Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-12-11

crn Territory and west of the Mississippi river.
We are at peace with all of them-and it will be
a source of pleasure to you to learn that they are
gradually advancing in civilization and the pur-
suits of social hfe
Along the Mexican frontier, and in California,
and Oregon, there have been occasional mani
festations of unfriendy feeling, and some depre-
datons committed. ! am satisfied however.
that they resulted more from the destitute and
starving condition of the Indians than from any
settled hostility toward the whites. As the set
Elements OF our citizens progress towards them,
the game upon which they mainly RELY for sub
slstence Is driven of or DESTROYED, and the only
alternative left them is starvation or punder--
Ii becomes US to consider in view Of this condi-
ton OF things, whether justice and humanity,
well as an enlightened economy. do not require
that, instead Of seeking to punish them for often
ces which are the result -four own policy tow
ards Them. we should provide for their immediate
wants and encourage them to engage in agrcul-
ture, and to rely on their labor, instead of the
chase, for the means Of support.
Various important treaties have been nego-
tated with different tribes during the year, by
which their title to large and valuable tracts ef
country has beer eXunguished, all of which will
at the proper time, be submitted to the Senate
for ratification.
The joint commission under the treaty of
Gaudaloupe Hldalgo has been actively engaged
/ in running and marking the boundary line be-
tween the United States and Mexico Ii was
stated, IN the last annual report Of the Secretary
OF the Interior, that the initial point on the Pa
clfc and the point of Junction of the ella with
the Colorado river had been determined, and the
/ intervening line, about one hundred and fifty
miles in length, run aud marked by temporary
monuments. Since that time a monument of
marble has been erected at the initial point, and
permanent landmarks Of IRON have been placed
at suitable distances along the line.
| The initial point on the Rio Grande has also
! Ooen fixed by the commissioners at latitude 81
degrees % minutes, and at the date of the last
communication the survey of the line had been
made thence westwarI about one hundred and
fifty miles 20 the neighborhood of the copper
mines
] The commission on our part was at first or
gained on "A scale which experience proved to
be unwieldy and attended, with unnecessary ex-
pence. Orders have, therefore, been issued for
the reduction OF the number of persons employed
within the smallest limits consistent with the
safety of those engaged in the service, and the
prompt and efficient discharge Of their important
duties.
Returns have been received from all the off.
GERS engaged in taking the census IN the States
and Territories, except California. The Super
intondent employed to make the enumeration in
that State has not yet made his full report, from
causes as he alleges beyond his control. This
failure Is much to be regretted, as It has preven-
ted the Secretary of the Interior from making
the decennal apporuonment of representatives
among the States, as required by the act approx
ed May %, 1850. II Is hoped, however. that
f the returns will soon be received, and no time
WIZ then be lost III making the necessary appor-
tonment, and IN transmitting the certificates re-
quired by law.
The Superintendent of the Seventh Census is
diligently employed, under the directing of the
Secretary of the Interior, in classifying and ar
ranging m tabular form, all the statistical infor-
nation derived from the return of the marshals,
and It is believed that when the work shall be
completed It will exhibit the most perfect view
OF tie population, wealth, occupations, and social
condition OF great country, than has ever been
presented TO the world. The value of such n
work as the basis of enlightened legislation, can
hardly be overestimated; and | earnestly hope
that Congress Will lose no time in making the
81 necessary appropriations to complete the CLASH
tcatlons and to publish the results in a style
worthy OF the subject and of our national charac-
ter.
The want of uniform fee bill prescribing the
compensation to be allowed district atorneys,
clerks, marslias, and commissioners in civil and
criminal cases, Is the cause of much vexaton in
3 justice and complaint | would recommend u
4 thorough revision OF the laws on the whole sub
lect, and the adoption Of tariff of fees as far as
Is practicable which should be uniform, and pre-
: cr.be specific comp nsatoi for eyeryse vice which
/ the officer my be required to perform. This sub
/ ject wall be fully presented IN the report of the
= Secretary of the Interior.
In my last annual message gave briefly my
s reasons for believing that you possessed
= the constitutional power to improve the har-
n bors of our great lakes and seacuast and the
T. navigation of our principal rivers and recon.
mended that appropriations should be made fol-
e completing such works as had already been com
r menced, and for commencing such others as
n might seem to the wisdom of Congress to be Of
= public and gener al Importance. Without re.
@ peating the reasons then urged, deem it my
= duty again to call your attention to this impor-
= ani subject The works on many of the harbon
Y were left in an unfinished state and consequent
/. y exposed TO the action of the elements, which
4 Is fast destroying them. Great numbers of lives
O and vast amounts of property arc annually lost
I for want of safe and convenient harbors on the
r. lakes. None Of those who have been exposed
IS to that dangerous navigation can fully appreciate
$ the importance of this subject The whole
# northwest appeals to you for relief and ! trus
If their appeal will receive due consideration al
v your hands.
n The same is true in regard to some of the har.
% bors and inlets on the seacoasi