Funding for the digitization of this title was provided by R.J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation.
About A Friend of the family. (Savannah, Ga.) 1849-1??? | View Entire Issue (Dec. 7, 1850)
VOLUME IJ. €|)e /ninth nf €l)t jfatuiltj, A Weekly Southern Newspaper, PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY, BY EDWARD J. PURSE. terms: Two Dollars a year, in advance, or Two Fifty if not paid within three months. SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED FOR SIX MONTHS, AT ONE DOLLAR, IN ADVANCE. Three copies tor one year, or one copy three years, $5 00 Seven Copies, 10 00 Twelve copies, - -- -- -- 15 00 *** Advertisements to a limited extent, will he inserted al the rate of 50 cents for a square of twelve lines or less, for the first in sertion, und 30 cents for each subsequent insertion. Business cards inserted for a y-ear at Five Dollars. f3T A liberal discount will be made to Post Masters v/ho will do us the favor to act as Agents. Postmasters are authorized to remit mo ■y to Publishers and all money mailed in presence ot the Postmaster, and duly for warded b him, is at our risk. CF* All communications to be addressed (post-paid) to E. J. PURSE, Savannah, (la. W. S. LAWTON & CO^ Warehouse & Commission Merchants, MACOX, GEORGIA. LAWTON & DOWELL, FACTORS & COMMISSION MERCHANTS. No. 210 Bay St. Savannah, Ga. Tender their Services to their Friends and the FuM ie nnv 2 W. S. WILLIFORD, Auction t.y Commission Merchant , MACON, GA. (LF All kinds of Merchandise and Produce [except Liquor-] received on Consignment.oi Pur chased to Order. 1 vr nov 2 CLASSICAL & ENGLISH SCHOOL. No. 159 Bronghton-St. BERNARD MALLON, Principal. J. H. LUTHER, A. M., Classical Teacher. MISS V. JONES, Assistant. nov 9 GEO. M. WILLETT & CO., DEALERS IN GROCERIES, WINES, LIQUORS , TOBACCO, SEGARS, FRUIT, TICKLES, Preserves, Confectionary, 5f Garden Seeds. All kinds of Fish an:l Oysiers, when in season. No. 68 St. Julian and 101 Bryan Streets. J. P. A. Dcpon, ? (Waring’s Building.) Jahn R. Tebeak, $ nov 9 BOOK AND JOB PRINTING. GEO. N. NICHOLS, (Ovsens Building, opposite the Pulaski House,) SAVANNAH, GA. Ii prepared to execute all work in bis line, with neatness and despatch, and in a style not to be surpassed. Prices ns reasonable as any other establishment in the city. ly sept 25 G. BUTLER, MASTER BUILDER, DEALER IN IVHITE PINE LUMBER, York Street, Oglethorpe Square. N. 11.—He is prepared to put in Iron fronts in Stores, See. ly oct 19 T. R. CLARKE, FASHIONABLE BOOT MAKER, Next door to corner Bull and Broughton-sts. •ctlo ly SAM L. L. SPEIS3EGGEH, TUNER a- REPAIRER PIANO FORTES, # HAVING been engaged in the above busi ness for the last 3 > years, Mr S. trusts that special references are unnecessary. Orders left with Mr H. S. Bogardus, fiull-st., Messrs F. Zogbattm <fc Cos., or Messrs I. V\ • Mur* rr[l & Cos., will bo attended to with promptness and fidelity. lm oct 12 A. PONCE, Importer and Manufacturer of Sc gars, No. 13 Whitaker Street, Keeps an hand a well selected stock ol iinpoited Beg*r ; also Manufactured Tobacco. Snutl, 1 ipcs, •ad all other articles usually kept in his line of business, which he ofTers on the most reasonable terms. ly o’’ l 1® W A J. WYLLY, CABINET MAKER 4- UNDERTAKER, Corner of Broughton and Bull Streets, Under the Lyceum Hall. Coffins of all kind, made of the best materials, and furnished at the shortest notice. Also, urw and second hand Imniture bought and sold, anti repaired with dispatch. act 12 2m N. ELLS, FASHIONABLE BOOT MAKER, No. 104 Broughton-st,, near the cornet of Bull-st. act 12 ts J. s. SOLOMONS ‘TILL contract to execute Plastering, of ab kinds and styles, at the shortest notice. Residence, President Street, next door to Mr- B. Snider t. ‘ 2tn oct 12 JOHN F. SHEEN, FASHIONABLE TAILOR, Over .1. M. Haywood’s II air Dressing Saloon, OPPOSITE THE PULASKI HOUSE. Cutting, Mending and Cleaning done with neatness and despatch. Work made up as cheap as m any • ther establishment in the city. sept 21 J DE MARTIN, DEALER IN Fruits, Wines, Liquors, Segars. PICKLES, PRESERVES and GARDEN SEEDS. —: also: — APPLES, ONIONS 4- POTATOES, When in season, received fresh by every vessel. —: also: — Oysters put up to prdxr in from 1 to 10 gallon kegs. Corner of Bay and Whitaker Streets, A— JOHN OLIVER, HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTER, GILDER, GLAZIER, &x., No. 121 Broughton Street, a few doors east of Whitaker Street, Savannah, Ga. CF* All kinds of Taints —Paint Oil, Turpentine, Garnish, Glass, Patty, <fec., for sale. july 20 EDWARD G. WILSON, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, Conveyancer, Collector, Accountant 4* Copyist , Office under J. M. Haywood’s. BP* Return Day, Wednesday, December 25th. -DmM ta litem to, Iricnre unit 3lrt, \\)t inns nf cDirit JMasannj unit tjj t Jims of flje JOaij. McARTHOR & MORSE, Manufacturers and Dealers in PLAIN, JAPANNED & BLOCK TIN WARE, HOLLOW & ENAMELLED WARE, STOVES AND COOKING RANGES, Lead Pipe, Sheet Lead. Copper and Zinc, STORE, 13 BARNARD STREET. All kinds of Copper, Tin and Sheet Iron Work, done in the best manner, at the shortest notice. Be P* 21 lyr ALLEN & BALL, FACTORS & COMMISSION MERCHANTS, No. 112 BAY STREET, SAVANNAH, GA. J. M. BALL & CO., <& omm i s jb to u tt chau ts, MACON, GEORGIA. ROBERT A. ALLEN, JAMES M. BALL, sept 20 jy JONES & PAPOT, Shipwrights, Spar Makers, AND CAULKERS. Yard opposite R.& J. Lachlison’s Foundry. R. H. DARBY, jm.. je3l oi „ Corner Broughton and Whitaker Streets, SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. R. H. D. is prepared to execute all orders for Making or Cutting on reasonable tprms marl) ly J. S. STURTEVANT, MASTER BUILDER, Corner Montgomery and Liberty Sts. All orders in his line will be promptly attended to, and faithfully executed. ly june 1 JOHN V. TARVER, FACTOR 4- COMMISSION MERCHANT EXCHANGE WHARF, SAVANNAH, GA. RABUN & FULTON, COMMISSION MERCHANTS, No. 207 Bay Street , Savannah, Ga. J. XV. RABUN, R. L. FULTON, I. P. WHITEHEAD. LANIER HOUSE, BY LANIER & SON, june 22 Macon, Georgia. J. HASBROUCK & CO., Wholesale and Retail Dealers in CHINA, GLASS AND EARTHENWARE, sept 21 BROUGHTON STREET, SAVANNAH. S. Y. L E VY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Office, No. 13-5 Bay-Street. E. T. SHEFTALL, ATTORNEY AT LAW, may 2-5 Dublin, Georgia. MEDICAL NOTICE. DOCTOR MOREL. Office No. 157 Brough ton Street. ts mar 23 FRANCIS WAVER, IMPORTING & COMMISSION MERCHANT, No 107 Bay Street, Savannah, Geo. PHILIP KEAN, DRAPER AND TAILOR, AND DEALER IN READY MADE CLOTHING. Penfield’s Range, No. 98 Bryan Street, Store formerly occupied by J. Southwell &, Cos J. T. JONES, MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN Double & Single Guns, Riiles, &c,, West Side of Monument Square. SAMUEL S. MILLER, MANUFACTURER OF CARRIAGES AND WAGONS, DEALER IN HUES, SPOKES, FELLOES, Si. c. No. 140 Broughton St., Savannah. A SHORT, M AST E R BUILDER, Will take contracts for Building and Work in Masonry of every description. Cornet ot South Broad and Whitaker streets. may 26 PRESJDENT'S MESSAGE. Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives : Being suddenly called, in the midst of the last session of Congress, by a painful dispensation of Divine Providence, to the. responsible station which I now hold, I contented myself with such communication* to the Legislature as the exigen cy of the moment seemed to require. The coun try was shrouded in mourning for the loss of its venerated Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were penetrated with grief. Neither the time not the occasion appeared to require or to jnstily, on my part, any general expression of political opin ions, or any announcement of the principles which would govern me in the discharge of the duties to the performance of which I had been so unexpectedly called. I trust, therefore, that it may not be deemed inappropriate, if I avail my self of his opportunity of the re-assembling of Congress, to make known my sentiments, in a general manner, in regard to the policy which ought to be pursued bv the Government, both in its intercourse with loreign nations, and in its management and administration ol internal af fairs. Nations, like individuals in a state of nature, are equal and independent, possessing certain rights, and owing certain duties to each other, arising from their necessary and -unavoidable re lations; which rights and duties there is no com mon human authority to protect and enforce. — Still, they are rights and duties, binding in mor als, in conscience, and in honor, although there is no tribunal to which an injured party can ap peal but the disinterested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the arbitrament of the sword. Among the acknowledged rights of nations is that, which each possesses of establishing that form of government which it may deem most conducive to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens; of changing that form, as circum stances may require, and of managing its inter nal affairs according to its own will. The peo ple of the United States claim this right for them selves, and they readily concede it to others. Hence it becomes an imperative duty not to in terfere in the government or internal policy of other nations; and, although we may sympathise with the unfortunate or the oppressed, every where, in their struggles for freedom, our princi ples forbid us from taking any part in such for eign contests. We make no wars to promote or to prevent successions to thrones; to maintain any theory of a balance of power; or to suppress the actual government which any country choosrs to establish for itself. We instigate no icvolotions, nor suffer any hostile military expeditions to be fitted out in the United Stales to invade the terri tory or provinces of a friendly nation. The great law of morality ought to have a national, as well as a personal and individual application. Me should act towards other nations as we wish litem to act towards us; and justice and conscience should form the rule of conduct between Governments, instead of mere power, self-interest, or the de sire of aggrandizement. To maintain a strict neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly relations, to reciprocate every noble and gener ous art, and to perform punctually and scrupu lously every treaty obligation—these are the du ties which we owe to other States, and by the performance of which we best entitle ourselves to like treatment from them; or if that, in any case, be refused, we can enforce our own rights with justice and a clear conscience. In our domestic policy, the Constitution will be my guide; and in questions of doubt, I shall look for its interpretation to the judicial decisions of that tribunal, which was established to expound 1 j usa ff e °(the Government, sanction ed by the acquiescence of the country. I regard all its provisions as equally binding. In all its parts it is the will of the people, expressed in the most solemn form, and the constituted authori ties are but agents to carry that will into effect. Every power which it has granted is to be exer ciaed for the puDlic good; but no pretence of util lty, no honest conviction, even, of what might be expedient, can justify the assumption of any pow er not granted. The powers confer red upon the Government and their distribution to the several departments, are as clearly expressed in that sa cred instrument as the imperfection of human language will allow; and I deem it my first duty, not to question its wisdom, add to it* provisions, evade its requirements, or nullify its commands! Upon you, fellow-citizens, as the representa tives of the States and the people, is wisely de volved the legislative power. 1 shall comply with my duty, in laying before you, from time to time, any information calculated to enable you to dis charge your high and responsible trust, for the benefit of our common constituents. My opinions will be frankly expressed upon the leading subjects of legislation ; and if, which I do not anticipate, any act should pass the two Houses of Congress which should appear to me unconstitutional, or an encroachment on the just powers of other departments, or with provisions hastily adopted, and likely to produce conse quences injurious and unforeseen, I should not shrink from the duty of returning it to you, with my reasons, for your further consideration. Be yond the due performance of these constitutional obligations, Loth my respect for the legislature and my sense of propriety will restrain me from any attempt to control or influence your proceed ings VVjth you is the power, the honor, and the responsibility of the legislation of the country. The Government of the United States is a lim ited Government. It is confined to the exercise of powers expressly granted, and such others as may be necessary for carrying those powers into effect; and it is at all times an especial duty to guard against any infringement on the just rights of the States. Over the objects and sub jects intrusted to Congress, its legislative author ity is supreme. But here that authority ceases, and every citizen who truly loves the Constitu tion, ami desires the continuance of its existence and its blessings, wi 1 resolutely and firmly re sist any i liter le re nee in those domestic affairs, which the Constitution lias clearly and unequivo cally left to the exclusive authority of the States. And every such citizen will also deprecate use less it ritation among the several members of the Union, and allreproach and crimination tending to alienate one portion of the country from a nother. The beauty of our system of Govern ment consists, and its safety and durability must consist, in avoiding mutual collisions, and en roachments, and in the regular separate action of all, while each is revolving in its own distinct orbit. The Constitution has made it the duty of the President to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. In a Government like ours, in which all laws are passed by a majority of the represen tatives of the people, and these representatives are chosen for such short periods, that any injurious or obnoxious law can very soon be repealed, it would appear unlikely that any great number should be found ready to resist the execution of the laws. But it must be borne in mind that the country is extensive, that there may be local in terests or prejudices rendering a law odious in one part, which is not so in another, and that the thoughtless and inconsiderate, misled by theit passions or imaginations, may be induced madly to resist such laws as they disapprove. Such persons should recollect that, without law there can be no real practical liberty; that when law is trampled under foot, tyranny rules, whether it appeals in the form of a military despotism or of popular violence. The law is the only sure pro tection of the weak, and the only efficient re straint upon the strong. When impartially and faithfully administered, none is beneath its pro tection, and none above its control. You, gentle men, and the country may be assured, that to the utmost of my ability, and to the extent of the power vested in me, I shall at all times, and in all places, take care that the laws be faithfully exe cuted. In the discharge of this duty, solemnly imposed upon me by the Constitution, and by my oath ol office, I shall shrink from no responsibi lity, and shall endeavor to meet events as they may arise, with firmness, as well as with pru dence and discretion. The appointing power is one of the most deli cate with w hich the Executive is invested. I re gard it as a sacred trust, to be exercised with the sole view of advancing the prosperity and happi ness of the people. It shall be my effort to elevate the standard of official employ merit, by selecting for places of importance, individuals fitted for the posts to which they are assigned, by their known integrity’, talents and virtues. In so extensive a country, with so great a population, and where few persons appointed to office can he known to the appointing power, mistakes will sometimes unavoidably happen, and unfortunate appoint ments be made, notwithstanding the greatest care. In such cases, the power of removal may be properly exercised; and neglect of duty or malfeasance in office will be no more tolerated in individuals appointed by rnyseli, than in those appointed by others. 1 am happy in being able to say T that no unfa vorable change in our foreign relations has taken place since the tnessageat the opening of the last session of Congress. We are at peace with all nations, and we enjoy in an eminent degree the blessings of that peace, in a prosperous and grow ing commerce, and in all the forms of amicable national intercourse. The unexampled growth of the country, the present amount of its popu lation, and its ample means of self-protection as sure for it, the respect of all nations; while it is trusted that its character for justice, and a regard to the rights of other States, will cause that re spect to be readily and cheerfully paid. A Convention was negotiated between the Uni ted States and Great Britain, in April last, for fa cilitating and protecting the construction of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and for other purposes. This instru ment has since been ratified by the contracting parties, the exchange of ratification has been effected, and proclamation thereof has been duly made. In addition to the stipulations contained in this convention, two other objects remain to be ac complished between the contracting parties. First, the designation and establishment of a free port at each end of the canal. Second, an agreement fixing the distance from the shore within which belligerent marntime operations shall not be carried on. On these points there is little doubt that the two govern ments will come to an understanding. The company of citizens of the United States who have acquired from the State of Nicaragua the privilege of constructing a ship canal be tween the two oceans, through the territory of that Slate, have made progress in their prelim inary arrangements. The treaty between the United Stales and Great Britain, of the 19th of April last, above referred to, being now in opera tion, it is to lie hoped that the guranties which it offers will be sufficient to secure the completion of the work with all practicable expedition. It is obvious that this result would be indefi nitely postponed, if arty other than peaceful mea sures, for the purpose of harrnoniziug conflict ing claims to the territory in that quarter, should be adopted. It will consequently be my endeavor to cause any further negotiations on the part of this Government, which may be requisite for this purpose, to be so conducted as to bring them to a speedy and successful close. Some unavoidable delay has occurred, arising from distance and the difficulty of intercourse be tween this Government and that of Nicaragua, but, as intelligence has just been received of the appointment of an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of that Government to reside at Washington, whose arrival may be soon expected, it is hoped that no further impediments will be experienced in the prompt transaction of business botween the two Governments. Citizens of the United States have undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, un der grants of the Mexican Government to a citi zen of that Republic. It is understood that a thorough survey of the course of the communica tion is in preparation, and there is every reason to expect that it will be prosecuted with charac teristic energy, especially when that Government shall have consented to such stipulations with the Government of the United Slates as may be necessary to impart a feeling of security to those who may embark their property in the enterprise. Negotiations are pending for the accomplish ment of that object, and a hope is confidently en-„ tertained that when the Government of Mexico shall become duly sensible of the advantages which that country cannot fail to derive from the work, and learn that the Government of the Uni ted States desires that the right of sovereignty of Mexico in the Istbuiae shall remain unimpaired, SAVANNAH, GA., SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1850. the stipulations referred to will be agreed to with alacrity. By the last advices from Mexico It would ap pear, however, that that Government entertains strong objections tosomeof the stipulations which the parties concerned in the project of the railroad deem necessary for their protection and security. Further consideration, it is to be hoped, or some modification of terms, may yet reconcile the dif ferences existing between the two Governments in this respect. Fresh instructions have recently been given to the Minister of the United States in Mexico, who is prosecuting the subject tvith promptitude and ability. Although the negotiations with Portugal, for the payment of claimsof the citizens of the United States against that Government, have not yet re suited in a formal treaty, yet a proposition made by the Government of Portugal for the final ad justment and payment of those claims, has re cently been accepted on the part of the United States. It gives me pleasure to say that Mr. Clay, to whom the negotiations on the part of the United States had been entrusted, discharged the duties of his appointment with ability and disr re tion, acting always within the men uctions of his Government. It is expected that a regular convention will be immediately negotiated for carrying the agree ment between the two Governments into effect. The Commissioner appointed under the act of Congress for carrying into effect the convention with Brazil, of the 271 h January, 1549, ha 9 enter ed upon the performance of the duties imposed upon him by that act. It is hoped that those du ties may be completed within the time which it prescribes. The documents, however, which the Imperial Government, by the third article of the convention, stipulates to furnish to the Govern ment of the United States, have not yet been re ceived. As it is presumed that those documents will be essential for the correct disposition of the claims, it may become necessary lor Congress to extend the period limited for the duration of the commission. The sum stipulated by the fourth article of the convention to be paid to this Gov ernment has been received. The collection in the ports of the United States of discriminating duties upon the vessels of Chili and their cargoes has been suspended pursuant to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of May, 1823. It is to be hoped that this measure will impart a fresh impulse to the commerce be tween the two countries, which of late, and espe cially since our acquisition of California, lias, to the mutual advantage of the parties been much augmented. Peruvian guano has become so desirable an ar ticle to the agricultural interests of the United States, that it is the duty of the Government to employ all the means properly in its power for the purpose of causing that article to be imported into the country at a reasonable price. Nothing will be omitted on my part towards accomplish ing this desirable end. I am persuaded that in removing any restraints on this traffic, the Peru vian Government will promote its own interests, while it will afford a proof of a friendly disposi tion towards this country, which will be duly ap preciated. The treaty between the United States and His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Indians,which has recently been made public, will, it is believed have a beneficial effect upon the relations between the two countries. The relations between those parts of the Island of St. Domingo, which were formerly colonies of Spain and France, respectively, are still in an unsettled condition. The proximity of that Is land to the United States, and the delicate ques tion involved in the existing controversy there, render it desirable that it should be permanently and speedily adjusted. The interests of humani ty and of general commerce also demand (his; and, as intimations of the same sentiment have been received from other Governments, it is hoped that some plan may soon be devised to effect the object in a manner likely to give general satisfac tion. The Governmentof the United States will not lail by the exercise of all proper friendly of fices, to do all in its power to put an end to the de structive war which has raged between the dif ferent partsof the island, and to 3ecnre to them both the benefits of peace and commerce. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury for a detailed statement of the finances. The total receipts into the Treasury, for the year ‘ending 30th June last, were forty-seven million four hundred and twenty-one thousand seven hundred and lorty-eight dollars and ninety cents, ( $47,421,748 90.) The total ex pend, tu res during the same period were forty three million two thousand one hun tired and sixty-eight dollars and ninety cents, ($43,002,168 90.) The public debt has been reduced, since the last annual report from the Treasury Department, $495,276 79. By the 19th section of the act of 23th January, 1847, the proceeds of the sales of the public lands were pledged for the interest and principal of the public debt. The great amount of those lands subsequently granted by Congress for military bounties, will, it is believed, very nearly supply the demand for several years to come, and hut little reliance can, therefore, he placed on that hitherto fruitful source of revenue. Aside from the permanent annual expendi tures, which have necessarily largely increased, a portion of the public debt, amounting to SS,- 075,986 59 must be provided lor within the next two fiscal years. It is most desirable that these accrueing demands should be met without resort ing to new loans. All experience has demonstrated the wisdom and policy of raising a large portion of revenue, for the support of Government, from duties on goods imported. The power to lay these duties is unquestionable, and its chief object, of course, is to replenish the treasury. But if in doing this, an incidental advantage may be gained by encouraging the industry of our own citizens.it is our duty to avail ourselves of that advantage. A duty laid upon an article which cannot Ue produced in this country —such as tea or coffee— adds to the cost of the article, and is chiefly or wholly paid by the consumer. But a duty laid upon an article whieh may be produced here, stimulates the skill and industry of our own coun try to produce the same article, whic h is brought into the market in competition with the foreign article, and the importer is thus compelled to re duce his price to that at which the domestic arti cle can be sold, thereby throwinga part of the duty upon the producei of the foreign article. The continuance of this process creates the skill, aud invites the capital, which finally enable us to produce the article much cheaper than it could have been procured frotn abroad, thereby benefit ing both the producer and consumer at home. The consequence of this is, that the artizan, and the agriculturist, are brought together, each af fords a ready market for the produce of the other, the whole country becomes prosperous; anil the ability to produce every necessary of life renders us independent in war as well as in peace. A high tariff can never be permanent. It will cause dissa#faction and will he changed. It ex cludes competition, and thereby invites the in vestment of capital in manufactures to such ex cess, that when changed it brings distress, bank ruptcy, and ruin, upon all who have been misled by its faithless protection. What the manufac turer wants, is uniformity and permanency, that he may feel a confidence that he is not to be. ruin ed by sudden changes. But to make a tariff uni form and permanent, it i9 not only necessary that the law should not be altered, but that the duty should not fluctuate. To effect this, all du ties should be specific, wherever the nature of the article is such as to admit of it. Ad valorem du ties fluctuate with the price, and offer strong temptation to fraud and perjury. Specific du ties, on the contrary, arc equal and uniform in all ports, and at all times; and offer a strong in ducement to the importer to bring the best arli cle, as lie pays no more duty upon that than up on one of inferior quality. I therefore strongly recommend a modification of the present tariff, which has prostrated some of our most important and necessary manufactures, and that specific du ties be imposed suffieientto raisethe requisite reve nue, making sueh discrimination in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to en courage home production, without excluding for eign competition. It is also important that an unfortunate provision in the present tariff, which imposes a much higher duty upon the raw’ ma terial that rnters into our manufactures than up on the manufactured article, should be remedied. The papers accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Treasury will disclose frauds attempted upon the revenue, in variety and amount so great, as to justify the conclusion that it is impossible, under any system of ad valorem duties levied upon the foreign cost or value of the article, to secure an honest observance and an ef fectual administration of the laws. The fraudu lent devices to evade the law, which have been detected by the vigilance of the appraisers, leave no room to doubt that similar impositions not discovered, tc a large amount, have been success fully practised since tbe enactment of tbe law ‘ now in force. This state ot things has already had a prejudicial influence upon those engaged in foreign commerce. It has a tendency to drive the honest trader from the business of importing, and to throw that impoitant branch of employ ment into the hands of unscrupulous and dishon est men, whoarealike regardless of law and the obligations of an oath. By these means the plain intentions of Congress, as expressed in the law, are daily defeated. Every motive of policy and duty, therefore, impel mo to ask the earnest at tention of Congress to this subject. If Congress should deem it unwise to attempt any important changes in the system of levying duties at this session, it will become indispensable to the pro tection of the revenue that such remedies, as in the judgment ol Congress may mitigate the evils complained of, should be at once applied. As before stated, specific duties would, in my opinion, afford the most perfect remedy for this evil; but if you should not concur in this view, then, as a partial remedy, I beg leave respectfully to recommend that, instead of taking the invoice of the articles abroad, as a means of determining its value here, the correctness of which invoiee it is in many cases impossible to verify, the law be so changed as to require a home valuation or appraisal, to be regulated in such manner as to give, as far as practicable, uniformity in the seve ral ports. There being no mint in California, lam in formed that the laborers in the mines are com pelled to dispose of their gold dust at a large dis count. This appears to ine to be a heavy and unjust tax upon the labor of those employed in extracting this precious metal ; and I doubt not you will be disposed, the earliest period possible, to relieve them Irom it by the establishment of a mint. In the meantime, as an assayer’s office is established there, I would respectfully submit for your consideration the propriety of authoriz ing gold bullion, which has been assayed and stamped, to be received in payment of Govern ment dues. I cannot conceive that the Treasury would suffer any loss by such a provision, which will at once raise bullion to its par value, and thereby save (if lam rightly informed) many millions of dollars to the laborers which arc now paid in brokerage to convert this precious metal into available funds. This discount upon their hard earnings is a heavy tax, and every effort should be made by the Guvernmcut to relieve them from so great a burden. More than three-fourths of our population are engaged in the cultivation of the soil. The com mercial, manufacturing, and navigating inter ests are all to a great extent, dependent on the agricultural. It is, therefore, the most important iuterest of the nation, and has just claim to the fostering care and protection of the Government, so far as they can be extended consistently with the provisions of the Constitution. As this can not be done by the ordinary modes of legislation, I respectfully recommend the establishment of an Agricultural Bureau, to be charged with the duty of giving to this leading branch of American in dustry the encouragement which it so well de serves. In view of the immense mineral re sources of our country, provision should be made for the employment of a competent mineralogist and chemist, who should be required, under the direction of the head of the bureau, to collect specimens of the various minerals of our country, and to ascertain, by careful analysis, their respec tive elements and properties, and their adaptation to useful purposes. He should also be required to examineatid icport upon the qualities of different soils, aud the manures best calculated to improve their productiveness. By publishing the results of such experiments, with suitable explanations, and by the collection and distribution of rare seeds and plants, with instructions as to the best system of cultivation, much may be done to pro mote this great national interest. In compliance with the act of Congress passed on the 23 of May, 1850, providing, among other things, for taking the seventh census, a superin tendent was appointed, and all other measures adopted which w ere deemed necessary to insure the prompt and faithful performance of that duty. The appropi ialiotis already made, it is believed; will be sufficient to defray the whole expense Os the work; but further legislation maybe neces sary in tegard to the compensation of some of the marshals of the Territories, it will also be proper to make provision by law’, at an early day, lor the publication of such abstracts of the returns us the public interest may require. The unprecedented growth of our Territories on the Pacific in wealth anil population, and the consequent increase of their social and commer cial relations with the Atlantic States, seem to render it the duly of the Government to use all its constitutional power to improve all the means of intercourse with them, The importance of open iug “a line of communication, the best and most expeditious of whic h Che nature of the country will admit,” between the Valley of the Mississ ippi and the Pacific, was brought to your notice by my predecessor in his annual message; and as tiro reesons which he presented in favor of the measure still exist in full force, 1 beg leave to call your attention to them, and to repeat the re commendations then made by him. The uncertainty which exists in regard to the validity of land titles in California is a subject which demamis your early consideration. 4,aige bodies of land in that {State are claimed under grants .-aid to have been made by authority of tire {Spanish and Mexican governments. Many of them have not been perfected, others have been revoked, and some are believed to be fraudulent, but until they shall have b en judicially iuvesrigated, they w ill continue to retaid the settlement-and improvement of the country. J, therefore, respectfully recommend that provision be made by law, for the appointment of commissioners to examine all such claims with a view to their final adjustment. 1 also beg leave to call your attention to the propriety of extending, at an early day, our system of land laws, with such modifications as may he necessary over the Slate of Califi rrna and the territories of Utah and New Mexico, ’i he mineral lands of California will, of course, form an exception to any general system which may he adopted. Ya.ious methods of disposing of them have been suggested. 1 was al first inclined to favor the sys tem of teasing, as it seemed to promise the largest reve nue to the Government, aud to atlord tl.e best security against monopolies; but further reflection, and our expe rience ill lea-ing tin: lead mines arid selling lands upon long credit, have hr uglu my mind to the conclusion that there w ould be great ititiiculty In collecting the rents,and that the relation of debtor and creditor, between the cit izens and the Government, would be attended with many mischievous cons. <}uences. 1 therefore recommend that instead of reluming the mineral lands under the perma nent control of the Government, they he divided into small parcels and sold, -under such restrictions, as to quantity and time, as will ousure the best price, and guard most effectually against combinations of capital ists to obtain monopolies. The anil, xation of Texas and the acquisition of Cali fornia and New Mexico, have given increased impor tance to our Indian relations. The various tribes brought under our jurisdiction by these enlargements of our boundaries, ate estimated to embrace a population of une hundred and twenty four thousand. Texas and New Mexico are surrounded by powerful tribes of Indians, who are a source of constant terror and annoyance to the inhabitants. Separating into small predator} bands, and al wavs mounted, they overrun the country, devastating farms, destroying ciops, driving oft’ whole herds of cattle, and occasionally murdering the inhabitants or carrying them into captivity. The great roads leading into the country are infested with them, whereby travelling is rendered extremely dangerous, and immigration is almost entin ly arrested. The Mexican frontier, w hich, by the eleveuth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, we are bound to protect against the Indians within our border, is exposed to tin se incur sions equally with our own. The inililaiy lon e .-tatioued in that country (although forming a large portion of the at ray) is represented as entirely inadequate to our pro tection and the fulfilment of our treaty stipulations with Mexico. The principal deficiency is in cavalry, and 1 recoinmJnd that Congress should, at as early a day as practicable, provide for the raising of one or more regi ments ol mounted men. For further suggestions on this subject, and others connected w ith our domestic interests, and the defence of our frontier, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Secretary of War, I recommend also to your favorable consideration the’ suggestion contained in the last mentioned report, and in the letter of the General-in-chief, relative to the estab lishment ol an asylum for ttie relief of disabled and des titute soldiers. This subject appeals so strongly to your sympathies that it would be superfluous in me to say any thing more, than barely to express iny cordial approba tion of the proposed object. The navy continues to give protection to our commerce and other national interests in the different quaiters of the globe, and with the exception of a single steamer on the Northern lakes, the vessels in commission are distrib uted in six different squadrons. The report of the head of that Department will exhibit the services of these squadrons, and of the several ve.-sels employed in each during the past year. It isa source of gratification that, while they have been constantly pre pared for any hostile emergency, they have everywhere nu t with the respect and courtesy, due as well to the dignity as to (he peaceful dispositions and just purposes of the nation. The two brigantines accepted by the Government from a generous citizen of New York, and placed under the command of an officer of the navy, to proceed to the Ar tie seas in quest ol the British Commander, Bir John Franklin, and his companions, in compliance with the act of Congress, approved in May last, had, when last heard from, penetrated into a high Northern latitude ; but the success of this noble and humane enterprise is still uncertain. I invite your attention lo the View of our present na val establishment and resources presented in the re|Hirt ofthe Secretary of the Navy, and tbe suggestions therein made for its improvement, together with the naval policy recommended for the security of our Pacific Coast, and the protection und extension of our commerce with Eas tern Asia. Our facilities fora larger participation in the trade nf the East by means of out recent settlentenis on the shores of the Pacific, are too obvious to be overlook ed or disregarded. The questions in relation to rank in the army and navy, and relative rank between officers ot the two branches of the service, presented to the Execu tive by certain resolutions ol Kcpre sentalivcs, at the last session of Congress, have been submitted to a board of officers in euch branch of the service, and their report may be expected at an early day. I also earnestly recommend the enactment of a law authorizing officers of the army and navy to be retired from the service, w hen incompetent for its vigorous and active duties, taking care to make suitable pr. vision for those who have faithfully served theii country, and awarding distinctions, by retaining in appropriate commands those who have been particularly conspicuous tor gallantry and good conduct. While the obligation of the country to maintain and honor those who, to the exclusion of other pursuits, have di Voted them selves to its arduous service, this obligation should not be permitted to interfere with the efficiency of the service itself. I am gratified in being able to state, that the es timates of expenditure for the navy in the ensuing year are less, by more than one million of dollars, than those of the present, excepting the approprb ation which nifty become necessaiy for the Con struction of a dock on the coast of ttie Pacific, propositions for which are now being considered, and on which a special report may be expected early in your present session. There is an evid nt justness in the suggestion of the same report, that appropriations for the na val service proper should be seperated from those for fixed and permanent objects, such as building docks nnd navy yards, and the fixtures attached ; and from the extraordinary objects under the care of the Department which, however important, are not essentially naval. A revision of the code for the government of the navy seems to require the immediate consideration of Congress. Its system of crimes aud punish ments hud undergone no change for half a centu ry, until the last session, though its defects have been often and ably pointed out, and the abolition of a particular species of corporal punishment, which then took place, without providing any substitute, has left the service in a state of defec tiveness, which calls for prompt correction. I therefore recommend that the whole subject he re vised without delay, and such a system established for the enforcement of discipline, as shall be at once humane and effectual. The accompanying report of the Postmaster General, presents a satisfactory view of the ope rations and condition of that Department- At the dose of tbe last fiscal year, the length of the inland mail routes in the United States (not embracing the service in Oregon and Califor nia) was one hundred and seventy-eight, thousand six hundred and seventy-two miles; the annual transportation thereon forty-six million five hun dred ar.d forty one thousand f> ur hundred und twenty-three miles; and the annual cost of such transportation two millions seven hundred and twenty-four thousand four hundred and twenty-six dollars. The increase of the annual transportation over that of the preceding year, was three million nine hundred anil ninety-si ven thousand three hundred and fifty-four miles, and tire increase in cost was three hundred and forty-two thousand four hun dred nnd forty dollars. The number of post oificesin the United States, on tbe first day of July last, was eighteen thousand four hundred and seventeen —being an increase of sixteen hundred and seventy during the preced ing year. The gross revenue of the Department for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1850, amounted to five millions five hundred and fifty-two thousand nine hnudred and seventy-one dollars and fonv eiglit cents including the annual appropriation of two bundled thousand dollars for the franked matter ofthe Department, and excluding tbe for eign postage collected for and p ivable to the Brit ish Government; The expenditures for the same period were five millions two hundred und twelve thousand nine hundred and fifty-three dollars anij forty three cents —leaving a balance of revenue over expendi tures of three hundred and forty thousand and eighteen dollars and five cents. 1 am happy to find that the fiscal condition of the Department is such tis tojustifiy the Postmas ter General in recommending the reduction of our inland letter postage to three cents the single let ter w hen prepaid, and five cents when not prepaid. He also recommends that the prepaid rates shall be reduced to two cents whenever the revenues of the Department, after the reduction} shall exceed its expenditure by more than five percent lor two consecutive years j that the postage upon Califor nia and other letters sent by our ocean steamers shall be much reduced ; arid that tire rates of pos tage on newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals, and other printed matter shall be modified, and some reduction thereon made. It cannot be doubted that the proposed reduc tions w ill, for the present, diminish tue revenues of the Department. It is believed that the defi ciency, after the sui plus already accumulated shall he exhausted, may be almost wholly met, either by abolishing the exliisting privileges of sending free matter through the mails, or by paying out of tbe Treasury to tbe Tost Office Department a sum equivalent lo the postage of which it is deprived by such privileges. The last is supposed to be the preferable mode, and will, if not entirely, so ncaiiy supply the deficiency as to make any fur ther appropriation Unit may be found necessary so inconsiderable as to form no obstacle to the pro posed reductions. I entertain no doubt of tbe authority of Congress to make appropriations for leading objects in that class of public works comprising wbut are usually called Works of internal improvement. This au thority 1 suppose tube derived chiefly fiom the |)ower ofregolaljng commerce with foreign nations, arid among the States, and the power of laying and collecting imposts. Where commerce is to be can ied oil, and imposts collected, there must be ports and harbors, as well as wharves and custom houses. If ships, laden with valuable cargoes, approach the shore, or sail along the coast, light houses are necessary at suitable poinis for the protection of life and property. Other facilities and securities for commerce and navigation are hardly less important; and those clauses :f the Constitution, therefore, to w hich I have referred, have received from the origin of the Government a liberal and benificent construction. Not only have light-houses, buoys, and beacons been estab lished, anil floating lights maintained, but harbors have been cleared and improved, piers construct ed, and even breakwaters for the safety of ship ping, and sea walls to protect harbors from being filled up, and rendered useless by tbe action of the ocean, have been erected at a very great expense. And this construction of tbe Constitution appears the more leasonable from the considetation, that if these works, of such evident importance and utility, are rot to be accomplished by Congress, they cannot be accomplished at all. By the adop tion of the Constitution tile several States volun tarily parted w ith the power of collecting duties of imposts in their own ports; and it is not to be expected that they Arnold raise money by internal taxation, direct or indirect, for the benefit of that commerce, the revenues derived from which do not, either in whole or in part, go into their own treasuries. Nor do I perceive any difference between the power of C ingress to mflke appropriations for ob jects of this kind on the ocean and the power to make similar appropriations for similar object- on lakes and Rivers, wiierever they are large’ enough to bear on their w aters an extensive traffic. The mag .ificent Mississippi nnd its tributaries, and the vast lakes ofthe North ami Northwest, appear to me to faii within the exercise of the power, as just ly and as clearly as the Ocean and the Gull of Mexico. Itisamistake to regard expenditure* judiciously made for these objects as expenditures lor local purposes. The position, or site of the work, is necessarily local ; but its utility is gene tal. A ship canal around the falls of St Marv of less than a mile in length, though local in its con struction, would yet he najional in its purpose and its benefits, ns it would remove tbe only ob-trac tion ton navigation of more than a thousand miles, affeciing several States, as well as our commercial relations with Canada. So, too, the Breakwater at the month of the Delaw are is erected, rot for the exclusive beta fit of the States bordering on the bay and river of that imine, but for that of the whole coastwise navigation of the U ited States; and to a considerable extent also-of foreign com merce. If a ship be lost on the bar at the entrance of a Southern port, for want of sufficient depth of water, it is very likely to be a Northern ship? and if a steamboat be slink in any part of the Mississip* pi; or. account of fta channel not being properly cleared of obstructions, it may be a beat belongs ing to either of eight or ten States. I may add, as somewhat remarkable, that atnongall the thirty-one (States, there if none that is not; to a greater or le*S extent, bounded On the Ocean, or the Gulf of Mexiqp, or one of the great lakes, or some navi* gable river. In fulfiling our constitutional duties, fellow*diti* zrns, on this subject; or in carrying into effect all other powers conferred bv the Constitution, we should consider ourselves as deliberating aud acting for one and the same country, arid bear con stantly in mind, thar our regard and our duty are due; not to a particulat part only, but lothe whole* 1 therefore recommend that appropriations be rrmde for completing such works as have been al* ready begun, and for commencing such others a* may seem to the w isdom of Congress to boos public and general impoiiftnce. The difficulties and delays, incident to the set* tlement of private claims by Congress, amount in many cases to a denial of justice. There is reasou to apprehend that many unfortunate Creditors of the Government have thereby been unavoidably ruined. Congress hits so much business of a pub* lie character, that it is impossible it should give much attention to mere private claims, and their accumulation is now so great that many claimants mtist despair of ever being able to obtain a hear* ing. It may well be doubted w I.ether Congress; from the nature of its organization, is properly con* stunted to decide upon such cases. It is impossi* ble that each member should examine the merits of every clttim on Which ho is compelled to vote j and it is preposterous to ask a judge to decide a case which he has never heard. Such decisions may, and frequently must, do injustice either to the claimant or the Government, and I perceive no better remedy for this growing evil than the es tablishment of some tribunal to adjudicate upon such claims. I beg leave, thotefore, most respect* fully to recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to settle till private claims against tht* United States ; and, as an exfurte hearing must to till contested cases bo very unsatisfactory, 1 also recommend the appoint* rnent of a solicitor, whose duty it shall be to rep* resent the Government before such commission; and protect it against all illegal, fraudulent or un* just claims, which may be presented for their nd* judication. This District, which has neither voice nor vote in your deliberations, looks to you for protection and aid,- and I commend all its w ants to your fuvu* rable consideration, with a full confidence that yott will meet them not only with justice; bit frith lib* erality. It should he borne in mind that in this ci'y, laid out by Washing'on, and consecrated by his name, is located the Capitol of our nation, the emblem of our Union and the symbol of otir great* ness. Here also are situated all the politic build* ings necessary for the use of the Government, and all those are exempt front taxation. It should he the pride of Americans to render this place at* tractive to the people of the Whole Republic, and convenient and safe for the transaction of the pub* lie business and the preservation of the public r* cords. The Government should therefore bear a liberal proportion of the burdens of nil necessary and useful improvements. And, as nothing could contribute to the health, comfort, and safely of the city, and the security of the public building* anti records, than an abundant supply of pure w ater, I respectfully recommend that you make .such pro visions f.r obtaining the same as in your w isdom you may deem proper. The sict passed sit your last session; mftking cer tain propositions to Texas fin- settling the dispu ted boundary between that State and the Territory ol New Mexico, was, immediately on its passage, transmitted by express to the Governor of Texas, to be laid by him before the General Assembly for its agreement thereto. Its receipt was dulv acknowledged, hut no official information has vet been received of the action of the General As sembly thereon; it may, however, be very soon ex - peeled, as by the terms of the proposition submit ted. they were to have hern acted bpoti, on or be fore the first day of this present month; It was hardly to have been expected that series of measures passed at tour last session, with the view of healing the sectional difference . which had-sprung from the slavery imd territorial ques tions, should at once have realized their beneficent purpose. All mutual concession in the nature of a compromise must necessarily he unwelcome to men of extreme opinions. And though without such concessions our Constitution could not have been formed, and cannot he permanently sustained, yet we l ave seen them made the subject of bitter contmversy in both sections of the Republic. It requited many months of discussion and delibera tion to secure the concurrence of a majority of Congress in their favor. It would he strange if they had been received with immediate approha* lion by people and states, prejudiced and heated by the exciting controversies of their representa tives. I believe those measures to have been re quired by the circumstances and condition of the country. I believe they were necessary to nllnv asperities and animosities that w ere rapidly alien ating one Section id the cout: try from another, and destroying those fratesnal sentiments which nre the strongest supports of the Constitution. They were adopted in the spirit of conciliation. I be lieve that it great majority of our fellow citizen* sympathise in that spirit, and that purpose, and in the main approve, and are prepared, in all respect* to sustain these enact merits. I cannot doubt that ihe American people* hound together by kindred blood and common tradition*; still cherish a para mount regard for the Union of their bathers, and that they are ready to rebuke any attempt to vio late is in egriiv. to disturb the * compromise* on which it is based, or to resist the laws which htyve been enacted under its authority. The series of measure* to which I have alluded are regarded hv me as a settlement, in principle and substance — a final settlement, of” the danger ous and exciting subjects Which they embraced. *Vl"st of the subjects; indeed; are bpvond Vuur reach, as the legislation which disposed of them was, in its character; finifl and irrevocable. It may be presumed from the opposition which they ail encountered, that none tis th"se measures was free front imperfections, l>(it in their mutual de pendence nun connexion they formed a system of Compromise, the mo*t conciliatory, and best for t lit* entire country, that could he obtained from conflicting sec tional interests and opinions. I or this reason, I recommend your adherence to the adjustment established by those measures, until time and experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abase. By that adjustment we have been recued from the wide and boundless agitation that surround ed us, and have a firm, distinct and legal ground to rest upon. And the occasion, I trust, will justi fy me in exhorting my countrymen to rally upon and maintain that ground as the best, if not tha only means, of restoring peace and quiet to the country and maintaining inviolable the integrity of the Union. And now, fellow citizens. I cannot bring this communication to a close without invoking you t 0 join me in humble and devout thunks to the Great Ruler notions, lot the multiplied blessings which He has graciously bestowed upon u*. His hand, so often visible in our preservation, h is staved the pestilence, savpd us from foreign w ars and domestic disturbances, and scattered plenty throughout the land. Our liberties, religious and civil have been maintained ? the fountains of knowledge liave all been kept open, and means of happiness widely spread and generally enjoyed; greater than have fallen to the lot of any otiier nation. And, while deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past, let us hope that his all-wise Providence will so guide our counsels, ns that they shall result in giving satisfaction to our constituents, securing the peace of the country, and adding new strength to tlie united Government under which we live. MILLARD FILLMORE. Washington, December 2d, IP3O. NUMBER 40,
