The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-12-02

The whole northwest appeals to you for relief,
and trust their appeal viii receive due conside.
ration at your hands.
The same is in measure true in regard TO some
OF the harbors aud inlets on the seaooast.
The unobstructed navigation Of our large rivers
ia Of equal importance. Our settlements are now
extending to the Of the great rivers which
empty into, and form part of the Mississippi, and
the value Of the public lands in those regions
would be greatly enhanced by freeing the naviga-
ton of those waters from distractions. In view,
therefore, Of this great interest, deem II my
duty again to urge upon Congress TO make such
appropriations for these Improvements as they
may deem necessary.
The survey Of the Delta Of the Mississippi, with n
view to the prevention Of the oyeriows that have
proved so disastrous to that region Of country, have
been nearly completed, and the reports thereof
now in course of preparation, and will shortly be
laid before you.
The protection Of our southwestern frontier, ana
Of the adjacent Mexican States, against the Indian
tribes within our border, has claimed my earnest
and constant attention. Congress having failed, at
the last session, TO adopt my recommendation that
an additional regiment Of mounted men specially
adapted to that service should be raised all that re-
manned to be done was to make the best use OF the
means at my disposal Accordingly, all the troops
adapted to that service that could properly spared
from other quarters have been concentrated on
that frontier, and officers Of high reputation Sc
lected TO command them. A new arrangement
of the military posts has also been made, whereby
the troops are brought nearer to the Mexican from
4-sI,o Az ,nta, InII - apUp
Sufficient time has not yet elapsed TO realize all
the benefits that expected TO result from these
arrangements, but have every reason to hope that
they will cfrectually check their marauding expe-
ditons. The nature Of the country, which fur
nishes little for the support Of an army and
abounds in places Of refuge and concealment, 10
remarkably well adapted to this predatory war
fare; and we scarcely hope that any military
force, combined with the greatest vigilance, can
entirely suppress it.
By the treaty Of Guadalupe Iiidalgo VIC are
bound to protect the territory Of Mexico against
the incursions of the savage tribes within our bor
der "wth equal diligence and energy" as if the
same we're made within our territory or against
our citizens. | have endeavored to comply, as
far as possible, with this provision of the treaty.
Orders have been given to the officers com
manding on that frontier to consider the Next
can territory and its inhabitants ms equally
with our own entitled TO their protection; and
10 make all their plans and arrangements with
view to the attainment Of this object. In
structions have also been given to the Indian COM
missioners and agents among these tribes, in all
treaties, 70 make the clauses designed for the pro-
lection Of our own citizens apply also to those OF
Mexico. have reason TO doubt that these in
structions have been fully carried into effect. Ne
vertheleas, it is probable that, in spite Of all our
efforts, some of the neighboring states Of Mexico
may have suffered, as our own have, from dep,e-
dations by the Indians.
To the difficulties Of defending our own territory,
above mentioned, arc superadded, in defending
that OF Mexico those that arise from its remote
ness, from the fact that we have no right to sta
ton troops within her limits, and that thereis no
efficient military force the Mexican side to CO.
operate with own. So long as this shall con.
nue TO be the case the number and activity Of our
troops will rather increase than diminish the evil
the Indians will naturally turn towards that
country where they encounter the least resistance
Yet these troops necessary to subdue them, and
TO compel them to make and observe treaties.
Until this shall have been done, neither country
will enjoy any security from their attacks.
The Indians in California, who had previously ap.
peared Of a pcaceable character, and disposed to
cultivate the friendship Of the whites, have recently
committed several acts Of hostility. As a large
portion of the achievements cent 70 the Mexican
frontier were drawn from the Pacific, the military
force now stationed there is considered entirely
inadequate to its defence II cannot be increased
however, without increase of the army and
again recommend that measure indispensable "a
the protection Of the frontier.
invite your attention TO the suggestions this
subject, and on others connected with his Depart.
ment, In the report OF the Secretary Of War.
The appropriations for the support Of the army
during the current fscal year ending 30th June
next, we're reduced far below the estimate submit.
ted by the Department. The consequence Of this
reduction is a considerable deficiency, to which /
invite your early attention.
The expenditures Of that Department, 4 tho
year ending 3oth juno last, were 50 ,O61 26s So.
The estimates for the year commencing let July
next and ending June 80 1858, are 81 sos IT'S 50;
showing reduction Of Sl,l6l ,492 rs.
The Board Of Commissioners, to whom the man.
agement OF the affairs Of the Military Asylum Gro.
atcd by tho act Of 3D. March last was entrusted,
have selected site for the establishment Of an
Asylum in the vicinity Of this city, which has been
approved by me, subject to the production Of sat.
isfactory title.
The report Of the Secretary OF the Navy will ex.
hibt the condition Of the public service under tho
supervision Of that Department. Our naval force
afioat during the present year has been actively
and usefully employed in giving protection TO our
widely-extcndcd and increasing commerce aud
interests in the various quarters Of the globe, and
our flag has everywhere afforded the security and
received the respect inspired by the iuslice and
lberality Of our intercourse, and the dignity and
power Of the nation.
The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De
Haven, despatched in search Of the British com.
mandor, Sir John Franklin and his compan.
ions in tho Arctic Seas, returned to New York
in the month Of October, after having undorgn,o