. PRESIDENTSMESSAGE.
Fellow citizen of the Senate s
and Houteyf Represent mi'-vn : ,
I codgutuiata yoo aad jr common con
stituency upoa the UvorM auspice ander
which vow ant (or jomt fim on- Our
country is at peace with all th worW. The
agitation which, for time, threatened to
dTsturb the fraternal relation which make
us one people, U fai subsiding ; and a year
o'T general proipcrjly aml hekb Jias crowned
the nation with ' unusual blestiugs. None
caa'kxk back to the dangers which are
passed, or forward to the bright prospect be
fore u, without feeling a thrill of gratifica
tion, at the lame time that he must be im
pressed with a grateful sense of our profound
obligations to a beneficent Providence, whose
paternal care is so manifest in the bappi?
nes of this highly-favored land.
Since the close of the last Congress, cer
tain Cubans and ether foreigner resident in
the United States, who were mora or less
concerned in the previous invasion of Cuba,
instead of being discouraged by its failure,
have again abused the hospitality of this
country, by making it the scene of the equip
ment of another military expedition against
that possession of her Catholic msjesty, in
which they were countenanced,, aided and
joined by ciiiiens or the United States. On
recei ving intelligence that such designs ware
entertained, I lost no time in issuing such
irndrucnoen to the proper officers of the UnK
ted States at seemed 10 le called for by the'
occasion. By the proclamation, a Copy of
which is herewith submitted, I also warned
those who might be in danger of being in
veigled into this scheme of its unlawful char
acter, and of the penal ies which they would
incur. For some time there was reason to
hope that these measures had sufficed to
prevent any socb attempt. This hope, how
ever, proved to be delusive. Very early in
the morning of be third of August, a steam
er called the Pampero departed from New
Orleana for Cuba, having on board upwards
of four hundred armed met, with evident
intentions 10 make war apon the authorities
of the island. The expedition was set 6n
foot in palpable viola ion of the laws of the
United Stales. Its leader was a Spaniard,
and several of the chief officers, and some
others engaged in it, were foreigners. The
persons composing it. however, were mostly
citizens of the United States.
Before the expedition set out, and proba
bly before it was organized, slight insur
rectionary movement, which appears to have
been toon suppressed, had taken place in the
eastern quarter of Cuba. The importance
of this movement was unfortunately so much
exaggerated in the accounts of it published
in this country, ihat these adventurers seem
10 have been led to believe that the Creole
population ot the island not only desired to
throw on tne autnoniy 01 me mower country,
but had resolved upon that step, aud had
begun a well-concerted enterprise for effect
ing i!. The persons engaged in ihe expedi
tion were generally young and ill-informed
The steamer in which thev embarked left
New Orleans stea'thily and" without a clear
ance. After touching at Key West, she
proceeded to the coast of Cuba, and, on the
night between the 11th and 12th of August,
landed the persons on board at Playtas, with
in about twenty leagues of Havana.
The main body of them proceeded to, and
took possession of, an inland village, six
leagues distant, leaving others to follow in
charge of the baggage, as soon at the means of
transportation could be obtained. The latter,
having taken up their line of march to con
nect themselves with the main body, and
having proceeded about four leagues into
the country, were attacked on the morning
of the 13th by a body of Spanish troops, and
a bloody conflict ensued ; after which they
retreated to the place of disembarcaiion,
where about fifty of them obtained boats and
re-embarked therein. They were, however,
intercepted among the keys near the shore
by a Spanish steamer cruising on the coast,
captured and carried to Havana, and, after
being examined before a military court, were
sentenced to be pobfidy executed, and the
sentence was carried into effect on the 16th
of August.
On -receiving information of what-had oc
curred. Commodore Foxhall A. Parker was
instructed to proceed in the steam-frigate j
Saranac to Havana, and inquire ino theH
cnarges against
the persons executed, Iheyby force, if necessary, the landing of adven-
circumstances under which they were taken,
and whatsoever referred to their trial and
sentence. Copies of the instructions' from
the Department of State to him, and of his
letters to that Department, are herewith sub
mitted. According to the record of the examina
tion, the prisoners all admitted the offences
charged against them, of being boritle inva
ders of the island. At the time of their trial
and execution the main body of the invaders
was still in the field, making war upon the
Spanish authorities and Spanish subjects -r-After
the lapse of some days, beihg overcome
by i he Spanish troops, they dispersed en the
24th of August ; Lopez, their leader, was
captured some days after, and executed on
the 1st of September. Mary of his remain
ing followers were killed, or died of hunger
and fatigue, ami ibe rest were made prison
ers. Of these, none appear to have been
tried or executed. Several of them were
pardoned upon applicaJTon of their friends J
and others, and" the rest, about one hundred
and sixty in number, were .sent to Spain.
Of the final disposition made of these we
have no official Information.
Such is the melancholy result of this ille
gal and ill-fated expedition. Thus, thought
less young men have. been induced, by false
and fraudulent representations, to violate the
law of their country, through rath and un
founded expectations of aisistiug to accom
plish political revocations inf other States, and
have tost their lives in the undertaking
Too severe a judgment can hardly be passed
by the indignant' sense of the community,
upon those who, being belter informed tht-m-selves,.
have yet Id away the ardor of youth
and an ill-dixecied love of political liberty.
The correspondence between this Govern
ment and that of Spain relating to this trans
action is herewith communicated.
Although these offenders against the laws
have forfeited the protection of, their coun
try, yet' the Government may, so far as is
consistent with its obligations to other coun
tries, and its fixed purpose to maintain and
enforce the' law!,- easertain- sympathy for
their unoffending families and friends, as
well as-a feeling of compassion for them
selves. Accordingly no proper eflbrt has
been spared,' n4 ioone will be : spared, to
nracure. the' release of such citizens of - the
United States engaged in this unlawful n
terprise. as are bow in connnement in spam ;
' - - . . .
but U it o be hoped "tnat suen interposition
withjht gqterBmaalof that country Buyaot
be considered as affording any ground of ex.
pectation that ;th Government of the United
States will; hereafter, feet iUelf under any
obligation ot 4u'.to interred for the libera
tion or pardon of auch penons as are flag-
rant offenders aswnst the law of nations and
the lava of (he United States, Thean laws
must be executed. If we desire to main
tain our respectability among the nations of
the earth, it behooves us to enforce steadily
and sterplr fhf lMtrlTy acts passed by
CongreisiUndj tf Bow, a far as may be, the
violation of thoseacU wish condign punish
ment. But what gives a peculiar criminality to this
invasion of Cuba is, that under the lead ol
Spanish .subjects and with the aid of citizens
of the United Slates, it had its origin, with
many, in motives of cupidity. Money was
advanced by individuals, probably in consid
erable amounts, to purchase Cuban bonds,
as they have been called, issued "by Lopez,
sold .doubtless, at a very large discount, and
for the payment of which the public lands
ami-public property of Cuba, of whatever
kind, and the fiscal resources of the people
and government of ih at island, "from whatev
ersodrce to be derived, were pledged, as
well as the good faith of the government ex
pected to be established. All these means
of payment, it is evident, were only to be ob
tained by a process oT bloodshed, war, and
revolution. None will deny 4hat those who
set on foot military, expeditions against for
eign States by "means like these ajVftr more
culpable than the ignorant and the necessi
tous' whom they induce to go forth as the os
tensible parties tn the proceeding. These
originator of the invasion of Cuba seem to
i .!- j -t -..'- I -i1 i- -
iidTC ricr iiiii cu, wivu cuuiiich wra atysiciu,
upoh an undertaking which shoelcf .dSs'grace
their country, violate, its laws, and put1 to
hazard the lives of ill4nformd jtnd deluded
men. You will consider whether further
legislation b. necessary to prevent the per
petration of such offences in future.
In proclaiming and adhering to the doc
trine of neutrality and non-intervention, the
Un'red States have noi followed the lead of
other civilized nations they hare taken the
lead themselves, aad have been followed by
others. This was admitted by one of the
most eminent of modem British statesmen,
who said in Parliment, while a minister of
the crown, "that, if he wished for a guide in
a system of neutrality, he should take that
laid down by America in the days of Wash
ington and the secretaryship of Jeffersen,"
and we see, in fact, that the act of Congress
of 1818 was followed, the siceeding year
by an act of the Parliament of England, sub
stantially the same in 'tis general provisions.
Up to that time there hacf been no similar
law in England, except certain highly pena
statutes passed in the reign of George II.,
prohibiting English subjects from ealiUing
in foreign service, the avowed object of
which statutes was, that foreign armies, rais
ed for the purpose of restoring the house of
Stuart to the throne, should not be s rength
ened by recruits from England herself.
All must see that difficulties may arise in
carrying the laws referred to mtoexecution in
a country now having three or four thousand
miles of seacoast, with an infinite number of
ports and harbors and small inlets, from some
of which unlawful expeditions may suddenly
set forth, without the knowledge of Govern
ment, against the possessions of foregn
States.
Friendly relations with all, but entangling
alliances with none, has long been a maxim
with us. Our true mission is not to propagate
our opinions, or impose upon other countries
our form of government, by artifice or force;
but to teach by example, and show by our
success, moderation and justice, the blessings
of self government, and the advantages of
free institutions. Let every people choose
for itself, and make and alter its political in
stitutions to suit its own condition and con
venience. But while we avow and maintain
this neu'ral policy ourselves, we are anxious
to see the same forbearance on the part of
other nations, whose forms of government are
different from our own. The deep interest
which we feel in the spread of liberal princi
ples and the establishment of free govern
ments, and the sympathy with which we
witness every struggle against oppression,
forbid that we should be indifferent to a case
in which ihe strong arm of a foreign power
is invoked to stifle public sentiment and re
press the spirit of freedom in any country.
The government of Great Britain and
France have issued orders to their naval com
manders on the West India station fopreveni
turers from any nation on the Island of Cuba
with hostile intent. The copy of a memor
andum of a conversation. on this subject be
tween the Charge d'Affairesof her Britannic
Majesty and the Acting Secretary of State,
and of a subsequent note of the former to the
Department of Slate, are herewith submitted,
together with a copy of a note of the Acting
Secretary of State to the Minister of the
French republic, and of the reply of the lat
ter'on the same subject. These papers will
acquaint you with the grounds of this inter
position of the two leading commercial pow
ers of Europe, and with the apprehensions,
which this Government could not fail to en
tertain, that such interposition, if carried in
to effect, might lead to abuses in derogation
of the maritime rights of t he United States.
The maritime rights of the United S ates are
founded on a firm, secure, and well-defined
basi; they stand upon the ground of National
Independence and. public law, and will be
maintained-sn ail their full and just extent,.
The principle which this Government has
heretofore solemnly announced, it still ad
heresto, and will mavptafajundec all circum
stances and ( atl hazard. ! That prin
ciple is, that in every regulaily documented'
merchant vessel, .the crew who navigate it,
and those on board of it, uilffind their pro
tec ion in the flag which is over them. No
American ship can -be allowed to be visited
or searched for the purpose of ascertaining
the character of individuals on board, nor
can there be allowed any watch Ky the ves
sels of any foreign nation over American ves
sels on ihe coasts of the United States or the
seas adjacent thereto. It will be seen by
the last communication from the British
Charge d'Affaires to the Department of State
that he is authorized to assure the Secretary
of State that every care will be. taken that,
in executing the preventive measures against
the expeditions, which the United States
Government itself has denounced as not be
ing entitled tn the protection of any govern
menf.io interference shall take place with
the lawful commerce of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this,
subject, lierewith submitted, official informa
tion has been received at the Department of
State, of assurances by the. French govern
ment that, in the orders given to the French
naval forces, they were expressly instructed
in any operations they might engage in, to
respect the flag of the Unite J States where
1 O -
ever it might appear, and to commit no act
of hostility opon any vessel or armament un
der its protection.
,V Ministers and consuls of. foreign nations
are ifie means ac4 agents of coram nnication
between ua and those nations, and it is Of the
sUmbst importance that, while residing in,the
country, they should feel a perfect aecunty so
tongas they faithfully discharge their res
pective duties and are guilty of no violation
of our laws. This js the admitted law of na
tions, and no country has a deeper interest
in maintaining it than the United 'States.
Our commerce spreads over every sea arid
visits every clime, and our ministers and con
suls" are appointed to protect the interests of
that commerce, as well as to guard the peace
of the'eountry nd mttttain the honor of i's
flag. Birt hovf can they discharge these du
tes unless they be5 thentielves protected, and
if protected, it must be by the laws of the
country in which they reside. And what
is due to the functionaries of other govern
ments residing here? As in war. the bear
ers of flags of truce are sacred, or eise wars
would Btf interminable, so in peace, embas
sadors, public ministers, and consuls, charg
ed with friendly national intei course, are ob
ject of especial respect and protection, each
according to the rights belonging to his rank
and station. In view oi these important
principles, it is with deep mortification and
regret I announeeto you that, during the ex
citement growing out of the executions at
Havanna. the office of her Catholic maj-s'y's
consul at New Orleans was assailed by
mob, his property destroyed, the Spanish
flag found in the office carried offand torn in
piece rand he himself inducetftobelieve him
self in danger. On receiving intellige nca of
thee events, I forthwith directed the attorney
of tbv United States residing at New Orleans
to inquire into the facts and the extent of
the pecuniary loss sustained by the consul,
with the intention of laying them before you
that you might make provision for au ch in
demnity to htm as a just regard for the hon
or of the nation and the respect which is
due to a friendly power might, in your judg
ment, seem to require. The correspondence
upon this sebjeci between the Secretary of
S ate and her Catholic majesty's minister
plenipotentiary is herewith transmitted.
The occurrence at New Orleens has led
me to give my attention to the state of our
laws in regard to foreign embassadors, minis
ters, and consuls. I think the legislation of
the country is deficient in not providing suf
ficiently either for the protection or the pun
ishment of consuls. I therefore recommend
the subject te the consideration of Congress.
The Turkish government has expressed its
thanks lor the kind reception given to the
Sultan's agent, Amm Bey, on the occasion of
his recent visit to the United States. On
the 28th February last a despatch was ad
dressed by the Secretary of State to Mr.
Marsh, the American Minister at Constan
tinople, instructing him to ask of the Turkish
government permission for the Hungarians
then imprisoned within the dominions of the
Sublime Porte, to remove to this country.
On the 3d of March last, both Houses of
Con gi ess passed a resotu ion requesting the
President to authorize the employment of a
public vessel to convey to this country Louis
Kossuth and his associates in captivity.
Th ins'ruction above referred to was com
plied with, and the Turkish government
having released Governor Kosuth and his
companions from prison on the 10th of Sep
tember last they embraked on board the Un
ited States steam frigateMiisissippi, which
was selected to carry into effect the resolu
tion of Congress. Governor Kossuth left the
Mississippi at Gibraltar, for the purpose of
making a visit to England, and may shortly
be expected in New York. By communica
tions to the Department of State be has ex
pressed his grateful acknowledgments for the
interposition of this Government in behalf of
himself and his associates. This country has
been justly regarded as a safe asylum for
those whom political events have exiled from
their own homes in Europe; and it is recom
mended to Congress to consider in what
manner Governor Kossuth and his compan
ions, brought hither by its authority, shall be
received and treated.
It ft much to be deplored that the inter
nal tranquility of the Mexican republic
should again b seriously disturbed; for since
the peace between thai republic and the U
nited States, it had enjoyed such compara
tive repose that the most favorable anticipa
tions for the future might, with a degree of
confidence, have been indulged. These,
however, have been thwarted by the recent
outbreak in the State of Tamanlipas, on the
right bank of the Rio Bravo. Having re
ceived information that persons from the U
nited States had taken part in the insurrec
tion, and apprehending that their example
might be followed by ethers. I caused orders
to be issued for the purpose of preventing
any hostile expeditions against Mexico from
being set on foot in violation of the laws of
the United States. I likewise issued a. proc
lamation upon the subject, a copy of which
is herewith laid before you. This appeared
I to be rendered imperative by the obligations
of treaties and the general duties of good
neighborhood.
By reference la the Report of the Secretary of
ihe Treasury, it will be seen tltat the aggregate
receipts for the last fiscal year amonnted to
852,312.979 87; which, with (he balance in the
Treasury on the I at Jaly . 1 850, gve, m t he avail
able means for the year, the sum of 53 ,9 17 24
36.
The total expenditures for the same period were
848,005,878 68.
The toial imports for the year eading 30th June,
: 1841, were $215,725,995
Of wlwch lltere were in opecie - 4.967901
The export for the same period were $217,517,130
Of which there Wefe'ef .
domestic pruiueta ' $18,546 555
Foreign gawlt n exported 9,:38,695
Specie 29,231 ,830
: 8217,517,130
Since the 1st of December l-tst the payments in
raah on account f the public deht. exclusive of in
terest, have amounted Y $7.501 .456 56 ; which,
however, includes the sum ol $3,242,400 paid un
der the 12ih art cleof th !renty with Mexico,
and the fanner sum of $2 591,213 45, being the
amount of awards to American citizens under the
late treaty with Mexico, for which the iwoe of
stock wA authorized, but which was paid in cash
from the Treasury.
The public debt on the 20th ultimo, exclusive
of the stock authorized to be issued tn Texas
by the act of 9ih September, 1550, was $62,560,
395 26.
The receipt for the next fiscal year are estima
ted at 151300.000. which, with the probable un
appropriated balance in the Treasury, on the 30th
June next, will'gtve, aa the probable available
means for that year, the sum of $63,258,743 09.
It ha been deemed proper, in view of the large
expenditures consequeal upon the acquisition of
territory from Mexico, that the estimates for the
next fiscal year should be laid before Congress in
sueh manner aa to distinguish the expenditures ao r
required from tne otnerwise ordinary demands
upon the Treasury.
The total expenditures for the next fiscal year
are estimated at $42,392 299 19. of which there
la required for the ordinary purpurea of the Gov
. .. ..... v.ui ww tAiirUCili SWU l.C
acquisition of our new Territories, and deducting
ernment, other than idom
the pavmentaon accouatnf the pablle ebt,the
sum f $33,343,198 03; and fur the puruoses con
nected directly r indirectly with those Territories,
and in the fulfilment p( the obligations of the Gov
erniuewt, contracted in conseqnence of their acqui
sition, the aurh' of $9,549,101 II.
If the vif wa of th-Secretary of the Treasury in
reference to the expenditures required for these
Territories shaK be met by corresponding action
on the p.trt of Congress, and appropriations made
in accordance therewith, there will be an est i mar
ed unappropriated balance in the Treasury on the
30ih June, 1853, of $20 336 443 90, wherewith trt
oeet that portion of tho public dt bt due on the
first Jaly foS'owinjr, amounting to 6,237,931 35,
as well as any appropriations wUicUway be aud
beyond the estimates.
lAlbu referring to ihe estimated expenditures
on account of out newly-acquired Territories,-1
may express the pope that Coogreaa will concur
WHb me in the desire that a liberal course of po'i
cy may bo pursued toward them, and that every
obligation, express or implied, entered into in con
sequence ol'lheir acquisition, snail be fulfilled by
the most liberal appropriations for that purpose.
The values of our domestic exports lor the last
fiscal year, as compared with those of the previous
vear, exhibit on increase ot 343.846 322. At first
'view ibis condition of our trade With oreijn ea
tiona would seem to present the moat flattering
hopes of its future prosperity. An examination
of the detail oi our exports, however, will show
that tho increased value of our exports for the last
tucal year is to be found in the lnh price of cot
ton which pervaded during the first half of that
year, which price has since declined about one
half. The value of our exports ofbre tdstufts and pro
visions, which it was supposed the incentive of a
low tariff and 1-rge importat ona from abroad
would have gieatly .luginenied, has fallen from
$6t,701,92l. in I8t7, to $26,051,373 in 1850.
atid to $2l,948,fi53 in 1851, with a strong prob
ability, amounting almost to a certainty, of a still
further reduction in the current year.
The ajrijreg.tte values ot rice exported during
the last bsc.il year, as compared with the previ
ous year, also exhibit a decrease amoan.ing to
8460,917, which, wuh a decline in the values of
the exports of tobicco for tho wine period, make
an aggregate decrease in these two articles of
81,156,751.
Tiie policy which dictated a low rate of duties
on foreign merchandise, it wa. thought by those
who promo ed and established it, would tend to
benefit the farming population in this country, by
increasing the demand and raising the price of
agricultural products in foreign market.
The foregoing facts, however, seem to show in
coniestibly that no such resu.t has followed the a
dopt on of this policy. On the contra), noiwiih
standing the repeal of the restrictive corn laws in
England, the foreign demand for the products ot
the American farmer has steadily declined, since
theiKrtcrop and consequent famine in a portion
of Europe trave been happily replaced by full crops
and comparative abundance ot food.
It will be seen, by recurring to the commercial
statistics tor the past year, that the value of our
domestic exports has been increased . n the single
item of raw cotton by 340,000,000 over the value
of that export for the year preceding. This is not
due to any increased general demand for thai ar
tide, but to the short crop of the preceding year,
which crea ed an increased demand and an aug
mented price for the crop of last year. Should the
cotton crop now going forward to market be onlv
equal io quantity to that of Hie year preceding,
and be sold at ihe present prices, then there would
be a falling off in the value of our exports lor the
pi-eaent fiscal year of ;it least $10,000,000, cOfft
pared with the am .'jiit exported for the year end
ing 30 th Jupe, 1851.
The production of gold in California for Ibe
past year seems to promise a large supply of that
metal from that quarter for some tune to couie
This large annual increase of the currency of the
worhf must be attended wi h its usual results.
These have been already partially disclosed in the
enhancement of prices aud a rising spirit of spec
ulaiion and adventure, to overtrading, as well at
home as abroad. Unless some silutary check
shall be given to these tendencies, it U to be feared
that importations of foreign goods beyond a healthy
demand in this country will lead to a sudden drain
ol the precious metals from us, bringing with it
as it has doue in former nines, the most disastrous
consequences to the business and capital of the
American people.
The exports of specie to liquidate our foreign
debt during the past fiscal year have been 834,
263.979 over the amount of specie imported.
The exports ol specie during the firt quarter of
the present fiscal year have been $14 651.427.
Should specie continue to be exported at this rate
for the remaining three quarters of this year, it
will drain from our metal. tc currency during the
year ending 30th June, 18.32, ihe enormous a
mount of $ 8 607,3 8.
In ihe present prosperous condition of the na
tional finances, H will become the duty of Con
gres io consider the best mode of paying off ihe
public debt If the present and anticipated sur
plus in the Treasury ahould not be absorbed by
appropriates af an extraordinary character, this
surplus should be employed in such way, and
under such restrictions as Congress may enaci,
io extinguishing the outstanding debt of the n fe
lon. By veference to the act of Congres approved
9tli September, 1850, it will be seen that, in con
sideraiton of certain concessions by the State of
Texas, it is pro vi Jed tha; the ' United Si tteashall
p.-iy to the State of Texas the sum of ten millions
ol dullaTs. in a sloc k beiring five per cent, i Mer
est, and redeemable at the end of fourteen years, ,
the interest payable half yearly, at the Treasury
of the United States."
In the same sectioa of the law it is further pro
vided " that no more than five millions ol said
stock shall be issued until the creditors of the
State holdins bonds and other certificates of Mock
of Texas, for which duties oh imports ssere tpeci !
ally pledged, shall first tile at the Treasury ot the
United State3 releases of al claims against the
United States, for or on account of said bonds or
certiticaten, in such form as shall be prescribed by
the Secretary ol the Treasury,, and approved by
the President of the United States."
The form of release thus provided for has been
prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and
approved. It has been published in all the lead
iog newspapers in the commercial cities of the U
niled Slates, and all persons holding claims of the
kind specified in the foregoing proviso were re
quired to tile their releases (in the I rm tnas pre
scribed) in the Treasury of the United Stales, on
or before the 1st day ol October, 1851. Although
this publ cation has been continued from the 25 h
day of March. 18M, yet up to the 1st of October
last comparatively few releases had been filed by
the creditors of Texas.
The authorities of the State f Texas, at the
request of the tecretary of the Treasury, have
urnished a schedule of the public debt of that
State created prior to her admission into the Union
with a copy of the laws under which each class
was contracted.
I have, from ihe documents furnished by the
State of Texas determined the classes of c'aims
which in my judgment fall ithin the provisions
of the act of Congress ol the 9th of September.
1850
On being officially informed of the acceptance
by Texas of the propositions contained io the act
referred to, I caused the stock io be prepared, and
the five millions which are to be issued uncondi
tionally, bearing an interest of five per cent, from
the 1st day of January, 1851, have been for some
time ready to be delivered to the State of Texas.
The authorities of Texas, up to the present tiue,
have not authorized any one to receive this atock,
and it remains in the Treasury Department, sub
ject to the order of Texaa.
The releases, required by law to be deposited
in the Treasury, not having been filed there, the
remaining five millions have not been is-iied.
This last amount of the stock will be withheld
Irom Texas until the conditions upon which it is
to be delivered shall - be complied with by the
creditors of thai State, unless Congress shall
otherwise direct by a modification of the law.
In mv last annual rnassasre. o which I resoer.t
- j i
fully refer, I stated briefly the reasons which in.
duced me torecomend a modification of the pre
sent tariff, by converting ihe, ad valorem into,, a
specific duty, wherever the article imported was
of such a character as 'o permit it, and lhat such
a discriinination should be made in favor of the
. -i:tjr fitnr Avii countrv.
"SwVS; Viihowt - excluding for-
SnSSi wauds which continue to be
poised' u he ,eveSue,.by j
undervaluations, commote an unlwb'ifm,He1!
son for adopting specrfic Instead of ad valorem du
in alleys wher; the nature of the ,nrnod.
!y doe. not forbid it. A striking " f
those frauds will be exhibited in the Rf P
Secretary of the Treasury; ahow.og
house valuation of article imported under a for
raef law subject to specific duties, when there was
no inducement to undervaluation, and tne cus
tom house valuations of the same art cles, under
Ihe present system ot ad valorem duties, o greatty
reduced as to leave no- doubt of the existence of
the most fligrant abuses under -the exwtimj law.
This proetical evasion ol the present , law, coroDi
ned with the languishing condition of smei ot
the "real interests of the country, caused py over
importationand consequent depressed prices, and
with the failure in obtaining sf foreign market tor
our increasing surplus of breadstuffs and provK
sions, aas induced roe again to recommena a
tBoJifieaiioo of the existing tariff.
The report fcf the Secretary of the Interior,
i.:i. -.....; .Ammnnuation. will pre-
. inww4 nf the oDeranons Ot
mil rvifucuncu BinKIUV" I
that important department of the Government.
It will be seen that the cash sales of ihe public
lands exceed those of the preceding yeir, and
that there is reason to anticipate a still further in
crease, notwithstanding the large donations which
have been made lo many of the States, and the
liberal grants to individuals as a reward for nuli
larv services. This fact- furnishes verv gratifying
evidence of the growing wealth and'prosferitjr of
the coantry.
Suitable measures have been adopted for com
mencing the survey of the public lands in Califor
nia and Oregon. Surveying partiea have heerl or
ganized, and some progress has been made to estab
lishing rhe principal base and meridian lines. Bat
further legisla Km arid additional appropriations
will be necessary belore the proper subdivisions
can be made, and the general land system exten
ded over those remote parts of our territory.
On the 3d of March las', an aci was passed pro
riding for the appointment of three commissioners
to settle private land claims in California. Three
persons were immediately appointed, all of whom,
however, declined accepting the office, in conse
quence of the inadequacy of the compensation.
Others were promptly selected, who, lor the same
restson, also declined; and it was not until late in
the season lhat rbe services of agitable persons
conld be secured. A majority of the commission
ers convened, io- this city, on the 10th of Sppiem
ber last, when detailed instructions were given to
them in regard to their duties. Their first meeting
for the transaction of business will be held in San
Francisco on the 8th day of the present month.
1 have" thought it proper to refer to these facts,
not only to explain rhe causes of the delay in fill
ing the commission, but to call your attention to
th propriety of increasing the compensation of the
commissioners. The office is one of great labor
and responsibility, and the compensation should be
such as to command. men of a high order of tal
ent and the most unquestionable integrity.
The proper disposal of rhp minersl lands of Cali
fornia is a subject surrounded by great oitnculties.
Io my last annual message I recommended the
survey and sale of them in small parcels, under
Such restrictions as would effectually guard against
monopoly and speculation. But upon further in
formation, and in deference to the opinions of per
sons familiar with the subject, I am inclined to
change that recommendation, and io advise that
they be permitted to remain, as at present, a com
mon field, op-n to the enterprise and industry of
all oUr eitrzens. until further experience shall have
developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted
in regard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconve
niences that now exist, for a short period, than, by
premature legislation, to fasten on the country a
system founded to error, which may place the
whole subject beyond the future control of Con
gress. The agricultural lands should, however, be sur
veyed and brought into market with as little delay
s possible, that the tries may become settled, and
the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent im
provementrt, and enter on ihe ordinary pursuits of
life. To effect these objects it is desirable that the
necessary provision be made by law for the estab
lishment ol land officers in California and Oregon,
and lor the efficient prosecution of the surveys at
an early day.
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great
interest of our people. Four Piths of our active
population are employed in the cultivation of the
soil, and the rapid expansion of our settlements
over new territory is daily adding to the number
of those engaged, in that vocation. Justice and
sound policy, therefore, alike require that the
Government should use all means antnorized by
the Constitution to promote the interest arw wel.
fare of that important class of her fellow citizens
And yet it is a singular lact that, whilst the man
ufacturing ami commercial interests have engaged
the attention of Congress during a large por ion
of every session, and our statutes abound in nrn
visi ms for their protection and encouragement,
little has yet been donedirec ly for the advancement
of agriculture. It h time that this reproach to our
legislation should be removed; and I incerely hope
that the present Congress will .not close their la
bors without adopting -efficient mean? to supply
the omissions of those who have preceded ibem.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the du
ty of collecting and disseminating correct informa
tion as to the best modes of cultivation, and of the
mst effectual means of preserving and restoring
the fertility ol the soil, and of procuring and dis
tr.buimg seeds and plants and olher vegetable pro.
ductions, with instructions in regard to the soil,
climate, and Uesroent best adapted to their growth,
could not fail io be, in the language of Washing
ton, in his last annual message to Congress, a
"very cheap instrument of immense national ben
efii."
Regarding the act of Ceagreae approved 28th
September, 1850, granting bounty lands to persons
who had been engaged m the usiliiarv service of,
the country, as a great measure of national justire
and munificence, an anxious desire has been felt,
by the officers entrusted with its immediate execu
tion, t give prompt effect 10 its provisions- All
ihe means within their control were, therefore,
brought into requisition to expedite the adjndica
tion of claims, and I am gratified to be able to
state that near one hundred thousand applications
have been considered, and about seventy thousand
warrants issned wirtiio the short space of nine
months. If adequate prevision be rade by law to
carry into effect the recommendation of the De
partment, it is confidently expected that, before
ihe close 'of the next fiscal year, all. who are enti
tled to the benefits of the act will have received
their warrants. t n
In my last Briwmil message I gave briefly my
reasons fr beiievipg that you possessed the con
stitutional power to improve the harbors of our
grea lakes and seacoast, and rbe navigation efour
principal rivers, and reeommemded that appropria
tions should be made for completing such works
as had already been commenced, and f r com
mencing sueh other as might seem to the wisdom
of Congress to be of public and general impor
tance. Without repealing the reasons then urg
ed, I deem it my duty again to call your attention
to this impoitaqt subject The works oa many
of the harbors were left loan unfinished state, and
consequently exposed to the action of the ele
ments, which is last destroying them. Great
numbers of lives and vast amounts of property
are annually lost for want of safe and convenient
harbors on the lakes. None but those who have
been exposed lo that dangerous navigation can
fully appreciate the importance of this subject.
The whole northwest appeals to you r relief
and I trust their appeal wdl receive due consider
ation at your hands
The same is in a measure true in regard to some
of the harbors and inlets on the aeacoast
The unobstructed navigation of our large rivers
a ui rHumn mipurHMtrr. wur settlements are now
extending to the sources of the great rivers which
empty imo, and form a part of the Mississippi
and the valae of the public lands in those regions"
would be greatly enhanced by freeing the naviga
tion of those waters from ol81ru-linna T
therefore, of this great interest, I deem it my duty
ajrain 10 urge pcn Congress to mak8ach aDDro-
rtriolbtny l..r .UACM : n. n .
ia.c.,.v,a ot iucm . tuipruremeDis aa tney
may
aeem IR-Urosarv. - -
bound fo drotecriW tetter jr oi meaico nu
the irworaions of the savage tribes within our bor
der - with eqnaf diligeiwe and energy as if the
same were made wiibm our territory or against
our citizena. I bavl endeavored to compl y . as
far a possible, with ih provision of the treaty.
Order have been f Lren'fo Jlie officers command
inz on that frontier to consider the Mexican terri
tory and its inhabitants as equally with our own
entitled to their protection : and to make all their;
plans and arrangeiuisnu with, a vietr-io.Uw attain
ment of this object; I Instructions b.tve also been
given in the InrfiaB COiqfiissionera, amt agents a
mong these tribes, in all treaties, to make the
clauses designed for' the protection of our own
citizetu apply also io those of Mexico. I have no
reason to doubt that these instructions have been
fully carried into effect.. Nevertheless, il is or
bable that, in spite of all pur efforts, some of the
neighboring Stales of Mexico may have suffered,
as our own have, from depredations by ibe In
dians. .
To the difficulties of defending our own terri
tory as above mentioned, are soperadded, in de
fending that of Mexico, those that arise fro-n its
remoteness, from the fact that we have no right
to station our, troops, within . her Ivuil and ujat
thereis OO efficient niilitary force on ihe Mexican
side to cn operate with our own. So long as this
shall continue to be the case, the number and ac
tivity of our troops will rather increase than di
minish the evil, as the Indian will naturally ttrrn
towards that eountry where they encounter the
least resistance. Yet ihese troops are necessary
to subdue them, and to compel them to make and
observe treaties. Until this shall havs been done,
neither country win eujoy any securi y from their
attacks. . ,
The report of the Postmaster General, herewith
communicated, presents an interesting view of,
the progress, operattous, and condition ol his De
partment. ,
At the close of tfie fast fiscal ear, the length of
mail rwitps withra the United Stares was 16.290
miles; the annual f'rnsportauon thereon 52,272,
252 miles; and tile annual cost ol such transporta
tion $3,421,654,'
The length of the foreign mail routes is estima
ted at 18,349 miles; and the annual trasportation
thereon at 615,206 miles The annual cost of this
service is $1,472,187, of wnich J44J,937 is paid
by. the Post Office Depertment, and $1,023,250 is
paid through the Navy Department.
The annual transportation within the United
States (excluding the service in California and
Oregon, which is now, for the first time, reported
and embraced in the tabular statements of the
Department ) exceeds that of the preceding veal
6,162.855 miles, at an increased cost of$i47,I10.
The whole number cf the post offices in the
Umted States, on the 30th day of June last, was
l9,79i. There were 1,698 post offices established,
and 2o6 discontinued, during the year.
The gruaa revenses of ihe, Department Tor the
fiscal year, 'including the appropriations for the
franked matter of Congress-, of the Departments,
and officers of Government, and excluding the
foreign postages, collected for and payable to; the
British post office, amounted to $6,727,863 78.
The expenditures for the same period (exclu
ding $20,599,49, paid under an ajward of the Au
ditor, in pursuance of a resolution of the last Con
gress, for mail service on the Ohio and Mississip
pi rivers in 1832 and 1833, and the amount paid
to the British post office for foreign postages col
lected foi and payable to that office) amounted to
$6.024.56679, leaving a balance of revenue over
the proper expenditures of the year Of 45703,29999.
The receipts f r postages during; the year ( nclu
ding the foreign postages collected lor and paya
ble to'the British post office) amounted to $6,343,
747 21, being an increase of $997,610 79, or 18,
65 100 per cent, over the like receipts for the pre
ceding year.
The reduction of postage, under the act of
Mar h last, did not take effect until the commence
ment of the present fiscal year The accounts for
the first quarter, under the operation of the re
duced rales, will not be settled before January
next; and no reliable estimate ol the receipts for
the present year can yet be made. It is believed,
however, that they will fall far short of those of
the last year. The surplus of the revenues now
on hand is, however, so large, that no further ap
propriation from the treasury, in aid of the reve
nues of the Department, is required for ihe cur
rent fiscal year; but an additional appropriation
for the year ending June 30, lS53, will probably
be found necessary when the receipts of the first
two quarters of the fiscal year are fully ascertained.
In his last annual report the Postmaster General
recommended a reduction of postage to rates which
he deemed as low as could be prudently adopted,
unless Congress was prepared to appropriate from
the treasury, for the support of the Department, a
sum more than equivalent to the mail services per
formed by it for the Government; The recom
mendations of tlie-Posimasler General, in respect
to letter postage, except on letters from aud to
California and Oregon, were substantially adopted
by the last Congress. He now recommends ad
herence to ihe present letter rates, and advises
against a further reduction until justified by the
revenue of the Department.
A great object to be accomplished was to make
such an audition as would afford ample and convenient
hails for the deliberations of the two bouses of Congress
with eufficieut accommodations for spectators, and
suitable apartments for ibe committee and officers of
the two br anches of the Legislature. It was also de
sirable not to mar the harmony aud beauty of the pre
sent structure, which, as a specimen of architecture, is
so universally admired. Keeping these objects in
view, I concluded to make the addition by wings, de
tached. froui the present building, yet connected with
it by corridors. This mode of enlargement will leave
the present Capitol uninjured and afford great ad
vautagwa for ventilation aad the admission of ligbt.
and wjll enable the work to progress without inter
rupt iug tlm deliberations of CougrMSs. To carry this
plau iuto effect 1 have appointed an experienced and
cempetam architect. The cornerstone was bud on
the 4tb day of J ulj last, with suitable ceromoniea,
unca winch time the work, baa advanced with nun.
meudahie rapidity, and the foundations of both wines-
wo uwn titsni i complete. . m m
it is deeply to be regretted Cbat in several instan
ces, officers rf the Government, in attemDtini? io ex-
ecute the taw for the return of fugitives from labor,
have been openly tVsi teJ, and their efforts frustrated
by lawless aud violent mobs ; that in one instance,
such resistance resulted in the death of an estimable
citizen, aud in others serious injury ensued to those
officers and to individuals who were using' their en
deavors to Bustaiu the laws. Prosecuiious have been
instituted against tb alleged offenders, o far as they
could oe ideotined. aud aro stilt pending. I have re-J
garuea it as my outy, in uiese cases, to give all aid
legally in my power to the enforcement of the laws)
and I shall contiuue to. do so wherever and whenever
theM execution may be resisted. "
The act of Congress for the return of fugitives from
labor is one required and demanded by the express
words of the Constitution,
The constitution declares, "That no person held to
service or labor m one State, under the laws thereof,
escaping into another, snail inconsequence of any law
or reguiatiou therein, ,bs discharged from such service
or labor, but shall be deliveied up on ciaim of, the
parly to whom such service or labor m ty be due."
This constitutional provision is equally obligatory up.
on the Legislative, the Executive, and Judicial De
partments of the Governmegi.and upon every citizen
. . F I. TT I . i -
w IMC UUUUU
Congress, however, must, from necessity, first act
upon the subject, by precribiiig the proceedings ne
cessary to ascertain that the persou is a fugitive, and
tlie means to be used for his restoration to the claim
ant. This was done by an act passed during the first
term of President vv'ashiugton, which was amended
by that enacted by the last Congress, and it now re
mains for the Executive and Judicial departments to
take care that these laws be faithfully executed
This injunction of the Constitution is s peremptory
and aa binding as any other ; it stands exactly ou the
same foundation as that clause which provides for the
return of fugitives from justice, or that which declar
es that no bill of attainder or ear pott facto law shall
paamm, or ioa srpiCB provides tor an equality -pf
taxation, according to the census, or the clause declar
ing that all duties shall be' uniform throughout the
United States, or the important provision that ibe tri
al of aU crimes shall be by jury. These several arti
cle and clauses of Constitution, all resting on the
same authority, must stand or fell together. Soim
j.hu.ui utwo urgeu against tho details of the
act for tba return of fugitives from labor, but it is
worthy of remark that the main opooait ion aimed
agamst the Cotwtatutioo itself, and proceeds ( rom per
sons, man y of whom deelara thnli- wl.v, tT.
Constitution overturned. Thev ww tlir i.itit
to any law which shall give full ,j practical effect
tJ 'this reonirf.rrLf.nl - i-L ..
it.,.a.be c duly dimuiE' .4
'y.
sue which ,hfy present,'
pretnacy and even the existence of the r ,he
Cases have heretofore arisen m whfch T?'11".
have denied Aa binding authority of aSo u"M
c-imo oave proposed to nullify
upon the eronnd that the
O 3Sj
5t"-h
premu law-of the land, and tl,f ... Was
the J
gresi were re pugnant.to that instnmientK fCo
fication is now aimed, not so rhuo), BUi.
lar laws a being inconsistent with the r partiii
aa against the Constitution Itself and it D8tUuS
disguiwd that a spirit exists and has been ,1' to U
work to rend asunder this Union, which
whed mlientance from our revolutionary f i cll-
In my last annual message I stated tin? t 3
cred tlie series of measures, which had hp.
at the previous session, in reference to adoW
growing onlof the Territorial anJ s'areri
as a final settlement in principle and subst ""n.
dangerous and exciting subjects which thev lf
and I recornmendcJ adherence to the Adi"
tablished by those measures, until time I
ence should demonsrraie the necessity off leg
islation to guard against evasion or "abuse i -induced
:to make this recommendation y,
thought those measures perfect, for no hum. r 1
tion can be perfect. W ule difference aD,l
niniona earrnnlv be rwnnnlo,l I,., .. , , J""n
on all sides, and this result had been reaeh,TThln&
angry conflict of many months, in which 0 ,cr
the country was arrayed against another and
convulsion seemed to be imminent. Looki , '
interests of the whole country, I felt it t0 at
to seize upon this compromise as the best i"'
be obtained amid conflictiue interp-it L i 'at Cuu'l
r-ll :j j, 7. .. .7. -,R:la
iln.. O V
upon it as a final settlement, to be adhere . ,nut
whovfilup tliH nPACa And trt!f.k ..c .1
by alL
year has now elapsed since that recurnm.i . '
I "w.j.tiv iii i n ,-.,,...
made. To that recommendation I stiil adl a
congratulate you and the country upon tlT' '
acquiescence in these measures of peace fLMer''
been exhibited in all parts of the Republic. jZ
only is there this general acquiescence in th
sures, but the Bpirit of conciliation winch hf'
manifested in regard to them in all pan, of
try. has removed doubts and uncertaintis,1?"?"
minds of thousands of goo 1 men concerning th !!
bility of pur popular institutions, and given
assurance tliat out Liberty and our Union I""
sist together for the benefit nf H0 m? -
generations.
9 - . . huu mi j
MILL VRD FILLVnur
Washington, December 2, 1851. ' L
Pnprio fin A
X Ui tlO UU1U JJ
FOR SALE.
ON Saturday, the 20 h day of Dcember ...
on the premises. I shall offer for h '
tueofa decree of the Court of L'qm(, , ', .Tlr"
the matter of Thomas J . PorUs and other! T
Uff'of John Pnrlis. devj-noeA tl.. ' Br"8 4t
tar rained toia Miues, known as tt,
" ,.a 7. ",.r rr. "0 wim
The said mines are situated ia Frani;
'n Cotyles
about tuirty miles. from Halifax town
twenty mi
.rom w arrenion. anu eienteen frnm i ...
Th tract of land contains about 13oo &crw ly
immediately on Shocco creek, nd fur farmi ' )ltt
poses alone, is a valuable estate; but its sgr,cu,
rat value is completely eclipsed by its immense tiU
ble as a mine.
There have been few instances.
North Caroli-
ua, wnere an estate of such vast
been offered for sale publicly.
maguilude ha
These mines have been worked about lgy nrt
and it is estimated that a million of dollar havt
beeu dug out of them and there are parts of them
now as rich as the sands of the Sacramento.
A large portion of the lands the very" choice
parts, were carefully reserved by the late proprietor
which he always called his 'pocket book:1 '
The value and richness of these reserves are be.
yond all human calculations. An effort will bt
made to divide the mining lands, so as to bring the
lots within the limits of individual enterprise ve
ry few men being able to purchase the whole estate.
To the enterprising capitalist here is a most in
viting field even the portions that have been work
ed still abound with the precious ore, and those
huge pilas of rock and sand, by the ignorant thought
valueless, under theconu-ol of scientific men, would
held unnumbered thousands, after paying the cost
of machinery an J labor.
In many parts of the reserves it is beleived- that
every cart-load of gravel will produce a penny,
weight of gold dust. The water to wash is close at
hand, aud timber Rod fuel in abundance on the laud.
Tie dwelling house is large and con renient also
a large number ol framed negro bouses, nltnost uev,
together kh every necessary out house. Thii
land is sold for division among the numerous heirs
and it mast go for what it will bring. A credit of
on, two and three years will be given and bonds
bearing iataresl from the 1st of January next, well
secured, will be required of the purchaser, and pos
session given on the 1st of January 1S52. Letters
addressed to me at Louisburg will receive prompt
atteution.
THOMAS K. THOMAS, C. M. E.
Louiaborg, Oct. 23rd. 1851. 86 3v
The Siaudard will publish weekly 3 times, the
Warrenion News and Petersburg Intelligencer t
week. th National Intellige ncer 4 times weekly,
aud eod Bills to me for payment, with a paper.
. T. K T.
Portrait Painting.
PROFESSOR EiSGZLINti, Mikatdse as
AnuiiEU Paint-SB, begs leave to inform
Hie eitixeuaof Haleigh, thai he offers them bis pro
fessional services, during the present month. Hit
inj successfully practised this fine art in Europe
and America, he flatters himself to Ims able to give
satisfaction to h s patrons. Some of his works may
be seen at the two Bookstores, the proprje ors of
which have kindly granted that permissiou ; i
where orders for bis services my be left and will re
ceive prompt attention He will give lessons in dif
ferent styles of Painting. He may be found it
Guion's Hotel, No. 16,
November 14th, 1851.
tf 92
SOUTHERN MADE PLANTA
TION BKOGANS House Servant's
Shoes, arc. At Wholesale and KetaiT
30 Eat Bav. Charleston. So. Ca.
Tbe'subsciiher, age t for the South Caroline 8hoe
Factory, at Charleston So. Ca. and the Chen
Factory, at Cberaw So. Ca. will offer for sale id
this market by th first September, large supply of
Southern made Plantation Brog.ins and House Ser
vants' Shoes, together with a genera I assortment of
Boots and Shoes, which will be sold at'helowcs
market prices for goods of similar quality-
K.A. I'HINGLE,
Dealer in Broeans, Bo na and Shoe,
Wo. 30 East B'J
Aogaat 7th 1851. im--
Valuable Land for Sale.
ON Saturday, the 13th day
of December next, on the
premises, I rhall oiler for
hIa iKn n ) I Unnnll and de-
sirabt. country residence called Harrison
ehorch's eld place, lying 12 miles South from w
burg, in Franklin county, near Prl,r p
Church The said land is situated in ,er" f 7u.
tion of Country and has on it a large and 01
bis dwelling house, with all necessary out h"'10'
a m il and mill-seat; a weltconsiructed country
house; a new gin house; a blacksmith's hP" .
of good water at the store, and never failing P
in abundance on the land. The tract contains
1000 ACRES, oof.
lying on the waters of OrooTced Creek, lar8
lion of which is fresh and productive, and we"
ted to ihe cultivation of cotton, corn, wheat,
The boose is well situated for a public haus
ihe Store is regarded as the best e"-'
within the bounds of Ihe county. Sever8' ,"uce.
have been realised by the sale of goods at that p
At the came time. I shall sell three other i
of Land, all on a credit. The above tfK,,tf" 0t
will be soy by virtue Q.f a decree of lhe wiih
Equity, on a credit of one, two and three y"
interest from the day of sale- Bands with cu
will be required in air cases. p
THOS. K. THOMAS, & M.
vrviuuw i fill
For Sale,
. a t n-r ' r ci nip TWrtn "Hams, Virgin"'
fi liUl ui w' - ,
elsof ANo.lM'
at 14 ct.
ere'.
Also, a few barrel:
JNO .C.M00R&
Waverly. near RaleigMojrJS
JBUST recaived a Superior articl. sofl-jg c0
2 !io Coffee,. &IU
S aw