The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-10
admission into the Union, with a copy Of
The laws under which each class was con.

admission into the Union, with a copy OF
the laws under which each class was con.
tracted.
have, from the documents furnished by
the State Of Texas, determined the classes
of claims which. in my judgment, fall with
in the provisions of act of Congress OF the
9Th of September. 1850.
On being officially informed Of the ac-
ceptance by Texas ofthe propositions con-
tanned in the act referred to, | caused the
stock TO be prepared, and the five millions
which are TO be issued Internationally,
bearing an interest Of five per cent. from
the first day Of January, 1851, have been
for some time ready TO be delivered TO the
State of Texas. The authorities Of Texas.
up 10 the present time. have not authorized
any one to receive this stock, and it re-
mains in the Treasury Department, sub.
iect to the order of Texas.
The releases, required by law to be de.
posted in the Treasury, not having been
filed there, the remaining five millions have
not been issued. This last amount Of the
stock will be withheld from Texas until the
conditions upon which it is to be delivered
shall be complied with by the creditors
of that State, unless Congress shall other
wise direct by a modification Of the law.
In my last annual message, to which
respectfully refer, | stated briefly the rea.
SONS which induced me to recommend a
modification of the present tariff. by con-
verting the ad ~raloren into a specific duty,
wherever the article imported was of such
u character as to permit it, and that such
a discrimination should be made, in favor
of the industrial pursuits OF our own coun-
try, as to encourage home production with.
GU, excluding foreign competition.
The numerous frauds which continue to
be practised upon the revenue. by false in
voices and under valuations. constitute an
unanswerable reason Tor adopting specific
instead of ad ralorem duties in all cases
where the nature OF the commodity does
not forbid it. A striking illustration OF
these frauds will be exhibited in the Report
of the Secretary Of the Treasury, showing
the custom.house valuations Of articles i'm.
ported under the former law subject to
specific duties. when there was no induce
ment to differentiation, and the custom.
house valuations Of the same articles. un-
, der the present system OF nd raiorcm du-
Ties. so greatly reduced as to leave no
doubt of The existence OF the most fragrant
abuse under the existing laws. This prac.
teal evasion Of the present law, combined
with the languishlng condition OF some OF
the great interests OF the country. caused
by over importations and consequent de-
pressed prices, and with the failure in OBJ
tanning a foreign market for our increasing
surplus of breadsluffs and provisions, has
induced me again to recommend a modi-
~ication OF the existing tariff.
The report OF the Secretary of the lnte-
rior. which accompanies this communlca-
ton, will present a condensed statement OF
the operations oftha, important department
of the Government.
1t will be seen that the cash sales OF the
public lands exceed those OF the preceding
year. and that there is reason TO anticipate
a still further increase. Notwithstanding the
large donations which have been made to
many of the States, and the liberal grants
to individuals as a reward for military SER
vices. This fact furnishes very gratifying
evidence Of the growing wealth and pros
peri,y Of our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for
commencing the survey Of the public lands
in California and Oregon. Surveying
parties have been organized. and some
progress has been made in establishing the
principal base and meridian lines. But
iur,her legislation and additional approPri.
atoms will be necessary before the proper
subdivisions can be made, and the general
land system extended over those remote
parts of our territory.
On the third of March last an act was
passed providing 70, the appointment OF
three commissioners to settle private land
claims in California. Three persons were
Immediately appointed. all Of whom.
however, declined accepting the office, in
consequence ofthe i%nadequacy ofthe COM
pensation. Others were promptly selected,
who. for the same reason, also declined;
and it was not until late in the season, that
the services OF suitable persons could be
secured. A majority Of the commission.
ers convened in this city on the tenth OF
September last, when detailed instructions
were given to them in regard 10 their duties.
Their first meeting for the transaction OF
business, will be held in San Francisco on
tie 9th day OF the present month.
thought it proper 10 refer to these facts,
not only to explain the causes Of the delay
in filling The commission, Tut to call your
attention to the propriety OF increasing the
compensation Of the commissioners. The
office is one Of great labor and response
bility. and compensation should be such
as 10 command men Of a high order of tai
ents and the most unquestionable integrity.
The proper disposal ofthe mineral lands
of California is a subject surrounded by
great difficulties. In my last annual mes.
sage | recommended the survey and sale
nj them in small parcels, under such re.