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str ee ts and we are looking forward for heaver
receipts of Cotton the present year, at this
place than have been received at any time pre
vious. Corn is worth from 60 to 70 cents per
bushel cash. The people generally satisfied. Imi~
grants lam sure, can procure provisions cheap
er in Arkansas nextyear, than can be had in any
portion of Texas, as corn, to my own knowl
edge, is worth in some portion of Texas, from
$1 25 to §1 50 cents per bushel; then why
pass us bv ? We have good lands and cheap,
good water, good citizens, better facilities for
market, as a whole, than Texas dare boast of.
Tell the emigrants to give us a chance, and we
will ensure them kind treatment and as pleas
ant a country as can be boasted of, any where.
We will soon commence opperations on the
Plank road from this to Fulton, on lied river.
The land said road will be the means ot bring
ing into market, and the advantage to Camden,
is bound to be considerable. So you may
look out for Arkansas to brush off the dirt and
rubbish, and show herself as one of the stars
in this Union. Instead of being a by-word,
for every Jackanapes, she will be ranked among
the 1 upper ten,’ if she does belong at present
to the lower figure.
When my subscription runsoutor my money
for subscription, inform me and the rhino shall
be forthcoming. With my best wishes for your
success and prosperity, long life and health, I
beg to remain your friend, J. i- E.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Felloe Citizens of the Senate
and of the House of Representatives :
J congratulate you and our common constituency
upon the favorable auspices under which you meet for
your first session. Our country is at peace with all
the world. The agitation which, for a time, threaten
ed to disturb the fraternal relations which make us
one people, is fast subsiding; and a year of general
prosperity and health has crowned the nation with
unusual blessings. None can look back to the dan
gers which are passed, or forward to the bright prospect
before us, without feeling a thrill of gratification, at
the same time that he must be impressed with a grate
ful sense of our profound obligations to a benificent
Providence, whose paternal care is so manifest in the
happiness of this highly-favored land.
Invasion of Cuba.
[The President gives a history of this invasion and
its results, denouncing it in strong terms as a violation
of the laws and deserving of the severest punishment,
und then proceeds as follows :]
Although these offenders against the laws have for
feited the protection of their country, yet the Govern
ment may, so far as is consistent with its obligations to
other countries, and its fixeJ purpose to maintain and
enforce the laws, entertain sympathy for their unoffend
ing families and friends, as well as a feeling of com
passion for themselves. Accordingly no proper effort
lias been spared, and none will be spared, to procure
the release of such citizens of the United States, en
gaged in this unlawful enterprise, as are now in con
finement in Spain ; but it is to be hoped that such in
terposition with the government of that country may
not be considered as affording any ground of expecta
tion that the Government of the United States will,
hereafter, feel itself under any obligation of duty to
intercede for the liberation or pardon of such persons
as are flagrant offenders against the law of nations and
the laws of the United States, These laws must be
executed. If we desire to maintain our respectability
among the nations of the earth, it behoves us to enforce
steadily and sternly the neutrality acts passed by Con
gress, and to follow, as far as may be, the violation of
those acts with condign punishment.
But what gives a peculiar criminality to this inva
sion of Cuba is, that under the lead of Spanish sub
jects with the aid of citizens of the United
States, it had its origin, with many, in motives of cu
pidity. Money was advanced by individuals, probably
in considerable amounts, to purchase Cuban bonds, as
they have been called, issued by Lopez, sold, doubtless,
at a very large discount, and for the payment of which
the public lands and public property of Cuba, of what
ever kind, and the fiscal resources of the people and
government of that island, from whatever source to be
derived, were pledged, as well as the good faith of the
government expected to be established. All these
means of payment, it is evident, were only to be ob
tained by a process of bloodshed, war, and revolution.
None will deny that those who set on foot military ex
peditions against foreign States by means like these,
are far more culpable than the ignorant and the neces
sitous whom they induced to go forth as the ostensible
parties in the proceeding. These originators of the
invasion of Cuba seem to have determined, with cool
ness and system, upon an undertaking which should
disgrace their country, violate its laws, and put to haz
ard the lives of ill-informed and deluded men. You
will eonsidor whether further legislation be necessary
to prevent the perpetration of such offences in future.
No individuals have a right to hazard the peace of
the country or to violate its laws upon vague notions
of altering or reforming governments in other States.
This principle is not only reasonable in itself, and in ac
cordance with public law, hut is engrafted into the codes
of other nation as well as our own. But while such
are the sentiments of this Government, it may be ad
ded that every independent nation must be pre
sumed to bo able to defend its possessions against unau
thorized individuals banded together to attack them.
The Government of the United Slates, at all times
since its establishment, has abstained and has sought
to restrain the citizens of the country, from entering
into controversies between other powers, and to ob
serve all the duties of neutrality. At an early per
iod of the government, in the administration of Wash
ington, several laws were passed for this purpose. The
main provision of these laws were re-enaeted by the
act of April, 1818, by which, amongst other things, it
was declared that if any person shall, within the terri
tory or jurisdiction of the United States, begin, or set
on foot, or provide, or prepare the means for any mili
tary expidition or enterprise to be carried on from
thence against the territory or dominion of any foreign
prince or State, or of auy colony, district, or people
with whom the United States are at peace, every person
so offending shall be deemed guilty of a high misde
meanor, and shall be fined, not exceeding three thou
sand dollars, and imprisoned not more 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 States have
rot followed the lead of other civilized nations; they
have taken the lead thamselves, and have been followed
by others. This was admitted by one of the most emi
nent of modern British statesmen, who said in Parlia
ment, while a minister of tile crown, ‘that, if lie wish
ed for a guide in a system of neutrality, he should take
that laid down by America in therdaysof Washington
and the Secretaryship of Jefferson and wc see, in
fact, that the act of Congress of 1818 was followed,
the succeeding year, by an act of the Parliament
of England, substantially the same in its general pro
visions. Up to that time there had been no similar
law in England, except certain highly penal statutes
passed in the reign of George 11., prohibiting English
subjects from enlisting in foreign service, the avowed
objeet of which statutes was, that foreign armies,
raised for the purpose of restoring the house of Stuart
to the throne, should not be strengthened by recruits
from England herself.
All must see that difficulties may arise in carrying
the laws referred to into execution in a country now
having three or four thousand miles of seacoast, with
an infinite number of ports and harbors and small
inlets, from some of which unlawful expeditions
may suddenly set forth, without the knowledge of
Government, against the possessions of foreign States.
Friendly relations with all, but entangling alliances
with none, has long been a maxim with us. Our true
mission is not to propagate opinions, or impose upon
other countries our form of government, by artifice or
force; but to teach by example, and show by our suc
cess, moderation and justice, the hissings of self-gov
ernment, and the advantages of free institutions. Let
every people choose for itself, and make and alter its
political institutions to suit its own condition and con
venience. But, while we avow and maintain thisneu
ral policy ourselves, we are anxious to see the same for
bearance on the part of other nations, whose forms of
2?vtrnmnt are different from our own. The deep
interest which we feel in the spread of liberal princi
ples and the establishment of free governments, and
the sympathy with which we witness every struggle
against oppression, forbid that we should be indifferent
to a case in which the strong arm of a foreign power is
invoked to stifle public sentiment and repress the spir
it of freedom in any country.
Interference of England and I*ka.nce.
The governments of Great Britian and France have
issued orders to their navel commanders on the West
India station to prevent by force, if necessary, the land
ing of adventurers from any nation on the Island of
Cuba with hostile intent. The copy of a memo
randum of a conversation on this subject between the
Charge d’Affaires of her Britannic Majesty and the
Acting Secretary of State, and of a subsequent note of
the former to the Department of State, arc herewith
submitted, together with a copy of a note of the Act
ing Secretary of State to the Minister of the French
republic, and of the reply of the latter, on the same
subject. These papers will acquaint you with the
grounds of this interposition of the two leading com
mercial powers of Europe, and with the apprehen
sions, which this Government could not fail to entertain,
that such interposition, if carried into effect, might
lead to abuses in derogation of the maritime rights
of the United States. The maritime rights of the
United States are founded on a firm, secure, and well
defined basis; they stand upen the ground of Nation
al Independence and public'aw, and will be maintained
in all their full and just extent.
The principle which this Goverument has hereto
fore solemnly announced it still adheres to, and will
maintain under all circumstances and at all hazzards.—
That principle is, that in every regularly documented
merchant vessel, the crew who navigate it, and those
on board of it, will find their protection in the flag
which is over them. No American ship can be allowed
to be visited or searched for the purpose of ascertain
ing the character of individuals on board, nor can there
be allowed any watch by the vessels of any foreign
nation over American vessels on the coasts of the U.
States or the seas adjacent thereto. It will be seen by
the last communication from the British Charge d’Af
faires to the Department of State, that he is authorized
to assure the Secretary of State that every care will be
taken that, in executing the preventive measures
against the expeditions which the United States Gov
ernment itself lias denounced as not being entititled to
the protection of any government, no interference shall
take place with the lawful commerce of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this subject,
herewith submitted, official information has been re
ceived at the Department of State, of assurances by
the French government that, in the orders given to
the French naval forces, they were expressly instruct
ed, in any operations they might engage in, to respect
the flag of the United States wherever it might ap
pear, and to commit no act of hostility upon any ves
sel or armament under its protection.
Spanish Consul at New Orleans.
[The President speaks of the affair at New Orleans
and of the deep mortification he felt on hearing of the
outrage committed against the Spanish Consulate.
Recommends proper indemnity for the past and such
modification of existing laws and will give entire se
curity and protection to Foreign Ministers, Consuls &c.
in the discharge of their duty, as well as to puuish our
own Consuls for neglect of duty.
The President then recommends the following min
or matters to the consideration of Congress.
Ist. The question of reciprocal trade between the
United States and Canada and other British posses
sions.
2d. To an authoritative demarkation of the bounda
ry line betwen Oregon and the British possesions and
an appropriation therefor.
3d. Conclusion of the Convention for the adjust
ment of claims against Portugal and the receipt of the
first instalment of money.]
Turkey and the Hungarians.
[The President announces that the Turkish Gov
ernment has expressed thanks for the kind reception
given to Amin Bey, the Sultan’s agent, on his recent
visit to the United States—and the compliance of said
government with the request, for the Hungarian pri
soners to be permitted to remove to this country and
of said prisoners’ embarkation on board the Steam Fri
gate Mississippi, and the expected arrival of Kossuth
in this country, whom the President recommends to
tlie consideration of Congreess, as he and his compan
ions have been brought hither by its authority.]
Sandwich Islands.
[The President hopes that the difficuties which have
existed between the French and these Islands will
speedily be settled —and expresses a desire that the
independence of the Islands shall be preserved and so
be accessible and useful to the commerce of all na
tions.]
Affairs with Mexico.
It is much to be deplored that the internal tranquili
ty of the Mexican republic should again be seriously
disturbed ; for, since the peace between that republic
and the United States, it had enjoyed such com para
live repose that the most favorable anticipations tor the
future might, with a degree of confidence, have been
indulged. These, however, have been thwarted by
the recent outbreak in the State of Tamaulipas, on
the right bank of the Rio Bravo. Having re
ceived information that persons from the United States
bad taken part in the insurrection, and apprehending
that their example might be followed by others, I caused
orders to be issued for the purpose of preventing any
hostile expeditions against Mexico from being set on
foot in \ iolation of the laws of the United States. 1
likewise issued a proclamation upon the subject, a copy
of which is herewith laid before you. This appeared
to be rendered imperative by the obligations of treaties
and the general duties of good neighborhood.
In my last annual messege I informed Congress that
citizens of the United States had undertaken the con
nexion of the two oceans by means of a railroad across
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under a grant of the
Mexican governmant to a citizen of that republic ; and
that this enterprise would probably be prosecuted with
energy whenever Mexico should consent to sueli stipu
lations with the Government of the United States as
should impart a feeling of security to those who should
invest their property in the enterprise.
A convention between the two governments for the
accomplishment of that end has been ratified by this
government, and only awaits the decision of the Con
gress and the Executive of that republic.
Some unexpected difficulties and delays have arisen
in the ratificalion of that convention by Mexico, but it
is to be presumed that her decision will be governed by
just and enlightened views, as well of the general im
portance of the object, as of her own interests and
obligations.
In negotiating upon this important subject, this gov
ernment has had in view one, and only one, object.—
That object has been, and is, the construction or attain
ment of a passage from ocean to ocean, the shortest
and the best for travellers and merchandise, and equally
open to all the world. It has sought to obtain no ter
ritorial acquisition, nor any advantages peculiar to itself;
and would see, with the greatest regret, that Mexico
should oppose any obstacle to the accomplishment of an
enterprise which promises so much convenience to the
whole commercial world, and such eminent advantages
to Mexico herself. Impressed with these sentiments
and these convictions, the government will continue to
exert all proper efforts to bring about the necessary ar
rangement with the republic of Mexico for the speedy
completion of the work.
For some months past the republic of Nicaragua
has been the theatre of one of those civil convulsions,
from which the cause of free institutions, and the gen
eral prosperity and social progress of the States of Cen
tral America, have so often and so severely suffered.
Until quiet shall have been restored, and a govern
ment apparently stable have been organised, no advance
can prudently be made in disposing of the questions
pending between tne two countries.
I am happy toannnoece that an inter-oecanic commu
nication from the mouth of the St. John to the Pacific
has been so far accomplished as that passengers have ac
tually traversed it and merchandise has been transport
ed over it; and when the canal shall have been com
pleted, according to the original plan, the means of com
munication will be further improved.
It is understood that a considerable part of the rail
road across the Isthmus of Panama has been complet
ed, and that the mail and passengers will in future be
conveyed thereon.
St. Domingo and China.
Peace has been concluded between the contending
parties in the island of St. Domingo, and it is hoped
upon a durable basis. Such is the extent of our com
mercial relatioi.B with that Island, that the United
Slates cannot fail to feel a strong interest in its tran
quility.
The office of Commissioner to China remains un
filled ; several persons have been appointed, and the
place has been oft'ored toothers, all of whom have de
clined its acceptance, on the ground of the inadequacy
of the compensation. The annual allowance by law
is six thousand dollars, and there is no provision for any
outfit. I earnestly recommend the consideration of this
subject to Congress. Our commerce with China is
highly important, and is becoming more and more so,
in consequence of the increasing intercourse between
our ports on the Pacific coast and Eastern Asia. China
is understood to be a country in which living is very ex
pensive. and I know of no reason why the American
Commissioner sent thither should not be placed, in re
gard to compensation, on an equal footing with minis
ters who represent this country at the courts of
Europe.
of the finances.
By reference to the Report of the Secretary of the
Treasury, it will be seen that the aggregate receipts
for the last fiscal year amounted to $52,312,979 87 ;
which, with the balance in the Treasury on the Ist
July, 1850, gave, as the available means for the year,
the sum of $55,917,524 36.
The total expenditures for the same period were
$48,005,5?S 68.
The total imports for the year ending 30th June, 1851,
were ... $215,725,995,
Os which there were in specie 4,967,901.
The exports for the same period were $217,517,130
Os which there were of
domestic products $178,546,555
Foreign goods re-exported 9,738,695
Specie ... 29,231,880
Since the Ist of December last the payments in cash
on account of the public debt, exclusive of interest,
have aigounted to $7,501,456 56; which, however,
includes the sum of $3 242,400 paid under the 12th
article of the treaty with Mexico, und the further sum
ol $2,591,213 45, being the amount of awards to
American citizens under the late treaty with Mexico,
for which the issue of stock was authorized, but which
was paid in cash from the Treasury.
The public debt on the 20t!i ultimo, exclusive of tha
stoek authorized to be issued to Texas by the act of the
9th September, 1850, was $62,560,395 26.
‘I he receipts for the next fiscal year are estimated at
$51,800,000, which, with the probable unappropriated
balance in the Treasury, on the 30th June next, will
give, os the probable available means for that year,
the sum ot $03,258,743 09.
It has been deemed proper, in view of the large ex
penditures consequent upon the acquisition of territory
from Mexico, that the estimates for the next fiscal year
should be laid before Congress in such manner as to
distinguish the expenditures so required from the other
wise ordinary demands upon the Treasury.
The total expenditures for the next fiscal year are
estimated at $42,892,299 19, of which there is re
quired for the ordinary purposes of the Government,
other than those consequent upon the acquisition of our
new Territories, and deducting the payments on ac
count of the public debt, the sum of $33,343,198 08 ;
and lor the purposes connected directly or indirectly
with those Territories, and in the fulfilment of the ob
ligations of the Government, contracted in consequence
of their acquisition, the sum of $9,549,101 11.
If the views of the Secretary of the Treasury in re
ference to the expenditures required for these Territo
ries shall be met by corresponding action on the part
of Congress, and appropriations made in accordance
therewith, there will be an estimated unappropriated
balance in the Treasury on tbe 30th June, 1853, of
$20,306,443 90, wherewith to meet that portion of the
public debt due on the first July following, amounting
to $6,237,931 35, as well as any appropriations which
may be made beyond the estimates.
In thus referring to the estimated expenditures on
account of our newly-acquired Territories, I may ex
press the hope that Congress will concur with me in
the desire that a liberal course of policy may be pur
sued towards them, and that every obligation, express
or implied, entered into in consequence of their acqui
sition, shall be fulfilled by the most liberal appropriations
for that purpose.
The values of our domestic exports for the last fiscal
year, as compared with those of the previous year, ex
hibited an increase o $43,646,322. At first view this
condition of our trade with foreign nations would seein
to present the most flattering hopes of its future pros
perity. An examination of the details of our exports,
however, will show that the increased value of our ex
ports for the last fiscal year is to be found in the high
price of cotton which prevailed during the first half of
that year, which price has since declined about one-half.
The value of our exports of breadstuff's and provi
sions, which it was supposed the incentive of a low
tariff and large importations from abroad would have
greatly augmented, lias fallen from $G5,701,921, to
$26,051,373 in ISSO, and to $21,948,653 in 1851, with
a strong probability, amounting almost to a certainty,
of a still further reduction in this current year.
The aggregate values of rice exported during the
last fiscal year, as compared with the previous year,
also exhibit a decrease amounting to $460,917, which,
with a decline in the values of the exports of tobacco
for the same period, make an aggregate decrease in
these two articles of $1,156,751.
The policy which dictated a low rate of duties on
foreign merchandise, it was thought by those who pro
moted and established it, would tend to benefit the far
ming population of this country, by increasing the de
mand and raising the price of agricultural products in
foreign markets.
The foregoing facts, however, seem to show incon
tcstibly that no such result has followed the adoption of
this policy. On the contrary, notwithstanding the re
peal of the restrictive corn laws in England, the foreign
demand for the products # of the American farmer has
steadily declined, since the short crops and consequent
famine in a portion of Europe have been happily re
placed by full crops and comparative abundance of food.
It will be seen, by recurring to the commercial sta
tistics for the past year, that the value of our domestic
exports has been increased in the single item of raw
cotton by $40,000,000 over the value of that export
for the year preceding. This is not due to any in
creased general demand for that article, but to the
short crop of the preceding year, which created an in
creased demand and an augmented price for the crop
of last year. Should the cotton crop now going for
ward to market be only equal in quantity to that of the
year preceding, and be sold at the present prices, then
there would be a falling off in the value of our exports
for the present fiscal year of at least $40,000,000, com
pared with the amount exported for the year ending
30ih June, 1851.
The production of gold in California for the past
year seems to promise a large supply of that metal from
that quarter for some time to come. This large annual
increase of the? currency of the world must be attend
ed with its usual results. These have been already
partially disclosed in the enhancement of prices and a
rising spirit of speculation and adventure, tending to
overtrading, as well at home as abroad. Unless some
salutary cheek shall be given to these tendencies, it is
to be feared that importations of foreign goods beyond
a healthy demaud in this country will lead to a sud
den drain of the precious metals from us, bringing with
it, as it has done in former times, the most disastrous
consequences to the business and capital of the Ameri
can people.
The exports of specie to liquidate our foreign debt
during the past fiscal year have been $24,263,979 over
the amount of specie imported. The exports of specie
during the first quarter of the present fiscal year have
been $14,051,827. Should specie continue to be ex
ported at this rate for the remaining three quarters of
this year, it will drain from our metalio currency dur
ing the year ending 30th June, 1852, the enormous
amount of $58,607,308.
PUBLIC DEBT.
In the present prosperous condition of the national
finances, it will become the duty of Congress to consi
der the best mode of paying off the public debt. If
the present and anticipated surplus in the Treasury
should not be absorbed by appropriations of an extraor
dinary character, this surplus should be employed in
such way, and under such restrictions, as Congress
may enact, in extinguishing tne outstanding debt of the
nation.
By reference to the act of Congress approved 9th
September, 1850, it will be seen that, in consideration
of certain concessions by the State of Texas, it is pro
vided that the “United States shall pay to the State of
’ Texas tbe sum of ten millions of dollars, in a stock
’ bearing five per cent, interest and redeemable at the
’ end of fourteen years, tbe 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 the State holding bonds
‘ and other certificates of stoek of Texas, for which
’ duties on imports were specially pledged, shall first
‘ file at the Treasury ol the United States releases of
‘all claims against the United Stales, for on account of
‘ said bonds or certificates, in such form as shall be pre
’ scribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and ap
proved by the President of the United States.”
The form of release thus provided lor has been pre
scribed by tbe Secretary of the Treasury, and approved.
It lias been published in all the leading newspapers in
tbe commercial cities of the United States, and all per
sons holding claims of the kind specified ill the forego
going proviso were required to file their releases (in the
form thus prescribed) in the Treasury of the United
States, on or before the Ist day of October, 1851. Al
though this publication has been continued from the
2,)th day of Alarch, 1851, yet up to tbe Ist of October
last comparatively few releases had been filed by the
creditors of Texas.
The authorities of the State of Texas, at the request
of the Secretary of the Treasury, have turnished a
schedule of the public debt of that State created prior
to her admission into the Union, with a copy of the
laws under which each class was contracted.
1 have, from the documents furnished by the Slate
of Texas, determined the classes of claims which in
my judgment fall within the provisions of the act of
Congress of the 9th of September, 1850.
On being officially informed of the acceptance by
Texas of the propositions contained in the act referred
to, I caused the stock to bo prepared, and the five mil
lions which are to be issued unconditionally, bearing an
interest of live per cent, fronv. the Ist of January, 1851,
have been for some time ready to be delivered to the
State of Texas. The authorities of Texas, up to the
present time, have not authorized any one to receive
this stock, and 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, the remaining
five millions have not been issued. This last amount
of the stock will be withheld from Texas until the con
ditions upon which it is to be delivered shall be com
plied with by the creditors of that State, unless Cou
gress shall otherwise direct by a modification of the
law.
the tariff.
In my last annual message, to which I respectfully
refer, I stated briefly the reasons which induced me to
recommend a modification of the present tariff by con
verting the ad valorem into a specific duty, wherever
the article imported was of such a character as to per
mit it, and that such a discrimination should be made,
in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country,
as to encourage home production without excluding
foreign competition.
The numerous frauds which continue to be practis
ed upon the revenue, by false invoices and undervalua
tions, constitute an unanswerable reason tor adopting
specific instead of ad valorem duties in all cases where
the nature of the commodity does not forbid it. A
striking illustration of these frauds will be exhibited in
the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing
the custom-house valuation of articles imported under
a former law subject to the specific duties, when there
was no inducement to undervaluation, and the custom
house valuations of the same articles, under the pre
sent system of ad valorem duties, so greatly reduced
as to leave no doubt of the existence of the most flag
rant abuses under the existing laws. This practical
evasion of the present law, combined with the langu sh
ing condition of some of the great interests of,the
country,caused by over importations and consequent
depressed prices, and the failure in obtaining a foreign
market for our increasing surplus of breadstufls and
provisions, has induced me again to recommend a
modification of the existing tariff’
interior in; i> a nr m ent.
[Cash sales from the public lands exceeds those of pre
ceding year—showing gratifying evidence ol the grow
ing wealth and prospte-jtw of our country.
Suitable ut/asures liv-aroecn adopted for commencing
the survey of/the pu“ in California and Ore
gon. Further Irgislanon reeommended as necessary.
The operations of the commission to settle private
lands in California delayed, on account of the difficul
ty of getting commissioners to accept. Increase of com
pensation recommended. First meeting in fcjau Fran
cisco on the Blh inst.
If the Mineral and Agricultural lands of California,
the President thus speaks :]
The proper disposal of the mineral lands of Califor
nia is a subject surrounded by great difficulties. In
my last annual message I recommended the survey and
sale of them in small parcels, under such restrictions
as would effectually guard against monopoly and spec
ulation. But upon further information, and in defer
ence to the opinion of persons familiar with the subject,
I am inclined to change that recommendation, and to
advise that they be permitted to remain, as at present
a common field, open to the enterprise and industry of
our citizens, u.itil further experience shall have devel
oped the best policy to be ultimately adopted in re
gard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconveniences
that now exist, for a short period, than, by premature
legislation, to fasten on the country a system founded
in error, which may place the whole subject beyond
the future control of Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed
and brought into market with as little delay as possi
ble, that the titles may become settled, and the inhabi
tants stimulated to make permant improvements, and
enter on the ordinary pursuits of life. To effect these
objects it is desirable that the necessary provision be
made by law for the establishment of land offices in
California and Oregon, and for the efficient prosecution
of of the surveys at an early day.
AGRICULTURAL BUREAU.
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great in
terest of our people. Four-fifths of our active popula
tion are employed in the cultivation of the soil, and
the rapid expansion of our settlements over new terri
tory is daily adding to the number of those engaged
in that vocation. Justice and sound policy, therefore
alike require that the Government should use all the
means authorized by the Constitution to promote the
interests and welfare of that important class of our fel
low-citizens. And yet it is a singular fact, that, whilst
the manufacturing and commercial interests have en
gaged the attention of Congress during a large portion
of every session, and our statutes abound in provisions
for their protection and encouragement, little has yet
been done directly for the advancement of agriculture.
II is time that this reproach to our legislation should be
removed ; and I sincerely hope that the present Con
gress will not close their labors without adopting suffi
cient means to supply the omissions of those who have
preceded them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the duty of
collecting and disseminating correct information as to
the best inodes of cultivation, and of the most effectu
al means of preserving and restoring the fertility of the
soil, and of procuring and distributing seeds and plants
and other vegetable productions, with instructions in
regard to the soil, climate, and treatment best adapted
to their growth, could not fail to be, in the language of
Washington, in his last annual message to Congress, a
“very cheap instrument of immense national benefit.”
bounty lands.
Regarding the act of Congress approved 28th Sept.
1830, granting bounty lands to persons who had been
engaged in the military service of the country, as a
great measure of national justice and munificence, an
anxious desire has been felt, by the officers entrust
ed with its immediate execution, to give prompt effect
to its provisions. All the means within their control
were, therefore, brought into requisition to expedite the
adjudication of claims, and [ am gratified to be able to
state that near one hundred thousand applications have
been considered, and about seventy thousand warrants
issued within the short space of nine months. It ade
quate provision be made by law to carry into effect the
recommendations of the Department, it is confidently
expected that, before the close of the next fiscal year,
all who aer entitled to the benefits of the act will have
received their warrant*.
The Secretary of the Interior has suggested in his re
port various amendments of the laws relating to pen
sions and bounty lands, for the purpose of more effectu
ally guarding against abuses and frauds on the Govern
ment, to all of which I invite your particular attentio
INDIAN RELATIONS.
The large accession to our Indian population conse
quent upon the acquisition of New Mexico and the ex
tension of our settlements into Utah and Oregon, have
given increased interest and importance to our relations
with the aboriginal race.
No material change has taken place, within the last
year, in the condition and prospects of the Indian tribes
who reside in the Northwestern Territorv and west of
the Mississippi river. We are at peace with all of them,
and it will be a source of pleasure to you to learn that
they are gradually advancing to civilization and tin
pursuits of social life.
Along the Mexican frontier, and in California, and
Oregon, there have been occasional manifestations of
unfriendly feeling, and some depredations committed.
I am satisfied, however, that they resulted more from
the destitute and starving condition of the Indians than
from any settled hostility toward the whites. As the
settlements of our citizens progress towards them, the
game upon which they mainly rely for subsistance is
driven off or destroyed, and the only alternative left to
them is starvation or plunder. It becomes us to con
sider. in view of this condition of things, whether jus
tice and humanity, as well as an enlightened economy,
do not require that, instead of seeking to punish them
for offences which are the result of our own policy to
wards them, we should not provide for their immedi
ate wants and encourage them to engage in agriculture
and to rely on their labor, instead of the chase, for the
means of support.
Various important treaties have been negotiated with
different tribes during the year, by which their eto
large and valuable tracts of country have been exting
uished, all of which will, at the proper time, be submit
ted to the Senate for ratification.
BOUNDARY BETWEEN UNITED STATES AND MEXICO.
The joint commission under the treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo has been actively engaged in running and mar
king the boundary line between the United States and
Mexico. It was stated, in the last annual report of the
Interior, that the initial point on the Pacific and the
point of junction of the Gila with the Colorado river
had been determined, and the intervening line, about
one hundred and fifty miles in length, run and marked
by temporary monuments. Since that time a monu
ment of marble has been erected at the inititial point,
and permanent landmarks of iron have been placed at
suitable distances along the line.
The initial point on the Rio Grande has also been
fixed by the commissioners at latitude 32° 22’ , and at
the date of the last communication the survey of the line
had been made thence westward about one hundred
and fifty miles to the neighborhood of the copper mines.
the 7th census.
[Returns all received but California. The proper de
partment is engaged in classifying and arranging in
tabular form. An appropriation necessary to complete
the work earnestly recommended.
Ihe President recommends a uniform Fee Bill, to be
allowed District Attorneys, Clerks, Marshals, &c.
Recoinu ends Congress to improve the harbors of our
great Lakes and sea coast and the navigation of our
principal rivers. Thinks such matters are within the
Constitutional power of Congress. The unobstructed
navigation of the Mississippi and the prevention ofovtr
flows of that river deemed of great importance. The
survey of the Delta of the river with that view is near
ly completed.
President has done all he could to pretect the Mex
ican Frontier from the incursions of Indians within our
borders, the case is one of great difficulty.
Recommends an addition to the Military Force of the
l nion in California, to keep the Indians in subjection.
Recommends an increase of the army to correspond
with the increased wants of the country ]
WAR AND NAVY DEPARTMENTS.
I invite your attention to the suggestions on this sub
ject, and on others connected wiih his Department, in
the report of the Secretary of War.
The appropriations lor the support of the army du
ring the current fiscal year ending 30th dune next,
was reduced far below the estimate submitted l>v the
Department. The consequence of this reduction is a
considerable deficiency, to winch 1 invite your early at
tention.
The expenditures of that Department, for the year,
ending 30th June last, were $9,060,268 58. The esti
mates for the year commencing Ist July next and end
ing June 30, 1853, are $7,898,775 83 ; showing a re
duction of $1,161,492 75.
The Board of Commissioners, to whom the manage
ment of tile affairs of the Military Asylum created by
the act of 3d March last was entrusted, have selected
a site for tiie establishment of an Asylum in the vicin
ity of this city, which has been approved by me, sub
ject to the production of a satisfactory title.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy will exhib
it the condition of the public service under the aupervi
ion of that Department. Our naval force afloat during
the present year has been actively and usefully employ
ed in giving protection to our widely -extended and in
creasing commerce and interests in the various quar
ters of the globe, and our flag has everywhere afforded
the security and received the respect inspired by the
justice and liberality of our intercourse, and the dignity
and power of the nation.
The expedition commanded by Lieut. Dellaven, |
despatched in search of the British commander, Sir
John Franklin, and his companions in the Arctic Seas,
returned to New York in the month of October, after
having undergone great peril and suffering from an
unknown and dangerous navigation and the rigors of a
northern climate, without any satisfactory information
of the objects of their search, but with new contribu
tions to science and navigation from the unfrequented
polar regions. The officers and men of the expedition
having been all volunteers for this service, and having
so conducted it as to meet the entire approbation of the
Government, it is suggested, as an act of grace and
generosity, that the same allowance of extra pay and e
moluments be extended to them that were made to the
officers and tnen of like rating in the late exploring ex
pedition to the South Seas.
I earnestly recommend to your attention tho neces
sity of reorganizing the Naval Establishment, apportion
ing and fixing the number of officers in each grade, pro
viding some mode of promotion to the higher grades of
the navy, having reference to merit and capacity, rather
than seniority or date of entry into the service, and for
retiring from the effective list upon reduced pay those
who may be incompetent to the performance of active
duty. Asa measure of economy as well as of efficien
cy in this arm of the service, the provision last men
tioned is eminently worthy of your consideration.
The determination of the questions of relative rank
between sea officers and civil officers of the navy, and
between officers of the army and navy, in the various
grades of each, will also merit your attention. The
failure to provide any substitute, when corporal punish
ment was abolished for offences in the navy, has occa
sioned the convening of numerous courts-martial upon
the arrival of the vessel in port, and it is believed to have
had an injurious effect upon the discipline and efficiency
of the service. To moderate punishment from one
grade to another is among the humane reforms of the
age; but to abolish one oi severity, which w r as applied so
generally to offences on ship-board, and provide noth
ing in its stead, is to suppose a progress of improve
ment in every individual among seamen which is not
assumed by the Legislature in respect to any other
class of men. It is hoped that Congress, in the am
ple opportunity afforded by the present session, will
thoroughly investigate this important subject, and
such gradations of punishment as are consistent with
humanity and the personal rights of individuals, aud
at the same time shall ensure the most energetic and
efficient performance of duty and the suppression of
crime in our ships of war.
The advantages of science in nautical affairs have
rarely beeen more strikingly illustrated than in the fact
slated in the report of the Navy Department, that, bv
means of the wind and current charts, projected and
prepared by Lieutenant Maury, the Superintendent of
the Naval Observatory, the passage from the Atlantic
to the Pacific ports of our country has been shortened
by about forty days.
The estimates for the support of the Navy and Ma
rine Corps the ensuiug fiscal year will be found to be
$5,856,472 19, the estimates for tbs current year being
$5,900,621..
The estimates for special objects ander the control of
thia Department amount to $2,684,220 90, against $2,-
210,980 for the present year, the increase being oc
casioned by the additional mail service on the Pacific
coast and the construction of the dock in California,
authorized at the last session of Congress, and some
slight additions under the head of improvements and
repairs in navy yards, buildings and mavbiuery.
rosT-orricE.
The report of the Postmaster General, herewith
communicated, presents an interesting view of the pro
gress, operations, and condition of his Department.
At the close of the last fiscal year, the length ol
mail routes within the United States was 196.292
miles ; the annual transportriion thereon 53,272,250
mile* ; and the annual cost of such transportation
$3,421,754.
Ihe length of the foreign mail routes is estimated at
18,349 miles; and the annual transportation thereon
at 615,206 miles. The annual cost of thia service is
$1,4i2,287, of which $448,937 is paid by the Post
Office Department, and $1,023,250 is paid through the
Navy Department.
The annual transportation wit Ain the United States
(excluding the service in California and Oregon, which
is now, for the first time, reported and embraced in the
tabular statements of the Department) exceeds that of
the preceding year 6,162,855 miles, at an increased
cost of $547,110.
The whole number of post offices in the United
Staten, on the 30lh day of June last, was 19,796. Tht-ce
were 1,698 post offices established, and 256 discontin
ued, during the year.
The gross revenues of the Department for the fiscal
year, including the appropriations for the franked mat
ter of Congress, of the Departments, and officers of
Government, and excluding the foreign postages, col
lected for and payable to, the British |>ost office,
amounted to $6,727,866 78.
The expenditures for the same period (excluding
$20,599,49, paid under an award of the AuditoF in
pursuance of a resolution of the last Congress, for mail
service on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in 1532 and
1833, ind the amount paid to the British p,*t office
for foreign postages collected for and payable to that
office) amounted to $6,024,566 79; leaving a balance
of revenue over the proper expenditures of the year
of $703,299 99.
The receipts for postages during the year (excluding
the foreign postages collected for and payable to the
British post office) amounted to $6,345,747 21, being
an increase of $997,610 79, or 18.65-100 per cent,
over the like receipts for the preceding year.
The reduction of postage, under the act of March
last, did not take effect until the commencement of the
present fiscal year. The accounts for the first quarter,
under the operation of the reduced rates, will not be
settled before January next; and no reliable estimate
of the receipts for the present year can yet be made.
It is believed, however, that they will fall far short of
those of the last year. The surplus of the revenues
now on hand is, however, so large that no further ap
propriation from the treasury, in aid of the revenues of
the Department, is required tor the current fiscal year;
hut an additional appropriation for the year ending June
30, 1853, will probably be fouud necessary when the
receipts of the first two quarters of the fiscal year art
fully ascertained.
In his last annual report the Postmaster General re
commended a reduction of postage to rates which he
deemed as low as could be prudently adopted, unless
Congress was prepared to appropriate from the treasu
ry, for the support of the Department, a sum more than
equivalent to the mail services performed by it for the
Government. The recommendations of the Postmas
ter General, in respect to letter postage, except on let
ters from and to California and Oregon, were substan
tially adopted by the last Congress. He now recom
mends adherence to the present letter rates, and advi
ses against a further reduction until justified by the
revenue of the Department.
lie also recommends iliat the rat. sos postage on
printed matter be so revised as to render them more
simple, and more uniform in tin ir operation upon ail
classes of printed matter. 1 submit the recommenda
tions of the report to your favorable consideration.
CODIFICATION OF TIIE LAWS OF Till) . s.
;Tiie President recommends that provision be made
by law for the appointment of a commission to revise
(lie public statutes of the l nited Stales, g them
in order ,supplying deficiencies, correcting incongrui
ties, simplifying their language, and reporting lhem In
/Congress l>r its action.
The work of enlarging the capitol at Washington is
ad vancing with commendable rapidity, under direction I
of an experienced and competent architect. Commends
the interest of the District of Columbia, to the favora
ble regard of Congress.
Recommends again the appointment of a commis
sion to settle private claims against the Uuited States.
The President concludes his message in the follow
ing declarations of adherence to the Compromise Mea
sures of the last Congress, which we are sure will be
eminently satisfactory to the patriotic people of the
whole country ]
It is deeply to be regretted that in several instances
officers of the Government, in attempting to execute
the law for the return of fugitives from labor, have
been openly resi.-ted, and their efforts frustrated aud
defeated by lawless and violent mobs ; that in one ease
such resistance resulted in the death of an estimable
citizen, and in others serious injuries ensued to those
officers and to individuals who were usiug their en
deavors to sustain tlie laws. Prosecutions have been
instituted again.-t the alleged offenders, so far ns they
could be identified, and are still pending. I have re
garded it as my duty, in these caseg, to give all aid le
gally in my power to the enforcement of the laws, and
I shall continue to do so wherever aud whenever their
execution map be resisted.
The act of Congress ior the return of fugitives from
labor is one required and demanded by the express
words of she Constitution.
The Constitution declares, “That no person held to
‘ service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof,
‘ escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any
‘ law or regulation therein, be discharged from such
‘service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of
1 the party to whom such service or labor may be due. v
This Constitutional provision is equally obligatory upon
the Legislative, the Executive, and Judicial Depart
ments of the Government, and upon every citizen of
the United States.
Congress, however, must, from necessity, first act
upon the subject, by prescribing the proceedings ne
cessary to ascertain that the person is a fugitive, and
the means to be used for his restoration to the claimant.
This was done by an act passed during the first term
of President Washington, which was amended by that
enacted by the last Congress, and it now remains for
the Executive and Judicial Departments to take care
that these laws be faithfully executed. This injunction
of tbe Constitution is as peremptory and as binding as
any other; it stands exactly on the same foundation as
that clause which provides for the return of fugitives
from justice, or that which declares that no bill of at
tainder or ex post facto law shall be passed, or that
which provides for an equality of taxation, according to
the census, or the clause declaring that all duties shall
be uniform throughout the United States, or the impor
tant provision that the trial of nil crimes shall be by
jury. These several nrtieles and clauses of the Con
stitution, all resting on the same authority, must stand
or fall together.
* *
In my last annual message I stated that I considered
the series of measures, which had been adopted at the
previous session, in reference to the agitation growing
out of the Territorial and slavery questions, as a final
settlement in principle and substance of the dangerous
and exciting subjects which they embraced ; and I re
commended adherence to the Adjustment established
by those measures, until time and experience should de
monstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard
against evasion or abuse. I was not induced to make
this recommendation because I thought those measures
perfect, for no human legislation can be perfect.
Wide differences and jarring opinions can only be re
conciled by yielding something on all sides, and this re
sult had been reached after an angry conflict of many
months, in which one part of the country was arrayed
against another, and violent convulsion seemed to be
imminent. Looking at the interests of the whole
country, I felt it to be my duty to seize upon this Com
promise as the best that eoold be obtained amid conflic
ting interests, and to insist upon it as a final settlement,
to be adhered to by all who value the peace and wel-
f * re <* tbe country, a year ha,. .
tbat recommendation was made T •.* *****
datioo I .fill adhere, and 1 congratulate
try upon the general acquiew***. I m^
***** which has been exhibited in ail p,ru * R
P-bhc. And not only i.
‘ *7* nKa “ Mre *’ b * ** of coooiltL which
has been manifested in regard V, them to all pa rt s of
the country, has removed doubu and .Dccrtam*. in
the minds of thousand, of good men concerning the
durability of our popular institutions, and given renewed
“•wurance that our Liberty and our Union may , übsw .
together for the benefit of this and all succeed ng
MILLARD FILLMORE.
“ashinuton, December 2, 1851.
The Free Blacks.
The Buffalo Courier publishes the articU
from the Day Book, relating to the position of
the free blacks m tins State and the effects 11
emancipation upon them, and adds:
The truthful character of the ’statements
given above, is evident to all who have beenac
quainted with the history of the emancipated
blacks of our country. Throughout the north
ern States, wherever the old slaves still li D „ Pr ~
are to be found a body of degraded, wretch J
creatures, subsisting upon the chance ebaritsra
of the whites or, worse still, upon pilfering and
dishonesty. Accustomed during their child
hood and youth to the affectionate care of
their masters, and unacquainted with the provi
dence and economy that mark the .white labor
er, they found themselves free and imt-over
ished by their freedom. The moral attributes
ot the uegro race are low enough, at best, and
thus deprived of the fostering guidance of their
white owners, they at once lapsed into misera
ble degradation. Look at the negroes who
swarm upouS. and Water st's, N. V.! Where
can he found more positive evidence of the fol
ly of emancipation { Look at the blacks in our
own country villages and among our rural pop.-
ulation„ Beggars and thieves, the country and!
town charge wherever they are found, they
drag out an existence of freedom from nominal
slavery, but in hundred times the woes that fa
natics claim for the state of bondage. Compare
the vagabond negroes of our cities with the
sleek, well fed, contented slaves of Kentuckv
and \ irginia, and let any man, if he can, draw
an inference in favor of the former.
The fact is, that not one emancipated slave in
a thousand, can earn a decent livelihood or keen
liis family from starvation and the jail. The
negro is not fitted by nature to struggle with
the hard requirements of the world, lie must
either live from hand 10 mouth, upon the spon
taneous fruits of the earth, without a thought
for to-morrow, or he must be protected and
cared for by superior intellect. Take biin out
ot the influence of those conditions, and he is
devoid of all resources, becomes a beggar or a
thief, and starves, or is sustained in the bond
age us a prison. There are cases of negroes
who possess more than ordinary intellect, and
who succeed, tolerably, in earning a livelihood,
but these are tbe exception to tbe rule. The
only sphere in which the blacks, as a race, can
be made useful, is that of subserviency. They
make the best servants in the world, but they
never can be improved to the estate of masters,
without totally changing the mental organiza
tion. In the eye of the true pbilanUirophwi,
emancipation, when the negroes set free are left
to seek their means of existence among the
whites, is an act, not of charity, but of cruelty
LIT Tin- Greenville (S. C .)Pa: vt toils tiie
following among other good •: > is. .feats
the history of the late ‘hellabaky of South
Carolina secession :
*• A friend of ours returning from Georgia,
i the other day, before the election, and when it
was thought South Carolina vouhl certainly
! secede, saw a man lying in the road, on the
’ Georgia side of the Savannah river. Ilis wife,
and children and wagons and horses ;?i! stopped,
waiting ids movements. Our t\ send xfe up
and inquired what was the matter. He ascer
tained that they were moving from Chester
District, South Carolina, into the upper part of
Georgia and that the old man had taken too
much of tnc ‘over joyful’ and would not budge
a step. He listened to the explanation given
by his wife, which wtw not altogether satisfac
tory to his mind ; but the old man was not in
a condition himself to enter into particulars.
Raising himself up, however, lie was able to say
with a most profound sense of gratitude.—
4 Thank God I am once more in the United
Stales .’ It seemed that lie was fiying from se
cession, and on crossing the line had determin
ed to celebrate the event by hearty potations to
Bacchus. ‘Once more iu the United States,
thank God.’’
We think (adds the Patriot , with whom wtf
perfectly agree) the w hole people of South Car
olina, since the recent elections, ought to return
thanks, not in the same manner, but in the
same language, * Thank God we are once more
m the United States.’
The Importation of Slarfs.
The Augusta Qhronicle proposes the repeal of ths
acts of last legislature removing the restriction upon
the importation of slaves.
M e are strongly inclined to second the motion ;
principally for this reason ; that by preventing the in
gress, into the Cotton region, of slaves from Maryland,
Virginia, Missouri and Kentucky, we shall postpone in
definitely, what now seems rapidly approaching,
the abolition oj slavery in those Stales. We mast
compel them to remain for all coming time, unitc-d in
a common cause with us, by walling up their slaves
within their own limits; or at least by furnishing them
no outlet in this direction.
Slavery would still exist in New York, Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and perhaps, New England, but for the
opportunity which the South afforded to masters in
those States, (whose consciences became tender a*
slavery became unprofitable,) of realizing handsome
sums by sending their negroes to a better market.
We do not say that the inhabitants of the
northerly slave States, are yet ready to get rid of slave
ry ; w hat we say is, that the States farther south*
should prevent them from ever getting ready, by mak
ing it impossible for them to throw off their slaves up
on us. It will depend no little upon our course in refer
ence to this matter, whether w e retain them as allies,
or convert them into enemies. While they have slave
ry, with no power to free themselves from it, self-de
fence, yes their very existence as civilized communities,
will force them to make common cause with us, in de
fence of an institution, whose preservation is necessary
to their 1 as well as our well being. On the other hand,
allow them to get rid of it, as it becomes less profitable,
by the old process of sending their slaves southward,
and they become like those further north, otir Joes.
The strength of our opponents is already sufficient >
great; surely we should not, by our folly f make •>
more overwhelming.
And the earlier the States above mentioned are in
formed that they, no more than those south of them,
can ever escape from slavery, the better for them a ll
for us. When convinced of this, they will the more
readily take concerted action with their slaveh'iUng
sister States, for the protection of an institution, tl‘ e
destruction of which will seal the doom of everj com
munity in which it exists. They now show therms lies
quite too wnlling to concede to northern demands, be
lievieving that when the evil day comes, it will co™ o
for others not themselves. Let us convince them t l3t
for weal or for wo, for the present and the future. no
and forever, our lot must be theirs, and our doom th ° r
fate. ,
This can only be done by compelling them to tr
their slaves within their own limits.— Sav. Georg
Negroes im Oeegon.—There is a Territorial
Oregon prohibiting the bringing or coining of n *^ n
into the Territory. In a recent case against one
derpool, brought before Judge Nelson, this lan
forced, and the negro banished from the stale-
Intelligencer.