The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-12-07
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.
From yesterdays Baltimore neutral and impartial Paper)
President's Message.


yesterdays Baltimore SUM- Ia impartial PaPer
Presidents Message.
This document was presented 10 Congress at yes
erday, and reached this city by express after speedy
run from Washington We have read It with interest
qulckenng into enlarged satisfaction ana PRIDE IL SETS
forth IN frank and unassuning maiaer Inc eminent
position our country enjoys in relation to all thai can con-
tribute to the happiness and prosperity OF the people
is written in plain yet dignifed style and there is not
phrase or word that should imagine could be- even
THEORETICALLY, construed inappropriate or unbecom-
ing the chief magistrate OF the United States Mr. Folks
administration has been characterized by events which
have resulted emnenty for the good and glory OF the
country, that there few men situated as he is but
would have not only pardonably but gracefully INDUCED
some personal felicitaton upon such an OCCASION Mr.
Polk, however seems to have refrained from anything
OF the kind, and all that is sand, In reference to those
proper Rs w hs ,s
ence to the leading topics OF this important PAPER
The President, assembling gratitude to Almighty God
Isssss s hs
and the moral and political character OF our lnsutuhons
with those of the Old World and alludes with proper
pride to the rapid advance OF the country IN the estnla
ton of the civilized world
The establishment of the French republic and the agi
taon OF the German States, are appropriately noticed as
enlislng the sympathie OF people, and with the sue
OF European republicaDsn, ancpalions OF pros
perlty expressed
Our late war with Mexico is the Introductory subject
of special remark and It's effect upon other powers, as de-
monstratve of physical strength OF nation suitably
presented and the military efficiency OF the country con-
sisteny referred TO. OF the results OF the war, EN-
bacng primarily the acquisition of large amount OF ter
ritoy, the President speaks in terms of high estimation;
and justly so, if in view only of the superficial square
miles that have been annexed But he adverts TO the
mineral value of those regions, and to the importance OF
their acquisition in political point OF view, essential
the peaceful progress of the people Of this vast com
monwealth. The command of the commerce OF the East
acquired by the possession OF the Paclhc coast and the
intermediate lands is also made the subject OF remark.
OF the great mineral wealth of the California territory,
the President speaks with confidence, and suggests the
LII, 4 hrnp ptnft thu I1ntpH too IN
the spot for the purpose OF converting the precious metal
into coin; and also the bullion and spe-
Gle OF other nations, which commerce may concentrate
there
In relation TO the establishment of governments over
New Mexico and California, the President refers TO the
question associated herewith upon the subject OF slavery
He does recognise In the constitution any positive
duty imposed Congress to legslae on the subject OF
slavery with regard to territorial governments and re-
marks that their power to do so Is not only seriously
questioned but denied by many OF the soundesf eXpOuhd
of that instrument But If the subject should be re-
gaed by Congress legitimate one for It's consdera-
ton and disposal the President suggests the adoption OF
the line OF the Missouri compromise, thirty ana
half the true middle ground of compromise fie ad-
the exclusion of the mention OF this line IN the
adoption OF the territorial government OF Oregon and ms
assent thereo but he observes that IN the event OF sm
lar action in relation to territory lying upon that line, the
matter must be regarded as an original question.
In anticipation of the establishment OF regular govern
mens the acquired territories JOINT commission OF
the army and navy has been ordered to the Pacilc coast
to make for various necessary purposes
SUGGESTIONS are maze uetHCc TIE
shment of navy yards, docks, SC, the division and
separation of mineral and farming lands and the extern
of the revenue laws promptly over the territory
Various subjects treated upon in this part OF the
message in relation Oregon and reference made to the
conduct of the Indians and the late massacre pePeated
by them The attention OF Congress called to the sub
vices of the white inhabitants In maintaining the suprem-
acy of the government
The repor, of the Secretary of the Treasury referred
to exhibiting highly satisfactory statement OF the
condition of the finances
The imports of the fiscal year amounted to SIG;
of which the amount exported was 81 ,l2sOo the resi-
due being for domestic Exports Tor the same
period O32 l3l of which the domestic productions
amounted to l32,9O,l2l The receipts into the treas
ury for the same period exclusive of loans amounted to
$685. i36, $50; of which there was derived from customs
$751; 757,07O; from public lands, $3,32S,62; and from
miscellaneous sources, 1881 ,037
The President speaks decidedly with regard to the IA
vorabe operation OF the tariff of 1916, and maintains
with energy and dIsncness It's superior efficiency and It's
better adapedness TO the country than that of ls42. He
refers to the general prosperity which prevalent
throughout the land and attributes any special incon-
yenence depression that may be felt to the CONFUSION
of affairs in Europe by which commerce has been at
fected hut contends that under present revenue sys
tenn, we have better resisted untoward European nhu-
ences than have ever done before. Thus, while by
the repeal of highly protective duties the revenue has
been increased the lakes upon the people nave been d.
minlshed.
system approved and It's suitability Tor the purposes OF
the government alleged to have been thoroughly estab-
shetl during the time it has been in force. Some modi
caons, affecting It's essential principles. are recon-
mended.
variety of matters touching the minor operations and
affairs of the government connected with the departments
are referred to- and these disposed Of the President en-
ters at length upon wholesome dissertation upon the
history of the national bank and high tariff policy which
occupies very considerable portion of the latter half OF
the message together with defence of the veto power.
Referring to the great Importance of those questions of
public policy which have engaged the attention of gov
eminent during his administration, the President nvokes
the blessings of the Almighty upon the deliberations OF
Congress, hoping that they may be guided to wise re-
Suits and such may rebound to the happiness, the
honor, and the glory of our beloved country
From the Baltimore Clipper Dec 6.
TIE PRESIDENTS MEssAGE-THE EXPRESS, &c-lhls
mammoth document put IN type at the Clipper ofhce
Yesterday in the shortest possible time The first install
men of copy wasgven to the composltors about 20 min