The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-10


Presidents MEssAaE.-The Tribune has re-
ceived copy of the message of Don Jose Hilairo
Lopez, President of New Grenada, presented TO the
Congress of that republic on the LIST ultimo. The
President commences by congratulating the SEN
ators and representatives the consolidation of
republican institutions, and on the friendly rela
tions New Grenada maintains with all other ma
tons. The United States, he says, have com
planned of the delay in the transportation Of the
mails across the Isthmus Of Panama, but that ia
now remedied. He regrets that the means of the
republic have not permitted positive encourage
ment to be given TO the immigration of Italian and
Hungarian PATRIOTS proposes that the contract sys
tenn be adopted in future public works, the govern
ment only retaining control of the more important
enterprises; says that the company formed to es-
tablish steam navigation on the river Magdalena
have not yet satisfactorily done so; hopes com
pany will soon be organized in the United States
which will do IL better; says the canal of Cartha-
gena is going forward well, having been helped
$4,000 by the government; is satisfied with the
progress Of the work on the Panama rairoad says
that Panama and the neighboring country Is thriv-
ing, but that the other cities OF the republic are
not, owing TO the want of good roads; says that
public education Ia advancing; regrets that he can
not present project for the immediate extinction
of slavery and suggests change in the funds des-
tined 10 that end; at the same time he mentions hon.
orably the efforts made by private citizens in their
desire 10 see this important end soon attained. On
the last anniversary of the national independence,
and other similar occasions, the President says
a great number Of manumissions were accom-
plshed, and excaims:
so that in place Of the great expense for luxury
and ostentation usual on anniversary days, this
happy custom might every where be adopted No
good work could be 80 propitous in the eyes Of the
Divinity, none more worthy Of an enlightened and
democratic peoplev'
Il seems that President Lopez does not regard
slavery a social political blessing, and is not
anxious to maintain any equilibrium between it
and freedom.
The state of the treasury is not encouraging.
The President does not give particulars, but SAYS
that since ls4s the expenses Of the republic have
outrun the income In this state Of things, he has
set about reducing the expenses, and has brought
them down l2,49l $50 reals, or 81 ,56l ,2l2 Ia.
Still the current year, according to estimated in
come, shows a deficit OF 4,435, 246 reals, or 554
405 49, without counting what is due on past short
comings To meet this deficit, the Secretary Of the
Treasury makes certain propositions, and, IL they
are not adopted, direct taxation must be resorted
10.
The army Of the republic is fixed at 500 men
for the current year the Panama Railroad Com
pany wants 200 more the Rowland A. Aspinwall's
teamship establishment 300; and the British Steam
ship Company 300. To meet this necessity 600 adj
ditional soldiers have been enlisted these work
crs as well soldiers, and will be paid by the
panies employing them.
The President concludes by recommending GER
tain amendments in the constitution. He says;
give, ciuzcns, pledges 10 the future plant
firmly the republic on the immovable foundations
Of Liberty, Equality, fraternity and Toleration,
which arc the principles OF our religious system.
Favor the development and action Of democracy
BY combating monoPoics, and legislating in the in
tcreet Of the majority and Of the poor laborng
classes, and you will have accomplished your mis-
sion. DO not forget that geographical position
between the Atlantic and Pacific reserves for
lofty and brilliant destiny; and that nothing is
more fruitful or more glorious than government
which, ne the instrument Of the public good, re-
poses on the irresistible power OF the popular
masses"