The Weekly comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1853-1855, 1853-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

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dent commenced his Message by say.
ing that the interest with which the
public look to the assembling Of Con-
gress, and the fulfillment on that oc-
casion of the duty imposed on a ilew
President, are the best evidences Of
their capacity for self-government.
To realize the hopes of the founders Of
the Government, the sole reliance of
the confederacy is OH the justice and
intelligence of the masses.
[ With regard to the controversy on
the affairs of Central America, the
government Of Great Britain proposes
an amicable arrangement, and our
Minister ut London has consequently
been instructed to enter into negotia-
tions on that subject.
The President represents it as de-
sirable that the boundry line between
the United States and British Amer
lea, in North America, be surveyed
and marked.
Our relations with France continue
friendly and q treaty of commerce and
navigation are in progress.
With regard to Cuba. the President
says that he is happy to announce, that
since last Congress, no unauthorized
expeditions have been fitted OH, from
tho United States Should any such
movements be undertaken, he will re-
press them by all means in his power
The President refers to several an
noying occurrences having taken place
at Havana. between our citizens and
Spanish subjects, and statesthat prompt
redress cannot be obtained. because
diplomatic intercourse is not allowed
between the American Consul and the
Captain General Of Cuba
Concerning the case Of Martin
Koszta. the President recapituatcs the
facts as set forth in Mr.. Marcy letter,
and says that the principles therein
maintained will be enforced Whenever
d proper occasion may arise.
Our Commissioner in China has
availed himself of the occasions recent
ly presented, to extend our CONNER
eial relations with that, and other Aasi-
attic nations,
He endorses the doctrines of State
Rights, and the strict limitation of
the powers of the Federal government.
He says that the revenue of the
United States is increasing beyond
either the interest or the prospective
wants of the country. For tho year
ending June 80, 1853, the revenue
amounted to nearly tifty.tine millions
of dollars from customs and two and
half millions from lands. The ex-
penditures, exclusive of payments on
account Of the public debts, have been
forty-three and a half millions aud
balance was left on hand Of tbirty.two
and half millions, including the bal
ance on hand June 80, 1858.
The President recommends that
this large surplus be applied, FIRST, to
the payment OF the public debt, and
secondly, that means be devised to
effect gradual reduction Of the reve.
nue.. The first. he says. is already
provided for, and the public debt,
which now amounts to fiEty-six and a
half millions of dollars, is in course of
extipguishment With regard to the
second, he recommends the adoption of
the plans contained in the report of
the Secretary of the Treasury, for re-
ducing the duties on certain articles. |
aud adding to tho Free List, articles
entering into manufactures aud not
largely produced in this country
The President maintains the power
of Congress to construct roads within
the territories, and he thinks grants
Of lands for their construction should
be made undes proper circumstances
He recommends the enlargement
and modification of the judiciary
system, as, under the present organ
izasion, it is confessedly inadequate to
the duties devolving upon it.
He recommends the immediate
organization Of the Smithsonian In
stitute upon certain prescribed terms.
He takes strong grounds against
internal improvements by the Federal
Government, and asks, If the policy
were once settled against granting APP