Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1851-12-13

lions which are to be issued Internationally, bearing
an interest OF i've per cent from the LIST day OF jan
lary 1851, have been for time ready to be deiv
ered to the State OF Texas. The authorities of Tex
90, up the present time, have not authorised any
enc to receive this stock and it remains in the Treas
Iry Department, subject to the order OF Texas.
The releases, required by law TO be deposited 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 ia to be delivered shall be com
piled with by the creditors of that State unless Con-
gress shall otherwise direct by modification Of the
law.
In my last annual message, to which respectfully
REFER stated briefly the which induced me To
recommend modification OF the present tariff, by con-
Verting the ad valorem into specific Guty wherever
the article imported was of such character as to per-
NIT it, and that such discrimination should be made,
i'll favor of the industrial pursuits OF our own country
as to encourage home production without excluding
foreign competition.
The numerous frauds which continue to be practlsed
upon the revenue, by false invoices and undervaua-
tions, constitute unanswerable ready for adopting
specific instead of ad vaorem duties III 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, show
ing the custom house valuation OF articles imported
under former law subject to specific duties when
there inducement to undervaluation, and the
house valuations of the articles, under
the present system OF ad vaorem duties, greatly
reduced leave doubt OF the existence of the
practical evasion of the present law. combined with
the languishing condition of of the great inter
ests OF the coantry caused by imporations and
consequent depressed prices prices and with the fail
ure in obtaining foreign market for our increasing
surplus of breadstufs and provisions, has induced
again to recommend modification of the existing
tariff
The report of the Secretary Of the Interior which
accompanies this communication will present a con-
densed statement OF the operations of that 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 to anticipate still further increase,
notwithstanding the large donations which have been
made to many of the States and the liberal grants to
individuals reward for military services. This
fact furnishes very gratifying evidence of the growing
wealth and prosperity OF our country.
Suitable measures have been adopted for commenc-
ing the survery of the public lands in California and
Oregon. Surveying parties have been organized, and
progress has been made in establishing the prln
cipal base and meridian lines. But further legisla-
and additional appropriations will be necessary
before the proper subdivisions be made and the
general land system extended those remote parts
parts of our territory
On the Sd of March last an act was passed proyi-
ding for the appointment OF three commissioners to
settle private land claims in California Three per-
sons were Immediately appointed, all of whom, how
ever, declined accepting the office III consequence OF
the inadequacy of the compensation Others
promptly selected who, for the same reason, also de-
clined and it not until late in the season that
the services of suitable persons could be secured
majority of the commissioners convened, in this city,
the 10th of September last, when detailed nsruc
tons given to them in regard to their duties
Their first meeting for the transaction of business will
be held in San Francisco the 9Th of the present
month.
have thought it proper to refer to these facts not
only explain the of the delay in filling the
commission, but call your attention to the proprie
t. of increasing the compensation of the commission
The Office is of great labor and responsible
Ifu and hp afipn hOnld no Surh m
mand men of high order of talents and the most
questionable integrity.
The proper disposal OF the mineral lands of Cali
fornia is subject surrounded by great difficulties In
my last annual message | recommended the survey
and sale of them in small parcels under such restc
tons would eectually guard against monopoly and
speculation. But upon further information, and In
Difference to the opinions of persons familiar with the
subject am inclined change that recommendation,
and to advise that they be permitted to remain at
present, common field, open to the enterprise and
industry of all citizens until further experience
shall have developed the best policy to be ultimately
adopted in regard them. 1t is safer to suffer the
inconvenience that now exist, for short PERIOD than,
by premature legislation to fasten on the country
system founded in error which may place the whole
subject beyond the future control of Congress.
The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed
and brought into market with little delay posi-
ble that the titles may become settled and the nhab-
itants stimulated to make permanent improvements,
and enter the ordinary pursuits of life. To effect
these objects is desirable that the necessary provs-
ion be mase by law for the establishment of land Off
ces in California and Oregon and for the efficient pros
ecution of the surveys at an early day.
Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the
Territorial governments of New Mexico and Utah ;
and wheu accurate information shall be obtained
of the causes further communication will be made
that subj
In my last annual communication to Congress rec
commended the establishment of Agricultural Bu-
reau and take this occasion again invoke your fa-
yorabe consideration of the subject
Agriculture may justly regarded as the great inter-
est of people. Four-iiths of active popula-
ton employed in the cultivation of the SOIL and
the rapid expansion of our settlements ter
rtory is daily adding to the number of those engaged
in that vocation. Justice and sound policy therefore,
alike require that the Government should all the
authorised by the Constitution to promote the
interests and welfare of that important class of our
fellow citizens. And yet it is a singular fact that,
whilst the manufacturing and commercial interests
have engaged the attention of Congress during large
portion of every session. and statutes abound in
provisions for their protection and encouragement lit
tie has yet been done directly for the advancement OF
agriculture. 1t is time that this reproach to legs-
laton should be removed and sincerely hope that
the present Congress will close their labors with
out adopting efficient supply the omissions
those who have preceded them.
An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the duty of
collecting and disseminating information as to
the best modes of cultivation, and of the efect-
81 means of preserving and restoring the fertility of
the soil, and of procuring and distributing seeds and
plants and other vegetable productions with instruc-
tons regard to the SOIL climates and treatment best
adapted their growth, could not fail to be- in the
language of Washington in his last annual message
to Congress, every cheap instrument of immense