Democratic Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 15, No. 4, Ed. 1, Thursday, January 17, 1850 Page: 1 of 4
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The President of the United States transmitcd
tobuth Houses of Congress, on IJ on Jay. the 24th
jnst..'by the hands of' Col. Bliss, his Private
Secretary, the following Message :
Fellow-Citzens of the Senate
and Home of Representatives :
Sixty years have elapsed since the estab-
lishment of this government, and the Congress
of the United States atai assembles to legis-
late for an empire orfrou.nen. The predictions
of evil prophets, who formerly pretended to fo.-
te.ll the downfall of o.ir institutions, arc now rc-
uynhered only to"be derided, and the United
States of America at this moment present to the
Trorld thc-mast stable aud pjrjnanent govern-
ment on earth.
Such is the result of the labors of those who
ha.ve went before us. Upon Congress will emi-
nently depend the future maintenance of our
present system of free government, and the tran-
smission of it unimpaired to posterity.
We are at peace with all the nations of the
world, and seek to maintain our cherished rela-
tions of amity with them. During the past
year tvc have been blessed by a kind Providence,
with-an abundance of the fruits of the earth;
ln.d. although the destroying angel, for a time,
visited many portions of our territory with the
ravages of a dreadful pestilence, yet the Almigh-
ty has at length deigned to stay his hand, and.
to restore the inestimable blessing of general
health to a people whorhave acknowledged his
jiower. deprecated his wrath, and implored his
merciful protection.
While enjoying the benefits of amicable inter-
course with foreign nations, wo have not been
insensible to the distractions and wars which
have prevailed in other quarters of the world. ,.
It is a prober theme of thanksgiving to Him who
rules the destinies of nations. That we have been
able to maintain, amidst all these contests, an
independent and neutral position towards all
beligerent powers.
Our relations with Great Britain are of the
raost friendly character. In consequence of the
recent alterations of the British navigation acts.
British vessels, from British and other foreign
ports, will, (under our existing laws,) after the
first day of January next, be admitted to entry
in our ports, with cargoes of the growth or man-
ufacture of any part of the world, on the same
terms as to duties, imports and charges, as ves-
sels "of the United States with their cargoes;
and our vessels will be admitted to the same ad-
vantages in British ports, entering therein on
the same terms as British vessels. Should no
order in council disturb this legislative arrange-
ment, the late act of the British Parliament, by
which Great Britain is brought within the
terms proposed by the act of Congress of the 1st
March 1817, it is hoped will be productive of
benefit to both countries.
A slight interruption of diplomatic inter-
course, which occurred between this Govern-
ment and France, I am happy to say, has been
terminated, and our Minister there has been re-
ceived. It is, therefore, unnecessary to refer
now to the circumstance which led to that in-
terruption. I need not expresss to you the
bincere satisfaction with whicn we shall wel-
come the arrival of another Envoy Extraordina-
ry and Minister Plenipotentiary from a sister
Kcpublic, to which we have so long been, and
still remain, bound by the strongest ties of am-
ity. Shortly after I entered upon the discharge of
the. Executive duties, 1 was apprised that a
war-steamer belonging io the German Empire
was being fitted out in the harbor of New York,
with the aid of some of our naval officers, render-
ed under permission of the late Secretary of
the Navy. This permission was granted during
an armistice between that Empire and the king-
dom of Denmark, which had been engaged in the
Sehleswig-Holstein war. Apprehensive that
this act of intervention on our part, might be
viewed as a violation of oar neutral obligations
incurred by the treaty with Denmark, and by
the provisions of the act of Congress of the 20th
of April. 181$, i directed that no further aid
should be rendered by any agent or officer of
the navy ; and 1 instructed the Secretary of
State, to apprise the Minister ot the German
Empire accredited to this Government, of my
. determination to execute the law of the United
- Statos, and to maintain the faitii of treaty with
all nations. The correspondence which ensued
between the Department of Mate and the Min-
ister of the German Empire is herewith laid be-
fore you. The executing of the law and the
observance of the treaty were deemed hy me
to be due to the honor of the country, as well
as to the sacred obligations of the constitution.
I shall not fail to pursue the same course, should
a similar case arise, with any other nation.
Having avowed the opinion, on taking the oath
of office, that, in disputes between conflicting
foreign Governments, it is our interest, not less
than our duty, to remain strictly neutral, I
shall not abandon it. Yoa will percicve, from
the correspondence submitted to you. in con-
nexion with this subject, that the course adopt-
ed in this case has been properly regarded by
the beligerent power interested in the matter.
Although a minister of the United States to
the German Empire was appointed by my prede-
cessor, in August 1848, and has for a long time
been in attendance at Frankfort-on-the-Maine,
and although a minister appointed to represent
that Empire was received and accredited here,
yet no such government as the German Empire
has ever beende finitely constituted. Mr. Donel-
son, our minister at Fradkfort, remained there
several months, in the expectation that a Union
of the German Hates, nruW onccon-.t5fr.linn or
form of government, might at Ion gth ! rui
ized. It is believed, by those well ac .:a.!ut. d
.with the existing relations between Prussia
sad the States of Germany, that no sru.eh union
an be permanently established without her co-
operation. In the event of the formation of
such a union, and the organization of a central
power in Germany, of which she should form a
part, it would become necessary to withdraw
our Minister at Berlin; but while Prussia exists
as an independant kingdom, and diplomatic re-
lations are maintained with her, there can be
no necessity for the continuance of the inision
to Frankfort. I have, therefore, recalled Mr.
Donelson. and directed the archives of the lega-
tion at Frankfort to be transferred to the Amer-
ican legation at Berlin.
-Having been apprized that a considerable
number of adventures were engaged in fitting
out a military expedition, within the United
States, against a foreign country, and believing,
from the best informotion 1 can obtain, that it
was destined to invade the Island of Cuba, I
deemed it due to the friendly relations existing
between the United States and Spain ; to the
treaty Letwcrn the two nations; to the laws of
the United States, and al oveall to the Ameri-
can honor, to exert tic lawful authority of this
Government in suppressing the expedition and
preventing the invasion. To this end I issued
a proclamation, enjoining it upon the officers of
the United States, civil and military to use,all
lawful means within their power. A copy of
that proclamation is herewith submitted. The
expedition has been suppressed. So long as the
act of Congress of the 20th of April. 1818, which
owes its existence to the law of nations, and to
the policy of Washington himself, shall re-
main on our statue bock, I hold it to be the du-
ty of the Executive faithfully to obey its injunc-
tions. While this expedition was in progress, I was
informed that a foreigner, who claimed our pro-
tection, had been clandestinely, and as was sup
posed, forcibly parried off in a vessel trom jncw-
Jrlcans to the Island of Cuba. I immcdiately
caused such steps to be taken as 1 thought nec-
essary, in case the information I received should
prove correct, to vindicate the honor of the
country, and the right of every person seeking
an asylum on our soil to the protection of our
laws The person alleged to have been abduc-
ted was promptly restored, and the circum-
stances of the case are now about to undergo in-
vestigation before a judicial tribunal. I would
respectfully suggest that, although the crime
charged to have been committed in this case is
held odious, as being in conflict with our opin-
ions on the subject of national sovreignity and
personal freedom, there is no prohibition of it,
or punishment for it provided by any act of
Congress. The expediency of supplying this
defect in our criminal code is therefore recom-
mended to your consideration.
1 have scrupulously avoidc d any interference
in the wars and contentions which have recent-
ly distracted Europe.
During the late contest between Austria and
Hungary, there seemed to be a propcct that
the latter might become an independent mutton.
However faint that prospect at the time ap-
peared, I thought it my duty, in accordance
with the general sentiment of the American
people, who deeply sympathized with the Mag-
var patriots, to stand prepared, upon the con
tingency of the establishment by her of an inde-
pendent Government, to be the first to welcome
independent Hungary into the family of nations.
ror inn purpose l invcsieu an agent men in cu-
rope, witn power to declare oar willingness
promptly to recognise her indrpandence in the
event of her ability to sustain15 it. The powerful
intervention of Russia in the contest extinguish
ed the hopes of the struggling'Magyars. The
United States did not, at any time, interfere in
the contest, but the feelings of the nation were
strongly enlist ed in the cause, and by the suf-
ferings of a brave people, who had made a. gal
lant though unsuccessful effort to be tree.
Our claims upon Portugal have been during
the past year prosecuted with renewed vigor,
and it has been my object to employ every effort
in honorable diplomacy to procure their adjust
ment. Our late Charge d" Affairs at Lisbon,
the Hon. George W. Hopkins, made able and
energetic, but unsuccessful efforts to settle these
unpleasant matters of controversy, and to ob-
tain indemnity for the wrongs which were the
subjects of complaint. Our present Charge d'
Affatrs atj that court wtll also bring to the pros-
ecution of these claims ability and zeal. The
revolutionary and distracted condition of Portu-
gal in past times has been represented as one of
the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying
our suffering citizens. But I must now say it is
matter of profouud regret that these claims
have not yet been settled. 1 he omission of Por-
tugal to do justice to the American claimants
has now assumed a character sosgrave and se-
rious that I shall shortly make it the subject of
a special message to Congress with a view to such
ultimate action as its wisdom and patriotism
may suggest.
With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Den-
mark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Ital-
States, we still maintain our accustomed
cable relations.
During the recent revolutions in the Papal
States, our Charge d' Affaires at Rome has been
unable to present his letter of credence, which,
indeed, he was directed by mj, predecessor to
withhold until he should receive further orders.
Such was the unsettled conditions of things in
those States, that it was not deemed expedient
to give him any instructions on the subject of
presenting his credential letter different, from
those with which he had been furnished by the
late Administration, until the 22th of June last:
when, in consequence of the want of accurate
information of the exact state of things at that
distance from us. he was instructed to exercise
his own discretion in presenting himself to the
then existing Government, if in his judgment
sufficiently stable: or. if not, to await further
events. iincc that period Rome has undergone
another Revolution, and he abides the establish-
ment of a government s-ifnoiently permament
to justify him in opening diplomatic intercourse
with it.
With the republic of Mexico, it is our true
policy to cultivate the most friendly relations.
inco the ratification of the Treaty of Guada-
lupe Hidalgo nothing has occurred of a serious
charicter to disturb them. A faithful observ-
ance of the treaty, and a sincere respect for her
rights, cannot fail to secure the lasting confi-
dence and friendship of that Republic. The
message of my predecessor to the House of Rep-
resentatives, of the 8th of February last, com-
municating, in com, liance with a resolution of
that body, a copy of a paper called a Protocol,
signed at Queretaro on the 3.Uh of May, 18 18,
by the Commissioners of the United States and
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mexican
Government, having been a subject of corres-
pondence between the Department of State and
the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo-
tentiary of that Republic, accredited to this Go-
vernment, a transcaipt of that correspondence
is herewith submitted.
The Commissioners on the part of the United
States for marking the Boundary between the
two Republics, though delayed in reaching Fan
Diego by unforeseen obstacles, arrived at that
place within a short period after the time re-
quired by the treaty, and was there joined by
the Commissieners on the part of Mexico. They
entered upon their duties ; and at the date of
the latest intelligence from that quarter, some
progress had been made in the survey. The ex-
penses incident to the organization of the com-
missioners, and to its conveyance to tho" point
where its operations were to begin, haveso much
reduced the fund appropriated to Congns that
u faither -p. ii. to cover the charges whicn must
be incuTod -luring tho present fiscal year, will
be necessary. The great length of frontier
along- which the boundary extends, tha naturw
HOUSTON, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1850.
of the adjacent territory, and the difficulty of
obtaining supplies, except at or near the ex-
tremes of the line, render it also indispensable
that a liberal provision should be made to meet
the necessary charges during the fiscal year en-
ding on the 30th of June, 1851. I accordingly
recommend this subject to your attention.
In the adjustment of claims of American cit-
izens on Mexico, provided by the late treaty, the
employment of counsel, on the part of Govern-
ment, may become important for the purpose
of assisting the Commissioners in protecting the
interests of the United States. 1 recommend
the subject to the early and favorable conside-
ration of Congress.
Complaints have been made in regard to the
inefficiency of the means provided by the Gov-
ernment of New Granada for transporting the
United States mail across the Isthmus of Pana-
ma, pursuant to our postal convention with that
Republic, of the Gth of March. IS 14. Our
Charge d Affaires at Bogota has bsen directed to
make such repi csentations to the Government
ofSTew Granada, as will, it is hoped, lead to a
prompt removal of this cause of complaint.
The sanguinary civil war with which" the Re
public of Venezuela has.forsomc tmie past.bren J
ravaged, has been brought to a close. Jn its
progress the rights of some of our citizens, resi-
dent or trading there, have been violated. The
restoratioa of order will afford to the Venczulean
Government an opportunity to examine and re-
dress these grievances, and others of long stan-
ding, which our representatives at Caracas have
hitherto ineffectually urged upon the attention
of that Government.
The extension of the coast of the United Stalc3
l the Pacific, and the unexampled rapidity i
with which the inhabitants of California cs'peci
ally are increasing in cumbers, have imparted
new consequeuce to our relations with the other
countries whose territories border upon that
ocean. It is probable that the intercourse be
tween those countries, and our possessions in
that quarter, particularly with the Republic of
Chili, will become extensive and mutually ad-
vantageous in proportion as California and Ore-
gon shall increase in population and wealth. It
is desirable, therefore, that this Government
should do everything in its power to oster and
strengthen its relations with those States, and
that the spirit of amity between us should be
mutual aud cordial.
I recommend the observance of the same
course towards all other American States. The
United States as the Great American Power, to
which, as their natural ally and friend, they
will always be disposed first to look for media-
tion and assistance in the event of any collision
between them and any European nation. As
such, we may kindly mediate in their behalf
without entangling ourselves in foreign wars or j
unnecessary controversies. Wheneverthe faith
of our treaties with any of them shall require
our interference, we must necessarily interpose.
A convention has been negotiated with Bra-
zil providing for the satisfaction of American
claims on that Government, and it will be sub-
mitted to the Senate. Since the last session o"
Congress, we have received an Envoy Extraor-
dinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from that
Empire, and our relations with it are founded
upon the most amicable understanding.
Your attention is earnestly invited to an
amendment of our existing laws relating to the
African slave trade, with a uew to the effectual
suppression of that barbarous traffic. It is not
to be denied that this trade is still, in part, car-
ried on by means of vessels built in the United
States, and owned or navigated by some of our
citizens. The correspondence between the De-
partment of State, and the Minister and Consul
of the United States at Rio de Janeiro, which
has from time to time been laid before Congress,
represents that it is a customary device to
evade tho penalties of our laws by means of sea-
letters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provided
with such papers by the Consul, instead of re-
turning to the United States for a new register,
proceed at once to the coast of Africa, for the
purpose of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much
additional information of tho same character has
recently been transmitted to the Department of
State. It has not boen considered tho policy of
our laws to subject an American citizen, (who,
iu a foreign country, purchases a vessel built in
the United States, to the inconvenience of send-
ing her home for a new register, before permit-
ting her to proceed on a voyage. Any altera-
tion of the laws which might have a tendency
toimpedethe freejtransfor of property in vessels
between our citizens, or the free navigation of
those vessels between different parts of the
world, when employed in lawful commerce,
should be well and cautiously considered; but I
trust that your wisdom will devise a method by
which our general policy in thisrespect, may be
preserved; and at the same time the abuse of
our flag, by means of sea-letters, in the manner
indicated, may be prevented.
Having ascertained that there is no prospect
of the reunion of of the five States of Central
Ameaica, which formerly composed the Repub-
lic of that name, we have separately negotiated
with some of them treaties of amity and com-
merce, which will be laid beforo the Senate.
A contract having been concluded with the
State of Nicaragua, by a company composed of
American citizens, for the purpose of construct-
ing a ship canal through the territory of that
State, to connect the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans. I have directed the negotiations of a
treaty with Nicaragua, pledging both Govern-
ments to protect those who shall engage and
perfect the work. All other nations are invited
by the State of Nicaragua to enter into the same
treaty stipulations with her; and the benefit to
be derived by each from such an arrangement
will be the protection of this great inter-oceanic
communication against any power which
might seek to obstruct it, or to monopolize its
advantages. All States entering into such a
treaty will enjoy the right of passing through
the canal on payment of the same tolls.
The work, if constructed under these guaran-
ties, will become a bond of peace instead of a
subject of contention and strife between the na-
tions of the earth. Should the great maratimo
States of Europe consent to this arrangement,
(and we have no reason to suppose that a prop-
osition so fair and honorable will be opposed by
any,) the energies of their people and ours will
co-operate in promoting the success of the en-
terprise. I do not reeommond any appropria-
tion from the National Treasury for this pur-
pose, nor dol believe that such an appropriation
is necessary. Private enterprise, if properly
protected, will complete the work, should it
prove feasible, The parties who have procured
the charter from Nicaragna, for its construc-
tion, desire no assistance from this Government
beyond its protection, and they profess that,
having examined the proposed line of commu-
nication, the' will be ready to commence the
undertaking whenever that protection shall be
extended to them. Should there appear to bo
reason, on examining the whole evidence, to en-
tertain a serious doubt of the practicability of
constructing such a canal, that doubt should be
speedily solved by an exploration of the route.
Should such a work bo constructed, under the
common protection of all nations, for equal ben-
efits to all, it would be neither just or expedient
that any great maratime State should command
the communication. The territory through
which the canal may be opened, ought to be
free from the claims of any foreign power. No
such power should occupy a position that would
enable it hereafter to exercise so controlling an
iullueiu'e ocr ihf cimiueiw of the World r to
obstruct a highway wiii -Ii oubt to be d'-dka-tad
to thf jjiimon u-e oi'inaiikiud
The route across the Ibthinus, at rehannte-
pu'c and Panama, ura ah worthy wf our aerigui
consideration. They did not fail to engage the
attention of mr predecessor. The negotiator of
the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was instruct-
ed to offer a very large sum of money for tho
right of transit across the Isthmus of Tchaunte-
pec. The Mexican Government tdid not accede
to the proposition for the purchase of the right
of way, probably because it had already con-
tracted with private individuals for the con-
struction of a passage from the Guasacaulco riv-
er to Tehauntepec. I shall not renew any pro-
position to purchase, for money, a right which
ought to be equally secured to" all nations, on
paj'ment of a reasonable toll to the owners of
the improvement, who would, doubtless, be well
contented witli that compensation and the
guaranties of the maritime States of tho world,
iu separate treaties with Mexico, binding her
and them to protect those who should constru ct
the work. Such guaranties would do more to
secure the completion of the communication
through the territory of Mexico than any other
reasonable consideration that could be offered ;
and as Mexico would be the greatest gainer of
the opening of this communication between the
Gulf and the Pacific Oean, it is presumed that
she would not hesitate to yield her aid, in the
manner proposed, to accomplish an improve-
ment so important to her own best interests.
e hava reason to hope that the proposed
railroad across the Isthmusof Panama will be suc
cessfully constructed, under the protection of
the late treaty with New Granada, ratified and
exchanged hy my predecessor on the 10th day
of Juno, 184S, which guaranties the perfect
neutrality of the Isthmus, and the rights of
sovereignty and property of New Granada over
that territory, '-with a view that a free transit
trom ocean to ocean may not be interrupted or
embarrassed'' during the existence of the treaty.
It is our policy to encourage every practicable
route across the Isthmus, which connects North
and South America, either by railroad or canal,
which the energy and intcrprise of our citizens
may induce them to complete: and I consider it
obligatory upon me to adopt that policy, espe-
cially in consequence of the,absolute necessity of
facilitating our intercourse with our possessions
on the Pacific.
The position of tho Sandwich Islands, with
reference to the territory of the United States
on the Pacific: the successor our preserving and
benevolent citizens, who have repaired to that
remote quarter, in Christianizing tho natives,
and in inducing them to adopt a system of gov-
c.nmcnt and laws suited to their capacity and
wants: and the use made by our numerous
whaloship3 of the harboi-3of the islands as places
of resort for obtaining refreshments-and repairs,
all combine to render their destiny peculiarly
interesting to us. It is our duty to encourage
the authorities of those islands in their efforts
to improve and elevate the moral and political
condition of the inhabitants: and we should make
reasonable allowances for the difficulties inse-
parable from this task. We desire that the is-
lands may maintain their independence, and
that other nations should concur with us in this
sentiment. We could, in no event, be indifferent
to their passing under the dominion of any
other power. The principal commi r jial States
have in this a common interest, and it is to bo
hoped that no one of them will attempt to in-
tcupose obstacles to the entire independence of
the islands.
The receipts into the Treasury for tho fiscal
year ending on the 30th of June last were, in
each, $10, O'J7 50, and Treasury Notes funded,
$10, 833, 000 making an aggregate of $50,-
603, 097 50; and the expenditures for the same
time were, in cash. $4G.70S.Go7.82, and in Trea-
sury Notes funded, $10.833.000 making an
aggregate of $57,031, 067, 82.
The accounts and estimates submitted to
Congress in the report of the Secretary of the
Treasury show that there will rrobably bo a
deficit, occasioned by the expense of the Mexi-
can war and treaty, on the first day of July next,
ol5,S28.12166, and on the first day of July
1851, of $10,547.01)2 73 making in the whole
a probable deficit, to be provided for, of.16,-
37"). 214 3?. The cxtraor linary expen-cs of ther
war with Mexico, and the purchase o.' Califor-
nia and New Mexico, exceed iu amount this de-
ficit, together with the loans heretofore made
for those objects. 1 therefore recommend that
authority be given to borrow whatever sum may-
be necessary to cover that deficit. 1 recom-
mend the observance of strict economy in the
appropriation and expenditure of the public
money.
I recommend a revision of the existing Tariff,
and its adjustment on a basis which may aug-
ment the revenue. I do not doubt tho right
or duty of Congress to encourage domestic in-
dustry, which is the great source of national as
well as individual wealth and prosperity. 1
look to the wisdom and patriotism of Congress
for the adoption of a system which may place
home labor at least on a sure and permanent
footing, and by due encouragement of manufac-
tures, give new and increased stimulus to agri-
culture and promote the development of our
vast resourses and the extension of our com-
merce. Believing that to tho attainment of
these ends (as well as the necessary augmen-
tation of the revenue and the prevention of
frauds) a system of specific duties is best adapt-
ed. I strongly recommend to Congress the ad-
option of that system, fixing the duties at rates
high enough to afford substantial and sufficient
encouragement to our own industry, and at the
same time so adjusted as to insure stability-
Thequjstion of the continuance of the sub-
treasury system is respectfully submitted to the
wisdom of Congress. If continued, i mportant
modifications of it appear to be indispensable.
For further details and views of the above,
and other matters connected with commerce,
the finances and revenue, I refer to the report
of the Secretary of the Treasury.
No direct aid has been given by the General
Government to the improvement of agriculture,
except by the expenditure of small sums for the
collection and publication of agricultural stat-
istics, and for some chemical analyses, which
have been, thus far, paid fir out patent found.
Thus aid is, in my npi.iion, wholly inade-
quate. To give to this leading branch of
American industry tho tMicouragement which
it merits, 1 lespeetfuily recommend the estab-
lishment of an Agricultural Bureau to be
connected with the Department of the Interi-
or. To elevate t lie social condition of lh
ugricuiturst, to increase his prosperity, and
to extend his means of usefulness to his coun-
try, 'y multiplying his sources ofmformation.
shtHit 1 be thu stu ly of every statesman, and a
primary object with every legislator.
No civil government h.uing been provided by
Congress for California, the people of that ter
ritory, impelled by the necessities of their po-
litical condition, recently met in convention for
the purpose of firming it constitution and State
government, which latest advices give me rea-
son to suppose has been accompli shod : and it
is believed they will shortly apply for tho admis-
sion of California into the Union as a sovereign
State. Should such be the case, and should
their constitution bo conformable to tho requi-
sitions of the constitution of the United States,
I recommend their application to the favorable
consideration of Congress.
The people of New Mexico will also, it is be-
lieved, at no very distant pjriod, present them-
selves for admission into the lTni'ii Prenani-
. .y : t!i- jidiis'-.-.; a .." .thf. ua :ii 1 . ,v
i'.;. tli-?. ti' " .f.-wli -.vili ii-i,.- iV'itti'cd
fortii'-iiis' i' -.-w r"p'-i-h in i'fI'ii -f uv.rn.Mont I
laying its ioimdations in Jiicii p.i.mples, tmdij
organizing it3 powers iu suoh form aa to them
VOL. XV.
8 hall seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness." By awaiting their action, all cau-
ses of uneasiness may be avoided, and confi-
dence and kind feeling preserved. With a view
of maintaining the harmony and tranquility so
dear to all. we should abstain from the Intro-
duction of those exciting topics of a sectional
character which have hitherto produced pain-
ful apprehensions iu the public mind, andI
repeat the solemn warning of the first and
m-jst illustrious of my predecessors against fur-
nishing 'may ground for characterizing parties
by geographical discriminations."
A colletor has been appointed at San Fran-
cisco, under the act of Congress extending the
revenue laws over California ; and measures
have been taken to organiza the customhouses
at that and other ports mentioned in that act, at
the earliest period practicable. The collector
proceeded overland, and advices have not yet
been received of his arrival at Sau Francisco.
Meanwhile, it is understood that the customs
have continued to be collected, there by officers
acting under the military authority, as they
were during the Administation of my predeces-
sor. It will, I think, be expedient to-confirm
the collections thus made, and direct the avails
(after such allowances as Congress may thiuk
fit to authorize) to be expended within the ter-
ritory, or to be paid into the treasury, for tho
.; purpose of meeting appropriations for the im-
' p'rovement of its rivers and harbors.
A party engaged on the Coast Survey was
dispatched to Oregon in January 'ast. Accor-
ding to the latest advices, they had not left
California : and directions have been given them
as soon as they have fixed on the sites of the
two lighthouses and the buoys authorized to be
constructed and placed in Oregon, to proceed
without delay to make reconnoisance of the
most important points on the coast of Califor-
nia, and especially to examine and determine on
site for lighthouses on that coast, the speedy
erection of which is urgedly demanded by our
rapidly increasing commerce.
1 have transferred the Indian Agencies from
Upper Missuri and Council Bluffs to Santa Fe
and Salt Lake, and have caused to be appointed
sub-agents in the valleys of the Gila, the Sac-
ramento and San Joaquin rivers. Still further
legal provisions will be necessary for the effec-
tive an 1 successful extension of our system cf
Indian intercourse over the new territories.
I rocommQtiJ ths establish me ut of a Branch Mint
in California, as it will, in my cpinion, etibrd impor-
tant facilities to those engaged iu milling, as well as
to tho Government in the dis-poitiuu ot the mineral
la u do.
I also recommend that commissions be organized by
Congress to examine and decide upon the validity of
the present subsisting land titles in California aud New
Mexico, and that provision be made for tho establish-
ment of oifices of ."Surveyor Genera! in New Mexico,
California and Oregon, and for the surveying aud
briuging into market the public lands in those Territo-
ries. Those lands, reinoto of position aud difficult of
accew, oug'itto be ditpo.-ed of on erms liberal to all
but especially favorable to the early emigrants.
Iu order tlidt the situation and character of the prin-
cipal mineral deposits in California may be aierlained,
I recjmmend that a geological and iniueralogical ex-
ploration be connected with the linear surveys, and
that the mineral lands b3 divided into small lots suita-
ble for mining, and be disponed of, by sale or lease, so
a to give our citizens an opportunity of procuring a
permanent right of property in the soil. This would
seem to be as unp-jrtaut to the success of mining as of
agricultural pursuits.
The great mineral wealth cf California, and the
advantages which its porta and harbors, and those of
Oregon, afiurd to commerce, especially with the Is-
lands of the Pacific aud Indian Oceans, and the pop-
ulous regions of Eastern Asia, make it certain that
there will arise iu a few years large and prosperous
communitierf on our western coat. It 'herefore be-
comes important that aline of communication, tho
best aud most expeditious .vhcli the country will admit
should be opened within the territory of the United
States; from the navigable waters of tho Atlantic or
Gulf of Mexico to tho Pa-ilic. Opinion, as elicited
aud expressed by two large and rcsprclable conven-
tion, lately assembled at St. Louis aud Memphis, points
to a R.tihoid as that which if practicable, will best
meet tho wishes and wants of the country. Bat while
this, if in successful operation, would be work of great
natioua! itnportunci?, aud of a v.ilue to the country
which it would bo dilficult to estimate, it ought also
to be regarded as au undertaking of vast magnitude
and expense, and one which must, if t be indeed prac-
ticable, encounter many difficulties in its construction
aud use. Therefore, to avoid failure and disappoint-
ment ; to enable Congress to judge whether, in the
condition of tho couutry through which it must pass,
tho work be feasible ; and, if it be found so, whether
it should be undertaken as a national improvement
or left to individual enterprise ; and, iu the latter al-
ternative, whit aid, if auy, ought to be extended to it
by tho Government, I recommend, as a preliminary
measure, a careful reconnaissance of the several pro-
posed routes by a scientific corps, and a report as to
theprac icab.iity of miking suc'i aroid. with au e3ti-
mite of the cojt of its con it ruction an I sjpport.
For further views on these and other matters con-
nected with the duties of the Home Department, I re-
fer you lo the report of the Secretary os the Interior.
I recommend early appropriations for continuing
the river'aud harbor improvements which have been
already begun, and also for the construction of those
for which estimates have been made, as well as for
examinations aud estimates preparatory to the com-
mencement of such others as tl) wauts of the conn-
try, and especially the advance of our population
over new districts, and tho oxtension of commerce,
may render necessary. Au estimate of the amount
which can be advantageously expended withiu the
next fiscal year, under the direction of the Bureau
of Topographical Engineers, accompanies the report
of tho Secretary of War, to which I respectfully in-
vito the attention of Congress.
The cession of territory made by tho late treaty
witii Mpx'co has greatly "extended our exposed fron-
tier, and rendered its defeuce more difficult. That
treat' has alco brought us under obligations to Mex-
ico, to comply with which a military forco is requis-
ite. But our military establishment is not materially
changed, as to its elKcienc) , from the condition in
which it stood before tho commencement of the
M'xicau war. Some addition to it will therefore
be n3Jt!s'ary; and I recommend to the favorable
consideratiou of Congress an increase of the several
c-Jrps of the aruiy at our d.stant western posts, as
proposed iu the accompany ng report of the Secretary
of War.
Great embarrassment has resulted from the efivct
upon rank, iu the army, heretofore given to brevet
aud staffcointnissions. The views of the Secretary
of War on this subject are deemed important, and if
carried into effect will, it is believed, promote the har-
mony of the service. The plan proposed for retiring
disabled officers, aud providing an asylum for such
of tho rank and files as from age, wcunds, aud other
infirmities occasioned by service, have become unfit
to jurfonii their respective duties, is recommended as
a means of iucroasing the efficiency of the army, and
a- an act of justice due from a grateful couutry to tho
faithlul soldier.
Tho cempanying report of the Secretary of the
Navy presents a full and satisfactory account of the
condition and operations of the naval service during
the past year. Our citizens engaged iu the legitimate
pursuit-:, of coin-n-vce have enjoyed its benefits.
Wherever our national vessels have gone they have
been received with respect, our officers have been
trated with kindness and courtesy, and they have
on all occasions pursued a course of strict neutrality,
in accordance with the policy of ourGovernment.
The naval force at present in commission is as large
as is adui'fasible, with the numbsrof inou authorized
by Cougre-s to be employed.
I invite your attention to the recommendation of
ha Sacretiry of t.is N ivy on the subject of a ro-
organizition of tho Navy, in its various grades of
officers, and the establishing of a retired list for
euch of tiie officers as a" dis pia ified for activo and
elF-c'iv'; service Should Cougrev adopt some such
measure as is rcco'nmcndd, it will greatly increase
the efficiency of the Na-.y and reduce its oxpendi-
t:r I i'-. ask your a'tcntiGi! tv tho view espr--sed by
h.-n us reier- "t v. i'u .:i,'n y-u -:'t ol Wtr-t-t, i ji. r-i,
an J.. i r-gard I t'.ic emt'.-fts f-r :h- ir-Nip-v'tr -.)
.r ',. "lit: .1 ?tat"" --'- and lb- tyrntUoi. of t.jt
system upon the prosperity of tho Navy.
By an act of Cougresj, pasie J August Hib, 1343,
NO. 4.-WHOLE NO, 734 4
provision was made for extending post office and mail
accomnn d itious to California and Oregon. Exer-
tions have been made to execute that law; but tho
limited provisions of the act, tho inadequacy of tha
means It authorirpq. lhf ill. jtrlnntHf inn r.f nnrmoognro
of compensation for services allowed by those laws,
compared with the prices of labor and rents in Cali-
fornia, render those exertions, in a great degree, inef-
fec'ual. Mow particular aud efficient provision by
law is required on this subject. The act of 1845, re-
ducing postage, has now, by its operation during four
years, produced results fully showing that theincoma
from snch reduced postage is sufficient to sustain the
whole expense of the service of the Poet-office De-
partment, not including the cost of transportation ha
mail steamers ou the hues from New York to Chag-
res," and from Panama to Astoria, which have not
been considered bv Con?re3s as Dronertv belonmncr tn
the mail seivice.
It is submitted to the wisdomof Congress, whether
a further redectioa of postage should not now be made,
more particularly on the letter correspondence. This
should be relieved from thennjnatbnrdeu of transport-
ing and delivering tho franked matter of Congress
for which public service provision-should, bo marh
rum met j reasury. Jt conhdenily believe tbafca
change may safelybomado, reducing allTfiingle letter
postage to'the Uniform rate of five "cents, regardless of
..., .,,uivulluucUj iiijusaiL-any greater tax on
the Treasury than would coustitute a very moderate
compensation for this public service ; and I therefore
respectf.illy recommend sucn a redaction. Should
Congress prefer to abolish tho franking privSego e
lirely, it seems probable thatnodemand on the Treas-
ury would result from the proposed reduction of Doar.
tago. Whether any further diminution should. nW
oe maao.orino result ol the reduction to five cents,
which I have recommended, should be first tested is
suomrtteu to your decision.
Since the commencement of tho last session of Con-
gress, a postal treaty with Great Britain has been re'
ceived and ratified, aud such regulations have been, '
formed by tho Post-office Departments of the two-
countries, in pursuance ofthat treaty, as to cany its
provisions into fu.'l operation. The attempt to extend
this samo arrangement, through England, to France,
has uol b.-en eq i diy successful ; but tho purpose has
not been abaudoned-
For a particular statement of tho condition of tho
Post-offiie Department, and other matters connected
with that b-anch of the public serv ice, I refer you to
the Rpo:t of tho Postmaster General.
By the act of the 3d March, 1849, a Board- was,
constituted lo make arrangements for taking the-
seventh census, composed of the Secretary of State,
the Attorney General and the Post-master General ;-
and it was mado tho duty of this Board "to preparo.'
and causa to bo printed such forms aud schedules a
uiiht be necessary for the full enumeration of the in-
habitants of the United States; and also proper forms "'
an 1 schedules for collecting, iu statistical tables, under '
proper heads, such information as to mines, agricul- "
lure, commerce manufactures, education, and other
topics, as would exhibit a lull view of the pursuits, in-
dustry, education, and resources cf the country." Th& .
diitics eujoiued upon the Census Board thus establish-
ed having been performed, it now rests with Congress
to en tct a law for carrying into effect the provision of
the constitution which requires an actual enumeration
of the people of the United States, withiu the enFuin"
year. .
Among the duties assigned by the constitution to.
the General Government, is one of local and Hmiiort n -J-
piicatijn, but not ou that account the less obligatory ;
r annus iu inc irusi commiueu to congress, as the ex- "
c'usive legMuto-- and sole guardian of the interests of
the District of Columbia. I beg to commend these in-
terests to your kind attention. As the Nahonal Me-
tropjlis, the City of Washington must be an object oC
general interest ; and founded as it was, underihc aus-
pises. of him whoso immortal name it bears, its claims,
to the fostering care of Cjngress present themselves
with additional strength. Whatever can contributeto
its prosperity must enlist the feelings of its constitu-
tional guardians, and command their favorable con-
sideration. OurGovernment is one of limited powers, and its- .-
successful administration eminently depends on the-,
confinement of each of its coordinate branches within '
its own appropriate sphere. Tfio first section of tfie
constitution ordains that "all legislative powers there-.-in
granted shall be vested in a Congress of tho United-
States, which frhall cousi.-t of a Senate and House of
Representatives." The Executive- has authority to.
recjimn n 1 (not lo d etite) measures to Congress.
Having performed that duty, the Executive Depart-
ment of the Governm ul cannot rightly coutrol tho
decision of Congress on any subject of legislation, un-
til that decision shall have been officially submitted to
the President for approval. The check provided by
the constitution, iu Hie clause conferring tho qualified
veto, will never be exercised by me, except in the
cases coutomplaed by the fathers of the Republic. I
view it is au extreme measure, to bs resorted to only
in extraordinary cases as where it may become ne-
cessary to defend the Exeeiitivfi fttrainst tha pnomaph.
ments of tha legislative power, or to prevent hasty
and inconsiderate or unconstitutional legislation.
By cautiously confiuing ihi3 remedy within the-
sphere prescribed to if in the cotemporanoous expo-
su.ous oi tne iramers ot me constitution, the will of
the people, legitimately expressed on all subjects of
legislation, through their constitutional organs, tho
Senators and Representatives of the United States
'will have its full effect. As indispensable to the pres-
ervation of our system of self-government, the inde-
pendence of the representatives of the Slate, and the
people is guaranteed by the constitution ; and they
owe no respectability to any human power but their
constituents. By holding the representative responsi-
ble only to the people, and exempting him from all
other influences, we elevate the character of the con-
stituent and quicken his senses of responsibility to his
country. It is under these circumstances only that
th- elector can feel that, in the choice of the law-maker,
he is him-elf truly a component part of the sov-
ereign power of the nation. With equal care we
should study to defend the rights of the executive
aud judiciary departments. Oar Government can -
only bj preserved in its purity by the suppression and
cut-re elimination of every claim or tendency of one .'
coordinate branch to encroachment upon another.
With tho strict observance of this rule and the other
injunctions of the constitution : with a sedulous incul-
cation of that respect and love for the union of the
Slates which our fathers cherished aud enjoined upon
their children ; and with the aid of that overrunning
Providence which has so long and so kindly guarded
our liberties and institution?, we may reasonably ex-
pect to transmit them with their innumerable bless-
ings lo the remotest posterity.
But attachments to the uuiou of the states should
be habitually fostered in every American heart. For
more Ih in half a century, during which kingdoms aud
empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken.
The patriots who formed it have long since descend-1
ed lo the grave ; yet sti.I it remains the proudest mon-
ument to their memory, and the object of affection
and admiration with every one worthy to bear the
American name. Iu my judgement its dissolution
would be the greatest of calamities, and to avert it
should be the study of every American. Upon its
preserviticn must depend our own happiness aud that
of countless generations to come. Whatever dangers
may threaten it, I shall stand by it, and maintain its
integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed,
and tho powers conferred upon mo by the Constitu-
tion. Z. TAYLOR. ,
Washington, Dec.4, 1849.
A Candid Confession. A late num-
ber of the London Times, in an article
upon the subject of slavery in America,
makes the following acknowledgement :
'-The will ofthe people of Englandj
and the resources of the Brittish nation,
have been applied with absolute au-
thority and ungrudging munificence to
the extinction of slavery in the Brittish
dominions. The Northern States of
America have no such power of alter-
ing the institutions and the tenures of
property in the slaveholding States of
the Union : Congress itself has no such
power; but if it had, and besides the
power, if it had the will and the means
to carry a gcu-ral moasnre of abolition,
w- .tre constrained to adm't that tha
exMi-mnerU made by the BnttHi Gov-
vV n.noi, At'd the state ii which the Brit-
tiath West Indies are now placed by ir?
fri.
C:
3$
V
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Moore, Francis, Jr. Democratic Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 15, No. 4, Ed. 1, Thursday, January 17, 1850, newspaper, January 17, 1850; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth48573/m1/1/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.