White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-12-30

year thereafter, with comfortable shelter,
clothing, provisions and medical atten-
dance, causing the children to receive
schooling and all, whether children or
adults, to be instructed in the arts Of civ
ilized life, suitable to their condition.
This aggregate of fOrty-6ve thousand
dollars wis baseRnpon an allowance Of
one hundred and and fifty dollars for each
individual, and as there has been consid-
cradle mortality among them, and may be
more before they reach Africa, the socie-
ty have agreed, in an equitable spirit, to
make such a reduction from the amount,
as under the circumstances may appear
Just and reasonable. This cannot be fix
ed until we shall ascertain the actual num-
Der which may become charge to the
society.
1t was also distinctly agreed, that I'M
der no circumstances, shall this Govern
ment be called upon for any additional
expense.
The agents Of the society manifested q
laudable desire to conform to the govern
ment, throughout the transaction. They
assured me that, after a careful calcula-
ton, they would be required to expend
the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars
on each individual in complying with
the agreement, and they would have moth
ing left to remunerats them for their care,
trouble and responsibility. At all events,
could make no better arrangement, and
there was no other alternative. During
the period when the government itself,
through its own agents undertook the
task Of providing for captured negroes
in Africa, the cost per head was very
much greater.
There having been no outstanding ap-
preparation applicable to this purpose, l
could not advance any money on the
agreement. therefore recommend that
an appropriation may be made, Of the
amount necessary to carry it into effect.
Other captures of similar character
may, and probably will. be made by our
naval forces and l earnestly recommend,
that Congress may amend the second sec
ton Of the act Of March 8. 1919. so as
to relieve its construction from the ambi-
guilty which has so long existed, and rem
der the duty of the President plain in ex-
ecuting its provisions.
/ recommend to your favorable regard
the local interests of the District of Col
umbia. AS the residence of Congress-
and the Executive Departments of the
Government, we cannot fail to feel deep
concern in its welfare. This is heighten-
ed by tho high character and the peace
full and orderly conduct of its resident
inhabitants.
cannot conclude without performing
the agreeable dnty Of expressing my
qualification thst Congress so kindly
responded to the Recommendation of my
last annual message. by affording me suf-
ficient time before the close of their late
session for the examination of all the
bills presented to me for approval.
This change in the practice Of Con-
gress has proved to be wholesome re-
form. 1t exerted beneficial influence on
the transaction of legislative business.
and elected the general appreciation Of
the country. 1t enabled Congress to adj
iourn with that dignity and deliberatiOn
so becoming to the representatives of
this great Republic, without having
crowded. into general appropriation bills
provisions foreign to their nature, and Of
doubtful constitutionality and expedisn-
cy. Let me warmly and strongly COM
mend this precedent, established by them
selves. as a guide to their proceedings
during the present session.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON CRY, December 6, 1858.