The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-12-19
SYNOPSIS OF THE
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


The President says, that owing TO the
monetary arrangement of the institutions
of the country, a government loan may be
required, before the close d the present
session. The financial history Of the
country, for the last forty years, has been
one of extravagant expansions in busi-
ness. which were followed by ruinous
eontractions, and the federal government
cannot do much to provide against re-
currence of existing evils. We must re-
ly, mainly, on the patriotism and wisdom
of the States, which should afford real
specie basis, for our circulation. he rec
ommends the passage of bankrupt laws.
applicable to all the banking institutions OF
the country. As Great Britain and the
United States understood the Clayton
Bulwer treaty, in a sense directly oppo-
site, he says the wisest course is to abro-
gate it by mutual consent, and commence
anew, overtures for its adjustment, re-
Gently made by the British Government
in friendly spirit, which the President
cordially reciprocates. With all the
Governments, except Spain, our relations
are as peaceful as We could desire. 1t is
the Presidents purpose to send out
Minister, with special instructions on ell
questions pending between this Govern
ment and Spain, and with determine
ton to have them speedily and amicably
adjusted, if possible.
While our Minister to China has been
instructed to occupy a neutral position.
in regard to existing hostilities, at Canton,
he will cordially cooperate with the Brit
ish and French Ministers, in all peaceful
measures, by treaty stipulations, to secure
those Just concessions to commerce,
which the nations of the world have q
right to expect, and which China cannot
be permitted to withhold.
Our difficulties with New Grenada. are,
it is to be hoped, in fair train Of settle
ment, in amanner Just and honorable to
both parties. The United States are
more deeply interested than any other na-
ton, in preserving the freedom and secur-
itv of all communications across the 18th
mus of Central America, including Pana-
| ma, and he recommends the passage of an
act, authorizing the President, in case Of
necessity, to employ land and naval forces
to carry into effect the guarantee of neu-
trality, and also similar legislation for the
security of any other route across the 18TH
mus, in which we may acquire an interest
by treaty.
The President condemns the lawless ex-
peditions, fitted out against independent
Republics, on this continent. He recon-
mends the whole subject to the serious at
tention of Congress, believing it our duty
and interest, as well as due to our nation
al character, to adopt such measures as
will be effectual in restraining our citizens
from committing such outrages.
The President says the Constitutional
| Convention was not bound, by the Kan
sas-Nebraska Act, to submit any ether
portion of the Constitution to the people
except that which relates to The domestic
institution of slavery. The election will
be held under legitimate authority. and,
if any portion of the inhabitants refuse
to vote, fair opportunity to do SO having
been presented them, it will be their own
voluntary act, and they alone will be re-
sponsible for the consequences.
The President says the rebellion, in
Utah, is the first which has existed in our
territories, and humanity requires that it
should be put down, in such manner as
shall be best. In order to do this, it will
be necessary to raise four additional regi-
ments of troops. He recommends the
establishment of territorial government
in Arizonia, and commends to the friend
ly consideration of Congress, the subject
of the Pacific Railroad, without finally
committing himself to any particular
route. He calls especial attention to the
recommendation of the Secretary of the
Navy, in favor of the construction Of ten
small steamers, of light draft. In regard
to the financial crisis, the President con-
clndes thus :-"But this say, sfter long
and patient rehection,i if experience should
prove it to be impossible to enjoy the IA
ciiities, which well regulated banks might
afford, without at the same time suffering
the calamities which the excess of banks
have hitherto inflicted upon the country,
it would then be far the lesser evil to de-
prive them altogether of the power to
issue a paper currency, and confne them
to the functions of banks of deposit and
| discount
In referring TO the public lands, he
says they should be disposed of so es to
furnish homes for the hardy, independent
race of honest and industrious citizens,
desirous of cultiyating the soil. To
squander away the public domain. upon
subjects of questionable constitutional
ity, is a violation of the most important
trust committed to any people. He dep
recates speculation in public lands, and
says the public survey ought only to keep
pace with the tide of emigration Ii
Congress hereafter grants alternate sec
tons, to States or companies, other sec
tons should be retained, subject only to
actusl settlers, at a moderate price.
He says making presents to Indians, Is
found TO be Intellectual, and recommends
the policy Of eolonizing them in suitable
localities and imparting the rudimeuts of
education and habits of industry. He
says the late financial revulsion, viii have
a good effect, should it eause 3 return TO q
practice Of wise and judicious economy,
in the public and private expenditures.
| He deprecates Congress crowding the
most important bills, till the last moments
of the session, and expresses the deter
| uiination to approve no bill, unless time
is afforded, for examination, required by
the Constitution. He recommends Cen
! gress to allow the President two days
prior to adjournment. within which no
| bill shall be presented to him for appro-
val.
Il