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SATURDAY, I'EO. 9. ..»*• »««■»**• & To the almost satire exolusiod of gper leading matter, we are entitled tojjpy Pres ident Pierce'* Message before oitf readers this morning. It will be found to be a plain, straight forward/ practical document, fur nishing a clear perspicuous view of the present condition of the many important -and diversified interests of the^oonfryVvth tn respect to our foreign relations and do mestic policy. It also makes many wise and writ considered suggestions, worthy the -careful attention of Congress, respecting . future measures deemod advisable for the better maintainance of the various interests of the country. Altogether it is an able and statesmanlike document, and will wel repay an attentive perusal. Election* on Monday, We learn from the Savannah papers of Tuesday morning, that the election in that eity on Monday resulted in the election of the “People’s Ticket” for Mayor and Alder men entire. Edward C. Anderson’s majori- ity, for Mayor, over Dr. Richard Wayne, the Democratic candidate, was 250. The following is the Board of Aldermen elected: John Mallory, John M. Lewis, Geo. W. Garmany, Gilbert Butler, A. N. Miller, John R. Wilder, R. A. Allen, E. E. Ilertz, Jos. G. Rogers, P. W. Alexander, Dr. C. W. West, Thus. H. Harden. In Montgomery, Ala., on the* same day, Hansford, Know Nothing, was elected Mayor by 205 majority over Brittain, Democrat. MempUt* a Charleston Railroad. From an articlo in the last Charleston Mercury, we aie glad to perceive that the Memphis and Charleston Railroad Compa ny have not been seriously impeded in their operations by the unusual pressure of tho money market, for the past few months, as has been the case with many other' compa nies, but have continued to urge forward the construction of this great enterprise with uuceasing energy and vigor. One hundred and eight miles of the road, in two secticns, are already in successful operation. The western section connects Memphis with Lagrange; the eastern compasses the long line of rapids in the Tennessee river, known as the muscle Shoals. The distance from Decatur, at tho eastern end of the shoals, eighty-three miles, are graded, to S oven- son, the point of junction with the Chatta nooga & Nashville road. The bridgo over the Tennessee jit Decatur, a noble structure, 200 feet long, is progressing rapidly and is expected to be ready to receive the railway track in January. Twenty-fivo miles east ward from Lagrange, have been graded and are about ready for the iron, giving seventy five miles on the western, and one hundred and twenty-seven on tho eastern section, of finished road, nil of which will be ready for operation by the commencement of the next business season. There will then remain only a section of seventy-five miles in the eastern part of Mississippi and the western part of Alabama, to complete the wholo of this noble thoroughfare. The Mercury thinks that on the comple tion of this road, and the Nashville dr Chat tanooga road, the Western A Atlantic road will be entirely inadequate to perform the increased business which will he necessari ly thrown upon it. Such an event is quite probable, and in view of it, it will become our next legislature to take the matter into serious consideration' and provide measures for increasing the capacities of the road to meet the rapidly increasing demands of bus iness. It is not unlikely that in a very few years a double track throughout tho entire distance from Atlanta to Chattanooga will he absolutely indispensihlo to accommodate the flood of business which will be attracted from the West upon the completion of con necting roads already in progiess. PRESIDENT xfilltACh. Fellow- Citizen* of the Senate and of the »- HmieofTItiprcseniativcs: . The pftst his been an eventful year, and will be hereafter referred to as a marked epoch iakhe - history of the world. While we have been happily preserved from the calamities of war, our domestic prosperity has not" been entirely uninterrupted. The crops, in portions of the country, have been nearly cut off. Disease has prevailed to a greater extent than usual, and the sacrifice of human life, through casualties by sea and land, is without a parallel. But the pesti lence hAs swept by, and restored salubrity in- , vites the absent to their homes, and the re- tarn of business to its ordinary channels.— If die earth has rewarded the labor of the husbandman less bountifully than in pre ceding seasons, it has left him with abun dance for domestic wants, and a large sur plus for exportation. In the pre-ent, there fore, os in the past, we find ample grounds for reverent thankfulness to the God of Grace and Providence for Ilis protecting care and merciful dealings with us as a people. Although our attention has liecn arrested by painful interest in passing events, yet our country feels no more than the slight vihra- brations of the convulsions, which have shaken Europe. As individuals, we cannot repress sympathy with human suffering, nor regret for the causes which produce it. As a nation, we are reminded, that whatever in terrupts the peace, or checks the prosperity of any part of Christendom, tends, more or less, to involve our own. The condition of States is not unlike that of individuals.— They are mutually dependent npon each other. Amicable relations between them, and reciprocal good will, are essential for the promotion of whatever is desirable in their moral, social and political condition. Hence, it has been my earnest endeavor to maintain peace and friendly intercourse with all nations. - - ' The wise theory of this government, so earlv adopted and steadily pursued, of avoiding all entangliug alliances, has hith erto exempted it from many complications, in which it otherwise would have become in volved. Notwithstanding this, our clearly defined and well sustained course of action, and our geographical position so remote from Europe, increasing disposition has been manifested, by someof its governments, to supervise, and, in certain respects, to di rect, our foreign poliev. In plans for ad justing the balance of power among them selves, they have assumed to take us into account, and would constrain us to conform our conduct to their views. One or another of the powers of Europe has, from time to time, undertaken to enforce arbitrary reg ulations, contrary in many respects to es tablished principles of international law.— That law, the United States have, in their foreign intercourse, uniformly respected and observed, and they cannot recognize any such interpolations therein, as the tempo rary interests of others may suggest. They do not admit, that the sovereigns of one continent, or of a particular community of states, can legislate for all others. Leaving the trans-atlantic nations to ad just their political system, in the way they tuay think best for their common welfare, the independent powers of this continent may well assert the right to be exempt from all annoying interference on their part.— Systematic abstinence from intimate politi cal connexion with distant foreign nations dues not conflict with giving the widest range to our foreign commerce. This dis tinction, so clearly marked in history, seems to have been overlooked, or disregarded, by some leading foreign States. Our refus al to be brought within, and subjected to, their peculiar system, has, I fear, created a jealous distrust of our conduct, and induced, on their part, occasional acts of disturbing effect upon our foreign relations. Our pres ent attitude and past course give assurances, which should not be questioned, that our purposes are not aggressive, nor threatening to the safety and welfare of other nations. Our military establishment, in time of peace, is adapted to maintain exterior de fences, and to preserve order among the ab original tribes within the limits of the Un ion. Our naval force is intended only for tho protection of our citizens abroad, and of our commerce, diffused, as it is, over all the seas of the globe. The government of the United States, being essentially pacific in policy, stands prepared to repel invasion by the voluntary service of a patriotic people, and provides no permanent means of foreign aggression. These considerations should Now that tho smoke has disapppeared, I allay all apprehension, that we are disposed and politicians are able to take a clear view ’ to encroach on the rights, or endanger the of the field, (says the Charleston Standard) i Be< ^ unt y ot 01 tatcs ‘ v . , * , . . . Some European powers have regarded, the Nebraska men do not appear to have j ^ d ;quieting concern, the territorial ex- come out of their recent elections so badly I pansion of tho United States. This beaten as even they were led to suppose— I rapid growth has resulted from the legiti- neverthelesK, their defeat is sufficiently over- ■ mate exercise of sovereign rights, belonging . , . ...... . r 1 alike to all nations, and by many liberally whelming to dispirit them, were it not for | „ ercised Under 6Uch circumstances, ft the fact, that they will still have a majority j cou j d hardly have been expected that those in the United States jSonatc, and, conse-; among them, which have, within a compar- quently, that tho recent important act of j atively recent period, subdued and absorbed , , .. , ‘ ancient kingdoms, planted the r standards Congress cannot be repealed until the peo on ove rv continent, Ld now possess, or claim pie have had time to revolve “the sober sec- i t h c control of, the islands of every ocean as ond thought.” ; their appropriate domain, would look with — 1 unfriendly sentiments upon the acquisitions The Charleston Artesian Well has I 0 f this country, in every instance honorably been carried to a depth of 1,211 feet, of 1 obtained, or would feel themselves justified which 1,200 have been tubed. A vein has in imputing our advancement to a state of n nt tho ! aggression or to a passion for political pre dominance. r.n i Onr foreign commerce has reached a maz- Hopcs are entertained, that a full supply n5tude and b extent near i v equal to that of of good water will soon be obtained. ! , j 10 fj r8 t maritime power of the earth, and ~ ~ ' exceeding that of any other. Over this The Southern Literary Messenger.— great interest, in which not only our mer- Tlie December number of the above work, j chants, but all classes of citizens at least with an unusually interesting table of con- j indirectly, are concerned, _ it is the duty of tents, has been received. Tho Messenger is acknowledged to he one of the liest literary monthlies in the country. Published by Macfarlane, Furgusson & Co., Richmond, Ya., at three dollars per annum. been reached which yields a stream at the j a ££ r . 09sl ‘ the executive and legislative branches of the government to exercise a careful super vision, and adopt proper measures for its protection. The policy which I have had in view, in regard to this interest, embraces its future as well as its present security. Long experience has shown t iat, in gen- The Mails.—We arc glad to notice that I orat ’ when ‘ h ® P rinci P al powers of Europe , . nu t * n ore encaged in war, the rights of neutral the Charleston Chamber of Commerce are ! nation9 V re endangered. This considers- already taking steps to secure an uninter- ; tion led, in the progress of the war of our rupted transportation of the mails over the ! independence, to the formation of the cele- South Carolina Railroad, after the first of j brated confederacy of armed neutrality, a January. A meeting has been called to j primary objec't of which was, to assert the take the matter into consideration. j doctrine, that free ships make free goods, 1 except in the case of articles contraband Theatrical.—Mr. W. n. Crisp and com- i ‘>f war: a doctrine which, from the very panv have been playing in Augusta since | ® on,m9nce 1 me ? t , °f na, * ‘ n;, l being, has their -Icparture from Atlanta. Mr has been starring it during the Fair week j every maritime power has, by sonic solemn to crowded houses. .Judging from the com- j treaty stipulation, recognised that princi- ments of the Augusta press, his perform- : P' u: an< i might have been hoped that it ances have been no less favorably received I would * ime tobe , ““Wwsally received and , . , . . . , I respected as a rule of international law.— in that city than they wore m At.nnta.— ] g u t the refusal of one power prevented Mr. R. left many appreciative and enthusi- this, and in the next great war which eu- astic admirers of his acting in this city, and ! *ued, that of the French revolution, it fail : we hope we shall have the pleasure of see-! >° respected among the belligerent ,. . , J 1 , , , | state of Europe. Notwithstanding this, the nig hnn again on our hoards before he takes | pr ; ncip i e ; 8 generally admitted to he a his final leave of Georgia. j sound and salutary one; so much so, that, • • ■ — I at the commencement of the existing war A party of Philadelphians have j in Europe, Great Britain and France nn- gonc on to New York to look for the hidden | nouneed their purpose to observe it for the treasures of Oa'pt. Kidd. They wish in ! P rePen .‘ » nat -. however, as a recognised in- * , , • „ , ternntional right, but as a mere conce-sioii these Ught times to develop all die “re- j f(jr the time being. The co-operation, how- sources of the country. , ever> G f these two powerful maiitime na- ~ ,, Y ■ , lions in the interest of neutral rights, ap- o o. i. . , a on Orleans | j >cared to me to afford an occasi<>n, inviting Picayune sajs that estimates ot the cotton and justifying, on the part of the United crop can now he made with some degree approaching accuracy. The lowest figure named is now 3,100,1)00 to 3,150,000 bales, and it is more than likely that they are right. ■ The Washington Union pays a well- deserved tribute to Gen. Richardson of Ill inois ; and in rejoicing over his re-election, dues hut offer congratulations in which eve ry Nebraska man and every good Demucrai heartily concurs. Gen. K. as Chairman of the committee on Territories had the pilot ing of die Nebraska bill Utrough die House of Representatives. We bad some opportu nity of witnessing the fidelity and courage with which he discharged his duty. It is very gratifying to find him, amid the free- soil panic that bos been created, triumph antly sustained by bis constituents. States, a renewed effort to make the doc trine in question a principle of internation al law, by means of special conventions be tween. the several powers of Europe and America. Accordingly, a proposition, em bracing not only the rule, that f. ee ships make tree goods, except contraband articles, but also the less contested one, that neutiai property, other thnn contraband, though on hoard enemy’s ships, shall he exempt from confiscation, has been submitted by this government to those of Europe and America. Russia acted promptly in this matter, auti a convention was concluded, between that count-y and the United States, pr tiding for the observance of the principles an nounced, not only as between themselves, but also as between them and all other na tions, which shall enter into like stipula tions. None of the other powers have as yet taken final action on the subject. 1 aui not aware, however, that any objection to the proposed stipulation bos been made; but, on the contrary, they are tfjfcnuwledged t< be essential to the sedurity of neutral com merae; And the only apparent obstacle t< their general adoption is in the possibility that it may be encumbered by inadmissibh conditions. The King of the Two Sicilies has express ed to our minister at Naples his readines to concur in our proposition rerative to neu tral rights, and to enter into a convcntioi on that subject. The King of Prussia entirely approve of the project of a treaty to the same effec* submitted to him. but proposes an addition al article providing for the renunciation oi privateering. Such an article, for obvious reasons, is much desired by nation having naval establishments, large in pro portion to their foreign commerce. If r were adopted as an international rule, tin- commerce of a nation having comparatively a small naval force, would he very much at the mercy of its enemy, in case of wa‘ with a power of decided naval superiority. The hate statement of the condition u which the United Sta’es would be placed, after having surrendered the right to resort to privateers, in the event of a war with a belligerent of naval supremacy, will show that tliis government could never listen to such a proposition. The navy of the first maritime power in Europe is at least tei. times as large as that of tbo United State*. The foreign commerce of the two countrie- is nearly equal, and about equally exposed to hostile depredations. In war between that power and the United State*, with on. resort on our part to our mercantile marine, the means of our enemy to inflict injury npon our commerce would he tenfold grea • er than ours to retaliate. We could not ex tricate our country' from this unequal con dition, with such an enemy, unless we a: once departed from our present peaceful policy, and became a great naval power.— Nor would this country be better situated, in war with one of tne secondary naval powers. Though the naval disparity would he less, the greater extent, and more expos ed condition of our wide-spread commerce, would give any of them. a like advantage over u». The proposition to enter into engagements to forego resort to priva*eers, in case this country should be forced into war with the great naval power, is not entitled to more lavorahle consideration than would be a pro position to agree not to accept the services of volunteers for operations on land.. When the honor or the rights of our country re quire it to assume a hostile attitude, it con fidently relics upon the patriotism of its cit izens, not ordinarily devoted to the military profession, to augment the army and the na vy, so as to make them fully adequate to the emergency which calls them into action.— The proposal to surrender the right to em ploy privateers is professedly founded upon the principle, that private property of unof fending non-combatants, though enemies, should be exempt from the ravages of the war; but the proposed surrender goes but little way in carrying out that principle, which equally requires that such private property should not he seized or molested by national ships of war. Should the leading powers of Europe concur in proposing, as a rule of international law, to exempt private property, upon the ocean, from seizure by public armed cruisers, as well as by priva teers, the United States will readily meet them upon that broad ground. Since the adjournment of Congress, the ratifications of the treaty between the Unit ed States and Great Britain, relative to the cuast fisheries, and to reciprocal trade with the British North American provinces, have been exchanged, and some of its anticipated advantages are already enjoyed by us, al though its full execution was to abide cer tain ncte of legislation not yet fully perform ed. So soon as it was ratified. Great Britain opened to our commerce the free navigation of the river St. Lawi ence. and to our fisher men unmolested access to the shores and bays, from which they had been previously excluded, on the coast of her North Ameri can provinces: in return for which, she ask ed for the introduction, free of duty, into the ports of the United States, of the fish caught on the same coast by British fishnt> men. This being the compensation, stipu lated in the treaty, for privileges of the high est importance and value to the United States, which were thus voluntarily yielded before it became effective, the request seem ed to mo to he a reasonable one; hut it could not be acceded to. from want of au thority to suspend our laws imposing duties on all foreign fish. In the meantime, the Treasury Department issued a regulation, to ascertain tne duties paid or secured by bonds on iish caught on the coasts of the British province*, and brought to our mar kets by British subjects, after the fishing grounds had been made fully accessible to the citizens of the United States. I recom mend to your favorable consideration a proposition which will he submitted to you. for authority to refund the duties and cancel the bonds thus received. The provinces of Canada and Now Brunswick ha\e also an ticipated the full operation of the treaty, by legislate e arrangements, respectively, to admit, free of duty, the products of the U. ited States mentioned in the free list of the treaty: and an arrangement, pimilar to that regarding British fish, has been made for duties notv chargeable on the products of those provinces enumerated in the same free list, and introduced therefrom into the U. States ; a proposition for refunding which will, in my judgment, he in like manner entitled to your favorable consideration. There is difference of opinion between the United State* and Great Britian, a« to the boundary line of the Tc'ritory of Washing ton adjoining the British possessions on the Pacific, which has already led to difficulties on the part of the citizens and local authori ties of the two governments. I recommend that provision be made for a commission, to be joined by one on the part of her Britan nic Majesty, for the purpose of running and establishing the line in controversy. Cer tain stipulations of the third and fourth ar ticles of the treaty concluded by the United States and Groat Britain in 184G, regarding possessory rights of the Hudson’s Bay Com pany, ana property of the Puget’s Sound Agricultural Company, have given rise to serious disputes, and it is important to all concerned, that summary means of settling them amicably should he devised. I have reason to believe that an arrangement can he made on just, terms, for the extinguish ment of the rights in question, embracing, also, the right of the Ilud on’s Bay Compa ny to the navigation of the river Columbia; and I therefore suggest to your considera tion, the expediency of making a contingent appropriation for that purpose. France was the earl}- and efficient ally of the United States in their struggle for inde pendence. From that time to the pre-ent, with occasional slight interruptions, cordial .relations of friendship have existed bet ween the governments and the people of the two countries. The kindly sentiments cherish ed alike by both nations, have led to exten sive social and commercial intercourse, which I trust, will not be interrupted or checked by any casual event of an apparent ly unsatisfactory charac er. The French consul at San Francisco was, not long since, brought into the Uuited States District Court a’ that place, by compulsory process, as a witness in favor of another foreign con sul, in violation, as the French government conceives, of his privileges under our Consu lar convention with France. There being nothing in tho transaction which could im ply any disrespect to France of its consul, such explanation has been made, as I hope will Ire satisfactory. Subsequently, misun derstanding arose on the subject of the French government having, as it appeared abruptly excluded the American Minister to S|iain from passing through France, on his way from London to Madrid. But that government has unequivocally disavowed any design to deny the right of transit to the Minister of the United States; and. af ter explanations to this effect, he has resum ed his journey; and actually returned through France to Sfiain. I herewith lay before Congress the correspondence on this subject between our envoy at Paris, and the Minister of Foreign Relations of the French Government. The position of our affairs with Spain re mains a* at tlic clo>e of your last session.— Internal agitation, assuming very nearly the character of political revolution", .has re cently c mvubed that country. The late ministers were violently expolleil from power, and men, of very different views in relation o its internal Since this charge, ious opportunity for t* ucceeiled.— j charge n no propi- steant press on, well... it of serious' fiction ^nwtft-lad forwumOBt and the United {plate*. There s retson to believe that our minister will ind the present government more favorably aclined than the proceeding to comp y vith nor just demand*, and to make suita ble arrangements for restoring harmony and •reserving peeee between the twu eountries, Negotiations are pending with Denmark o discontinue the practice of levying tolls in onr vessels and their cargos passing hrough the Sound. I do. nut doubt that wc am claim exemption therefrom os a matter >f right. It is admitted on all hand*, that his exaction is sanctioned, not by special -• inventions, which most uf the commercial nations have entered into with Denmark. The fifth article of our treaty of 1826 with Denmark provides, that there shall not be •aid, on the vessels of the United Stale and heir cargos when passing through the y>und, higher duties than those of the most avored nations. This may l>e regarded a* ut implied agreement to submit to the tolls luring the continuance of tho treaty, and, -onsequently, may emharrass the assertion if our right to be released therefrom. There ire also other provisions in tho treaty which ought to be modified. It was to remain in force for ten years, and until one yoar after either party should give notice to the other- •f intention to terminate it. I deem it ex- ledicnt that the contemplated notice should be given to the government of Denmark. The naval expedition, despatched about two year* since for the purpose of establish- ng relations with the empire of Japan, has oeen ably and skilfully conducted to a suc cessful termination by the officer to whom it was entrusted. A treaty, opening certain >f the ports of that populous country, Tia*~ been negotiated; ana in order to give full- effect thereto, it only remains to exchange ratifications, and adopt requisite commercial' egulations. The treaty lately concluded between the United States and' Mexico settled some of >ur most embarrassing difficulties with that country, hat numeroas claims upon it for wrongs and injuries to our citizens remained unadjusted, and many new ca*es have been ecently added to the former list of grievan-- ce*. Our legation has been ea -nest in his endeavors to obtain, from the Mexican gov— with rudene**and violence those who sought eminent, a favorable consideration of these claims but hitherto without success. This failure is, probably, in some measure, to he ascribed to the disturbed condition of that country. It has been my anxious desire to maintain friendly relations with the Mexi can republic, and to cause its rights and .erritories to be respected, not on'y by our citizens, but by foreigners who have resorted to the United States for the purpose of of : ganizing hostile expeditions against some of the Sta es of that Republic. The defence less condition, in which its frontiers have been left, has stimulated lawless adventurers to embark in these enterprise*, and greatly increa-ed the difficulty of enforcing our obligations of neutrality. Regarding it as my solemn duty to fullfil, efficiently, these obligations, not only towards Mexico, but other foreign nations, I have exerted all the powers with which I am invested to defeat such criminal proceedings, and bring to punishment those who, by taking a part therein, violated our laws. The energy and activity of our civil and military authorise* have frustrated the designs of those who meditated expeditions of this character, ex cept in two instances. One of these, com posed of foreigners, was at first countenanced and aided by the Mexican government itself, it having been deceived as to their real object. The other, small in number, eluded the vigi lance of the magistrates at San Francisco, and succeeded in reaching the Mexican ter ritories ; but the effective measures taken by this government compelled the abandonment of the undertaking. The Commission to establish the newline between the United States and Mexico, ac cording to the provisions of the treaty ol the 30th of December last, has been organ ized, and the work is already commenced. Oar treaties with the Argentine Confede ration. and with the Republics of Uruguay and Paraguay, secure to us the free naviga tion of the river La Plata, and some,of its larger tributaries; but the same success hne not attended our endeavors to open the Am azon. The reasons in favor of the free u-e of that river, I had occasion to present fully, in a former message; and, considering ttie cordial relations which hate long existed between this government and Brazil, it may be expected that pending negotiations will, eventually, reach a favorable result. Convenient means of transit, between the several parts of a country, arc not only de sirahle for the object of commercial and personal communication, but essential to in existence, under one governmemt. Separa ted as are the Atlantic and Pacific coast ol the United States by the whole breadth ot the continent, still the inhabitants of each are closely bound together by community ol origin and institutions, and by strong at tachment to the Union. Hence the constant, and increasing intercourse, and vast inter change of commercial productions, between these remote divisions of the Republic. At the present time, tho most practical and uu- i ly commodious routes for communication | between them are by the way of the Ishmus of Central America. It is tho duty of the government to secure the-e avenues against all danger of interruption. In relation to Central America, perplexing questions existed between the United States and Great Britain at the time of the cession of California. The-e, as well as questions which sub-equently arose concerning inter- oceanic communication across the Ishmus, were, as it was supposed, adjusted by the treaty of April 19,1850; but, unfortunately, they have been re-opened by serious misun derstanding as to the import of some of its provisians, a re adjustment of which is now under consideration. Our minister at Lon don has made strenuous efforts to accomplish this desirable object, but has not yet found it possible to bring the negotiations to a ter mination. As incidental to these questions, I deem it proper to notice an occurrence which hap pened in Central America, near the clo-e of the last session of Congress. So soon as the necessity was perceived of establishing inter-oceanic communications across the Isthmus, a company was organized, under authority of the State of Nicaragua, but composed, for the most part, of citizens of the United States, for the purposs of ope ning 6uch & transit way, by the river San Juan and Lake Nicaragua, which soon be came an eligible and. much used route in the transportation of our citizens and their property between the Atlantic and Pacific. Meanwhile, and in anticipation of the com pletion and importance of this transit way, a number of adventurers had taken posses sion of the old Spanish port at the mouth of the river San Juan, in open defiance of the States or. States of Central America, which, upon their becoming independent, had rightfully succeeded to the local sove reignty and jurisdiction of Spain. The ad venturers undertook to change the name of the place from San Juan del Norte to Grey- town. and, though at first pie.ending.to act as the subjects of the fictitious sovereign of the Mosquito Indians, thoy rub*equently repudiated the control of any power what ever, assumed to adopt a distinct political organization, and declared themselves an independent sovereign State. If, at some time, a faint hope irtw entertained that they might become a stable and respectable com munity, that hope soon vanished. They proceeded to assert unfounded claims to civ il jurisdiction over Punta Arena*, a position on tire opposite side of the river San Juan, which was in possession, under a title wholly independent of them, of citizens of the United State*, interested in the Nicaragua Transit Company, and which was indispen sably necessary to the prosperous operation of that route across the Isthmus. The company resisted their groundless claims; whereupon they proceeded to destroy some of its buildings, and attempted violently to dispossess it. At a later period they organized a strong force for the purpose of demolishing the es tablishment at Punta Arena*, but this mis- ch'evious design was defeated by the inter position of one of our ships of war, at that time in tho harbor of San Juan. Subse quently to this, in May last, a body of men from Grey town crossed over to Punta Ate* a as, arrogating authority to arrest, on the IptoraBffF "‘one of the ran si rampanty. Being thayla imt-towteruise juris* resisted then, as it ocarion-*, they went proparett*) a Start it by force ofarut* Our tninisterto Central 'America happened to be pre-ent-qn that occasion. Believing that the captain of the steamboat was innocent for he witnessed the transaction on which the charge wa* founded and believing, also. that the intruding party, baviugiiojuristUe^ recklesaly sacrificed, and.tho blood of the tion over the place where they proposed to mate the arrest, would enconter desperate resistance'if they persisted in their purpose" he intorposed.ed'ectuail)’, to prevent vio lence and. bloodshed. The American minis ter Afterward* visited Gieytowu, and whilst he was there, a mob. including certain of the »o called noblie functionaries of the place, surrounded the house . in which he wo*, avowing that they had come to ariest him, by order of sotne porson exercising the chief authority. While pa: laying with diem be was wounded by a missile from the crowd.- A b.>ar. dispatched from the Amer ican steamer “Northern Light” to release him.from the perilous situation-in which he was understood to lie. was tired into by the town guard, and compelled to return. These incidents, together, with the known character of the population of Grey town, and their excited sfn e. induced ju*t ar.p’e- Lensiors that the lives andjproperty of our citizens at Punta Aienas wouid he in immi nent danger after the departure of the stea mer, with her passengers, for, New York, unless a guard was left for their protection. For this purpose, anti in order to en*ui e the safety <>f t assengsrs and property pass ing over the route, a temporary force was organized, at considerable expense to the Uiiited States, for which provision was made at the last session of Congress. This pretended community, a heterogene ous assemblage gathe ed from various coun tries, and composed, for the mn&t part/ oi blacks and jtersons -of mixed blood, had previously given other indications of mis chievous and dangerous propensities. Early in the same month, property was clande* .riuely. abstrac ed from tho depot of the Transit Company, and taken to Greytown. The plunderers obtained shelter there, and their pursuers were driven hack by its people! who not only protected the wrong doers and shared the plunder, hut treated to recover their pnqerty. Such, in substance, a; e the facts submitted to my con-ideratiun, and proved by trust worthy evidence. I could not doubt tha* the case demanded the interposition of this government. Justice required that repara tion should he made for so many and such gross wrongs, and that a course of insolence and plunder, tending directly to tho insecu rity of the lives of numerous travellers, anti of the rich treasure belonging to our citizens, passing over this transit way, should be perempterily arrested. Whatever it might he in other respects, the commu nity in question, in power to do mischief, was not despicable. It was well provided with ordnance, small arms and ammunition, aiid might ea*i!y seize on the unarmed b.iats, freighted with millions of properly, which passed almost daily within its reach. It did not profess to belong to any regular government, and had, in fact, no recognized dependence on, or connexion with, any one to which the United Srates or their injured citizens might apply for redress, or which coaid be held responsible, in any way, for the outrage* committed. Not standing be fore the world in an attitude of an organiz ed political society, being neither competent to exercise the rights nor to discharge the obligations of a government it was. in fac\ a marauding establishment, too dangerous to ho disregarded, and to pass unpunished, and yet incapable of being tre ited in any other way than a* a piratical resort of out law*. or a camp of savage*, depredating on emigrant trains or caravans aud the frontier settlements of cililized States. Seasonable notice was given to the people of Greytown that this government required them to repair the iniurie* they had done to our citizons, and to make suitable apolo gy f >r their insult of our minister: and tha’ a ship-of war would he dispatched thidierto enforce compliance with thc.-e demand*.— But the notice passed unheeded. Tlie:e- upon, a commander .>f the navy, in charge of the *lo ip-of-war Cyanc wa* ordered to re peat the demand*, and to insist upon a c >m- p'.iance therewith. Finding that neither the populace, n >r those assuming to have au thority over them, manifested any disposition •m tna'ce the te [uired reparation, or even to offer cxcu-e for their conduct, ho warned them by a public proclamation, that if they did not give satisfaction within a time spe cified, he would bombard the town. By this procedure he afforded them opprtunity to provide for their personal safety. To those also who desired to avoid loss of property, in the punishment about to he inflicted on tho offending town, he furnished the means of removing their effects, by the boats of his own ship, and of a steamer which lie pr - cured and tendered to them for that purpose. At length,'perceiving no disposition on the part of the town t * comply with his re quisitions, he appe .led to tho commander ot her Britanic Myesty'n schooner Bermuda, who wa* seen to have intercourse, and ap parently much influence with the leaders among them,—to interpose, and persuade them to take some course calculated to save the necessity of resorting to the extreme measure inuica'ed in his proclamation ; but that officer, instead of according to the request, did nothing more than to protest against the contemphved bombardment. No steps of any sort woo taken, by the pe >- pie, to give the satisfaction required. No individuals, if any there were, who regarded them*elves a* not responsible for the mis conduct of the- community, ad >pted any means to separate them-elve* from the fate of the guilty. The several charges on which the demand* for redress we e found ed, had been publicly known to all for some time, and wc e again announced to them. They did not deny any of these chargo*. they offered no explanation, nothing in ex tenuation of their conduct: but contuma ciously refused to hold any intercourse with the commander of the “Cyanc.” By their obstinate silence they seemed rather desir ous to provoke chastiscme.it than to escape There is ample reason to believe that thiR conduct of wanton defiance, on their part, is imputable chiofly to tho delusive i«J5a that tho American government would he deferred from punishing them, through fear of displeasing a formidable foreign pow er, .which, they ptesumedto think, looked, with Complacency upon their aggre/tve and insulting deportmeut towards tho United State*: The “Cyane” at length fired upon town. Before much injury had been done: the fite was twice suspended, in order to af ford opportunity for an arrangement; hut this was declined. Most of the buildings of the-place, of little value generally, were, in the sequel,, destroyed; but, owing to the considerate precautions taken by our naval Commander, there was no destruction of life. When the“ Cyano” was ordered to Cen tral America, it was confidently hoped and expected that no occasion would arise for “a resort to violence and destruction of prop erty and loss of life” Instructions to that effect were given to her cnmtnande •: and no extreme act would have beon requisite had not the people them elves, by their extra ordinary conduct in the affair, frustm'edall the possible mild measures for obtaining satisfaction. A withdrawal fixun the place, the object of his visit entirely defeated, would under the circumstances in which the com mander of the Cyane found himself, have been absolute •tiandonment of all claim of our citizens for indemnification, and sul>- missive acquie cencc in national indignity complaint on tbo part of some foreign pow ers, and has be|a characterized with more of harshnflss.tiBta-of^gst^fi.^Jffocu™^^ to present rep|jfcei|yi«tan8fet in the of state* standing in the efhy'front ivilixationZ-whetre communities, have”been ehasthee severity, and where not cities only have been laid in ruins, hat human life has been innucent made profusely to mingle with that of the gniltv. Passing from foreign to domestic affairs, yuqr a,ttention.ia naturally directed to the.fi- nancial condition ot the country, always a subject of general interest. For complete and exact information regarding the finan ces, aud the various branches of the public service connected therewith, I refer you to i he report of the Secretary of the Treasury; from which it will appear, that the amount of revenue, during the last fiscal year, from til srarn-c*, was seventy-nine million five hundred and forty-nine thousand seven hundred and five dollars; and that the pub lic expenditures for the same period, exclu sive of payments on account of the public debt, amounted to fifty-one million eighteen thousand two hundred and forty-nine dol lars. During the same period, the payments made in redemption of the public debt, in cluding interest and premium, amounted to rwenty-four million three hundred and thir ty-six thousand three hundred and eighty dol lars. To the sum total of the receipts of that year is to be added a balance remaining in the Treasury, at the commencement thereof, amounting to twenty-ono million niue hun dred and forty-two thousand eight hundred and ninety-two dollars; and at the close of the same year, a corresponding balance amounting to twenty million one hundred and thirty-seven thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven dollars of receipts above expen ditures, also remained in the Treasury. Al though. in the opinion of tho Secretary of the Treasury, the receipts of the current fiscal year are not likely to equal in amount those of the last, yet they will undoubtedly exceed the amount of expenditures by at .ea*t fifteen millions of dollars. 1 shall, therefore, continue to direct that tlie surplus revenue he applied, so far as it can he judiciously and economically done, to the reduction of the public debt, the amount of which, at the commecment of the last fiscal year, was sixty-seven million three hundred and forty thousand six hundred and twenty-eight dollars; of which there had been paid on the twentieth day of November, 1854. the sum of twenty-two million three hundred and sixty-five thousand one hun dred and seventy-two dollars; leaving a balajiee of outstanding public debt of only forty-four million nine hundred and seventy- five thousand four hundred and fifty-six dollars, redeemable at different period,* within fourteen years. There are also rem nants of other government stocks, most of which are already due, and on which the interest has ceased, but which have not yet been presented for payment, amounting to two hundred and thirty-three thousand one hundred and seventy-nine dollars. This statement exhibits the fact, that the annual income of the government greatly oxceeds the amount of its public debt, which latter remains unpaid, only because the time of payment has not yet matured, and it cannot be discharged at once, except at the option of public creditors, who prefer to retain the seeurities of the United States; and the other fact, not less striking, that the annual revenue from all source* exceeds, by many millions of dollars, the amount needed for a prudent and economical administration of the Government. The estimates presented to Congress from the different Executive Departments, at the I i*t session, amounted to thirty-eight mil lion four hundred and six thousand five hundred and eighty one dollars ; and the ap propriations made to the sum of fifty-eight millions one hundred and sixteen thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars. Of this excess of appropriations over estimate*, however, more than twenty millions wa* ipplicablo to extraordinary objects, having no refe.ence to the usual annual expendi ture*. Among there objects was embraced leu million.* to meet- the third article of the t eaty between the United States and Mexi co ; so that, in fact, for objects of ordinary e.v .enditui-e, the appropriations were limi- cd to considerably Ie*s than forty millions of d dlars.. I therefore renew my recotuoda* tion fir a reduction ofthe duties on imports. I’lte report of the secretary of the Treasury presents a series of table* showing the oper ation of the revenue system for several suc cessive yo irs, and as the general principle of reduction of duties with a view to reven ue and not protection may now be regarded a* tho settled policy of the country, I trust that little difficulty will be encountered in settling the details of a measure to that ef fect. In connexion with this subject. I recom mend a chatigo in tho laws, which recent exper enco has shown to be essential to the protection of the government. There is no express provisions of law, requiring the re cords and papers of a public character, of the several officers of the government, to he left in their offices for the use of their suc cessor*. nor any provision declaring it felo ny on their part to make false entries in the books, or return false accounts. In the ab sence of such express provision by law, the outgoing officer*, in many instances, have claimed and exercised the right to take into their own possession, important books and papers, on the ground that these were their private property; and have placed them be yond the reach of the government. Con fine t of this character, brought in several instance* to the notice of the prosent Secre tary of the Treasury, naturally awakened his suspicion, and resulted in the disclosure that at four ports, Oswego, Toledo, aud Milwaukee, tho treasury had, by false en tries, been defrauded, within the four years next preceding March 1853 ofthe sum of one hundred and ninety-eight thousand dollars. The great difficulty with which the detection of these frauds has been attended, in conse quence of the abstraction of books and papers by the rctiriug officers, nod the fa cility with which similar frauds in the pub lic service may he perpetrated, render the necessity of now legal enactments, in the respects" above referred to, quite obvious.— For other material modifications of the revenue laws which seem to me desirable, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. That report, and the tables which accompany it, furnish ample proofs of the solid foundation on which the finan cial security of the country rests, and of the salutary influence of the independent treas ury system upon commerce and all moneta ry operations. " Tho experience of tho last year furnish- os additional reasons, I regret to say, of a painful character, for the recommendation heretofore made, to provide for increasing he military force employed in the territory inhabited by the Indians. The settlers on the frontier have suffeied much front the incursions of predator}- hands, and large parties of emigrants to our Pacific posses sions have been niassaerecd with impunity. The recurrence of such scenes can only be prevented by teaching these wild tribe* the power of. and their responsibility to, the U. State*. From the garrisons of our frontier posts, it is only possible to detach troops in small bodies; and these have on all occasions displayed a gallantry and stern devotion to duty, which on a larger field would have commanded universal admiration, they have usually suffered severely in these conflicts with superior numbers, and have sometimes been entirely sacrificed. All the disposable force of the army is already employed on this service, and is known to be wholly inadequate to the pro rank and file cial results, not listments, but in obvi- the classs of men who t that correspond- not bestowed on the iw of their character and _ than services, and the expenses to which they are neater 'necessarily subject, receive at present what - * is, in my judgment, inadequate compensa tion. The valuable services ft>nstRni ed by the Army, and its inestimable impor. tance as the nucleus around which tb^,yal increase of the i the Army has, ha *>nly in-facilitating ous improvement r enter the service./ ing conaideratior Officers, who, inj extent, a t-harg cost of moil tre June 30, 1354,ij by ft>q unteer forces of the nation can promptly rai^t> *five thousand five hundred and thir^ t ^ ...fltoiAiit.lv at- dollars. The aggregate amount of land, It would have encourage 1 in tlic*e lawle-* j tection which should be afforded. The public men a spirit of insolence and rapine most j mind of the country has been recootly dangerous to the live* and property of our • shocked by savage atroeitie; committed upon citizens at Punta Arena*, and probably j defenceless emigrants and border settle- emboldened them to grasp at the trea-urc.* | meats, and hardly le*s by tho unnecessary destruction of valuable Uv and valuable merchandise doutinually pars ing over the Nicaragua rout. It certainly would luue been most satisfactory to me if tho objects of the “Cyane’s mission could have been consumina ed without any act of public force; hut the arrogant contumacy of the offenders rendered it impossible to avoid tho-alternatlve-, either tu b eik up their establishment or to leave them im pressed with the idea that they- ni ght per- rc\c e with iinnuniiy in a career of inso lence and plunder. This transaction has bees the aubjoot of es, whore inade quate detachments of troops have underta ken to furnish the needod aid. Without increase of the military force, these scenes will lie repeated, it is to be feared on a lar ger scale, and with more disastrous conse quence*. Congress. I atn sure, will perceive t hiit the plainest duties and re*ponsibilties of g.nornment are involved in this question, and I doubt not that prompt action may be confidently anticipated when delay must he attended fiy such fearful hazards. The bill of the last session, providing for gather in the hour of da nger, sufficientlv a^ test the wisaoin of maintaining a .military peace establishment; but the theory of our system and the wise practice under if, re quire that any proposed augmentation, in time of peace be only commeusurate with out extended limits and frontier relations. While scrupulously adhering to this princi ple, I find, in existing circumstances, ft ne cessity for increase of our military force, and it is believed that four new regiments, two of mounted men, will be sufficient to weigh the cost in a case of such urgency, it would be shown that the additional ex pence would be comparatively light. With the increase of tho numerical force of the army should, I think, he combines cer tain measures of reform on its organic ar rangement and administration. The pres ent organization is the result of partial leg islation often directed to special objects and interests ; aud the laws regulating rank and command having been adopted many years ago from the British code, are not always applicable to our service. It is not surpri sing, therefore, tha: the system should be deficient in the symmetry and simplicity essential to the harmonious working of its several parts and require a earefui revision. The present organization, by maintaining large staff corps or departments, separates many officers from that close connexion with troops, and those active duties in the field which are deemed requisite to qualify them for the varied responsibilities of high command. Were the duties of the army staff mainly discharged by officers detached from their regiments, it is believed that the special service would be equally well per formed, and the discipline and instructions of tho army be improved. Wbile due regard to the security of the lights of officers, and to tho nice sense of honor which should bo cultivated among them, would seem to exact compliance with the established rule of promotion in ordinary cases, still it can hardly be doubted that the range of promo tion by selection, which is now practically- confined to the grade of general officers, might bo somewhat extended with benefit to the public service. Observance of the rule of seniority sometime* leads, especially in time of peace, to the promotion of officers who, after moritorious and even distinguish ed service, may have been rendered by age or infirmity incapable of performing active duty, and whose advancement, therefore, would tend to impair the efficiency of the army. Suitable provision for this class of officers, by tho creation of a retired list, would remody the evil, without wounding the just pride of men, who, by past ser vices, havo established a claim to high con sideration. In again commending this measure to the favorable consideration of Congress, I would suggest that the power of placing oflicors on the retired list bo limited to one year. Tho practical operation of the measuro would thus be tested, and if, after the lapse of years, there should be occasion to renew the provision, it can be re-produc ed with any improvements which experience may indicate. The present organization of the artillery into regiments, is liablo to obvious objections. The service of artillery is that of batteries, and an organization of batteries into a corps of artillery would be more consistent with the nature of their duties. A large part of the troops now called artillery are, and have been, on duty as infantry ; the distinction between the two arms being merely nominal. This nominal artillery in our service is entirely disproportionate to the whole force, and greater than the wants of the country demand. I therefore commend the discon tinuance of a distinction, which has no foundation in either the arms used or tho character of the service expected to bo per formed. In connection with the proposition for the increase of the army, I have presented these suggestions with regard to certain measures of reform, a* the complement of I a system, which would produce the happiest | results from a given expenditure, and which I hope may attract the early attention and be deemed worthy of tho approval of Con gress. The recommendation of the Secretary oi the Navy, having reference to more ample provisions for the discipline and general improvement in the character of seamen, ana for the re-organization and grad tal in crease of the Navy, 1 deem eminently wor thy of your favorable consideration. The principles, which have controlled our poli cy in relation to the permanent military force, by sea and land, nro s mud, consistent with the theory of our system, and should not bo disregard ed. But, limiting the force to the objects partic ularly set forth in tho preceding part of this mes sage, we should not overlook the present magni tude and prospective extension of our commercial mariuo, nor fail to give due weigh' to tho fact that, besides two thousand miles of Atlantic seuboord. we have now a Pacific coast, stretching from Mexico to tho British possessions in the North, teoming with wealth and enterprise, and demand ing the constant presence of snips of war. The augmentation of tho Navy has nut kopt pace with the duties properly and profitably assigned to it in the time of peace, and it is inadequate for the large field of its operations, not merely in the present but still more in the progressively increas ing exigencies of the wealth and commerce in the United States. I cordially approye of the propos ed apprentice system for our national vessels, re commended by the Secretary of the Navy. The occurrence, during the last few months, ol marino disasters of the most tragic nature, involv ing great loss of human life, hasproducod intense "■““—.•asj' •rS“»C& oiwrs. of mail transportation by immend tho •ng*ration, 7 ( >; sral to you* ssrly attention % fiscal yoar eleven million hundred and thlrty-fiv^**’*- tnc punue mk<u h»vo been surveyed million one hundred and ninety thousand teen seres, brought into market The n»mu ,,, ‘' ■eras.oaMr.Ta..seven- miUum thirtv-hT, seven hundred and thirty-five; and the^*" 11 received: therefor nine million two humto2 0ttlt aiirliK-Jrva l.hnilRRiw) fivn hitn/lvod n aggregate amount of lands rated under military scrip end lend warrant/ * looted as, swamp lands by States, and by ln^/ ( ^ ' under grants for roads, is upwards of twentra* million* of aerea. The increase of lands sold ^ the previous year is about six millions of . ° v " and tbo sales during the two first quarters om! 1 current year present the extraordinary «.. . five and a half, million sold, exceeding by n £ four millions of acres the sales of the corrtsn j ing quarters of the last year, thus increasin* ' an extent unparalleled during any like period ' 5 our past history the amount of revenue p ro ^Hj from this source for the Federal Treasury; ia * The commendable policy of the govermn 6 m • relation to setting apart public domain f or tk U who have served their country in time of wa/' 1 illustrated by tho fact, that sinco 1790 no l 6M * “ thirty millions of acres havo been applied to iV* object. tlu The suggestion, which I submitted in my Mr , al message of last year, in reference to graati i land in aid of tho construction of railway; » ° less full and explicit than the magnitude of 5» subject and subsequent developments would to render propor and desirable. Of the soundna of the principle then asserted, with regard to S' limitation of tho power of Congress, I enters no doubt; but in its application it is not enoJ that tho valuo of lands in a particular locality mf bo enhanced; that, in fact, a largor amount,J money may probably be received, in a given tij for alternate sections, than could have been reali ed for all the aoctions, without tho impulse and in' fhiencc of tho proposed improvements. A tins' dent proprietor looks beyond limited section,Ti bis domain, beyond present results, to the ultinuj effect which a particular liue of policy is likely • produco upon all his possessions and interest', ' Tho government, which is trusteo in this matt» ior the people of the States, is bound to tak, jj sarno wise and comprehensive view. Prior to and during the last session of Conn*,, upwards of thirty millions of acres of land w.* withdrawn from public sale with a view to tm cations for grants of tbia character pending b*fo' Congress. A careful review of the whole mbim led me to direct that all such orders be abroeat i aud tho lands restored to market, and instruct^"' were given to that effect. The applications at tkl last session contemplated tho construction of an/ thnn fivo thousand miles of road, and grants t u amount of nearly twenty millions of acres of public domain. Even admitting the right on iil part of Congress to bo unquestionable, is it quit! clear that the proposed grants would be productir, of good, and not evil? The different project, confined, for tho presort, to eleven States of a? Union, and ono Territory. The reasons assist! for the grants show that it is proposed toput ij works speedily in process of construction. iy|j, we reflect, that since tho commencement of th" construction of railways in the United States stimulated as they have been by the large dir dends realised from the earlior works over it' great thoroughfares, und between the most impqj taut points of commerce and population, cncwii. aged by State legislation, and pressed forward h the amazing enorgy of privato enterprise, on!; seventeen thousand miles have been completed i- all tho States in a quarter of a century we see the crippled condition of many works com. mouccd and prosecuted npon what we deemed u be sound principles and safe calculationi; wbr we contemplate the enormous absorption of cap;, tal withdrawn from the ordinary channels of bc.j ness, the exirnvag mt rates of interest at this mo went paid to continue operation, and bankrupted not merely in money but in character, and the in evitablo effect upon finances generally;—can itt< doubted that the tendency is to run to excess z this matter? Is it wise to augment this cxcesab; encouraging hopes of sudden wealth expecting i< flow from magnificent schemes dependent upon ii, action of Congress ? Does the spirit which hit produced such results noed to be stimulated« checked ? Is it not the better rule to leave these works to private enterprise, regulated, ud when expedient, aided by the co-operation c States ? If constructed by private capital, tb .itimulant and the check go togother, and fund,: a .-alutarv restraint against speculative sebemti and extravagance. But it is manifest that, wit: the most effoetivo guards, there is danger of goitn too fast and too far. We may weil pauso before a proposition contra, plating a simultaneous movement torthoconstra lion of railroads, which, in extent, will equal, ei elusive of tho greut Pacific road and all its branc: cs, nearly one-third of the entire length of sue; works, now completed, in the United States, an: which cannot cost, with equipments, less than on hundred and fifty millions of dollars. The dungm likely to result from combinations of interests c ibis character, can hardly be over-estimated. Bu: independently of these considerations, where hfii accurate knowledge, tho comprehensive intelii. gence, which shall discriminate between the rri. tivo claims of these twenty-eight proposed rmi i.i eleven States and one Territory ? Where *l you begin, and where end ? If to enable ih« companies to execute their proposed works, ii j uecessury that the aid of the general govenm.it: be primarily given, the policy wili present a plot lorn so comprehensive in its bearings, and so im portnnt to our political and social well being, a, a claim, in anticipation the severest analysis. L. tertaining these views, I recur with satislactioi. j the experience and action of the last session i Congiess, as furnishing assurance that the suOj„; will not fail to elicit a careful re-examinutiun it: rigid scrutiny. It was my intention to present, on this on. siou, some suggestions regarding internal imjirav ments by the general government, which wmirf lime at the close of the last session prevented t; submitting on the return to the House of Rqj soutatives, of the bill entitled, “an act makingi:- propriations for the repair, preservation aud cut pletion of certain public works heretolore m menced under authority of law but the space: this communication already occupied with utic matter of immediate public exigency construe me to reserve that subject for a special me;u.i which will be transmitted to tho two house! i Congress at an early day. Tne judicial establishment of the U. States rs quires modification, and certain reforms in u manner of conducting tho legal business of ci government are also much needed; but as 1 In addressed yon upon both of these subjects atlcnp before, I have only to call your attention to ’5 suggestions then made. :\ly former recommendations, in relation to tc.'. able provision for various objects of deep mu: st to tho inhabitants of the District of Colnmh are renewed. iVlany of these objects partake Iar t r ly of a national character, and aro important. :■ emotions of sympathy and sorrow throughout the i ^ T * * V. *1,1 v , , . ; u lu „ ' the only considerable organized community in J country. It may well be doubted whether all : Unioll ' ntirelv unrenrefl ° nted in those calamitous events aro wholly attributable to the necessary and inevitable daugers of the goa. The merchants, mariners, and shipbuilders of the United States, aro, it is true, unsurpassed in far- reaching enterprise, skill, intelligence and courage, by auy others in tho world. But with the increas ing amount of our commercial tonnago in tho ag gregate, and the larger sized and improved equip ment of tho ships now constructed, a deficiency in tho supply of reliable seamen begins to bo very se riously felt. Tho inconvonienco may, perhaps, bo met in part, by due regulation for the introdu; - tion, into our merchant ships, of indented appren tices, which, while it would afford useful and eli gible occupation to numerous youug men, would havo a tendency to raise the character of seamen as a class. And it is deserving of serious reflec tion, whether it may not be des.rable to revise the the existing .Laws, lor the maintainauce of discip line at sea, upon which the security of life aud property on the ocean must to so great an extent depend. Although much attention has already boen given by Congress to the proper construction and arrangement of steam vessels and passenger ships, still it is believed that tho achievements of science and mechanical skill in this direction havo not been oxhamted. No good reason exists for tho marked distinction, which appears upon our statutes between the laws for protecting life and property at sea, and tboso for protecting them on land. In most of the States severe penalties Union ontirely unrepresented in Congress. I have thus presented suggestions on such its- jocts as appear to mo to bo of particular istcre*:: importance, and therefor" most worthy of con:.: oration during the short remaining period alns- to tho labors of the present Congriss. Our forefathers of the thirteen United Colour in acquiring their independence, and in found-: this Republic of tho United States of A mew have devolved upon us, their descendant;, ~ greatest and most noble trust ever committed the hands of man, imposing npon all, and cr*' cially such as the public will may h»ve inte; - .'or tho time being, with political functions, - most sacrod obligations. Wo have to mainuz-' violate tho great doctrine of tho inherent righ: popular sell-government; to reconcile the lar^ liberty of tho individual citizen, with complete* curity of the public order; to render chuennh* dieuce to the laws of the land, to unito in sat* ing their execution, and to frown indignant!; • all combinations to resist, them; to hartucmK 1 siucero and ardont devotion to the institution religious faith with the most universal reiif»- toleration; to preser ve the rights of all, by cam- each to respect tboso of the other; to carrv !>•' ward every improvement to the utmost limi:' human perfeotability, by the free action of a^- upon mind, not by the ’ obtrusivo intervention - misapplied force: to uphold the integrity andpa- the limitations of our organic law: to preser*** 1 acts of insubordination, cuwardieo, or other mis- cond uet on tho part of masters and mariners, pro- ibis Union, as tho only sure foundation on j .he hopes of civil liberty rest; to administer p' , . • • • - , ,. „ .r®.Pro- eminent with vigilant integrity and rigid ee- ductng mjury or death to passengers on tho high I to cultivate jieace and friendship iri'h Ind whoro h°t U r‘ • ° U ° l aU }' 01 lh , e t5 , tatC , S ’ "-"ens, and to demand and exact equal ;«*< t a- °? y tV " m »«» bia "rang to none; to eschew * o ! , r nln fr whole subject .» termo ddlmg with tho national policy and tlx* ! consideration. mestie repose of other governments, and to"!* v ,!rC, r 10 P ° Stra:, . 8tL ' r l ’o»oral, to which it from ^ ow nove Ao shrink from war you are referred tor many interesting details m the rights tho honor of tho country cgi!w a relation U> this important and rapidly extending . to cultivate in preterei.ee tbearti ‘ branch of the public service, shows that the ex- ! 0 seck enlorgoment J tll0 righu 0 f ue u.rf pcudituro or the year ending June 30. I So*, in- I t and eIovHto aud i iberali ze inter, ourac d* eluding one hundred and thirty-three thousand Uon ,. and b such justaIld honorablt . tour hundred and o.ghty-three dollu. s ot balance j such t , nl Whilst exalting the condition of the B' due to feraign offices, amounted to eight million bu & aasure to it th £ , ogitimale influ c 0 c<‘ seven hundred and ten thousand nine hundred and 1 - - “ seven dollars. Tho gross re . eipts during the miuic period amounted to six millions nine hundred and fifty-fivo thousand five hundred and eighty-six dollars: exhibiting an expenditure over income of one million seven hundred and fifiy-fivu thousand three hundred and twonty-one dollars, and a di minution of deficiency, as compared with the last year, of three hundred aud sixty-ono thousand seven hundred and fifty-six dollar*. Tho ineroaso of tho revenue ofthe department, for the year end ing Juno 30, 1854, ovor tho proceeding year, was nine hundrodand seventy t'musand three hundred and ninety-nine doilnrs. No proportionate in crease, however, can he anticipated for the cur rent year, iu consequence of the act o£ Congross of Jane 23, 1854, providing for increased compensa tion to all postmasters. From these statements, it is apparentthat the Post Office Department, in stead of defraying its expenses, according to the design at tho time of its creation, is now, aud un der existing laws must oontinoe to be, to no small the la-nigu authority of a great example all tho powers of Christendom. . Undor tho solemnity of these convictions. * blessing of Almighty God is earnestly invoke • attend upon your deliberations, anil upon 1 counsel* and" acts of the Government, to the 'j that, with common zeal aud common effort*’ may, in humblo sut mission to the Divine will, operate for tho promotion of the supreme these Uuited States. FRANKLIN PIER 1 " Wasiiixgtox, December 4, 1854. Bank of Milledgeville.—Tito of Tuesday says that tho Bank of ville closed its doors on Weduesdav, 29th inst. Miss Julia Dean commenced an w 1 **? ment at the Charleston theatre MoW* night.