Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1852-12-18
NUMBER %.

rest the survey of the southern and western lines
OF New Mexico, in regard to which different opin-
ions have been expressed; for it is hardly to be
supposed that there could be any objection TO
that part Of the line which extends along the
channel of the Rio Grande But the terms of
the law are SO broad as 10 forbid the use Of any
part of the money for the prosecution Of the work
or even for the payment TO the officers and
agents, of the arrearages of pay which are Justly
due TO them.
earnestly invite your attention TO this subject,
and recommend amodfcation Of the terms Of the
proyiso so as to enable the Department to use as
much OF the appropriation as will be necessary to
discharge the existing obligation of the Govern
ment, and to complete the survey of the Rio
Grande to lis mouth.
u will also be proper to make further pr owls
ion by law for the fulfIment Of our treaty with
Mexico for running and marking the residue of
the boundary line between the two countries.
Permit me to invite your particular attention
TO the interest of the District OF Columbia, which
are confided by the Constitution to your peculiar
care.
Among the measures which seem TO me Of the
greatest importance 10 lis prosperity are the intro
duction of a copious supply of water into the
city Of Washington, and the construction Of suit
able bridges across the Potamac TO replace those
which were destroyed by high water in the early
part of the present year.
AT the last session Of Congress an appropria-
ton was made TO defiay the cost Of the surveys
necessary for determining the best means Of az
fording an unfaiing supply of good and whole
some water. Some progress has been made in
the survey, and as soon as il is completed the re-
suit will be laid before you.
Further appropriations will also be necessary
for grading and paving the streets and avenue,
andenclosing and embeliishng the public grounds
within the city of Washington.
| commend all these objects, together with the
charitable institutions Of the District, to your IA
vorable regard.
Every effort has been made 10 protect our from
tier and that of the adjoining Mexican States,
from the incursons of the Indian tribes. OF
about 900 men of which the army is compos-
ed, nearly 5000 are employed by the defence Of
the newly-acquired territory, (ncuding 1exas,)
and of cmigrants proceeding thereto. lam graf
flied TO say that these efforts have been unusually
successful With the exception of some partial
outbreaks in California and Oregon and OCCASION
al deprations on n portion Of the Rio Grande,
owing is believed, 10 the disturbed state of that
border region, the inroads OF the Indians have
efiectually restrained,
Experience has shown, however when the two
races are brought into contact. collisions will
inevitably occur To prevent these collisions the
United States have generally set apart portions
Of their territory for the exclusive occupation of
the Indian tribes. A difficulty occurs, however,
in the application of this policy Of Texas by
the terms Of the compact by which that State was
admitted into the Union, she retained the own
erslip Of all the vacant lands within the limits.
The government Of that State it is understood,
has assigned no portion Of her territory TO the
Indians; but as fast as her settlement advance lays
il off into counties and proceeds to survey and
sell IT, This policy maniiestly tends, not only TO
alarm and irritate the Indians, but 10 compel
them to resort 10 plumber for subsistence. II al
so depriyes this Government Of that influence
and control over them without which no durable
peace can ever exist between them and the whites.
trust. therefore, that due regard for her own
interest, apart from consideration Of humanity
and Justice will induce the State 10 assign a small
portion Of her vast domain for the provisional oc-
cupancy Of the small remnants Of tribes within
her borders, subject Of course 10 her ownership
and eventual jurisdiction. If she shond fail to-
do this, the fufment Of our treaty stipulations
with Mexico, and our duty TO the Indians them
selves, WILL it is feared become subject Of serious
embarrassment 10 the Government 1t is hoped,
however, that timely and just provision by Tex
as may avert this evil.
No appropriations for sorrincaions were made
al the two last sessions Of Congress. The cause
Of this omission is probably TO be found in a
growing belief shat the system Of fortiications
adopted in 6, and heretofore acted on, requires
rqysiong
The subject certainly deserves full and careful
investigation: but il should be delayed no longer
than can be avoided In the meantime there arc
certain works which have been commenced
some Of them nearly pleted--designed TO-
protect our principal seaports from Boston to
New Orleans, and a few other important points.
In regard 10 the necessity for these works, IT is
believed that little difference Of opinion exists
among military men. | therefore recommend
that The appropriations necessary to prosecute
them be made.
invite your attention TO the remarks on this
subject, and ON others connected with his Depart
ment contained in the accompanying report ot
the Secretary Of War.
Measures have been taken 10 carry into effect
The law Of the last session making provisions foI
the improvement Of certain rivers and harbors.
and II i believed that the arrangements made for
that purpose will combine efficiency with cconemy.
Owing Chiefly 10 the advanced season when the act
was pass. .iitIe has been donei regard to many of
the works beyond making the necessary prepara-
tions. With respect to few of the improvements.
the sums already appropriated will suffice tocom-
pete them, but most Of them xil equireaddition-
al appropriations trust that these appro-
prations will be made, and that this wise
aud bsaefcent policy, 50 aasPiciossly resumed,
will be continued. Great care should be taken,
however, TO commence no work which is not Of
sufficient Importance 10 the commerce Of the
country to be viewed as national in its character
But works which have been commenced should
DOT BE- discontinued until completed as otherwise
the sums expended will. in most CASES be lest
The report from the Navy Department viii in
form yos az the prosperous conditioa Of the