The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-17

nlCtS.
In view of the revenue derived from imports the
amount Of these fees Id comparatively small, being
less than 800, 200 per annum, while their collec
ton In small sums Is source OF great annoyance
10 those who pay them. | would also direct the at
tention of Congress 10 the numerous custom house
oaths and Londs, consular certificates and other
requirements with which our system ID burdened
rendering it at once complicated and vexatious.
II We would promote foreign commerce, and Sc
for ourvesseis their full share Of the lreighting
Of our own products and those of other nations,
should be careful TO remove every impeachment and
extend every facility which affects this intercourse
The changes in our laws which have been named
will be OF essential benefit to all who interested
In the privileges granted by warehousing sys-
tenn; and IT, IN addition, we should dispense Will
the oaths bonds, and certificates that appertai toen
tries OF merchandise at the foreign cost or value
and adopt the value in the United States We should
relieve the business OF importing merchandise OF
Its greatest embarrassment, and our own officers OF
Investigations into the prices paid for goods the
value thereof in foreign countries, and likewise
avoid the frequent cosions between the appras-
ers and importers, which the requirements OF our
present system occasion.
A statements herewith presented No. showing
the value of dutiable merchandise exported
from 1921 to 1850. The total value of such exports
during that period was, 81 30l ,092 SO being an
average of $l0,036 All annually. From the lst
December ls4s 30th June, 1850 the total value OF
dutiable merchandise re-exported from BONDED
warehouses under the act Of the 9th August, 1916,
establishing warehousing system, was y IL ,474,-
765, being an average Of $3,4Sl 1929 annually.
From whichi is apparent that the benefits antici-
pated from the warehousing act of 9th of August,
1916, have not been fully secured.
The Mint.
The table accompanying this report, marked
exhibits in detail the operations Of the mint at
Philadelphia and the different branches, from the
time they were respectively established down to the
Both October, 1850.
The amount Of coinage at the mint in Philadel-
phia during the month just past has exceeded four
millions OF dollars; and, II the experiments now
progressing under the authority Of Congress for
testing new process OF assaying should equal the
expectations which have been formed respecting it,,
the capabilities of that establishment will be ex
tended to the coinage Of eight millions monthly;
and. with the branch mint at New Orleans, will be
fully able to furnish coin, without any unrcasona
BILE delay for all the future probable receipts Of gold
dust and bullion.
In order, however, that the receivers of the
precious metals from abroad and particularly
at New York, where the greater portion of them
arrive, may the promptly and without
expense realize the amount, | would recommend
to Congress that this Department should be au-
thorized to receive all gold silver bullion
intended for reconage, and soon il could be
sayed and the correct value of it asccrtained that
mint certificates should be issued for the same in
convenient sums, at the option Of the owners, which
certificates should be made receivable for all dues
TO the United States, the Government being at
the expense Of conveying such bullion to the
mint Tor coinage. Under this system the hold
ers OF bullion would always realize the full value,
without abatement discount, it was
assayed, which generally would be in few days,
and without waiting until it was actually coined
Such certificates would be freely received on de-
post specie, by all the banks of the country, to
be paid out TO their customers who might have du-
ties other dues TO pay into the public treasury,
and would greatly facilitate such payments by
avoiding the constant counting and re- counting OF
large amounts of coin for the purpose.
Coast Surrey.
The Coast Survey was reorganzed in 1913, and
placed upon Its present footing by Legislative au-
tnority. BY that organization the land operations,
constituting four ftths OF the whole were assigned
TO civilians and officers OF the army, and the by
biography to officers of the navy.
The distinguished and scientific gentleman who
has SO long and well superintendent the work,
with this temporary corps, were placed under the
supervision aud control Of the Treasury Depart
ment, to which all works affecting commerce and
navigation, it was believed, should be properly
committed Ii was also thought that officers of the
army and navy could not be brought to act harmo-
nlously together under the control of either the
War or Navy Department.
This organization was the result of the experience
OF the work up to that time. Ii has proved emf
nently successful in its operations the rapidity OF
its progress well as its accuracy, and the ma
nitude of its results have commanded the appa use
OF those most distinguished for scientific attain
menis in Europe and America.
This department has from time to time, as the
work demanded, called for many officers of the
army and navy as could be spared from their APP
propriate duties
cers of the army is now pending before the War
Department and will, II Is expected, receive a IA
vorablo consideration.
When the recent war with Mexico was declared
there five officers Of the corps of Topographic
cal Engineers and nine of the line Of the army
ployed in the coast survey.
The survey thus becomes an admirable school OF
practice Tor such OF the graduates Of West Point
and the officers of the navy had prediction
for the science called into practice by the work
each being engaged in his appropriate sphere.
While the scientific character Of the survey u
such az 10 reflect lasting credit upon our country
IL Is also eulinently practical in its results the
highest branches OF scientific knowledge are made
subservientso the most useful purposes.
The economy Of the work deserves commcndR-
ton. IL will be found that as much useful work IL
done, and as much advantage TO the country and
mankind obtained for the same amount of erpendi.
ture, ms in any other department Of the Govern
ment. In this respect the last years have
shown gain in economy Of one and three quarters
20 one over the expenditures before that time for
the same work This may be sscribcd 20 the en-
largement of the scale on which the work proceeds
which also greatly tends 10 hasten its final compile
ton.
The trigonomctrical portion Of ths survey nov
extends uubroken from Portland, in Maine, 4
within fifty miles Of the Capcs Of the Chesapeake
and, with an interval Of about one hundred miles
which u uPidly hlling up, 10 point beyond Caps
Hatterss
IL has been commenced in South Carolina. Geor
ga, and Florida; ~ complete la Alabama, AND
nearly IN Mississippi; aud has been commenced
in Louisiana and Texas. The other operation,
follow closely in their order, and The publication
Of the maps and charts keeps pace with the field
work Nearly one half Of the coast Of the Atlantic
and Of the Gulf of Mexico has been surveyed. Sine,
our recent acquisitions Of territory the Pacific
parties attached 10 the survey have been actively
employed on that coast, and have contributed i'm
portsnt information TO this Deps in rcgars
90 the proper sitcs for light houses, and other aid
90 navigation.
A detailed report Of the progress Of the work vii
be submitted TO Congress at early period Of tb
session.
Miscellaneous.
The necessary instructions in ful6lment Of Oh,
provisions of the 9th section Of the act Of 2Sth Sep
tcmber Last, have been Issued for the numbering
and coloring Of the booys placed "along the coast
or in bays, harbors, sounds or channols."
Arrangements have been made for the manufac
ture and delivery, at convenient point for trans
portion, Of the buoys intended 10 he placed in tn
channel Of Colombia river.
Measures have been taken promptly 10 epecut
the design Of Congress in providing Tor the secu
rty Of life and property on the sea coast. Metallic
Life boats with the usual fixtures, designed for fv
points on tho coast Of Florida, and three for thu
coast Of Texas, have been contracted for. Like IA
cties, with the addition Of mortsrs, shot rockets