with as J* 1-
tie delay as possible, that tbo titles mav bo-
come settled, and the inhabitants stimulated
