The Sun.
London, England, 1846-12-30 00:00:00

,e war which followed, but all have proved vain. All
insult
and attempts to preserve peace have been met by
and resistance on the part of Mexico. My efforts to
this end commenced in the note of the Secretary of.
State of the 10th of March, 1845, in answer to that of
the Mexican Minister. Whilst declining to re-open a
discussion which had already been exhausted, and
proving again what was known to the whole world, that
Texas has long since achieved her independence, the
Secretary of State expressed the regret of this Govern-
ment that Mexico should have taken offence at the reso-
lution of annexation passed by Congress, and gave
assurance that our "most strenuous efforts shall be de-
voted to the amicable adjustment of every cause of com-
plaint between the two Governments, and to the cultiva•
tion of the kindest and most friendly relations between
the sister republics."
That I have acted in the spirit of this assurance will
appear from the events which have since occurred. Not-
withstanding Mexico had abruptly terminated all diplo-
matic intercourse with the United States, and ought,
therefore, to have been the first to ask for its resumption,
yet, waiving all ceremony, I embraced the earliest fa-
vourable opportunity " to ascertain from the Mexican
Government whether they would receive an envoy from
the United States entrusted with full power to adjust all
the questions in dispute between the two Governments."
In September, 1845, I believed the propitious moment
for such an overture had arrived. Texas, by the enthu-
siastic and almost unanimous will of her people, had pro-
nounced in favour of annexation. Mexico herself had
agreed to acknowledge the independence of Texas, sub-
ject to a condition, it is true, is hich she had no right to
impose, and no power to enforce. The last lingering
hope of Mexico, if she still could have retained any,
that Texas would ever again become one of her pro-
vinces, must have been abandoned.
The Consul of the United States at the city of Mexico
si as, therefore, instructed by the Secretary of State on
the 15th of September, 1845, to make the inquiry of
the Mexican Government. The inquiry was made,
and on the 15th of October, 1945, the Minister
of Foreign Affairs of the Mexican Government,
in a note addressed to our Consul, gave a favour-
able response, requesting, at the same time, that
our naval force might be withdrawn from Vera Cruz
while negotiations should be pending. Upon there-
ceipt of this note our naval force was promptly with-
drawn from Vera Cruz. A minister was immediately
appointed, and departed to Mexico. Everything bore a
promising aspect for a speedy and peaceful adjustment
of all our difficulties. At the date of my annual Mes-
sage to Congress, in December last, no doubt was enter-
tained but that he would be received by the Mexican
Government, and the hope was cherished that all cause
of misunderstanding between the two countries would be
speedily removed. In the confident hope that such would be
the result of his mission, I informed Congress that I
forebore at that time to_" recommend such ulterior mea-
sures of redress for the wrongs and injuries we had so
long borne, as it would have been proper to make had no
such negotiation been instituted." To my surprise and
regret, the Mexican Gouernment, though solemnly
pledged to do so upon the arrival of our minister in
Mexico, refused to receive and accredit him. When he
reached Vera Cruz, on the 30th of November, 1845,
he found that the aspect of affairs had undergone an un-
happy change. The Government of General Herrera,
who was at that time President of the republic, was tot-
tering to its fall. General Paredes (a military leader)
had manifested his determination to overthrow the
Government of Herrera by a military revolution; and
one of the principal means which he employed to
effect his purpose, and render the government of Her-
rera odious to the army and people of Mexico, was by
loudly condemning its determination to receive a minister
of peace from the United States, alleging that it was the
intention of Herrera, by a treaty with the United States,
to dismember the territory of Mexico, by ceding away
the department of Texas. The Government of Herrera
is believed to have been well disposed to a pacific adjust-
ment of existing difficulties, but, probably alarmed for
its oc n security, and in;order to ward off the danger of the
revolut on led by Paredes, tiolated its solemn agreement,
and refused to receive or accredit our Minister ; and this,
although informed that he had been invested with full
power to adjust all questions in dispute between the two
Governments. Among the frivolous pretexts for this
refusal, the principal one was that our Minister had not
gene on a special mission, confined to the question of
Texas alone, leaving all the outrages upon our flag and
our citizens unredressed. The Mexican Government
well knew that both our national honour and the protec-
tion due to our citizens imperatively required that the
two questions of boundary and indemnity should be
treated of together, as naturally and inseparably blended,
and they ought to have seen that this course was best
calculated to enable the United States to extend to them
the most liberal justice. On the 30th of December, 1845,
General Herrera resigned the presidency, and yielded
up the government to Gen. Paredes without a struggle.
Thus a revolution was accomplished solely by the army
commanded by Paredes, and the supreme power in
Mexico passed into the hands of a military usurper, who
was known to be bitterly hostile to the United Statee.
Although the prospect of a pacific adjustment with'
the new Government was unpromising, from the known
hostility of its head to the United States, yet, deter-
mined that nothing should be left undone on our part
to restore friendly relations between the two countries,
our Minister was instructed to present his credentials
to the new Government, and ask to be accredited by it
in the diplomatic character in which he had been com-
missioned. These instructions he executed by his note
of the Ist March, 1846, addressed to the Mexican Mi-
nister of Foreign Affairs, but his request was insult-
ingly refused by that Minister, in his answer of the
12th of the same month. No alternative remained for
our Minister but to demand his passport, and return to
the United States.
Thus was the extraordinary spectacle presented to
the civilised world, of a Government, in violation of its
own express agreement, having twice rejected a minis-
ter of peace, invested with full powers to adjust all the
existing differences between the two countries in a
manner just and honourable to both. I am not aware that
modern history presents a parallel case, in which, in time
of peace, one nation has refused even to hear proposi-
tions from another for terminating existing difficulties be-
tween them. Scarcely a hope of adjusting our difficul-
ties, even at a remote day, or of preserving peace with
Mexico, could be cherished while Paredes remained at
the head of the Government. He had acquired the
supreme power by a military revolution, and upon the
most solemn pledges to wage war against the United
States, and to reconquer Texas, which he claimed as a
revolted province of Mexico. He had denounced as
guilty of treason all those Mexicans who considered
Texas as no longer constituting a part of the territory
of Mexico, and who were friendly to the cause of peace.
The duration of the war which he waged against the
United States was indefinite, because the end which he
proposed, of the reconquest of Texas, was hopeless.
Besides, there was good reason to believe, from all his
conduct, that it was his intention to convert the republic
of Mexico into a monarchy, and to call a foreign
European prince to the throne. Preparatory to this
end, he had, during his short rule destroyed the liberty
of the press, tolerating that portion of it only which
openly advocated the establishment of a monarchy.
The better to secure the success of his ultimate de-
signs, he had, by an arbitrary decree, convoked a Con-
gress—not to be elected by the free voice of the people,
but to be chosen in a manner to make them subservient
to his will, and to give him absolute control over their
deliberations.
Under all these circumstances, it was believed that
any revolution in Mexico, founded upon opposition to the
ambitious projects of Paredes, would tend to promote
the cause of peace as well as prevent any at-
tempted European interference in the affairs of the
North American continent—both objects of deep interest
to the United States. Any such foreign interference,
if attempted, must have been resisted by the United
States. My views upon that subject were fully commu-
nicated to Congress in my last annual message. In any
event it was certain that no change whatever in the go-
vernment of Mexico, which would deprive Paredes of
power, could be for the worse, so far as the United States
were concerned, while it was highly probable that any
change must be for the better. This was the state of
affairs existing when Congress, on the 13th of May last,
recognised the existence of the war which had been
commenced by the Government of Paredes, and it bee
came an object of much importance, with a view to a
speedy settlement of our difficulties and the restoration
of an honourable peace, that Paredes should not retain
power in Mexico.
Before that time there were symptoms of a revolution
in Mexico, favoured, as it was understood to be, by the
mere liberal party, and especially by those who were
opposed to foreign interference and to the
monarchical. form of Government. Santa Anna was then
in exile Havannah, having been expelled from power
and banished from his country by a revolution which
occurred in December, 1844; but it was known he had
still a considerable party in his favour in Mexico. It was
also equally well known that no vigilance which could
be exerted by our squadron would, in all probability,
bare prevented him from effecting a landing somewhere
on the extensive gulf coast of Mexico, if he desired to
return to his country. He had openly professed an en-
tire change of policy, had expressed his regret that he
had subverted the federal constitution of 1824, and
avowed that he was now in favour of its restoration. He
had publicly declared his hostility, in the strongest
terms, to the establishment of a monarchy, and to Euro-
pean interference in the affairs of his country.
Information to this effect had been received from
sources believed to be reliable, at the date of the recog-
nition of the existence of the war by Congress, and was
afterwards fully confirmed by the receipt of the dispatch
of our consul in the city of Mexico with the accom-
panying documents, which are herewith transmitted.
Besides, it was reasonable to suppose that, he must see
the ruinous consequences to Mexico of a war with the
United States, and that it would bo his interest to favour
peace.

It was under these circumstances, and upon these
considerations, that it was deemed expedient not to ob-
struct his return to Mexico, should he attempt to do so.
Our object was the restoration of peace ; and witlit that
view no reason was perceived why we should take part
with Paredes, and aid him, by means of our blockade, in
preventing the return of his rival to Mexico. On the
contrary, it was believed that the intestine divisions
which ordinary sagacity could not but anticipate as the
fruit of Santa Anna's return to Mexico, and his contest
with Pa
des, might strongly tend to produce a disposi-
tion with parties to restore and preserve peace with
the United States. Paredes was a soldier by profession,
a monarchist in principle. He had but recently be-
and
fore been successful in a military revolution by which he
bad obtained power. Re was the sworn enemy of the
United States, with which he had involved his country
in the existing war.
the Santa Anna had been expelled
frotTapower by
tility,to Paredes, and publicly pledged against foreign
interxintion, and the restoration of monarchy in Mexico.
In view of these facts and circumstances it was that,
to the commander of our
when 'orders were issued

It affords me pleasure to inform you that I have re-
ceived assurances from the Spanish Government that
this article of the treaty shall be faithfully observed on
its part. Orders for this purpose were immediately
transmitted from that Government to the authorities of
Cuba and Porto Rico to exert their utmost vigilance in pre-
venting any attempts to fit out privateers in those islands
against the United States. From the good faith of Spain
I am fully satisfied that this treaty will be executed
in its spirit as well as its letter ; whilst the United
States will on their part faithfully perform all the obli-
gations which it imposes on them.
Information ins been recently received at the dec art-
ment of state that the Mexican Government has sent to
iravannah blank commissions to privateers, and blank
certificates of naturalisation, signed by General Salas,
the present head of the Mexican Government. There
is also reason to apprehend that similar documents have
been transmitted to other parts of the world. Copies of
these papers in translation are herewith transmitted.
As the preliminaries required by the practice of civi-
lised nations for commissioning privateers and regu-
lating their conduct appear not to have been observed,
and as these commissions are in blank, to be filled up
with the names of citizens and subjects of all nations
who may be willing to purchase them, the whole pro•
ceeding can only be construed as an invitation to all
the freebooters upon earth who are willing to pay for
the privilege to cruise against American commerce. It

naval forces in the Gulf, on the 15th day of May last,
only two days after the existence of the war bad been
recognised by Congress, to place the coasts of Mexico
under blockade, he was directed not to o truct the
passage of Santa Anna to Mexico, should he attempt to
return.

A revolution took place in Mexico in the early part of
August following, by which the power of Paredes was
overthrown, and he has since been banielfd from the
country, and is now in exile. Shortly afterwards Santa.
Anna returned. It remains to be seen whether his re-
turn may not yet prove to be favourable to a pacific ad-
justment of the existing difficulties, it being manifestly
his interest not to persevere in the prosecution of a war
commenced by Paredes, to accomplish a purpose so
absurd as the reconquest of Texas to the Sabine. Had
Paredes remained in power, it is morally certain that
any pacific adjustment would have been hopeless.
Upun the commencement of hostilities by Mexico
against the United States the indignant spirit of the
nation was at once aroused. Congress promptly re-
sponded to the expectations of the country, and, by the
act of the 13th May last, recognised the fact that war
existed, by the act of Mexico, between the United States
and that republic, and granted the means necessary for
its vigorous prosecution. Being involved in a war thus
commenced by Mexico, and for the justice of which, on
our part, we may confidently appeal to the whole world,
I resolved to prosecute it with the utmost vigour.
Accordingly, the ports of Mexico on the Gulf and on
the Pacific have been placed under blockade, and her
territory invaded at several important points. The re•
ports from the Departments of War and the Navy will
inform you more in detail of the measures adopted in
the emergency in which our country was placed, and of
the gratifying results which have been accomplished.
The various columns of the army have performed
their duty under great disadvantages, with the most
distinguished skill and courage. The victories of Palo
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and of Monterey, won
against greatly superior numbers and against most de-
cided anvantages in other respects on the part of the
enemy, were brilliant in their execution, and entitle our
brave officers and soldiers to the grateful thanks of their
country. The nation deplores the loss of the brave
officers and men who have gallantly fallen while vindi-
cating and defending their country's rights and honour.
It is a subject of pride and satisfaction that our volun-
teer citizen soldiers, who so promptly responded to their
country's call, with an experience of the discipline of a
camp of only a few weeks, have borne their part in the
hard-fought battle of Monterey with a constancy and
courage equal to that of veteran troops, and worthy of
the highest admiration. The privations of long marches
through the enemy's country, and through a wilderness,
have been borne without a murmur. By rapid move-
ments, the province of New Mexico, with Santa Fe, its
capital, has been captured without bloodshed. The
navy has co-perated with the army, and rendered im-
portant services; if not so brilliant, it is because the
enemy had no force to meet them on their own element,
and because of the defences which nature has interposed,
in the difficulties of the navigation on the Mexican coast.
Our squadron in the Pacific, with the co-operation of a
gallant officer of the army, and a small force hastily
collected in that distant country, have acquired bloodless
possession of the Californias, and the American flag
has been raised at every important point of that pro-
vince.
I congratulate you on the success which has thus at-
tended our military and naval operations. In less than
seven months after Mexico commenced hostilities, at a
time selected by herself, we have taken possession of
many of her principal ports, driven back and pursued
her invading army, and acquired military possession of
the Mexican provinces of New Mexico, New Leon,
Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and the Californias—a territory
larger in extent than that embraced in the original thir-
teen states of the Union, inhabited by a considerable
population, and much of it more than a thousand miles
from the points at which we had to collect our forces
and commence our movements. By the blockade the
import and export trade of the enemy has been cut off.
Well may the American people be proud of the energy
and gallantry of our regular and volunteer officers and
soldiers. The events of these few months afford a grati.
fying proof that our country can, under any emergency,
confidently rely for the maintenance of her honour, and
the defence of her rights, on an effective force, ready at
all times voluntarily to relinquish the comforts of home
for the perils and privations of the camp. And though
such a force may be for the time expensive, it is in the
end economical, as the ability to command it removes the
necessity of employing a large standing army in the
time of peace, and proves that our people love their
institutions, and are ever ready to defend and protec
them.

Whilst the war was in course of vigorous and success-
ful prosecution, being still anxious to arrest its evils,
and considering that after the brilliant victories of our
arms on the Bth and 9th of May last the national honour
could not be compromised by it, another overture was
made to Mexico by my direction on the 27th of July
last, to terminate hostilities by a peace just and honour-
able to both countries. On the 31st of August follow-
ing the Mexican Government declined to accept this
friendly overture, but I referred it to the decision of a
Mexican Congress to be assembled in the early part of
the present month. I communicate to you herewith a
copy of the letter of the Secretary of State, proposing to
re-open negotiations of the answer of the Mexican Go-
vernment, and of the reply thereto of the Secretary of
State.

The war will continue to be prosecuted with vigour, as
he best means of securing peace. It is hoped that the
decision of the Mexican Congress, to which our last
overture has been referred, may result in a speedy and
honourable peace. With our experience, however, of
the unreasonable course of the Mexican authorities, it is
the part of wisdom not to relax in the energy of our
military operations until the result is made known. In
this view it is deemed important to hold military posses-
iion of all the provinces which have been taken until a
lefinitive treaty of peace shall have been concluded and
•atified by the two countries.
The war has not been waged with a view to conquest;
but having been commenced by Mexico, it has been
carried into the enemy's country, and will be vigorously
prosecuted there, with a view to obtain an honourable
peace, and thereby secure an ample indemnity for the
expenses of the war, as well as to our much-injured
citizens, who hold large pecuniary demands against
Mexico.
By the laws of nations a conquered territory is sub-
ject to be governed by the conquered during his mili-
tary possession, and until there is either a treaty of
peace, or he shall voluntarily withdraw from it. The old
civil government being necessarily superseded, it is the
right and duty of the conqueror to secure his conquest,
and provide for the maintenance of civil order and the
rights of the inhabitants. This right has been exercised,
,and this duty performed, by our military and naval
commanders, by the establishment of temporary govern-
ments in some of the conquered provinces in Mexico, assi-
milating them as far as practicable to the free institutions of
our own country. In the provinces of New Mexico, and of
the Californias, little, if any, further resistance is appre-
hended from the inhabitants to the temporary govern-
ments which have thus, from the necessity of the case
and according to the laws of war, been established. It
may be proper to provide for the security of these im-
portant conquests by making an adequate appropriation
tbr the purpose of erecting fortifications and defraying
the expenses necessarily incident to the maintenance of
our possession and authority over them.
Near the close of your last session, for reasons com-
municated to Congress, I deemed it important, as a
measure for securing a speedy peace with Mexico, that
sum of money should be appropriated, and placed in
the power of the executive, similar to that which had
been made upon two former occasions, during the ad-
ministration of President Jefferson.
On the 26th of February, 1803, an appropriation of
two millions of dollars was made, and placed at the dis-
posal of the President. Its object is well known. It was
at that time in contemplation to acquire Louisiana from
France, and it was intended to be applied as a part of
the consideration which might be paid for that territory.
On the 13th of February, 1806, the same sum was in
like manner appropriated with a view to the purchase of
the Floridas from Spain. These appropriations were
made to facilitate negotiations, and as a means to enable
,he President to accomplish the important objects in
view. Though it did not become necessary for the Pre-
sident to use these appropriations, yet a state of things
might have arisen in which it would have been highly
important for him to do so, and the wisdom of making
them cannot be doubted. It is believed that the
measures recommended at your last session met
with the approbation of decided majorities in both
houses of Congress. Indeed, in different forms, a Bill
making an appropriation of two millions of dollars passed
each house, and it is much to be regretted that it did
not become a law. The reasons which induced me to
recommend the measure at that time still exist ; and I
again submit the subject for your consideration, and
suggest the importance of early action upon it. Should
the appropriation be made, and be not needed, it will
remain in the Treasury : should it be deemed proper to
apply it, in the whole or in part, it will be accounted for
as other public expenditures.
Immediately after Congress had recognised the exist-
ence of the war with Mexico, my attention was directed
to the danger that privateers might be fitted out in the
ports of Cuba and Porto Rico to prey upon the com-
merce of the United States ; and I invited the special
attention of the Spanish Government to the 14th article
of our treaty with that power of the 20th of October,
1795, under which the citizens and subjects of either
nation who shall take commissions or letter of marque
to act as privateers against the other " shall be pueished
as pirates."

will be for our courts of justice to decide whether, under
such circumstances, these Mexican letters of marque and
reprisal shall protect those who accept them, and commit
robberies upon the high seas under their authority, from
the pains and penalties of piracy.
If the certificates of naturalisation thus granted be in-
tended by Mexico to shield Spanish subjects from the
guilt and punishment of pirates, under our treaty with
Spain they will certainly prove unavailing. Such a sub-
terfuge would be but a weak device to defeat the provi-
sions of a solemn treaty.
I recommend that Congress should immediately pro-
vide by law for the trial and punishment as pirates of
Spanish snbjects who, escaping the vigilance of their
Government, shall be found guilty of privateering
against the United States. Ido not apprehend serious
danger from these privateers. Our navy will be con-
stantly on the alert to protect otir commerce. Besides,
in case prizes should be made of American vessels, the
utmost vigilance will be exerted by our blockading
squadron to prevent the captors from taking them into
Mexican ports, and it is not apprehended that any nation
will violate its nutrality by suffering such prizes to be.
condemned and sold within its jurisdiction.
I recommend that Congress should immediately pro-
vide by law for granting letters of marque and reprisal
against vessels under the Mexican flag. It is true that
there are but few, if any, commercial vessels of Mexico
upon the high seas; and it is therefore not probable that
many American privateers would be fitted out, in case a
law should pass authorising this mode of warfare. It is,
notwithstanding, certain that such privateers may render
good service to the commercial interest of the country
by recapturing our merchant ships, should any be taken
by armed vessels under the Mexican flag, as well as by
capturing these vessels themselves. Every means within
our power should be rendered available for the protection
of our commerce.
The annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury
will exhibit a detailed statement of the condition of the
finances. The imports for the fiscal year ending on the
13th of June last, were of the value of one hundred and
twenty-one million six hundred and ninety-one thousand
seven hundred and ninety- seven dollars ; of which the
amount exported was eleven million three hundred and
forty-six thousand six hundred and twenty-three dol-
lars, leaving the amount retained in the country for
domestic consumption one hundred and ten million three
hundred and forty-five thousand one hundred and
seventy-four dollars. The value of the exports for the
same period was one hundred and thirteen million four
hundred and eighty-eight thousand five hundred and
sixteen dollars; of which one hundred and two million
one hundred and forty-one thousand eight hundred and
ninety-three dollars consisted of domestic productions,
and eleven million three hundred and forty-six thou-
sand six hundred and twenty-three dollars of foreign
articles.

The receipts into the Treasury for the same year were
twenty-nine million four hundred and ninety-nine thou-
sand two hundred and forty-seven dollars and six cents.,
of which there was derived from customs twenty-six
millions i even hundred and twelve thousand six hundred
and sixty-seven dollars and eighty-seven cents, from
sales of public lands two million six hundred and ninety
five thousand four hundred and fifty-two dollars and
forty-eight cents, and from incidental and miscellaneous
sources ninety-two thousand one hundred and twenty-
six dollars and seventy-one cents. The expenditure
for the same period were twenty-eight million thirty-
one thousand one hundred and fourteen dollars and
twenty cents, and the balance in the treasury on the first
day of July last was nine million one hundred and
twenty-six thousand four hundred and thirty-nine dol-
lars and eight cents.
The amount of the public debt, including treasury
notes, on the Ist of the present month, was twenty-four
million two hundred and fifty-six thousand four hundred
and ninety-four dollars and sixty cents • of which the
sum of seventeen million seven hundred and eighty-
eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine dollars
and sixty-two cents was outstanding on the 4th of
March, 1845, leaving the amount since that time six
million four hundred and sixty-seven thousand six hun-
dred and ninety-four dollars and ninety-eight cents.
In order to prosecute the war with Mexico with
vigour and energy, as the best means of bringing it to a
speedy and honourable termination, a further loan will
be necessary to meet the expenditures for the present
and the next fiscal years. If the war should be conti-
nued until the 30th of June, 1848—being the end of the
next fiscal year—it is estimated that an additional loan
of twenty-three million of dollars will be required.
This estimate is made upon the assumption that it will
be necessary to retain constantly in the treasury four
million of dollars, to guard against contingencies. If
such surplus were not required to be retained, then a
loan of nineteen million of dollars would be sufficient.
If, however, Congress should, at the present session,
impose a revenue duty on the principal articles now em-
braced in the free list, it is estimated that an additional
annual revenue of about two million and a-half,
amounting, it is estimated, on the 30th of June, 1848,
to four million of dollars, would be derived from that
source ; and the loan required would be reduced
by that amount. It is estimated also, that should
Congress graduate and reduce the price of such
of the public lands as have been long in the
market, the additional revenue derived from that
source would be annually, for several years to come
between half a million and a million of dollars, and the
loan required may be reduced by that amount also.
Should these measures be adopted, the loan required
would not probably exceed eighteen or nineteen million
of dollars—leaving in the treasury a constant surplus
of fourl million: of. dollars. The loan proposed, it is
estimated, will be sufficient to cover the necessary ex-
penditures, both for the war and for all other purposes
up to the 30th of June, 1848 ; and an amount of this
loan, not exceeding one-half, may be required during
the present fiscal year, and the greater part of the
remainder during the first half of the fiscal year suc-
ceeding.
In order that timely notice may be given, and proper
measures taken to effect the loan, or such portion of it as
may be required, it is important that the authority of
Congress to make it be given at an early period of your
present session. It is suggested that the loan should be
contracted for a period of twenty years, with authority
to purchase the stock and pay it off; at an earlier
period, at its market value, out of any surplus which
may at any time be in the treasury applicable to that pur-
pose. After the establishment of peace with Mexico, it
is supposed that a considerable surplus will exist, and
that the debt may be extinguished in a much shorter period
than that for which it may be contracted. The period
of 20 years, as that for which the proposed loan may be
contracted, in preference to a shorter period, is sug-
gested, because all experience, both at home and abroad,
has shown that loans are effected upon much better terms
upon long time than when they are reimbursable at short
dates.
Necessary as this measure is, to sustain the honour
and the interests of the country, engaged in a foreign
war, it is not doubted but that Congress will promptly
authorise it.
The balance in the treasury on the Ist of July last ex-
ceeded nine million of dollars, notwithstanding consi-
derable expenditures, had been made for the war during
the months of May and June preceding. But for the
war, the whole public debt could and would have been
extinguished within a short period; and it was a part of
my settled policy to do so, and thus relieve the people
from its burden, and place the Government in a position
which would enable it to reduce the public expenditure
to that economical standard which is must consistent
with the general welfare, and the pure and wholesome
progress of our institutions.
Among our just causes for complaint against Mexico,
arising out of her refusal to treat for peace, as well
before as since the war so unjustly commenced on her
part, are the extraordinary expenditures in which we
have been involved. Justice to our own people will make
it proper that Mexico should be held responsible for
these expenditures.
Economy in the public expenditures is at all times a
high duty which all public functionaries of the Govern-
ment owe to the people. This duty becomes the more
imperative in a period of war, when large and extraor-
dinary expenditures become unavoidable. During the
existence of the war with Mexico all our resources should
be husbanded, and no appropriations made except such
as are absolutely necessary for las vigorous prosecution
and the due administration of the Government. Objects
of appropriation which in peace may be deemed useful
and proper, but which are not indispensable for the public
service, may, when the country is engaged in a foreign
war, be well postponed to a future period iity the ob-
servance of this policy at your present session, large
amounts may be saved to the treasury, and be applied
to objects of pressing and urgent necessity, and thus the
creation of a corresponding amount of public debt may
be avoided.
It is not meant to recommend that the ordinary and
necessary appropriations for the support of Government
should be withheld, but it is well known that at every
session of Congress appropriations are proposed for
numerous objects which may or may not be made, with-
out materially affecting the public interests; and these it
is recommended should not be granted.
The Act passed at your last session " reducing the
duties on imports" not having gone into operation until
the Ist of the present month, there has not been time for
its practical effect upon the revenue, and the business of
the country, to be developed. It is not doubted, how-
ever, that the just policy which it adopts will add largely
to our foreign trade, and promote the general pros-
perity. Although it cannot be certainly foreseen what
amount of revenue it will yield, it is estimated that it
will exceed that produced by the Act of 1842, which it
superseded. The leading principles established by it
are, to levy the taxes with a view to raise revenue, and
to impose them upon the articles imported according to
their actual value.
The Act or 1842, by the excessive rates of duty which
it imposed on many articles, either totally excluded them
from importation, or greatly reduced the amount im-
ported, and thus diminished instead of producing revenue.
By it the taxes were imposed not for the legitimate pur-
poses of revenue, but to afford advantages to favoured
classes, at the expense of a large majority of
their fellow-citizens. Those employed in agriculture,
mechanical pursuits, commerce and navigation, were
compelled to contribute from their substance to swell the
profits and overgrown wealth of the comparatively few
who had invested their capital in manufactures. The
taxes were not levied in proportion to the value of the
articles upon which they were imposed ; but widely de-
parting from this just rule, the lighter taxes were, in
many cases, levied upon articles of luxury and high
price, and the heavier taxes on those of necessity and
low price, consumed by the great mass of the people. It
was a system the inevitable effect of which was to relieve
favoured classes and the wealthy few from contributing
their just proportion for the support of Government, and
to lay the burden on the labour of the many engaged in
other pursuits than manufactures.
A system so unequal and so unjust has been super-
seded by the existing law, which imposes duties, not for
the benefit or injury of classes or pursuits, but distri-
butes, aud, as far as practicable, equalises the public

In connexion with this subject, I invite your attention
to the importance of establishing a branch of the mint of
the United States at New York. Two-thirds of the re-
venue derived from customs being collected at that part,
the demand for specie to pay the duties will be large;
and a branch mint, where foreign coin and bullion could
be immediately converted into American coin, would
greatly facilitate the transaction of the public business,
enlarge the circulation of gold and silver, and be, at the
same time, a safe depository of the public money.
The importance of graduating and reducing the price
of such of the public lands as have been long offered in
the market, at the minimum rate authorised by existing
laws, and remain unsold, induces me again to recom-
mend the subject to your favourable consideration.
Many millions of acres of these lands have been offered
in the market for more than thirty years, and larger
quantities for more than ten or twenty years; and, being
of an inferior quality,they muse remain unsaleable for an
indefinite period, unless the price at which they may be
purchased sh• All be reduced. To place a price upon them
above their real value is not only to prevent their sale,
and thereby deprive the Treasury of any income from
that source, but is unjust to the states in which they lie,
because it retards their growth and increase of popula-
tion, and because they have no power to levy a tax upon
them as upon other lands within their limits, held by
other proprietors than the United States, for the support
of their local Governments.
The beneficial effects of the graduation principle have
been realised by some of the states owning the lands within
their limits, in which it has been adopted. They have
been demonstrated also by the United States acting as the
trustee of the Chickasaw tribe of Indians in the sale or
their lands lying within the states of Mississippi and Ala- ,

burdens among all classes and occupations. The
favoured classes who, under the unequal and
unjust system which has been repealed, have hereto-
fore realised large profits, and many of them amassed
large fortunes, at the expense of the many who have
been made tributary to them, will have no reason to
complain if they shall be required to bear their just
proportion of the taxes necessary for the support of
government. So far from it, it will be perceived, by an
examination of the existing law, that discriminations in
the rates of duty imposed, within the revenue principle,
have been retained in their favour. The incidental aid
against foreign competition, which they still enjoy, gives
them an advantage which no other pursuits possess; but
of this none others will complain, because the duties
levied are necessary for revenue. These revenue duties,
including freights and charges, which the importer must
pay before he can come in competition with the home
manufacturer in our markets, amount, on nearly all our
leading branches of manufacture, to more than one-
third of the value of the imported article, and in some
cases to almost one-half its value. With such advantages,
it is not doubted that our domestic manufacturers
will continue to prosper, realising in well-conducted
establishments even greater profits than can be de-
rived from any other regular business. Indeed, so far
from requiring the protection of even incidental revenue
duties, our manufactures in several leading branches
are extending their business, giving evidence of great
ingenuity and skill, and of their ability to compete,
with increased prospect of success, for the open market
of the world. Domestic manufacturers, to the value of
several millions of dollars, which cannot find a market at
home, are annually exported to foreign countries. With
such rates of duty as those established by the existing
law, the system will probably be permanent • and capi-
talists who have made, or shall hereafter make, their in-
vestments in manufactures, will know upon what to
rely. The country will be satisfied with these rates, be-
cause the advantages which the manufacturers still en-
joy result necessarily from the collection of revenue for
the support of Go:ernment. High protective duties,
from their unjust operation upon the masses of the
people, cannot fail to give rise to extensive dissatis-
faction and complaint, and to constant efforts to change
or repeal them, rendering all investments in manufac-
tures uncertain and precarious. Lower and more per-
manent rates of duty, at the same time that they will
yield to the manufacturer fair and remunerating profits,
will secure him against the danger of frequent changes
in the system, which cannot fail to ruinously affect his
interests.
Simultaneously with the relaxation of the restrictive
policy by the United States, Great Britain, from whose
example we derive the system, has relaxed hers. She
has modified her corn-laws, and reduced many other
duties to moderate revenue rates. After ages of expe-
rience, the statesmen of that country have been con-
strained by a stern necessity, and by a public epinion having
its deep foundation in the sufferings and wants of iw-
poverished millions, to abandon a system the effect of
which was to build up immense fortunes in the hands of
the few, and to reduce the labouring millions to pauperism
and misery. Nearly in the same ratio that labour was
depressed, capital increased and concentrated by the
British protective policy.
The evils of the system in Great Britain were at length
rendered intolerable, and it has been abandoned, but not
without a severe struggle on the part of the protected
and favoured classes to retain the unjust advantages
which they have so long enjoyed. It was to be expected
that a similar struggle would be made by the same
classes in the United States, whenever an attempt was
made to modify or abolish the same unjust system here.
The protective policy had been in operation in the
United States for a much shorter period, and its perni-
cious effects were not therefore so clearly perceived and
felt. Enough, however, was known of these effects to
induce its repeal.
It would be strange if, in the face of the example of
Great Britain, our principal foreign consumer, and of
the evils of a system rendered manifest in that country
by long and painful experience, and in the face of the
immense advantages which, under a more liberal com-
mercial policy, we are already deriving, and must con-
tinue to derive, by supplying her starving population
with food, the United States should restore a policy
which she has been compelled to abandon, and thus
diminish her ability to purchase from us the food and
other articles which she so much needs, and we so much
desire to sell. By the simultaneous abandonment of the
protective policy by Great Britain and the United States,
new and important markets have already been opened
for our agricultural and other products; commerce and
navigation have received a new impulse; labour and trade
have been released from the artificial trammels which
have so long fettered them; and to a great extent reci-
procity, in the exchange of commodities, has been intro-
duced at the same time by both countries, and greatly
for the benefit of both. Great Britain has been forced,
by the pressure of circumstances at home, to abandon
a policy which has been upheld for ages, and to open her
markets for our immense surplus of bread stuffs; and it
is confidently believed that other Powers of Europe will
ultimately see the wisdom, if they be not compelled by
the pauperism and sufferings of their crowded popula-
tion, to pursue a similar policy.
Our farmers are more deeply interested in maintain-
ing the just and liberal policy of the existing law than
any other class of our citizens. They constitute a large
majority of our population; and it is well known that
when they prosper all other pursuits prosper also. They
have heretofore not only received none of the bounties
or favours of Government, but by the unequal operations
of the protective policy, have been made by the burdens
of taxation, which it imposed, to contribute to the boun-
ties which have enriched others.
When a foreign as well as a home market is opened to
them they must receive, as they are now receiving, in-
creased prices for their produce. They will find a
readier sale, and at better prices for their wheat, flour,
rice, Indian corn, beef, pork, lard, butter, cheese, and
other articles which they produce.
The home market alone is inadequate to enable them
to dispose of the immense surplus of food and other
articles which they are capable of producing, even at
the most reduced prices, for the manifest reason that
they cannot be consumed in the country. The United
States can, from their immense surplus, supply net only
the home demand, but the deficiencies of food required
by the whole world.
That the reduced production of some of the chief
articles of food in Great Britain and other parts of
Europe may have contributed to increase the demand for
our bread stuffs and provisions, is not doubted but
that the great and efficient cause of this increased de-
mand, and of increased prices, consists in the removal of
artifical restrictions heretofore imposed, is deemed to be
equally certain. That our exports of food already in-
creased and increasing beyond former example, under
the more liberal policy which has been adopted, will be
still vastly enlarged, unless they be checked or prevented
by a restoration of the protective policy, cannot be
doubted. That our commercial and navigating interests
will be enlarged in a corresponding ratio with the in-
crease of our trade is equally certain ; while our manu-
facturing interests will still be the favoured interests of
the country, and receive the incidental protection
afforded them by revenue duties, and more than this
they cannot justly demand.
In my annual message of December last, a tariff of re-
venue duties, based upon the principles of the existing
law, was recAnmended, and I have seen no reason to
change the opinions then expressed. In view of ths pro-
bable beneficial effects of that law, I recommend that the po-
licy established by it be maintained. It has butjustcom-
menced to operate, and to abandon or modify it without
giving it a fair trial would be inexpedient and unwise.
Should defects in any of its details be ascertained by
actual experience to exist, these may be hereafter cor-
rected ; but until such defects shall become manifest,
the Act should be fairly tested.
It is submitted for your consideration whether it may
not be proper, as a war measure, to impose revenue
duties on some of the articles now embraced in the free
list. Should it be deemed proper to impose such duties,
with a view to raise revenue to meet the expenses of the
war with Mexico, or to avoid to that extent the creation
of a public debt, they may be repealed when the
emergency which gave rise to them shall cease to exist,
and constitute no part of the permanent policy of the
country.
The Act of the 6th of August last "to provide for
the better organisation of the Treasury, and for the col-
lection, safe keeping, transfer, and disbursement of the
public revenue," has been carried into execution as
rapidly as the delay, necessarily arising out of the ap-
pointment of new officers, taking and approving their
bonds, and preparing and securing proper places for the
safe keeping of the public money, would permit. It
is not proposed to depart in any respect from the princi-
ples of policy on which this great measure is founded.
There are, however, defeats in the details of the measure,
developed by its practical operation, which are fully set
forth in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, to
which the attention of Congress is invited. These defects
would impair, to some extent, the successful operation
of the law at all times, but are especially embarrassing
when the country is engaged in a war, when the expen-
ditures are greatly increased, when loans are to be
effected, and the disbursements are to be made at points
many hundred miles distant, in some cases, from any
depository, and a large portion of them in a foreign
country. The modifications suggested in the report of
the Secretary of the Treasury are recommended to your
favourable consideration.

I recommend to your favourable consideration the
proposition to add to each of our foreign squadrons an
efficient sea steamer, and, as especially demanding atten-
tion, the establishment at Pensacola of the necessary
means of repairing and refitting the vessels of the navy
employed in the Gulfof Mexico.
There are other suggestions in the report which de-
serve, and, I doubt not, will receive your consideration.
The progress and condition of the mail service for the
past year are fully presented in the report of the
Postmaster-General. The revenue for the year ending
on the 30th of June last amounted to three million
four hundred and eighty-seven thousand one hundred
and ninety-nine dollars, which is eight hundred
and two thousand six hundred and forty-two dol-
lars and forty •five cents less than that of the pre-
ceding year. The payments for the department
during the same time amounted to four million eighty-
four thousand twe hundred and ninety-seven dollars
and twenty-two cents. Of this sum five hundred and
ninety-seven thousand and ninety-seven dollars and
eighty cents have been drawn from the treasury. The
disbursements for the year were two hundred and thirty-
six thousand four hundred and thirty-four dollars and
seventy-seven cents leas than those of the preceding
year. While the disbursements have been thus di-
minished, the mail facilities have been enlarged by new
mail routes of five thousand seven hundred and thirty-
nine miles ; an increase of transportation of one million
seven hundred and sixty-four thousand one hundred and
forty-five miles, and the establishment of 418 new post-
offices. Contractors, postmasters, and others engaged
in this branch of this service, have performed
their duties with energy and faithfulness de-
serving commendation. For many interesting details
connected with the operations of this establishment,
you are referred to the report of the Postmaster. Ge-
neral; and his suggestions for improving its revenues
are recommended to your favourable consideration. I
repeat the opinion expressed in my last annual mes-
sage, that the business of this department should be
so regulated that the revenues derived from it should
be made equal to the expenditures; and it is believed
that this may be done by proper modifications of the
present laws as suggested in the report of the Post-
master-General, without changing the present rates of
postage.
With full reliance upon the wisdom and patriotism
of your deliberations, it will be my duty, as it will be
my anxious desire, to co-operate with you in every
constitutional effort to promote the welfare and main-
tain the honour of our common country.
Washington, Dec. 8, 1846. JAMES K. POLK.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE,
MANSION-HOUSE.
HOUSE•BREAYER'B DETECTED.—Mary Green was
brought before the Lord Mayor.
John Spittle (policeman 671) stated that as he was on
duty, in plain clothes, opposite to the theatre, in Norton
Folgate, at a quarter-past five on Monday evening, he
noticed the prisoner near several ladies, and knowing
her to be a thief he watched her. She endeavoured to
pick the pockets of several females at the doors. At last
she attempted to rob a lady, who was ascending the stair-
case to the boxes, after which she suddenly retreated,
and made her way to Bishopsgate-street. Another
policeman (White, 667) then followed her by direction
of witness, who returned to the theatre and learned that
the lady, to whom he had alluded, had been robbed of
her purse. In the meantime White dogged the prisoner
to No. 5, Skinner-street, Bishopsgate; apprehend .d her
as she was going in at the hall-door, and upon searching
the spot found behind a shutter a purse containing four-
teen shillings and two penny pieces, which proved to be
the property that had been stolen from the lady at the
theatre.

Miss S. Wells stated that she had gone to the City of
London Theatre with some friends, and after being
spoken to by the policeman, found that she had been
robbed of her purse, containing silver under the value
of a pound. (The purse found under the shutter was
here produced and identified by the witness.)
The LORD MAYOR having ordered that the prisoner
should be committed for trial,
Spittle said
that h e had another charge to prefer
against the prisoner in conjunction with a man called
James Green, with whom she had been living for some
time.

bama. The Chickasaw lands, which would not command
in the market the minimum price established by the
laws of the United States for the sale of their lands,
were, in pursuance of the treaty of 1834 with that
tribe, subsequently offered for sale at graduated and re-
reduced rates for limited periods. The result was, that
large quantities of these lands were purchased which
would otherwise have remained untold. The lands were
disposed of at their real value, and many persons of
limited means were enabled to purchase small tracts,
upon which they have settled with their families. That
similar results would be produced by the adoption of the
graduation policy by the United States, in all the states
in which they are the owners of large tracts offends which
have been long in the market, cannot be doubted. It
cannot be a sound policy to withhold large quan-
tities of the public lands from the use and occupation
of our citizens, by fixing upon them prices which
experience has shown they will not command. On the
contrary, it is a wise policy to afford facilities to our ci-
tizens to become the owners, at low and moderate rates,
of freeholds of their own, instead of being the tenants
and dependents of others. If it be apprehended that
these lands, if reduced in price, would be secured in large
quantities by speculators or capitalists, the sales may be
restricted, in limited quantities, to actual settlers, or per-
sons purchasing for purposes of cultivation.
In my last annual Message I submitted for the consi-
deration of Congress the present system of managing
the mineral lands of the United States, and rasom-
mended that they should be brought into market and
sold, upon such terms mil under such restrictions as
Congress might prescribe. By the Act of the 11th of
July last, " the reserved lead mines and contiguous
lands in the states of Illinois and Arkanstii, and terri-
tories of Wisconsin and lowa," were authorised to be
sold. The Act is confined, in its operation, to " lead
mines and contiguous lands."
A large portion of the public lands, containing copper
and other ores, is represented to be very valuable, and I
recommend that provision be made authorising the sale
of these lands, upon such terms and conditions as their
supposed value may, in the judgment of Congress, be
deemed advisable, having due regard to the interests of
such of our citizens as may be located upon them.
It will be important, during your present session, to
establish a teraitorial government, and to extend the
jurisdiction and laws of the United States over the terri-
tory of Oregon. Our laws regulating trade and inter-
course with the Indian tribe east of the Rocky Mountains
should be extended to the Pacific Ocean ; and for the
purpose of executing them, and preserving friendly re-
lations with the Indian tribes within our limits, an addi-
tional number of Indian agencies will be required, and
should be authorised by law. The establishment of custom-
houses, and of post-offices and post-roads, and provision
for the transportation of the mail on such routes as the
public convenience will suggest, require legisla-
tive authority. It will be proper, also, to establish
a surveyor-general's office in that territory, and to make
the necessary provision for surveying the public lands
and bringing them into market. As our citizens who
now reside in that distant region have been subjected to
many hardships, privations, and sacrifices, in their emi-
gration, and by their improvements have enhanced the
value of the public lands in the neighbourhood of their
settlements, it is recommended that liberal grants be
made to them of such portions of these lands as they
may occupy, and that similar grants or rights of pre-
emption be made to all who may emigrate thither within
a limited period, to be prescribed by law.
The report of the Secretary of War contains detailed
information relative to the several branches of the public
service connected with that department. The operations
of the army have been of a satisfactory and highly grati-
fying character.
I recommend to your early and favourable considera-
tion the measures, as proposed by the Secretary of War,
for speedily filling up the rank and file of the regular
army, for its greater efficiency in the field, and for
raising an additional force to serve during the war with
Mexico.
Embarrassment is likely to arise from want of legal
provision authorising compensation to be made to the
agents employed in the several states and territories to
pay the revolutionary and other pensioners the amounts
allowed them by law. Your attention is invited to the
recommendations of the Secretary of War on this sub-
ject. These agents incur heavy responsibilities and per
form important duties, and no reason exists why they
should not be placed on the same footing, as to compen-
sation, with other disbursing officers.
Our relations with the various Indian tribes continue
to be of a pacific character. The unhappy dissensions
which have existed among the Cherokees for many years
past have been healed. Since my last annual Message,
important treaties have been negotiated with some of the
tribes, by which the Indian title to large tracts of valu-
able land within the limits of the states and territories
has been extinguished, and arrangements made for re-
moving them to the country west of the Mississippi.
Between three and four thousand of different tribes have
been removed to the country provided for them by treaty
stipulations, and arrangements have been made for others
to follow.
In our intercourse with the several tribes particular
attention has been given to the important subject of
education. The number of schools established among
them has been increased, and additional means provided,
not only for teaching them the rudiments of education,
but of instructing them in agriculture and the mecha-
nic arts.
I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Navy
for a satisfactory view of the operations of the depart-
ment under his charge during the past 3 ear. It is gra-
tifying to perceive that while the war with Mexico has
rendered it necessary to employ an unusual number of
our armed vessels on her coasts, the protection due to
our commerce in other quarters of the world has not
proved insufficient. No means will be spared to give
efficiency to the naval service in the prosecution of the
war ; and lam happy to know that the officers and men
anxiously desire to devote themselves to the service o
their country in any enterprise, however difficult of exe•
cution.

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.
LIVERPOOL, MECEMBIR 29.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Ambergate and East-
ern Junction, Bs. 9d. p.—Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Che-
shire Junction, 1% p.—Birmingham and Dudley, 6 p.—Bir-
mingham and Oxford Junction, 93/4 p.—Buckinghamshire,
par—Chester and Birkenhead, 20/. Share, A p.—East Lan-
cashire, 3% p.—Edinburgh and Glasgow, 78—Fleetwood,
Preston,:and West Riding, 32 p.—Goole and Doncaster, %
p.—Great Grimsby and Sheffield, 3 dis.—Ditto Quarters,
dis.—Great Northern (late Direct Northern), par ex int.
—Huddersfield Canal and Railway, 414 p.— Ditto, Exten-
sion, 1% p.—Leeds and Thirsk, 11/2 dis.—Ditto, New, 14 p.
—Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport, 1% p.—Liverpool, Man-
chester, and Newcastle Junction, p.—London and North-
Western, New Quarters, 13% p.—London and York, IA p.—
Ditto, Direct Northern, Is. 3d. p.—Manchester and Leeds,
Quarters, 5 p.—Ditto, Extension, I% p.—Manchester and
Southampton, 14 dis.—Midland, 130—Ditto, 40/. Shares, 8%
a.—Ditto, New, 5.p —North British, Quarters, 2% p.—North
Staffordshire, 4% p.—North Union (A), 225 Ditto, (B),
156—Sheffield and Manchester, 98—Ditto, Eighths, % dis.—
Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester, 11/s dis.—Shrewsbury
and Birmingham (A), 2A p.—South-Eastern and Dover,
New, No. 1, 41/Q p.--Ditto, New, No. 4, ifs. 3d. p.—We:st
Riding Union, 41s. 3d. p.—York and Newcastle, Preference,
53/4 p.—Newry and Warrenpoint, 214 p-
MANCHESTER, DECEMBER 29.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Ambergate, Notting-
ham' and Boston. 14 p.—Birkenhead, Lancashire, and
Cheshire, p.— Birmingham and Oxford. Junction, 9 11-16
p.—Birmingham, Wolverhampton, &c., p.—Blackburn,
Clitheroe, &c., 3/4 dis.—Buckinghamshire, par—Eastepar—EasternCounties, New, 7% p.—Ditto, York Extension, I% p.—East
Lancashire, 3% p.—Ditto, p.—Ditto, New (scrip), 1%
p.—East Lincolnshire, 1% p.—Ely and Huntingdon, 114 p.
—Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding, 3 -16 p.—Grcat
Grimsby and Dock Extension, 11/2 dis.—Great Northern
(late Direct Northern), 1/4 P.—Huddersfield and Manchester
Railway and Canal, 414 p. —Ditto, Thirds, 11/2 p.—Leeds
and Thirsk, 15-16 dis.—Ditto, New, IL, p.—Preferentials,
1 9-16 p.—Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle Junction,
c. IL—London and North-Western, New, 13 p.—London,
Manchester, and Birmingham, 75—London and South-
Western, % p.—Ditto (scrip), % p.—Manchester, Buxton,
Matlock, and Midland, 114 p.—Manchester and Leeds,
Halves, 11 p.— Ditto, Quarters, 5 p.—Ditto, Fifths, 6 p.—
Ditto, Extension, 1% p.—Manchester and Southampton, A
dis.—North Staffordshire, 4% p.—North-Western,- 3% p.--
Oldham Alliance, % p.—Scottish Central, 6%—Sheffield arid. Manchester, Quarters No. 3, IA dis.—Shrewsbury and Bir-
mingham (A), 2% p.—Shropshire Union, % dis.—South-
Eastern and Dover, No. 4, 9-16 p.—West Riding , Union,
2%

LEEDS, DECEBE 29.
STOCK EXCIIANGE.—The sales are—R Ambergate, Notting-
ham, and Boston, 7s. 6d. n. p.—Birmingham and Oxford
Junction, 9% n. p.—East Lancashire ( Blackburn and Pres-
ton, 4 p.—Ditto, New, 3% p.—Ditto, Scrip, 345. p.—Hud-
dersfield and Manchester, 44 n. p.—Ditto, Thirds, IA, p.-
-Leeds and Thirsk, 1 dis.—Ditto, New, par—Ditto, Pre-
ference, 295. p.—Malton and Dritlield Junction, 11/2 p.—Man-
chester and Leeds (late Huddersfield and Shetlield), 514 c.
p.—Ditto, Extension, 11., p.—Manchester, Buxton, 'Matlock,
and Midland, IA, p.—Midland, Preference, 4',Y p.—North
British, Halves, 4414 n.—Ditto, Thirds, 575. p.—Ditto, Quar-
ters (late Carlisle Branch), 465. n. p.—Ditto, Extension
(scrip), 18x. 6d. p.—North Staffordshire, 4% n. p.—Northern
Counties Union, 245. 6d. dis.—North-Western, 14s. c. p.—
Sheffield and Rotherham, 8 p.—Sheffield, Rotherham, and
Goole, 17s. c. p.—Shrewsbury and Birmingham (A), 21/6 n.
p.—Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, 10s. dis.—London and
York, Vs n. p.—West Riding Union, 4/. 4s.
SHEFFIELD, DECEatBER 29.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Birmingham and
Oxford, 93/4 p.—Great Grimsby and Sheffield, Quarters, 7s.
Gd. dis.—Ditto, Docks, 1% dis. c.—Midland, New Shares, 4%
p.—Sheffield and Lincoln, 3/4 dis.—West Riding Union, 21/s
p.—Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, lls. dis.—South York-
shire, Doncaster, and Goole, 7s. 6d. p.
HULL, DECEMBER 29.
STOCK EXCITANGE.—The demand to-day for all descrip-
tions of stock has been considerable, consequently our quota-
tions are firm without showing much fluctuation. The sales
are—North British, Halves, 151/2—Ditto, Quarters, 735.
Ditto, Extension (scrip), -19 s. p.--York and Newcastle, Pre-
ference, 51/2 p.—Blackburn, Clitheroe, &c. 5A dis.—Glasgow,
Dumfries, and Carlisle, 13i., p.—Leeds and Thirsk, 11,‘ dis.—
North Staffordshire, 41. Bs. 9d. p.—West Riding Union,
41. 2s.

James Green, a tall, well-dressed, resolute-looking
young man, was then put to the-bar next to the female.
The officer said he charged the two prisoners with
having in their possession a quantity of housebreaking
implements, consisting of crowbars, files, pick-lock keys,
&c. He had after the woman's apprehension watched
at the door of the house, and at an early hour next
morning apprehended James Green unlocking the door EDINBURGH, DECEMBER 28.
to go in. In the back room of the second floor the wit- STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-Aberdeen, 251. 108.-
Airdrie and Bathgate, 4/. 85.-Arbroath and Forfar, 28/.
'less found the articles already described, and nine silk Ditto Halves, 15/. 53.-Ayr and Galloway, 1/. 6s. 6d.-
handkerchiefs, fifteen duplicates (most of them 'elating Caledonian, 29/. I 03. --Ditto, New, 21. 13s. 6d.-Caledonian
to silk handkerchief's), and a new silk umbrella. and Dumbartonshire, '2'. 55.-Clydesdale Junction, 341.-
ElizAbeth Nichol! stated that she owned the house Deeside Railway, 3/.-Direct Northern, 21. 133. 6d.--Dn-
No. 5, Skinner-street, and let out several rooms of it blane, Doune, and Callander, 11. 155.-Dundee and Arbroath.
to lodgers ; that she knew both the prisoners well, they 45/.-Ditto, New. No. 1. 34L-Ditto. New, No. 2, 29/.8;
Dundee and Perth, 29/. 10s.-Ditto, Nev, 14/. 155.-Ea
having lodged in the house as man and wife about ,
Counties, 23L-Ditto, York Extension, 3/. 12s. 6d.-
twelre months; that they appeared to be yery quiet peo- ; East f rif 31 1 6t1.--Laliblir li 413 tb
Q _ el . ih g AA A IP r . g.
te 2/ 16-
_

ple, and upon taking the room they gave a reference, to
which, however, witness had not taken the trouble to
apply. The witness, as she went early t.) bed hemlf,
did not knoW what hours they kept.
Spittle said he believed he should be able to produce
the owner of some of the property found on the man.
The case was accordingly remanded. The commit-
ment of the woman for stealing the purse of Miss Wells
was then made out, and both prison'rs were ordered to
be brought up again on Friday.
The whole of the conduct of policeman Spittle, in fol-
lowing up both parties, was much commended.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE,
(From the London New Price Current of December 29.)
SUGAIL—The business transacted in all descriptions of
West India Sugar was extremely limited by refiners and
grocers, on Wednesday and Thursday, the quantity disposed
of amounting to only 440 hhds and trcs but holders evinced
firmness, and obtained previous prices • for all sorts. The ar-
rivals of Raw Sugar have not been of much moment since
this day week, but the deliveries continue satisfactory, and
prices are lower than they were in 1845; in the stock, how-
ever, there is little difference.
REFINED.—To-day several purchases were made in Re-
fined Goods by the home trade, and at firm rates, standard
lumps selling at 655, and brown grocery lumps at 64s per cwt.
For Bonded Crushed Sugar the market is firm, and there are
several buyers.
Matiemus.--Prices have not improved, but there has
been a fair business transacted by private treaty, and the
rates paid are equal to those previously current; the better
qualities of yellow and grey meeting with the most attention.
EAST INDIA.—The rates previously established are sus-
tained for all kinds of Bengal Sugar ; but the amount of
business done privately has been to a small extent only, and
none has been offered at public sale. Madras, however, has
met with attention, and several parcels have been taken;
but holders are inclined to sell at previous rates. For Ceylon
and Penang former prices have been taken for small parcels.
FOREIGN.—To-day Foreign Sugar met with little attention,
and the only transaction worth reporting, is that of 200 cases
of brown Bahia for exportation at 21s per cwt, being about
the former value; at this rate, however, holders are inclined
to realise.
COFFEE.—Holders manifest more firmness, and have re-
frained from offering any at public sale. The market has an
improving appearance, a fair amount of business having been
transacted by private treaty, and the rates paid are rather
above those previously current; indeed, of middling and
good middling sorts the supply is far from ample for the
demand.
Cocoa.—The low and middling qualities of West India
have met with a dull sale, and for such prices tend down-
wards, the stock being large, but good and fine are wanted,
and the parcels sold privately brought very full rates, the
supply being small. For Foreign late rates are asked; but
little business has been done.
SPIRITS. —East India rum has been in good request, and
the parcels sold are at stiffer rates. In Leeward Island
several sales have been made, and the supply being
small, prices rule firm. Demerara of strong quality
has been sought after, and a fair business has been
done. Jamaica is held with firmness, and there
is but a moderate quantity of any kind on offer; a- good busi-
ness has been done, 'and at fully late rates. Brandy is dull
of sale, and can be had upon rather lower terms. Geneva
has met with little attention for exportation. At London and
Liverpool duty has been paid on 20,015 gallons this year.
British Corn Spirits have been in lively demand ; English at
lls 3d nett cash, Scotch and Irish lls 2d to lis 3d. Gin 17
per cent under proof at lOs 3d, and 22 per cent under proof at
9s 9d per gallon.
SPlCES.—Holders of Black Pepper evince firmness, and
offer only a limited quantity for sale; a fair demand exists
privately for all sorts. White met with a fair sale at 3d to
9d. Pimento is wanted, but little is to be had; and 4d to
4id is the value. For Nutmegs the market has a quiet ap-
pearance, and former rates are not to be obtained. Mace is net
cheaper, but the demand has fallen off. Cassia Lignea met
with little attention, and is offered upon easier terms.
COCRINEAL. To-day there was an increased desire
evinced to purchase all descriptions ; a good business was
transacted by private treaty, and the rates paid were Id to
2d above those of the last public sales.
TEA. —Congou of the low and middling descriptions is
little wanted, and there are sellers even rather under previous
rates ; these sorts are now actually as cheap as they were
prior to the agitation relative to the duty ; for good and fine
former quotations are insisted upon, but they have been
sparingly dealt in by the town and country trade. There is
now no speculative demand for any description.
INDlGO.—Purchases to a fair extent have been made in all
sorts of East India, and at prices showing an advance on
those of the last quarterly sales of 2d to 4d per lb ; holders
are sanguine in their expectations as to the future position of
the article, and offer only a trifling quantity for sale. For
Spanish a fair demand exists, and prices are looking up, the
supply being small.
RlCE.—There has been a good business transacted in Ben-
gal by private treaty during the last few days; holders mani-
fest much firmness, and supply the market sparingly; the
rates paid have been 17s to 20s for low to fine white, but com-
mon and middling sorts are still in the most request. Madras
is wanted at 15s 6d to 17s per cwt, but there is little on offer.
Of Java the market is still without a supply—there are se-
veral buyers, and at stiff rates.
Fnurr.—Prices continue steady; the sales effected have
been limited. Currants remain steady at 54s to 565; further
sales are reported in Cephalonia for Holland at 555. Valencia
Raisins are unaltered, viz. 44s to 46s for good and finest qua-
lities. No farther arrivals of Figs, and the quotations re-
main unaltered, although holders are demanding rather
higher rates; other kinds of Turkey fruit are quiet, and we
have not heard of any business worth reporting. Sultana
raisins fully support the recent advanced price of 755.
Ches.—Prices are prevented from improving for Linseed
Oil by the large supply, but the home trade have been in-
duced to operate
.with more freedom, and on the spot a fair
quantity has been taken by them at 25s 9d per cwt, but the
crushers are desirous to sell thereat as they are getting good
profits. For exportation few buyers are to be met with.
The demand for forward delivery has been limited, although
there are sellers at 26s per cwt. The consumption continues
to be as large as ever in this country, and on the Continent
it is on the increase—prices vary little from those of this
time last year. Rapeseed Oil met with a brisk demand,
and an advance in the value took place. Olive Oil has been
largely dealt in, and an advance in the value took place.
Cocoa Nut is much in request, and owing to the small sup-
ply buyers are compelled to pay stiffer rates. In Palm large
purchases have been made, and prices have advanced.
The stock of Fish Oil has further decreased, arrivals conti-
nuing small, whereas the deliveries are going on largely, and
a further improvement in the value took place. None has
again been offered at auction, and privately the quantity on
offer is less than it was of all descriptions. Cod met with
ready purchasers, and prices have improved to 271 lOs to 28/
per tun but for arrival there are sellers rather under these
rates. In Seal a good business has been done, and a further
improvement in the value occurred.
TALLOW.—No further advance has taken place in Russian
on the spot, although the demand has been good. For fine
Petersburgh yellow Candle 51s to 51s 3d per cwt are the
rates accepted. For spring months 51s 6d to Ols 9d are re-
quired, but only a moderate business has been transacted.'
Home made met with ready purchasers at 51s to 51s 6d nett
cash.' All other sorts of Tallow have been in excellent re
quest at the previous currency.