The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-22
WASHINGTON, January 81, 1850.
To Die House Of Representatives.
NJ fh< T-o,f<d Efofs..

transmit TO the House of Representatives, in an
swcr TO resolution Of that body passed on the 3ls
Of December last, the accompanying reports of
heads Of Departments, which contain all the official
information in the possession of the Executive asked
for by the resolution.
On coming into Office found the military com
mandant Of the department of California exercising
the functions Of civil governor in that Territory;
aud left as was TO act under the treaty Of Guada
lupe Hidalgo without the aid Of any Legislative pro-
vision in establishing government in that Terrific
~, thought IL best not 10 disturb that arrange
ment, made under my predecessor, until Congress
should take some action on that subject. there
fore did not interfere with the powers Of the militia
ry commandment, who continued 10 exercise the
functions OF civil governor before, but made
no such appointment, conferred no such au-
tbority, and have allowed no increased compensa
ton 10 the commandant for his services.
With a view to the faithful execution Of the
treaty, Ear as lay in the power Of the Executive
and 10 enable Congress to act the present seson
with az full knowledge and az little difficulty as
possible all matters Of interest in these Terrific
ries, sent the Hon. Thomas Butler King as bearer
ofdcspatches To California, and certain officers 10
California and New Mexico whose duties arc par
tcularly defined in the accompanying letters Of in
struction addressed 10 them scvoraly by the pro-
per department
did not hesitate TO express TO the people OF tboee
Territories my desire that each Territory should IL
prepared 70 comply with the acquisitions Of the
Constitution Of the United States, form plan Of a
State constitution, and submit the same 20 Con-
gress, with prayer for admission into the Union
State; but did not anticipate, suggest or au-
tborize the establishment Of any such government
without the assent Of Congress, nor did authorize
any government agent or officer TO interfere with
or exercise any influence control over the cleo
ton Of delegates, over any convention, in max.
ing modifying their domestic itutions or any
Of the provisions Of their proposed constitution
On the contrary, the instructions given by my or
ders we're, that all measures Of domestic policy
adopted by the people Of California must originate
solely with themselves; tnat while the Executive Of
the United States DESTROYS to protect them in
the formation Of any government republican In lie
character, 10 be at the proper time submitted TO
Congress, yet II was 10 be distinctly understood
that the plan Of such government must at The
same time be the result Of their own deliberate
choice, and originate with themselves, without the
interfcreD &c OF the Executive.
am unable TO give any information AZ TO lava
passed by any supposed government in California
or Of any census taken in either Of the Territories
mentioned in the resolution, az have no informa-
ton on those subjects.
As already stated, have not disturbed the
rangements which found had existed under my
predecessor
In advising am carly application by the people Of
these Territories for admission States, was
tusted principally by desire 10 afford 10
the wisdom and patriotism Of Congress the oppor-
tuny Of avoiding occasions Of bitter and angry dis
sensions among the people Of the United states
Under the Constitution every State has the right
Of establishing, and from time to time altering lie
municipal laws and domestic institutions, indepcn.
IDENTIFY Of every other State and Of the General Gov
ernmcnt subject only 70 the prohibitions and
guarantees expressly set forth in the Constitution OF
the United States The subjects thus left exolu.
svely 10 the respective States we're designed or
expected 70 become topics Of national agitation