Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1852-12-18

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millions sixty five thousand nine hundred and
thirty seven dollars ($l67, 065, $50; exclusive
of the above there was exported forty two mil
lions five hundred and seven thousand two hum
dred and eighty five dollars ($42, 506,284); in
specie; and imported from foreign ports live mil
lions two hundred and sixty two thousand six
hundred and forty three dollars ($5,262,643)
In my first annual message TO Congress | call
ed YOUR attention to what seemed TO me some
defects in the present tariff, and recommended
such notifications as IN my Judgment were
best adapted to remedy its evils and promote
the prosperity of the country. Nothing has
since occurred to change my views on this lm>
portant question.
would also again call your attention to the
fact that the present tariff in some cases i'm
poses a higher duty upon the raw material I'M
ported than upon the article manufacture from
it, the consequence of which is that the duty
operates to the encouragement Of the foreigner
and the Encouragement of our own citizens.
For full and detailed information in regard to
the general condition of our Indian affairs, |
respectfully refer you to the report of the Secre-
tary of the Interier and the accompanying do
cuments.
The Senate not having thought proper to ra-
tify the treaties which had been negotiated with
the tribes of Indians in California and Oregon,
our relations with them have been left in a very
unsatisfactory condition.
In other parts of our territory particular dis
tricts of country have been set apart for the ex-
elusive occupation of the Indians, and their right
to the lands within those limits has been ac-
knowledged and respected. But in California
and Oregon there has been no recognition by
the Government of the exclusive right of the
Indians TO any part of the country. They are,
therefore, mere tenants at sufferance, and liable
to be driven from place to place, at the pleasure
of the whites.
The treaties which have been rejected pro-
posed to remedy this evil, a%lloting to the differ
ent tribes districts of country suitable to their
habits Of life, and sufficient for their support.
This provision, more than any other, it is be-
lieved, led to their rejection; and as no substi-
tute for it has been adopted by Congress, it has
not been deemed advisable to ATTEMPT to enter
into new treaties OF a permanent character, al
though no effort has been spared by temporary
arrangements to preserve friendly relations
with them.
If it be the desire of Congress to remove
them from the country altogether, Or to assign
them particular districts more remote from the
settlements Of the whites, it will be proper to
set apart by law the territory which they are to
occupy, and to provide the means necessary for
removing them to it. Justice alike to our own
citizens and the Indians requires the prompt
action of Congress on this subject.
The amendments proposed by the Senate to
the treaties which were negotiated with the
Sioux Indians of Minnesota have been submit
ted to the tribes who were parties to them, and
have received their assent. A large tract of va
luable territory has thus been opened for settle.
mont and cultivation ap1 all 6anpnr IF onfli
sion with these powerful and warlike bands
has been happily removed.
The removal of the remnant of the tribe of
Seminole Indians from Florida has long been a
cherished object of the Government, and it is
one to which my attention has been steadily |
directed. Admonished by past experience Of
the difficulty and cost of the attempt to remove
them by military force, resort has been had to
conciliatory measures. By the invitation of the
Commissioner of Indian affairs, several of the
principal chiefs recently visited Washington,
and whilst here acknowledged in writing the
obligation of their tribe to remove w'f.ethe least
possible delay. Late advices from the special
agent OF the Government represent that they
adhere to their promise, and that a~council of
their people has been called to make their pre-
liminary arrangements. A general emigration
may therefore be confidently expected at an
early day.
The report from the General Land Office
shows increased activity in its operations. The
survey Of northern boundary of Iowa has been
completed with unexampled despatch. With
in the last year 9,522,953 acres of public land
have been surveyed, and s,032,463 acres bro't
into market.
Acres.
In the last fiscal year there were sold, l,553,071
Located with bounty land warrants, 3,201.314
Located with other certificates, 11j.6s2
Making a total of 4,s7O,o67
In addition there were
Reported under swamp land grants, 5,21e.1ss
For internal improvements, railroads, s,025,92O
Making an aggregate of I3,025.920
Being an increase in the amount of lands sold
and located under land warrants of 569,320
acres over the previous year.
The whole amount thus sold, located under
land warrants, reported under swamp land
grants, and selected for internal improvements
exceeds that of the previous year, by 3,342, 372
acres, and the sales would, without doubt, have
been much larger but for the extensive reserva.
tons for railroads in Missouri, Mississippi and
Alabama.
For the quarter ending Both September, Acres.
1852, there Were sold, 243255
Located with bounty land warrants, 1,3s7,115
Reported under swamp land grants, 2,5s5,233
Located with other certificates, 1868
Making an aggregate for the quarter of 4,13l,253
Much the larger portion of the labor of ar
ranging and classifying the return of the last
census has been finished, and it will now de-
yolye upon Congress TO make the necessary
&rovision for the publication Of the results in
Such form as shall be deemed best. The an
nnrtinnment of renresentatian on-tLa L-:-c