The New York herald., 1850-12-03

constructing ship canal to connect the Atlantic
with the Pacific that point, and that but two OBJ
jects in connection with it remain to be accom-
plished, viz.-the designation and establishment
of free port at each end OF the canal, and fixing
distance from each shore, within which belligerent
operations shall not be carried on. Those proceed
ings have not probably reac he'd him in an official
form Now that Congress is in session, We hope
that they will unite with the President in having
the treaty carried out to the letter.
The President is in favor of raising large por-
ton of the revenue for the support of the govern
ment, from datiesion importations, but seems op-
posed to a high tariff He is moderate tariff man,
and advocates discriminating duties for instance,
that the duty on articles which cannot be produced
in this country, ought to be less, in his opinion,
than on those which can Mr.. Fillmore there
fore says he is a half free trade, and half mode.
rate tariff man. We have no doubt that his opinions
in this respect will be satisfactory to the great
mass of his constituents. He also advocates spe-
clfc instead of ad poiorem duties. In this, the
message, we are sure, will likewise give satisfac.
tion for although one half of the frauds which are
said TO have been committed under the ad paiorem
system, may not have taken place, it is clear that
it offers inducements to fraud, which are likely
to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous persons.
Mr. Fillmore recommends the establishment. of a
mint in Californa--also the establishment of an
agricultural bureau ofthe government; says nothing,
however, of printing bureau, which is so loudly
called for, and evidently necessary; recon-
mends the Establishment of board of com mis-
sioners for examining and adjusting California land
claims; recommends also the sale of the mineral
lands OF California in small parcels; recommends the
organization of one or more regiments of mounted
men for the protection of our frontiers, and squns
at the necessity which exists for the protection
and extension of our commerce with Asia, and is
happy to find that The fiscal condition of the Post
Office Department justifes the Postmaster General
in recommending reduction of our inland postag ge
to three cents when prepaid, and five cents when
not pre- paid, with other reforms depending upon
favor Of internal improvements, and thereupon re-
commends appropriations for the completion of
such works of this character as have been COM
menced, and for thee commencement of such Others
as may be deemed of general importance.
Among the many excellent fe eatures of this mes- |
sage, is one which we clnnot pass over without |
subscribing 10 it our approval We allude to the |
Recommendation that law be pessed authorizing |
officers of our army and navy 10 be retired fro |
the service, when incompetent TO perform its vi |
gerous and active duties, taking care TO make
suitable provision for those who have faithfully |
served the country, and by awarding distinctions,
by retaining in appropriate commands, those who |
have been particularly conspicuous for gaaniry |
and good conduct. For the want of such retired |
list, or pension system, as is here proposed, we |
are coniiden, that at least one OF these ser
vices, the navy, has suffered, and is at this |
hour suffering, very much. The aspiration and |
ambition Of our young officers are checked, aud |
many have resigned their posts rather than await
the death of their aged superiors, for promotion.
We also approve of the recommendation to fouad |
an asy lum for the relief Of disabled and destitute
soldiers, and hope that will be extended 10
men likewise. The gallant fellows who risk their |
lives and on land, in fighting the battles of
ther country, should not, when disabled, be thrown
on the cold charity of the world for support.
On The whole, the message meets with our warm
suppor, and approval Its, emphatic ally, great
Union document, and We shall discuss it in detail
ct our leisure. Although ii occupies five columns
Of our Journal i, could not be shorter very well,
consdering the variety Of mpor,an, topics which
peiuisl of our readers.