Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-12-13

sustain heI hauohai Dank, ana mus contribute 10
increase her ability to command 80 much of the
commerce Of the world. IL branch mint be es-
tabshed at the great commercial point upon that
coast, vast amount Of bullion and specie would
How ththcr TO be recoiDed, and pass thence TO n.
Orleans, New York, and ether Atlantic Cities
L he amount Of our constitutional currency at home
would be greatly increased, while its circulation
broad would be promoted. II is well known To our
merchants trading TO China and the west coast of A
merca, tina, great Inconvenience and oss expe-
renced from the fact that our coins are not current
at their par value in those countries.
The Powers of Europe, far removed from the
west coast Of America by the Atlantic ocean which
in'ervenes, and by tedious and dangerous naviga-
ton around the southern cape of the continent Of
America, can never successfully compete with the
United States in the rich and extensive commerce
which is opened to us at much less cost BY the
acquisition of California.
The vast importance and commercial advantages
OF California have heretofore remained undeveopcd
10y the Government of the country Of which it con-
situated part. Now that this fine province is a
part OF our country, all tho States of the Union,
some more immediately and directly than Others
are deeply interested i'll the speedy development of
It's wealth and resources No section of our coun-
try is more interested, will be more benefited
than the commercial, navigating, and mauufactur-
my Interests Of the Eastern States. Our planting
and farming interests in every part Of tho Union
VIII be greatly beneiit,ed by it. AS our
and navigation are enlarged and extended, our ex-
ports oil agricultural products and of manufactures
VIII be increased, and in the new markets thus a.
pened they cannot fail to command remuneraiing
and profitable prices.
The acquisition of California and New Mexico,
the settlement oftho Oregon boundary, and the an
neNatlon OF Texas, extending TO the Rio Grande,
are results which, combined, are of greater conse-
quencc, and will add more to the strength and
wealth Of the nation, than any which have prece
ded them since the adoption of the constitution.
But 10 effect these great results, not only Cali
fornia, bu, New Mexico, must be brought under
me control of regularly organized Governments
The existing condition of California, and of that
part OF New Mexico lying west of the Rio Grande,
and without the limits Of Texas, imperiously de-
mand that Congress should, at its present session,
organize territorial governments over them.
Upon the exchange of notifications of the treaty
OF peace with Mexico on the thirtieth Of May last,
The temporary governments which had been estab-
lished over New Mexico and California by our mil
itary and naval commanders, by virtue of the rights
OF war, ceased to derive any obligatory force from
that source of authority, and having been coded to
The United States, all government and control over
them under the authority of Mexico had ceased TO
exist. Impressed with the necessity OF establishing
territorial governments over them, recommended
the subject 10 the favorable consideration Of Con
SreSS IN my message communicating the ratified
treaty OF peace, on the sixth of July last, and in
voked their action at that session. Congress ad-
journed without making any provision for their 90
vernment. The inhabitants, by the transfer ofther
country, had become entitled the benefits of our
laws and constitution, and yet were left without
any regularly organized government. Since that
time the very limited power possessed by the Ex-
ecutlve has been exercised 10 preserve and protect
them from the inevitable consequences of state of
anarchy. The only government which remained
was that established by the military authority dur
ing the war. Regarding this 10 be de tacto 90
vernment, and that by the presumed consent of the
inhabitants 1t might be continued temporarily, they
were advised 10 conform and submit to it for the
short intervening period before Congress would a
gain assemble and could legslate on the subject.
The views entertained by the Executive on this
point are contained in communication of the Sec
rotary Of State, dated the seventh OF October last
which was forwarded for publication to California
and New Mexico, copy of which is herewith
transmitted.
The small military force of The regular army,
which serving within the limits OF The acqu;r
ed territories at the close of the war, was retained
III them, and additional forces have been ordered
there for the protection of the inhabitants, and 10
preserve and secure the rights and interests of the
United States.
No revenue has been could be collected al the
ports IN California, because Congress failed to au-
thorize the establishment of custom houses, or the
appointment of officers for that purpose.
The Secretary of the Treasury, by circular let
ter addressed TO collectors of the customs, on the
seventh day of October last a copy of which is
herewith transmitted, exercised all the power with
which he was invested by law.
In pursuance of the act of the fourteenth of Au-
gust last, extending The benefit Of our post office
laws to the people OF California, the Postmaster
General has appointed two agents, who have pro-
ceeded. the TO California and the other to Ore
gOn, with authority 10 make the necessary arrange
ments for carrying lis provision into effect.
The monthly line of mail steamers from Panama
to Astoria has been required 10 ''stOp and deliver
and take mails at San Diego. Monterey. and San
Francisco" These mail steamers, connected by
the isthmus Of Panama with the line of mail steam
ers on the Atlantic, between New York and Cha
gres, will establish regular mail communication
with California.
1t is our solemn duty to provide, with the least
practicable delay, for New Mexico and California
regularly organised territorial governments. The
of the failure to do this the last session of
Congress well known and deeply to be regret
ted. With the opening prospects of increased
prosperity and national greatness which the acqui-
stlon of these rich and extensive territorial posses
sons affords, how irrational it would be TO oIego or
TO reject these advantages by the agitation of do
nestle question which Is coeval with the existence
OF our Government itself, and TO endaDger by in.
ternal strllcs, geographical divisions, and heated
contests for political power, or for any other cause
the harmony of the glorious Union of our confede-
! rated States that Union which binds us together
as people, and which for sixty years has been
| our shield and protection against every danger
In the eyes Of the world and of postority, how ri-
vial and Insignificant will be all our internal divi.
slonS and struggles compared with the preservation
of this Union of the States in all its vigor and with
all its countless blessings No patriot would foment
and excite geographical ard sectional divisions
No lover OF his country would deliberately calcu-
] IL. 10, fl,p -vpls ,yGt HI.