The Sun.
London, England, 1848-12-22 00:00:00

FRIDAY EVENINP, DECEMBER 22, 1848.7

COURT CIRCULAR..
WINDSOR, THURSDAY.

The Queen and Prince Albert arrived at the Castle at
twenty minutes before two o'clock this afternoon, in a
carriage and four from the Slough station of the Great
Western Railway. Her Majesty and his Royal High
Dees was accompanied from her Majesty's marine resi-
dt nce, Osborne, Isle of Wight, by their Royal High-
nesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, the Princess
Royal, the Princess Alice, the Princess Helena, and the
Princess Louisa. The royal suite consis'ed of the
Viscountess Canning, Lady in waiting; Lady Caroline
Somers Cocks, Maid of Honour in waiting; Major-
General Wemyss, Equerry in Waiting; and Colonel
Bouverie, Equerry in waiting to his Royal Highness.
A detachment of the 2d Life Guards formed the es-
cort of the august party from the Slough station to the
Castle.
The Queen and Prince Albert were received at the
grand entrance by Lord Camoys. Lord in waiting; the
Master of the Household, and the Hon. and Rev. C.
Leslie Courtenay.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended
by Baroness de Speth, and Sir George Couper, returned
to-day to her residence, Frogmore House, from a visit
to her Majesty the Queen Dowager, at the Priory,
Stanmore.
Lady Fanny Howard, Lady in Waiting on her Royal
Highness the Duchess of Kent, arrived at Frogmore
House to-day.

THE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

We gave in the whole of our impression yesterday
a summary of the news brought by the Cambria. We
have since received our files, with a copy of the Pre-
sident's Message. The Message was presented to
Congress on the sth inst., and is of unusual length.
In reprinting it, we have omitted a few prragraphs,
chiefly of repetition, and have indicated the various
subjects enlarged on, by headings. The document
commences by reference to
THE POLITICAL CONVULSIONS OF THE EUROPEAN CON-
TINENT.
In reviewing the great events of the past year, and
contrasting the agitated and disturbed state of other
countries with our own tranquil and happy condition,
we may congratulate ourselves that we are the most
favoured people on the face of the earth. While
the
people of other countries are struggling to es-
tablish free institutions, under which man may govern
himself, we are in the actual enjoyment of them—a rich
inheritance from our fathers. While enlightened na-
tions of Europe are convulsed and distracted by civil
war or intestine strife, we settle all our political con-
troversies by the peaceful exercise of the rights of freemen at
the ballot-box. The great republican maxim, so deeply en-
graven on the hearts of our people, that the will of the ma-
jority, constitutionally expressed, shall prevail, is our sure
safeguard against force and violence. It is a subject of just
pride, that our fame and character as a nation continue ra-
pidly to advance in the estimation of the civilized world.
To our wise and free institutions it is to be attributed, that
while other nations have achieved glory at the price of the
suffering, distress, and impoverishment of their people, we
have won our honourable position in the midst of an uninter-
rupted prosperity, and of an increasing individual comfort
and happiness. lam happy to inform you that our relations
with all nations are friendly. Advantageous treaties of
commerce have been concluded within the last four
years with New Granada, Peru, the Two Sicilies,
Belgium, Hanover, Oldenburg, and Mecklenburgh-Schwerin.
Pursuing our example, the restrictive system of Great Bri-
tain, our principal foreign customer, has been relaxed, a more
liberal commercial policy has been adopted by other enlight-
ened nations, and our trade has been greatly enlarged and
extended. Our country stands higher in the respect of the
world than at any former period. To continue to occupy
this proud position, it isonly necessary to preserve peace, and
faithfully adhere to the great and fundamental principle of
our foreign policy, of non-interference in the domestic con-
cerns of other nations. We recognise the rights which we
enjoy ourselves, to change and reform their political institu-
tions according to their own will and pleasure. Hence we
do not look behind existing governments capable of main-
taining their own authority. We recognise all such actual
governments, not only from the dictates of truly policy, but
from s sacred regard for the independence of nations.
While this is our settled policy, it does not follow that we
can ever be indifferent spectators of the progress of liberal
principles. The Government and people of the United States
hailed with enthusiasm and delight the establishment of the
French Republic, as we now hail the efforts in progress to
unite the States of Germany in a confederation similar in
many respects to our own Federal Union. If the great and
enlightened German States, occupying as they do a central
and commanding position in Europe, shall succeed in esta-
blishing such a confederated government, securing at the
same time to the citizens of each state local governments
adapted to the peculiar condition of each, with unrestricted
trade and intercourse with each other, it will be an important
era in the history of human events. Whilst it will consoli-
date and strengthen the power of Germany, it must essen-
tially promote the cause of peace, commerce, civilization, and
constitutional liberty throughout the world.
With all the Governments on this continent our relations,
it is believed, are now on a more friendly and satisfactory
footing than they have ever been at any former period.
THE WAR WITS MEXICO.
Since the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of peace
with Mexico, our intercourse with the Government of that
Republic has been of the most friendly character. The Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United
States of Mexico has been received and accredited ; and •
diplomatic representative from Mexico of similar rank has
been received and accredited by this Government. The
amicable relations between the two countries, which had
been suspended, have been happily restored, and are des-
tined I trust, to be long preserved. The two republics, both
situated on this continent, and with coterminous territories,
have every motive of sympathy and of interest to bind them
together in perpetual amity.
One of the most important results of the war into which
we were recently forced with a neighbouring nation, is the
demonstaation it has afforded of the military strength of our
country. Before the late war with Mexico, European and
other foreign powers entertained imperfect and erroneous
views of our physical strength as a nation, and of our ability
to prosecute war, and especially a war waged out of our own
country. They saw that our standing army, on the peace
establishment, did not exceed ten thousand men. Accus-
tomed themselves to maintain, in peace, large standing
armies, for the protection of thrones, against their own sub-
jects, as well as against foreign enemies, they had not con-
ceived that it was possible for a nation without such an
army, well disciplined and of long service, to wage war suc-
cessfully. They held in low repute our militia, and were far
from regarding them as an effective force, unless it might be
for the temporary defensive operations when invaded on our
own soil. The events of the late war with Mexico have not
only undeceived them, but have removed erroneous impres-
sions which prevailed to some extent even among a portion
of our own countrymen. That war has demonstrated that
upon the breaking out of hostilities not anticipated, and for
which no previous preparation had been made, a volunteer I
army of citizen soldiers, equal to veteran troops, and in num-
bers equal to any emergency, can, in a short period, be brought
into the field. Unlike what would have occurred in any
other country, we were under no necessity of resorting
to drafts or conscriptions. On the contrary, such was
the number of volunteers who patriotically tendered
their services, that the chief difficulty was in making
selections and determining who should be disappointed
and compelled to remain at home. Our citizen-soldiers are
unlike those drawn from the population of any other coun-
try. They are composed indiscriminately of all professions
and pursuits; of farmers, lawyers, physicians, merchants,
manufacturers, mechanics and labourers; and this, not only
among the officers, but the private soldiers in the ranks. Our
citizen-soldiers are unlike those of any other country in
other respects. They are armed, and have been accustomed,
from their youth up, to handle and use firearms ; and a large
proportion of them, especially in the western and more
newly settled states, are expert marksmen. They are men
who have a repution to maintain at home by their good
conduct in the field. They are intelligent, and there is an
individuality of character which is found in the ranks of
no other army. In battle, each private man, as well as
every officer, fights not only for his country, but for glory
and distinction among his fellow-citizens when he shall re-
turn to civil life.
After some further details respecting the war, the Presi-
dent says—
The war with Mexico has thus fully developed the capacity
of Republican Governments to prosecute successfully ajust and
necessary foreign war with all the vigour usually attributed
to more arbitrary forms of government. It has been usual
for writers on public law to impute to republics a want of hat
unity, concentration of purpose, and vigour of execution,
which are generally admitted to belong to the munarchicel
and aristocratic forms; and this feature of popular govern-
ment has been supposed to display itself more particularly in
the conduct of a war carried on in an enemy's territory.
The war with Great Britain, in 1812, was to a great extent
confined within our own limits, and shed but little light on
this subject. But the war which we have just closed by an
honourable peace evinces beyond all doubt that a popular
representative Government is equal to any emergency which
is likely to arise in the affairs of a nation.
The war with Mexico has developed most strikingly and
conspicuously another feature in our institutions. It is, that
without cost to the Governments or danger to our liberties,
we have, in the bosom of our society of freemen, available in
a just and necessary war, virtually a standing army of two
millions of armed citizen soldiers, such as fought at the bat-
tles of Mexico.
But our military strength does not consist alone in our ca-
pacity for extended and successful operations on land. The
navy is an important arm of the national defence. If the ser-
vices of the navy were not so brilliant as those of the army in
the late war with Mexico, it was because they had no enemy
to meet on their own element. While the army had oppor-
tunity of performing more conspicuous service, the navy
largely participated in the conduct of the war. Both branches
of the service performed their whole duty to the country.
For the able and gallant services of the officers and men of
the navy—acting independently as well as in co-operation
with our troops—in the conquest of the Californias, the cap-
ture of Vera Cruz, and the seizure and occupation of other
important positions on the Gulph and Pacific coasts, the
highest praise is due. Their vigilance, energy, and skill ren-
dered the most effective service in excluding munitions of
war and other supplies from the enemy, while they seured
a safe entrance for abundant supplies for our own army.c Our
extended commerce was nowhere interrupted; and for this
immunity from the evils of war, the country is indebted to
the navy. High praise is also given to the officers of the
several executive bure
MICW
aux.
THE TERRITORIZS.
The area of these several territories (Texas, New Mexico,
and California), according to a report carefully prepared by
the Commissioner of the General Land Office, from the most
authentic information in his possession, and which is here-
with transmitted, contains one million one hundred and
ninety-three thousand and sixty-one square miles, or seven
hundred and sixty-three million five hundred and fifty-nine
thousand and forty acres; while the area of the remaining
twenty-nine States, and the territory not yet organized. into
states, east of the Rocky Mountains, contains two million r fifty-
nine thousand five hundred and thirteen square miles, o
thirteen hundred and eighteen million one hundred and
twentv-six thousand and fifty-eight acres. These estimates
show that the territories recently acquired, and over which
our exclusive jurisdiction and dominion have been extended,
constitute a country more than half as large as all that which
was held by the United States before their acquisition. The
iMtsiscseins stirpep. i , slov
iltaht eltyh
e the
addition
dfrontier of f
the our caot
late natergyu, .i
ts x!loow s, on
United States are now estimated to be nearly as large as the
nthlye
whole of Europe. Other statistical details follow.
tang
eprpael rwCeaallift
ho rrneica,enittl
yr s. stated
ptehda tt,h irrespective
of Respectingthe
thisvdaas yt
in point of value and importance to the rest of
the Union, the same relation that Louisiana did when that
fine territory was acquired from France forty-five years ago.
Extending nearly ten degrees of latitude along the Pacific,
and embracing the only safe surd co.mmodious harbours on
that coast for many hundred miles, with a temperate climate,
and au extensive interior of fertile lands, it is scarcely pos.
sible to estimate its wealth until it shall be brought under
the government of our laws, and its resources fully deve-
loped. From its position, it must command the rich com-
merce of China, of Asia, of the islands of the Pacific, of Wes-
tern Mexico, of Central America, the South American States,
and of the Russian possessions bordering on that ocean. A
great emporium will doubtless speedily arise on the Cali-
tornian coast, which may be destined to rival in im-
portance New Orleans itself. The depot of the vast
commerce which must exist on the Pacific will pro-
bably be at some point on the bay of San Francisco,
and will occupy the same relation to the whole western coast
of that ocean as New Orleans does to the valley of the Mis-
sissippi and the Gulph of Mexico. To this depot our nume-
rous whale ships will resort
with their cargoes, to trade,
refit, and obtain supplies. This, of itself, will largely cor.tri!
bute to build up a city, which would soon become the cen-
tre of a great and rapidly increasing commerce. Situated
on a safe harbour, sufficiently capacious for all the navies
as well as the marine of the world, and convenient to excel-
lent timber for ship building, owned by the United St .tes, it
must become our great western naval depot.
It was known that mines of the precious metals existed to
a considerable extent in California at the time of its acquisi-
tion. Recent discoveries render it probable that these mines
are more extensive and valuable than was anticipated. The
accounts of the
.abundance of gold in that territory are of
such an extraordinary character as would scarcely command

-
10%

Mr. Yates had an interview with Earl Grey yester-
day, at the Colonial-office. The M.rquis of Breadal-
bane had also an interview yesterday with the Noble Earl.
Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-
office from the Governor of Canada, and also from the
Governors of the other North American colonies.

WEST INDIA MAIL.
(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH).
SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY .—The Great Western steamer,
with the West Indian and Mexican mails, has arrived at
Southampton.
Her dates are—Vera Cruz, Nov. 15th; Tampico, 13th;
Havannah, 26th; Honduras, 6th; Jamaica, Llst
She brings 37.313 dolls. for account of Mexican bond-
holders, and 2,000,000 dolls. on merchants' accounts.
The commercial inteliigence brought by her from the
West India islands is not very important. Sugar was de-
clining in value at Jamaica.
Mexico was tolerably tranquil, and business matters
improving.

WEST RIDING ELECTION.
TO THE. EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Sint,—l think the result of the poll in the West Rid-
ing clearly proves the necessity of electing more than
two Representatives for such a constuuency. According
to the sheriff's declaration, nearly 12,000 electors voted
against Mr. Denison, and yet this gentleman is sent to
Parliament to represent their opinions, or, more properly
speaking, to misrepresent them. Such a numerous dis-
trict should have at least four or six Members; and, had
it been so in the present case, those 12,000 voters would
have had an opportunity of choosing a man partaking
a little of their own sentiments and ideas.
Yours faithfully,
A SUBSCRIBER.
South Molion-street, Dec. 20, 1848.

....
6%

ORM
2',t

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
TATTERSALL'S.--YESTERDAY.
The few bets given underneath do not show any change
in the prices:—

is 7,4
lit

_
1137/B

14%
7'

26
1
iv
7%
52
10%
251 A

CHESTER CUP.
,000 to 15 agst Mr. Greville's Geraldine—t to 1501.
,000 to 15 agst Mr. J. Peck's Melody—taken
,000 to 15 sgst Lord Eglinton's Lugar—taken
000 to 15 agst Mr. C. NISrSOII'S PIUS the Ninth—t
,000 to 15 agst Captain Harcourt's Ellcrdale—taken
000 to 15 apt Mr. B. Green's Sylvan—taken
The following bets were laid at Newport Pagnell on
Tuesday last:-
2,000 to 30 agst Mr. Merry's Chanticleer—taken
2,000 to 30 agst Mr. Osbaldeston's Fugleman—taken
LOCO to 15 apt Mr. Skerratt's Egret—taken
1,000 to 15 agst Mr. Fowler's Ribaldry—taken
1,000 to 10 agst Lord Chesterfield's Mrs. Tatt.—taken
DERBY.

3,500 to 70 agst Mr. Pedley's Old Dan Tucker—taken
3,000 to 45 agst Mr. W. Jones's Magician —taken
1,000 to 15 agst Colonel Peel's Indus—taken

BURFORD'S Nxw PANORAMA OF TUB RUINS OF
POMPEII.—The new Panorama of the Ruins of Pompeii,
painted by Mr. Robert Burford (assisted by Mr. H. C. Seions),
will be opened to the public to-morrow, at the Panorama,
Leicester-square. We were this morning favoured with a
private view of this exquisite work of art, which
is surpassingly beautiful. Mr. Burford has here had
the advantage of the Italian sky which throws such a deli-
cious hue over every object, and he has reproduced the
delightful atmospheric effects with a truthfulness which
leaves nothing to desire. The ruined city appears in the
fore ground backed up in the distance by the Appenines,
while Mount Vesuvius seems louring over the de-
voted city in all the sublime majesty of irresistible power.
The localities of Pompeii are here all traced out, and so com-
plete is the illusion that it requires no great stretch of fancy
to imagine that one is really walking in the " City disin-
terred." All the admirers of Bulwer's " Last Days of Pom-
peii" should make a pilgrimage to Leicester-square. As a
work of art this is, perhaps, the finest, certainly the most
classical, painting that Mr. Burford has yet produced.
The long promised consolidation of the Boards of
Excise and Stamps and Taxes into one Board of Internal
Revenue has just been completed; though an Act of Par-
liament will be required to carry out the new arrangement.
The Commissioners will be reduced from twelve to seven,
though for the present, and till a vacancy occurs, there will
be eight. It is unnecessary to observe that money will be
saved by the change. As soon as the arrangements can be
effected there will be a very considerable diminution in the
staff of officers throughout the country.— Times.
GENERAL Toss Tnuass.—The American papers
state the illustrious mannikin to be in excellent health, and
that his size and weight have not increased. He appears
nightly at the Broadway Theatre
SOUTHWOLIe, DEC. 20.—The south-west Beacon Buoy, off
the Barnard Sand, came on shore at Covehithe this morning.
" SHUTTING OF THE GATEE."--Yesterday being
the anniversary of the " Shutting of the Gates of Derry."
the Orange wiseacres attempted the usual glorification.
Lundy's effigy was hung upon the Testimonial at an
early hour ; but the wind swayed the poor figure about
in so wild a manner that sundry of its appurtenances,
together with the papers chronicling the misdeeds of the
original, were blown away and lost. Orange flags and
joy bells also had their part in the demonstration ; and
Roaring Meg shook her crazy sides with a few dis-
charges—the " boys" being now wont to handle her
very gingerly, in consequence of a mishap which oc-
curred to some shoeless and unskilled gunners six or
seven yi ars ago. " Altogether," a correspondent informs
us, " the affair was as sorry a spectacle as could be de-
sired to give the most rampant Orangeman a fit of the
blues."—Dublin Pilot.

DARING BURGLARY IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Early on the morning of the 17th inst., five fellows, with
their faces painted, broke into the lone farm-house of
Mr. Thomas Lovell, of Catehanger, Wood-end, North-
amptonshire, and in the most daring manner stripped it
of all the portable articles of value they could put their
hands on. Three of the burglars had guns, and the other
two had bludgeons. The barking of a dog in the house
awoke Mr. Lovell, who, having tears that thieves were in
the house, alarmed his wife, a little girl, and a young
man, who composed his establishment, and called on all
to dress themselves directly. This they proceed to do,
but era they had finished, the villains came up stairs, and
demanded the money that was in the place. They made
the mistress unlock her boxes. The owner had but
4s. 6d. in the house. At this they were disappointed. He
bad that day
.sold a load of wheat and taken the money,
but had paid it away again, After getting together the
silver articles, linen, wearing apparel, a gun, a watch,
wine, brandy, hams, &c., to carry away, they regaled
themselves in the kitchen; and remained there nearly
three hours. During this time the inmates were made,
by threats, passive spectators. The robbers, out of bra •
vado, fired their guns through the ceiling of the room,
and, on leaving with their plunder, left the worthy man's
ale tap running, so as to let his beer run away into the
cellar. They did not leave a change of linen for the
occupiers of the house. During Mr. Lovell's absence
from home last year a similar sweeping robbery was
committed.
ANTI-WATER MONOPOLY LEAGUE.—Last evening
a meeting was held at the Literary,lnstitution, Leicester-
square, convened by the Anti-Water Monopoly League,
to take into consideration the means of obtaining
.a
purer, cheaper, and more abundant supply of water in
the metropolis. Mr. lorry, barrister, was voted to the
chair, and stated that there was on the chalk stratum
beneath the metropolis sufficient water to supply twenty
millions of people, pure and wholesome, and as it was an
all important question the supply of water, to promote
the health and comfort of the people, h. e considered that
all classes should co-operate to obtain it as cheap and
plentitul as they could. A resolution ;was passed con-
demning the present supply as dear, scarce, and inter-
mittent, and the cause of uncleanness and disease
amongst the population. It was also resolved that the
Government be empowered to purchase the rights of the
existing water companies, with a view to a better supply
of the metropolis.
GENERAL ORDINATIoN.—The Lord Bishop of
Hereford held a general ordination at All Saint's Church,
Hereford, on Sunday last, the 17th instant, when the
following gentlemen were admitted into holy orders,
v;z.:—Deacons: George James Curtis, 8.A., Worcester
College, Oxford; William Harley, 8.A., slagdalene
College, Cambridge; Arthur Sorcery Male, 8.A., St.
Peter's College, Cambridge; William Molineux, 8.A.,
Christ's Church, Oxford; Beanfoy James Saint Patrick,
examined student of St. Mary Hall, Oxford; James
Beadon Rogers, 8.A., St. Mary Magdalenhall, Oxford;
Benjamin Swift, student .in civil law, Queen's College.
Cambridge; William Davies, a literate person, by letters
dimissory from the Lord Bishop of Llanutiff. Priests.—
Rev. Philip Valpy Morant Filteul, 8.A., Wadham Col-
lege, Oxford; Rev. Edward Lovell, L.L.8., Jesus Col-
lege, Cambridge; Rev. David Lloyd, a literate person,
by letters dimissory from the Lord Bishop of Llandaff.
AURORA. BOREALIS--Lest night (Sunday) these
aerial phenomena again appeared. They were first visi-
ble about eight o'clock in the north-east as a mass of
silver light, and then shooting upwards in streamers.
Between ten and eleven o'clock masses of light appeared
also in the south-west, and a band proceeded to cress
the heavens, joining the streamers in the opposite quar-
ters. A little before eleven the nestern sky became
illuminated with a lurid red, which, after a little, brok,
up into wavy streamers, shooting upwards to the zsuitb.
The sky was cloudy, which obscured the aurora ita some
other parts of the heavens, for, through the breaks in
the masses of cloud, a clear light, as from the moon at
full, was visible. The lights were not so brilliant as on
some recent occasions, nor so generally diffused, and by
half-past eleven they had all passed away ,—Glasgotv
Paper.

20%

I recommend that surveyor-generals' offices be authorised
to be estabh,h2d in New Mexico and California, aid pro-
Tision made for surveying and bringing the public lands
into market at the earliest practical period. In disposing of
these lands, I recommend that the right of pre-emption be
secured, and liberal grants made to the early emigrants who
have settled, or may settle, upon them.
It will be important to extend our revenue laws over these
territories, and especially over California, at an early period.
There is already a c,nsiderable commerce with California;
and until ports of entry shall be established, and collectors
appointed, no revenue can be received.
The apprehensions which were entertained by some of our
statesmen, in the earlier periods of the Government, that our
system was incapable of operating with sufficient energy and
success over largely extented territorial limits, and tnat if
this were attempted, it would fall to pieces by its weakness,
have been dissipated by our experience. So far from enter-
taining apprehensions of the safety of our system by the ex-
tension of our territory, the belief is confidently entertained
that each new state gives strength and an additional gua-
rantee for the preservation of the Union itself.
In pursuance of the provions of the thirteenth article of
the treaty of peace, friendship, limits, and settlement, with
the R-public of Mexico, and of the Act of July the 29th,
1848, claims of our citizens which had been " already liqui-
dated and decided against the Mexican Republic," amounting
with the interest thereon, to two millions twenty-three thou-
sand eight hundred and thirty two dollars and fifty-one
cents., have been liquidated and paid. There remain to be
paid of these claims, seventy-four thousand one hundred
and ninety-two dollars and twenty-six cents.
Congress at its last session having made no provision for
executing the fifteenth article of the treaty, by which the
United States assume to make satisfaction for the " uuliqui-
dated claims " of our citizens against Mexico, to an
" amount not exceeding three and a quarter millions of dol-
lars," the subject is again recommended to your favourable
consideration.
The exchange of ratifications of the treaty with Mexico
took place on the 30th of May, 1848. Within one year from
that time the commissioner and surveyor which each Govern-
ment stipulates to appoint are required to meet "at the port
of San Diego, and proceed to run and rhark the said boundary
in its whole course to the mouth of the Rio Bravo del
Norte." It will be seen from this provision, that the period
within which a commissioner and surveyor of the respective
Governments are to meet at San Diego will expire on the
1849. Congress, at the close of its last session,
30th
hkeoi
marking
ngliay,
boundary
the ppr opri ati an
lituUer
betweenthe expenses
two of
countries, running
butand
did not fix the amount of salary which should be paid to the
tcerl
bfp
eadrt
com-
pensationo
by
commissioner
States.cah n d
theyslu
tr v
shalliesy do re torsei
rcaebbi evl
eea
tphsphaotoi nut tlbdeedbaemo npo
ruetush
law, and not left, as at present, to executive discretion.
Measures were adopted at the earliest practicabl period
to organize the "Territorial Government of Oregon," as au-
thorised by the Act of the 14th of August last. The governor
and marshal of the territory, accompanied by a small military
escort, left the frontier of Missouri in September last, and
took the southern route, by way of Santa Fe and the river
in iosn,feutel
fully ,f
ad California,uvriseve with
sosfeit t
o the gtrbet
hea
great
rm intentionpor o
destination.
ta u
cef proceeding
of hs early
rlgy tvheernncor
arrivalwas e
in the country, and is consequently believed he may reach
Oregon in the latter part of the present month, or early in
the next. The other officers for the ten itory have proceeded
by sea.

THE UNITED STATES belief were they not corroborated by the authentic reports
of offic. rs in the public service, who have visited the
mineral district, and derived the facts which they
detail from personal observation. Reluctant to credit the
reports in general circulation as to the quantity of gold, the
officer commanding our forces in California visited the mine-
ral district in July last, for the purpose of obtaining accurate
information on the subject. When he visited the country,
there were about four thousand persons engaged in collecting
gold. There is every reason to believe that the number of
persons so employed has since been augmented. The explo-
rations already made warrant the belief that the supply is
very large, and that gold is found at various places in an
extensive district of the country.
The effects produced by the discovery of these rich mine-
ral deposits, and the success which has attended the labours
of those which have resorted to them, have produced a sur-
prising change in the state of affairs in California. Labour
commands a most exorbitant price, and all other pursuits but
that of searching for the precious metals are abandoned.
Nearly the whole of the male population of the country have
gone to the gold district. Ships arriving on the coast are
deserted by their crews, and their voyages supended for want
of sailors. Our commanding officer there entertains appre-
hensions that soldiers cannot be kept in the public service
without a large increase of pay. Desertions in his command
have become frequent, aid he recommends that those who
shall withstand the strong temptation, and remain faithful,
should be rewarded.
This abundance of gold, and the all-engrossing pursuit of
it, have already caused in California an unprecedented rise in
the price of the necessaries of life. 1
That we may the more speedily and fully avail ourselves
of the undeveloped wealth of these mines, it is deemed of
vast importance that a branch of the Mint of the United
States be authorised to be established, at your present session
in California. Among ether signal advantages which would '
result from such an establishment would be that of raising
the gold to its par value in that territory. A branch mint
of the United States at the great commercial depot on the
west coast would convert into our own coin not only the gold
derived from our own rich mines, but also the bullion and
specie which our commerce may bring from the whole west
coast of Central and South America. The west coast of
America and the adjacent interior embrace the richest and
best mines of Mexico, New Granada, Central America,
Chili, and Peru. The bullion and specie drawn from
these countries, and especially from those of Western
Mexico and Peru, to an amount in value of many mil-
lions of dollars, are now annually diverted and carried
by the ships of Great Britain to her own ports, to be re-
coined or used to sustain her national bank, and thus con-
tribute to increase her ability to command so much of the
commerce of the world. If a branch mint be established at
the great commercial point upon that coast a vast amount of
bullion and specie would flow thither to be recoined, and pass
thence to New Orleans, New York, and other Atlantic cities.
The amount of our constitutional currency at home would
be greatly increased, while its circulation would be promoted.
It is well known to our merchants trading to China and the
west coast of America, that great inconvenience and loss
are experienced from the fact that our coins are not current
at their par value in those countries.
The powers of Europe, far removed from the west coast
of America by the Atlantic Ocean which intervenes, and by
a tedious and dangerous navigation around the southern cape
of the continent of America, can never successfully compete
with the United States in the rich and extensive commerce
which is opened to us at so much less cost by the acquisition ea
of California. OREGON.AM) THE INDIAN WAR.
The vast importance and commercial advantages of Cali- In the month of May last, I communicated information
fornia have heretofore remained undeveloped by the Go- to Congress that ,an Indian war had broken out in
vernment of the country of which it constituted a part. Oregon, and recommended that authority be given to
Now that this fine province is a part of our country, all the raise an adetenate number of volunteers to proceed without
States of the Union, some more immediately and directly delay to the assistance of Mir fellOw-citmens in that territory.
than others, are deeply interested in the speedy develop- The authority to raise such a force not having been granted
ment of its wealth and resources. No section of our by Congress, as soon as. their services could be dispensed
country is more interested, or will be more benefited, than with in ' Mexico, orders were issued to the regiment of
the commercial, navigating, and manufacturing interests mounted riflemen to proceed to Jefferson Barracks, in Mis-
of the eastern States. Our planting and farming inter- souri, and to prepare to march to Oregon as soon as the ne-
ests in every part of the Union will be greatly benefited by cessary provision could be made. Shortly before it was
it. As our commerce and navigation are enlarged and ready to march it was arrested by the Act passed by Con-
extended, our exports of agricultural products and of manu- gross on the last day of the last session, which directed that
factures will be increased; and in the new markets thus all the non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates o
opened they cannot fail to command remunerating and profit- that regiment who had been in service in Mexico, should,
able prices. upon their application, be entitled to be discharged. the
The acquisition of California and New Mexico, the settle- effect of this provision was to disband the rank and file of the
ment of the Oregon boundary, and the annexation of Texas regiment, and before their' places could be filled by recruits
extending to the Rio Grande, are results which, combined, the season had so far advanced that it was impracticable for
are of greater consequence, and will add more to the strength it to proceed until the opening of the next spring.
and wealth of the nation, than any which have preceded In the month of October last a communication was re
them since the adoption of the constitution. ceived from the governor of the temporary government of
But to effect these great results, not only California, but Oregon, giving information of the ccntinuance of the Indian
New Mexico, must be brought under the control of regu- disturbances, and of the destitution and defenceless condition
larly organized Governments. The existing condition of of the inhabitants. Orders were immediately transmitted to
California, and of that part of New Mexico lying west of the commander of our squadron in the Pacific, to dispatch to
the Rio Grande, and without the limits of Texas, impe- their assistance a part ot the naval forces on that station, to
riously demand that Congress should, at its present session, furnish them with arms and ammunition, and to continue to
organize territorial governments over them. The smal give them such aid and protection as the navy could afford,
military force of the regular army, which was serving within until the army could reach the country.
the limits of the acquired territory at the close of the war, The immediate and only cause of the existing hostility of
was retained in them, and additional forces have been or- the Indians of Oregon, is represented to have been the long
dered there for the protection of the inhabitants, and to pre- delay of the United States in making to them some trifling
serve and secure the rights and interests of the United compensation, in such articles as they wanted, for the conn-
States. No revenue has been or could be collected at the try now occupied by our emigrants which the Indiana
ports in California, because Congress failed to authorise the claimed, and over which they formerly roamed. This corn-
establishment of custom-houses, or the appointment of pensation had been promised to them by the temporary Go-
officers for that purpose.
vernment established in Oregon, but its fulfilment had been
The monthly line of mail steamers from Panama to As- postponed from time to time, for nearly two years. The In-
tone has been required to "stop and deliver and take mails diens became at length distrustful of their good faith, and
at San Diego, Monterey, and San Francisco." These mail sought redress by plunder and massacre, which finally led to
steamers, connected by the isthmus of Panama with the line the present difficulties. In this Indian war our fellow-citi-
of mail steamers on the Atlantic between New York and zens of Oregon, being compelled to take the field in their
Chagres, will establish a regular mail communication with own defence, have performed valuable military services, and
California.
been subjected to expenses which have fallen heavily upon
The immense valuable possessions of New Mexico and them. Justice demands that e
them f provision should, be mare fine de by
California are already inhabited by a considerable popu- Congress to compensator theirrvices and to d
lation. Attracted by their great fertility, their mineral to them the necessary expenses which they have incurred.
wealth, their commercial advantages, and the salubrity of I repeat the recommendation heretofore made to Congress,
the climate, emigrants from the-older States, in great num- that provision be made for the appointment of a suitable
bers, are already preparing to seek new homes in these in- ngeuen:beenrdofthlentdiaanemaegleinsteunitohreesiedpepraemproientgeathteotr:obeehsloef
t?teeree-
viting regions.
ZMIGRA3CION TO, AND SLAVERY IN, TDE NEW TERRITORIES. agents to cultivate friendly relations with them. If this be
Our gallant forces in the Mexican war, by whose pa- done, the presence of a small military force will be all that is
triotism and unparalleled deeds of arms we obtained these necessary to keep them in check and preserve peace.
possessions as an indemnity for our just demands against I recommend that similar provision be made as regards the
hlexico, were composed of citizens who belonged to no one tribes inhabiting Northern Texas, New Mexico, California,
state or section of our Union. They were men from slave- and the extensive region lying between our settlements in
holding and non-slave-holding States, from the north and Missouri and these possessions, as the most effective meansof
the south, from the east and the west. They were all preserving peace upon our borders, and within the recently
companions-in-arms and fellow-citizens of the same corn- acquired territories.
mon country, engaged in the same common cause, and RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF THE REPUBRIC.
it would not be just for any one section to exclude ano- The Secretary of the Treasury will present in his annual
ther from all participation in the acquired territory. This report a highly satisfactory statement of the condition of the
would not be in consonance with the Just system of govern- finances.
ment which the framers of the Constitution adopted. The imports for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June
The question is believed to be rather abstract than practical last were of the value of one hundred and fifty-four million
whether slavery ever can or would exist in any portion of the nine hundred and seventy-seven thousand eight hundred and
acquired territory, even if it were left to the option of the seventy-six dollars; of which the amount exported was
slave-holding States themselves. From the nature of the twenty-one million one hundred and twenty-eight thousand
climate and productions, in much the larger portion of it, it and ten dollars, leaving one hundred and thirty-three million
is certain it could never exist; and in the remainder, the eight hundred and forty-nine thousand eight hundred and
probabilities are it would not. But however this may be, sixtv-six dollars in the country for domestic use.
the question, involving as it does a principle of equality of The value of the exports for the same period was one
rights of the separate and several States, as equal co-partners hundred and fifty-four millions thirty-two thousand one
in the confederacy, should not bedisregarded. hundred and thirty-one dollars, consisting of domestic pro-
In organizing governments over these territories, no duty ductions amounting to one hundred and thirty-two million
imposed on Congress by the constitution requires that they nine hundred and four thousand one hundred and twenty-one
should legislate on the subject of slavery, while their power dollars, and twenty-one million one hundred and twenty-
to
do so is not only seriously questioned, but denied by many eight thousand and ten dollars of foreign articles.
of the soundest expounders of that instrument. Whether The receipts into the Treasury for the same period, exclu-
Congress shall legislate or not, the people of the acquired ter- sive of loans, imounted to thirty-five million four hundred
ritcnies, when assembled in convention to form Stateconetitu- and thirty-six thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars and
tions, will possess the sole and exclusive power to determine fifty-nine cents. ; of which there was derived from Customs
for themselves whether slavery shall or shall not exist within thirty-one million seven hundred and fifty-see en thousand
their limits: If Congress shall abstain frem interfering with and seven &liars and ninety-six cents; from sales of public
the question, the people of these territories will be left free lands, three million three hundred and twenty-eight theu-
to adjust it as they may think proper when they apply for sand six hundred and forty-two dollars and fifty-six cents;
admission as States into the Union. No enactment of Con- and from miscellaneous and incidental sources, three hun-
gress could restrain the people of any of the sovereign States tired a' d fifty-one thousand and thirty-seven dollars and
of the Union, old or new, north or south, slaveholding or seven cents.
non• slaveholding, from determining the character of their It will be perceived that the revenue from Customs for
own domestic institutions as they may deem wise and proper. the last fiscal year exceeded by seven hundred and fifty.
Any and all the :states possess the right, and Congress cannot seven thousand and seventy dollars and ninety-six cents the
deprive them of it. estimates ot the Secretary of the Treasury in his last annual
It is fortunate for the peace and harmony of the Union report; and that the aggregate receipts during the same
that this question is in its nature temporary, and can only period from Customs, lands, and miscellaneous sources, also
continue for the brief period which will intervene before Ca- exceeded the estimates by the sum of five hundred and
lifornia and New Mexico may be admitted as States into the thirty-six thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars and fifty-
Union.: From the tide of population now flowing into them nine cents—indicating, however, a very near approach in the
it is highly probable that this will soon occur. estimate to the actual result.
Considering the several States and the citizens of the se- The expenditure during the fiscal year ending on the 30th
veral states as equals, and entitled to equal rights under the of June last, including those for the war, and exclusive of
constitution, if this were an original question, it might well payments of principal and interest for the public debt, were
be insisted on that the principle of non-interference is the forty-two million eight hundred and eleven thousand nine
true doctrine, and that Congress could not, in the absence of hundred and seventy dollars and three cents.
any express grant of power, interfere with their relative It is estimated that the receipts into the treasury for the
rights. Upon a great emergency, however, and under fiscal year ending on the 30th of June, 1849, including the
menacing dangers to the Union, the Missouri compromise balance in the treasury on the Ist of July last, will amount
line in respect to slavery was adopted. The same line to the sum of fifty-seven million forty-eight thousand nine
was extended further west in the acquisition of Texas. After hundred and sixty-nine dollars and ninety cents. ;of which
an acquiescence of nearly thirty years in the principle of thirty-two millions of dollars, it is estimated, will be derived
compromise recognised and established by these acts, and to from Customs ; three millions of dollars from the sales of
avoid the danger to the Union which might follow if it were the public lands, and one million two hundred thousand dol-
now disregarded, I have heretofore expressed the opinion lars from miscellaneous and incidental sources, including the
that that line of compromise should be extended on the premium upon the loans and the amount paid and to be paid
parallel of thirty-six degrees thirty minutes from the western into the treasury on account of military contributions in
boundary of Texas, where it now terminates, to the Pa- Mexico, and the sales of arms and vessels and other public
cific Ocean. This is the middle ground of compromise, upon property rendered unnecessary for the use of the Govern-
which the different sections of the Union may meet, as they ment by the termination of the wen ; and twenty million six
have heretofore met. If this be done, it is confidently be- hundred and ninety-five thousand four hundred and thirty-
Hayed a large majority of the people of every section of the five dollars and thirty cents from loans already negotiated,
country, however widely their abstract opinions on the sub- including treasury notes funded, which, together with the
ject of slavery may differ, would cheerfully and patriotically balance in the treasury on the Ist of July last, make the sura
acquiesce in it, and peace and harmony would again fill our estimated.
borders. The restriction north of the line was only yielded The expenditures for the same period, innbceelxutdinp,aaignadtdhouetnh.nneegre
to in the case of Missouri and Texas upon a principle of com- sae,. payment on account of the principal and interest of the
promise, made necessary for the sake of preserving the bar- pmpueenboldtiictdurdueeeibtt,egamrnode:itihnooge poorunitntcohifpeatwlhaetnhdwoacinm,terest of the first instal-
present year, will amount, including attoyhe reimbursementthoi
mony, and possibly the existence, of the Union.
'treasury notes, to the sum of fifty-fournte,mleiallviinonstr
aohneeehtunhodartt
oolmn
gitsaheNo
esleimnci: considerations earpa sanctionpt iroontvesi
approving
that, at
principle
ia tsni tgclinecgloo
fts
ielteho feu
illyourhies-t o
soursleas St bswlecissaoshslinoup‘n:l;the Territorial Government of Oregon." From a and seventy-five dollars an six cents,
desire to preserve the harmony of the Union, and in balance in the treasury on the Ist of July, 1849, of two mil-
defence of the acts of my predecessors, I felt constrained to lion eight hundred and fifty-three thousand six hundrral and
yield my acquiescence to the extent to which they had gone ninety-four dollars and eighty-four cents.
The Secretary of the Treasury will present, as nee:tired by
iin
fccoorrnlrreeemsiseihnegilthnisewdelriceavteereaendtheleandgeeerisoiusenqhuyeswtiohn.ich Bthuet
law, the estimates of receipts and expenditures fire the next
Missouri compromise was effected, and shall propose to ex- fiscal
tend the restriction over the whole territory, south as well year. The expenditures as estimated foes that year
as north of the parallel of thirty-six degrees thirty minutes,
oneare thirty-three million two hundred and thirteen thousand
it will cease to be a compromise, and must be regarded as
linejudictioa:
goinnagirecissu,esitniosntead of observing the course of non-inter- nteen cents for the
eared one hundred and two A. . hu
ndred
ference,
Missourito the decciosimonproofmtihseefinely teduentAgrtedhreaendmfiilfltYiontsewoveddneolhlileuarnrssderanednddaeni7dVeelteYty-t-hnr•eeine etehnOtt
ference, leaving the adoption of their own domestic instet
tions to the people who may inhabit those territories; or, in-u- and forty thousand dollars for the he:incipal, and forty Thou..
interest on the public debt, and three, millionenafinteryde-6finftvuenydred.
liars de for the principal and 'interest due to Mexico on
Pacific, shall prefer to submit the legal and constitutional s'riaed3ehhtofhMunadyreldBa6nod; sieeaVeYient;ll.-tfohUerstuhmonosfantwd
whichex t extending dmi nagy thearis e
:he- cars a mil-
Pacific,
lion
and thirty-five cents- ; which, it is believed, will be
bunals, as was proposed in a Bill which
steadciu est i oonf
-ordinary *expepassednditures.
your the Senate at ample for the peace
your last session, an adjustment may be effected in this 'operations 4. '
mode. The (et the Tariff Act of 184 G have been such
If the whole subject be referred to the judiciary, '
all parts of during the past .sear as fully to meet public expectation, and
the Union should cheerfully acquiesce in the final decision of /to confirm the wine-ion heretofore expressed of the wisdom of
the tribunal created by the constitution for the settlement of
the change in bur revenue system which was effected by it..
all questions which may arise under theconstitution, treaties, ' The receipea under it into the treasury for the first fiscal year
and laws of the United States. ' after its enactment exceeded by the sum of five millions
Congress is earnestly invoked, for the sake of the Union, its . toner-tour thensaud tour hundred and three donor, and nine
harmony, and our continued prosperity as a nation, to adjust cent:, tlee amount collected during the last fisce:t year under
at its present session this, the only question which ies in our doe Tariff Act of 1842, eliding the enirteenth of June, 1846.
path —if not in some one of the modes suggested, in some The total revenue realieea tom the commencement of its.
other which may be satisnictory. operation, on the fire's (If December, 1846, until the close
In anticipation of the establishment of regular govern- of the last quart's, .on the thirteereth ot September last
ments over the acquired territories, a joint commission of ../ I, :e Lng twenty-Iv .months, was Hatt -six millions six bun-
officers of the army and navy has been ordered to proceed to (in ei sod tp- '
' h id five hundred and sixty-three
y-four t OUSaI
the coast of California and Oregon, for the purpose of making dot tars or 'a much larger sum
i seventy-nine cent,—being.
reconnoissances and a report as to the proper sites for the ti.
~, e
- d from duties Burin; any equal
erection of fortifications or other defensive works cn land, - eo eas ever before receive
of 1624, 1828, 1832, and 11142 i
and of suitable situations for naval stations. , period under the Tariff Acts.
I of highly pro t t ‘ctive and prohibitory
As it is ascertained that mines of gold, silver, copper, -, 1 Whilst by the repeal
, the taxes on the people
quicksilver, exist in New Mexico and California, an 411 d duties the revenue has
been
They h increasedave been relieved from the
nearly all the lands where they are found belort,2, -4 that have been diminished.
hick they were burdened under former
United States, it is deemed ie.portant to the pubs'ate the heavy amounts wit lifw
increased prices or bounties paid to
that provision be made for a geological and ,:-,,-iu -.c. interests laws in the form
tusttits.
amination of these regions. Measure-8 ail , eralogical ex., favoured classes and
wPtiicii were made, that the Tariff Act of
preserve
the mineral lands, especie" 'PM
tj, such be adopted to , The predons
as contain the , 1847 would reduce
the amount of revenue below that collected
precious metals, for the use. or the United St of 1842, and would prostrate the business and
brought into market, to separate them f States ;or i f under the Act
of the country, have not been ereri-
lands, and to dispose of them in such Ann the heroin; , destroy' the prosperity
and increasing revenue, the thesences
manner as to secure a fled. With an increased
large return of money to the trees• hing condition. Agriculture, come
WY, and at +'highly nouns
lead to the development of their wealth .ne same tin A are in a .
navigation are prosperous; the prices ot menu-
prietors and purchasers, To do this, '',ty individual pre )- merce, and
• and of other products, are much less in-
provide fetr an immediate survey • _ . will be necessary • to factored fabrics,
than
was to have been anticipated from
Congress should deem it, and location of the lota- If juriously affected
revolutions which, during the last and
"proper to die unprecedented
ispose of themime, :al the unpreceden
lands, they should he sold ' erwhelmed the industry and paralysed
minim= price. in small quantities, and at a -f4 .
l ed . present yeah have "