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

and a subsequent note of the former to the department
of State, are herewith submitted. together with a
copy of a note of the acting Secretary of State to the Mi-
nister of the French Republic, and of the reply of the
latter, on the same subj.iet. These papers will acquaint you
with the grounds of this interposition of the two leading
commercial powers of Europe, and with the apprehen-
sions, which this Government could not fail to entertain,
that such interposition, if carried into effect, might lead to
abuses in derogation of the maritime rights of the United
States. The maritime rights of the United States are
founded on a firm, secure, and well-defined basis; they
stand upon the ground of national independence and public
law, and will be maintained in all their full and just

extent.
The principle which this Government has heretofore
solemnly announced it still adheres to, and will maintain
under all circumstances and at all hazards. That principle
is, that in every regularly documented merchant vessel, the
crew who navigate it, and those on board of it will find
their protection in the flag which is over them. No
American ship can be allowed to be visited or searched for
the purpose of ascertaining the character of individuals on
board, nor can there be allowed any watch by the vessels of
any foreign nation over American vessels on the coasts of the
United States, or the seas adjacent thereto. It will be seen
by the last communication from the British Charge d'Af-
faires to the Department of State, that he is authorised to
assure the Secretary of State that every care will ba taken
that, in executing the preventive measures against the ex-
peditions, which the United States' Government itself has
denounced as not being entitled to the protection of any
Government, no interference shall take place with the lawful

alone they have been or are expected to be carried into
effect.
Peace has been concluded between contending parties in
the island of St. Domingo, and it is hoped upon a durable
basis. Such is the extent of our commercial relations with
that island, that the United States cannot fail to feel a strong

interest in its tranquillity.
The office of Commissioner to China remains unfilled ;
several persons have been appointed, and the place has been
offered to others, all of whom have declined its acceptance,
on the ground of the inadequacy of the compensation. The
annual allowance by law is 6,000 dolls., and there is no pro-
vision for any outfit. I earnestly recommend the considera-
tion of this subject to Congress. Our commerce with China
is highly important, and is becoming more and more se, in
consequence of the increasing intercourse between our ports
on the Pacific Coast and Eastern Asia. China is understood
to be a country in which living is very expensive, and I
know no reason why the American Commissioner sent thither
should not be placed, in regard to compensation, on an equal
footing with Ministers who represent this country at the
Courts of Europe.
By reference to the report of the Secretary of the Trea-
sury, it will be seen that the aggregate receipts for the last
fiscal year amounted to 52,312,979 dolls. 87c. • which, with
the balance in the treasury on the Ist July, 1850, gave, as
the available means for the year, the sum of 58,917,524
dolls. 36c. _ _ .

The total expenditure for the same period were
48,005,878 dolls. 68c.
The total imports for the year ending 30th
June, 1851, were
Of which there were in specie
The exports for the same period were 217,517,130 dolls.
Of which there were of
domestic products 178,546,555 dolls.
Foreign goods re-ex-
ported 9,738,695 dolls.
Specie
-----217,517,130 dolls.
Since the Ist of December last the payments in cash on
account of the public debt, exclusive of interest, have
amounted to 7,501,456 dolls. 56c. ; which, however, includes
the sum of 3,242,000 dolls, paid under the 12th article of
the treaty w;th Mexico, and the further sum of 2,591,213
dolls 45c., being the amount of awards to American citizens
under the late treaty with Mexico, for which the issue of
stock was authorised, but which was paid in cash from the
Treasury.
The public debt on the 20th ultimo, exclusive of the
stock authorised to be issued to Texas by the Act of 9th
September, 1850, was 62,560,305 dolls. 26c.
The receipts for the next fiscal year are estimated at
51,800,000 dolls., which, with the probable unappropriated
balance in the Treasury, on the 30th June next, will give as
the probable available means for that year the sum of
63,258,473 dolls. 9c.
It has been deemed prone; In view of the large expendi-
tures consequent upon the acquisition of territory from
Mexico, that the estimates for the next fiscal year should be
laid before Congress in such manner as to distinguish the ex-
p nditures so required from the otherwise ordinary demands
upon the Treasury.
The total expenditures for the next fiscal year are esti-
mated at 42,892,299 dolls. 19c., of which there is required
for the ordinary purposes of the Government, other than

commerce of any nation.
In addition to tke correspondence on this subject, here-
with submitted, official information has been received at the
department of state, of assurances by the French Govern-
ment that, in the orders given to the French naval forces,
they were expressly instructed, in any operations they might
engage in, to respect the flag of the United States wherever
it might appear, and to commit no act of hostility upon any
vessel or armament under its protection.
Ministers and Consuls of foreign nations are the means
and agents of communication between us and those na-
tions, and it is of the utmost importance that, while residing
in the country, they should feel a perfect security so
long as they faithfully discharge their respective duties
and are guilty of no violation of our laws. This is the ad-
mitted law of nations, and no country has a deeper interest
in maintaining it than the United States. Our com-
merce spreads over every sea and visits every clime, and our
Ministers and Consuls are appointed to protect the interests
of that commerce, as well as to guard the peace of the coun-
try and maintain the honour of its flag. But how can they
discharge those duties unless they be themselves protected ;
and, if protected, it must be by the laws of the country in
which they reside. And what is due to our own public
functionaries residing in foreign nations is exactly the mea-
sure of what is due to the functionaries of other Govern-
ments residing here. As in war, the bearers of flags of
truce are sacred, or else wars would be interminable, so in
peace, Ambassadors, public Ministers, aad Consuls, charged
with friendly national intercourse, are objects of especial
respect and protection, each according to the rights be-
longing to his rank and station. In view of these impor-
tant principles, it is with deep mortification and regret 1 an-
nounce to you that, during the excitement growing out of
the executions at Havannah, the office of her Catholic
Majesty's Consul at New Orleans was assailed by a mob, his
property destroyed, the Spanish flag found in the office car-
ried off and torn in pieces, and he himse.f induced to flee for
his personal safety, which he supposed to be in danger.
On receiving intelligence of these events, I forthwith
directed the attorney of the United States residing at New
Orleans to inquire into the facts and the extent of the pecu-
niary loss sustained by the consul, with the intention of lay-
ing them before you, that you might make provision for such
indemnity to him as a just regard for the honour of the na-
tion and the respect which is due to a friendly power might,
in your judgment, seem to require. The correspondence
upon this subject between the Secretary of State and her
Catholic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary is herewith
transmitted.
The occurrence at New Orleans has led me. to give my
attention to the state of our laws in regard to foreign am-
bassadors, ministers, and consuls. I think the legislation of
the country is deficient in not providing sufficiently either for
the protection or 'he punishment of consuls. I, therefore,
recommend the subject to the consideration of Congress.
Your attention is again invited to the question of recipro-
cal trade between the United States and Canada and other
British possessions near our frontier. Overtures for a con-
vention upon this subject have been received from her
Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary, but it seems
to be in many respects preferable that the matter should be
regul .ted by reciprocal legislation. Documents are laid be-
fore you showing the terms which the British Government
is willing to offer, and the measures which it may adopt, if
some arrangement up n this subject shall not be made.
From the accompanying copy of a note from the British
Legation at Washing on, and the reply of the Department of
State thereto, it will appear that her Britannic Majesty's
Government is desirous that a part of the boundary line be-
tween Oregon and the British possessions should be authori-
tatively marked out, and that an intention was expressed to
apply to Congress for an appropriation to defray the expenses
thereof on the part of the United States. Your attention to
this subject is accordingly invited, and a proper appropria-
I tion recommended.
A convention for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the
United States against Portugal has been concluded, and the
ratifications have been exchanged. The first instalment of
the amount to be paid by Portugal fell due on the 30th of
September last, and has been paid.
The President of the French Republic, according to the
provisions of the Convention, has been selected arbiter in
the case of the General Armstrong, and has signified that he
accepts the trust, and the high satisfaction he feels in acting
as the common friend of two nations with which France is
united by sentiments of sincere and lasting amity.
The Turkish Government has expressed its thanks for the
kind reception given to the Sultan's agent, Amin Bey, on the
occasion of his recent visit to the United States. On the
2eth of February last a dispatch was addressed by the Secre-
tary of State to Mr. Marsh, the American Minister at Con-
stantinople, instructing him to ask of the Turkish Govern-
ment permission for the Hungarians, then imprisoned within
the domains of the Sublime Porte, to remove to this coun-
try. On the 3d of March last, both Houses of Congress
passed a resolution requesting the President to authorise the
employment of a public vessel to convey to this country Louis
Kossuth and his associates in captivity.
The instruction above referred to was complied with, and
the Turkish Government having released Governor Kossuth
and his companions from prison on the 10th of September
last, they embarked on board of the United states steam-
frigate Mississippi, which was selected to carry into effect
the resolution of Congress. Governor Kossuth left the
sAississippi at Gibraltar, for the purpose of making a visit
to England, and may shortly be expected at New York. By
communications to the Department of State he has expressed
his grateful acknowledgments for the interposition of this
Government in behalf of himself and his associates. This
country bas been jastly regarded as p safe asylum for those
whom political events have exiled from their own homes in
Europe; and it is recommended to Congress to consider in
. what manner Governor Kossuth and his companions, brought
hither by its authority, shall be received and treated.
It is earnestly to be hoped that the differences which have
for some time past been pending between the Government of
the French Republic and that of the Sandwich Islan-s may
be peaceably and durably adjusted, so as to secure the inde-
pendence of those islands. Long before the events which
have of late imparted so much importance to the possessions
of the United States in the Pacific, we acknowledged the in-
dependence of the Hawaiian Government. This Government
was the first in taking that step, and several of the leading
powers of Europe immediately followed. We were influenced
in this measure by the existing and prospective importance
of the islands as a place of refuge and refreshment for our
vessels engaged in the whale fishery, and by the considera-
tion that they lie in the course of the great trade which must
at no distant day be carried on between the western coast of
North America and Asia.
We were also influenced by a desire that those islands
should not pass un 'er the control of any other great mari-
time state, but should remain in an indepent condition, and
so be accessible and useful to the commerce of all nations. I
need not say that the importance of these considerations has
been greatly enhanced by the sudden and vast development
which the interests of the United States have attained in
California and Oregon ; and the policy heretofore adopted in
regard to those islands will be steadily pursued.
It is gratifying not only to those who consider the com-
mercial interests of nations, but also to all who favour the
progress of knowledge and the diffusion of religion, to see a
community emerge from a savage state and attain such a
degree of civilization in those distant seas.
It is much to be deplored that the internal tranquillity of
the Mexican Republic should again be seriously disturbed;
for, since the peace between that Republic and the United
States, it had enjoyed such comparative repose that the most
favourable anticipations for the future might, with a degree
of confidence, have been indulged. These, however, have
been thwarted by the recent outbreak in the State of Ta-
maulipas, on the right bank of the Rio Bravo. Having re-
ceived information that persons from the United States had
taken part in the insurrection, and apprehending that their
example might be followed by others, I caused orders to be
issued for the purpose of preventing any hostile expeditions
against Mexico from being set on foot in violation of the laws
of the United States. I likewise issued a proclamation upon
the subject, a copy of which is herewith laid before you.
This appeared to be rendered imperative by the obligations
of treaties and the general duties of good neighbourhood.
In my last annual message I informed Congress that citi-
zens of the United States had undertaken the connexion of
the two oceans by means of a railway across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, under a grant of the Mexican (savernment to
a citizen of that republic; and that this enterprise would
probably be prosecuted with energy whenever Mexico should
consent to such stipulations with the Government of the
United States as should impart a feeling of security to those
who should invest their property in the enterprise.
A convention between the two Governments for the ac-
complishment of that end has been ratified by this Govern-
ment, and only awaits the decision of the Congress and the
executive of that republic.
Sense unexpected difficulties and delays have arisen in the
ratification of that convention by Mexico, but it is to be
presumed that her decision will be governed by just and en-
lightened views, as well of the general importance of the ob-
ject as of her own interests and obligations.
I Ila negetiating upon this important subject, this Govern-
ment,_has been,
ehas had in view one, and only one object. That object
1L...._b
oe::, and is, the construction and attainment of a passage
sought to obntdatise, and equally open to all the world.
and merchandise
raerrh.ato ocean, the shortest and the best for travellers
; tages peculiar obtain
regret, that Mezieolt It has
territorial acquisition, nor any advan-
tages and it would see, with the greatest
ennterhpolld oppose any obstacle to the accom-
I plishment of an
to Mexico h
commercial
eerwhich promises so much conve-
niencetrseicLiallwtnoprrldes,saendd
with
hh etmheisneenstehatt-
d these convictions, the
to the whole
bringGilernment will continue
about the necessary er-
g nivaennttaggaens
; to exert all proper efforts to
rangement with the Republic of mud
pletion of the work.
prosperity and
general
have so- often
co for the speedy corn-
For some months past the Republic of Nicaragua has been
the theatre of one of those civil convulsions, ‘-'
from which the
scauseocial
pofrofgrreeessinosftitthuetiosntasteasnodf
Central
etragl
and so sever ly suffered. Until quiet shall have been re.
stored, and a Government apparently stable shall have been
ors'anized, no advance can prudently be mad ein disposing of
the questions pending between the two countries.
I am happy to announce that, an inter-oceanic communi-
cation from the mouth of the St. John to the Pacific has
been so far accomplished as that passengers have actually
traversed it, and merchandise has been transported over it;
and when the canal shall have been completed according to
the original plan, the means of communication will be fur-
ther improved.
It is understood that a considerable part of the railroad
across the Isthmus of Panama has been completed, and
that the mail and passengers will in future be conveyed
thereon.
A hichever of the several routes between the two oceans
may ultimately prove most eligible for the travellers to and
from the different states on the Atlantic and Gulf of
Mexico, and our coast on the Pacific, there is little reason
to doubt that all of them will be useful to the public, and
will liberally reward that individual enterprise, by which

. .
those consequent upon the acquisition of our new territories,
and deducting the payments on account of the public debt,
the sum of 33,343,193 dolls. Bc. ; and for the purposes con-
nected directly or indirectly with those territories, and in the
fulfilment of the obligations of the Government, contracted
in consequence of their acquisition, the sum of 9,519,101
dolls. 11c.
If the views of the Secretary of the Treasury in reference
to the expenditure required for these territories shall be met
by corresponding action on the part of Congress, and appro-
priations made in accordance therewith, there will be an
estimated unappropriated balance on the 30th of June, 1853,
of 20,366,443 dolls. 90c., wherewith to meet that portion of
the public debt due on the first July following, amounting to
6,237,931 dolls. 35c., as well as any appropriations which

may be made beyond the estimates.
In thus referring to the estimated expenditures on accoun
of our newly-acquired territories, I may express the hope that
Congress will concur with me in the .desire that a liberal
course of policy may be pursued toward them, and that every
obligation, express or implied, entered into in consequence of
their acquisition, shall be fulfilled by the most liberal appro-
priations for that purpose.
The value of our domestic exports for the last fiscal year,
as compared with those of the previous year, exhibit an
increase of 43,646,322 dolls. At first view this condition of
our trade with foreign nations would seem to present the
most flattering hopes of its future prosperity. An examina-
tion of the details of our exports, however, will show that
the increased value of our exports for the last fiscal year is
to be found in the high price of cotton which prevailed
during the first half of that year, which price has since de-
clined about one-half.
The value of our expotss of breadstuffs and provisions,
which it was supposed the incentive of a low tariff and large
importations from abroad would have greatly augmented,
has fallen from 68,701,921 dolls., in 1847, to 26,051,373 dolls ,
in 1850, and to 21,948,653 dolls., in 1851, with a strong pro-
bability, amounting almost to a certainty, of a still further
reduction in the current year
The aggregate values of rice exported during the last
fiscal year, as compared with the previous year, also ex-
hibit a decrease amounting to 460,917 dolls., which, with a
decline in the values of the exports of tobacco for the same
period, make an aggregate decrease in these two articles of
1,156,751 dolls.
The policy which dictated a low rate of duties on foreign
merchandise, it was thought by those who promoted and
established it, would tend to benefit the farming population
of this country, by increasing the demand and raising the
price of agricultural products in foreign markets.
The foregoing facts, however, seem to show incontestably
that no such result has followed the adoption of this policy.
On the contrary, notwithstanding the repeal of the restric-
tive corn-laws of England, the foreign demand for the pro-
ducts of the American farmer has steadily declined, since
the short crops and consequent famine in a portion of Europe
have been happily replaced by full crops and comparative
abundance of food.
It will be seen by recurring to the commercial statistics for
the past year that the value of our domestic exports has been
increased in the single item of raw cotton by 40.000,000
dollars over the value of that export for the year preceding.
This is not due to any increased general demand for that
article, but to the short crop of the preceding year. Should
the cotton crop now going forward to market be only equal
in quantity to that of the year preceding, and be sold at the
present prices, then there would be a falling off in the value
of our exports for the present fiscal year of at least 40,000,000
dulls., compared with the amount exported for the year
ending 30th June, 1851.
The production of gold in California for the past year seems
to promise a large supply of that metal from that quarter for
soma time to come. This large annual increase of the cur-
rency of the world must be attended with its usual results.
These have already been partially disclosed in the enhance-
ment of prices and a rising spirit of speculation and adven-
ture, tending to overtrading as well at home as abroad.
Unless some salutary check shall be given to these tendencies
it is to be feared that importations of foreign goods beyond a
healthy demand in this country will lead to a sudden drain
of the precious metals from us, bringing with it, as lit has
done in former times, the most disastrous consequences to the
business and capital of the American people.
The exports of specie to liquidate our foreign debt
during the past fiscal year have been 24,263,979 dolls. over
the amount of specie imported. The exports of specie
during the first quarter of the present fiscal year have been
14,651,827 dolls. Should specie continue to-be exported at
this rate for the remaining three qnarters of this year, it will
drain from our metallic currency during the year ending 30th
June, 1852, the enormous amount of 58,607,3)8 dolls.
In the present prosperous condition of the national finances,
it will become the duty of Congress to consider the best mode
of paying off the public debt. If the present and anticipated
surplus in the Treasury should not be absorbed by appropria-
tions of an extraordinary character, this surplus should be
employed in such way, and under such restrictions, as Con-
gress may enact, in extinguishing the outstanding debts of
the nation.
By reference to the Act of Congress approved 9th Septem-
ber, 1850, it will be seen that, in consideration of certain
concessions by the State of Texas, it is provided that the
" United States shall pay to the State of Texas the sum of
ten millions of dollars, in a stock bearing five per cent.
interest, and redeemable at the end of fourteen years, the
interest payable half-yearly at the Treasury of the United
States."
In the same section of the law it is further provided " that
no more than five millions of the said stock shall be issued
until the creditors of the state holding bonds and other cer-
tificates of stock of Texas, for which duties on imports were
specially pledged, shall first file at the Treasury of the United
States releases of all claims against the United States, for
or on account of said bonds or certificates, in such form is
shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and ap-
proved by the President of the United States."
The form of release thus provided for has been prescribed
by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved. It has been
published in all the leading newspapers in the commercial
cities of the United States, and all persons holding claims of
the kind specified in the foregoing proviso were required to
file their releases (in the torm thus prescribed) in the Trea-
sury of the United States, on or before the Ist day of Oc-
tober, 1851. Although this publication has been continued
from the 25th day of March, 1851, yet up to the Ist 'of Oc-
tober last comparatively few releases had been filed by the
creditors of Texas.
The authorities of the state of Texas, at the request of the
Secretary of the Treasury, have furnished a schedule of the
public debt of that State created prior to her admission into
the Union, with a copy of the lass under which each class
was contracted.
I have, from documents furnished by the State of Texas,
determined the classes of claims which in my judgment fall
within the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 9th of
September, 1850.
On being officially informed of the acceptance by Texas of
the propositions contained in the Act referred to, I caused
the stock to be prepared, and the five which are to
be issued unconditionally, bearing an interest of five per cent.
from the Ist day of January, 1851, have been for some time
ready to be delivered to the State of Texas. The authorities
of Texas, up to the present time, have not authorised any
one to receive this stock, and it remains in the Treasury de-
partment, subject to the order of Texas.
The releases required by law to be deposited in the Trea-
sury, not having been filed there, the remaining five
millions have not been issued. This last amount of the
stock will be withheld from Texas until the conditions
upon which it is to be delivered shall Le complied with by the
creditors of that State, unless Congress shall otherwise direct
by a modification of the law.
In my last annual message, to which I respectfully refer,
I stated briefly the reasons which induced me to recommend
a modification of the present tariff, by converting the ad va-
lorem into a specfic duty, wherever the article imported was
of such a character as to permit it, and that such a discri-
mination should be made in favour of the industrial pursuits
of our own country as to encourage home production with-
out excluding foreign competition.
The numerous frauds which continue to be practised upon
the revenue, by false invoices and undervaluations, consti-
tute an unanswerable reason for adopting specific instead of
ad valorem duties in all cases were the nature of the
commodity does not forbid it. A striking illustration of
these frauds will be exhibited in the report of the Secre-
tary of the Treasury, showing the Custom-house valuation
of articles imported under a former law subject to specific
atasahnbeaut duties,sptehrseeeewuaeenhn
duet
esti:B
oytmtehhtlehrmeo
existinguwes
fae s
a dn ov
valuationalvalorem
wre. inducementfdTathht
ese s
,stpaosrmaol under-valuation,
iadrcereaili veyl
evasion
duilutnni
cdoeoendrf,
eoprlesevnetnloawdo,ueehtmobfintehde
othf sonic of the great interests of h
weixthistethnece
importations and consequent depressedloafngtuhiae
himnogstcoflnadgirtaniont
t e country,
prices, c a
andusedwbiy
hovtheer
failure in obtaining a f •
of breadstu foreign market for our increasing sur-
plusifs and provisions, has
recommend a modification of the
existings induced me again to
The report of the Secretary of the Il
tariff.hich accm
panics this communication, will present a
condensedw state-
mentn- of the operations of that important department of the
Government.
It will be seen that the cash sales of the public lands ex-
ceed those of the preceding year, and that there is reason to
anticipate a still further increase, notwithstanding the large

THE SUN, LONDON,I MONDAY EVENING,

donations which have been made to many of the States, and
the liberal grants to individuals as a reward for military ser-
vices. This fast furnishes very gratifying evidence of the
growing wealth and prosperity of our country.
Suitable measures have been a opted for commencing the
survey of the public lands in California and Oregon. Sur-
ve) ing parties have been organised, and some progress has
been made in establishing the principal base and meridian
lines. But further legislation and additional appropriations
will be necessary before the proper subdivisions can be made,
and the general land system extended over those remote
parts of our territory.
On the 3d of March last an Act was passed providing for
the appointment of three Commissioners to settle private land
claims in California. Three persons were immediately ap-

pointed, all of whom, however, declined accepting the office,
in consequence of the inadequacy of the compensation.
Others were promptly selected, who, for the same reason, also
declined; and it was not until late in the season that the
services of suitable persons could be secured. A. majority of
the Commissioners convened in this city on the 10th of Sep-
tember last, when detailed instructions were given to them
in regard to their duties. Their first meeting for the tsatts-
action of business will be held in San Francisco on the Bth
day of the present month.
I have thought it proper to refer to these facts, not only to
explain the causes of the delay in filling the commission,
but to call your attention to the propriety of increasing the
compensation of the commissioners. The office is one of
great labour and responsibility, and the compensation
should be such as to command men of a high order of ta-
lents and the most unquestionable integrity.
The proper dispo,al of the mineral lands of California is a
subject surrounded by great difficulties. In my last annual
message I recommended the survey and sale of theta in
small parcels, under such restrictions as would effectually
guard against monopoly and speculation. But upon furthe-
information, and in deference to the opinions of persons fami-
liar with the subject, I am inclined to change that recom-
mendation, and to advise that they be permitted to re-
main, as at present, a common field, open to the enterprise
and industry of all our citizens, until further experience
shall have developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted
in regard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconveniences
that now exist, tor a short period, than by premature legisla-
tion, to fasten on the country a system founded on error,
which may place the whole subject beyond the future con-
trol of Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed and
brought into market with as little delay as possible, that the
titles may become settled, and the inhabitants stimulated to
make permanent improvements, and enter on the ordinary
pursuits of life. To effect these objects it is desirable that
the necessary provision be made by law for the establishment
of land offices in California and Oregon, and for the efficient
prosecution of the surveys at an early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organising the territorial
Governments of New Mexico and Utah, and when more
accurate information shall be obtained of the causes, a fur-
ther communication will be made on that subject.
Ia my last annual communication to Congress I recom-
mended the establishment of an agricultural bureau, and I
take this occasion again to invoke your favourable considera-

tion of the subject.
Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great interest
of our people. Four-fifths of our active population are
employed in the cultivation of the soil, and the rapid expan-
sion of our settlements over new tel ritory is daily adding
to the number of those engaged in that vocation. Justice
and sound policy, therefore, alike require that the Govern-
ment should use all the means authorised by the Constitu-
tion to promote the interests and welfare of that important
class of our fellow-citizens. And yet it is a singular fact
that, while the manufacturing and commercial interests have
engaged the attention of Congress during a large portion of
every session, and our statutes abound in provisions for
their protection and encouragement, little has yet been
done directly for the advancement of agriculture. It is
time that this reproach to our legislation should be removed ;
and I sincerely hope that the present Congress will not close
their labours without adopting efficient means to supply the
omissions of those who have preceded them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the duty of collect-
ing and disseminating correct information as to the best mode
of cultivation, and of the most effectual means of preserving
and restoring the fertility of the sc il, and of procuring and
distributing seeds and plants, and other vegetable produc-
tions, with instructions in regard to the soil, climate, and
treatment best adapted to their growth, could not fail to be,
in the language of Washington, in his last annual message to
Congress, a " a very cheap instrument of immense national
benefit."
Regardingthe Act of Congress approved 28th September
1850, granting bounty lends to persons who had been en-
gaged in the military service of the country, as a great
measure of national justice and munificence, an anxious de-
sire has been felt, by the officers entrusted with its imme-
diate execution, to give prompt effect to its provisions. All
the means within their control were, therefore, brought
into requisition to expedite the adjudication of claims, and
I am gratified to be able to state that near one hundred
thousand applications have been considered, and about
seventy thousand warrants issued within the short space of
nine months. If adequate provision be made by law to carry
into effect the recommendation of the department, it is con-
fidently expected that, before the close of the next fiscal
year, all who are entitled to the benefits of the Act will
have received their warrants.
The Secretary of the Interior has suggested in his report
various amendments of the laws relating to pensions and
bounty lands, for the purpose of more effectually guarding
against abuses and frauds on the Government, to all of which
I invite your particular attention,
The large accessions to our Indian population consequent
upon the acquisition of New Mexico and California, and the
extension of our settlements into Utah and Oregon, have
given increased interest and importance to our relations with
the aboriginal race.
No material change has taken place within the last year
in the condition and prospects of the Indian tribes who re-
side in the north-western territory, and west of the Mis-
sissippi river. We are at peace with all of them; and it
will be a source of pleasure to you to learn that they are
gradually advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social
life.

Along the Mexican frontier, and in California and Oregon,
there have been occasional manifestations of unfriendly
feeling, and some depredations committed. I am satisfied,
however, that they resulted more from the destitute and
starving condition of the Indians than; from any settled hos-
tility towards the whites. As the settlements of our
ci izens progress toward them the game upon which they
mainly rely for subsistence is driven off or destroyed, and
the only alternative left to them is starvation or plunder. It
becomes us to consider, in view of this condition of things,
whether justice and humanity, as well as an enlightened
economy, do not require that, instead, of seeking to punish
them fur offences which are the result of our own policy to-
ward them, we should not provide for their immediate
wants and encourage them to engage in agriculture, and to
rely on their labour.instead of the chase, for the means of
support.
Various important treaties have been neg -.elated with dif-
ferent tribes during the year, by which their title to large
and valuable tracts of country has been extinguished, all of
which will, at the proper time, be submitted to the Senate
for ratification.
the engaged
ligne di
t e d States and Mexico. It
T; e joint commission ander the treaty of Guadalupe Hi-
dalgo in running and marking the
boundary h
s line
between activelywas stated in the last annual report of the Secretary of the
Interior that the initial point on the Pacific and the point of
the junction of the Gila with the Colorado River had been
determined, and the intervening line, about 150 miles in
length, run and marked by temporary monuments. Since
that time a monument of marble has been erected at the
initial point, and permanent landmarks of iron have been
placed at suitable distances along the line.
The initial point on the Rio Grande has also been fixed by
the commissioners at latitude 32 deg. 22 min., and at the
date of the last communication the survey of the line had
been made thence westward about 150 miles to the neigh-
bourhood of the copper mines.
The commission on our part was at first organized on a
scale which experience proved to be unwieldy, and attended
with unnecessary expense. Orders have, therefore, been
issued for the reduction of the number of persons employed
within the smallest limitarconshteut with the safety of those
engaged in the serviced ands,he prompt and efficient exeeu-
tion of their important
Returns have been received from all the officers engaged
in taking the census in the states and territories, except
California. The superintendent employed to make the enu-
meration in that state has not yet made his full report, from
causes, as he alleges, beyond his control. This failure is
much to be regretted, as it has prevented the Secretary of
the Interior from making the decennial apportionment of
representatives among the States, as required by the Act
approved May 23, 1850. It is hoped, however, that the
returns will soon be received, an t no time will then be
lost in making the necessary arrangements, and in trans-
mitting the certificates required by the law. The
Superintendent of the Seventh Census is diligently em-
ployed, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior,
in classifying and arranging, in tabular form, all the statisti-
cal information derived from the returns of the marshals, and
it is believed that when the work shall be completed it will
exhibit a more perfect view of the population, wealth, occu-
pations, and social condition of a great country, than has
ever been presented to the world. The value of such a work,
as the basis of enlightened legislation, can hardly be over-
estimated; and! earnestly hope that Congress will lose no
time in making the appropriations necessary to complete the
classifications, and to publish the results in a style worthy of
the subject and of our national character.
The want of a uniform fee bill, prescribing the compen-
sation to be allowed district attorneys, clerks, marshals,
and commissioners in civil and criminal cases, is the cause
of much vexation in justice, and complaint. I would re-
commend a thorough revision of the laws on the whole
subject, and the adoption of a tariff of fees which, as far as
practicable, should be uniform, and prescribe a specific
compensation for every service hich the officer may be re-
quired to perform. This subject will be fully presented in
the report of the &eretary of the Interior.
Ia my last annual message I gave briefly my reasons for
believing that you possessed the constitutional power to
improve the harbours of our great lakes and sea coast, and
the navigation of our principal rivers, and recommended
that appropriations should be made for completing such
works as had already been commenced, and for commencing
such others as might seem to the wisdom of Congress to be
of public and general importance. Without repeating the
reasons then urged, I deem it my duty again to call your
attention to this important subject. The works on many of
the harbours were left in an unfinished state, and conse-
quently exposed to the action of the elements, which is fast
destroying them. Great numbers of lives and vast amounts
of property are annually lost for want of safe and convenient
harbours on the lakes. None but those who have been ex-
posed to that dangerous navigation can fully appreciate the
importance of this subject. The whole north-west appeals
to you for relief, and I trust their appeal will receive due
consideration at your hands.
• The same is in a measure true in regard to some of the
harbours and inlets on the sea-coast.
The unobstructed navigation of our large rivers is of
equal importance. Our settlements are now extending to the
saurces of the great rivers which empty into, and form a part
of the Mississippi, and the value of the public lands in these
regions would be greatly enhanced by freeing the navigation
of those waters from obstructions. In view, therefore, of
this great interest, I deem it my duty again to urge upon
Congress to make such appropriations for those improve-
ments as they may deem necessary.
The survey of the Delta of the Mississippi, with a view to
the prevention of the overflows that have proved so disastrous
to that region of country, have been nearly completed, and
the reports thereof are now in course of preparation, and will
shortly be laid before you.
The protection of our south-western frontier, and of the
adjacent Mexican states, against the Indian tribes within
our border, has claimed my earnest and constant attention.
Congress having failed at the last session to adopt any re-
commendation that an additional regiment of mounted men
specially adapted to that service
remained to be done was to make the best use of the means
at my disposal. Accordingly all the troops adapted to that
service that could properly be spared from other quarters
have been concentrated on that frontier, and officers of high
reputation selected to command them. A new arrangement
of the military poste has also been made, whereby the trpops

are brought nearer to the Mexican frontier and to the tribes
they are intended to overawe.
Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realise all the bene-
fits that are expectsd to result from these arrangements,
but 1 have every reason to hope that they will effectually

check their marauning expeditions. The nature of the
country, which furnishes little for the support of an army
and abounds in places of refuge and concealment, is re-
markably well adapted to this predatory warfare; and we
can scarcely hope that any military force, combined with
the greatest vigilance, can entirely suppress it.
By the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo we are bound to pro-
tect the territory of Mexico against the incursions of the
savage tribes within our border " with equal diligence and
energy" as if the same were made within our territory or
against our citizens. I have endeavoured to comply, as
far as possible, with this provision of the treaty. Orders
have been given to the officers commanding on that frontier
to consider the Mexican territory and its inhabitants equally
with our own entitled to their protection ; and to make all

their plans and arrangements with a view to the attainment
of this object. Instructions have also been given to the
Indian Commissioners and agents among these tribes, in all
treaties, to make the clauses designed for the protection of
our own citizens apply to those of Mexico. I have no reason
to doubt that these instructions have been fully carried into
effect. Nevertheless, it is probable that. in spite of all our
efforts some of the neighbouring states of Mexico may have
suffered, as our own have, from depredations by the Indians.
To the difficulties of defending our own territory, as above
mentioned, are superadded, in defending that of Mexico, those
that arise from its remoteness, from the fact that we have

no right to station our troops within her limits, and
that there is no efficient military force on the Mexican side
to co-operate with our own. So long as this shall continue
to be the case, the number and activity of our troops will
rather increase than diminish the evil, as the Indians will
naturally turn toward that country where they encounter
the least resistance. Yet these troops are necessary to subdue
them, and to compel them to make and observe treaties.
Until this shall have been done, neither country will enjoy
any security from their attacks.
The Indians in California, who had previously appeared
of a peaceable character, and disposed to cultivate the
friendship of the whites, have recently committed several
acts of hostility. As a large portion of the reinforcements
sent to the Mexican frontier were drawn from the Pacific,
the military force now stationed there is considered entirely
inadequate to its defence. It cannot be increased, however,
without an increase of the army; and I again recommend
that measure as indispensable to the protection of the frontier.
I invite your attention to the suggestions on this subject,
and on others connected with his department, in the report
of the Secretary of War.
The appropriations for the support of the army during the
current fiscal year, ending 30th June next, were reduced far
below the estimate submitted by the departmant. The conse-
quence of this reduction is a considerable deficiency, to which
1 invite your early attention.
The expenditure of that department for the year ending
30th June last were 9,000,286,58 dolls. The estimates for the
year commencing Ist J uly next and ending June 30, 1853,
are 7,898,775,83 dolls.; showing a reduction of 1,161,492,75
dolls.

The Board of Commissioners to whom the management of
the affairs of the Military Asylum created by the Act of 3d
of March last was entrusted, have selected a site for the es-
tablishment of an asylum in the vicinity of this city, which
has been approved by me, subject to the production of a
satisfactory title.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy will exhibit the
condition of the public service under the supervision of that
department. Our naval force afloat during the present year
has been actively and usefully employed in giving protection
to our widely extended and increasing commerce and interests
in various quarters of the globe, and our flag has everywhere
afforded the security and received the respect inspired by the
justice and liberality of our intercourse, and the dignity and
power of the nation.
The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De Havien, dis-
patched in search of the British commander, Sir John Frank-

tin, and his companions, in the Arctic Seas, returned to
New York in the month of October, after having under-
gone great peril and suffering from an unknown and dan-
gerous navigation, and the rigours of a nortoorn climate,
without any satisfactory informaaiicn of the objects of their
search, but with new contributions to science and :naviga-
tion from the unfrequented p slas regions. The officers andmen
of the expedition, having been all volunteers for this; ser-
vice, and having so conduc,ed it as to meet the entire ap-
probation of the Government, it is suggested as an act of
grace and genorosity, that the same allowance of extra pay
and emoluments be extended to them that were made to
the officers and men of like rating in the late exploring ex-
pedition to the South Seas.
I earnestly recommend to your attention the necessity of
reorganisiog the Naval Establishment, apportioning and fix-
ing the number of officers in each grade, providing some
mode of promotion to the higher grades of the navy, having
reference to merit and capacity, rather than seniority or
date of entry into the service, and for retiring from the
effective list upon reduced pry those who may ce incom-
petent to the performanoe of active duty. As a measure of
economy as well as of efficiency in this arm of the service,
the provision last mentioned is eminently worthy of your
consideration.
The determination of the questions of relative rank be-
tween the sea officers and civil officers of the navy and be-
tween officers of the army and navy, in the various grades
of each, will also merit your attention. The failure to pro-
vide any substitute, when corporal punishment was abolished
for offences in the navy has occasioned the convening of
numerous courts-martial upon the arrival of vessels in
port, and it as believed to have had an injurious effect
upon the discipline and efficiency of the service. To mo-
derate the punishment from one grade to another is among
the human re orms of the age ; but to abolish one of
severity, which applied so generally to offences on ship-
board, and provide nothing in its stead, is to suppose a pro-
gress of improvement in every individual among seamen
which is not assumed by the Legislature in respect to any
other class of men. It is hoped that Congress, in the ample
opportunity afforded by the present session, will thoroughly
investigate this important subject, and establish such modes
of determiningg guilt, and such gradations of punishment as
are consistent with humanity and the personal rights of in-
dividuals, and at the same time shall insure the most ener-
getic and efficient performance of duty and the suppression of
crime in our ships of war.
The stone dock in the Navy-yard at New York, which
was ten years in process of construction, has been so far
finished as to be surrendered up to the authorities of the
yard. The dry dock at Philadelphia is reported as com-
pleted, and is expected soon to be tested and delivered o er
to the agents of the Government. That at Portsmouth,
New Hampshire is also nearly ready for delivery; and a
contract has been concluded, a4reeably to the Act of Con-
gress at its last session, for a floating sectional dock on the
bay of San Francisco, I invite your attention to the re-
commendation of the Department touching the establish-
ment of a navy yard in conjunction with this dock on the
Pacific. Such a station is highly necessary to the conve-
nience and effectiveness of our fleet in that ocean, which
must be expected to increase with the growth of commerce
and the rapid extension of our whale fisheries over its
waters.
The naval academy at Annapolis, under a revised and
improved system of regulations now affords opportunities of
education and instruction to the pupils quite equal, it is be-
lieved, for professional improvement, to those enjoyed by the
cadets in the military academy. A large class of acting
midshipmen was received at the commencement of the last
academic term, and a practice-ship has been attached to the
institution, to afford the amplest meens fos regular instruc-
tion in seamanship,as well as for cruises during the vacations
of three or four months in each year.
The advantages of science in nautical affairs have rarely
been more strikingly illustrated than in the fact stated in the
Report of the Navy Department that by means of the wind
and current charts projected and prepared by Lieut. Maury,
the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory, the passage
from the Atlantic to the Pacific ports of our country has been
shorten- d by about 40 days.
The estimates for the support of the Navy and Marine
Corps, the ensuing fiscal year, will be found to be 5,856.472
dolls. 19c., the estimates for the current year being 5,900,621
dolls.
The estimates for special objects under the control of this
department amount to 2,684,229 dolls. 89c., against 2,210,969
dolls. for the present year, the increase being occasioned by
the additional mail service on the Pacific coast and the con-
struction of the dock in California, authorised at the last
session of Congress, and some slight additions under the
head of improvements and repairs in navy-yards, buildings,
old machinery.
I deem it of much importance to a just economy, and a
correct unde-standing of naval expenditure, that there should
be an entire separation of the appropriation for the support
of the naval service proper from those for permanent im-
provements at navy yards and stations, and from ocean
steam mail service, and other special objects assigned 7,0 the
supervision of this department.
The report of the Postmaster-General, herewith commu-
nicated, presents an interosting rmiew of the progress, opera-
tions, and condition of this department.
At the close of the last fiscal year, the length of mail routes
within the United States was 196,290 miles; the annual
transportation thereon 53,27.4252 miles, and the annual cost
of such transportation, 3,421,754 dolls.
The length of the foreign mail routes is estimated at
18,349 miles; and the annual transportation
thereon at
615,306 miles. The annual cost of the service is 1,472,187
dolls., of which 448,1-37 dolls. is paid by the P..st-office
department, and 1,023,250 dolls. is paid through the Navy
department.
The annual transportation within the United States. (ex-
cluding the servico California and Oregon, es inch is
no for the first time reported and embraced in the tubu-
lar statements of the department) exceeds that of the
preceding year 6,162,155 miles, at an increased cost of
647,110 dolls.
The whole number of post-offices in the United States,
on the 30th day of June last, was 19,796. There were
1,698 post-offices established, and 256 discontinued, during
the year.
The gross revenues of the department for the fiscal year,
including the appropriations for the franked matter of Con-
gress, of the departments, and officers of Government, and
excluding the foreign postages, collected for and payable to
the British Post-office, amounted to 6,727,866 dolls. 788,
The expenditure for the same period (excluding 20,599
dolls. 59c. paid under an award of the auditor, in pursuance
of a resolution of the last Congress, for mail service on the
Ohi ) and Mississippi rivers in 1832 and 1833, and the amount
paid to the British Post-office for foreign postages collected
for and payable to that office) amounted to 6,024,566 dolls.
79c.; leaving a balance of revenue over the proper expendi-
tures of the year of 703,299 dolls. 99c.
The receipts for postage duties during the year (excluding
the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British
Post-ofice) amounted to 6,345,747 dolls. 21c., being an in-
crease of 997,610 dolls. 79c., or 18.65-100 per cent. over the
like receipts for the preceding year.
The reduction of postage, under the Act of March last,
did not take effect until the commencement of the present
fiscal year. The accounts for the first quarter, under the
present operation of the reduced scales will not be settled
before January next, and no reliable estimate of the receipts
for the present year can yet be made. It is believed, how-
ever, that they will fall far short of those of last year.
The surplus of the revenues now on hand is, however, so
large that no further appropriation from the Treasury in
aid of the revenues of the department is required for the
current year; but an additional appropriation for the year
ending June 30, 1853, will probably be found necessary
when the receipts of the first two quarters of the fiscal year
, are fully ascertained.
In his last annual report the Postmaster-General recom-
mended a reduction of postage to rates which he deemed as
low as could be prudently adopted, unless Congress was pre-
pared to appropriate front the Treasury, for the support of
the department, a sum more than equivalent to the mail
services performed by it for the Government. The recom-
, mendations of the Postmaster-General, in respect to letter
postage, except ou letters from and to California and Oregon,
were substantially adopted by the last Congress. He now
recommends adherence to the present letter rates, and ad-
vises against a further reduction until justified by the revenue
of the department.
He also recommends that the rates of postage on printed
matters be so revised as to render them more simple, and
more uniform in their operation upon all classes of printed
matter. I submit the recommendations of the report to your
fAYQurable consideration.