American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-12-02

ration at your hands.
The same is in measure true in regard to some
of the harbors and inles on the seacoast.
The unobstructed navigation Of our large rivers
is of equal importance. Our settlements are now
extending TO the sources 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 it 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
view to the prevention of the overfiows that have
proved SO disastrous to that region Of country, have
been nearly completed, and the reports thereof
now in Of preparation, and will shortly be
laid before you
The protection of our southwestern frontier, and
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
manned to be done to make the best 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
lected to command them. new arrangement
of the military posts has also been made, whereby
the troops are brought nearer to the Mexican from
tier and to the tribes they are intended to overawe
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 efrectually check their marauding expe-
ditions. The nature of the country, which fur
nishes little for the support of army and
abounds in places Of refuge and concealment, is
remarkably well adapted to this predatory war
fare; and we can scarcely hope that any military
force, combined with the greatest vigilance,
entirely suppress it.
By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we arc
bound to protect the territory of Mexico against
the incursions Of the savage tribes within our bor-
der 'with equal diligence and energy as if the
same were made within our territory or against
our citizens have endeavored to comply,
far as possible, with this provision of the treaty
Orders have been given to the officers COM
handing on that frontier to consider the Next
can territory and its inhabitants equally
with our own entitled to their projections and
to make all their plans and arrangements with
view TO the attainment of this object In
structions have also been given to the Indian COM
missoners and agents among these tribes, in all
treaties, to make the clauses designed for the pro-
lection of our citizens apply also to those of
Mexico. / have reason to doubt that these in
strucions have been fully carried into effect Ne
vertheless, it is probable that, in spite of all
Efforts some of the neghboring States Of Mexico
may have suffered, as own have, from depre-
dations by the Indians.
eitios Of defending our own territory
as above mentioned, are superadded, in defending
that of Mexico those that arise from it's remote
ness, from the fact that have no right to sta
ton our troops within her limits, and that there is no
efficient military force on the Mexican side to CO.
operate with our own. So long as this shall con-
tinue be the CASE the number and activity of our
troops will rather increase than diminish the evil,
as 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 APP
peared of peaceable character, and disposed to
cultivate the friendship the whites have recently
committed several acts of hostility. As large
portion of the rcinforcemcnts sent to the Mexican
frontier were drawn from the Pacific, the military
force now stationed there is considered entirely
inadequate to it's defence II cannot be increased,
however, without increase of the army and
again recommend that measure indispensable to
the protection of the frontier.
invite vour attention to the eupCestions on 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 fiscal year ending 30th June
next, were reduced far below the estimate submit.
ted by the Department. The consequence of this
reduction s a considerable deficiency, to which
invite your early attention.
The expenditures of that Department, for the
year ending 30th June last, were $4,000 ,26s So.
The estimates for the year commencing LIST July
next and ending June 30 1858, are 81 s9s,775 SO;
showing a reduction of $l,l6l ,492 rs.
The Board Of Commissioners, to whom the man.
agement of the affairs of the Military Asylum ere.
ated by the act of Sd 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 tho Navy will ex-
hibit the condition of the public service under the
supervision OF that Department. Our naval force
aioat during the present year has been actively
and usefuly employed in giving protection to our
idely-extended and increasing commerce and
interests in the various quarters OF globe, and
our flag has everywhere afforded the security and