The Express.
London, England, 1851-12-15 00:00:00

tho kul themselves and hnv., been

This was admitted by one of the mast (.min
British statesmen, who raid in parliament, wt

of the crown, " ti;Atif he wi4he'd fur n guide

neutrality, hr should take that laid doWn by A .• •
days of Washington and the seeretary.hip of J ...1
we see, in fact, that the act of Congrvss et 181, .
the succeeding year by an act of the parli.unes : . ~.1,
substantially the same in its general prov:• v.
that time Care had bccn no i aular law in .t

certain highly penal statute+ passed lu the r.
11., prohibiting English subject* fro!u
acts ice, the avowed object of which statutr• • • , • .

reign armies, raised for the purpose of restos
of Stuart to the throne, should not he streugt

cruiu from England lier.elf.
All must 14.4 i that difficulties may alisu in
law 4 referred to into execution in a countr, s: •

three or four thou,and milts of sea ect,t,

numb,. r of ports and barb tun and snail inb
of which unlawful caperlitions may serld“. 1,
without the knowledge of government, t

biJne.of foreigrt

Friendly i'elations with all, but entanitlin4
none, has long been a maxini with on. Our
not to propagate our opinions or bol■i.. up-
tries our form of government by artifice r

teach by example''and show by oda:suet...4, ,
justice, the blessings of self-guvernutent
free institutions. Let ry 6,05, . .t. .04
mike and alter its political institution- w>nii "sit e. a-
ciition and convenience ; but while we ! ..n
this neutral policy ourselves, we are o,la , • 0 tl.o
some forbearance on the part of 010 r forms

of government arc different fro:a our own. •
in-
terest which we feel in the spread of libcr..l , • And
the establishment of free goverimieut., and . . 40 I
With wt.:eh we witm.:s every struegle again • • opr•
forbid that we shotiL. be indifferent to a •, the
strong arm of a foreign power i, invoked ! • .';'•••
saw:m:4a and repress spirit r.f fee • ...la •..:airy.

Tte Koverumeilts of tirL-t Brit •ii. awl I

;ti -c-o-m-m7t;:•

station to prevent by fut:ev, if ufs

ntunts from any nation on the Isl , ,
tile intent. The copy of o mtmuran,luat ut . 11%, ration
on this subject between the Charm, ti klrairc, • I r I;rit.o.t-
-niz Maj..sty and the acting Eceretary of 8 , dOl a
subsequent note of the former to tie th • .rtm..nt of
state, are herewith submitted, together a,t .1 r”py
of a note of the acting Secretary of Stat.: . the mini,
ter of the French Republic, and of th, ply the
latter, on the same subp ct. These paper. m ac
you with the grounds of this interposition of is ts., !
log commercial powers of Europe, and with
signs which this government could notfai. • enter:ant,

that 'such interp4tion, if curried into effect, . •;it kait to
&noes in derogation of the maritime rik.;ht4 le.l lilted
States. Tho maritime rights of the Cuit i aro
founded on a firm. secure, and well-di they
stand upon the ground of national indepetolui.. Atil public
law, and will be maintained in all t!.e.e uu.l and just
xtont.

The principle which this government Lee licretoforo
soiemnly announced it still adheres to, and aid aisintain
under all circumstances and at till hazards. That principle
is, that iu evesv regularly documented merchant vessel, the
crew who navigate it, and those on bourd of it, will find
their protection in the flag which is over them. No
American ship can be allowed to be visited or smirched for
thu purpose of ascertninimt the character of individuals
on baard, nor can there be allowed any wate:i by the
vessels of any fureign nation over American vessels on
the coasts of the United States, or the k.,tS adjacent
thereto. It will be seen by the last communicat ion
front the British Charge d'Aftkires to the Ds sart-
ment of State, that he is authorised to assure ti., Secretary
of State that every care will be (eke:, that, in , seeming the
preventive measures ugainst the expeditions, which the
United States government itself has denounced as not
bring entitled to the protection of any government, no
interference shall take place with the lawful commerce of
any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this subject, here-
with submitted, official information has been received at the
department of state, of assurance; by the Fr.lielt govem-
ment that, in the orders given to the Freuct naval threes,
they were expressly instructed, in any operotims they might
engage in, to respect the Hig of the United State; wherever
it might appear, and to commit no act of hostility upon my
vessel or armament under its protection.
Ministers and consuls of foreign nations are the meant
and agents of communication between us and those nation+,
and it is of the utmost importance that, while
residing in the country, they should feel a perfect
security so lung as they faithfully discharge their resmetivu
duties and are guilty of no violation of our lay... This is
the admitted law of nations, antline. euuntrs ha, a deeper
interest in maintaining it than the United State, Our com-
merce spreads over every sea and visits every clime, and our
ministers and consuls are appointed to protect the interests
of that commerce, as well ha to guard the peat, of the coun-
try and maintain the honor of its flag. But how cart they
discharge these duties unit:pi they be themes-he, protected;
and, if protected, it must be by the laws of the outwit. in
which they reside. And what is due to our own reline
functionaries residing in foreign nations Use:sells. the ma-
sure of what is due to the functionaries of ocher govern-
ments residing here. As in war, thu bearers of Hies of
truce are sacred, or else wars would be interminable, I in
peace, ambassadors, public ministers and cionoils, charred
with friendly national intercour e, are object, of a special
respect and protection, each according to the rights be-
longing to his rank and station. In view of these impor-
tant principles, it is with deep mortification and rsgret I
announce to you that, during the excitement growing out
of the executions at Ilavannah, the office of her Catholin
Majesty's consul at New Orleans was assailed by a mob,
his property destroyed, the Spanish flag found in the
office carried off and torn in pieces, and lie himself
in-
duced to flee for his personal safety, which he sup-
posed to be in danger. On receiving intelligence of
' these events, I forthwith directed the attorney of the Cuind
States residing at New Orleans to inquire into the facts and
the extent of the pecuniary loss sustained by the consul,
with the intention of laying them before you, that yen
might make provision fur such indemnity to him as a just
regard for the honour of the nation and the respect whien is
due to a friendly power might, in your judgment, seem to
esquire. The eurrespendeuee upon this subject between the
the Secretary of State and her Catholic Majesty's Minister
Plenipotentiary is herewith transmitted.
The occurrence at New Orleans has led me to give m 7
attention to the state of our laws in regard to foreign am-
bassadors, ministers, and consuls. I think the legislation of
the country is deficient in not providing sufficiently either
fur the protection or the punishment of consuls. I, there-
fore, recommend the subject to the consideration of Con-
gress.
Your attention is again invited to the question of recipro-
cal trade between the United States and Canada and other
British possessions near our frontier. Overtures for a con-
vention upon this subject have been received from her
Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary, but it scenes
to be in many respects preferable that the matter should be
regulated by reciprocal legislation. Documents are laid be-
fore you showing the terms which the British government
is willing to offer, and the measures which it nary adopt, if
some arrangement upon this subject shall not be made.
Front the accompanying copy of a note front the British
legation at Washington, and the reply of the department of
state thereto, it will appear that her B. M.'s government is
desirous that a part of the boundary line between Oregon
and the British possessions should be authoritatively marked
out, and that an intention was expressed to apply to Con-
gress for an appropriation to defray the expenses thereof en
the part of the United States. Your attention to this subs
jest is accordingly invited, and s proper appropriation
recommended.
A convention for the adjustment of claims of citizens of
the United States against Portugal has been emeluded, and
the ratifications have been exchanged. The nisi instalment
of the amount to he paid by Portugal fell due on the 30th
of September last, and has been paid.
The President of the French Republic, according to tl3
provisions of the convention, has been selected arbiter in
the case of the General Armstrong, and has signified that he
accepts the trust, and the high satisfaction Le feels in act-
ing as the common friend of two nations with which trance
is united by sentiments of sincere and lasting ;unity. ,
The Turkish government has expressed its thans: for
kindoce .sireceptionon of hgiisvre‘neetno therecent
visit Sultan'st. t
the
agent, Amin
sttt,, Hoe yas
e
Secretary of State to Mr. Marsh, the Americas nunister at
otthhneet'lhfith of February last a despatch was addressed by the
Constantinople, instructing him to ask of the Turkish to:
vernment permission for the Hungarians, then impriseassz
within the domains of the Sublime Porte, to resuore to thst
country. On the 3rd of March last, both Ile USe3 of Con-
geese passed a resolution requesting the president to itathe-

the enpleynent of a public navel to convey to this I
tug.. thy Kol6llth and his associates in c iptintv.
The inatraction above referred to was complied with, :mil
the Turkish government barn- released Governor Kossuth
and MS companions from wino:, on the loth of September
1,4, elegy solharked en board of the United States steam-
frigate Nissi"iepi, :tieh was ~lotted to carry into dint
the resolution of l'oagress. Governor Kossuth left the
..t Gibraltar, for the purpose of leaking a visit
to England, and may shortly he expected in New
yeni. By enantunkt tints to the department of state
kc has 'apeman! his grateful acknowledgments for the in-
tapadtien of this governin nit in behalf of himself and his
a.usrt..tesi This country has been justly wattled as ait de
ilium for Uwe inure political crew.; ham) sadod Irma
their owa liaises in Europe; and it is recommended to
Congress to consul r is what manner Governor Kossuth lnel
hie ,eupanima, brought hilhir by its authority, sha:l he
remived atoll treated.
It is earnestly to be hoped that the differences which have
fa some time past been pending between the gas, morn%
of th.. French republic and that of the Sandwich Islands,
22.4 be peaceably and dumbly adjusted, so as to twine the
nolepeadenee o those islands. Long before tLc events
shi.h ham of late imparted s i mucli importance to the
po. • ...ions of the United Stites in the Pacific, we ae.,:now-
lida,,l the independence of the Idiwairan government.
Th,. government was first in taking that step, anti several
of tae. ksding powers of Europe immediately followed. We
wise intieencs.,l la this measure by the existing and pros-
pet tier importance of the islands as a pl..ce of refuge and
nip ..hisimit for our yowls engaged in the whale ttshsry,
and by the com,ideration that they lie in the course of the
ma trade which must at no distant day be carried on he-
tws_n the sr.-stern mast of North America and Asia.
Wiqwcre also iodinated by a desiro that those islands
should out pa-a under the control of any ender great mari-
time stab, but sin old remain in an independent condition,
sad ai be accessihl • and usefal to the commerce of all
I need not say that the importance of these con-
sisters:ems has fern rosily enhanced by the sudden and
tact deeri.,i.nient *bleb the interests of time United Stat,s
bare sttaito el is Clllll ornia and Ore eon ; and the policy
hereb.ferea.loptcd in regard loftiest islands will be stealily
paroled.
It ... gratifying not only to those who consider the tom-
menial Inten,:i 4 nations, but also to all who foe, ur the
pee-gni./ of knosh.i.e and the diffusion of religion, to ~ c a
, 41 :toss a savage state and attain sue% a
decree of delis 'non in those distant seas.
I• Is much to be deplomil that the intirnal tranquillity of
tF N!. swat. remeldic should attain be scri-us4 disturlied;
f0r..., en peace between that retsblie and the tn:ted
y. A . It I enjoyed such comparative repose th it the must
eowipattens fo- the future might, with a de-
r, , ..t.ounlynce, hove been indulged. These, however,
hv. n thwarted by the recent outer ,•ic in the state of
T..l.lalipa., on the right hunk of the Rio Ilrovn. Having
en,,,e 1 mforwation that i.crsons nom the United States
had token tart in the ineormetion, and apprehending that
ir sample might be followed by others, I mused orders
t Is. i-U4tl fur the park of preventing ony boon^ Pal.-
sinco.s .ureirst Mes.eo from being set on foot in viol ttion of
the lass of the United States. 1 lik,,wiso issued a Kochi-
?A.:am upca tie subject, a copy of which is herewith Liid
bef )on. Thi. appeared to be rendered iinperative by the
o's'.;rattoss of mat .. and the genosi duties of good usigh-
bouritessi.

In me la' annual menearte I intermit Congrcs; that MU-
: ns of.the l'hited States hnd undertaken the connection of
the two oe....uts by incur., of a railway acroe. the Isthmus of
7 hue:ilk-pre, miler a grunt of the Mexican government
to 3 ritixea of that republic ; and that this enterprise would
proleati:y prosecuted with. nerpry whco:ver MeiVeo should
esu.sur to sorb stipulatioas witn the government of the
Star as should impart a feelitor of s-curity to those
who sheidl hoist their jnegerty in the enterprise.
A eonn.ution between the two governments for the ac-
templi-!ain at of that end has been ratified by this govern.
mid. and only awaits the decision of the Congress and the
istrovin of that repoblic.
Nan, we've• fled difficulties and delays have arisen in
reihcat:on of that convention by Mexico, but it is to be
fe -tted that her deeisioo will be governed by just soden-
.• veiled views, u well of the general importanek of the
•vf her own interests unit obligations.
ju n ....fining upon this important subject, this govern-
ra, • ; bad in view one, and only one ohjeet. Ti,at ob-
ject V... L,en, tool is, the construction and attainmut o: a
pi....ere from ocean to «ran, the shortest and the lust for
tras-Aers and merehandi,..., and equally open to all the
world. It has sought to obtain no territorial acquivition
nor aay advantages p..-eutiar to itself ; audit woubl with
the ;to at.d r:..rret, that 'Af,xico should oppose any obstacle
tote., ..ccemplishment of an enterprise which promises so
maim 11 enovenlenee to the whole comm. rcial world, and such
in.M. nt adrautnees to Meeks, hers. If. Impressed with
Co • uriments and these cotivetions, the government wiil
cemieue to exert cU roper efforts to bring ahead th. fleece-
• ..erangement with the Republic of Meiji* fur the
• nen:dation of the work.
Vir ...MC 'smiths past the Republic of Xicaragna has
1.. th, theatre of um., of th,..se civil convulsions, from
• the cau..e of five institutions, and the general pros-
perity and social progress of the titans of Central America,
b.% •sa Oltv!I and so seven ly surf, red. Ludt quiet shall
r stored, and a government apparently stuble
shi'l hose ',/,'oll organised, no totratire can rrudently
Made is dispo.ing of the questions jeendin4 between the two
coantries.

I am happy to announce that an in!er-oct mic commtni-
cation from the mouth of the St. John to the Pact& has

been a 0 far aeconip,ished vs that pai,, tigers have actually
!ravened it, and mereannl,.e has Len traugported over it;
and when the canal ',hull .v.• been eempleted according to
the original plan, the mean, of communicati.m will be tur-
they roved.
It is uudenitvoil that a considerable part of the railroad
an... the Isthninv of l'unona ha, been completed, and
that the mail and yaasengery will in future be conveyed
thereon.

Whir iever of the several routes between the two oceans
m ultimately prove mod eligible fur the travelers to and
froM the different stat.. ow the Atlantic and Oulf of Mex-
ico, and our coot ou the Pacific, there is little reason to
that all of them will bo useful to the public, and
will liberally reward that individual enterprise, by which
a:. or they hams beat or are expected to be carried into
Peace has been concluded between contending parties in
the isle id of St. Domingo, and it is hoped upon a durable
Leis Such is the • :tent of our COUILII.2f el el reLe.iuris with
that island, that the l'nitral States cannot fail to feel a
strong interest in its tranquillity.
The once of Commissioner to China remains unfilled;
arum-rd persona have been appointed, awl the place has been
eared to others, all of whom have declined its acceptance,
on the ground of the inadequacy of the compensation. The
mie.ial allowance I:y law is hi,ooo dole., and there is no pro-
vision foe any outfit. I earnestly recommend the considera-
tions of this subject to Congress. Our commerce with China
is I ighly important, and is becoming more and more so, in
eu,scitu, nee of the increasing intercourse between our ports
on the Pacific Coast and Ea.tens Asia. China is understood
to be a country in which living is very expensive, and I
boot no reason why the American Commissioner sent thi-
th,r should not be placed, an regard to compensation, on an
ccual footing with ministers who represent this counts,' at
e..arts of Europe.
By reference to the report of the Secretary of the Trea-
sury. it will be seen that the agzregate rec,"ipts for the last
Is, al year amounted to 52,312,919 dots. 147 e.; which, with
the ILilance in the treasury on the lot July, 1&30, (SIR as
th, available
means for the year, the sum of 38,917,%24
doh 34;c.

'I le. total expenditures for tho samo period were
.0.0.L078 dots. 6&.
7h. total imports ter the year ending 30th
June, 18. I, were
01 w:lich there were in specie
The sports (or the same period were 217,517,130 deli.
Ot which there wcre of

;;Ci;;;dects7.:: 178,540,535 dolt.
foreign goods re-ex-
ported 0,738,091 dole.
bp, tie 29,231,880 doll.
217,517,130 dole.
Since the Ist of December last the payments in cash on
acroint of the public debt, exclusive of interest, have
amounted to 7,501,4.16 dole. 54k. ; which, however, includes
the 'um of 3,242,100 dots. paid under the 12th article of the
treaty with Mexico, and the further sum of 2,591,213 dole.
1.", e , ing the amount of awards to American citizens under
the' late Wily with Mexico, fur which the issue of stock was
authorised, but which was paid in cash from the Treasury.
The public debt un the 20th ultimo, exclusive of the stock
authorised to be i-sueil to Texas by the act of 9,h Septem-
ber, lbA, was 62,160,305 dots. 26e.
The receipts for the neat fiscal year are estimated at
51,8.00,000 dots., which, with the probable unappropriated
balance in the Treasury, on the 30th June next, will give,
a. the probable available means for that year, the sum of
63,2:04,473 dots.
It has been deemed proper, in view of the large expendi-
ture. consequent upon the acquisition of territory from
Mexii o, that the estimates fur the next fiscal year should
be laid before Congress in such manner as to distinguish
th, expenditures so required from the otherwise ordinary
demands upon the Treasury.
The total expenditures for the next fiscal year are esti-
mated at 42,b92.299 dots. 19e., of which there is required
for the onlinary purposes of the Government, other than
those conseque,t upon the acquisition of our new territo-
ries, and deducting the payments on account of the public
debt, the sum of 33,313,193 dots. 8 e. ; and for the purposes
eonriected directly or indirectly with those territories, and
in the fulfiluicut of the obligations of the Government, con-
tracted in consequence of their acquisition, the sum of
9,519,101 dots. 11 c.
If the views of the secretary of the Treasury in reference
to the expenditure required for these territories shall be met
byrorresponding action on the part of Congress, and appro-
priations made in accordance therewith, there will be an
estimated unappropriated balance on the 30th of June,
12+,3, of 20,366,443 doll. 90c., wherewith to meet that por-
tion of the public debt due on the first July following,
suneuntiog to 6,237,931 dohs. 35e., as well as any appropn-
LL which may be made beyond the estimates..
lu thus referring to the estimated expenditures en
accou4t of our at wly.acquired territories, I may express the
lope that Congress will concur with me in the desire that a
likral course of policy may be pursued toward them, and
that every obligation, express or implied, entered into in
030secluence of their, acquisition, shall be fulfilled by the
n 0,4 liberal appropriations for that purpose.
The value of our domestic exports for the last fiscal year,
as compared with those of the previous year, exhibit an
inerrase of 13,616,322 dolt. At first view this condition of ,
me trade with foreign nations would seem to presentthei
meat flattering hopes of its future prosperity. An elimina-
tion of the details of our exports, however, will show that
thy increased value of our exports fur the last fiscal year is
to be found in the high price of cotton which prevailed

daring the first half of that )car, which price has once
declined about °eclair.

The value of our export+ of breadstuff+ end provisions,
which it was supposed the incentive of a low tariff and large
impertations from abroad would have greatly augmented,
has fallen from ge,761,92111015., in 1847, to 26.041,373 dots.
is 1850, and to 21,916,61 i dols., in 1841. with a strong pro-
bability, amounting almost to a certainty, of a still Pinker
reduction in the current year.
The aggregate values of rice exported during the last fiscal
68 coapared with the previous year, also exhibit a
automating to 460,917 0.06., which, with a decline
In the values of the exports of tobacco for the same period,
make an aggregate &crease in these two articles of
1,156,751 dots.

The policy which dictated a low rate of duties on foreign
Merchandise, it was thought by those who promoted and
established it, would tend to be at fit the farming population
of this country, by increasing the demand and rai,ing the
price of agricuitural products in foreign markets.
The foregoing facts, however, sam to show incontestibly
that nu such result Ims followed the adoption of this policy.
Oa the contrary, notwithstanding the repeal of the resttic-
i dye corn laws of England, the foreign demand for the pro-
' ducts of the American farmer has steadily declined, since
the short crops and consequent famine in a portion of
Europe have been happily realaced by full crops and com-
parative abundance ot food.
It will bo seen by recurring to the commercial statistics
for the past year that the value of our domestic exports has
been increased in the single it,m of rawcottnn by 10,000,000
dollars ..ta the value of that extort for the y, ar preceding.
This is not due to any inerewal general demand for that
article, but to the short crop of the preceding year. Should
the cott,a crop now going to: ware. to market Is, only equal
in qttawity to that of the year preceding, and he sold at the
present prie'.s, then titer: would be a falling oaf in the value
of our exports for the pnan ut fiscal year of at least
40,00) o',') d 01.., compared with i.e amount exported for the
year er.r.ng 33th June,
The production of gold in California for the past year
seems to promise a large supply o: that metal from that
quarter tar some time to come. This large anuttal increase
of the currency of the world must Ito attended with itr %mai
results. These have been already partially cli,clormi in the
enhancement of prices atria risiog spirit of speculation and
adventure, tending to overtrading us well at home r.s
Ahmed. Unless some salutary cheek shall be given to the
tendencies it is to be feared that importations of foreign
goods beyond a healthy demand in thi• country will lead to
a sudden drain of the precious metuls from us, brining with
it, as it has done in former timer, the most die:Arius con-
sequence* to the business and capital of the _American
people.
rite exports of specie to liquidate our foreign debt during
the past lisral year have been 21,203,9;0 dol.. over the
amount of specie import( d. The exports of specie during
the first qua:ter of the prerut fiscal year hate been
14,041,1+27 dale. Should specie continue to be exported at
this rate for the remaining three quarters of this year, it
will drain from our metallic currency during the fear cod-
ing 30th June, I Vr2, the enormous amount of 58,17,3,18 dots.
In the present prosperous condition of tire national
finance.,, it will becorue the duty cf Congress to ermaider the
beet mode of paying rtif the:pa:die debt. If the present
and anticipate l surplus in ti.c 'Treasury should oat be ab-
sorbed by appropriations of an extraordinary character,
thia surplu: should b.- t mpP.yed in such way, and under
such restrictions, as Congress may enact, in extinguishing
the outstanding debt of the nation.
By reference to the “et of Congre.,s approved oth Septem-
ber, 1850, it will be seen tl at, ire consideration of eertaiu
C'HICOSSIOIIII by the state of Texas, it is provided that the
" United States shall pay to the state of Texas the sum of
ten ;millions of dollars, in a stock bearing fire per rent.
interest, and redeemable at t!to tail of fourteen years, the
interest payable ha:f-yearly at the Treasury of the Unit,l
States."

a -----.
In the same section of the law it is further provided
° that no more than five millions of the said stock shall be is-
sued until the creditors of the state holding beads rind
other certifleates of stock of Tes et, for w!..elt duties on
import* were specially pledged, skill first file at the Trea-
sury of the United Mates reicasee of all claim. against the
tinted State", for or ou aceetiut of said bonds, or certi-
ficates, in such feria as shall be prescribed by the Secre-
tary of the Treastu y, and approves by the ?resident of the
United States."
The form of release thus provided for has been pre-
scribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and unproved. It
Las been punished in all the leading newspaper. in the
commercial cities of the United States, and all persons hold-
ing claims of the kind specified in the foregoing proviso
were required to file their releases (in the form thus pre-
scribed) in the Treasury of thu tuited States, en or before
the bit day of October, 1831. Although this rubacation
hss been co:dinned from the 15th day of March, illl,
yet u, to the lot of October last compandively fe.v releaaes
had been tiled by the creditor* of Texas.
The authorities of the state of Texas, at the request of the
Secretary oldie Treasury, have furuiel.ed a selteeinle of the
public debt of that state created prier to her admission into
the Vision with a copy of the laws under which cacti chess
was contracted.
I have, from documents furnished by the &tete of Texas,
determined the classes of claims which in my juelainent fall
within the provisions of the ert of Congress of 'the 9th of
September, le3d.
Ou bring officially informed of the acceptance by Texas
of the propositions endaiutil in the act referred to, I caused
the stock to he prepared, and the live millions which are to
be Issued unconditionally. bearitas an interest of five per
emit. from the l,t day of January, 1851, have been for some
limo ready to be delivered to the state of Texas. The au-
thorities of Texas, up to the present time, have not autho-
rised any one to receive the stuck, and it remains in the
treasury departmeut, subject to the order of Texas.
The releases, required by law to be deposited in the trea-
sury, not having been filet there, the remaining five mil-
lions have not been issues). This last amount el the stock
will be withheld from Texas until the condi ions upon
which it is to be delivered shall be complied with by the
creditors of that State, unless Congress shall otherwise
direct by a modification of the law.
In my last annual message, to which I respectfully refer,
I stated luridly the reasons which induced me to recommend
a modification of the prevent tariff, by converting the ad
valorem into a specific duty, wherever the article imported
WOO of such a Character as to permit it, and that such 3 dis-
criminatien should be made, ha favour of the industrial pur-
suits of our own country, as to encourage home production
without excluding foreign competition.
The numerous frauds which continue to be practised upon
the revenue, by false invoices and undervaluations, consti-
tute an unanswerable reason fer adopting specific instead of
ad valorem duties in all vises where the nature of the
commodity does not forbid it. A striking illustration of
these frauds will be exhibited in the Report of the Secre-
tary of the Treasury, shooing the custom-house valuation
of articles imported under a former law subject to specific
duties, when there was no iudueement to under-valuation,
and the custom-house valuation of the same articks, under
the present system of tat trawl In duties, so greatly reduced
as to leave no doubt of the existence of the most flagrant
abuses under the existing law. This practical evasion of
the present law, combitied with the languishing condition
of some of the great interests of the country, caused by over
importations and consequent depressed prices, sod with the
failure in obtaining a foreign market fur our increasing
surplus of breadstuff, and provisions, has induced me again
to recommend a modification of the existing tariff.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior, which ac-
companies this communication, will present a condensed
statement of the operations of that important department
of the government.
It will be seen that the cash sales of the public lends ex-
ceed those of the preceding year, and that there is reason
to anticipate a still further increase, notwithstanding the
large donations which have been made to many of thestates,
and the liberal grants to individuals as a reward for milt-
Lary services. This fact furnishes very gratifying evidence
of the growing wealth and prosperity of our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for commencing'
the suruey of the public lands in California and Oregon.
Surveying parties huve been organised, and some progress
has been made in establishing the principal base and meri-
dian lines. But further legislation and additional appro-
priations will be necessary before the proper subdivisions
can be made, and the general land system extended over
those remote parts of our territory.
On the 3rd of Meech last an act was passed providing for
the appointment of three commissioners to settle private
land claims in California. Three persons were immediately
appointed, all of whom, however, declined accepting the
office, in consequence of the inadequacy of the compensa-
tion. Others were promptly selected, who, for the same
reason, also declined; and it was not until late in the sea-
son that the services of suitable persons could be secured.
A majority of the commissioners convened in this city on
the loth of September last, when detailed instructions
were given to them in regard to their duties. Their first
meeting for the transaction of business will be held in San
Francisco on the Bth day of the present month.
I have thought it proper to refer these facts, not only to
explain the causes of the delay in filling the commission,
but to call your attention to the propriety of increasing the
compensation of the commissioners. The office is one of
great labour and responsibility, and the .ompensation
should be such as to command men of Ogee order of talents
and the most unquestionable integrity.
The proper disposal of the mineral lands of California is a
subject surrounded by great difficulties. In my last annual
message I recommended the survey and sale of them in
small parcels, under such restrictions as would effectually
guard against monopoly and speculation. But upon further
information, and in deference to the opinions of persons fa-
miliar with the subject, I am inclined to change that recom-
mendation, and to advise that they be permitted to remain,
as at present, a common field, open to the enterprise and
industry of all our citizens, until further experience shall
have developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted in
regard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconveniences that
DOW exist, for a short period, than by premature legislation,
to fasten on the country a system founded in error, which
may place the whole subject beyond the future control of
congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed and
brought into market with as little delay as possible, that
the titles may become settled, and the inhabitants stimu-
lated to make permanent improvements, and enter on the
ordinary pursuits of life. To effect these objects, it is de-
sirable that the necessary provision be magic by law fur the
establishment of land offices in California and Oregon, and
for the efficient prosecution of the surveys at an early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organising the terri-
torial governments of New Mexico and Utah, and, when
more accurate information shall be obtained of the causes,
a further communication will be made on that subject.
In my I tot annual communication to Calgress I recom-
mended the establishment of an agricultural bureau, and I
take this occasion again to invoke your favourable consi-
deration of the subject.
Agriculture may justly bo regarded as the grc-t interest