Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-05-16

IS Htlu 10 DtlltAt IL COulu utNO from a President of the United States. Its announcement of mere paper blockade IS so manifestv violation of the law of na- tions, that 1t would seem increditable that it could have been issued by authority but conceding this to be the case, so far as the executive is concerned 1t will be difficult to satisfy the people of these States that their late confederateS will sanction its dec- larations and will determine to ignore the usage of civilized nations, and will inaugu- "a te war of eXtermlnatlon on both sides by treating as pirates open enemies acting un- der the authority of commissions issued by an organized government. Ii such procla- nation was issued, 1t could only have been published under the sudden influence of passion, and we may rest assured mankind will be spared the horrors of the conflict 1t seems to invite.
 For the details of the administration of the different departments, refer to the reports of the secretaries, which accompany this message.
 The State department has furnished the necessary introductions for three commis- sitliCio W iO iidSC DCtt sCiit tO idlt, France, Russia and Belgium, since your adjournment, to ask our recognition as a member of the family of nations, and to make with each of those powers treaties of amity and commerce. Further steps will be taken to enter into like negotiations with the other European powers, in pur- suance of your resolutions passed at the 1o S,+ji ti,na hoe m at elapsed since the departure of these com missioners for the receipt of any intelli- gcnce from them A 1 deem 1t desirable that commissioners or other diplomatic agents should also be sent at an early period to the indepenent American powers south of our contederaey, with all whom it is our interest and earnest wish to main tain the most cordial and friendly relations, l suggest the expcdiency of making the necessary appropriations for that purpose
 Having been officially notified by the public authorities of the State of Virginia that she had withdrawn from the Union, and desired to maintain the closest political relations with us which 1t was possible at this time to establish, 1 commissioned the Hon. Alexander II. Stevens, Vice Presi dent of the Confederate States, to represent this government at Richmond 1 am hap py to inform you that he has concluded a convention with the State of Virginia, by which that honored comm monwealth, so long and justly distinguished among her sister States, and so dear to the hearts of thousands of her children in the Contedc- rate States. has united her power and her fortunes with ours, and become one of us. This adopting the provisional constitution of the Confectionery, will be laid before you for your constitutional action. l have sat siactorv assurances from other of our late conleGerates that they are on the point of adopting similar measures, and l cannot doubt that ere you shall have been many weeks in session, the whole of the slave holding States of the late Union, will re- spond to the call of honor and affection, and by uniting their fortunes with ours, promote our common interests and secure oar common sa'e '.
 In the treasury department regulations have been devised and put into execution for carrying out the policy indicated in your legislation on the subject of the navi gaton of the Mississippi river, as well as for the collection of revenue on the frontier. Free transit has been secured for vessels and merchandise passing through the Con federate States; and delay and inconven fence have been avoided as far as possible in organizing the revenue service for the various railways entering our territoly.- As fast as experience shall indicate the possibility of improvement in these reguifas tions, no effort will be spared 10 free com mercc from all unnecessary embarrassments and Instructions.
 Under your act authorizing loan, pro- posals were issued inviting subscriptions for five millions of dollars, and the call was answered by the prompt subscription of more than eight millions by our own .iti- zens, and not single bid was made under par The rapid development of the pur- pose of the President of the United States to invade our soil, capture our forts, block ade our ports, and wage war against Us. induced me to direct that the entire sub scliption should be accepted, It will now become necessary to raise means to q much larger amount to deiray the expenses of maintaining our independence and repelling invasion. invite your special attention to this subject, and the financial condi tion of the government; the suggestion of ways and means for the supply of the trea- sury, will be presented to you in separate communication.
 To the department of justice you have conlided not only the organization and su supervision of all matters connected with the courts of justice, but also those con nected with patents, and with the bureau of public printing
 Since your adjournment all the courts, with the exception of those of Mississippi and Texas, have been organized by the ap- pointment of marshals and district attor- neys, and are now prepared for the exercise of their functions.
 In the two States just named, the gen tlemen confirmed as judges, declined to ac cept the appointment, and no nominations have vet been made to fill the vacancies. refer you to the report of the attorney gc- neral, and concur in his recommendation for immediate legislation, especially on the subject of patent rights. Early provision should be made to secure to the subjects of foreign nations the full enjoyment of their property in valuable inventions, and oex- tend to our own citizens protection, not only for their own inventions, but for such as may have been assigned to them, or may hereafter be assigned by persons not alien enemies.
 The patent office business is much more extensive and important than had been an ticipated. The applications for patents, although confined under the law exclusively to citizens of our confederacy, already average seventy per month, showing the necessity for the prompt organization of a bureau of patents.
 The secretary of war, in his report and accompanying documents, conveys full in formation concerning the forces, regular, volunteer and provisional, raised and called for under the several acts of Congress, their organization and distribution. Also, an Al. T o1,ool, aIo