Year: 1862

that they were constrained by superior
force to enter into treaties with the insur-
gents, and that the United States neglect
ed to furnish the protection which their
stipulation required.


o@ THE MINNESOTA MASSACRE.


In the month of August last, the Sioux
Indians in Minnesota attacked the settle
ments in their vicinity, with extreme fero-
city, killing Unfortunately men, women
and children. This attack was wholly un-
expected, and therefore no defence had
been provided. 1t is estimated that not
less than 800 persons were killed by the
Indians, and large amount of property
was destroyed. How this outbreak was
Induced is not definitely known; and sus-
picions, which may be unjust, need not be
stated.


Information was received by the Indian
Bureau from different sources, about the
time hostilities were commenced, that 81
multaneous attack was to be made upon
the white settlements by all the tribes be-
tween the Mississippi River and the Rocky
Mountains.


The State of Minnesota has suffered
great injury from the Indian war. A large
portion of her territory has been depopu-
lated, and severe loss has been sustained
by the destruction of property. The peo
pie of that State manifest much anxiety for
the removal of the tribes beyond the limits
OF the State, as guarantee against future
hostilities.


The Commissioner of Indian Affairs will
furnish full details


REMODELING OF INDIAN SYSTEM.


l submit for your special consideration
whether our Indian system shall not be re-
modelled. Many wise and good men have
been impressed with the belief that this
can pro6tably be done.


PACIFIC RAILROAD AND THE SHIP CANALS.


submit statement of the proceedings
of the commissioners, which show the
progress that has been made in the en-
terprise of constructing the Pacific Rail-
road, and thus suggests the earliest COM
p!letion of the road, and also the favorable
action of Congress npon the project now
pending before them for enlarging the ca
pacities of the great canals in New York
and Illinois, as being of vital and rapidly
increasing Importance to the whole nation,
and especially to the vast interior region
hereinafter to be noticed at some greater
length.


propose having prepared and laid be-
fore you at an early day some interesting
and valuable statistical information upon
this subject. The military and CONNER
cial importance Of enlarging the Illinois
and Michigan Canal and improving the Il
linois River, is presented in the report of
Colonel Webster to the Secretary Of War,
and now submitted to Congress. l res
pectfnlly ask your attention to it.


THE AGRICULTURAL BUREAU.


To carry out the provisions Of the act
of Congress of the 18th of May last, I
caused the Department of Agriculture of
the United States to be organized. The
Commissioner informs me that within the
period of few months this department
has established an extensive system of cor
respondence and exchanges both at home
and abroad, which promises to effect high
ly beneficial results in the development Of
correct knowledge of recent improve
ments in agriculture in the introduction
of new products, and in the collection of
agricultural statistics of the different
States; also, that it will soon be prepared
to distribute largely seeds, cereals, plants
and cuttings, and has already published
and literally diffused much valuable infor-
nation.


In anticipation of more elaborate re-
port which in due time will be published,
embracing some valuable tests in chemical
science now in progress in the laboratory,
the creation Of this department was for
the more immediate benefit of large
class of our most valuable citizens, and
trust that the liberal basis upon which it
has been organized will not only meet
your appreciation, but that it will realize
at no distant day all the. fondest anticipa-
tions of its most sanguine friends, and be-
come the fruitful source of advantage to
all our people. u mi. .aa5 aess'
- THE PROCLAMATION OF SEPT. 22D.
h. On the 22d day of September last, a
proclamation was issued by the Executive
"a copy of which is herewith submitted.
In accordance with the purpose expressed
in the second paragraph of that paper, I
now respectfully recall your attention to
what may be called compensated emanci-
ton. A nation may be said to consist of
its territory, its people, and its laws. The
territory is the only part which is Of GER
tain durability. "One generation pas
seth away and another generation cometh,
but the earth abideth forever" It lis of the
first importance to duly consider and esti-
mate this ever enduring part.


THE UNION ONE AND INsEpERABLE.


That portion of the earth's surface which
is owned and inhabited by the people of
the United States is well adapted to the
home of one national family. 1t is not
well adapted for two or more. Its vast
extent, and its variety Of climate and pro-
one people, whatever they might have been