Democratic banner., 1848-12-25
PRESlDEN rs MESSAGE.
Continued. }

Which, uoS. 0tW oyS UcCn
ted States, TO cultivate the good will OF
Aboriginal tribes Of the continent, and to
restrain them from making war and indulg-
ing in excuses, by mild means rather than
BY force. That this could have been done
with the tribes in Oregon, had that terrific
~ been brought under the government OF
our laws at all early period, and mad suita-
bic measures been adopted by Congress,
such as now exist. in our intercourse with
tbs other Indian tribes within our limits,
canrot be doubted. Indeed, the immedi-
etc and only cause Of existing hostility OF
the Indians of Oregon, are represented to
have been the long delay Of the United
States, in making to them some trltlng
compensation, in such articles as they
wanted, for the country now occupied by
our emigtaDts, which the Indians claimed,
aud over which they formerly roamed.-
This compensation had been promised to
them by the temporary government estab-
lished in Oregon, but its fulhllment had
been postponed from time to time, for near
ly two years, whilst those who made it had
been ~anxiously awaiting for Congress to
establish a Territorial Government over
the country.
The Indians became at length distrust-
full Of their good faith, and sought redress
By plumber and massacre, which finally led
to the present difficulties. a few thou
sand dollars in suitable presents as compen-
sation for the country which had been Ia
ken possession Of BY our citizens, would
have satisfied the Indians, and have pre-
vented the war. A small amount distribut-
ed, it is confidently believed, would restore
quiet. In this Indian war, our iellow-citi-
gems of Oregon, who have been compelled
to take the field in their own defence, have
performed valuable military services, and
have been subjected to expenses which
have fallen heavily upon ~tfIenrJ so justice
demands that provision should be made by
Congress, TO compensate them for their SER
vices, or To rsfu..d to them the necessary
expenses which they nave incurred.
repeat the recommendation heretofore
made IL Congress, that provision De made
for the appointment Of a suitable number
Of Indian Agents, to reside among the
tribes Of Oregon, and that a small sum be
appropriated to enable lese agents TO cul-
tivste friendly relations with them. II this
be done, the residue of a small military
force will be all that will be necessary to
keep them in check and preserve peace.
1 recommend that similar provisions be
made as regards the tribes inhabi,ing North
ern Texas, and New Mexico, California and
the extensive region lying between our set.
Elements and possessions, as tho more effec-
tive means of preserving peace upon our
borders, and within the acquired territory.
The Secretary of the Treasury will, in.
his annual report, exhibit a highly satisfac-
sorry statement Of the condition of the FL
naDces.
The imports Of the fiscal year ending on
the Both of June last, were of the value of
$l64,977, s76, of which the amount export
ed was $2l, 1910, leaving $f33,s4s,s66
in the country for domestic use.
The value If the exports for the same
period was $l54, o32, l3I, consisting of do
nestle productions, amounting to $f3a, 904-
lsl. and $2I 1850 unsold of foreign ar
GeIes.
The receipts into the Treasury for the
same period, exclusive Of loans, amounted
to $3.50, $50 So, of which there was de-.
rived from customs $685. 1885, $50 s5; from
sales OF public lands $3,32S, 642 S.; and
from miscellaneous and Incidental sources.
1851 ,0s5 on.
Z will. be perceived that the revenue
from the last fiscal year exceeded by sfs7,-
070 SO, the estimates Of the Secretary of
the Treasury in his last anual report; and
mat the aggregate receipts during the. same