Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-12-13

work can be completed in very shor
time, and when done it will be, not only
of vast present usefulness, but also val
liable permanent improvement, worth it
cost in all the future.
NEW TREATIES.
Some treaties designed chiefly for the
interests of commerce and having nc
grave political Importance, have been
negotiated and will be submitted tC
the Senate for their consideration
Although we have failed to induce
some of the commercial powers tC
adopt desirable melioration of the rigoI
of maratime war, we have removed all
distractions from the way of this humane
reform, except such as are merely of a
temporary nature.
THE CLAIMS AGAINST CHINA.
repeat the recommendation of my
predecessor in his annual message to
! Congress in December last, in regard to
the disposition of the surplus which will
probably remain after satisfying the claims
Of American citizens against China, pur-
suant TO the awards Of the Commission
erS under the act of the Sd of March,
1859. If however, it should not be
deemed advisable to carry that recon-
mendation into effect, would suggest
that authority be given for investing the
principal over the proceeds of the sur
plus referred to in good securities, with a
view to the satisfaction of such other just
claims of our citizens against China as
are not unlikely to arise hereafter in the
course of our extensive trade with that
empire.
MILITARY COMMISSIONS TO MERCHANT
VESSELS.
BY the act OF the 5th of August last,
Congress authorized the President to in
struct the commanders OF suitable vessels
to defend themselves against and to cap
ture pirates. This authority has been
exercised in a single instance only. For
the more efectual protection of our ex-
tensive and valuable commerce in the
Eastern seas especially, it seems to me
that it would be advisable tn authorize
the commanders of sailing vessels to re-
capture any prizes, which the pirates
may make of the United States vessels
and their cargoes, and the consular courts
established by law in Eastern countries.
to adjudcate the cases, in event that this
should not be objected to by the local
authorities.
RECOGNITION OF HAITI AND LIBERIA.
If any good resson exists why we
persevere longer in Withholding our rec
ognition of the independence of Hayti |
and Liberia, | am unable to discern it.
| am unwilling, however, to inaugurate
novel policy in regard to them without
the appreciation of Congress. / submit
for your consideration the expediency of
an appropriation for maintaining charge
d affai res near each of these new States.
1t does not admit of doubt that import
ant commercial advantages might be Sc
cured by favorable treaties with them.
NATIONAL FINANCES.
The operations of the Treasury since
the period which has elapsed since your
have been conducted with
signal success. The patriotism of the
people has placed at the disposal of the
government the large means demanded
by the public exigencies. Much of the
national loan has been taken by citizens
of the industrial classes, whose confidence
in their country's faith, and zeal for their
deliverance from her present
peril, have induced them to contribute to
the support of the government the whole
Of their limited acquisitions. This fact
imposes peculiar obligations to economy
in disbursements and energy in action.
The revenue from all sources, includ-
ing loans, for the financial year ending
On the 30th of June, 1861, was $50, $780,
$50 27; and the expenditure for the
same period, including payments on ac-
count of the public debt, were $S4,578,-
)34 Az, leaving balance in the treasury
On the 1st Of July, 1861, of S2,257, ,065-
80. For the first quarter of the finan-
,ial year, ending 30th September, 1861,
he receipts from all sources, including
he balance Of July 1st, were Sl02,532,-
500 81, and the expenses $9S,239,733 09
eaving a balance on the lst of October, {
1861, of S4,292,776 Is. Estimates for !
he remaining three quarters of the year, I
md tor the financial year of 1862, to-
,ether with his views of the ways and c
means for meeting the demands contem- q
'lated by them, will be submitted TO you Q
y the Secretary of the treasury. 1t is t