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KCO > S TIT HTI <» N A 1.1 » T.
IIV NUKI 1 JU l llOMi'iorT
iHintmt irrTita uvim miaiTi»«TAT*i
fEU W.V-TkT.WEKKLVFAPi:K,|.cran
iI dollars; for llio Weekly (containing iw«n
tt column*.- three dollar* —all payable in od-
ADVERTISEMENTS inserted at Charles
frcß. itr Po finer m**i hr paul on all com rnu
,hwE»»A«E.
tveidtens of the Senate and
House of Urpre.ienta live*,
congratulate you on the favorable circum
con in tile coudi ion of our country, undur 1
'li you reassemble for the performance of \
ofli rial duties. Though the anticipation*
n ahundant hirveit have not 1 very where
1 realized, yet, 011 the whole, the labor* of
huahandnian are rewarded with a bountiful
irn; industry prospers in is varum* channel*
tininess and enterprise; general health again
vails through our vast diversity of climate;
(king threatens, from alnoad, the continuance
External peace; nor has any thing at ho n>*
paired (he slrciiglli ol those fraternal and do.
Stic lies which constitute the on y guaranty
the Hi res* and pvrrnanern yof onr happy
lion, and which, funned in the hour of peril,
ve hitherto been honorably sustained through
a y ve i situde in our national allairs. Thesn
Using - , which « vinee the carc and henefi*
ncc of Providence, call for our devout and
vent grathu e.
Wc have not less reason to lie giatofn) fur
her bounties bestowed hy the same munificent 1
Hid, and more « x< Insivcly om own.
The present year ch*»* * the li si half ccn'ury
our Federal inslitn'ions; and our system
(Ti ring Iron 1 all others in the aeknowlcdgi i.
'acticai, and unlin.rcd opera'ion which it has
r so long a period given to the sovereignly of
c people—has now been lul!y tested by expe*
Cnee.
The Constitution devised by our forefathers
1 llio fiamework and bond of that system, then
•triad, has Ihcoiio a sullied form of <# vein*
amt; not only preserving and prof* et»» 7 *ln
real princip'us upon whndi it was founded, hu
’ondorfully promoting individual happiness and
rivate iuteiesls. TliougU snojeel. to eh.ing' '
nd enlim revocation, whenever deemed made*
Uate to all these (imposes, yet such is the ms
-0111 of its eons'ruolion, an 1 so at aide has been
hr public seiili.oenl, that it remains niiall* ron
in nt in matte s of detail, comparatively nniin*
•orlant. It h.is prove i .imply sulli .lent for tie |
arions cmuigem itM in ileul to our e.ondilion a 1
1 nation. A ldnni> a *le f,reign war ; agitating :
collisions be 1 ween donu *• ic and, in some res.
ficcls, rival soveieignlie*-; leniptaiinns to inter. j
sere in the luteatino commotion* of neighboring I
count in*; the dangerous influences that an-i j
in peiiotls of excessive prosperity ; and the anti. {
republican tcnicn>‘i< * of associated wi alili—
Jtiu.se, with other trial* not less formidable, have
all been encountered, and thus fur *n reessfully >
resi*U d.
It was reserved for the American Union to J
lest the advantages of a Government entirely 1
dependent on the eonlinuul • xeieise of lha pop* !
nlar will; and onr experience has shown that it
is as Item ficieiil in piuetu e us it is just in limn, j
ry. Mach successive dim gu ma ein our hie*l 1
institutions has uonllihuted to 1 xtend (he light
ofsulViage, has inoreused ih< direct iiitlneiuu of
the muss of the coinniu nly, given greater free*
dum to iiuHviiluul < Aeition, and reUti ted, more
and mure, the poweis of gnveriinienl ; yet tin?
intelligence, prudence, and patnulis n of the
people have kept pare with tins augmented res.
poiiMilnliiy. In no country has education lieen
so wi 'ely ditluaed. Domestic prate has no
where so largt ly reigned, Tne eh»su bonds nt
•octal intercourse have in 110 instance prevailed
with such harniony over a space so vast. Ad
forme of religion have united, for the fust lime,
to diffuse charily and ph ty, because, for the that
time in the history of nations, ail have been to.
tally iiiitruinnielled, and absolutely hoc. The
deepest re ••esse* of the wilderness havu been pc*
nelralud; yet, instead of the rudeness in the mi.
ciul condition ounseipient iipnnsueh advcnluies
elsewhere, uu Meroiis cnnimunilies have spuing
up, already unrivalled in prosperity, general m
lolligenee, internal tniinpiilhiy, and Urn wis loin
of tlkeir political insmnlions. Inlernul improve
ment, the fruit of individual enterprise, fostered
hy tins protection of the Stales, bus added new
links In the confederation, and fiesli rewards to
provident in.lust ry. Dnihtfnl questions of do
mestic pnhey have been quid’y settled by unit 11*
ui torlu arance; ami agiieultuie, eomniere.e, mid
manufactures, minister to ca.h other. Tuxa
tion an I public debt, the burdens which hem so
heavily upon all other countiies, have pressed
with comparative lightness upon ns. With l
one untangling alliance, mn friendship is prized
hy evny nation ; mid the lights id* our citizens
am every where re peeled, because they are
known to hu guarded ny a united, sensitive, mid
Watchful people.
To this prat tie.al operation of our institutiona,
so evident an I successful, we own that iucreas.
ed atlaclmi nt to llioni which in among the most
cheerful exhibitions of popular sentiment, mid
will prove their best security, in lime to conic,
against foreign or domestic assault.
This review of the results of our institutions,
f#r half a century, without exciting a spirit ot
vain rvnltaiiioi, shunld serve to impress upon
u« llio gicat principles from which they have
sprung ; constant uml direct mi pcivision hy the
people over every public measure; strict forbear
ance oil the pari of the Guveiiinienl from exer
cising any doubtful or disputed powers; and a
cautions abstinence from ull interference with
concerns which properly belong, and are best
lull to Stale regulations uml individual enter
prise.
Full information of the slate of our foreign
a Hairs having been reeenlly, on different occa
sions, submitted to Congress, | deem it necessa
ry now to bring to your notice only such events
as havu subsequently occurred, 01 are of such
importance as to require paitieular attention.
The must amicable dispositions continue to he
exhibited by all the nations with whom the Go
vernment and citizens of the United Slates ha v*
an habitual intercourse, At the dare of my last
annual message, .M< xioo was the only nation
which could not lie included in so gratify ing a
reference to our foreign relations.
1 am happy to he now able to inform you that
an advance has been made towards the adjust
ment of our difficulties with that Republic* and
the restoration of the customary good feeling
between the two nations. This important
change has been effected hy concihatuiy negoti.
that have resulted in the conclusion of a
treaty ‘Siiftruniri.l.,
when 1 alined, will refer to llio arbitrament of a
friendly power all the subjects of controversy
between us, growing out of injuries to inuividu
uls. 1 here is, at present, also, reason to Iq heve
that an equitable settlement of all disputed
points will be attained without further diflu phy
or unnecessary delay, and thus authorize the
free resumption of diplomatic intercourse with
our sister Republic.
W.lh respect to llie northeastern boundary of
I lie United States, no official correspondence j
between this Govern men I and that of Gnat '
ilniam has passed since that communicated to
Congress towards tile close of their Just session.
The olfer to negotiate a convention for the up.
pointmciil ol a joint commission of survey ami
exploration, 1 uni, however, assured will he met
by her Majesty’s Government in a conciliatory
and friendly apiiit, and instructions to enable
4he liritish .Minister here to conclude such an
will be transmitted to him without
ne<h; os delay. It is hoped and expected that
ructions will be of a liberal character,
ana lhaw., Ub negotiation, if successful, will
prove to be *2 important step towards the satis,
factory and huj 0 f the controversy.
1 hud hoped lU|4|, t . respect for the laws and
regard lor the an a honor of their own
country, which has ev> f characterized the citi
zens oi the United Stale v wuul j have prevci|l .
cd any portion of them fr Nl ÜBing a|
to promote maurrecuon 111 j JO i crnlory ofa
power with which we are at |« acCf a „a wpj,
which the United Stales are desires of mam
taining the most friendly relatione. 1 r( .g rc ,
deeply, however, to be obliged to inform you,
that this has not been the case. Information
has been given to me, derived from official ai*f
other sources, that many citizens of the United
States have associated together to make hostile
incursions fiom our territory into Canada, and
! to aid and abet insurrection there, in violation of |
the obligations and lawa of the United States,
and in open disregard of their own duties as ci
tizens. This infoi (nation lias been in pari con
firmed, by a hostile invasion actually made by
citizens of the United States, in conjunction
with Canadians and others, and accompanied hy
a forcible seizure of the prop«:ly of our citizens,
and an application thereof to the prosecution of
military operations against ihe authorities and
people ol C iiiada.
The results of these criminal assaults up n
the peace hiu! order of a ncighl>oring country
have been, as was to l»c expee’ted, fatally dc>lru< -
live t«i the misguided or dcludtd persons engaged
in tilt-in, and liigldy injurious to thow in whose
heh.df (hey are pro cased to have been undertaken.
The authorities in Canada, from intelligence re
ceived of such intended movements among our
j citizens, havu felt themselves obliged to take pr<-
j cautionary measures against them; have actually
rinlxslieii (he unlit. *, and assumed all altitude to
1 rejjel the invasion to whh h they helievul the
colonies were t*x|s>sed from the I nited States.
A state ol leading on iMjtli suit h ot the frontier has
th is U‘en prod«it ed, which called for prompt and
s interference. Il an insurrection exiNti’il
111 t 'anada. the umicahle dispositions of tl»e I nited
iU h towards Great llritian.as well as their duly
(o (hem-o lveN, would lead them to maintain a strh t
neutrality, and (o restrain their citizens from all
violations of (hr laws whn h have been passed
for it-* enforcement, lint this Government re
cognises aHlill higher obligation to repress all at
tempts on the part of its citizens to disturb the
peuca of a country where order prevails, or has
{ been re-established. Depredations by onr t;ili-
Z UN Upon nations at peace with the I nited States
or combinations for committing t em, have at
all times been regarded by the American Gov
emm nt and people wit!) the greatest abhorrence.
Military incursions by our citizens into countries
so situated, and the commission of acts of vio
lence 011 the nieniiiers there f. in order to died a
• j change in its government, or under any pretext
; whatever, have, from Ihe eommeiin incut ol our
Government, Iktii lu triiuinal on the
part of those engaged in lliem, and as much de
serving of |Hinishmeut, 11s would he Uic dislur
h.lll. e ol (lie public pence by the perjietrution ul
1 Mtiuliar acts within our own teiritory.
Jlv no country or |N a raoim have tlicse iuvaluahh*
principles of intern.iti«»ii.i| law—principles, the
1 Htn- t ohscrviiii'a of whit h is ho imli.-peiiMahle to
the (irescrv.ition ofs.wial order m the world—l»ei u
more e iriicstly ehcn.-lu d or sacredly respected
than hy those great and good men who (irht de
clared, and lilt.ills cHtahliwhcd, the inilepeiidcncc
of onr «i u niiiiitry. 'I he promulgated and main*
| I.uned them a( an early ami critical period in our
| histoiy ; they were *uliMcqticntly embodied in leg-
I ishitiseenactmenlsofa highly pciinl character, the
j faithful enforcement of which has hitherto been,
, and will. I trust, always continue to he. regarded
as a duly inseparably iihtiociuled with the mainte
nance nfoiir national honor. 'l int the people o|
j the I ’nited Ntalcs should led an interest in (he
j spread of political institutions us free us they rc
-1 ganl their own to he, in natural; nor cun a sincere
N.jlicitudo lor the success of all those who arc, at
; any time, in good faith struggling for their ucqui-
I hiliori, he imputed to our citizens as a crime.—
: With the entire freedom of opinion, and an 1111-
! disguised expression thereof, on their part, the
| Government Inis neither the right, nor I trust, the
j disposition to interfere. Uni whether the inter
est or the h »nor of the United Slates require that
they should he made 11 party to any such strug
gle, and, hy inevitable eon»Ci|iiciiee, to llm war
whidi is waged in its support, iu a question whieh
hy our constitution, is wisely left to Congress
alone to decide. It is, hy the laws, already made
criminal in our citizens to embarrass or anticipate
that decision, by unauthorised military o|ierutions
011 their part.
OlTmccs of (his character, in nddilloti to their
eiiminahy as violatioos of lim laws of our eoun
liy, have a direct temlem y to draw down upon
onr own uitizuns at large the multiplied evils of
a jiocigu war, and expose to injurious impula
lions the good fnlh and honor of tin* country.
As such they deserve In he put down with
promptitude uml decision. 1 cannot ho misia.
ken, I urn confident, in counting on the cordial
ami genet a I concurrence of our follow.citizens
in this sentiment, A copy of the proclamation
which 1 have fell it my < u y to issue, is here
wiih communicated, I cannot hut hope that
the good sense and patriotism, tlie regard for
the honor and lepulalion of (heir country, llio
respect for the laws which tin y have themselves
enacted for then own government, and the love
of order (or which the iiium of onr people have
In en soiling and so justly distinguished, willde.
ter the comparatively few who are engaged in
them, from a further prosecution of such despe.
rate cnterpiisos. In tin* meantime, the existing
laws have been, and will continue to he, faith,
fully executed; and every eflorl will bo made to
carry them out in their full extent. Whether
1 they me hutlicient or not, to meet the actual
slate of things on the Canadian frontier, it is
lor Congress to decide.
It will appear from the correspondence bore
• with submitted, that the Government ot' Russia
declines a renewal of the font ill article of the
1 C'invention of April, IHvM, he (wren the United
1 Stall sand Ins Imperial Majesty, hy the third
• article of winch it is agreed that “hereaHcr
there shall not he formed hy tin* citizens of (he
’ United Stales, nr under the authority of the said
1 States, any establishment upon the north west
1 coast of America, imr in any of the islands ad
jacenl to the north of 54 deg. 40 m. of north
latitu te; uml that in the same manner there
shall he none formed hy Russian subjects, or
under the authority of Russia, ninth of the same
' pmaliel;” and hy the fourth article, “that, du.
1 ring a term often yeais, counting fiom thesig.
1 nature of the present convention, the ships ol
both powers, or which belong to their citizens
or subjects respectively, may reciprocally fre
quent, wi hunt any hindrance whatever, the in
tenor si rs, gulfs, haihors, and creeks upon the
coast meiitiom d in the preceding article, for the
purpose of li.'hmg and trading w ith the natives
of .he country.” The reason* assigned for dc.
dining to iciiew the provisions of this article,
are briefly, that the only use made hy our cili-
Zens of (he privilege it secures to I hem, has been
to supply the Indians with spirituous liquors,
ainoiimiiion ami fire-arms; that this traflio has
been excluded from tie Russian trade; uml as
the supplies furnished from the United States
are injurious to the Russian establishments on
the northwest coast, and calculated to produce
, complain s Ih'lwccii the two Governments, his
| Imperial .Majesty thinks it for the interest of
both countries nut to accede to the proposition
made hy the American Government fur the
renewal of the article last referred to.
The eoirespond?nee hvicnith communicated
- " ill .«iio\v the grounds upon which wc contend
that the oiljaens of the United Slates have, in
dependent ol the provisions of the convention
ol IS-1. a right to trade with the natives upon
the coast in question, at unoccupied places, lia
file, however, it is admitted to lie at any lime
extingnished hy the creation of RnsMan estah-
Icshnn uls at such points. This right is denied
; hy (hi Russian Guvcnmont, which asserts that,
j hy ihe operation of the treaty of 18*1, each par
ty agreed to waive the general right to land on
j llie vacant coasts on the respective side* of the
degree of latitude referred to, and accepted, in
i lieu thru of, the mutual privileges mentioned in
I the fourth article. The capital and tonnage cm.
1 ployed hy our citizens in their trade with the
| north w«v>t coast of America will, perhaps, on
j *dvei ling to the ulficial statement* of the com.
I •'n ice ami navigation of the United States for
j the last few years, he deemed 100 inconsiderable
| iu amount to attract much attention ; yet the
subject may, mother respects, dcscivc the care
ful coriMdeiaiion of Congress.
I regret to state that the blockade of the
principal ports on the eastern coast of Mexico,
whic», m const quo ncc of difference* betwien
that Republic and France, wai instituted in May
last, unfortunately still continues, enforced by
a competent French naval force, and is noccssa
rilly embarrassing to onr own trade in the gulf,
in common witfi that of other nations. Every
disposition, however, is believed to exist on the
part of the French Government, to render thi.*>
measure as little onerous as practicable to the
interests of the citizens of the United Slates,
and to those of neutral commerce ; and it is to
be hoped that an early settlement of the ditficul
lies between France and Mexico, will soon re
establish the harmonious relations formerly sub
ftisling between them, and again open the ports
o( that Republic to the vessels of all friendly
nation*.
*| A convention for marking that part of the
, j boundary l>clwcen the United State* and the
Republic of Texas, which extends from the
. mouth of the Sahiue to Red River, was conclu
ded and signed at this city on the 251 h of Apri!
i lust. It has since been ratified by both Govern
if ments; and seasonable measures will be taken
, to carry il into effect on the part of the United
I .Slates.
1 The application of that Republic for admission
into this Union, made in August, 1b37, and
i which was declined for reasons already made
y known to you, has been formally withdrawn, as
will appear from (he accompanying copy of the
i note ot the Miniver Plenipotentiary of Texas,
wh.ch was pret-ented to the Secretary of Stale
1. 011 the occasion cf the exchange of the ratifica
tions of the convention above mentioned.
r Copies of the convention with Texas, of a
commercial treaty concluded with the King of
Greece, ami of a similai treaty with the Peru,
t Rolivian Confederation, the ratifications of
( whirli havu Ihen recently exchanged, accompa
ny this nn sssge for the information of Congress
and fur s v h legislative enactim nts as may he
s . e j
found nei«ssa*y or expedient, 111 relation ton-
J 11 her of ihrtii.
To watch over and foster the Interests of a
gradually increasing and widely extended coin
ineree; to guard the lights ul American citizens,
1 whom buainers, or ph asurc, or other motives,
I may tempt into dis'ant climes, and at the same
I time- to cultivate those sentiments of mutual ic
sped and ginid will whieh i xpericnce has proved
mi beneficial in international intercourse, the
Government of the United Stairs ha* deemed il ;
* exped ent, from time to lime, to establish diplo- 1
malic connections with different foreign Stales.
• hy the appointment of representatives to reside
I within their respective territories. lam gratifi
ed to he enabled to announce to yon that, smci
the close of the Gsl Mi ssion, tin »e relations have
, been opined under (he happiest auspice* with
Austria and the Two Sicilies; that new nomi
( nations Imvc hren made in the respective mis
, sions ol Russia, lliazil, Belgium, and Sweden
and Nui way, in this country ; and that a Minis
i ter D.x raoi ma y has iiec n received, accredited
to this (i'AiniiiKiit from the Argi nrine Confed
-1 oration.
An exposition of the fiscal alfairH of the Go
vern, iient, and of ihoir condition for the paid
year, will be ina.i'o to you hy the Secretary ol
tin Trcasmy.
'Pile available balance in the Ticadiry, on the
Ist nt January next, is estimated ul §2,705,342.
The reer ipls of the year from customs and lands,
will piuhaMy amount to §20,1)15,5138. Tlicse
n.-ual Mnirei s of revenue have been increased
hy uu issue of Tieasnry notes —of which less
than eight millions of dollars, including interest
and principal, wi.lhc oulstaiiding at the end u(
the y« ui —and hy the sale of one of the bonds of
the Bank ot' the United States, for §2,251,871.
The aggiega'e of means from these and other
sources, with the balance on hand on ihe fiisl ol
January last, has been applied to (he payment ul
apptopiialions by CoiigtUMt. Tlie w hole ex pen
dituro for the y» ar on their account, including
the redemption of more than eight millions ut
Treasuty nutts, coiiNlilutes an aggregate of about
forty millions of dollars, and will still leave in
the Tieasmy the halatiec he foie slate-1-
Neatly eight millions of dollars of Treasury
notes aic to he paid during the coining year, m
addition to the ordinary appropriations for the
Muppoit ol Government. For both these purpo
wes, the r« source* of the Treasury will undoubt
edly he Millieieiil, it (he charges upon it are not
iuereat ed beyond the animal estimates. No ex
cess, however, is likely to exist; nor can the
pos poneil instillment of Ihu surplus revenue he
1 deposited with the Stales, nor any considerable
1 appropriations beyond the estimates lie made,
widmul causing ad« fieieney in the Treasury.
The great caution, advisable at all tunes, of li
-1 lulling appropriations to the wants of the puhlie
service, is rendered necessary ot present hy the
prospective and rapid reduction of the tariff;
while the vigilant jealousy, evidently excited
among the people hy the oeemrences of the lasi
1 few years, UNsiues ns that they expect iVuin their
representatives, and will sustain them m llie ex
ercise of, ihe most rigid economy. Much can
he c Heeled hy postponing appropriations not irn.
mediately required for the ordinary public ser
vice, 01 for any pressing emergency ; and much
hy reducing the expenditures where the entire
and immediate accomplishment of line objects
in view is not indispensable.
Wlien wo call to mind the recent and extreme
embarrassments produced hy excessive issue* ul
hank paper, aggravated hy die unforeseen with,
•law aI of much ioreign capital,and the inevitable
derangement arising from the distribution of the
surplus revenue among die States as required hy
Gongresf ;and consider the heavy expenses incur
-1 red hy tin removal ot' ludian tribes; hy die iiiihla.
1V operations in Florida; uni on account ol the mi
r usually large appropriations made at (he lust two
annual sessions of Congress for other objects, we
» have striking ex idem e, in the present elfieient state
r of our fmaiiei s, of the ahundant resources of the
I country to Inllil alt its obligations. Nor is it less
s gratifying to find that the general business oi the
community, deeply all'eeted as it has been, is revi
ving with additional vigor, chastened hy the les
a sons of tin* past, and animated hy the ho|>es of
the future. By the curtailment of pa|M*r issues;
hy enrhing the sanguine and adventurous spirit
1 of speculation ; and hy the hono able, application
1 of all available means to (he fulfilment ol ohliga
j lions, confidence has been restored both ut home
and abroad, and ease and facility secured to all
(tie operations of trade.
, The agency of the Government in producing
p these results has been as elfieient us Us powers
r and means pci milled. Hy withholding from the
i* States the di'posite of the fourth instalment, and
leaving several millions at long credits w ith the
hanks, principally in one section of the country,
I and more iinmedinlclv beneficial to it ; and, at
s the same lime, aiding the hanks and commercial
communities in other sections, hy |mstponi|ig the
payment of bonds for duties to the amount of U*-
t ween lot. r and five millions of dollars; hy an issue
of Treasury notes as a means to enable the Gov
* nient to meet the consequences of their indulgen
ces; hut affording, at the same time, facilities
• for remittance uml exchange ; and by steadi
ly declining to employ as general dejiosito
ries of the public revenue*, or receiving the
| notes of all hanks whieh refused to redeem
( them in specie : hy these measures, aided
, by the lavonthle action of some of the hunks,
, wild by the support and eo-operatiou of a
» large portion of the community, we have witnes
, sedan early resumption of specie payments in
C our great eommeri'iul capital, promptly followed
, in almost every part of the I niled Suites. This
. result has been alike salutary to the true interests
ol agriculture, commerce and manufacture* ; to
1 public morals, respect for the laws, and that con
-1 fidenee between man and man which is so cssen
- tin! in all our social relations.
1 I'he contrast between the suspension of 1814
» and that ol I 53 7 is must striking. 'l'he short du
ration ot tli • latter; the prompt rest unit ion of bu
l> siness; the evident lamefits resulting from an ad
• herence hy the Government to the eonstkutionul
standard ol value, instead of sanctioning the sus
* pension hy the nveipl ot irn deemahle pajH’r; and
Ihe advantages derived from the large amount of
| specie introduced into the country previous to
' 1837. allord a valuable illustration of the true
( policy of the Government in such a crisis; nor
can the comparison fail to remove the impression
, 1 (Hal a national hank is necessary in such emer
! gencic*. Not only were sjsvie payments resum
oil without its aid, but exchanges have been more
rapidly restored than when it existed; thereby
showing that private capital, enterprise and pru
dence are fully adequate to these ends. On all
these point* experience seems to have confirmed
the view s heretofore submitted to Congress. We
have hoi 11 saved the mortification of seeing the
distresses of the community for the thin! time
\ seized on to fasten upon the country so danger
mis an institution; and wo may also hope that
the business of individual* will hereafter he re
lieyed from the injurious effects of a continued
, agitation ol that disturbing subject. The limi
ted influence of a national bank in aveiting de
rangement in the exchanges of the country, 01
in compelling the resumption of specie payments,
is now not less apparelit than its tendency to in
. crease inordinate speculation hy sudden expan
1 sions and contractions; its disposition to creatt
panic and embarrassment for the promotion of
- its own designs; its interference with politics:
- and its far greater power fur evil than for good
s either in regard to the local institution* or tin
> operations of Government itself. What was, ic
these respects, but appreheurion or opinion when
a national bank was firet established, now stand*
confirmed by humiliating experience. The
scenes through which wc have
sively prove how line our commerce, agriculture,
manufactures, or finances, require such an in
stitution, and what dangers are attendant on it*
power—a power, 1 trust, neve r to be conferred
by the American people upon llicir Government,
and still less opon individuals not responsible to
them for its unavoidable abuses.
My conviction of the necessity of further le
gislative provisions for the safe-keeping and di«-
burse men I ol the public moneys, and my opinion
in regard to the measures best adapted to the
accomplishment of those objects, have been al
ready submitted to you. These have been
strengthened by recent events; and, in the full
conviction that lime and experience must still
further demonstrate their propriety, I feel it |'iy
duty, with respectful deference to the conflict
ing views of others, again to invite your atten
tion to them.
With the exception of limited sums deposited
in the few banks still employed under the ad ot
I&3G, the amounts received for duties, sod, with
very inconsiderable exceptions, those accruing
from San Is also, have, since the general suspen
sion of specie payments by the deposit® banks,
been kept and disbursed by the Treasurer, under
his general legal powers, subject to the superin
tcndcncc of the Secretary of the Treasury. 1 he
j propriety of defining mors specifically, and ol
■ regulating by law, tbe exercise of this wide scoj»e
! of Executive discretion, has been already sub-
I milled to Congress.
A change in the office of collector at one ol
j our principal ports, has brought to light a delal.
I cation of the gravest character, the particulars
J of which will be laid Ik lore you in a special re.
port from the Secretary of the Treasury. By
liis report and the accompai ying documents, it
will be seen that the weekly returns of the dc
i faulting officer apparently exhibited, throughout,
a faithful administration of the affairs entrusted
to hi« inana.cmcnt. It, however, now appears,
that he commenced abstracts g the public mo.
m ya shortly after his appointment, ami contin
ued to do so,progressively increasing the amount,
for the term of more than seven yearn, embracing
a portion of the period during which the public
moneys were deposited in the Bank of the Uni
ted Slates, the whole of that of the Slate bank
depoaite system, and concluding only cm Ins re.
tircinrnt from office, after that sysl. rn had sub.
sta.itially failed, in consequence of the suspen
sion of specie payment. I *.
The way in which this defalcation was so lung
I concealed, and the steps taken l« indemnity the
| United Slates, as far as practicable, against loss
[ will also he presented to you. Tim ease is one
which imperatively claims the attention of Con
cress, and furnishes the strongest motive for the
establishment of a more severe and secure *>«.
lent for tin; safe keeping and disbursement of the
public moneys than any that lias heretofore ex.
islcd.
It seems proper, alallevenls, that by an r ally
enactment, similar to that ol other countries, the
application of public money by an officer of gov
eminent to piivatouaes, should be made a felony
and visited with severe and ignominious punish.
, ment« Tins is already, in effect, the law in res
pect to the mint, and has been productive of the
most salutary results. Whatever system is an
Opted, such an enactment would he wiser as an
independent measure, since much of the public
moneys must in their collection and ultimate
disbursement, pass twice through the hands ol
public officers, in whatever manner they arc in.
tcniif dialely kept. The Government, it must
l>o admitted, has been from its commence,
men!, comparatively fortunate in this respect.
But the appointing power cannot al says be weII
advised in its si lections, and the experience ol
every country has shown that public officers
arc not at all times proof against temptation.—
It is a duly, therefore, which the Government
/»wcs, as well to the interests committed to its
cai ,a , as to the officers themselves, to provide ev.
cry against transgressions of this chartc.
ter that i* consistent with reason and humanity.
Congress cannot he 100 jealous of the conduct
of those who are intrusted with the public mu.
ncy; and I shall, at all times, be disposed to en.
courage a watchful discharge of this duly. If
a more direct co-operation on the part of Con.
gn H.<* in the Hup«'t Vision of the conduct of otfi
ccra entrusted with the custody and application
of the public money «* deemed desirable, it will
give mo pleasure to assist in the establishment ol
any judicious and constitutional plan by which
that object may be accomplished. You will, in
your wisdom, determine up**** the propriety o|
adopting such a plan, and UjWn the measures
necessity to its effectual execution. When the
late Hank of the United States w as incorporated
and made the depository of the public moneys, a
right was reserved to Congress to inspect, at its
pleasure, by a committee of that body, the books
and proceedings of the bank.
In one of the stales whose banking institutions
are supposed to rank among the first in poi.it ol
stability, they arc subject to constant examina
tions by eoinniissioneiN appointed for that pur
pose, and much of the success of its banking sy*.
tern is attributed to this watchful supervision.—
The same course lias also, in view of its benefi.
I cial ojKJralion, been adopted by an adjoining
; state, favorably known for the rare it has always
t bestowed upon whatever relates to its financial
i concerns. I submit to your consideration,wheth.
era committee of Congress might not be profit.
• ably employed m inspecting, at sneb interval*
| as might he deemed proper, the affairs and ae.
counts of officers entrusted with the custody ol
the public moneys. The frequent performance
( of this duty might bo made obligatory on the
committee in respect to those officers who have
large sums in their possession, and 101 l diacre,
tionarv in reaped tu others. They might report
to the Executivesuch defalcations as were found
to exist, with a view to a prompt removal from
office unless the default was satisfactorily ae.
counted for; and report also, to Congress, at the
commencement of each session, the result ol
their examinations and proceedings. It does ap.
pear to me that, with a subjection of this class ol
public officers tu the general supervision of the
Executive to examinations by a committee ol
Congress al periods of which they should have
no previous nolaic, and to prosecution and pun.
ishmcnl as for felony for every breach us Utisl,
the safe.keeping of the public moneys, under the
system proposed, might be placed on a surer
foundation than it has ever occupied since the
establishment of the Government.
The Secretary of the Treasury w ill lay before
you additional information containing new de.
tails on tins interesting subject. To these I ask
your early attention. That it should have given
rise to great diversity us opinion, cannot be a
subject of surprise. Alter the collection and
custody us the public moneys had been for so
many yeais connected with, and made subsidiary
to the advancement of private interests, a return
to the simple and self denying ordinances of the
Constitution could not but be difficult. But time
amt free discussion, eliciting the sentiments of
the people, and ailed by that conciliatoiy spirit
which has over characterized their course on
great emergencies, were r» lied upon fora sal is.
factory settlement ol the question. A heady has
this anticipation on one important point at least
—xlie impropriety of diverting public money tu
private purposes—been fully realised. There is
no reason to suppose that legislation upon that
bianeh of the subject would mow be embarrassed
by a difference ol opinion, or fail to receive the
cordial support of a large majority of our consti.
tuents. The connection which formerly existed
between the Government and bank*, was in re.
ality injurious to both, as well as to the general
interests of the community at large. It aggra
vated :be disasters of trade and the derange,
nictiis of commercial intercourse, and adminis.
tered new excitement and additional means to
wild and rookies* speculations, the disappoint,
nients of which threw the country into convul.
sums of panic, ami all but produced violence
and bloodshed. The imprudent expansion ol
bank credits, which was the natural result oflhe
command of the revenues of the Slate, furnish,
ed the resources for unbounded license in every
species of adventure, seduced industry from its
regular and salutary occupations by the hope of
abundance without labor, and deranged the so.
cial slate by tempting all trades and professions
into the vortex of speculation on remote conlin
go no ies.
The same wide .spreading influence impeded
also the resources of the Government, curtailed
ilsuscful operations, embarrassed the fulfilment
Tils obligations, and seriously interfered with
die execution of llm laws, Large appropria.
ions and oppressive taxes are the natural conse
quences of such a connection, since they increase
lb« profits of those who arc allowed to u*c the
public funds, and make it their interest that mo
nev should be accumulated and expenditures
, multiplied. It is thus that a concentrated money
power is tempted to become an active agent in
» political affaire, and all past experience ha*
1 shown on which side that influence will he ar
rayed. Wc deceive ourselves if wc suppose that
> it will ever be found asserting and supporting
the rights of the community at large, in oppo.i
. lion to the claims ol the few.
In a Government wN« distinguishing char
i actcristic should be a diffu*:«n and equabzaliou
l ' of its benefits and burdens, the advantage ot in.
dividuala will be augmented al the *;xpt nse nl
1 the mass of the people. Nor is it I Ik* n 0
I combinations for the acquisition of Icgic'la'tvc
1 influence to confine their interference to the J*. '*
i gle object for which they were originally formed.
■ The temptation to extend it to oilier mailers, is.
- on the contrary, no! unfrequeniy 100 strong to
Ik.- resisted. The influence in the direction of
j public -Hairs, of the community at large, is,
f therefore, in no slight danger of being sensibly
, and injuriously affected by giving to a coim ara
, lively small, but very efficient class, a direct an.l
exclusive {K.Tsoiial interest in so important a por
tion of the legislation of Congress as that with h
x relates to the custody of the public moneys. It
laws acting upon private interests cannot always
. he avoided, they should i»e confined within the
f narrowest limits, and left, wherever pos-rde, to
the Legislatures of the Slates. When not thus
. restricted, they lead to combinations of powerful
associations, luster an influence necessarily si I’-
j ish, and turn the fair course of legislation to
sinister ends, rather than to objects that advance
, public liberty, and promote the general good.
The whole subject now rests with you, and I
Y cannot but express a hope that some definite nica
t sure will be adopted at the present session.
It wilt not, I am sure, be deemed out of place,
. for rne here to remark, that the declaration of»t;y
J views in opposition to the pole yof cmpbnmg
: , banks as depositories of the Government funds,
cannot justly l»c construed as indicative »•} n.»<-
liliiy, official or personal, to those imeituiions;
, or to repeat, in this form, and iu connection with
I tiiis suijeet, opinions which 1 have uniformly
c entertained, and on all proper oeecasiuns ex
pressed, Though always opposed to tin ire.ri.a
--k lion in the form of exclusive privil* ge.«, and as
a Slate magistrate aiming by apprupiia ; c b gin.
i- | lalion to secure tbe community against the < mi
. I sequences of their occasional mismanngeim id,
! I have yet ever wished to see them piofe ted in
j the exercise ol rights conferred by law, and have
v never doubled their utility, when properly man
h aged, iu promoting tbe interest of trade, and,
e through that channel, the oilier interests of the
i. community. To the General Government they
e present themselves merely as Stale insli til ion?,
i. having no necessary connect ion with its ligisla.
e lion or its administration.• Like other Stale es
tablishments, they may be used or not iu con.
dueling the atfaiis oflhe Government, as jubii
y policy and the general interests of the Urdu;;
c may seem to require. The only sale or propt r
-. principle n, on which their intercourse with
y ' the Government can he regulated, is (hat
i. which regulates their intercourse with llu*
i. ptivalo < ilizen—the cons rring of minual bene.
0 fits. V* hen the Governments can accomplish a
1 financial operation hotter with the aid of the
n banks than without, it should he at liberty to
c seek dial aid as it would the seivici sos a pri
e vale banker, or other capitalists or agents, giv.
d ing the pre erencc to those who will serve /on
i. the host terms. Nor can there ever exist an
it interest in the uffieeis of the General Govern.
uieiil, as such, inducing Ihi in to emhai i as- «,r
I. annoy the State banks any more than to incur
II the hostility of any other clast or State instim.
d lions, or of private citizens. It is not iu the
s nature of things that hostility to those insliiu.
lions can spring from tins sourer, or any oppo.
it silion to tlieir course of business, except when
s they themselves depart Irom the objects of their
creation, and attempt to usurp powi rs nut con.
!- ferret! upon them, or to subvert tho stand,ud of
r . value established by the Constitution. While
t opposition tu their regular operations can.
i. not exist in this quarter, resistance to any u'.
i. tempi to make the Government dependent u; on
f them for the successful admit stratum of public
i. affairs, is a matter ofduty, as I trust it cur will
i- he of inclination, no matter from what, motive
n or consideration the attempt may originate.
II It is no more limn just to the hanks tu say, that
,f in the late emergency, most oflhetn firmly r misled
), the strongest temptations to extend their paper is
(| suss, when apparently snsltunoa in a mspe>, urn of
. specie payments by public opinion, even though in
some rases invited by legb(alive cimctmrnrN. To
■ this honorable course,sided by the resistance us
'« the ( «encral Government, acting in obedience to
d the Constitution and laws cf the United States, to
a the introduction of nn irredeemable pat » r medium,
j, may be attributed, m n great degree, the speedy
.j restoration of our currency to a sound slate, and
the business of tbo country toils wonted prosperi
ty. The bunks have but to continue in the same
,H safe course, and be content in their appropriate
T sphere, to avoid all interference from the Gem r 1
i. ( •overnmenf, and to derive from it all the protec
x, lion and benefit which it bestows on other State
* estabiishinemis, on the people us the Stairs, and on
the States themselves. In ibis, their true pot-limn,
r* * they cannot tun secure the confidence nml good
'* will of the people and tin* Government, w Inch they
I? ?*•? only lose when, leaping from their legitimate
s spin r e, they attempt t.» control the legislation ol
tl tho co'retry, and pervert tiie opr rations of the Go
j. vermin al to their ow n purposes.
Onr experience under the m i passed at tie I.i*t
i* session, to Tarn pre-emption rights to settlers on
* the public lands, has ns yet been too limited to en
* able us tu pronounce will Mlfety Upon the «Ulc:ny
’* ofil* provision!) to carry ontlhe wi.e and liberal
c policy of the Gov rnment in that respect. The e
it* is, however, the be treason l» anticipate favorable
e result* from its op'TiiCtou. The recommendations
.. formerly subiHiiled to ; on, in respt ct to a grndtm
( lion of (lie price of the pnMie lands, rennun to he
. finally acted upon. Ituvin,** found no reason to
change the views then exprein cd, your utlentionlu
11 them is again respectfully requested.
Every proper exertion has bet i mode, nnd will
e he continued, to carry out the wisi.i's ol t uogic .s
>1 in relation to the tobacco trade, asm Tented irilhe
several resolutions of the House of .Tcpre.senta
lives and the legislation of the two brn. ’ he.- \
fa voral le impression lias, I trust, been mau ‘- in the
. dilTerent foreign countries to which parucul.. r al
* lention has been directed, and although wc cannot
e hope for an curly cimnye in their policy, us iu
>• many of them a convenient nnd large revenue is
t, derived from monopolies in tho fabrication and -ul«*
t . of this article, yet, ha these monopolies are really
r injurious to tbe people where they are established,
, and the revenue derived from them may b.* le>>
c injuriously and wi.lt npial facility obtained from
another nnd a liberal system of administration, we
c cannot doubt liuil our ellorts w ill be eventually
:- crowned with success,if persisted in with tempi
k rule firmness, and sustained by prudent If gislai.i n.
n In recommending tu Congress the adoption ol the
a necessary provisions at this session tor taking the
t j next census, or enumeration us tbo iniiabitaies of
| the I lined Stales, Hie suggestion proents Hat'll
° whether the scope **f the measure imgiit not be
Y usefully extemled. by causing it to embrace nu
n thcniic statistical returns of the great interests spe
c cially entrusted to,or ncccssaiily nlUeud by, me
e legislation of Go tigress.
,f The uceompaiiyiiig report of ilie Secretary* of
|t War presents a satisfael >ry account of the stale
of the army, and of the several branches of die
" public service c mfided to the sup* rnueiuicnce of
*• * that oilieer.
■ s | 'flu-law increasing nml organizing the military
>t 1 establishment oflhe l ulled Mules bus been nearly
a} earned into elicit, and the army has been exien
s | sivcly and usefully employed during the past sca
t fc ° n
. 1 would again cal) to your notice the subjects
‘ connected with and esHential to the military de
e fences of the country, which were submitted p.
>• you at the lasi session; but which were not acted
d upon, as is stipi>osed, fur want oftime. The most
>. important of them is the organization of the militia
il on the maritime and inland frontiers. 1 lu» niva
u sure is deemed tnifMirtant, as it is believed that it
will furnish an eflcclive volunteer force in aid of
the regular army, and may form the basis for a
’■ general system ol organization lor the enure uuli
° lia oflhe United flutes. The erection of d nalioa-
L- al foundry and gunpowder manufactory, and one
|. for making small arms, the latter to be situated ul
e some point west of the Alleghany mountains, all
appear to be of suiricieiu importance to be again
, urged upon youratiention.
L The plan by the Secretary of War for
u the distribution oflhe forces of the United Stales
Y in lime ut peace, is well calculated to promote re
> gulanty and economy in the fiscal administration
>f of the service, to preserve the discipline of the
troops, and to rendenhem available lor the mum
lß tenance oflhe peace and tranquility of the coun
try. With this view, likewise, I recommend the
adoptionof the plan presented by that officer for the
defence oflhe western frontier. The preserva ion
” of the lives and property of onr fellow-ctuzens who
d are settled upon that border country, as well as the
t existence of the Indian population, winch might be
|) tempted by our want of preparation to rush on their
u own destruction and attack the w hite selltements,
. all seem to require that this subject should be ac
ted upon without delay, and the War Department
e authorized to place that country in a state of coin
plete defence against any assault from the mime
rouß and warlike tribes which are congregated on
that border.
It affords me sincere pleasure to be able to ap
prize you ol the entire removal of the Cherokee
nation of Indians to their new homes west of the
Mississippi. The measures authorized by Con
gress at its last session with a view to the long
standing controversy with them, have hod the hap
piest effects. By an agreement concluded with
them by the commanding general in that country,
who has performed the duties to him on
I the occasion with commendable energy and hn
' inanity, their removal haa been principally under
j the conduct of their own chiefs, and they have
• emtirmted without any apparent reluctance.
T lie successful accomplishment of this important
ohji cl; the removal, also, of the entire Creek oa
tion, with ih? i xccp ionof a small number »f* fugi
tives ur.cncst the Seminoles in Florida; the pro
. 2rc-a already made towards a speedy completion
(~ the rcr-jov .1 of the (TiirSasaws, llie Choctaws,
tl.c r*. *, 'votaiuies,the Oltawus, and the Chippe
’ v.a-. with ihe extensive purchases of Indian lands
during the year, have rendered the speedy
J-..J *ut ( eshlul rcu'H ”(the long eMabli.lied polirj
of the Government the subject of Indian
affairs entirely certain. Jhe occasion is, there
forc, dccii Ml u j.n per one to p»rc° *his policy in
>ut ha p tit o| vihv as will exonerate the Govern
aitnioi the I nited Stales from the undeserved re
proach w loch has been ca t upon it through* seve
ral Mire, s-ive administrrrions. That a mixed oC-j
cupancy ul ti e same territory, by the while and
red ni..n. is ineorapntib'o with the safety or happi
ness of. i r. is a potuion in respect to which there
i hasloni* mix ceased to he room fora difference
of opiii.-m lu a son ami experience have alike de
monstrated its impracticability. The hitler fruits
of i-\o y attempt heretofore to overcome the bar
r.ers inurpo cdby nature, have only been de-
Mruct n boils •i , deal and moral, to the Indian;
•i• .< -> **oi ihe.* of authority between the Fed
• r; 1 arid hi ale (lOvcrlimcnlß; and detriment to the
individual prosperity of the citizen, as well as to
tin* gon.-rul improvement of me country. The
rein* d.al po.icy■, the principlesuf which were set
llt di! re i. thirty years ago, under the adrninis
(ration of Mr. Jcffenion, consiats in uu extinction,
f. r.i fur . n-: era* ion, of the title to all the lands
Mill i..v t d 4i\ die Indians within the Stan s and
i'crrno.n he I need Mates; their removal to a
i •iintry w» tollhe MiM-issippi, much more exien
, vr. and hi tter adapted l » their condition, then
that in whiin they ii.cn resided; the guarantee to
j them mv the I ml rd Stales, of their exclusive poa
i'fciti o/that country forever, exempt from all
inlru.ioash) white men, wnh ample provisions
for tin ir so* nriiy against exicrnal violence and in
u-rn.il «]i-»en> m :ij :* I the rxiensinn to them of
I .-inn. •<■ ! i.;:;ch for their advancement in civiliza
! lion. I s in.-, not 100 n the policy of particular
in'nii. trahn;,'only, hut of each in siiccetsion
int c li : ji'iciiipt to carry it out under that of
Mr. .M,,nro«. Ali has e labored for its accomplish
I nient, oily ui a different degrees of success 'I he
! iu.)-..u r < I n.- « x* < ulion li i*. it is true, from time
: to nine, rist* to conflict* of opinion atul nn
i n i mi) • hut in ic-pcct to tho wisilora and
j nci i ,y of 4,‘n-p )!u y ,im li, tl.cre has not, from
I the be-.pm. .g cx-el a <I uh* in llie iiimd of any
i i ho .did n. , disintercioed friend of the Indian
i..ci. .. (ii-iun.i.wi to nil c ion ami enlightened b>
■ contractor on
... no! the parties <on
-11• l•’ wi' wi • h.iid’y t» lo expected that the
■ ••.til .i ; i !rn Government with the In
dian li- - w iM cr nr misrepresentation. That
tlicrc o i i: -■ in the i ar ! y sett eincnt of this coun
; try, a-i.i an where t;e civilized ra. e has
i> K d ! t 1 tin* p • sessions of the savage, instances
( , r,d fraud on the pait of the former,
t - ; • son to believe. No such oilcn
j ccs t an, hi a < ver, e justly charged upon this gov
criun i ",:,rc it !c• me f.ce to pursue its own
• »n: Us d* a,mgs with the Indian tribes have
I Ictuju-.t d friendly throughout; its efforts for
lin n • ivi cun Jant, and directed by the best
Ice in., of humanity, it*, watchfulness in protecting
them limn indivil ;al ftavills, unremitting; its for
ht- i.i.iu'e ii'-.dcr the keeiicst provocations, the deep
est 11 ji. ,« .uni i .• must flagrant outrages, may
! c hailoitge t least a comparison with any nation,
am lent or um cm, in similar circumstances; and if
m future m-i. . i |nwcifid, civilized ami happy na
! lion «if Indians >.'d I !o so :nd to exist, within the
i 1 1ri111> oi . mtmicin continent, it w ill he owing to
1 the t n ..rni i lion of that policy which has been so
un J i , .i. ii cl. tn\ :• very brief reference to
tin . .n < ' i, >i :n..lion of tiiis assertion can in this
I"- 1 ‘ ■ i\ ii, and you sue, therefore, neccssariy
«• f* i i t t..* i. po.l of the Sccrelaiy us War for
further details.
To I• (.’A inker ;, w hose ruse has perhapnev
cited lh< ■ ■ a’< sli.irr id attention and sympntliy
the I S' lira h ive granted in fee, withn perpetual
gitii > .in. ol ■ a lusive mid peureiihle potiaoMUOP,
1 1,1 do acres oflatiii, on the west aide of the
M us-. j .■' «lii«■ Iy , situated, in a healthy cli
mate, ami hi ill re pccts better united to their
condition th.i i the country they have left, in cx
cluii •• so; only I) 1U2.1C0 acres on the east niile
of sat 1 river. The Lnilrd S ates in addition
stip latcd to pay them live million six hundred
thousand dollars for their interest in, and im
provemcn on, the lands thus relinquished, and
ouo million • .«* liundn d ami sixty thousand dol
lars for ■■ui's>U'iice and other iN'ncficial purpotM*s.
' thereby pullmg it in their power to iiecoine one
of the most wealthy and independent separate
communities, of the same extent, in the world.
| H\ llietrc.il - made and iulilied with the Mia
mi. -.tic (’liippcvvas, lit* Smux, the Sacs and
l'o\ c. i l the \\ inncl agoes, during the last
1 year, li. ■ln i. i title t» (dg-htis’ii million four
| mm -I i i thousand acres has been
\' • ’ml. I'l esc purchases havel*een much
* m *r. \! ci• • I'• ■ :!i.i i those of .my previous year,
1 ami li.ive, \v. i other Indian expenses, home
very lie.ivlly upon the rrc.r.ury. They leave,
j how . \er, I?ut a small quantity of unhought lands
, \. it!i:u the Mams iuid Territories; and the la’gis
laturt' and Mvecutlv • were equally sensible of
th ■ propriety ufa li i i! and more spc*etly extinction
1 of Indian title - vvilhiii those Hints. The treaties |
wliii li u. re. with a single exception, made in pur- j
suan a of previous appropriations for defraying j
l!n-OKp.'ii-fs, have subsequently been ratified by’
th >* itale. ai: l re« eivcd the ►aiicluai of Congremi
. by the apjT" n.iiio is necessary to carry them into }
« o (»:;;• m ;,ns np-m w Inch these important !
u. ■ ' i.i-uiis wire coroludcd, I can speak from)
i «!■;■ Umov c<and I feel no diflicully in olfirm- j
m; tli it the interest of the Indians in the extensive (
te i lory embraced by them, is to he pan! for at
its f r v.iland (hit no more favorable terms
have lu en granted to the ( nited States than would
have been rcu. onablv expected in a negotiation
vvitli civil'.red men, fully capable of appreciating
and protecting their own rights. For die Indian
tc i.i I I'vU'.hs.iT hit* » acquired since the fth of
■ M n eb, I • >. ilie I ailed States have paid $72,560,-
• '»<*». in parmanenl annuities, lands,reservationa for
|];d>ans, evpen-cs of removal and sihsiiitance, mer
■ rha ‘dis*f, mechanical and agricultural establish
ments uml HU|il<*oc‘iits, When the heavy expenses
i-i.rrc 1 by die I nited Stales, atul the cirrum
u.ce ll 'I su bn-jo n portion of the enure territory
will he jop ever unsaleable, are considered, and
i *,is price is compared with that f«*r which the Uni
ted States sch their own lands, no one can don hi
tint justice has “n done to the Indians in these
purchases also. ( cMam it is, that that the trana
a.’ti'*n< of (he rede.-: I (Government with the In
dians h ive been unifoii.dy characterized by a sin
cere and p r mmc t den’e to promote lh«ir wel
fare. .1 (d it must he I soun e of the highest gnil fi
ciiti.oi to every Inei.J m jns.ice and humanity to
h .nnd.it, no w ihslaiuhng tht ohstroctioiis from
lone lo time thrown m its way, and the difficulties
vili ii have i- >• n from the peculiar and impracti
cal*.e nature of die Indian character, |he w ise, hu
nia.K , ami ua.h x i.timg policy of the Government
m tl is, die must difficult of all onr relations, foreign
or d .menic, has ut length been justified to the
world in us near approach to a happy and ct riain
coiiMimm-lion.
The condition of the tribes which occupy tlit
country t*et at ari for diem in the West, is highly
prosp, roil.- , and encourages the hope of their early
civilization. They have, for the most part, aban
doned do* hunter state, and turned their attention
to ngnculuiral puramts. All those who have been
' established i t any length of lime in that ferule
region, maintain themselves Uy their own indus
try. There are among them traders of no incon
siderable capital, and planters exporting cotton to
EOtno extent; but the greater number are small
agriculturists, living in comfort upon the produce
oi iheir farms. The recent emigrants, although
they have m some instances removed reluctantly,
have readily acquiesced in their unavoidable des
tiny. '1 hey have found at once a recompense for
pas t sidle rings, and uu incentive to industrious
habits,iu die abundance and comforts around them.
There is reason to believe that all these tribes are
friendly in their feelings towards the United Slates;
and it is to be hoped that the acquisition of individ
ual wealth, the pursuits of agriculture, and habits
ol industry, will gradually subdue their warlike
propensities, and incline them to maintain peace
among themselves. To effect this desirable object
the attention of Congress is solicited lo the mea
sures, recommended by the Secretary of War for
their future gcvernmeiil and protection as well
from each other as from the hostility of the war
like tribes around them, and the intrusions of the
w hiles. The policy of the government has given
them a permanent home, ana guarantied lo them its
peaceful and undisturbed possesgign. It only re
mains to give them a government and laws which
will encourage industry, and secure lo them the
rewards of their exertions. The imparlance ol
some form of government cannot be 100 much in
sisted upon. The earliest effects will be to dimin-
ish the causes and occasions for hostilities amaa
the tribes, to inspire an interest in the observas#
of laws lo which they will have themselves
cd, and lo multiplv the securities of property an
the motives for self-improvement. Intimately cm
nerted with this subject, is the establishment of th
military defences recommended by the Secretar
of War, which have been already referred
Without them, the Government will be powerlei
to redeem its pledges of protection lo iheemi~r»
ing Indians against the numerous warlike mb*
that surround them, and to provide for the safety
the frontier settlers of the bordering States. * (
The case of the Semtnoles constitutes m prei .
the only exception to the successful efforts of iK
Government to remove the Indians to the Uom
assigned them west of the Mississippi Four hu*
dreJ of this tribe emigrated in 1836,and fifteen Imr
dred in 1837 and 1838, leaving in the country, u
supposed, about 2,0u0 Indians. The continue!
treacherous conduct of these people; the *av».
and unprovoked murders they have lately romrw
led, butchering w hole families of the settlers of th,
Territory, without distinction of age or >ex
making their way into the very centre and heart c
the country, so that no part of it is free from the
ravages; their frequent attacks on the light-boost
along that dangerous coast; and the barbarity *u|
which they have murdered the passengers am
crews of such vessels as have been wrecked upo!
the reef* and keys which border the Gulf, leave jb
Government no alternative but to continue ihe mi
litery operations against them until they are
iy expelled from Florida.
There are other motives which would urgetb
GovcruJnenl lo pursue this course towards the Se
mmoles. The United Stales have fulfilled in goo*
faith all their treaty stipulations with the
tribes, *ai.d have, in every other instance, ioriste*
upon a like performance of their obligations. T(
relax from ibis salutary rule because trie
have maintained themselves so long in ths terms
ry they had relinquished, and, in defiance ofib*,,
frequent and solemn engagements, still continue t«
wage a ruthless war against tiie United States
would not only evince a want of constancy onoui
part, hut l»e us evil example in our intercourse«d|
oilier tribes. Kxpt nence has shown that hut luu«
is to he gained by the match of armies through i
country so intersected wiili inaccessible •*Hamp<
and marshes, and which, from thw fatal chsracifi
ot the climate, must be abandoned ut the end of tbs
winter. 1 recommend, therefore,lo youraitcmioa
the plan submitted by the Secretary of War in thi
accompanying report, for the p< rmnnent oceupt.
lion of the port.on of the Tcrriu ry freed fromiW
Indians, and the more efficient protection of Us
people of Florida from their inhuman warfare.
From the report of the Secretary of the Navy,
herewith transmitted, it will appear that a large
portion of the disposable naval force ia either ac
tively employed, or in a slate of preparation fhrtbc
purposes of experience and discipliue.and th#pro
tection of o«;r commerce. So effectual tin* t, fen
tins protection, that, so far as the inforinitiian of
Government extends, not a single outrage hasbrrn
attempted on a vessel carrying the dug of the Ins
ted States, within trie present year, m any quarter,
however distant or exposed.
The exploring expedition sailed from Norfolk on
the lUih of August lust; and information lia» been
received ot its safe arrival ut the island of Madeira.
The best spirit animates the officers and crew*,
and there is every reason to anticipate, fmroitaef.
torts, results beneficial to commerce ut.d honora
ble to the nation.
It will also be seen that no red union of the force
now in commission is contemplated. The n»itw
tied state of a portion us ‘South America renders it
indispensable that our commerce should rcrm«
protection in that quarter; the vast and inrres»«w
interests embarked in the trade ol tin* Indian and
China seas, in the whale fisheries <.f ili« K*artfic
ocean, and in the (Gulf of Mexico, require equal at.
leniton to their safety; ami a small squadron mar
he employed to great advantage on our Ailantir
const, in meeting Midden demands for the rsn.font,
menl of other stations, in aiding merchant vtueii
in distress, n» affording active service totnadA,
lional number of officers, and in Visiting the d(br
ent putts of the United Stales, an accurate know
ledge us which is obviously ul the in-host mipur;.
mice.
The attention of Congress is respectfully rtiled
in trial portion of the r» port recommending an to
creuse in ihe number us smaller vessels, and lumber
suggestion* contained in (but document. Then-
Imi t increase and wide expansion «>t our comnwm,
which is e\ ery day seeking new avenues of profit*
rile adventure; the absomte necessity of a natal
force for its protection precisely m me degree of iu
extension; a due regard to the national rights at 4
honor; the recollection of its former ex plum, aid
the anticipation of its future triumphs wheurm
opportunity presents itself, which w« may ngliiiu,
ly indulge from the experience of the past,all sere
to point to the navy us a most efficient arm of >,j
national defence, mid a proper object us IcgisUuvs
encouragement.
The progress and condition of the Post 0®»
Department will be seen by reference to the rrpun
of the Postmaster General. The extent of jmi
roads, covered by mail contracts, is statrd to a
134,818 miles, and the annual transpor ation upon
them 31,580,202. '1 he number of js*st office* a
the United States is 12,553 and rapidly increwH.
The gross revenue for the year ending on the 3U
day of Juno last, was 94,262,145. The sreniq
expenditures, $4,680,068; excess of expenditure,
$117,023. This lias been made up out of (lisift
plus previously mi hand. The cash >n hsndontb
first instant, was $314,068. TTie revenue lor its
year ending June 30, IBikt, was 81C 1,510 more that
that for the year emliiu! June 30, 1a37. Th# it
peiidnurcs of the department had been gnuliiald
upon the anticipation of a largely increased me
nuc. A moderate curtailment of mail service o»
seqnenlly became necessary, and has bee flfra
ed, lo shield the department against the
embarrassment. Its revenue is now impr«»vo(
and it will soon resume Us onward iuur>e ic.kl
march of improvement.
Your particular attention is requested(okubbcl
of the P.-simuMer General’s re. on asrelaieiwlk
transportation of the mails upon nnlrosui. Ih
laws on that subject do not socm adoqaate los
cure that service, now Iwcoine almost essrniiall
the public interests, and ul the same time pane
llie dejiurtnieui from oumbiimUoiis uuJ unrcasoai
ble demands.
Nor can I too earnestly request your atienmei
the necessity of providing a more secure hmklif
for this dep irtinenl. The danger of destrucWil
| who h its im|M»rlanl lxs»ks and j».»;n-rs are o»i»WHi
j ly exjK»sed, as well fnnn the highly comUiml
j character ol llie building occupied, as ffuin tkiti
others iu the vicinity, calls loudly forpruniftaiW
Your attention is again earnestly invited los
J suggestions and rc« oinmeiidaiions subuitiiel xtd
1.i.-I ses i m in resp* cl to the Distnci us tulset^H
I feel it my duty, nlm> t to bring i«
certain proceedings at law winch have
I been prosecuted m this DiNtircl.m the uumf
I nited Stales, on the relation of Messr#
and Smkcs, of llie State of Maryland
INihluuisicr (General, mid winch have
the pay *n« nt of money out of the Naidin.d
ry, for the first tune same the
(fovcrniueiii, hyjudui.tl compulsion
the common law v>ril of inandumus, i»»ur« '■
circuit conn of this District.
The facts of the case, and the grouts'*
frrocvediogs, will be found lully Ntale-l m
of the decision; and any additional
w Inch you may desire w 11 he supplied by
per department. No interference in lb** |
case is contemplated. The money hi*
the claims of the prosecutors hue
and the whole subject, so far as llwy at*
is finally disjioscdof. but it is on the
that the ca>e may be regarded a* an an t"' l ’
ex|stsiiion of the law as tl now stand-, th- 1 *
ihoiigta n necessary to present u »o
Tise object of llie application lu the r»rc*»*
was l-i compel the I’osimaster (»eiie r ai
into effect an award made by the Bohutst Bi
Treasury, under a special net of (
fcotllemcnlof certain claims of ihe
Post Office Department, which avvam j
master (General declined to execute iu l'».
should receive further legislative dir<
subject. If the duly imposed on the r“> WK
General, by that law, was to be regarded
an official nature,belonging to his office
of the Executive, then n is obvious that *
tultonal competency of the Judiciary loU
control him in Us discharge, was , iece»»* f,, D
in quest itui. And if the duty so imposedo**
master (General was lobe cmistdereo •*
ministerial,and not executive, it yetretna' 1
shown tha» tlie circuit court ol tin* dt*t*, l
thorny to interfere by mandamus— «urn
having never before been as.-eried or ci
that court. With a view to the ho,lie, “^ '
iinporuint questions, the judgment o
court was carried, by o writ of err ■
preme Court of the United States »•
of that inbui.al, the duty imposed on *
ter (General was not an official.exectt •
one of u merely luiiiisienul n
constuulioiml questions which had uc
were, therefore, excluded from nj e 1 0 r<.
case; the court, indeed, expressly aow’
with powers and duties properly o*‘ - rJd^»CV(
Executive, no other department ca
the w rit of mandamus; and the quests •
resolved itself into this ; lias tnngre*
upon the circuit court of this Utsiricl
issue such a w rit lo an officer of • 1
vernment, commanding him to p* rlu ,
al act? A majority us the court huv (
it has. but have founded their • H .
cess of reasoning w hich, in my
further legislative provision ii‘d« ,
public interests and the equal admiw*
It has long since been decided b> l
Court, that neither that tribunal
courts of the L ruled States he d n^
live States, possess the P°« er, " f l“ hoih&rd<
now h.ld tlui Ihi. power. <i«ni«l . u
higli tribunal ■, (to the former by « V,
and to the latter by Congress, la* lo