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

carry into effect the recommendation Of the De.
partment, il is confidently expected that, before
the close OF the next fiscal year all who entitled
10 the benefits Of the act viii have received their
warrants.
The Secretary Of the Interior has suggested in
his report various amendments of the laws relating
to pensions and bounty lands, for the purpose OF
more effectualy guarding against abuses and
frauds on the Government to all of which invite
your particular attention.
The large accessions to our Indian population
consequent upon the acquisition of New Mexico
and California, and the extension Of our settle
ments into Utah and Oregon, have given increased
interest and importance to our relations with the
aboriginal race.
No material change has taken place. within the
last year, in the condition and prospects of the In
dian tribes who reside in the Northwestern Terrific
ny and west Of the Mississippi river We are at
peace with all of them; and IL will be source of
pleasure TO you to learn that they gradually
advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social
life.
Along the Mexican frontier, and in California, and
Oregon, there have been occasional maniiestationsof
ted ] 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 settlements of citizens pro-
gross towards them, the game upon which they
mainly rely for subsistence is driven off or de-
stroyed, and the only alternative left to them is
starvation or plumber. II becomes TO consider,
in view Of this condition of things whether ustice
and humanity, as well as enlightened economy,
do not require that instead Of seeking to punish
them for offences which are the result of our own
policy towards them, should not provide for
their immediate wants and encourage them to en-
gage in agriculture, and to rely on their labor in
stead Of the chase, for the means Of support.
Various important treaties have been negotiated
with different tribes during the year, by which
their title to large and valuable tracts of country
has been extinguished, all Of which will, at the
proper time, be submitted to the Senate for ratca-
ton
The joint commission under the treaty of G uada-
lupe Hidalgo has been actively engaged in run
ming and marking the boundary line between the
United States and Mexico. II was stated, in the
Last annual report of the Secretary of the Interior
that the initial point the Pacific 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 and
marked by temporary monuments. Since that
timc a monument Of marble has been erected at
tie initial point, and permanent landmarks ofiron
have been placed at suitable distances along the
line.
The initial point on the Rio Grande has also been
fixed by the commissioners at latitude 800 30, and
at the date Of the last communication the survey Of
the line had been made thence westward about one
hundred and fifty miles to the ncighborhood Of
the copper mines
The commission on our part was at first organ.
ICED on a scale which experience proved to be un-
wieldy and attended with unnecessary expense.
Orders have, therefore, been issued for the reduc-
ton of the number Of persons employed within the
smallest limits consistent with the safety of those
engaged in the service, and the prompt and Ell.
Gent execution of their important duties.
Returns have been received from all the officers
engaged in tnkng the census in the States and Ter
ritories, except California. The superintendent
employed 10 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 il has prevented the Sec.
rotary Of the Interior from making the dece nnal
apportonment Of representatives, among the States
as required by the act approved May %, 1850
II Is hoped, however, that the returns will soon
be received, and no time will then be lost in max.
ing nc necessary apportionmcnt, and in transmit.
ting the certificates required by law.
The Superintendent Of the Seventh Census is
diligently employed, under the direction Of the
Secretary of the Interior, in classifying and ar.
ranging, in tabular form, all the statistical informa-
ton derived from the returns Of the marshas md Il
Ia believed that when the work shall be completed
IL will exhibit a more perfect view Of the popu.
lation, wealth, occupations, and social condition
Of great country, than has ever been presented TO
the world. The value OF such work. as the basis
OF enlightened legislation, can hardly be over
estimated; and earnestly hope that Congress will
osc time in making the appropriations neces.
sary 10 complete the classifications, and TO pub.
lish the results in style worthy Of the subject
and OF our national character.
The want Of uniform fee BILL prescribing the
compensation to be allowed district attorneys,
clerks, marshals, and commissioners in civil and
criminal cases, IL the cause Of much vexation in
JuHhCs, hho complaint, would recommend tho
rough revision of the lawson tho whole subject, and
the adoption Of tariff Of fees which, as far as prac-
ticable, should be uniform and prescribe specific
compensation for every service which the officer
may be required to perform. This subject will be
fully presented in the report of the Secretary OF
the Interior
In my last annual message ! gave briefly my
reasons for believing that you possessed the con-
siitutional power to improve the barb6rs OF our
great lakes and seacoast and the navigation of our
principal rivers, and recommended that appropria.
lions should be made for completing such works
IA had already been commenced, and for com
mcncing such others might seem to the wisdom
Of Congress TO be Of public and general import.
ance. Without repeating the reasons then urged
] deem Il my duty again to call your attention to
this important subject. The works on many Of
the harbors we're left in an unfinished state, and
consequently exposed TO tho action Of The Gle.
ments, which Is fast destroying them. Great