Weekly Journal. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 36, Ed. 1 Friday, December 17, 1852 Page: 1 of 4
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i#ero«W8 journal,
fCBUHED EXPRESSLY FOR THE COURTRY BY
W. CHERRY.
MECHANIC STREET, GALVESTON TEXAS.
TERMS.-gJ:5° a year, it paid at the time of
-sobscnbmg-, R3 if paid within six months: and
g3,50 if payment be delayed until after six months
No^subscrijptions discontinued until all arrear-
risk, if enclosed in the presence of the Post Mas-
ur.
Post Masters are authorized to act as aírente
tad deduct 10 per cent, on moneys they remiL
pr All letters must be prepaid.
CP" All transient advertisements must be paid
for at the time their insertion is ordered.
£tje journal.
ournal
L>a Grange.
It will doubtless interest our readers abroad
to hear something, now and then, of the pros-
pects oí this place. Beautifully located as it
U| on one of the loveliest streams in Texas,
the county seat of a flourishing county, and'
situated on the main travelling thoroughfare
between Galvestou and Austin, its position is
highly advantageous, and not altogether un-
important. Our citizens are bound to share
the benefits and conveniences of a railroad
as soon as railroads can be built; and no road
can be more in demand, or more necessary,
than one in this direction. That being confi-
Publisfied by W. Cherry.J
' Error ceases to be dangerous, when
is left free to combat it"
$2
ANNUM
VOL III.
GALVESTON, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1852.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
a*-g*c
Fellow Citizen* of the Senate
and House of Representatives:
The brief space which has elapsed since
the close of your last session has been marked
by no extraordinary political event. The
quadrennial election of Chief Magistrate has
pissed off with lesa than the usual excitement
Howei
deotly reckoned on, nothing can prevent La
Grange from becoming as much of a town as
the majority of its inland eotemporaries
During the few months we have been a resi
dent of the place, it has improved surprisingly
and our citizens are becoming more fully im
bued with the spirit of improvement. Two
large new store-houses have bet lately been
erected, while othera have been materially
calarged; and Mr. O. W. Sinks is about to
commence the rection of a handsome brick
«tore, upon Ihe site of his old establishment
It haa been tairly demonstrated that good
bricks can be made here; and it will not be
long before several private residences will be
reared out of this substantial material, be-
sides one or two public edifices. Thus the
town is rapidly building up upon a solid and
lasting foundation, while the surrounding
country evinces similar signs of improvement.
New settlers are coming in, and new lauds
«re still to be occupied and cultivated.
And La Orange is not only handsomely,
bat healthily situated. It lies in a sandy, dryj
and secluded valley, sheltered i rom the south-
west winds by the high range of bluffs that
wall in the opposite bank of the Colorado.
There are no local causes whatever for sick
iiess here, and the town has the reputation
abroad, of being one of the healthiest on the
river, which is undoubtedly the case. With
a number ol energetic and prudent business
men, good schools, flourishing churches, and
the increasing enterprise, liberality, and re-
finement which these things beget, La Grange
ii bound to become a very desirable place of
residence, in many respects. Such at least
we hope to see it at an early day.—La
Orange Monument.
Despising Household Duties.—From a
variety ol causes, nothing is more common
than to find American women who have not
the «lightest idea of household duties. A wri-
ter thus alludes to the subject:
"Inthe neglect ol household cares Ameri-
tas women stand alone. A German lady, no
aatter how lolly her rank, never, forgets that
domestic labors conduce to the health of body
aai mind alike. An English lady, whether
si be only a gentleman's wife or a duke's,
ins not despise the household, and even
tough she has a housekeeper, dovotes a por-
3 o of her time to this, her true, her happiest
«pbere. It is reserved for our republican fine
lidies to be more choice than even their mon-
archical and aristocratic sisters. The result is a
«•(ittal tohoalth
neglect of bodily exercises. The wife who
eaves her household cares to the servants
ays the penalty which has been affixed to
Jleuess since the foundation of the world, and
tither wilts away from ennui, or is driven into
til sorts of fashionable follies to find employ-
ueut for her mind."
Newspaper Editors.—Dr. Johnson says:
I know no classes of the community from
ihomso much disinterested benevolence and
hankless labor are expébted as from editors
f newspapers. They are expected to feel for
ery one but themselves—'to correct public
and private ones also without giving
to sustain the difficulties of others
ñthoat regard to their owu—to condemn im-
measures of every one aud not one at
be «ame time. They are expected to note
*ery thing thing that is important or extraor-
Kof men's opinions, their notices must be
ted to please every one, and at the same
me offend no one.
A friend recently returned from the East,
that in the same car with himself were a
ewly married couple, who had evidently
(en little of the world. They were so hap-
9 that they couldn't keep it to themselves.
Bd were constantly clasping hauds, whisper-
¥• and snugging up to each other like a kit-
en to a hot brick. They were the "observed
At length the traiu went
a long, dark tunnel, and
hand with á smack which
car. Of course, as
light, all eyes were
couple, who, though
were rosy with the con-
The thing was
bear, and at the next
train.—Cleveland Bcrald.
owever individuals and parlies may have
been disappointed in the result, it is neverthe-
less a subject of national congratulation that
the choice has been effected by the indepen-
dent suffrages of a free people, undisturbed by
those influences which in other countries have
too often effected the purity of popular elec-
tions.
Our great thanks are due to an All-merci-
ul Providence, not only for staying the pesti-
lence which iu different forms has desolated
some of our cities, but for crowning the labors
of the husbandman with an abundant harvest,
and the nation generally with the blessings of
peace and prosperity.
Within a few weeks the public mind has
been deeply affected by the death of Daniel
Webster, filling at his decease the office of
Secretary of State. His associates in the Ex-
ecutive Government have siicerely sympa-
thized wi!b his family and the public general-
I ' on this mournful occasion. His command-
ing talents, his well-tried patriotism, and his
long and faithful services, in the most impor-
tant public trusts, have caused his death to be
lamented throughout the country, and have
well earned for him a lasting place in our his-
tory.
In the course of the last summer considera-
ble anxiety was caused lor a short time by an
official intimation Irom the government of
Great Britain that orders had been given for
the protection of the fisheries upon'the coasts
of the British provinces in North America
against the alleged encroachments of the fish-
ing vessels of the United States and France.
The shortness of this notice, and the season of
the year seemed to make it a matter ol ur-
gent importance. It was at first apprehend-
ed that an increased naval force had been or-
dered to the fishing grounds to carry into ef-
fect the British interpretation of those provis-
ions in the convention of 1818, in reference to
the true in;entof which the two governments
differ. It was soon ascertained that such was
not the design ol* Great Britain, and satisfac-
tory explanations of the real objects of the
measure have been given boih here and in
London.
The unadjusted difference, however, be-
tween the two governments as to the inter-
pretation of the first article of the convention
of 1818 is still a matter of importance. Amer-
ican fishing vessels within nine or ten years
have been excluded from waters to which they
had free uccess for twenty-five years after the
negotiation of the treaty. In 1845 this exclu-
sion was relaxed so far as concerns the Bay of
Fundy, but the just and liberal intentions of
the Home government in compliance with
what we think the true construction of the
convention, to open all the other outer hays
to our fishermen, was abandoned in conse-
- — - tbe opposition of 4he cálaoios. Nou
•II observers."
Hindering thi
Br friend
«•heard
strain
decisions have been made by
our last, and up to
Nueees county;
N
i county }
, from Limestone
*te.||
swis, from Bexar
from Washington
of Val mora,
and pe-
couoty;
i county;
favor of
w n up ii'1
naiñg litis, irte
since the Bay of Fundy was re-opened to our
fishermen in 1845, pursued the most liberal
course toward the colonial fishing interests.—
By the revenue law of 1846, the duties on co-
lonial fish entering our ports, were very great-
ly reduced, and by the warehousing act it is
allowed lo be entered in bond without the pay-
ment of duty. In this way colonial fish has
acquired the monopoly of the export trade in
our market, aud is entering to some extent
into the home consumption. These facts were
among those which increased the sensibility
of our fishing interests, at the movement in
question.
These circumstances and incidents above
alluded to have led me to think the moment
favorable for a reconsideration of the entire
subject of the fisheries on the coasts of the
British provinces, with a view to place them
upon a more liberal footing of reciprocal priv-
ilege. A willingness to meet us in some a*--,
rangement of this kind is understood to exist,
on the part ol Great Britain, with a desire on
her part to include in one comprehensive set-
tlement, as well this subject as the commer-
cial intercourse betweeo the United Stales
and the British provinces. I have thought
that whatever arrangements may be made on
these subjeets.it is expedient thatthey should
be embraced in separate conventions. The
illness and death of the late Secretary of State
preveuted the commencement of the contem-
plated negotiations. Pains have been taken
to collect the information required lor the de-
tails ol such an arrangement. The subject is
ittended with considerable difficulty. If it is
found practicable to come to an agreement
mutually acceptable to the two parties, con-
ventions may be concluded in the course of
the present winter. The control of Congress
over all the provisions of such an arrange-
ment, affecting the revenue, will of course be
reserved.
The affairs of Cuba formed a prominent
topic in my last annual message. They re-
main in an uneasy condition, and a feeling of
alarm and irritation on the part of the Cuban
authorities appears to exist This feeling has
interfered with the regular commercial inter-
course between Üie United States and the
Island, and led to some acts of which we have
a right to complain. But the Captain Gene-
ral of Cuba is clothed with no power to trea;
with foreign governments, nor is he in any
degree uncMr the control df the Spanish Minis-
ter at Washington. Any communication
which he may hold with an agent of a
power is informal and matter of coa
Anxious to put an end to tha existing incon-
veniences, ( which seemed to rest on a miscon-
ception.) 1 directed the newly-appointed Min-
ister to Mexico to visit Havana, on his wav to
Vera Cruz. He
the
freely on the recent
manent arrangement was
In the mean time, there
General to allow passengers an^Jwj^ *j>
■i
severally and collectively disclaim, now and
for the future, all intention to obtain posses-
sion of the Island of Cuba, and should bind
themselves to discountenance all attempts to
that effect on the part of any individual what-
ever. This invitation has been respectfully
declined, for reason which it would occupy
to much space in this communication to state
in detail, but which led me to think that the
proposed measure would be of doubtful con
stiiutioiiality, impolitic and unavailing,
have, however, in common with several pre-
decessors, directed the Ministers of France and
England to be assured that the the United
States entertain no design against Cuba; but
that. I should regard iis incorporation into the
Union at the present time as fraught with se-
rious peril.
Were this island comparatively destitute of
inhabitants, or occupied by a kindred race, I
shout I regard it, if voíulHtarily ceded by
Spain, as a most desirable acquisition. But
under existing circumstances, I should look
upon its incorporation into our Union asa very
hazardous measure. It would bring into the
Confederacy a population of a different na
tional stock, speaking a different language,
and not likely to harmonize with the other
members. It would probably affecf in a pre-
judicial manner the industrial interests of the
South; and it might revive these conflicts of
opinion between the different sections of the
country which lately shook the Union to its
centre, and which have been so happily com-
promised.
The reject ion of the Mexican Congress of
the Convention which had been concluded be-
tween that Republic and the United States,
for the protection of a transit way across the
Isthmus of Tehauntepec and of the interests
ol those citizens of the United States who had
become proprietors of the rights which Mexi-
co had conferred on one of her own citizens iu
regard to that transit, has thrown a serious
obstacle in the way of the attainment ol a
very desirable national object. I am still will-
ing to hope that the differences of the subject
which exists or may hereafter arise, between
the governments will be amicably adjusted.—
This subject, however, has already engaged
the attention ol the Senate ol the United
States, and requires no further comment in
this communication.
The settlement of the question respecting
the port of San Juan de Nicaragua, and ol
the controversy between the republics ol Costa
Rica and Nicaragua in regard to their boun-
aries, was considered indispensible to the com-
mencement of the ship canal between the two
oceans, which was the subject of the Conven-
tion between the United States and Greai
Britian of the 19th of April, 1850. Accord-
ingly a proposition lor the same purposes ad-
dressed to the two governments in that quar-
ter, and to the Mosquito Indians, was agreed
to in April last by the Secretary' of the State
and her Britannic Majesty. Besides the wish
io aid in reconciling the differences of the two
republics, I engaged in the negotiation from a
desire to place the great work ol a ship canal
between the two oceans under one jurisdiction,
and to establish the import of San Juan de
Nicaragua under the government of the civ-
ilized power. The proposition in question
was flSiíantfi<lJivJk¡u-r,o^« .D ;ou «.nJ
quito Indians. It has not proved equally ac-
ceptable to Nicaragua, but it is to 3e hoped
I hat the further negotiations on the subject
which are in train will be carried on in that
spirit ol conciliation and compromise which
ought always to prevail on such occasions,
and that they will lead to a satisfactory re-
sult.
I have the satisfaction to inform you that
the executive government of Venezuela has
acknowledged some claims of citizens of the
United Stales, which have for many years
past been urged by our c ,arge d'affairs at
Caraccas, It is hoped that the same sense
of justice will actuate the Congress of that
Republic in providing the means for their pay-
ment.
The recent revolution in Buenos Ayres and
the confederated States, having opened the
prospect of an improved state of things in
that quarter, the Governments of Great Brit-
tan and France determined to negotiate with
the chief of the new confederacy, for the free
access of their commerce to the extensive
countries watered by the tributaries of the. La
Plata; and they gave a friendly noiice of this
purpose to the United States, that we might,
if we thought proper, pursue the course. In
compliance with this invitation, our Minister
at Rio Janerio and our Chargo d' Affairs at
Buenos Ayres have been fully authorized to
conclude treaties with the newly-organized
confederation, or the States composing it.—
The delays which have taken place in the
formation of the new Government, have as
yet prevented the execution of those instruc-
tions ; but there is every reason to hope that
these vast countries will eventually be open
to our commerce.
A treaty of commerce has been concluded
between the United States and the Oriental
Republic of Uraguay, which wilt be laid be-
fore the Senate. Should this Convention go
into operation, it will open to the commercial
enterprise of our citizens a country ot greai
extent, unsurpassed in natural resources, but
from which foreign nations have been hitherto
almost wholly excluded.
The correspondence of the late Secretary
of State with Ihe Peruvian charge d'affairs
relative to the Lobos Islands was communica-
ted to Congress towards the close of the last
session. Since that time, on further investi-
gation of the subject, the doubts which had
been entertained of tbe title of Peru (o those
islands have been removed; and I have
deemed it just that the temporary wrong
which had been unintentionally done her, from
want of information, should be repaired by an
unreserved acknowledgment of her
eignty.
inform you that the
attempt should be made to open ihe opposite
regions ol Asia to a mutually beneficial inter-
course. It is obvious that this attempt could
be made by no power to so great advantage
as by the United States, whose constitutional
system excludes every idea of distant colonial
dependencies. I have accordingly been led to
order an appropriate naval force to Japan
under the command of a decreet and intelli
gent officer of the highest rank known, to our
service. He is instructed to endeavor to ob-
tain from the Government of that country
some relaxation of the inhospitable and anti-
quated system which it has pursued for
about two centuries. He-has been directed
particularly to remonstrate in the strongest
language against the cruel treatment" to
which our shipwrecked mariners have often
been subjected, and lo insist that they shall be
treated with humanity. Hfeis instructed, how-
ever. ¡it the same time to give that Govern-
ment the amplest assurances that the objects
of the United States are such and such only
as I have indicated, and that, the expedition is
friendly and peaceful. Notwithstanding the
jealousy with which the Governments ot Asia
regard all overtures Irom foreigners, I am not
without hopes of a beneficial result ol t e ex-
pedition. Should it be crowned with success,
the advantages will not be confined to the
United States, but. as in the case of China will
be equally enjoyed by all the other maritime
powers. I have much satisfaction in stating
that in all the steps preparatory to this expe^
dilion the Government of the United States
has been ina enally aided by the good offices
ol ihe King ol* the Netherlands, the only Euro
pean power having any commercial relations
with Japan.
In pissing from this survey of our foreign
relations, I invite the attention of Congress°to
the condition of that department of the Gov-
ernment to which this branch of the public
business is entrusted. Our intercourse with
foreign powers has ol late years'greatly in-
creased, both in consequence of our own
growth and the introduction of many new
States into the lainily ol nations. In this way
the Department of State has become over-
burdened. It has, by the recent establishment
ol the Department of the Interior, been reli-
eved ol some portion of the domestic business.
If the residue of the business of that kind, such
as the distribution of Congressional documents,
the keeping, publishing and distribution of
the laws of the United States, the execution
ol the copyright law, the subject ol reprives
and pardons, and some other subjects relating
to interior administration, should be trans-
ferred to the Departmen ol State, it would
unquestionably be lor the benefit ot the public
service. I wouM also suggest that the build-
ing appropriated to the State Department is
not fire-proof; that there is reason to think
there are defects in its construction, and that
the archives of that Goverment in charge of
the Department, with the precious collections
of the manuscript papers of Washington, Jef1
ferson, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe are
exposed to destruction by fire. A similar re-
mark may be made ot the buildings appro-
priated to the War and Navy Depart-ments.
The condition of the Treasury is exhibited
in Uie WD|^J^f«rt fwO;í&-Tréasuryfor the
fiscal year ending tlie 30th of June last, ex-
clusive of trust funds were forty-nine millions
seven hundred twenty-eight thousand three
hundred and twenty-six dollars and eighty-
nine cents, (49,728.326.89.) and the expedi-
ture lor the same period, likewise inclusive of
trust funds were lorty-six millions seven thous-
and eight hundred and ninety-six dollars and
twenty cents, ($46,007,896,20.) of which
.455.815 83 was on account of the princi-
pal and interest of the public debt, including
the last instalment of the indemnity to Mex-
ico, under the treaty of Guadalupe de Hidalgo
leaving a balance of $14.633,136 37, in the
Treasury on the 1st day of Jul J last. Since this
latter period, further purchaies of the princi-
pal of the public debt have been made lo the
extent of two millions four hundred and fifty-
six thousand five hundred and forty-seven dol-
lars and forty-nine cents, ($2,456,547 49.) and
the surplus in the Treasurer will continue
to be applied to that object, whenever the
stock can be procured within the limita ol the
price authorized by law.
The value of foreign merchan Jize imported
during the last fiscal year was two hundred
and seven millions two hundred and forty
thousand one hundred and one dollars ($207,
$40, 101) ; and the value of domestic produc-
tions exported was one hundred and forty-nine
millions eight hundred and sixtyTone thousand
nine hundred and eleven dollars ($149,861.
911) ; besides seventeen millions two hundred
ane four thousand and twenty-six dollars($17,
204,026) of foreign merchandize exported ;
making the aggregate of the entire exports
one hundred and sixty-seven millions sixty
five thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven
dollars ($167,065,937); exclusive of'the above
there was exported forty-two millions five
hundred and 8 ven thousand two hundred and
eighty-five dollars(42,507.285) in specie ; and
imported from foreign ports five millions two
hundred and sixty-two thoosand six hundred
and forty-three dollar ($5.262,643.
" ^ " to congress 1
seemed to me
and reeom-
my judgment
its evils and
ntry. Noth-
eucoura&re the labour ol our citizens. Duties
however should not be fixed at a rate so high
as to exclude the foreign article, but should
be so^ graduated as to enable the domestic
manufacturer fairly to compete with the for-
eigner in our owu markets, and by this com-
petition to reduce the price of the manufac-
tured article to the consumer lo ihe lowest
rate at whidh it can be produced. This poli-
cy would place the mechanic by the side of
the farmer, create a mutual interchange of
their respective commodities, and thus stimu-
late the industry ol the whole country,
render us independent of foreign nati
the supplies required by the habits or
ties ot the people.
Another question, wholly independí
protection, presents itself, and that, whe.
the du'ies levied s'touhj be upon the value of
the article at the place of shipment, or, where
it is practicable, a specific duty, graduated ac
cording- to quantity, as ascertained by weight
or measure. All our duties are at present ad
valorem. A certain per centage is levied on
the price ol the goods at the port of shipment
in a foreign country. Most commercial nations
have found it indispensable for the purpose of
preventing fraud and perjury, to make the
duties specific whenever the article is of such
a uniform value in weight or measure as to
justify such a duty. Legislation should never
encourage dishonesty or crime. It is impossi-
ble that the revenue officers at the port where
the goods are entered and the duties paid
should know with certainty what they cosi in
the foreign country. Yet the law requires
that they should levy the duty according to
such cost. They are therefore compelled to
resort to very unsatisfactory evidence to ascer-
tain what that cost was. They take the in-
voice of the importer, attested by his oath, as
the best evidence of which the nature of the
case admits. But every one must see that
the invoice may be fabricated, and the oath
by which it is supported false, by reason of
which the dishonest importer pays a part only
ot the duties which are paid by the honest
one, and thus indirectly receives from the trea-
sury ot the United States a reward for his
Iraud and perjury. The reports ot the Sec-
retary ol the Treasury heretofore made on
this subject shov^ conclusively that the frauds
have been practised to a great extent. The
tendency is to destroy that high moral char-
acter lor which our merchants have long been
distinguished ; and. finally, to transfer the bus-
iness ot importation lo foreign and irresponsi-
ble agents, to the great detriment of our own
citizens. I therefore again most earnestly r^
commend the adoption of specific duties where-
ever it is practicable, or a home valuation, to
prevent these frauds.
I would also call your attention to the fact
that the present tariff in some cases imposes
a higher duty upon the raw material imporied
than upon the article manulactured Irom it,
the consequence of which is that the duty
operates to the encouragement of the for -
eigner and the discouragement of our owu
citizens.
reservations lor railroads iu
sippiand Alabama.
For the quarter ending 30ih September, 1852,
there were sold - - - - 243,254 acres.
Located with bounty land war-
rants - 1,387.115 "
Located with other certificates, 15,649
Reported Swamp laud grauts, 2,425,233 "
,3 mouths 9} Sb.
RATES OF ADVERTISING.
si&jssri" «'£
Larger er yearly advertisements will be iu®ert"
ed at a reasonable deduction from the above
rates.—All advertisements, not connected with
he legitima." business of yearly advertisers,
will be charged extra.
Twelve lines constitute a square.
In the above table we have adopted a. system
of charges for advertisements, which we thin*
will prove advantages to our patrons, especial,
in those particulars in which it varies Com the
custom of publishers in this State. We couut a
greater number of lines to the «f vane than is usu-
al, which is equivalent to a reduction in prise,
and the «alp sucare measure, which w« hsv
introduced, will admit under it very maAysmWi
advertisements heretofore charged as fetisfWKTi.
Missouri Missis- ¡nTTeííevSTt^h^^sturbeí^tateor tbat
border region, theinroadsol the Indians have
In my first annual rn
called your attention to
some defects in the present
mended such modifications
were best adapted to
promote the prosperity ol
ing h-s since accurred to change my views on
Ihis important question.
Without respecting the atgwnents contain-
ed in iny former message, in lavor of discrimi-
nation, protective duties, I deem it my duty to
call your attention to one ortwoother consid-
ationa affecting this subject. The first is, the
effect ot li-rge importations of foreign goods
upon our currency. Most of the gold of Cal-
ifornia. as fast as it is edited, finds its way
Europe in payment lor goods pur^
In the second place, as our manu-
establishments are broken-down by
i with foreigners, the capital inves-
is lost, thousands of honest and
citizens are thrown out of employ-
the farmer to that extent is depri-
home market for the sale at his sor-
produce. In the third place, the destruc-
our manufactures leaves the former
■ &£.—;—J*—1*' anl| iu
seen in
The
For full and detailed information in regard
to the general condition of our Indian affairs,
LreSfíftntfllllv rftfejyHon,. nro-
nying documents.
The Senate not having thought proper to
ratify the treaties which had been negotiated
with the tribes of Indians in California and
Oregon, our relations with them have been
left in a unsatisfactory condition.
In other parts of our territory particular
districts of country have been set apart for
the exclusive occupation of the Indians, and
their right to the lands within those limits
has been acknowledged and respected. But
in California and Oregon there has been no
recognition by the Government of the exclu-
sive right of the Indians to any part of the
country. They are therefore mere tenants at
sufferance, and liable to be driven from place
to place, at the pleasure of the whites.
The treaties which were rejected proposed
to remedy this evil by allotting to thediftereht
tribes districts of country suitable to their
habits ot life, and sufficient for their support.
This provision, more than any other, it is be-
lieved led to their rejection; and as no sub-
stitute for it has been adopted by Congress,
it has not been deemed advisable to attempt
to enter into new treaties of a permanent
character, although no effort has been spared
by temporary arrangements to preserve
friendly relations with ihera.
If it be the desire ol Congress to remove
them from the country altogether, or to as-
sign to them particular districts more remote
Irom the settlements of the whites, it will be
proper to set apert by law the territory which
they are to occupy, and to provide the means
necessary tor removing them to it. Justice
alike to our own citizens and to the Indians
requires the prompt action of Congress on
this subject.
The amendments proposed by the Senate,
to the treaties which were negotiated with
the Sioux Indians of Minnesota, have been
submitted to the tribes who were parties to
them, and have received their assent. A
large tract of valuable territory has thus been
opened for settlement and cultivation, and all
dnager of collision with those powerful and
warlike bands has been happily removed.
The removal ol the remnant of the tribe of
Seminole Indians from Florida has long been
a cherished object ol the Government, and it
is one to which my attention has been steadily
directed. Admonished by past experience of
the difficulty aud cost of the attempt to re-
move them by military force, resort has been
had to conciliatory measures. By the in*
tion nf the Commissioner of In
several ol the principal chiefs
Washington, and whilst here
in writing the obligation of their tribe to
move with the least possible
advices from the
ment represent that
arrangements. A general
Making an aggregate for the
quarter of 4.131.244
Much the greater portion ot the labor of
arranging and classifying the returns of the
returns of the last census has been finished,
and it will now devolve uj on Congress to
make the necessary provision for the publica-
tion ot the results in such form as shall be
deemed beet. The apportionment of repre-
sentation, on the basis of the new census, has
been made by the tfocretary ol the Interior,
in conformity with the provisions of law rela-
ting to that subject, and the recent elections
have been made in accordance with it.
1 commend to your favorable regard the
suggestion contained in the report of ihe Sec-
retary of the interior, that provision be made
by law lor the publication and distribution
periodically, of an analytical digest ot all the
patents which have been, or may hereafter be
granted for the useful inventions and discove-
ries, with such descriptions aud illustrations as
may be necessary to present an intelligible
view of their nature and operation. The cost
of such publication could easily be defrayed
out ol the patent fund, and I am persuaded
lhal il could be applied to no object more ac-
ceptible to inventors aud beneficial to the pub-
lic al large.
An appropriation of $100,000 having been
made at the last session for the purchase of a
suitable site, and lor the ereciiou, furnishing,
and fitting up of an asylum for the insane of
the District ot Columbia, and of the Army
and Navy of the United States, the proper
measures have been adopted to carry this
heretolore purpose into effect.
By the latest advices trom the Mexican
Boundary Commission it appears thai ihe sur-
vey ot the river Gila, from its influence with
the Colorado to its supposed iniersection with
the western line of New Mexico, has been
completed. The survey of the Rio Grande
has also been finished Irom the point agreed
on by the Commissioners as '"the point where
it 8trikesthe southern boundary ol New Mex-
ico," to a (Joint one hundred and thirty-five
miles below Eagle Pass, which is about two-
thirds of the distance along the course of the
river to its mouth.
The appropriation which was made at the
last session of Congress for the continuation
of the survey is subject to the following pro-
viso :
i%Provided, That no appropriation shall be
used or expended until it shall be made satis-
factorily to appear to the President of the
been effectually restrained.
Experience has shown, hewever, that when-
ever the two races are brought into contact,
eollisions will inevitably occur. To prevent
these collisions the Unite* Sutes have gener-
ally set apart portions of their territory for
exclusive occupation of the ludían tribes. A
difficulty occurs, however, in ihe application
of this policy to Texas. By the terms of the
compact by which that State was admitted in-
nership of all
e Governor
has assigned
Indiana, but
ya it off into
/ and sell it.—
not only to alarm
to the Union, she retained
vacant lands within her lii
!of thai State, it is und
no portion of her territ
aa her settlements a
counties, and proceeds
This policy manifestly t<
and irritate the ludians. but to compel them lo
resort lo pluder tor subsistence. It also de-
prives this government of that influence and
control over them without which no durable
peace can ever exist between them and the
whites. I trust, therefore, that a due regard
lor her own interests, apart from considera-
tions of humanity and justice, will induce that
State to assign a small portion of her vast do-
mnin for the provisional occupancy of the
small remnants of tribes within her borders,
subject of course to her ownership and even-
tual jurisdiction. If she should fail to do this
the fulfilment of our treaty stipulations with
Mexico, and our duty to the Indians them-
selves. will, it is feared, become a subject of
serious embarrasment to the Government —
11 is hoped, however, that a timely and just
provision by Texas, may avert this evil.
No appropriations for fortifications were made
at the two lasl sessions of Congress. The
cause of this omission is. probably, to be found
in a growing belief that ihe system ol fortifi-
cations adopted in 1816, and heretofore acted
on. requires revision.
The subject certainly deserves full and care-
tull investigation ; bus it should not be delayed
longer than can be avoided. Iu the meantime
there are certaiu works which have been com-
menced—some of them nearly completed—
designed to protect our principal seaports from
Boston to New Orleans, and a few other im-
portant points In regard to the necessity for
these works, it is believed that little difference
of opinion exists among military men. I
therefore recommend that the appropriations
necessary to prosecute them be made.
I invite your attention to the remarks on
this subject, and others connected with his
Department contained in Ihe accompanying re-
port of the Secretary of war.
Measures have been taken to carry into ef-
fect the law of the last session making provis-
ion for the improvement ot certain rivers and
harbours, aud it is believed that the arrange-
ments made for that purpose will combine ef-
ficiency with economy Owing chiefly to the
United States* that the southern boundary of ^^nced season when ihe act was passed, lit-
\t ■ jr •• licita i t iA nOfl UiAt Kunn /lAnn in nano ■>/! 4a ma n ir i
JMew Mexico is not established by the com-
missioner and surveyor of the United States
farther north of the town called ''Paso" than
the same Í6 laid down in Distnrneil's map,
which is added to the treaty."
a Wpomrmir lire yv^n i-mnro * mw \Awi itn ,
which reviewed all the facts of the case, and
submitted lor my decision the question
whether under existing circumstances, any
part of the appropriation could be lawfully
used or expended for the further prosecution
ot the work. After a careful censideration of
the subject, I came to the conclusion that it
could not; and so informed the head of that
Department. Orders were immediately is-
sued by him to the commissioner and surveyor
to make no further requisitions on the Depart-
ment, as they could not be paid; and to dis-
continue all operations on the southern line of
New Mexico. But as the. Department had
no exact information as to the amount of pro-
visions and money which remained unexpen-
ded in the hanos ot the commissioner and sur-
veyor, it was left discretionary with them to
continue the survey down the Rio Grande
as tar as the means at their disposal would
enable them, or at once to disband the com
mission. A special messenger has since ar-
rived from the officer in charge ol the survey,
on the river, with intormaiion tbat the funds
subject to his control were exhausted, and
that the officers and others employed in the
service were destitute alike of the means of
prosecuting the work and of returning to
their homes.
The object of the proviso was doubtless to
arrest the survey of the southern and western
lines of New Mexico, in regard to which dif-
ferent opinions have been expressed; for it is
hardly to be supposed, that shere could be
any objection to that part of the liue which
extends along the channel of the Rio Grande.
But the terms of the law are so broad as to
forbid the use of any part of the money for
the prosecution of the work, or even for the
payment to the officers and agents of the
arrearages of pay, which are justly due to
them.
I earnestly invite your attention to this sub-
ject, and recommend a modification of the
terms of the proviso, so as to enable the De-
partment to use as much of the appropriation
as will be necessary to discharge the existing
obligations of the Government, and to com
plete the survey of the Rio Grande to its
mouth
It will also be proper to make further pro-
vision by law for the fulfilment of our treaty
with Mexico, for running and marking tbe
residue of the boundary line between the two
rmit me to invite your particular atien-
to the interests of the District of Co-
lumbia, which are confided by the Constitu-
tion to your peculiar care.
Among the measures which seem to me of
the greatest importance to its prosperity are
tie has yet been done iu regard to many of the
works beyond making the necessary prepara-
tions. With respect to a few of the improve-
ments, the sums already appropriated will
suffice to complete them. I trust tbat these
l)i)fpl\ri iifi^nn rtrjll
LI be continued. Great care should be ta-
ken, however, to commence no work which is
not ol sufficient importance to the corn-
commerce of the country to be viewed
as national in its character. But works which
have been commenced should not be discon-
tinued until completed, as otherwise the sums
expended will in, most cases, be lost.
The report from the Navy Department will
inform you ot the prosperous condition of the
branch of the public service committed to its
charge. It presents to your consideration
many topics and suggestions of which I ask
your approval. It exhibits an unusual degree
of activity in the operations of the Department
during the past year. The preparations for
the Japan expedition, to which I have already
alluded, the arrangements made for the ex-
ploration and survey of the China Seas, the
Northern Pacific, and Behring's Straits; the
incipient measures taken towards a reconnoi-
sance of the continent of Africa eastward ot
exami-
nation of the tributarissof the River La Plata,
which a recent decree of the provisional chief
of the Argentine Confederation has opened to
navigation; all these enterprises, and the
means by which they are proposed lo be ac-
complished, have commanded my full appro-
bation, and I have no doubt will be productive
of most useful results.
Two officers of the navy were heretofore
instructed, to explore the whole extent of ihe
Amazon river from the confines of Peru to
its month. The return of one of them has
placed in the possession of the Government
an interesting and valuable account of the
character and resources of a country abound-
ing in the materials of commerce, and which,
if opened to the induatrv of the world, will
prove an inexhanstable fund of wealth. The
report of this exploration will be communica-
ted to you as spoil as it is completed.
Among other subjects offered to your notice
by the Secretary of the N%vy, I select for
special commendation in view of its connec-
tion with the interests of the navy, the plan
submitted bv him for the reorganization of the
Naval Academy.
In reference to the first of these, I take oc-
casion io say that I think it will greatly im-
prove the efficiency of the service, aod that I
regard |it as still more entitled to favor from
the salutary influence it must exert upon 'he
naval disipfine, oow greatly disturbed by the
increasing spirit of insubordination, resulting
from our present system. Tbe plan proposed
for the organization of the seamen furnishes a
judicious substitute for the law of September,
1850, abolishing corporal punishment, and sat-
isfactorily sustains the policy of that act, un-
der eondtl
were
in the early part of the
the last session of Congress a
made to defray the cost of tbe
surveys necessary for determining the best
means ol affording an unfailing supply of
water.
belaid
will also
* II
K'y-V'-: '
.■P ntain the
and the order and se-
Itis believed tfiat any
permanently to dis-
of punishment, should
by a system of enlistmen. whieh
ly the Navy with seamen of the
class, whose good deport-
ot character may preclude all
a resort topeoaltiss of a harsh
safety ol a ship
" «pon imme-
,and the aü-
* Ana lia naj„
equauy reaay.
fffi
li!
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Smith, H. H. Weekly Journal. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 36, Ed. 1 Friday, December 17, 1852, newspaper, December 17, 1852; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth182226/m1/1/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.