The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-12-04
The Message.

The Message.
This document, which was received in this city
through government express, about 10 O'Clock
last night, is now before The people. aud Ia the
course oil few hours will have been read. crltl-
cised praised, abused, and forgotten by the great
mass Of the community II presents on the whole
plain, Ineligible and correct view OF the present
condition Of the country, both as regards its de-
mestc concerns and its relations with the other
nations OF the earth. On some points, little
more perspicuity and fullness might not have been
amiss, whilst soEle passages might have been con-
densed without greatly deIactng from the value
of the document. As il is, however, 1t is pretty
good Message"
The view Of the destiny and prospects OF the
country-ot the salutary working Of its institu-
tions-and Of the duty Of its faithful citizens, with
which the Message commences, is altogether just
and true So long as the institutions Of this
country are maintained sacred and inviolate, and
the Constitution is adhered with fidelity, there is
no reason TO dread any danger to the fortunes Of
the Republic. The expansive power of The poll
tcal system of the United States, has, in the briet
period Of one generation OF men, been demon
strated in the most triumphant manner. Territory
after territory, each with limits arexceeding many
to our wide domains, AID been subjected to the
operation Of our laws and institutions with the ut
most facility, and the most salutary results. So
far from being weakened or impaired, the cenfe-
deracy mas been more and more consolidated by
every fresh extension Of its territorial limits 1t is
this great practical demonstration of mans capa-
city for self-government, which has been gradually
impressing on the minds Of European nations, that
conviction of the wisdom and blessedness OF
Republican government, which has excited
against this country, to such marked degree,
the jealousy and hate of their dsspotic rulers.
And it is just and proper that this great fact should
be always prominently set forth IN the Presidential
message. What contrast does this truthful ex-
preston of national prosperity, present to the for
NAL, hypocritical announcements of national hap
piness made from the throne in another land The
one is gladly re-echoed from innumeraSle happy
homes-the other meets bitter response in the
wall of starving millions.
The Oregon question is the next topic dwelt on
in the Message. 1t is passed over briefly Indeed
the condition of the question not having expert
enced any material change since the delivery Of
the last Message, more detailed alluslon to 1t
was, perhaps. not demanded. In the recommenda-
tions to Congress with reference to the completion
Of the negotiations with Great Britain, tone OF
commendable moderation is manifested; but it was
anticipated that little more decisive ground
would have been taken. The occupation OF the
Oregon and the extension to that territory OF the
full benefit of our institutions, must, however, be
effected sooner or later.
The succeeding passages in relation to the Zoll-
Verein treaty-the negotiations with Brazll-Peru
New Grenada-and Chili-do not present any
new information. 1t will be seen, however, that
the conclusion Of the treaty with China, on which
we recently had occasion to date at some length,
may be regarded as certain.
The Texas question and our relations with Mexico
occupies about one-thlrd of the Message. But
nothing OF particular novelty or interest is present
ed The remuneration is again pressed in deci-
ded manner, and it is recommended that the terms
already agreed upon by the two governments, be
adopted by Congress in the form Of joint resolu-
ton, or act, to be perfected and adopted in like
manner by the government Of Texas.
The improved condition Ct the Treasury is ad-
verted to with great qualification, and the necess.
~ of modification Of the tariff, in order to pre-
vent the dangers to be apprehended from surplus
revenue, is very quietly asserted. The reference
to the State Of the War Department, and that Of
port Of the Post-M aster General, the old cold-wa
ter indifference being discovered with respect to
the great measure Of postage reform. The estab
lishment of line Of steamships for the trans
portation Of the mail to foreign ports, is urged
in The most decided terms, as we correctly
anticipated. A. panegyric on the fidelity and
efficiency Of the members of the Cabinet, and
hasty reference to the progress of the inn
provements on the Western rivers and the lake
harbors, conclude the Message. We had almost
forgot that there is also suggestion OF the pro-
priety Of establishing mad-house in the District
Of Columbia, for such "i insane individuals as may
from time to time be found sojourning within that"
region. The phraseology Of this recommendation
is somewhat peculiar, and may, perhaps, suggest to
some minds the idea that the necessity Of the pro-
posed phlanhropic measure is not less apparent, at
all events, during the sessions of Congress, than at
other periods.
Such is a hurried analysis Of this document
Every good citizen, however, it is charitably be-
lieved, will read it carefully through for himself,
and give it just degree Of attention and consl-
deraton AS to the prospect Of the present Session
being fruitful and profitable one in the way Of
business, or the reverse, and the probable action
of Congress on the great subjects of national con-
cernment enumerated in the Message, we have
something to shy hereafter.
REPORT OF THE Posi- MASTER GENERAL We
also give in our paper to-day, the report of Post
Master General Wickliffe. II represents the
revenue of the Department as in prosperous
state, which we are Of course, very glad to learn
The terrible annoyance Of "private mails" is
peevishly referred to, and bitter complaint made
Of the want Of rigorous administration OF the
laws against the offenders. A reduction Of the
postage is as obstinatey resisted as ever The
Presidents recommendation relative to the estab-
lishment of steam lines of navigation is re-echoed.
But on this report and the a.Limportant subject
which it involves, we have not room for remark
this morning. We mean, however, to do it full
Justice, and SO will the people.