Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1851-12-11


attention.
The large accessions to our Indian popula-
ton consequent on thc acquisition OF New
Mexico and California, aud tie extension
Of our settlements into Utah and Oregon,
have given Increased interest and impor-
lance TO our relations with the aboriginal
race. No material change has taken place
within the last year in the condition and
prospects of the Indian tribes who reside in
the northwestern territory and west Of
the Mississippi river. We are at peace
with all Of them, and it will be source Of
plea urc 10 learn that they are gradually adj
Yancing in civilization and the pursuits Of
social life. Along the Mexican frontier
and in California and Oregon there have been
occasional manifestations Of Ilntriendly feel
ings and some deprcdations committed, more
from The destitute and starving condition Of
the Indians than from any settled hostility
against the whites. As the settlement OF
our citizens progresses and the game upon
which they mostly rely for subsistence is
driven off or destroyed, the only alternative
left them is starvation or plumber. 1t be-
comes us to cooSidcr in view Of this condi-
ton ofthings, whether justice and humanity
as well as an enlightened economy do not re-
guire us, instead of seeking to punish them
for offences which are the result of our pol
icy towards them, 10 provide for their i'm
mediate wants and encourage them 20 engage
in agriculture and to rely on their lrbor in
stead Of the chase for their means Of support.
Various important treaties have been effec-
ted with different tribes during the year by
which their title to large valuable tracts oil
country have been eXtinguishod, all ofwhich
will at the proper time be submitted TO the
Senate for ratification.
The Joint Commissioner under the treaty
Of Guadalupe Hidalgo, has been actively
engaged in revising and marking the boun-
Diary line between the United States and
Mexico. 1t was stated in the annual report
Of the Secretary OF the Interior that the mi
tial point OF junction Of the ella with the
Colorado river had been determined and the
intervening line, about one thousand and
fifty miles in length, run and marked by
temporary monuments Since that time a
monument OF marble has been erected on
the initial point, and permanent land marks
Of iron have been placed at suitable distances
along the line. The initial point on the Rio
Grandc has also been fixed by the Commits
soncrs at latitude 80 deg. % min, and at
the date Of the last communication the sur
vey of the line had been made thence west
ward about one hundred and fifty miles, to
the neighborhood Of the copper mines.
The commission on our part was at first
organized on a scale which experience prov
cd to be unwieldy and attended with unnc-
cessary expense. Orders have. therefore
A IL, !, e 4 h. l,r
of persons employed within the smallest
limits consistent with the safety of thost
engaged in the service, and the prompt anC
efficient performance of their important du.
ties.
Returns have been received from all tht
officers engaged in taking the census in lh'
States and Territories except California
The superintendent employed to make TIC
enumeration in that State has not yet made
his full report from causes as he alleges be
vond his control. This failure is much &
be regretted as it has prevented the Score
tary of the Interior from making the dcccn
NAL appointment OF representatives among
the States as required by the act approved
Nav %, 1850. 1t is hoped, however, tina
the returns will soon be received and II
sary apportionments, and in transmitting III
certificates required by law, The Superin
tcndent of the It'll census is diligently en-
ploved under the direction of the Secrctar
ofthe Interior in classifying and arrangin
in tabular form all the statistical in.ornaio
derived from the returns Of the Marshal,
and it is believed that when the work sip
be completed it will exhibit more pcrieC
view Of the population, wealth, occup1,io
and social condition Of a,grcat country tha
has ever been presented to the world. II!
value Of such q work as the basis Of CT
lghtencd legislation can hardly be over est
mated: and earnestly hope that Congres
will lose 10 time in making the appropgi;
tons necessary TO couIpiete the c.asslilcrtlc
or to publish the results in n style worthy
the subject and Of orr national character.
TIE want Of uniform fee bill, prcscrll
ing the compensation TO be allowed DIstrl
Attorneys, Clerks, Marsha!s and Comm
sioncrs in civil &.criminal cases is the eau
of much vcxotion, injustice and complaint
would recommend thorough revision
the laws on the whole sub ect and the ado
ton of a tariff Of fees which the officers hi
be requested to perform. This subject w
be full y represented in the report OF the Be
rotary OF the Interior.
In my last annual message ! gave my re
sons for believing that you possessed t
constitutional power to improve the ha
bors OF our great lakes and sea coasts a
the navigation OF our principal rivers, al
recommended that appropriations should
made for completing such works as had
ready been commenced, aud the commcnc
ment of such others as might seem to I
wisdom of Congress 10 be OF public and ger
raj importance. Without repeating t
reasons then urged, | deem it my dl
again 10 call your attentions 10 this imp
tant subject, The works on many OF
barbors were left in an uniiishcd state a
consequently exposed to the ootion OF
elements w kich is fast DESTROYING them.