KOBTn CKOIIS "foWfrW ii lattllrrunl, moral end ptpkal nnatm, Ike laid T W if m and Vtm f m Ifffflkni."
VOL. XLII.
RALEIGH, WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 10, 1851.
NO. 50
"i.
W
TMIUi' mil, Edit".
- ' ' -
attest tksvw.
ADTIKTUINQl 8aa (1( IM tretiastrttoa
$1, m4 t) mil hr mIi nlMt imrtio.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
FtUow CUixtiH of tht Smote
and tflKt Houte of, Riprutntaticri t
I congratulate you and our common consti
tuency upon the favorable inspicie under
which you meet for youi first session. Our
country is at peace with all the world. The
mg itation which, for a time, threatened lodis
turb the fraternal relations which niaka us one
people, is fast subsiding ; snd a year of gener
al prosperity, and health has crowned the
anon with unusual blessings. ISjone can look
back to the dangers which are passed, or for
ward to Ihe bright prospect before us, without
feeling a thrill of gratification, at the same
time that he must be impressed with a grate
ful sense of our profound obligations to a ben
eficent Providence, whose paternal care is so
. tttMS. If pit fUtrtly tn sdvaac, tJfvr so-1 fenihng famirrcs and friends, a well as a feel
Mi M MU mM wiuYia six mntht; ml W t tin . in; rtf com passion fitr thcmselvc. Accord-
manifest in the happiness of this highly fa ver-' zens of the United Slates, it had its origin,
ed land. j wiih many, in motives f cupidity. Money
Since the close of the last Congress, certain was advanced by individuals, probably i 1 con
Cubans and other loreigners resident in the ' sidcrabke amounts, to purchase Cub in bonds,
United Slstes, who wer more or less concer-' as tl.ey have been called, issued by Lopez,
ed in the previous invasion of Cuba, instead j sold, doubtless, at a very large discount, and for
ef being discouraged by its faditre, have a- the payment of which the public lands and
gain abused the hospitality of this coantty, by : public properly of Cuba, of whatever kind,
making it the scencof the equipment of anmli-, and the fiscal resources of the people andgov
tber military expedition against that posses-; eminent of that Maud, from whatever scourer
iou of her .Catholic- majesty y. in which Jh&y.)iKdVMLvkd$jlji.MSi as the good.
were countenanced, aided and joined by the faith of the tovernmeiil expected to he cs:al
eitixens of the I'ni eJ States. On receiving hshed. All these means of payment, it is
intelligence that such designs were entertained, ' ci idem, were only to be obtained by a process
I lost no time in issuing such instructions to of bloodshed, war.nnd revolution. None will
the proper officers of the United Slates as' deny that those who sot on font military ex
sswm.ed.. lQ.be. called fitr bjr. lhtifcf,jion..,,iny.1 pediiitmt again! fitrriett Slant liy nwanslik
the proclamation, a copy of which is herewith , these, are fr mnreuilahlc than the ignorant
submitted, I also warned those who might he aad the necessitous whom they induce to go
id danger of being ii.veigled into this scheme ' forth as the ostensible parties in the proceed
f its unlawful character, and of the penalties j nig. These originators of the invasion til
which they would incarv For some lime j Cuba seem to have dctcrmiu'd, with coolness
there was rcaHoa to hupe that these, measures j and av sltui, ... upnu. ait undertaking which
had sufficed to prevent any such attempt. j should disgrace their country, violate its laws.
"This hope, however, proved to be delusive. f anT put to hazard"theHiv nf ill-formed and
Very early in the morning of the third ofj deluded mm. ion will consider whether
August, a steamer called the Pampero depar-1 further legislation be ueccsaiai to pre
ted from New Orleans for Cuba, having on i vent luu perpetration of such offences in fu
board upwards of four hundred armed men, j lure. .
with evident intentions to make war upon Uie ( No individuals have a right to harard the
authorities of the Island. This expedition I peace of the coun.ry or lo violate its laws
wss set on foot in palpable violation of the ) u pon vague notions of altering or reform in?
laws of the United States. 1m leader waa'ai gori'rnnTenlirin mhrr Hiales.- This principle
Spaniard, and several of the chief officers, and
some others engaged in-it were foreigners.-
The persons com posing it however were most
ly ciluens ef the United States.
Before the expedition set out, and probahlv
before it waa organized a slight insurrectionary j
movement, which apgiears to have been a. ion
suppressed, had taken place in the eastern
quarter of Cuba. The importance of this
movement was unfortunately so much exag
- gerated in the aeemims ortt" pahtislicdln Ihi
country, that Uiese adveuturers scent to hate
leerTledid believe that the Creole pnpu-
- latinn of the island imrontylesTred f6tlirow
off the authority of the mother country, hut had
resolved a pan that step, and had begun a well
concerted enterprise for effecting it. The per
sons engaged in the expedition were generally
young and. ill-informed. The steamer in
thily and without a clearance. After touch
ing at Key West, she proceeded to the coast
of Cuba, anil, on the night between the 1 1th
an I 12th of August, landed the person oa
hoard at Playtas, within about twenty leagues
of Havana. .,,...' , .,,,
"""''"Tnem
possession of, an inland village, six leagues
distant, , leaving others to follow in charge
ssf the baggage as soon as the means of trans
portation eoulJ he obtained. The latter, ha v.
ang taken np their line of march to connect
.themselves with the main body, and having
proceeded about fo'ir leagues into the country,
were attacked on the rooming of the 13ih by
" body of Spanish troons. and t broody eon-
f diet ensued; after which they retreated to the
pmcr insnmoarcaiion, were aooui niiy oi
i r.j: i ., -l . f
shem obtained boats and re-embarked therein.
They were, however, intercepted ainhng Ihe
key near the shore by a Spanish) steamer,,
1 -cruising on the coast, ruptured and eferried to
Havana, anu, alter being examined, bemftr a
military court, were sentenced to de publicly
executed, and the sentence was carried into
effect on the lOlh of August.
,, On receiving information of what had oc
curred. Commodore Foxhall A Parker was in
structed in proceed in the steam-frigate Sar
anae to Havana, and inquire i tto the charges
against the persons executed, the eirc.ilmstan-
eee nnder which they were taken, and whatso-
ver referre to their trial and sentence. Con
ies of ths instructions front the Department of
Mute to him, ami of his letters to that Depart
, ment, are herewith submitted. ' -,
. According to the record of the examination,
the prisoners all admitted the offences char
ged against them, of being hostile invaders of
tlie island. At the lime of their trial and exe
cution, the main body of the invaders was still
Sn the field, making war upon the Spanish
authorities and Spanish subjects. After the
lapse of some days, being overcome by the
8panish troops, ihey dispersed on the 84th of
Angnstj t Lnnes, their leader, was eaotured
on days after, and executed on Ihe 1st of
September. Many of his remaining follow
ers were killed, or died of hunger and fatigue,
,arl the rest were made prisoners. Of these
rtione appear In have, been tried or executed.
Several of them were pardoned upon applies
lion of (heir friends and others, nil llin rout.
" about one hundred and sixty in number, were
of these we have no official Information'
t- Sneh is Ihe melancholy result of this illegal
Vand ill-fated expedition, Thus, thoughtless
Vt sara htro- bretr Induced; by false and
tfrsuduleat representations, to violate the law
.cipcciaiionsj pi assisting to accomplish politj.
eal revolution fn ptflef atel,aiid"TiTv-eTiist
.X their lives in the undertaking. Too severe s
"judgment can lardly be passed by the indi.
nam sense of Ihe community upon those who,
pi-Lng pciier. Jiuorjjwa,
-srftfrrme1au
led awy the ardor of youth snd an
itl - uiree -
to iutc w pmiucai uoeny. The eorrespon-
i Spam relating u this transaction, ia herewith
; cosiinuiiicaicd. , ., '..-: .,,,.,., ',,. f ,.,
Although these offendera against the jaws
hareforfeiled the protectipn of their country,
t yet the Government may, so far M is eonsis-
lent wiih its obligations lo other' countries,
-and it fixed purpose io-maintain mil enforce
the laws, entertain sympathy for (heir tinof-
inglv Ho proper effort ha been roared, and
none ill be (pared, to procure the release of
uch ritixcns of Ihe United Plates, engaged ia
this unlawful enterprise, as are now in con
finement in 8pain ; but it is to be hoped
that auch interposition with the government
of that country may not be considered aa af
fording any ground of expectation that the
Government of the United Slates will, here
after, feel iiself under anv obligation of duty
to intercede for the liberation or pardon of
auch per wins a are flagrant offenders against
the law of rralions and the laws of the United
States. These laws must be executed. If
we desire to ma ntnin our respectability a
niong the nations of the ' sarin, it behoves us
to enforce steadily and atcrnly the neutrality
acts passed by Congress, and to fallow, as far
aa may be, the violation of those acts with
condign punishment.
Hut what gives a peculiar criminality to
this invasion of Cuba is, that uiMot the lead
'of Spanish subjects and with
the aid of citi
is not only reasonable in iuvdl, and in accor
dance with public law. but is engrafted into
tht codes of othejuiaiions as welt'tm ournwn.
Hut while such am the sentiineuts of this
.Government, it mav be addisH that every inde-
piMidehl nation must be presumed to be able
to defend i's possessions against unauthorized
individuals handed together to attack them.
The Government of Ihe United Slates, at all
times since its eslnhlishcdmrnt, has abstained
and has sought to n;slraT(inmVcl(iiens"ViT"(he
country, from enwrniif into mntroVCrties Tie-
tween ther jiowersj
duties oT neutrality.
i,i in nWrvf jf ihe
A I an earlv period ofj
the Government, in the administration of
Washington, several laws were passed" for
this purpose. The main provisions of these
laws were re-enacted by the act of April,
IS 18, hv which, amongst other things, it was
dixkrcoLthat if My person shall, within
the
,..-.-1.
territory or jurisdiction of the Uhited"Stafeai
begin or set on loot, or provide, or prepare the
means for any military expedition orinterprise.
to becarriedonfrom thence againat the territory
or dominion of any foreign prince or State,
or, .of uyi . colpi
whom "the United Slates are at peace, every
person so offending shall be deemed guilty of
a high misdemeanor, and shall be fined, not
exceeding three thousand dollars, and impri
soned not more than three years ; and
this law has been executed and enforced,
to the full extent of the power of the Govern
ment, from that day to this.
In proclaiming and adhering to the doc
trine of neutrality and n.in-intrention,'the
United States have not followed the lead of
other civilized n .lions ; they have taken the
lead themselves, and have been followed by
others. This was admitted by one of the
most eminent of modern British statesmen.
who said in Parliament, while a minister of
the crown, "that, if he wished for a guide in
a system of neutrality, ho should lake that
laid down by America in thfl days of Wash
ington aud the secretaryship of Jefljison i"
and we see, in fact, that the act of Congress
of 1818 was followed, (he succeeding year,
by an act of the Parliament of England, Sub
stantially the same in its general provisions.
Up totlat lime there had been no similar law
io England, except-certain highly penal sta
tutes passed in lite reign of George 11., prohib
iting English subjects from enlisting in foreign
service, the avowed object of which statutes
was, that foreign armies, raised for the purpose
of restoring the house of Stuart to the throne,
should not be strengthened by recruits from
England herself.
All must see that difficulties may arise in
carrying the laws referred to into execution
in a country now having three or four thou
sand miles of sea-coast, with an infinite num
ber of ports and harbors and small inlets,
from some ot which unlawful expeditions
may suddanly set forth, without the knowl
edge of Government, against the possessions
of foreign States. "
Friendly relations with all, but entangling
alliances with none, has long been a maxim
with lis. Otir true mission is not to 'props-
gale our opinions, or impose upon other conn
tries our form of government, by artifice or
force! hilt 1st tench hvv4inn1-.ml show by our
sings of self-government, and the advantages
of free institutions. Let every people choose
lor itself; and make and alter its political in
stittVtiohs io suit Its own condition and conve
nience. But, while we avow and maintain
tlWnWVrMT
to see J)ie jame fijjbf aranee B lite .. p& of
other nations, whose forms of govennment
arp diffiirent from" our own. The deep inter
est which w feel in the spread .of liberal
principles and ths establishment of free gov
1 witnes every initr2le airatnst oppression, for
bid that we should be indifferent to a Case in
4uh tits4rrmg arm f visreigii poWr" is
invoked lo stiflo public sentiment ami repress
the spirit of freedom in any country.
The governments of Great - Britain and
France have issued " order to their naval
eomniandcoj on Ihe V est India station tojire
venrfcy fop-C, if necessary, the landing of ad
venturer from any nation mi ihe Island of
Cuba with hostile intent. Th copy of
memorandum of i conversation on this sub
ject between . the Charge d'affaires of her
Kritannie Majesty and the Acting Secretary
of Stale, and of a subsequent note of the for
mcr lo the Department of Stale, are herewith
submitted, together with a copy of a note of the
Acting Secretary of Stale lo lite Ministerof the
French republic and of the reply of the lat
ter, on the same subject. These papers will
aennaint 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 into
effect, might lead to abuses in derogation of
the maritime rights of the United States. The
mirttine rights of the United Stales are
founded on a firm, secure, and well-defined1
basis : they slam! upon ihe groand of Na
tional Independence and public law, and
will be maintained iu all their full and just ex
tent. "
The principle which this Government has
heretofore solemnly announced itatill adheres
to, and will maintain under all circumstances
and at all hazanls. That principle is, that
in every regulsrly documented merchant ves
sel, the crew who navigate it, and those on
board of it, will find their protection 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 in
dividuals on board, nor can there he allowed
any watch by the vessels of any foreign na
tion iiver American vessels on the coast of
the United States or the seas adjaeejil.the.reto..,
ft witl be seen by the last communication from
the British Charge dWff.iires lo the Depart
ment of State, that, he is authorized lo assure
the Secretary of Slate that every care will be
la'ken thai, in executing the preventive mea-juu-e
gin4 -tlw-efhi,' which the-tm-'
ted Slates Government itself has denounced
as not being entitled to the protection of any
government, no interfe'rence shall take place
wilh the lawful commerce of nny nation.
In addition lo the correspondence on this
subject, herewith submitted, official infurina-
! lion has been received at the Departmenl of
Slate, of assurances by. the French govern
ment that, in Ihe orders given to the French
naval forces, they were expressly insttucteil,
in anv operations they micht engage in, to
respect tha flag of ills L'uiUjJ Sulw wherever
it miht appear, and to commit no act or hos
tility upon any vessel or armanent under its
pro'eftgflji,
Mitstcxsand consuls of foreign, nations
are th tmafi and agents of communication
between Yis and those nations, and it is of the
uUliosl iiilporlauce. that,.udiil residing in tlie
country, they should feel a peffecl security ao
long as they faithfully discharge their respec
tive duties and are guilty of no violation of
onr laws. This is the admitted law of na
tions, and no countty has a deeper interest in
maintaining it than the United Slates Our
commerce spread over every sea and visits
'eve'cfimai" and ou'frwinrslcici-'anit, consuls'
"aire's p pointed to protect the interests of thai1
emniiii , as well iis lo guard the pe jee Ttf
the country and maintian the honor of its
nag. Hut how can they discharge these du
ties unless they be themselves protected i and,
if protected, it must be by the laws of the
coantry in which lliey reside. And what is
clue to our own public .Innctionanea residing
in foreign nations is exactly the , mejgmjoC.
...'Y ii--?v .
wnai la due io ins luncuooanea oi oiner gov
ernments residing here. As in war, the bear
er of Aags o truce are sacred, or else Wars
would be interminable, sn in peare, embassa
dors, public ministers, and consuls, charged
with friendly national intercourse, -are tjtsi
of especial respect and protection, each ac
cording to the rights belonging lo his rank.
and station. In view of these important
principles, it is with deep mortification and
regret I announce to you that, during Ihe ex
citement growing out of Ihe executions at Ha
vana, the olnreol her Catholic majesty s con
sul al New Orleans was assailed by a mob, his
property destroy ed.Ths Spanish flag found in
the office carried off aB torn in peices, and he
himself induced to flee for his personal safe
ty, which he supposed to be in danger. On
receiving intelligence of these events, I forth
with directed the attorney of the United States
residing at New Orleans to inquire into the
facts and Ihe extent of the pecuniary loss sus
tained by the consul, with ths intention of lay
ing them before you, that vou might make
provision for such indemenity to him as a just
regard for the honor of the nation and the re
spect which is due to a friendly power m-ght,
in your judgment, seem lo require. The
eoriwpondnnee upon this subject between the
Secretary ot ntate and tier uatnoiie majes
ty's minister plenipotentiary is herewith trans-
milled.
The occurrence at New Orleans haa led me
to give my attention lo the slate of our laws
in regard to foreign embassadors, ministers,
and coosurWf -l think ihe legislation of the
country in deficient in not providing sufficient
ly either Tor Jher protection or the punish
ment of consuls. I therefore recommend
the subject to the enniiileratinn of Congress.
Your atteqtion is again invited to the que.
i on of reciprocal trade between the United
States snd Canada and other British posses
sions near our frontier. Overtures for a con
vention upon this subject have been received
from hef Britannic. Majesty' Minister Pleni
potentiary, but it seems lo(bein many res pec's
preferable that the matter should be regulated
by reciprocal legislation. Documents are
laid before you showing the terms which the
British government is willing lo offer, and the
measure which it may adopt, if some ar
rangement upon this subject shall not be
made.
,-Jtom.juHa
from the British lega'ion at Washington,
snd the reply of the Department of State
thereto, it will appear thst her Unlannie
jesty' government is desirous thai a part of
the hounitary line neiwen srron an..ci,
BHtiinVposiFrat
marked putt jmq .thtJ IW'nMpn !.S.rL-J
.
sed to apply to Congress for an appropriation
M defray the expense thereol on the part ot
. . , V .. .1.1- t.
tne tjniiea oisies. i our suenunn'to tois
iect is accordingly invited, and a proper p-
propriSnofrreeiM ' " '"
A convention lor me adjustment or Claims
of citizen of th United Slate against Por-
logat ha bsMRi coweludeil, aad h rauficauum
have been exchanged, - I b hrsl insiairoenl
of the amount to b paid by Portugal fell due
n the 30th of September jast, and has, beun
paid. '.!...' ,7'V :.'' -:,,:""' iv:Z"
'The President of the French republic, ac
cording lo the provisions, of the convention.
ha been selected a arbiter in iu the ease of
tlie1 General Armstrong; ud ba signifiod
that he accepts (he trust and the high satisfac-
uon ne lecis m acting as me common Inenilj
of two nations, with which France is united
be sentiments of sincere and Lasting amity. I
The Turkish government has expressed its
lhanks for the kind reception given to the Sul
tan's agent, AmiR Bev, on the occasion of his
recent visit lo the United Stales. On the
28th of February last a despatch Was address
ed by the Secretary of Stain to Mr. Marsh,
the American Minister at Constantinople, in
structing him lo ask of the Turkish govern
ment permission for the Hungarians, tlien im
prisoned within tlie dominions of the Sublime
Porte, to remove to this country. On the 3d
of March last both Houses of Congress pass
ed a resolution requesting the President to au
thorize the employment of a public vessel to
convey to this country Louis Kossuth and his
associates in rapttvity.
The instruction above referred to was com
plied with, and the Turkish government hav
ing released Governor Kossuth and his com
panions from prison, on the lOtb of Septein-j
her last ihey embarked on fxiard of tlie Unit
ed Stales steam frigate Mississippi, which Was
selected lo carry into effect the resolution of
Congress, Governor Kossuth left the Missis
sippi at Gibralter, for the purpose of making
a visit lo England, and may shortly be expect-:
ed in New York. By communications to the
Department of Slate he has expressed his
grateful acknowledgments for the interposition
of this Government, in behalf of himself and
his associates. - 'Phis country has been justly
regarded.-aa-a-safe aavluu Uf tJiosewlKu po
litical events have exiled 4'rom tueir own:
homes iu Europe; and il is recommended to
Congress to consider in what manner Gover
nor Kossuth and his companions, brought
hither by its authority, shall be received and
trealni: j
It is earnestly to be hoped that tlie differ
ence which have for some lime past been pen
ding between the government "of the French
republic and that' iff the baudivich Islands,
may be peaceably and durably adjusted, s-ias1-lo
secure tlie iadcpandeiice of Ihosij Island.
Long before the events which have of late
imparted so much importance to Ihe posses
sions ot the United States on the Pacilic, we
acknowledged the independence ot the Ha
waiian government. This government was
fi rsr w takmg" ihnt step. Ttrtrl - sevcraf of the
loading powers of Europe immediately fol
lowed. Wc were iulliieiiecd in this measure
by the oxistimr mid prospective importance of
the islands aa a place oi relume anil refresh
ment for our vessels engaged in the whale
fisherVi and hv the consideration that they lie
in the cottntcf th- grenr trtdo which mast, j
at no distant day, he carried on between the
western coast of North America and Eastern
Asia.
Wc were also influenced by a desire that
those islands should not pass under the emi
Irol of any other great maritime, State, but
should remain in' an independent. .c.notJilion.
od-so Waeeessthhr snd nretitf- to the com-
merce of all nations. 1 need not say that aIaC-L
importance ot tpese consiueratious lias lieen
greatly enhanced by the. sudden and vast de
velopment which the interests of the United
States have attained in California and Oregon;
and tlie policy heretofore adopted in regard to
those islands will bo steadily pursued.
It is gratifying not only to those whi con
Ji4t&itlt&.Comm
also to all who favor the progress of knowl
edge antl the diffusion of religion, to see a
community emerge from a savage stale and
attain such a degree of civiliiation in those
distant seas.
r-lt--miicfcta
trauquility of the Mexican republic -should
again be seriously disturbed ; for, since lit
peace between that republic and the UniUtd
States, it had enjoyed such comparative re
pose that the most favorable anticipations for
thernture might, with a degree of confidence,
have beeiiindulged..- Thcsn", however, hnve
been thwarted by the recent onihreak in the
Slate of Tainaulia is, on the right hank of the
Rio Bravo. Having received information that
persons from the United States had taken
part in the insurrection, and apprehending that
their example might he followed by others, I
caused orders to he issued for the purpose of
preventing any hostile expeditions against
Mexico from being set on foot in violation ol
the law of the United State. I likewise Is-'
ned a proclamation upon the. subject, a copy
of which is herewith laid before you. This
appeared to be rendered imperative by Ih ob
ligation of treaties and the gsuieral duties of
good neighborhood, - vJ-"tt;,t ":,"'."'
In my last Bnnu1 message I informed Con
gress that citizens of the United States had
undertaken the connexion of tlie two ocean
by means of i railroad across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, under a grant of the Mexican
government to citizen of that republic ; mil
that tin enterprise would probshly he prose-
euted wilh enenrv whenever Mexico should
consent to such itipnlalion wilh ihe Coresit-T
ment of ihe United Slate ss should impart
feeling of ecnnty to those who (hould in
vest their properly in tlie enterprise. , ,
A convention between the two government
for the accomplishment of that and ha been
ratified by this Government, aud only await
the decision of the Congress and the Execu
tive of that republic. ,
Nome unexpected difficulties and delays
have arisen in the ratification of (hat conven
tion by Mexico, but it it to be presumed that
her decision will be governed by just and en
lightened views, as well of the general im
portance of the object, of her own inter
est and obligation. . s ; '
In negotiating upon this important subject,
this Government has had in view one, and
only onctibjcct. That object has beea, and
is, the construction or attainment of a passage
from ocean to ocean, the shortest and the best
for traveller and merchandise, and equally
- - ir-:r -'"V 1 , " i ' J ": ' C: ' "" i
0en to all the world. It has sought to oh'
it would iee, with"
i."- , ......
IM jreateit regret, itiat, Moxina anouM pp
any olsucl lo thejiccompiishmeni of an en
terprise which promises so much convenience
to lite whole commercial world, and such env-
inent y vantage lOLSlexica hrtgelL, . liitnmsas
j id with, the scntjinonui andtlie eonvic-
lions, we ijovrnmui will oontiuuc to exen
U proper efforts lo bring nbont the necessary
airaigemenl-wtili thr rermWic of Mfic fofl
the speedy completion of the work. .
' For some month past the republic of Ni'
caragsil ha been the theatre of one of those
civil convulsions, from which the cause of !
free Institutions, and (ha general prosperity
and social progret rif the State of Central
Aftfenca, haveroften and o eterely suf
fered. : Until quid shall litte been restored,
and a government apparently stable shall have
oeeu orgaiiizcil, no advance can be prudently
made iu disposing of the questions pending
between the two countries. ..
Iain happy to announce that an jnier
oceanic communication from the mouth of (he
St. John lo the Panifio has been i far accom
plished as that f assongrra hava actually Ira
versed il and merchandise has been trans
ported over HV and when the canal shall have
bacn completed, jecording lotheorlgnal plan,
the means ol communicaiiou will be further
improved. v .', , ... ..
It is understood, that a Considerable part of
the railroad across the Isthnm of Panama
has been completed, and that the mail and
passengers will in future be convened then on.
Whichever of the several routes between
oceans may ultimately prove most eligible for
travellers lo and from the different States oa
the A danlie and Gulf of Mexico and nur coast
on the Pacific, there is little reason to doubt
thai all of them will he useful to the public,
and will liberally reward that individail enter
prise, by which alone they have been or are
expected to be carried into effect.
Peace haa been concluded between the con
e nding parties in the Island of St. Domingo,
and it is hoped upon a durable basis. . Such
is the extent of nur commercial relation with
that island, that the United States cannot fail
to feel a strong interest in its tranquility.
The office of Commissioner to China re
mains unfilled ; several persons have been ap
pointed, and the place ha been offered to
others,- all ot" wlwoi 4 -docjioed itsaecepv-
aece, on the ground or ihe inadequacy of the
compensation. The annual allowance "bylawl
six thousand dollars, and there is no provision
fur any outfit. I earnestly recommend the con
sideration of.lhis siihje.il to Congress. Ourcom
merco'widi CIiTnl is highly Important, and is b
coming nuve and more so, in consequence of
the increasing intercourse between our ports on
the Pacific coast and Eastern Asia. ' China is
understood in be a country in which living is
vjry expensive, and 1 know of no reason why
lite American Commissioner sent thithuf thoutd
not bs placed in regard 10 emnpenstioa,fl
equal foaling with ministers who represent
this country at the courts of Etiropi.
By reference lo' the Report of the Secretary
of the Treasury, it will ho seen that the tig
gregatf? Tccfiipls for' the last fiscal year amount
ed lo fi2.3 li.UT'l 87 ; which, with thehsl
snce in Ihe Treasury on the 1st July, 1850,
gave as the available mean for-ilhe year, tlie
suinol ri8.OI7.8i1 3fl.
The total expenditures for the same period
were M,IMU,H7 OK,
"1'ho UitaTTmpnrls for
ihb
year ending 30lh
June, 1851, were 2 1 5,72 3,01)5
Of which llwre were in specie, . 4.907,a01
The exports for the eume pe-
,-iod were M17.517.130
Of which there
were of do- , , ,
nuuilie. Pro- ,....,.....
ftiiirinwiwsjrr- ... .
JWi'iifil goods
re exported
Specie
9,738.!)5
2,'i31,880
l7.ftir;t30
Since the 1st. qf Dcccnibor fast the pay
innnut in cash on account ot the . public debt.
exaluoiva of interest, have- amnuntnd lo sH
50 1. 4 54 60; which, however, iiielndet.lh sum
the treaty with Mexlio, and the further sum
2,591,213 45, being ihe amount of award
to American citizen under the late treaty with
Mexico, for which the issue of slock wss au
thorized, hut which ws paid in rash from lb
'TreaSOTfF' "
The public debt on the 20th ultimo, exclu
sive of the stock authorized to he issued In
Texas by the act of 9th September, 1830, was
tS-J56ii.3US.gO. :
The receipts fur the next fiscal year ar es
timated at 5 1,800,000, which, with the prob
able unappropriated balance in the Treasury,
on the 30th June next, will give, a ihe proba
ble available means for that year, the sum of
It ha been deemed properv in .view ofilte
large expenditures consequent upon the ao
quisitton of lerrimry from : Mexico, that the
estimate for th nexr fiscal year should he
laid before Congress il tieh manners lo dis
tinguish the expenditures so required from the
otherwise ordinary demand upon the Treas
ury. - . .,. ....,, ,.,,,. ,!( , j! . :
. The total expenditure fur the next fiscal
year are estimated at 43,802.290 19, of
which there ia required for th ordinary pur
poses of the Government, othif thn tltose com
sequent upon the acquisition of our new Ter
ritories, and deducting the, payment on ac
count of th public debt, tlie sum of 133,343,
IW8 08 and for the purpose connected di
rectly or indirectly with thoss) Territories and
in the fulfilment of the obligation of th Gov
mment, contracted in consequenc of their
acrtuisilion. the sum of tO.B40.IOI.il.'
If the view of the Secretary of the Treasu
ry in reference lo the expenditure required
for lhase Territories shall , be met by eorres
ponding sclion on the part ef Congress, ami
appropriation made in accordance therewith,
there will be an estimated nnanoronrialed bal
ance in the Treasury en ih 3(Hh June, 1853.
of t20,360,443 00, wherewith to meet thai
portion nf the publie d-tbt du on the first Ju
ly following, amounting to t0,23rj)31 33, ss
well as any spproprialinns which may be
made beyond th estimates. . , . .
In thus referring to tlie estimated expendi
tures on account of our newly-acquired Ter
ritories,! may expret the hope that Congress
wit concur with me in the desire that a liber,
al course of policy may be pursued towards
them, and that every obligation, express or
implied, enured, ialo in -esmseouee of their
acquisition, shall be lulfiled by the most liber
al appropriations for that purpose. '
I he vslue of our domestic export! rot tne
last fiscal year, as compared with those of Ihe
32 i. At first view ihU condition of our trade
wiilf fornign ii m u'd)jcni:j1preffirt
tlie most Battering hope of tut future prosper-
lly. ' An examination of th details of our ex
ports, however, will show that the increased
fain ol
u.ijqMrtaJi4-UteLjjrt.
to bo found In tlie high pric of cotton which
prevailed during tlie first half of that year,
which pries has since declined about one'half.
"TfW am1Sf dut "$i pif 6f hreadsiiiu" aiiJ
provisions, which it waa anpposed the incen
tive of a low tariff and large tmporvatbns front
abroad would have 'greatly augmented, has
fallen from t68,?0I,9zl, in 1817. to 12(1,05 1, -373
in 1850, and u t2l.9IM53 in 1851,
with suoug prwhxbility, auMMinting almost lo
eeruioty, of stiii further reduction iu th
current year. '. -'i
..' : '--' ' : 1. ' ' ''
The aggregate sallies of rice exported du
ring th last fiscal ysr, as eompa4d wiih.th
previous yean also exhibit a decrease amount.
flnm M OJrtO OISF MU11. .L'. A i .1.-
... t uu- t, w ,-,, aviiir UiVlllM hi iifw
value of th exports of tobacco for the same
period, mak and aggregate decrease m the
two articles of tl.l56.7tl.. : ' w - rw
The policy which dictated a law rata of
duties sn foreign merchandise, it ws thought
by fhoM who promoted and established it,
would tend to benefit th farming ooDulatton
of this country, by. increasing th demand aad
raising uie pnre oi agricuuurai products in
foreign mrketv " . - i ,
1 h foregoing faeot, however, seem to show
inoonrestibly that no auch result ha followed
tha adoption of this policy. On the rountra
ry, notwithstanding the repeat of th restrictive
corn laws in England, tlie foreign demand for
IN product 04 the American farmer ha lead
Hy declined, tiuee ih ahort crop and conse
quent lamin in a portion of Europe hava been :
happily replaced by full crops aud compara
nd abundance of food. i- ;; ; i j
Il will b een, by recurring io the com
mercial statistic for the past year, that th
valu of oar lomeeti xporui hu been in
creased in the single item of raw eotlon by
t40,009.000 ever the valu of that xport for
ine year preetiins. I hi is not due to any
increased graeral demand for that article; hut
lo the ahort crop of th pi needing year,
which eraatd an itc leased demand and aa
augmented pcice for th erop ol last year-
should th cotton crop now going forward lo
nmrket heonry-etjuarin otntniiry lolhat of fltf
year preceding, and be sold at the present pri
ces then there would be a falling off in the value
or onr export lor tha present fiscal yar or at
40,000,000 Compared wilh the amount ex
ported fot the ycar.enditiaJ0UiJunel31..
The production of fold in California fof
the past year seem to proinisa large snnnlv
ol that metal from that quarter for some time
to como. -1 hi large annual increase of the :
currency of th world must b attended with
tts usual results, The 'have been already
partially disclosed in theenhaneessent of pri-'
eee and rfsirtg splMr ofspeeulution and ad
venture, tending to overtrading, as well at home
aaabriMtl, Unless some salutary cheek (hall
be given to these tendencies, it is to be feared
thai importations nf foreign goods beyond
healthy derhand tn iht country will lead to t
smlden grain of th precious metal from oa,
bringing with it, as il has done in former times,
the most dtsastrion conscqnencc in the busl
ness and capital of the American people.
The exports of specie lo liquidate our for-
etgn fleWfluJIIIg Site paM.nscal yiai luve been
t24,2O3,O70 over the amount of specie im
ported, .The exports of specie during the
first quarter of the present fiscal year have
been 1 1 4, 051,827. Should 'specie continue
to be exported st this rate for the remaining
three quarter of thi year, it will drain from
our meuilio currency during tha year ending
3mh Jutie.lSAi
to8,007,308. - ,
Trt"iTie present pFoiperoui tnndition of1 the
national fioanees, it witl become Ihe duly of
i.ongress if) consider tlie bvsimpdeol paving
n If ihe piililic debt. If tha present sou an
ticipated Surplus fa the Treasury. should not
bo ahsorved hy appropriation f an extraor
dinary clreU;r, llii sin plils should be em
ployed in auch way, and under auch reslric-
liwtts, es CiMigJeoa- msy-eonetf in extiiigtrish'
lug the outstanding debt of Ilia nation. ., ;,
, By reforence to the set of Congres ap
proved 9th September, 1830, it '" will he aeen
that, in consideration of certain cecesstnn by
ihe State of Texas, it is provided thai the
tf lilteil ; StaleiTsiialf pa to tlie stole of Texas
the sum nf ten.multDiis of dollars. In a dock
bearing five per cent. Interest, and redeema
ble at the end of fourteen year, the Interest
payable half yearly, at th Treasury of lit
United Hlale. .,r . ..
Jn the same section of th law It I further
provided " that no more than fire millions of
said (lock (hall be issued until the creditor
'of the Slat holding. beJ nd other eertiti-
'ate of sloek of 'ftt, for whit rfttirian
'import tfre tpniully pledged, shall first
file t th Treasury of the United Stale re
lease of all claim against the United Wales
for or on account or said bonds or certificates.
in such form a shall be prescribed hv th
Secretary ol tne 1 reasury, and approved by
the Presidenl of Ih United 8iale.' i , ! ,
Th foim nf release that provided fitr hat
been prescribed by th Secretary of in Tree-
ury, snd approved. : It has Steed published In
all the leading newspaper in the commercial
cms oi ine united euttes, nd all psrsun
holding claim or the kind specified in ths
foiegomg proviso were rsquired to fil their
releases (in th form Ihu prescribed) in th
Tressnry of th United States, on or before
the 1st day of October, 1891. Although this
public lion ha been Continued from the 23th
day of March, 1851, vet up ft the 1st of Oo
lober last comparatively lew release had been
filed hy the creditor of Texas.
' The sgthoritic of ih Stale of Texas, at
ihe request of die Secretary of Treasury,
have furnished (schedule of ihe publie debt
of tnat Stale created prior to her admission
into Ihe Union, with a copy of the law under
wlilcli each class was contracted. .. - -:
I have, from th document furnished by
the Slate of Texa. determined the- etaises of
elaims which in my judgment full within Ihe
provision of ihe act of Congress of th 9th
of September. 18.10. . . " ;
. On being ofllciatly informed of lite accep
tance by Texas of the proposition contained
in the act refeerrrd lo, I . esuied the clock to
be prepared, and thr five -million which r
lo be issued unconditionally, bearing sn inler-
tof nv per cent, from the 1st day of Jan
uryr 1811, bsve- been for some lime ready to
he delivered lo ihe Slate of Tex. Th u
thoritie of Texas, up to the present lime,
have not authorized any oris lo receive this
stot-k nd it ring
jutitU. iulyccj,. ki ihe order of Texas.-
The releases, required hy law lo be depos
ited in the Troxsutri not having ..baei filed
there, th reinainuig five millions have not been
issued. , Thi last amount of the stock will he
wilhheld from Texa until the condition up-
be delj yered "hall hjfeotn-J
plied Willi by tlie erediwr if,tliat biale, uu-
less Congress shall otherwise direct by -a
mouilieaiton ..yiejaw,,,,,,
n my last sihim u message, to wnicn i re
speeifiilly refer, I staled briefly the reasons
which induced me la recommend a modifica
tion of tlie present tariff, by converting the
ad valorem into specific duty, wherever lite ar
ticle imported was of sue It , a rhsmcter a lit
permit it, aad that such V; discrimination
hould be made, in favor of tlie industrial par-
suil of our ewn eounirr,' ae to encoui-sge
hmie erotlucOon without exclhrW ftireuTn
eompciiimrf. s ',' f ' "
' 1 he nnmetons fraud which cfmmne o' bi
prarlised tprm "tie reveniic, by tilse nvoicrs ' " '
and nnderva1nlrch, constitute ah unanswesr-''
able reason for atonting specific instead of sd!
valorem duties in aft cast where thenirtu re of '
me commodity doe notf trbid il." strikin '
illustration nf these frands will be exhibited '
in the Ketort of tha Secretary of the Trcav ' -
ury, aho Wing the custom hdhse Valdatioa of'
arltrlea Imported under a IBrmer law uMeCf-
to specific duties, when there was no induce-" -ment
to undervaluation ahd the ettsioifi-bouse' -
valuation of tlie (am aaticles, ' un'lcr th' -present
system of ad valorem duties, so great-'
ly reduced as to leave no doubt oV the exist-'
nee of ihe mo Iflagrantabusexnder the ex-1
isting law. Thi practical tvsaion of the'
present law, eombined with the lairbitahin
eondilioo of note of the gresl interest of ihe'
country, caused by ovrrimporlafibns and eon-'
sequent depressed price, and wtlTi the ratlur ;
in obtaining a foreign market lor our increas
ing surplus of breadstuff's and provision, hat
induced me again to recommend a modifies '
lion of the existing tariff. , , , 1 ' '
u rvffur, vi iiivj ocvrtt.iry wi tne micrior,
which accompanies this tcif.niBjfcaiion, will
present a condensed ' uieVdenl eT 'the opera'
tion of that important department of the
Government ' ' '
It will be seen that the tush tale iff the nuh-
lie land exceed hdk pi .ft! sjrtceilln g year,'
snd that there I reason to sntitfipaV a (till J...
further Increase, nlwilhslanding the large do
nations which have been made to many of
the States, and the liberal gnats to individu r c-
alt a reward for military services. Thi
fact furniahe very gratifying 'vHdec nf the' .
growmg wealth and-rosperity "oor 'Bonn-""""'""
try.
'.l .h . . -4--.' m -
Settahie inealure have nee adopted Tor
commencing the survey of the pnMte land in ,
California and Oregon, Surveying parties '
hive neen otiranixed, and, lome hrosres ha
been raid In, esullishing the principal be
and meridian linek. But ftirthrt legislatinn
nd additional appropriations will bene'
eessary hefore ihe proper wbdiviinens ean be
made, and the general land syitem extended
over thoke remote parts of our tertltory. " '
un lit? adVPf Warcjasj n act tom passed
providing fitr th appointinrVi' of three com
missioner lo settle private land claims in Cal
ifornia. Three perwtn were rmmediatcly'
appointed," all of whom, however, declined -accepting
the office, in consequence of th - -iuinednacy
of eomnertsation. JOiher were
promptly eWie'4rwhe4iiftheame reason,
also declined and it was not fin til late in Ihe ,,
season thut ihe services of luitable persons .
could be secured. A majority of the commis
sioners convened in this citv, nn the 10th of
September last, when detailed instructions
Were given lo litem in regard to their duties. -Their
first IrSeetiufi for the tunsaflinn of busi.
ne wBJ he held i San f rtrtereew eii the jth
dA4UliW4scul. nuwdu-
I have thought tt proper to refer lo tin s
facts, not only to explain To causes nf Ihe
delay in filling tTie Commission, to call your
attention lo the propriety of increasing the
compensation of the corninisshmcrt. I ho
office it one of great labor and responsibility,.
snu me compensation sitoutd surn a to com
mand men of a high order of talent and ih'
moWOTqTrcWonaoTe " -'T
The proper disposal of the mineral land of
Cah lorn ia to a subject surrounded by gresl
diffjcullirt. In my Inwt anrtu.l message 1 're
coiiimeridod Ih survey And sate uf Ihem
in suiall parooli, - UmUf such restiolions -v-.-r.--i
ss wotiW effectually guard sgafnst monopoly
aMit anMnl.llnn' ) tint M nn, fitrllitfp liir.kpmB.' .
.! .' In. .1 ..Ci.. I I
uon, snu in urierene hi ne opinions oi per
sons farhiliarwim lh suhiecC m inclined to ! i
change that reeommendaiiriri, aad to advis
lhal ihey be nermiited lo rethaiii, a al pres
ent, a common field, open M ihe "erterpris
snd nuliistry tit att our . citii ens, until further
experience shall have devefriped the best poli
ey to he titthnaU adopted in regard to them.'
Il it safer lo suffer the. Inconvenience that
now exists, for ahort period, 'thsn, by pre
mature legislation, to fasten on the country
system' founded in trror, 'which may plac tha
whole nhject beyohd tht fitlUre control of
Congres. ' . " "'' "', ' ' I
The kgrieultural land slioiild, however, h
surveyed and hroiijhl Into mikel wilh a little
delay's possible, that ills titles ma become
sealed, and th inhanttaht stimulated lo make
permanent improvements, and enter oath or
dinary Pursuits of life. ' Tu effect these ob-
tcets it is desirable that the necessary provls
on he mde hi law for the establishment of
tand office in California and Oregon, and for
ihe efficient prosecution of the survey at tu
early day, ' - f
Soma diffietiltie Have ncrWrred in organiz- '7
ing th Territorial government of New Mex
ico and Utah t and, wher more ccurat in
formation rhall be obtained of the cause,
further communicstiou will be made oa that
(uhject. ' .i:' -J
; In my last annual communication to Con
gress I recommend the establishment of alt
Agricultural Bureau, and I take thi occasion
again to invoke your favorable consideration
o ihe stthieet. ' .
' Agriculture may justly he regarded ae the
great interest of our people. Four-fifth of
onr active population are employed in theeul "
tivition of the toil ami Ihe rapid expansion of '
settlement over new territory is daily adding
tn the number of those engaged in that voca
tion. ' Justice and sound policy, therefore, a
like require tint the Government (hould use
all ihe means authorized by Ih Constitution
to promote th interest snd welfare of that
important class or our fellow citizens. . .And
yet it is a singular fact that, whilst the manufac
turing and eomtriercial interest have engaged
die attention of Congress during a large por
tion of every evasion, and nur statute abound
fiNHtiSim IbldlTWtCc'f oil iiitf 'encourage.
j-merttj little ha yet been done directly for the
advancement of agriculhtre. It is time th.a
thi reproach lo our legislation ' should be re
moved t and I sincerely hope that the present
Congress will not close their la'nors wiib-vtl
adopting efficient mean to supply the omi-
sions of those who have prccr lud'lhem;, i ...
An Agricultural Hnreati, cliarge.1 with the
ditty of collecting and dtsseipinati.ig citrrcct
wAiriiHiUoH a to the Vh trmi!' of enhiT- '
lion, aiid of the most effectual means of pre
serving snd restoring ihe fertility of the sod,
mid nf procuring and distributing seeds anil
plants and Other vegetable productions, with
instructions in m'ard lo the s it, rlmuir, and
treatment best adapted to then "growth, eo'iii '
hot fail to be, in the language nf W'.islmi .-'...rt.
m In List annual message lo tJoncicsK, -rty
Sat. l'ooaiu P(..j