The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-01-02
THE DAILY DISPATCH.
"wednesday NIerminx, January 2, 1856.


NJ,
was going OF, in Washington. Our citizens were
greatly surprised yesterday morning. by the arri
val of the Presidents Message, which had been
sent in to both Houses of Congress on Monday
We published this document yesterday in An extra
and it win be found in orr columns this morning.
The act of sending the Message to Congress in
the unorganised condition of the House OF Repre-
sentatiyes, is without precedent in our parliamen
tory history, though one of the speakers In the
House. quoted precedent in the British Pariia'
ment where on one occasion. there was lapse OF
fourteen days before electing Speaker, and du.
ring that time the messages were received from the
King and answered. But though the procedure OF
the President Is novel, the circumstances under
which it took place are novel The National Intel
ligencer says it is admitted that the President
might have communicated his Message with pro-
priety to the organised Senate yet had he sent it
to that body alone, it might have been considered
disrespect.ul to the House. We observed that
Southern members who spoke, generally contend
ed that the President had perfect right to send
his Message, and nearly all of them werei n favor
of having it read. The Black Republicans were
very savage upon the Presid emit especially Giddings
This alone is enough to induce general concurrence
with the President at least, to his right, outside
the ranks of the Abolitionists
The first passage in the Message explains the
reasons which induced the President to transmit
his Message before the organization of the House.
His convictions of duty, he says, would not allow
him longer to postpone the discharge of the obiga-
ton enjoined upon him by Gle Constitution.
A leedng topic Of the Message relates to the po-
sition of Great Britain and the United States,
with reference to Central America. The Presi-
dent contends that the treaty of 1850, Clayton
Bulwer) precluded both countries from colonzing
within certain territory but that the spirit and
letter of the treaty violated in the active influence
and protectorate, which Great Britain persist in
exercising over the Mosquito coast, the Balize and
portions of Honduras. He regards the present po-
stion of affairs between the two countries as rather
critical and though he hopes for an amiable adj
justment of them, he frankly confesses that this
hope is not SO strong as it has been heretofore
The message states that the subject of the en-
listment of soldiers in this country, by British
agents, with the sanction of the British Govern
ment, is till under discussion. Preparation" has
been demanded by our government
The President recommends 4 commission iii con
necton with Great Britain, for the settlement Of
the boundary line between Washington territory
and TIE contiguous British possessions He furth-
er advises the purchase of the Hudsons Bay and
Pugets Sound Agricultural Companies rights a
means of settling all questions relating to them.
With regard to the Sound Dues, the President
gives history of them, and styles them toll up
on one of the great maritime highways of nations.
To continue to submit to Them would, he contends,
be contrary to the former policy of this country,
which is to fight, rather than pay tribute. The
bau m tha
ton of Denmark, to meet her in Congress of ma
tons; because Denmark will not submit to that
Congress, the question of her right to levy the
Sound Dues. The United States, however, have
offered to pay liberal share towards compensating
Denmark for improving the navigation of the
Sound or Belts
We are at peace with Greece, France, Spain,
Mexico ard Central America. Spain has dsayow-
ed the Black Warrior affair and paid the indem-
ty, and other claims for indemnity have been pre-
sented for her consideration.
The receipts into the Treasury during the last
fiscal year were sos 003 $50; the public expendi-
lures for the period, exclusive of payment
Gu account of the public debt amounted to
S563653 1893. The payments i'll redemption OF
the public debt during the same period were
$9,844,523
The available resources for the current fiscal
year are $50, s577lO
The amount of the public debt at the present
time is less than Si0,0O0,00o.
The President represents the present fiscal sys-
TEN TO be working well, and while he suggests
that essential notifications of the tariff on imports
are needed, he is opposed to changing the princi-
pies of the present tariff
An army retired list is recommended and an in.
crease of the navy. with some amendments in that
branch of the service, is also urged upon the con-
sderation of Congress.
The Post Office Department has exceeded its
income s., G26, zoo. The recommendations of the
Post Master General are approved.
The President concludes with reference to the
Kansas difficulties, and to the sectional troubles
which now distract our National Councils. He
expresses hope in the good sense of the people OF
Kansas to prevent any untoward event. He Gu
logses our form of government, deprecates the
tional divisions, and the agitation Of slavery as
dangerous to the durability of the Union. He de-
plores the disregard of their constitutional oblga-
tons by some of the States, and their refusal to
obey the laws-denies that the South has gotten
any advantage over the North in the Federal Gov
ernment-defends the Nebraska bill, and denies
that it was breach of faith. The President con-
cludes with an averment of his confidence in the
stability of the Union relying for its preservation
on the patriotism of the people, the dignity and
self-respect of the States, the wisdom of Con.
gress and above ALL on the continued gracious IA
vor of Almighty God.
The message is very important one, and is
worthy of commentator for its brevity, its frank
paco aud ;tc mn foe tod civla