The Sun. — London, England, 1844-12-31 00:00:00

SUMMARY OF NEWS ANI) iOutitt 44pptntou. " Who runs may read." rorAntwzr, On Thursday evening their Majesticl the King and Queen cif the French received the Minister of Justice, the lanovcrisn Minister, the Charge d'Affaires of Russia, the Duke de Praslin, and the Duke de la Force. The Minister of Justice and Public Worship. has ad dressed a circular to the bishops, requesting them to en gage priests of their dioceses to be indulgent in the case of persons who die without having received the offices of The Moniteur publishes royal ordonnances for the re organisation of the Ministries of Marine and the Colonies and Justice and Public Worship. The Jou, nal des Chemins de Per says that the Rouen Railway Company has resolved to become candidates for the branch railway proposed to be made between Rouen and Dieppe. The same paper mentions that a new company nits been formed for the establishment of a railway between Bordeaux sad Touletr,e. The corn- Pany, which is a mixed English and French onr, is com tosed of the English administrators of the Orleans and ordeaux Railway. The length of the railway is 260 !Hemet, es; the capital of the company 75 millions of can es. _ _ Son:e of tl.e journals having announced that Maj,-,r ‘felkeral Defame had been appointed chef du Cabinet of t he Minister of War, the Moniteur Parisien contradicts the statement, and says it is informed that M. Delarue is to set out immediately for Algeria on a new mission. The Minister of Commerce has addressed a circular. to all the Chambers of Commerce, anti , aincing that the Spanish G overnmen t ha s ordered that the manure called guano shall be admitted into Spanish ports duty free Oder the flag of whatever nation. Mr. Balfe, the composer, has arrived in Paris for the *inter, for the purpose of superintending the bringing out of his new opera at the Academie Royale. According to a letter from Warsaw in the Augsburg Gazette of the 24th, the recent arrests on the Prussian frontier arose out of the discovery of a secret correspon dence from Paris, by which it was ascertained that the agents of the French propaganda kept 'up relations with Secret societies in Poland. A Polish schoolmaster, who It " been arrested, is stated to have been the medium of i ntercourse between the parties. A Mulhouse journal states that the demand for calico Goods in that town is so great, that the manufacturers are all actively employed, and that within a short period 3 . 0 00 new hand-looms have been set up in the neigh bourhood. Letters from Athens of the 10th state that affairs re tain very tranquil in Greece. The Chamber of Repre ,a,entatives was still occupied in examining the qualifica tions of the members. letter from Constantinople of the 4th, in the Leipsic ‘''azette, informs us that the relations between the Turki s h and Greek Governments are becoming much more friendly. M. Coletti has declared that his Govern akent is prepared to Portet once a portion of the in geinnity due to the , and that a Greek Ambas kdor will be sent to Constantinople to negotiate a treaty a t Commerce. COUXT- FASEXONA.IBIF.X. _ Lord and Lady Francis Egerton are entertaining a 'ete of friends at liatchford, near Cobham. Mr. Lyons, t i ll of Sir Edmund Lyoas, our Minister at the Court of Weereece, joined the party at the close of the preceding Lord and Lady John Russell ann their youthful family, a re passing the holidays at his Lordships villa at Stan tead, near tiodalming, and are not expected to return to town until the end of the ensuing month. Her Lady °gip continues in rather delicate health. His:Excellency Count Reventlaw, the Danish Minister, 40 4 taken one of the new mansions in Wilton-crescent, ribining the Marquis of Blandford, and has removed row his late residence. The Hon. and Rev. Mr. and Lady Elizabeth Grey r., r ave arrived at Castle Howard, on a visit to the Earl and `'ountess of Carlisle. The lion. Mrs. Norton, who has been indisposed at Leonard's-on.the-Sca, is now convalescent. Mr. Linsley Sheridan has been staying on a short visit to her, The Earl and Countess of Harewood have been en tilTtaining a succession of guests at Harewood Hou-e. 1 8 Lordship has recently had the farms on the family estates revalued, and reduced the rents to the extent of s everal thousand pounds per annum. la ft T▪ he will of his Royal Higheess Louis Antoine Comte " Marne, ' heretol“re Dauphin of France, has just been rov e in Doeters'-commotis, by Jean Francois Baron b Pot, one of the executors, a power of proving hereafter I ,l l log reserved for the Duc de Blacas, and G. Isidore I t tentabel, the other executors. The personal property sworn under 250,0001. The deceased begs of his wife forgiveness for any involuntary wrongs he may have oe her, and desires to be buried wherever he may die, "w the simplest manner, and leaves 25,000 francs for Passes to be said for the repose of his soul. He also l eaves 25,000 francs to the poor. The various legacies `,"lbunt to about 22,000 francs ; and he then bequeaths t Whole-of his property (with the exception of these t%Na-ac;es) to his wife, and at her death directs that two :lshall go to his nephew, and the remainder to his i i !ece. He directs that, in the event of a new restoration, wife should " look to those who had been always Ud to him." The will, which is dated in 1840 , is short, "▪ N certainly a very singular document, • The valuation jury in the case of the Cashel Railway w e already adjudicated upon most of the claims. They rave adjour ne d unt il S atur d ay, an d i n a ll p ro bability the valuation of the lands required by the Company in the county of Dublin will be finished on that day. That V ll complete the first lot, comprising ten miles , which 11 1 then be delivered up to the contractors, and the *forks will be commenced in the ensuing month of Ja i:Mary, memorial has been presented from the merchants, ..,`,' l Powners, shipmasters, and pilots of Hartlepool, to the 4 4 , 11 nity Corporation of Deptford-Stroud, praying 1 22 4u b oard to take into consideration the neces litY for a light on some part of Hartlepool, ...eugh, and proposing the levy of a tax in order b" supply an income for the maintenance of the rIL The Commissioners of the Customs have also, "ti further consideration, approved of the roadstead s outh of the town of Hartlepool as a station, on and ;liter the sth of January next, for all vessels coming r or departing from the said port, to bring to fur the of or landing of officers of the Customs, instead Zi t . the roadstead to the west of the town mentioned in u a order and notice of the 12th of November last. commission de lunatico inquirendo was held at the k r ," l l Inn, Twickenham, on Friday, by Francis Barlow , O:, to investigate as to the sanity of Miss Barbara I .4 u lte, a maiden lady, 5 5 years of age , the sister of b e ut.-Colonel White. The jury. found " That Miss .. arbar s White was of unsound mind and incapable of Ma naging her own affairs, and had been so since the ;st -4 ,,„ J anuary, 1844." h Th e eminent French actor, Mons. Frederick Lemaitre • ht lei been engaged by Mr. Mitchell for the month of Fe ery, for the approaching season of French plays at SL James's Theatre. The Earl of Lonsdale caused four splendid car e44e6 of prime beef, together with a supply of good ; a rta clothing, to be distributed on St. Thomas's day tile ngSt his labourers, and the poor classes in LoWther 411 d the adjacent parishes. The Earl of Powis, Mr. Ackers, M.P. and the R. N. Clive, M.P., have contributed 201 each for Lie relief the poor of Ludlow. The Earl of Cardigan ha= given garden allotments h the p oor o f C ra nu e and SlaWSl.ol , 4l[l ; and, where a cow th,4 be grazed, three acres of ground. His Lordship has '° had a large quantity of the best coals provided fur ern at half price. Lord FeverAham (luring last week distributed a l arge quantity of beef and mutton to upwards of 160 4.l l lilie s 11,:luibley and the adjoining toAnships of " i ra x, : ,. .prox ton, Carlton, Pockley, and 13.; , adiam. Lori ' 111 to 1 recently reduced the rents of hlz r( e ..1 has tertuniry it, Nottingham:thire, from five to tot per tent. Lord Monteagle, the lion. Mr. Pery, Mr. Russell, tad Mr. M lhrri, gton, are iho eutors stained by the -4t,"Earl of Linerick. L tord Prudhoe kindly ordered to be distributed, on bl ankets, day, his Lordship's annual donation of coal, b l ankets, and comfortable clothing to the poor of Ald ngh, Stanwick, and Gaylos. DEATH OF LADY CHARLOTTE AUGUSTA DALZELL --- ;:We have to announce the demise of the above lady, "pl,ieh to o k pl ace a t Leamington Spa on Friday morning. T he deceased lady was youngest daughter of the late Earl of Car nwat h b y hi s secon d marriage with Andalusia, Pughter of Lieut.-Col. A. Browne, and sister of the sent Earl. Her Ladyship was born July 24, 1812. The Earl and Countess of Beauchamp have been en tertaining a succession of guests at Macclesfield Court, W orcester, and there has been excellent sport in phea sant shooting in his Lordship's preserves. The C oun t ess Dowager of Carnwath has left her re sidence in Gloucester-place, Portman - square , for Can terbury. dis We regret much to learn that Lord Ward is in - Posed Paris with the tertian ague. Some accounts Present his Lordship's illness to be of an alarming ar acter. bAmong the costly presents sent by the Emperor of ssitt to Sir Hobert and Lady Peel was a superb l nlney-piece of Siberian jasper. o "°NsttouENcEs OF INTOXICATION.—On Friday Mr b aker h e l d an i nquest, at t h e L on d on Hospital, on the• j 1 (41 Y of Bridget Magrath, aged eleven years. Ellen sister of deceased, said that the latter resided d ot her. Witness, on Tuesday evening last, had been t i, - ‘ drinking, and on her return home at night, she sat t a -w n, en a chair and went to sleep. Deceased also went 6 leeP on a chair. Shortly afterwards she was ftkened by loud screams, which she found s arose from e j o ",_ased c a lli ng ou t for help, in consequence of her a t nes taking fire, but how she knew not. There was rndle in the room, but no fire. James Doane, a aF i er, stated that having been awakened by the cry re proceeding from the last witness's room, he burst Zell the door, and saw deceased enveloped in flames. w:s e xtinguished them es speedily as possible, and she sh or , e i l3n ve.Yed to the above hospital, where she expired j ar 3' afterw ar d s . The Coroner, at the request of the 4: severely a d mon i s hed the woman Buckley on her °fj: of intoxication, w hi c h had resulted in the death r sister. Verdict—Accidental death. fell j a r l y on Friday morning two newly-erected houses P ort ,: great. c: ash, in IN,y,,_-,treet,, ki,ruib,:rsi hsdL' l , l "`:l3', the. iLen ei , g4.,ed in couiplaing the inside knot gone to work, otherwise they could not have Ped being crushed to death beneath the rums. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, MONDAY.—The Queen arid Prince Al bert walked for some time this forenoon previous to his Royal Highness going to shoot in the royal pre serves, attended by Lord Charles Wellesley, Mr. Anson, and Sir Edward Bowater. The royal party returned early in the afternoon to the Castle. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice, were taken on the Castle Terrace and in the pleasure-grounds this morning. Sir Henry Wheatley arrived at the Castle to-day, on a visit to her Majesty. Mr. Baring, M.P. for Marlborough, had an inter view with the Earl of Dalhousie yesterday at the Board of Trade, on the subject of a memorial from the town of Marlborough in favour of the railway to Basingstoke, projected by the London and South- Western Railway Company. Dispatches from Sir Charles Metcalfe, Governor- General of Canada, and also from the Governors of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, were received yes terday at the Colonial-office. Dispatches were also received from the Governor of the Mauritius. ----- - PRINCESS'S THEATRE. L' Italiana in Algieri, one of the most delightful of Rossini's buffa operas, was produced at this theatre last evening, in an English dress, under the title of The Italian in Algiers, with all that minute attention to the mise en scene for which this management has ever been so remarkable, and which, by the com pleteness which it gives to a dramatic production as a whole, contributes so essentially to its success. The following was the cast :—Mustapha (Dey of Algiers) Mr. P. Corri ; Lindor (a young Italian), Mr. Allen ; Taddeo (an Italian, and guardian to Isabella), Mr. Leffler ; Hely, Mr. Mattacks ; Isabella (in love with Lindor), Madlle. H. Condell; Elvira (wife to the Dey), Miss Grant; Zulma (her attendant), Miss Bretanall. Of the Lindor of Mr. Allen it is impossible to speak in terms of too high praise. The delicious aria which he sings immediately that he comes upon the stage was given with exquisite delicacy of expression. There was a thrilling pathos in his tone that re minded us not unfrequently of Rubini, and Mr. Allen did not suffer by the reminisciences thus ex cited. There is no other English tenor singer who could have given this exquisite morceau so delight fully. Throughout the opera he was equally good. It was evident that he felt, appreciated, and under- S . stood the beautiful music of Rossini, and that it was to him a labour of love to do full justice to it. Mr. P. Corri, as the Dey, has taken a giant's stride in his professional career. He is not only an ad mirable buffo,. but a very good musician. The far-famed " Papatari " received full justice at his hands, and kept the audience in a roar of laughter. He was well supported by Leffler, who was in excel lent voice, and, as Taddeo, was most humorous and laughter-moving. The part of Isabella was well sustained by Miss Helen Condell, while Miss Grant, whom we are glad to see once more on the boards of this theatre, made an excellent Elvira. Her opening scene in the second act was most effective. It was loudly applauded, and narrowly escaped an encore. Great praise is due to Mr. W. L. Phillips, the chorus master of this establishment, for the excellent drilling which he gives his chorus singers, who not only sing but act, thus adding greatly to the vraisemblance of the scene. The principal artistes were honoured with the usual ovation at the fall of the curtain, and it is needless to add that the opera was completely suc cessful. SPORTING I 1 TELLIGENcE. TATTERSALI.'S-YESTERDAY. In the course of a very dull afternoon the only bets worth recording were :-1,100 to 100 and 300 to 25 agst Alarm ; 800 to 50 agst Idas ; 500 to 25 and 1,000 to 55 agst Pam ; 1,900 to 100 agst Cobweb colt ; 650 to 25 agst Newsmonger ; 800 to 20 agst Fitzallen ; 1,200 to 20 agst Collier ; 1,000 to 200 agst Alarm, Idas, and Pam ; and 1,000 to 200 agst Alarm, Pam, and Kedger. The prices returned are made up to the closing of the room CHESTER CUP. 35 to 1 agst Winesour—taken 40 to 1 agst Mr. Hesseltine's Fitzallen—taken 50 too agst Valerian—taken 50 to 1 agst Foig-a-ballagh—taken 50 to 1 agst The Bashaw—taken 50 to 1 agst Maccabeus (the Gladiator colt)—taken. The nominations, which close to-morrow, are expected to exceed 100. DERBY. 12 to 1 agst Mr. Greville's Alarm—taken 16 to 1 agst Lord Stradbroke's Idas—taken 18 to 1 agst Colonel Anson's Bedger 18 to 1 agst Col. Peel's Cobweb colt 18 to 1 agst Lord Chesterfield's Pam 25 to 1 agst Mr. Jaques's Anti-Repealer 26 to 1 agst Lord Chesterfield's Newsmonger 30 to 1 agst Mr. A. Johnstone's Rebecca colt 33 to 1 agst Mr. Gully's Weatherbit 33 to 1 sgst Mr. St. Paul's colt out of Calypso's dam 35 to 1 agst Mr. Stanley's Minikin colt 35 to 1 agst Mr. Mostyn's Pantasa 35 to 1 agst Duke of Richmond's Laird o'Cockpen —take 40 to 1 50 to 1 agst Mr. Lintott's Cabin Boy—taken 60 to 1 agst Mr. Merry's Collier—taken 1000 to 200 agst Alarm, Idas, and Pam—taken. OAKS. 7 to 2 agst Kent's lot—taken 8 to 1 agst Mr. Worthington's Lancashire Witch—t 12 to 1 agst Duke of Richmond's Refraction—taken 25 to 1 agst Mr. Bowes's Heather Bell—taken. RACES TO COME IN 1845. The following dates of ra, appointed, er are so establish( probable that they will be alb March 12. Coventry. 19. Warwick. ;es in 1845 are either specially d by custom as to make it itn • Ted:— July 8. Newmarket July Meeting. 16. Liverpool ditto. 23. Newton. 30. Goodwood. August 6. Horwich. 6. Brighton. 11. Wolverhampton. 28. Tiverton. Sept. 2. Warwick. 10. Leicester. 16. Doncaster. 30. Newmarket First 25. Northampton. 26. Catterick Bridge. April 14. Newmarket Craven. 22. Bath. 28. Newmarket First Spring Meeting. May 6. Chester. 13. Newmarket Second Spring Meeting. 13. Manchester. 20. Gorhambury. 27. Epsom. June 10. Ascot. 18. Hampton. 23. Newcastle-on-Tyne. 25 Bibury Club. 26. Stourbridge. October Meeting. Oct. 13. Newmarket. second October Meeting. 27. Newmarket Hough ton Meeting. THE LATE FORGERIES BY A CLERGYMAN IN PERTH SHIRE.— Although the mesvesger dispatched after th e Rev. Mr. l'ulloch, to Liverpool, by the Procurator Fiscal, r( turned slier a short chase of the packet ship down the Channel, we understand the local banks hive conjunctly sent off an officer, with proper authority and instructions, by the la,:t steamer to New York ; and as the passengers at this season are often protracts d by the packets, there is some probability of success. It is reported that the Rev. Gentleman's destination was Texas, and as no treaty exists betwixt Great Britain and that country for the giving up of delinquents, the only chance of his being apprehended depends upon the steamer reaching New York ere he leaves that State.—Perth Paper. THE FOG IN PARIS.—The Presse states, that an in tense fog covered Paris on Thursday morning. It was dispelled at the moment the King quitted the Chamber of Deputies and returned to the Tuileries, but it became so heavy from two to six o'clock that the authorities were obliged to forbid carriages to cross any of the bridges. It was difficult, and indeed impossible, to drive a carriage through the thick fog which covered Paris at that time. Towards five o'cloc the Place de Carousel presented a singular spectacle. Persons who wished to cross the place found themselves in an opposite direction from that they wished to attain. Coachmen who had lost their way were heard to demand assistance, and for fear of accidents they remained stationary. Immediately a number of boys, furnished with flambeaux, made their appearance, and for a trifling gratuity extricated the pas sengers from their difficulties. At the same hour more than 100 carriages were collected near the Pont Neuf, where they were obliged to remain, the coachmen from their seats not being able to discern the heads of their horses. On the Boulevards the fog was scarcely per ceptible. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.—A fatal accident took place on Tuesday morning last, on the property of Kin corth, parish of Nigg, belonging to John Yeats, Esq , advocate. William M6Donald, the beadle of the church of Nigg, who had contracted for blasting the stones ne cessary to the trenching and improving of that property, was engaged in his work, wnen, from condensed air is the part bored, or a spark of fire from concussion igniting the powder, an explosion took place, whereby the crowbar with which he was priming the blast was driven into his cheek, and passed through the back part of his head, scattering the brains, and killing him on the spot. A deep gloom was cast over the whole parish the moment the accident was made known, for he was universally respected for the excellency of his character, and many was the tear of sympathy shed for his orphan family. Never has a death taken place in the parish, where all, without exception, so mourned the less of one in the prime of life, and so endeared by the kindness of his manners—the strict morality of his con duct-eand the singular integrity which marked his every dealing. What heielv ens the melancholy of the tragical occurrence is the fact that he was a widower, and has left eight orphan children to bewail his sudden and un timely encl.—Aberdeen Herald. TBE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 31, 1844 IMPORTANT NEWS The great, experiment of a political confederacy—each member of which is supreme as to all matters apper taining to its local interests, and its internal peace and happiness—while by a voluntary compact with others, it confides to the united power of all the protection of its citizens, in matters not domestic, has been so far crowned with complete success. The world has wit nessed its rapid growth in wealth and population ; and, under the guide and direction of superintending Provi dence, the developments of the past may be regarded but as the shadowing forth of the mighty future. In the bright prospects of that future we shall find, as pa triots and philosophers, the highest inducements to cul tivate and cherish a love of union, and to frown every measure of effort which may be made to alienate the States, or the people of the States, in sentiment and feeling, from each other. A rigid and close adherence to the terms of our political compact, and, above all, a sacred observance of the guarantees of the Constitution, will preserve union on a foundation which cannot be shaken, while personal liberty is placed beyond hazard or jeopardy. The guarantee of religious freedom, of the freedom of the pre,s, of the liberty of speech, of the trial by jury, of the habeas corpus, and of the domestic institutions of each of the States—leaving the private citizen in the full exercise of the high and ennobling attributes of his na ture, and to each State the privilege which can only be judiciously exerted by itself, of consulting the means best calculated to advance its own happiness ; these are the great and important guarantees of the Constitution, which the lovers of liberty must cherish and the advo cates of the union must ever cultivate. Preserving these, and avoiding all interpolations by forced construction, under the guise of an imagined expediency, upon the Constitution, the influence of our political system is des tined to be as actively and as beneficially felt on the dis tant shores of the Pacific as it is now on those of the Atlantic Ocean. The only formidable impediments in the way of its successful expansion (time and space) are so far in the progress of modification, by the im provements of the age, as to render no longer specula tive the ability of representatives from that remote re gion to come up to the capitol, so that their consti. tuents shall participate in all the benefits of federal legislation. Thus it is that in the progress of time, the inestimable princip!es of civil liberty will be enjoyed by millions yet unborn, and the great benefits of our system of Government be ex tended to now distant and uninhabited regions. In view of the vast wilderness yet to be reclaimed, we may well invite the lover of freedom, of every land, to take up his abode among us, and to assist us in the great work of advancing the standard of civilisation, and giving a wider spread to the arts and refinements of cul tivated life. Our prayers should evermore be offered up to the Father of the Universe for his wisdom to direct us in the path of our duty, so as to enable us to consum mate these high purposes. One of the strongest objections which has been urged against confederacies, by writers on Government, is the liability of the members to be tampered with by foreign Governments, or the people of foreign States, either in their local affairs, or in such as affected the peace of others, or endangered the safety of the whole confederacy. We cannot hope to be entirely exempt from such attemptsjon our peace and safety. The United States are becoming too important in population and re sources not to attract the observation of other nations. It therefore may, in the progress of time, occur that opinions entirely abstract in the States in which they may prevail, and in no degree affecting their domestic institutions, may be artfully, but secretly, ,encouraged, with a view to undermine the Union. Such opinions may become the foundations of political parties, until at last the conflict of opinion, producing an alienation of friendly feeling among the people of the different States, may involve in one general destruction the happy insti tutions under which we live. It should ever be borne in mind, that what is true in regard to individuals, is equally so in regard to States. An interference of one in the affairs of another is the fruitful source of family dissensions and neighbourhood disputes ; and the same cause affects the peace, happiness, and prosperity of States. It may be most devoutly hoped that the good sense of the American people will ever be ready to repel all such attempts, should they ever be made. _ all duty under the act of Congress, commonly known as the Compromise law, and but few of which were pro duced in the United States, was stipulated for on our part. This treaty was communicated to the Senate at an early day of its last session, but not acted upon till near its close ; when, for the want, as lam bound to presume, of full time to consider it, it was laid upon the table. This procedure had the effect of virtually re jecting it, in consequence of a stipulation contained in the treaty, that its ratifications should be exchanged on or before a day which has already passed. The Execu tive, acting apon the fair inference that the Senate d , d not intend its absolute rejection, gave instructions to our Minister at Berli❑ to re-open the negotiation, so far as to obtain an extension of time for the exchange of ratifications. I regret, however, to say that his efforts in this respect have been unsuccessful. I am, neverthe less, not without hope that the great advantages which were intended to be secured by the treaty may yet be realised. lam happy to inform you that Belgium has, by as " arrdte Royal," issued in July last, assimilated the flag of the United States to her own, so far as the direct trade betA een the two countries is concerneJ. This measure will prove of great service to our shipping interest ; the trade having heretofore been carried on chiefly in fo reign bottoms. I flatter myself that she will speedily resort to a modification of her system relating to the tobacco trade, which would decidedly benefit the agri culture of the United States, and operate to the mutual advantage of both countries. - No definitive intelligence has yet been - received from our Minister of the conclusion of a treaty with the Chinese empire ; but enough is known to induce the strongest hopes that the mission will be crowned with success. With Brazil our relations continue on the most friendly footing. The commercial intercourse between that growing empire and the United States is becoming daily of greater importance to both ; and it is the inte rest of both that the firmest relations of amity and good will should continue to be cultivated between them. The Republic of New Grenada still withholds, not withstanding the most persevering efforts have been em ployed by our Charg6 d'Affaires, Mr. Blackford, to pro duce a different result, indemnity in the case of the brig Morris. And the Congress of Venezuela, although an arrangement has been effected between cur Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affaxs of that Government, for the payment of 18,000 dollars in discharge of its liabili ties in the same case, has altogether neglected to make provision for its payment. It is to be hoped that a sense of justice will soon induce a settlement of these claims. Our late Minister to Chili, Mr. Pendleton, has returned to the United States without having effected an adjust ment in the second claim of the Macedonian, which is delayed on grounds altogether frivolous and untenable. Mr. Pendleton's successor has been directed to urge the claim in the strongest terms; and in the event of a failure to obtain a permanent adjustment, to report the fact to the Executive at as early a day as possible, se that the whole matter may be communicated to Congress. At your last session, I submitted to the attention of Congress the Convention with the Republic of Peru, of the 17th of March, 1841, providing for the adjustment of the claims of the citizens of the United States against that Republic ; but no definitive action was taken upon the subject. I again invite it to your attention and prompt action. In my last annual message I felt it to be my duty to make known to Congress, in terms both plain and em phatic, my opinion in regard to the war which has so long existed between Mexico and Texas ; which, since the battle of San Jacinto, has consisted altogether of predatory incursions, attended by circumstances revolt ing to humanity. I repeat now what I then said, that after eight years of feeble and ineffectual efforts to recover Texas, it was time that the war should have ceased. The United States had a direct interest in the question. The contiguity of the two nations to our ter ritory was but too well calculated to involve our peace. Unjust suspicions were engendered in the mind of one or the other of the belligerents against us ; and, as a neces sary consequence, American interests were made to suffer, and our peace became daily endangered. In ad dition to which, it must have been obvious to all that the exhaustion produced by the war subjected both Mexico and Texas to the interference of other Powers, which, without the interposition of this Government, might eventuate in the most serious injury to the United States. The Government from time to time exerted its friendly offices to bring about a termination of hostilities upon terms honourable alike to both the belligerents— its efforts in this behalf proved unavailing. Mexico seemed, almost without an object, to persevere in the war, and no other alternative was left the Executive, but to take advantage of the well-known dispositions of Texas, and to invite her to enter into a:treaty for annex ing her territory to that of the United States. Siuce your last session Mexico has threatened to renew the war, and has either made, or proposes to make, formidable preparations for Texas. She has issued de crees and proclamations,:preparatory to the commence ment of hostilities, full of threats revolting to humanity, and which, if carried into effect, would arouse the at tention of all Christendom. This new demonstration of feeling, there is too much reason to believe, has been produced in consequence of the negotiation of the late treaty of annexation with Texas. The Executive, therefore, could not be indifferent to such proceedings, and it felt it to be due, as well to itself as to the honour of the country, that a strong representation should be made to the Mexican Government upon the subject. This was accordingly done, as will be seen by the copy of the accompanying dispatch from the Secre tary of State to the United States Envoy at Mexico. Mexico has no right to jeopardise the pease of the world by urging any longer a useless and fruitless contest. Such a condition of things would not be tolerated on the Eu ropean continent. Why should it be on this ? A war of desolation, such as is now threatened by Mexico, cannot be waged without involving our peace and tranquillity. It is idle to believe that such a war could be looked upon with indifference by our own citizens, inhabiting adjoin ing States ; and our neutrality would be violated in spite of all efforts on the part of the Government to prevent it. The country is settled by emigrants from the United States, under invitations held out to them by Spain and Mexico. Those emigrants have left behind them friends and relatives who would not fail to sympathise with them in their difficulties, and who would be led by those sympathies to participate in their struggles, however energetic the action of Government to prevent it. Nor would the numerous and forminable bands of Indians, the most warlike to be found in any land, which occupy the extensive regions contiguous to the states of Arkansas and Missouri, and who are in possession of large tracts of country within the limits of Texas, be likely to re main passive. The inclination of these numerous tribes lead them invariably to war whenever pretexts exist. Mexico had no just ground of displeasure against this Government or people for negotiating the treaty. What interest of hers was affected by the treaty ? She was despoiled of nothing, since Texas was for ever lost to her. The independence of Texas was recognised by several of the leading Powers of the earth. She was free to treat— free to adopt her own line of policy—free to take the course which she believed was best calculated to secure her happiness. Her Government and people decided on annexation to the United States ; and the Executive saw, in the acquisition of such a territory, the means of advancing their permanent happiness and glory. What principle of good faith then was violated ?—what rule of political morals trampled under foot? So far as Mexico herself was concerned, the measure should have been re garded by her as highly beneficial. Her inability to re conquer Texas has been exhibited, I repeat, by eight— now nine—years of fruitless and ruinous contest. In the mean time Texas has been growing in population and resources. Emigration has flowed into her territory from all parts of the world, in a current which continues to increase in strength. Mexico requires a permanent boundary between that young republic and herself. Texas, at no distant day, if she continues separate and detached from the United States, will inevitably seek to consolidate her strength by adding to her domain in the contiguous provinces of Mexico. The spirit of revolt from the control of the Central Government has, there fore, manifested itself in some of those provinces ; and it is fair to infer that they would be inclined to take the first favourable opportunity to proclaim their inde pendence, and to form close alliances with Texas. The war would thus be endless, or, if cessations of hostilities should occur, they would only endure for a season. The interests of Mexico, therefore, could in nothing be better consulted than in a peace with her neighbours, which would result in the establishment of a permanent boundary. Upon the ratification of the treaty, the Exe cutive was prepared to treat with her on the most liberal basis. Hence the boundaries of Texas were left un defined by the treaty. The Executive proposed to settle these upon terms that all the world should have pro nounced just and reasonable. No negotiation upon that point could have been undertaken between the United States and Mexico in advance of the ratification of the treaty. We should have had no right—no power—no authority, to have conducted such a negotiation ; and to have undertaken it would have been an assumption equally revolting to the pride of Mexico and Texas, and subjecting us to the charge of arrogance ; while to have proposed, in advance of annexation, to satisfy Mexico for any contingent interest she might have in Texas would have been to have treated Texas, not as an independent power, but as a mere dependency of Mexico. This as sumption could not have been acted on by the Executive, without setting at defiance your own solemn declaration that the Republic was an independent State. Mexico had, it is true, threatened war against the United States in the event the treaty of annexation was ratified. The Executive could not permit itself to be influenced by this threat. It represented in this the spirit of our people, who are ready . to sacrifice much for peace, but nothing to intimidation. A war, under any circum stances, is greatly to be deplored, and the United States is the last nation to desire it ; but if, as the condition of peace, it be required of us to forego the unquestionable right of treating with an independent power, of our own continent, upon matters highly interesting to both, and that upon a naked and unsustained pretension of claim by a third power, to control the free will of the power with whom we treat—devoted as we may be to peace, and anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the whole world, the Executive does not hesitate to say that the people of the United States would be willing to brave all consequences sooner than submit to such conditions. But no apprehension of war was entertained by the Ex ecutive ; and I must frankly confess the opinion, that had the treaty been ratified by the Senate, it would have been followed by a prompt settlement, to the entire satis faction of Mexico, of every matter in difference between the two countries. Seeing, then, that new preparations for hostile invasion of Texas were about to be adopted by Mexico, and that these were brought about because Texas had adopted the suggestion of the Executive upon the subject of annexation, it could not passively have folded its arms and permitted a war, threatened to be accompanied by every act that could mark a barbarous age, to be waged against her, because she had done so. Other considerations of a controlling character in fluenced the course of the Executive. The treaty which had thus been negotiated had failed to receive the rati- There has Been no material change in our foreign re lations since my last annual Message to Congress. With all the powers of Europe we continue on the most friendly terms. Indeed, it affords me much satisfaction to state, that at no former period has the peace of that enlightened and important quarter of the globe ever been, apparently, more firmly established. The conviction that peace is the true policy of nations would seem to be growing and becoming deeper among the enlightened every where ; and there is no people who have a stronger interest in cherishing the sentiments, and adopting the means of preserving and giving it permanence, than those of the United States. Amongst these, the first and most effective are, no doubt, the strict observance of justice, and the honest and punctual fulfilment of all engagements. But it is not to be forgotten that, in the present state of the world, it is no less necessary to be ready to enforce their observance and fulfilment, in re ference to ourselves, than to observe and falfil them, on our part, in regard to others. Since the close of your last session, a negotiation has been formally entered upon between the Secretary of State and her Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipoten tiary and Envoy Extraordinary residing at Washington, relative to the rights of their respective nations in and over the Oregon territory. That negotiation is still pending. Should it, during your session, be brought to a definite conclusion, the result will be promptly com municated to Congress. I would, however, call your attention again to the recommendation contained in pre vious messages, designed to protect and facilitate emi gration to that territory. The establishment of military posts at suitable points upon the extended line of land travel, would enable our citizens to migrate in compara tive safe ty to the fertile regions below the falls of the Co lumbia, and make the provision of the existing convention for the joint occupation of the territory by subjects of Great Britain and the citizens of the United States, more avail able than heretofore to the latter. These posts would continue places of rest for the weary emigrant, where he would be sheltered securely against the danger of attack from the Indians, and be enabled to recover from the exhaustion of a long line of travel. Legislative enact ments should also be made which should spread over him the aegis of our laws, so as to afford protection to his person and property when he shall have reached his dis tant home. In this latter respect, the British Govern ment has been much more careful of the interests of such of her people as are to be found in that country than the United States. She has made necessary provision for their security and protection against the acts of the viciously disposed and lawless ; and her emigrant re poses in safety under the panoply of her laws. What ever may be the result of the pending negotiation, such measures are necessary. It will afford me the greatest pleasure to witness a happy and favourable termination to the existing negotiation, upon terms compatible with the public honour ; and the best efforts of the Govern ment will continue to be directed to this end. It would give me the highest gratification in this my last annual communication to Congress, to have been able to announce to you the complete and entire settle ment and adjustment of other matters in difference be tween the United States and the Government of her Britannic Majesty, which were adverted to in a previous message. It is so obviously the interest of both coun tries, in respect to the large and valuable commerce which exists between them, that all causes of complaint, however inconsiderable, should be, with the greatest promptitude, removed, that it must be regarded as cause of regret that any unnecessary delays should be per mitted to intervene. It is true, that, in a pecuniary point of view, the matters alluded to are altogether insigni ficant in amount, when compared with the ample re sources of that great nation ; but they, nevertheless — more particularly that limited class which arise under seizures and detentions of American ships on the coast of Africa, upon the mistaken supposition indulged in at the time the wrong was committed, of their being engaged in the slave trade—deeply affect the sensibilities of this Government and people. Great Britain having recog nised her responsibility to repair all such wrongs, by her action in other cases, leaves nothing to be regretted upon this subject, as to all cases prior to the treat) of Wash ington, than the delay in making suitable reparation in such of them as fall plainly within the principle of others, which she has lung since adjusted. The injury inflicted by delays in the settlement of these claims falls with severity upon the individual claimants, and makes a strong appeal to her magnanimity and sense of justice for a speedy settlement. Other matters, arising out of the construction of existing treaties, also remain unad justed, and will continue to be urged upon her attention. The labours of the joint committee appointed by the two Governments to run the dividing line, established by the treaty of Washington, were, unfortunately, much delayed in the commencement of the season, by the failure of Congress at the last session, to make a timely appropriation of hinds to meet the expenses of the Ame rican party, and by other causes. The United Status Commissioner, however, expresses his expectation that, by increased diligence and energy, the party will be able to make up for lost time. We continue to receive assurances of the most friendly feelings on the part of all the other European powers, with each and all of whom it is so obviously our interest to cultivate the most amicable relations. Nor can I an ticipate the occurrence of any event which would be likely in any degree to disturb those relations. Russia, the great northern power, under the judicious sway of her Emperor, is constantly advancing in the road of science and improvement ; while France, guided by the councils of her wise sovereign, pursues a course calcu lated to consolidate the general peace. Spain has ob tained a breathing spell of some duration from the in ternal convulsions which have, through so many years, marred her prosperity ; while Austria, the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, and the other powers of Europe, reap a rich harvest of blessings from the prevailing peace. I informed the two Houses of Congress, in my message of December last, that instructions had been given to Mr. Wheaton, our Minister at Berlin, to nego tiate a treaty with the Germanic States composing the Zollverein, if it could be done, stipulating, as far as it was practicable to accomplish it, for a reduction of the heavy and onerous duties levied on our tobacco, and other leading articles of agricultural production ; and yielding in return, on our part, a reduction of duties on such articles, the production of their industry, as should not come into competition, or but a limited one, with articles the product of our manufacturing industry. The Executive, in giving such instructions, con sidered itself as acting in strict conformity with the wishes of Congress, as made known through several mea sures which it had adopted, all directed to the accom plishment of this important result. The treaty was, therefore, negotiated ; by which essential reductions were secured in the duties levied by the Zollverein on tobacco, rite and lard, accompanied by a stipulation for the admission of raw cotton, free of duty. In exchange for which highly important concessions, a reduction of duties, imposed by the laws of the United States on a ariety of articles, most of which were admitted free of fication of the Senate. One of the chief objections which were urged against it was found to exist in the fact that the question of annexation had not been submitted to the ordeal of public opinion in the United States. However untenable such an objection was esteemed to be, in view of the unquestionable power of the Executive to tlege tiate the treaty, and the great and lasting interests in volved in tee question, I felt it to be my duty to submit the whole subject to Congress as the best expounders of popular sentiment. No definite action having been taken on the sul:jeet by Congress, the question referred itself directly to the decision of the States and the people. The great popular election which has just terminated, afforded the best opportunity of ascertaining the will of the States and p-ople upon it. Pending that issue, it became the imperative duty of the Executive to inform Mexico that the question of annexation was still before the American people, and that, until their decieiort was pronounced, any serious invasion of Texas would be re garded as an attempt to forestall their judgment, and ceuld not be looked upon with indifference. lam most happy to inform you that no such invasion as taken place, and I trust that, whatever your action may be upon it, Mexico will see the importance of deciding the matter by a resort to peaceful expedients in preference to those of arms. The decision of the people and the States on this great and interesting subject has been decisively manifested. The question of annexation has been pre sented nakedly to their consideration. By the treaty itself all collateral and incidental issues, which were calculated to divide and distract the public councils, were carefully avoided. These were left to the wisdom of the future to determine. It presented, I repeat, the isolated question of annexation; and in that form it has been submitted to the ordeal of public sentiment. A controlling majority of the people, and a large majority of the States, have declared in favour of immediate annexation. Instruc tions have thus come up to both branches of Congress, from their respective constituents, in terms the most emphatic. It is the will of both the people and the states that Texas shallbe annexed to the Union promptly and immediately. It may he hoped that, in earryieg into execution the public will, thus declared, all collateral issues may be avoided. Future Legislatures can best decide as to the number of states which should be formed out of the territory, when the time has arrived for de ciding that question. So with all others. By the treaty, the United States assumed the payment of the debts of Texas, to an amount not exceeding 10,000,000 dollars, to be paid, with the exception of a sum felting short of 400,000 dollars, exclusively out of the proceeds of the sales of her public lands. We could not, with honour, take the lands, without assuming the full pay ment of all incumbrances upon them. Nothing has occurred since your last session to in duce a doubt that the disposition of Texas remains un altered. No intimation of an altered determination on the part of her Government and people, has been fur n;shed to the Executive. She still desires to throw her self under the protection of our laws, and to partake of the blessings of our federative system, while every American interest would seem to require it. The ex tension of our coastwise and foreign trade, to an amount almost incalculable—the enlargement of the market for our manufactures—a constantly growing market for our agricultural productions—safety to our frontiers, and additional strength and stability to the Union— these are the results which would rapidly develope themselves upon the consummation of the measure of annexation. In such event, I will not doubt but that Mexico would find her true interest to consist in meeting the advances of this Government in a spirit of amity. Nor do I apprehend any serious complaint from any other quarter ; no sufficient ground exists for such com plaint. We should interfere in no respect with the rights of any. other nation. There cannot be gathered from the act any other design on our part to do so with their possessions on this continent. We have interposed no impediments in the way of such acquisitions of ter ritory, large and extensive as many of them are, as the leading powers of Europe have made, from time to time, in every part of the world. We seek no conquest made by war. No intrigue will have been resorted to, or acts of diplomacy essayed, to accomplish the annexation of Texas. Free and independent herself, she asks to be re ceived into our Union. It is a question for our own de cision whether she shall be received or not. The two Governments having already agreed through their respective organs on the terms of annexation, I would recommend their adoption by Congress in the form of a joint resolution, or act, to be made binding on the two countries, when adopted in like manner by the Government of Texas. _ . In order that the subject may be fully presented i❑ all its bearings, the correspondence which has taken place in reference to it, since the adjournment of Con gress, between the United States, Texas, and Mexico, is herewith transmitted. The amendments proposed by the Senate to the con vention concluded between the United States and Mexico on the 20th of November, 1843, have been transmitted through our Minister, tor the concurrence of the Mexican Government ; but, although urged thereto, no action has yet been had on the subject, nor has any answer been given which would authorise a favourable conclusion in the future. . . The decree of September, 1843, in relation to the re tail trade, the order for the expulsion of foreigners, and that of a more recent date in regard to passports—all of which are considered as in violation of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two countries, have led to a correspondence of considerable length between the Minister for Foreign Relations and our Representa tive at Mexico, but without any satisfactory result. They remain still unadjusted, and many and serious in conveniences have already resulted to our citizens in con sequence of them. Questions growing out of the act of disarming a body of Texian troops under the command of Major Snively, by an officer in the service of the United States, acting under the orders of our Goverment; and the forcible entry into the Custom-house at Bryarly's Landing, on Red River, by certain citizens of the United States, and taking away therefrom the goods seized by the collector of the customs, as forfeited under the laws of Texas, have been adjusted, so far as the powers of the Execu tive extend. The correspondence between the two Go vernments, in :reference to both subjects, will be found amongst the accompanying documents. It contains a full statement of all the facts and circumstances, with the views taken on both sides, and the principles on which the questions have been adjusted. It remains for Congress to make the necessary appropriation to carry the arrangement into effect, which I respectfully recom mend. The greatly improved condition of the Treasury af fords a subject for general congratulation. The para lysis which had fallen on trade and commerce, and which subjected the Government to the necessity f resorting to loans and the issue of Treasury notes, to a large amount, has passed away; and after the payment of up wards of 7,000,000 dollars, on account of the interest, and in redemption of more than 5,000,000 dollars of the public debt, which falls due on the Ist of January next, and setting apart upwards of 2,000,000 dollars for the payment of outstanding Treasury notes, and meeting an instalment of the debts of the corporate cities of the dis drict of Columbia—an estimated surplus of upwards of 7, 000,000 dollars, over and above the existing:appropria tions, will remain in the Treasury at the close of the fiscal year. Should the Treasury notes continue out standing, as heretofore, that surplus will be considerably augmented. Although all interest has ceased upon them and the Government has invited their return to the Treasury, yet they remain outstanding, affording great facilities to commerce and establishing the fact that under a well-regulated system of finance the Government has resources within itself, which render it independent in time of need, not only of private loans, but also of bank facilities. The only remaining subject of regret is that the re maining stocks of the Government do not fall due at an earlier day ; since their redemption would be entirely within its control. As it is, it may be well worthy the consideration of Congress, whether the law establishing the sinking fund—under the operation of which the debts of the Revolution and last war with Great Britain were, to a great extent, extinguished—should not, with proper modfications (so as to prevent an accumulation of stir plusses, and limited in amount to a specific sum), be re enacted. Such provisions, which would authorise the Government to go into the market for a purchase of its own stock, on fair terms, would serve to maintain its cre dit at the highest point, and prevent, to a great extent, those fluctuations in the price of its securities which might, under other circumstances, affect its credit. No apprehension of this sort is at this moment entertained, since the stocks of the Government which but two years ago were offered for sale to capitalists at home and abroad, at a depreciation, and could find no purchasers, are now greatly above par in the hands of the holders; but a wise and prudent forecast admonishes us to place beyond the reach of contingency the public credit. It must also be a matter of unmingled gratification that, under the existing financial system—resting upon the Act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816—the currency of the country has attained a state of perfect soundness; and the rates of exchange between different parts of the Union, which in 1841 denoted, by their enormous amount, the great depreciation, and, in fact, worthless ness of the currency in most of the States—are now re duced to little more than the mere expense of transport ing specie from place to place, and the ri s k i nc id en t a l t o the operation. In a new country like that of the United States, where so many inducements are held out for spe culation, the depositories of the surplus revenue, con sisting of banks of any description, when it reaches any considerable amount, require the closest vigilance on the part of the Government. All banking institutions, un der whatever denomination they may pass, are governed by an almost exclusive regard to the interest of the stock holders. That interest consists in the augmentation of profits, in the form of dividends, and a large surplus re venue entrusted to their custody, is but too apt to lead to excessive loans and to extravagantly large issues of paper. As a necessary consequence, prices are nomi nally increased, and the speculative mania everywhere seises upon the public mind. A fictitious state of prosperity for a season exists ; and, in the language of the day, money becomes plenty. Contracts are entered into by individuals, resting on this unsubstantial state of things, but the delusion speedily passes away, and the country is overrun by an in debtedness so weighty as to overwhelm many, and to visit every department of industry with great and ruinous embarrassment. The greatest vigilance becomes neces sary on the part of the Government to guard against this state of things. The depositors must be given dis tinctly to understand that the favours of the Govern.• ment will be altogether withdrawn, or sabstanstially di minished, if its revenues shall be regarded as additions to their banking capital, or as the foundation of an en larged circulation. The Government, through its re venue, has, at all times, an important part to perform in connexion with the currency; and it greatly depends upon its vigilance and care whether the country be in volved in embarrassments similar to those which it has had recently to encounter ; or, aided by the action of the Treasury, shall be preserved in a sound and healthy condition. The dangers to be guarded against are greatly aug mented by too large a surplus $ revenue. When that FROM THE UNITED STATES, MEXICO, AND CANADA. ARRIVAL OF THE CALEDONIA. LIVERPOOL, SUNDAY EVENING. The British and North American Royal mail steam-ship Caledonia, Capt. Lott, arrived in Bootle bay at four o'clock this afternoon, bringing 32 pas sengers. She left Boston and thdifax on the usual days, the 16th and 18th instant, and made the run for the former port in 13 days, having encountered wes terly winds throughout the passage. The Caledonia, shortly after she left Halifax, spoke the Acadia. The dates of the advices by this arrival are—New York, 15th ; Washington, 13th ; and Boston and Halifax, 16th and 18th inst. The intelligence they communicate is very important, comprising the Pre sident's annual Message, and the Speech of Sir Charles Metcalfe on the opening of the CanadianYarliament, with other exceedingly interesting matter. The Electoral College had unanimously confirmed the late Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections. Congress met on Monday, the 2d inst., and the Pre sident's message, which we annex, was delivered on the following day. The anterior proceedings of Congress are interesting. In the Senate, on the 3d, Mr. M`Dufie introduced a joint resolution for the annexation of Texas to the United States. The re solution provides that the first eight articles of the treaty rejected by the Senate last session shall be the fundamental law of union between the United States and Texas, so soon as the supreme authorities of that Republic shall agree to the same ; and, also, that whatever was stipulated to be done immediately, or at a fixed period after the ratification of the treaty compact, shall be done immediately, or in a like period after the authorities of Texas shall have formally agreed to the resolution. It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. A similar joint resolution was also reported in the House. On the following day Mr. Benton introduced his Bill of last session, providing for the "re-annexation of Texas ;" and this was also referred to the Com mittee on Foreign Relations. On the same day, a resolution, introduced by Mr. Allen, calling upon the President of the United States for information concerning the state of the negotiations pending on the Oregon questions was, after some oppposition, adopted by a vote of 24 to 16. Another resolution, calling upon the President, if not incompatible with the public interest, for copies of all correspondence between France and the American Minister at Paris, relative to the proposed annexation, was adopted. A Bill to establish a uniform line for the election of electors of President was under consideration. Outbreaks of the most serious character had certainly occurred in different states of Mexico. Nearly one half of the Mexican army had revolted, and declared against Santa Anna, if the reports brought by these vessels are correct. The Government were put to the greatest trouble to obtain money to prosecute the war against Texas, and every thing was at odds and ends. Congress had voted unanimously an approval of Senor Rejon's correspondence with Mr. Shannon and it was thought that Santa Anna, through the impending war, might be able, by obtaining command of the purse, b keq possession of the sword of State. The British Minister is said to be in favour of such a result. Meantime, General Paredes has placed himself at the head of a revolt, and has publicly de nounced Santa Anna, complaining of the disorgani zation of the army, the abuses of the Treasury de partment, the disorder existi"g in the public offices, alleged breaches of law a id violations of right on the part of the Dictator, and the invasion of Texas, not on the score of right on the part of the Texians, but on that of the mismanagement of the proceedings against that province. We give here an extract from the money article of the New York American, of the 14th inst. : " The meeting of Congress, and the development con sequent thereon of our political relations with foreign countries, exercise naturally considerable influence upon the money market. " The effect thus far has been unfavourable, owing to the embroiled state of our relations with Mexico, and the very extraordinary dispatch from the State Depart ment to our Minister in France, a dispatch of which the country will be loth to accept the responsibility ur endorse the sentiments. " There is, however, no change of any moment in the price of the dividend-paying stocks since our last • but the market generally is feverish, and so is the state Of the public mind. " The assurance may, nevertheless, be hazarded, without much risk, that no important measure will be carried through the present Congress. There will be no war—no annexation of Texas—no modification of the tariff—no occupation of Oregon—no establishment of military posts to the Rocky Mountains and the Columbia river, and no other essential or material legislation. " Thus much it would be safe to assume from the, it is believed, unvarying fact that at the short session (and this must terminate on the 4th of March) no important Acts are ever matured and passed. " But in addition to this, there is that in the present condition of parties which renders the adoption of any great change in the position, or in the policy of the coun try, extremely improbable. It seems, therefore, quite safe to say, that until the 4th of March next, when the newly-elected President will take the reins, things will remain in statu quo. "Into the future, after that, it were useless now to at tempt any insight. " Money is easy, notwithstanding a very large diminu tion of discounts by the banks of this city within the last sixty days, equal, probably, to $2,500,000. The fact of such a diminution being insensibly effected, and without any shock to the business or obvious influence on the stock market, would seem to prove the strength and stability both of the banks and the general business transactions. " Exchange on England rules at from 10 to 10 14. At thii rate gold cannot be exported, and most of the silver has gone.,, THE MESSAGE TO THE SENATE AND DOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES. We have continued cause for expressing our gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the benefits and blessings which oar country, under his kind Provi dence, has enjoyed during the past year. Notwith standing the exciting scenes through which we have passed, nothing has occurred to disturb the general peace, or to derange the harmony of our political sys tem. The great moral spectacle has been exhibited of a nation, approximating in number to 20,000,000 of people, having performed the high and important function of electing their Chief Magistrate far the term of four years, without the commission of any acts of violence, or the manifestation of a spirit of insubordina tion to to the laws. The great and inestimable right of suffrage has been exercised by all who were invested with it under the laws of the different States, in a spirit dictated alone by a desire, in the selection of the agent, to advance the interests of the country, and to place be yond jeopardy the institutions under which it is our happiness to live. That the deepest interest has been manifested by our countrymen in the result of the elec tion is not less true than highly creditable to them. Vast multitudes have assembled from time to time, at various places, for the purpose of canvassing the merits and preteniions of those who were presented for their suffrages ; but no armed soldiery has been necessary to restrain, within proper limits, the popular zeal, or to prevent violent outbreaks. A principle much more controlling was found in the love of order and obedience to the laws which, with mere individual exceptions, every where possesses the American mind, and controls with an influence far more powerful than hosts of armed men. We cannot dwell upon this picture without recognising in it that deep and devoted attachment on the part of the people to the institutions under which we live, which proclaims their perpetuity. The great objection which has always prevailed against the election, by the people, of their Chief Executive officer, has been the apprehension of tumults and disorders, which might involve in ruin the entire Government. A security against th is is found, not only in the fact before alluded to, but i n t 1 e additional fact that we live under a confederacy Pm bracing already twenty-six States ; no one of whiga has the power to control the election. The popular vote in each State is taken at the time appointed by the laws, and such vote is announced by the Electoral College, without reference to the deci sions of other States. The right of suffrage, and the mode of conducting the election, is regulated by the laws of each State ; and the election is distinctly fede rative is all its prominent features. Thus it is that, un like what might be the results under a consolidated system, riotous proceedings, should they prevail, could only affect the election in single States, without disturb ing, to any dangerous extent, the tranquillity of others. surplus greatly exceeds in amount what s h a ll b e re quired by a wise and prudent forecast to meet unfore seen contingencies, the Legislature itself may come to be seized with a disposition to indulge in extravagant appropriations to objects, many of which may, and ' most probably would, be found to conflict with the Corstitution. A fancy expediency is elevated above constitutional authority ; and a reckless and waste ful extravagance but too certainly follows. The i m p o rtant power of taxation, which, when exercised in its most restricted form, is a burden on labour and pro duction, resorted to, under various pretexts, f or pur poses no affinity to the moti ves whi c h di c t a t e d i t s ha grant, and the extravagance of Government stimulates individual extra 7apnce, until the s pi r it o f a w ild an d ill regulated sPit, In eculatl)rlinvolves one a n d a ll i n it s unfor tunate vier, of such fatal consequences, it may be laid ( T own as an ; - :xioni, founded in m o ra l an d political truth, that no greah:sr taxes should be imposed than are necessary for an ecurmoical administration of the Government ; and that whateYer exists beyond, should be reduced or modified. This do.` , trine does in no way conflict with the exercise of a sound dicky imination in the selection of the articles to be taxed, whicili a duo regard to the public weal would at all times suggest to the legislative wind. It leaves the range of selection un defined ; and such selection should always be made with. an eye to the great interests of the country. Composed as is the Union, of separate and independent States, as patriotic Legislature will not fail in consulting the in terc stn of the parts, to adopt such course as will be best calculated to advance the harmony of the whole ; and thus insure that permanency the policy of the Govern ment without which ail efforts 1 :,,o advance the public prosperity are vain and fruitless. 11 1, is great and vitally important tack rests with Congress ; at:d the Executive. can do no more than recommend the gene;:al principles which should govern in its execution. _ _ I refer you to the report of the Secretary of War, for an exhibition of the condition of the army ; and recom mend to you, us well worthy your best consideration, many of the suggestions it contains. The Secretary in . no degree exaggerates the great importance of pressing flirward, without delay, in the work of erecting and finishing the fortifications, to which he particularly alludes. Much has been done towards placing out . cities and roadsteads in a state of security against thee hazards of hostile attack within the last four years ; but: the new elements which have been of late years employed in the propelling of ships, and the for midable implements of destruction which have beau brought into service, we cannot be too active or vigilante in preparing and perfecting the means of defence. I refer you also to his report for a full statement of the condition of the Indian tribes within our jurisdiction. The Executive has abated no effort in carrying into effect the well-established policy of the Government, which contemplates a removal of all the tribes residing within the limits of the several States beyond those limits ; and it is now enabled to congratulate the country at the prospect of an early consummation of this object,. Many of the tribes have already made great progress in the arts of civilised life ; and through the operation of the schools established amongst them, aided by the efforts of the pious men of various religious denomina tions who devote themselves to the task of their improve ment, we may fondly hope that the remains of the for midable tribes which were once the masters of this country will, in their transition from the savage state to a condition of refinement and cultivation, add another bright trophy to adorn the labours of a well-directed philanthropy. The accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy will explain to you the situation of that branch of the service. The present organisation of the depart ment imparts to its operations great efficiency ; but I concur fully in the propriety of a division of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs, into two Bureaux. The subjects, as now arranged, are incongru ous, and require to a certain extent information and qua lifications altogether dissimilar. The operations of the squadron on the coast of Africa have been conducted with all due attention to the object which led to its organisation ; and I am happy to say that the officers and crews have enjoyed the best possible health, under the system adopted by the officer in com mand. It is believed the United States is the only na tion which has, by its laws, subjected to the punishment of death, as pirates, those who may be engaged in the slave trade. A similar enactment on the part of other nations would not fail to be attended by beneficial results. In consequence of the difficulties which have existed in the way of securing titles for the necessary grounds, operations have not yet been commenced towards the establishment of the Navy Yard at Memphis. So soon as the title is perfected, no further delay will be per mitted to intervene. It is well worthy of your conside ration, whether Congress should nut direet the esta blishment of a rope-walk, in connection with the con templated Navy Yard, as a measure not only of eco nomy, but as highly useful and necessary. The only establishment of the sort now connected with the service is located at Boston ; and the advantages of a similar establishment, convenient to the hemp-growing region, must be apparent to all. The report of the Secretary presents other matters to your consideration of an important character in con nexion with the service. In referring you to the accompanying report of the Postmaster-General, it affords me continued gratification to be able to advert to the fact that the affairs of the de partment, for the last four years, have been so conducted as, from its unaided resources, to meet its large expendi tures. On my coming into office, a debt of nearly 500,000 dollars existed against the department, which Congress discharged by an appropriation from the Treasury. The department, on the 4th of March next, will be found, under the management of the present efficient head, free of debt or embarrassment, which could only have been done by the observance and practice of the greatest vigilance and economy. The laws have contemplated throughout, that the department should be self sustained; but it may become necessary, with the wisest rc gard to public interests, to introduce amendments and alterations in the system. There is a strong desire manifested in many quarters, so to alter the tariff of letter postage as to reduce the amount of tax at present imposed. Should such measures be carried into effect, to the full extent desired, it cannot well be doubted but that, for the first years of its operation, a diminished re venue would be collected, the supply of which would necessarily constitute a charge upon the Treasury. Whether such a result would be desirable, it will be for Congress, in its wisdom, to determine. It may in general be asserted, that radical alterations in any system should rather be brought about gradually than by sudden changes; and by pursuing this prudent policy in the re duction of letter postage, the department might still sus tain itself through the revenue which would accrue by the increase of letters. The state and condition of the public Treasury has, heretofore, been such as to have precluded the recommendation of any material change. The difficulties upon this head have, however, ceased, and a large discretion is now left to the Government. I cannot too strongly urge the policy of authorising the establishment of a line of steam-ships regularly to ply between this country and foreign ports, and upon our own waters, for the transportation of the mail. The example of the British Government is well worthy of imitation in thi3 respect. The belief is strongly enter tained that the emoluments arising from the transporta tion of mail matter to foreign countries, would operate of itself as an inducement to cause individual enterprise to undertake that branch of the task ; and the remunera tion of the Government would consist in the addition readily made to our steam navy, in case of emergency by the ships so employed. Should this suggestion meet your approval, the propriety of placing such ships under the command of experienced officers of the navy will not escape your observation. The application of steam to the purposes of naval warfare cogently recommends an extensive steam marine as important in estimating the defences of the country. Fortunately this may be at tained by us to a great extent without incurring any large amount of expenditure. Steam-vessels to be en gaged in the transportation of the mails on our principal water courses, lakes, and parts of our coast, could also be so constructed as to be efficient as war vessels when needed ; and would of themselves constitute a formid able force, in order to repel attacks from abroad. We cannot be blind to the fact that other nations have already added large numbers of steam-ships to their naval arma ments, and this new and powerful agent is destined to re volutionise the condition of the world. It becomes the United States, therefore, looking to their security, to adopt a similar policy ; and the plan suggested will en able them to do so at a small comparative cost. I take the greatest pleasure in bearing testimony to the zeal and untiring industry which has characterised the conduct of the members of the Executive Cabinet. Each, in his appropriate sphere, has rendered me the most efficient aid in carrying on the Government ; and it will not, I trust, appear out of place for me to bear this public testimony. The cardinal objects which should ever be held in view by those entrusted with the admi nistration of public affairs, are rigidly, and without favour or affection, so to interpret the national will, ex pressed in the laws, as that injustice should be done to none—justice to all. This has been the rule upon which they have acted ; and thus it is believed that few cases if any, exist, wherein our fellow-citizens, who from time to time have been drawn to the seat of Government for the settlement of their transactions with the Govern ment, have gone away dissatisfied. Where the testi mony has been perfected, and was esteemed satisfactory, their claims have been promptly audited, and this in the absence of all favouritism or partiality. The Govern ment which is not just to its own people can neither claim their affection nor the respect of the world. At the same time the closest attention has been paid to those matters which relate more immediately to the great concerns of the country. Order and e - ciency in each branch of the public service have prevailed, accompanied by a system of the most rigid re sponsibility on the part of the receiving and disbursing agents. The fact, in illustration of the truth of this re mark, deserves to be noticed that the revenues of the Governmemt, amounting in the last four years to up wards of 120,000,000 dollars, have been collected and disbursed through the numerous Governmental agents, without the loss, by default, of any amount worthy of serious commentary. The appropriations made by Congress for the im pro;mentof the riversofthe west, ofsa d a i n a d io o a f s theharbours on the lakes,are in a course expenditure under suitable agents, and are designed, it is to be hoped, to realise all the benefits designed to be accomplished by Congress. I cannot, however, sufficiently impress upon Congress the great importance of withholding appro - priations from improvements which are not ascertained by previous examination and survey to be necessary for the shelter and protection of trade from the dangers of storms and tempests. Without this precaution, the ex penditures are but too apt to inure to the benefit of in. dividuals, without reference to the only consideration which can render them constitutional—the public in terests and the general good. I cannot too earnestly urge upon you the interest of this district, over which, by the Constitution, Congress has exclusive jurisdiction. It would be deeply to be regretted should there be, at any time, ground to com- d:,:u ~ } .... the 15de Ding plei. been' the and ivita , e on 1101 1;15 The re- Oh !rti- be srel eld, 3f 41 ,