I congratulate you and our common constituency upon the favorable auspices under which you meet for your first session. Our country is at peace with all the world. The agitation which for a time threatened to disturb the fraternal relations which make us one people is fast subsiding, and a year of general prosperity and health has crowned the nation with unusual blessings. None can look back to the dangers which are passed or forward to the bright prospect before us without feeling a thrill of gratification, at the same time that he must be impressed with a grateful sense of our profound obligations to a beneficent Providence, whose paternal care is so manifest in the happiness of this highly favored land. Since the close of the last Congress certain Cubans and other foreigners resident in the United States, who were more or less concerned in the previous invasion of Cuba, instead of being discouraged by its failure have again abused the hospitality of this country by making it the scene of the equipment of another military expedition against that possession of Her Catholic Majesty, in which they were countenanced, aided, and joined by citizens of the United States. On receiving intelligence that such designs were entertained, I lost no time in issuing such instructions to the proper officers of the United States as seemed to be called for by the occasion. By the proclamation a copy of which is herewith submitted I also warned those who might be in danger of being inveigled into this scheme of its unlawful character and of the penalties which they would incur. For some time there was reason to hope that these measures had sufficed to prevent any such attempt. This hope, however, proved to be delusive. Very early in the morning of the 3d of August a steamer called the Pampero departed from New Orleans for Cuba, having on board upward of 400 armed men with evident intentions to make war upon the authorities of the island. This expedition was set on foot in palpable violation of the laws of the United States. Its leader was a Spaniard, and several of the chief officers and some others engaged in it were foreigners. The persons composing it, however, were mostly citizens of the United States. Before the expedition set out, and probably before it was organized, a slight insurrectionary movement, which appears to have been soon suppressed, had taken place in the eastern quarter of Cuba. The importance of this movement was, unfortunately, so much exaggerated in the accounts of it published in this country that these adventurers seem to have been led to believe that the Creole population of the island not only desired to throw off the authority of the mother country, but had resolved upon that step and had begun a well-concerted enterprise for effecting it. The persons engaged in the expedition were generally young and ill informed. The steamer in which they embarked left New Orleans stealthily and without a clearance. After touching at Key West, she proceeded to the coast of Cuba, and on the night between the 11th and 12th of August landed the persons on board at Playtas, within about 20 leagues of Havana. The main body of them proceeded to and took possession of an inland village 6 leagues distant, leaving others to follow in charge of the baggage as soon as the means of transportation could be obtained. The latter, having taken up their line of march to connect themselves with the main body, and having proceeded about 4 leagues into the country, were attacked on the morning of the 13th by a body of Spanish troops, and a bloody conflict ensued, after which they retreated to the place of disembarkation, where about 50 of them obtained boats and reembarked therein. They were, however, intercepted among the keys near the shore by a Spanish steamer cruising on the coast, captured and carried to Havana, and after being examined before a military court were sentenced to be publicly executed, and the sentence was carried into effect on the 16th of August. On receiving information of what had occurred Commodore Foxhall A. Parker was instructed to proceed in the steam frigate Saranac to Havana and inquire into the charges against the persons executed, the circumstances under which they were taken, and whatsoever referred to their trial and sentence. Copies of the instructions from the Department of State to him and of his letters to that Department are herewith submitted. According to the record of the examination, the prisoners all admitted the offenses charged against them, of being hostile invaders of the island. At the time of their trial and execution the main body of the invaders was still in the field making war upon the Spanish authorities and Spanish subjects. After the lapse of some days, being overcome by the Spanish troops, they dispersed on the 24th of August. Lopez, their leader, was captured some days after, and executed on the 1st of September. Many of his remaining followers were killed or died of hunger and fatigue, and the rest were made prisoners. Of these none appear to have been tried or executed. Several of them were pardoned upon application of their friends and others, and the rest, about 160 in number, were sent to Spain. Of the final disposition made of these we have no official information. Such is the melancholy result of this illegal and ill-fated expedition. Thus thoughtless young men have been induced by false and fraudulent representations to violate the law of their country through rash and unfounded expectations of assisting to accomplish political revolutions in other states, and have lost their lives in the undertaking. Too severe a judgment can hardly be passed by the indignant sense of the community upon those who, being better informed themselves, have yet led away the ardor of youth and an ill-directed love of political liberty. The correspondence between this Government and that of Spain relating to this transaction is herewith communicated. Although these offenders against the laws have forfeited the protection of their country, yet the Government may, so far as consistent with its obligations to other countries and its fixed purpose to maintain and enforce the laws, entertain sympathy for their unoffending families and friends, as well as a feeling of compassion for themselves. Accordingly, no proper effort has been spared and none will be spared to procure the release of such citizens of the United States engaged in this unlawful enterprise as are now in confinement in Spain; but it is to be hoped that such interposition with the Government of that country may not be considered as affording any ground of expectation that the Government of the United States will hereafter feel itself under any obligation of duty to intercede for the liberation or pardon of such persons as are flagrant offenders against the law of nations and the laws of the United States. These laws must be executed. If we desire to maintain our respectability among the nations of the earth, it behooves us to enforce steadily and sternly the neutrality acts passed by Congress and to follow as far as may be the violation of those acts with condign punishment. But what gives a peculiar criminality to this invasion of Cuba is that, under the lead of Spanish subjects and with the aid of citizens of the United States, it had its origin with many in motives of cupidity. Money was advanced by individuals, probably in considerable amounts, to purchase Cuban bonds, as they have been called, issued by Lopez, sold, doubtless, at a very large discount, and for the payment of which the public lands and public property of Cuba, of whatever kind, and the fiscal resources of the people and government of that island, from whatever source to be derived, were pledged, as well as the good faith of the government expected to be established. All these means of payment, it is evident, were only to be obtained by a process of bloodshed, war, and revolution. None will deny that those who set on foot military expeditions against foreign states by means like these are far more culpable than the ignorant and the necessitous whom they induce to go forth as the ostensible parties in the proceeding. These originators of the invasion of Cuba seem to have determined with coolness and system upon an undertaking which should disgrace their country, violate its laws, and put to hazard the lives of ill-informed and deluded men. You will consider whether further legislation be necessary to prevent the perpetration of such offenses in future. No individuals have a right to hazard the peace of the country or to violate its laws upon vague notions of altering or reforming governments in other states. This principle is not only reasonable in itself and in accordance with public law, but is ingrafted into the codes of other nations as well as our own. But while such are the sentiments of this Government, it may be added that every independent nation must be presumed to be able to defend its possessions against unauthorized individuals banded together to attack them. The Government of the United States at all times since its establishment has abstained and has sought to restrain the citizens of the country from entering into controversies between other powers, and to observe all the duties of neutrality. At an early period of the Government, in the Administration of Washington, several laws were passed for this purpose. The main provisions of these laws were reenacted by the act of April, 1818, by which, amongst other things, it was declared that-- If any person shall, within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, begin, or set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for, any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people, with whom the United States are at peace, every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall be fined not exceeding $3,000 and imprisoned not more than three years. And this law has been executed and enforced to the full extent of the power of the Government from that day to this. In proclaiming and adhering to the doctrine of neutrality and nonintervention, the United States have not followed the lead of other civilized nations; they have taken the lead themselves and have been followed by others. This was admitted by one of the most eminent of modern British statesmen, who said in Parliament, while a minister of the Crown, "that if he wished for a guide in a system of neutrality he should take that laid down by America in the days of Washington and the secretaryship of Jefferson;" and we see, in fact, that the act of Congress of 1818 was followed the succeeding year by an act of the Parliament of England substantially the same in its general provisions. Up to that time there had been no similar law in England, except certain highly penal statutes passed in the reign of George II, prohibiting English subjects from enlisting in foreign service, the avowed object of which statutes was that foreign armies, raised for the purpose of restoring the house of Stuart to the throne, should not be strengthened by recruits from England herself. All must see that difficulties may arise in carrying the laws referred to into execution in a country now having 3,000 or 4,000 miles of seacoast, with an infinite number of ports and harbors and small inlets, from some of which unlawful expeditious may suddenly set forth, without the knowledge of Government, against the possessions of foreign states. "Friendly relations with all, but entangling alliances with none," has long been a maxim with us. Our true mission is not to propagate our opinions or impose upon other countries our form of government by artifice or force, but to teach by example and show by our success, moderation, and justice the blessings of self-government and the advantages of free institutions. Let every people choose for itself and make and alter its political institutions to suit its own condition and convenience. But while we avow and maintain this neutral policy ourselves, we are anxious to see the same forbearance on the part of other nations whose forms of government are different from our own. The deep interest which we feel in the spread of liberal principles and the establishment of free governments and the sympathy with which we witness every struggle against oppression forbid that we should be indifferent to a case in which the strong arm of a foreign power is invoked to stifle public sentiment and repress the spirit of freedom in any country. The Governments of Great Britain and France have issued orders to their naval commanders on the West India station to prevent, by force if necessary, the landing of adventurers from any nation on the island of Cuba with hostile intent. The copy of a memorandum of a conversation on this subject between the charge' d'affaires of Her Britannic Majesty and the Acting Secretary of State and of a subsequent note of the former to the Department of State are herewith submitted, together with a copy of a note of the Acting Secretary of State to the minister of the French Republic and of the reply of the latter on the same subject. These papers will acquaint you with the grounds of this interposition of two leading commercial powers of Europe, and with the apprehensions, which this Government could not fail to entertain, that such interposition, if carried into effect, might lead to abuses in derogation of the maritime rights of the United States. The maritime rights of the United States are founded on a firm, secure, and well-defined basis; they stand upon the ground of national independence and public law, and will be maintained in all their full and just extent. The principle which this Government has heretofore solemnly announced it still adheres to, and will maintain under all circumstances and at all hazards. That principle is that in every regularly documented merchant vessel the crew who navigate it and those on board of it will find their protection in the flag which is over them. No American ship can be allowed to be visited or searched for the purpose of ascertaining the character of individuals on board, nor can there be allowed any watch by the vessels of any foreign nation over American vessels on the coast of the United States or the seas adjacent thereto. It will be seen by the last communication from the British charge' d'affaires to the Department of State that he is authorized to assure the Secretary of State that every care will be taken that in executing the preventive measures against the expeditions which the United States Government itself has denounced as not being entitled to the protection of any government no interference shall take place with the lawful commerce of any nation. In addition to the correspondence on this subject herewith submitted, official information has been received at the Department of State of assurances by the French Government that in the orders given to the French naval forces they were expressly instructed, in any operations they might engage in, to respect the flag of the United States wherever it might appear, and to commit no act of hostility upon any vessel or armament under its protection. Ministers and consuls of foreign nations are the means and agents of communication between us and those nations, and it is of the utmost importance that while residing in the country they should feel a perfect security so long as they faithfully discharge their respective duties and are guilty of no violation of our laws. This is the admitted law of nations and no country has a deeper interest in maintaining it than the United States. Our commerce spreads over every sea and visits every clime, and our ministers and consuls are appointed to protect the interests of that commerce as well as to guard the peace of the country and maintain the honor of its flag. But how can they discharge these duties unless they be themselves protected? And if protected it must be by the laws of the country in which they reside. And what is due to our own public functionaries residing in foreign nations is exactly the measure of what is due to the functionaries of other governments residing here. As in war the bearers of flags of truce are sacred, or else wars would be interminable, so in peace ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls, charged with friendly national intercourse, are objects of especial respect and protection, each according to the rights belonging to his rank and station. In view of these important principles, it is with deep mortification and regret I announce to you that during the excitement growing out of the executions at Havana the office of Her Catholic Majesty's consul at New Orleans was assailed by a mob, his property destroyed, the Spanish flag found in the office carried off and torn in pieces, and he himself induced to flee for his personal safety, which he supposed to be in danger. On receiving intelligence of these events I forthwith directed the attorney of the United States residing at New Orleans to inquire into the facts and the extent of the pecuniary loss sustained by the consul, with the intention of laying them before you, that you might make provision for such indemnity to him as a just regard for the honor of the nation and the respect which is due to a friendly power might, in your judgment, seem to require. The correspondence upon this subject between the Secretary of State and Her Catholic Majesty's minister plenipotentiary is herewith transmitted. The occurrence at New Orleans has led me to give my attention to the state of our laws in regard to foreign ambassadors, ministers, and consuls. I think the legislation of the country is deficient in not providing sufficiently either for the protection or the punishment of consuls. I therefore recommend the subject to the consideration of Congress. Your attention is again invited to the question of reciprocal trade between the United States and Canada and other British possessions near our frontier. Overtures for a convention upon this subject have been received from Her Britannic Majesty's minister plenipotentiary, but it seems to be in many respects preferable that the matter should be regulated by reciprocal legislation. Documents are laid before you showing the terms which the British Government is willing to offer and the measures which it may adopt if some arrangement upon this subject shall not be made. From the accompanying copy of a note from the British legation at Washington and the reply of the Department of State thereto it will appear that Her Britannic Majesty's Government is desirous that a part of the boundary line between Oregon and the British possessions should be authoritatively marked out, and that an intention was expressed to apply to Congress for an appropriation to defray the expense thereof on the part of the United States. Your attention to this subject is accordingly invited and a proper appropriation recommended. A convention for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the United States against Portugal has been concluded and the ratifications have been exchanged. The first installment of the amount to be paid by Portugal fell due on the 30th of September last and has been paid. The President of the French Republic, according to the provisions of the convention, has been selected as arbiter in the case of the General Armstrong, and has signified that he accepts the trust and the high satisfaction he feels in acting as the common friend of two nations with which France is united by sentiments of sincere and lasting amity. The Turkish Government has expressed its thanks for the kind reception given to the Sultan's agent, Amin Bey, on the occasion of his recent visit to the United States. On the 28th of February last a dispatch was addressed by the Secretary of State to Mr. Marsh, the American minister at Constantinople, instructing him to ask of the Turkish Government permission for the Hungarians then imprisoned within the dominions of the Sublime Porte to remove to this country. On the 3d of March last both Houses of Congress passed a resolution requesting the President to authorize the employment of a public vessel to convey to this country Louis Kossuth and his associates in captivity. The instruction above referred to was complied with, and the Turkish Government having released Governor Kossuth and his companions from prison, on the 10th of September last they embarked on board of the United States steam frigate Mississippi, which was selected to carry into effect the resolution of Congress. Governor Kossuth left the Mississippi at Gibraltar for the purpose of making a visit to England, and may shortly be expected in New York. By communications to the Department of State he has expressed his grateful acknowledgments for the interposition of this Government in behalf of himself and his associates. This country has been justly regarded as a safe asylum for those whom political events have exiled from their own homes in Europe. and it is recommended to Congress to consider in what manner Governor Kossuth and his companions, brought hither by its authority, shall be received and treated. It is earnestly to be hoped that the differences which have for some time past been pending between the Government of the French Republic and that of the Sandwich Islands may be peaceably and durably adjusted so as to secure the independence of those islands. Long before the events which have of late imparted so much importance to the possessions of the United States on the Pacific we acknowledged the independence of the Hawaiian Government. This Government was first in taking that step, and several of the leading powers of Europe immediately followed. We were influenced in this measure by the existing and prospective importance of the islands as a place of refuge and refreshment for our vessels engaged in the whale fishery, and by the consideration that they lie in the course of the great trade which must at no distant day be carried on between the western coast of North America and eastern Asia. We were also influenced by a desire that those islands should not pass under the control of any other great maritime state, but should remain in an independent condition, and so be accessible and useful to the commerce of all nations. I need not say that the importance of these considerations has been greatly enhanced by the sudden and vast development which the interests of the United States have attained in California and Oregon, and the policy heretofore adopted in regard to those islands will be steadily pursued. It is gratifying, not only to those who consider the commercial interests of nations, but also to all who favor the progress of knowledge and the diffusion of religion, to see a community emerge from a savage state and attain such a degree of civilization in those distant seas. It is much to be deplored that the internal tranquillity of the Mexican Republic should again be seriously disturbed, for since the peace between that Republic and the United States it had enjoyed such comparative repose that the most favorable anticipations for the future might with a degree of confidence have been indulged. These, however, have been thwarted by the recent outbreak in the State of Tamaulipas, on the right bank of the Rio Bravo. Having received information that persons from the United States had taken part in the insurrection, and apprehending that their example might be followed by others, I caused orders to be issued for the purpose of preventing any hostile expeditions against Mexico from being set on foot in violation of the laws of the United States. I likewise issued a proclamation upon the subject, a copy of which is herewith laid before you. This appeared to be rendered imperative by the obligations of treaties and the general duties of good neighborhood. In my last annual message I informed Congress that citizens of the United States had undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under a grant of the Mexican Government to a citizen of that Republic, and that this enterprise would probably be prosecuted with energy whenever Mexico should consent to such stipulations with the Government of the United States as should impart a feeling of security to those who should invest their property in the enterprise. A convention between the two Governments for the accomplishment of that end has been ratified by this Government, and only awaits the decision of the Congress and the Executive of that Republic. Some unexpected difficulties and delays have arisen in the ratification of that convention by Mexico, but it is to be presumed that her decision will be governed by just and enlightened views, as well of the general importance of the object as of her own interests and obligations. In negotiating upon this important subject this Government has had in view one, and only one, object. That object has been, and is, the construction or attainment of a passage from ocean to ocean, the shortest and the best for travelers and merchandise, and equally open to all the world. It has sought to obtain no territorial acquisition, nor any advantages peculiar to itself; and it would see with the greatest regret that Mexico should oppose any obstacle to the accomplishment of an enterprise which promises so much convenience to the whole commercial world and such eminent advantages to Mexico herself. Impressed with these sentiments and these convictions, the Government will continue to exert all proper efforts to bring about the necessary arrangement with the Republic of Mexico for the speedy completion of the work. For some months past the Republic of Nicaragua has been the theater of one of those civil convulsions from which the cause of free institutions and the general prosperity and social progress of the States of Central America have so often and so severely suffered. Until quiet shall have been restored and a government apparently stable shall have been organized, no advance can prudently be made in disposing of the questions pending between the two countries. I am happy to announce that an interoceanic communication from the mouth of the St. John to the Pacific has been so far accomplished as that passengers have actually traversed it and merchandise has been transported over it, and when the canal shall have been completed according to the original plan the means of communication will be further improved. It is understood that a considerable part of the railroad across the Isthmus of Panama has been completed, and that the mail and passengers will in future be conveyed thereon. Whichever of the several routes between the two oceans may ultimately prove most eligible for travelers to and from the different States on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and our coast on the Pacific, there is little reason to doubt that all of them will be useful to the public, and will liberally reward that individual enterprise by which alone they have been or are expected to be carried into effect. Peace has been concluded between the contending parties in the island of St. Domingo, and, it is hoped, upon a durable basis. Such is the extent of our commercial relations with that island that the United States can not fail to feel a strong interest in its tranquillity. The office of commissioner to China remains unfilled. Several persons have been appointed, and the place has been offered to others, all of whom have declined its acceptance on the ground of the inadequacy of the compensation. The annual allowance by law is $6,000, and there is no provision for any outfit. I earnestly recommend the consideration of this subject to Congress. Our commerce with China is highly important, and is becoming more and more so in consequence of the increasing intercourse between our ports on the Pacific Coast and eastern Asia. China is understood to be a country in which living is very expensive, and I know of no reason why the American commissioner sent thither should not be placed, in regard to compensation, on an equal footing with ministers who represent this country at the Courts of Europe. By reference to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury it will be seen that the aggregate receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to $52,312,979.87, which, with the balance in the Treasury on the 1st July, 1850, gave as the available means for the year the sum of $58,917,524.36. The total expenditures for the same period were $48,005,878.68. The total imports for the year ending June 30, 1851, were $215,725,995, of which there were in specie $4,967,901. The exports for the same period were $217,517,130, of which there were of domestic products $178,546,555; foreign goods reexported, $9,738,695; specie, $29,231,880. Since the 1st of December last the payments in cash on account of the public debt, exclusive of interest, have amounted to $7,501,456.56, which, however, includes the sum of $3,242,400, paid under the twelfth article of the treaty with Mexico, and the further sum of $2,591,213.45, being the amount of awards to American citizens under the late treaty with Mexico, for which the issue of stock was authorized, but which was paid in cash from the Treasury. The public debt on the 20th ultimo, exclusive of the stock authorized to be issued to Texas by the act of 9th September, 1850, was $62,560,395.26. The receipts for the next fiscal year are estimated at $51,800,000, which, with the probable unappropriated balance in the Treasury on the 30th June next, will give as the probable available means for that year the sum of $63,258,743.09. It has been deemed proper, in view of the large expenditures consequent upon the acquisition of territory from Mexico, that the estimates for the next fiscal year should be laid before Congress in such manner as to distinguish the expenditures so required from the otherwise ordinary demands upon the Treasury. The total expenditures for the next fiscal year are estimated at $42,892,299.19, of which there is required for the ordinary purposes of the Government, other than those consequent upon the acquisition of our new territories, and deducting the payments on account of the public debt, the sum of $33,343,198.08, and for the purposes connected, directly or indirectly, with those territories and in the fulfillment of the obligations of the Government contracted in consequence of their acquisition the sum of $9,549,101.11. If the views of the Secretary of the Treasury in reference to the expenditures required for these territories shall be met by corresponding action on the part of Congress, and appropriations made in accordance therewith, there will be an estimated unappropriated balance in the Treasury on the 30th June, 1853, of $20,366,443.90 wherewith to meet that portion of the public debt due on the 1st of July following, amounting to $6,237,931.35, as well as any appropriations which may be made beyond the estimates. In thus referring to the estimated expenditures on account of our newly acquired territories, I may express the hope that Congress will concur with me in the desire that a liberal course of policy may be pursued toward them, and that every obligation, express or implied, entered into in consequence of their acquisition shall be fulfilled by the most liberal appropriations for that purpose. The values of our domestic exports for the last fiscal year, as compared with those of the previous year, exhibit an increase of $43,646,322. At first view this condition of our trade with foreign nations would seem to present the most flattering hopes of its future prosperity. An examination of the details of our exports, however, will show that the increased value of our exports for the last fiscal year is to be found in the high price of cotton which prevailed during the first half of that year, which price has since declined about one-half. The value of our exports of breadstuffs and provisions, which it was supposed the incentive of a low tariff and large importations from abroad would have greatly augmented, has fallen from $68,701,921 in 1847 to $26,051,373 in 1850 and to $21,948,653 in 1851, with a strong probability, amounting almost to a certainty, of a still further reduction in the current year. The aggregate values of rice exported during the last fiscal year, as compared with the previous year, also exhibit a decrease, amounting to $460,917, which, with a decline in the values of the exports of tobacco for the same period, make an aggregate decrease in these two articles of $1,156,751. The policy which dictated a low rate of duties on foreign merchandise, it was thought by those who promoted and established it, would tend to benefit the farming population of this country by increasing the demand and raising the price of agricultural products in foreign markets. The foregoing facts, however, seem to show incontestably that no such result has followed the adoption of this policy. On the contrary, notwithstanding the repeal of the restrictive corn laws in England, the foreign demand for the products of the American farmer has steadily declined, since the short crops and consequent famine in a portion of Europe have been happily replaced by full crops and comparative abundance of food. It will be seen by recurring to the commercial statistics for the past year that the value of our domestic exports has been increased in the single item of raw cotton by $40,000,000 over the value of that export for the year preceding. This is not due to any increased general demand for that article, but to the short crop of the preceding year, which created an increased demand and an augmented price for the crop of last year. Should the cotton crop now going forward to market be only equal in quantity to that of the year preceding and be sold at the present prices, then there would be a falling off in the value of our exports for the present fiscal year of at least $40,000,000 compared with the amount exported for the year ending 30th June, 1851. The production of gold in California for the past year seems to promise a large supply of that metal from that quarter for some time to come. This large annual increase of the currency of the world must be attended with its usual results. These have been already partially disclosed in the enhancement of prices and a rising spirit of speculation and adventure, tending to overtrading, as well at home as abroad. Unless some salutary check shall be given to these tendencies it is to be feared that importations of foreign goods beyond a healthy demand in this country will lead to a sudden drain of the precious metals from us, bringing with it, as it has done in former times, the most disastrous consequences to the business and capital of the American people. The exports of specie to liquidate our foreign debt during the past fiscal year have been $24,963,979 over the amount of specie imported. The exports of specie during the first quarter of the present fiscal year have been $14,651,827. Should specie continue to be exported at this rate for the remaining three quarters of this year, it will drain from our metallic currency during the year ending 30th June, 1852, the enormous amount of $58,607,308. In the present prosperous condition of the national finances it will become the duty of Congress to consider the best mode of paying off the public debt. If the present and anticipated surplus in the Treasury should not be absorbed by appropriations of an extraordinary character, this surplus should be employed in such way and under such restrictions as Congress may enact in extinguishing the outstanding debt of the nation. By reference to the act of Congress approved 9th September, 1850, it will be seen that, in consideration of certain concessions by the State of Texas, it is provided that-- The United States shall pay to the State of Texas the sum of $10,000,000 in a stock bearing 5 per cent interest and redeemable at the end of fourteen years, the interest payable half-yearly at the Treasury of the United States. In the same section of the law it is further provided-- That no more than five millions of said stock shall be issued until the creditors of the State holding bonds and other certificates of stock of Texas, for which duties on imports were specially pledged, shall first file at the Treasury of the United States releases of all claims against the United States for or on account of said bonds or certificates, in such form as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved by the President of the United States. The form of release thus provided for has been prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved. It has been published in all the leading newspapers in the commercial cities of the United States, and all persons holding claims of the kind specified in the foregoing proviso were required to file their releases (in the form thus prescribed) in the Treasury of the United States on or before the 1st day of October, 1851. Although this publication has been continued from the 25th day of March, 1851, yet up to the 1st of October last comparatively few releases had been filed by the creditors of Texas. The authorities of the State of Texas, at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, have furnished a schedule of the public debt of that State created prior to her admission into the Union, with a copy of the laws under which each class was contracted. I have, from the documents furnished by the State of Texas, determined the classes of claims which in my judgment fall within the provisions of the act of Congress of the 9th of September, 1850. On being officially informed of the acceptance by Texas of the propositions contained in the act referred to I caused the stock to be prepared, and the five millions which are to be issued unconditionally, bearing an interest of 5 per cent from the 1st day of January, 1851, have been for some time ready to be delivered to the State of Texas. The authorities of Texas up to the present time have not authorized anyone to receive this stock, and it remains in the Treasury Department subject to the order of Texas. The releases required by law to be deposited in the Treasury not having been filed there, the remaining five millions have not been issued. This last amount of the stock will be withheld from Texas until the conditions upon which it is to be delivered shall be complied with by the creditors of that State, unless Congress shall otherwise direct by a modification of the law. In my last annual message, to which I respectfully refer, I stated briefly the reasons which induced me to recommend a modification of the present tariff by converting the ad valorem into a specific duty wherever the article imported was of such a character as to permit it, and that such a discrimination should be made in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition. The numerous frauds which continue to be practiced upon the revenue by false invoices and undervaluations constitute an unanswerable reason for adopting specific instead of ad valorem duties in all cases where the nature of the commodity does not forbid it. A striking illustration of these frauds will be exhibited in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing the custom-house valuation of articles imported under a former law, subject to specific duties, when there was no inducement to undervaluation, and the custom-house valuations of the same articles under the present system of ad valorem duties, so greatly reduced as to leave no doubt of the existence of the most flagrant abuses under the existing laws. This practical evasion of the present law, combined with the languishing condition of some of the great interests of the country, caused by over importations and consequent depressed prices, and with the failure in obtaining a foreign market for our increasing surplus of breadstuffs and provisions, has induced me again to recommend a modification of the existing tariff. The report of the Secretary of the Interior, which accompanies this communication, will present a condensed statement of the operations of that important Department of the Government. It will be seen that the cash sales of the public lands exceed those of the preceding year, and that there is reason to anticipate a still further increase, notwithstanding the large donations which have been made to many of the States and the liberal grants to individuals as a reward for military services. This fact furnishes very gratifying evidence of the growing wealth and prosperity of our country. Suitable measures have been adopted for commencing the survey of the public lands in California and Oregon. Surveying parties have been organized and some progress has been made in establishing the principal base and meridian lines. But further legislation and additional appropriations will be necessary before the proper subdivisions can be made and the general land system extended over those remote parts of our territory. On the 3d of March last an act was passed providing for the appointment of three commissioners to settle private land claims in California. Three persons were immediately appointed, all of whom, however, declined accepting the office in consequence of the inadequacy of the compensation. Others were promptly selected, who for the same reason also declined, and it was not until late in the season that the services of suitable persons could be secured. A majority of the commissioners convened in this city on the 10th of September last, when detailed instructions were given to them in regard to their duties. Their first meeting for the transaction of business will be held in San Francisco on the 8th day of the present month. I have thought it proper to refer to these facts, not only to explain the causes of the delay in filling the commission, but to call your attention to the propriety of increasing the compensation of the commissioners. The office is one of great labor and responsibility, and the compensation should be such as to command men of a high order of talents and the most unquestionable integrity. The proper disposal of the mineral lands of California is a subject surrounded by great difficulties. In my last annual message I recommended the survey and sale of them in small parcels under such restrictions as would effectually guard against monopoly and speculation; but upon further information, and in deference to the opinions of persons familiar with the subject, I am inclined to change that recommendation and to advise that they be permitted to remain as at present, a common field, open to the enterprise and industry of all our citizens, until further experience shall have developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted in regard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconveniences that now exist for a short period than by premature legislation to fasten on the country a system founded in error, which may place the whole subject beyond the future control of Congress. The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed and brought into market with as little delay as possible, that the titles may become settled and the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent improvements and enter on the ordinary pursuits of life. To effect these objects it is desirable that the necessary provision be made by law for the establishment of land offices in California and Oregon and for the efficient prosecution of the surveys at an early day. Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the Territorial governments of New Mexico and Utah, and when more accurate information shall be obtained of the causes a further communication will be made on that subject. In my last annual communication to Congress I recommended the establishment of an agricultural bureau, and I take this occasion again to invoke your favorable consideration of the subject. Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great interest of our people. Four-fifths of our active population are employed in the cultivation of the soil, and the rapid expansion of our settlements over new territory is daily adding to the number of those engaged in that vocation. Justice and sound policy, therefore, alike require that the Government should use all the means authorized by the Constitution to promote the interests and welfare of that important class of our fellow-citizens. And yet it is a singular fact that whilst the manufacturing and commercial interests have engaged the attention of Congress during a large portion of every session and our statutes abound in provisions for their protection and encouragement, little has yet been done directly for the advancement of agriculture. It is time that this reproach to our legislation should be removed, and I sincerely hope that the present Congress will not close their labors without adopting efficient means to supply the omissions of those who have preceded them. An agricultural bureau, charged with the duty of collecting and disseminating correct information as to the best modes of cultivation and of the most effectual means of preserving and restoring the fertility of the soil and of procuring and distributing seeds and plants and other vegetable productions, with instructions in regard to the soil, climate, and treatment best adapted to their growth, could not fail to be, in the language of Washington in his last annual message to Congress, a "very cheap instrument of immense national benefit." Regarding the act of Congress approved 28th September, 1850, granting bounty lands to persons who had been engaged in the military service of the country, as a great measure of national justice and munificence, an anxious desire has been felt by the officers intrusted with its immediate execution to give prompt effect to its provisions. All the means within their control were therefore brought into requisition to expedite the adjudication of claims, and I am gratified to be able to state that near 100,000 applications have been considered and about 70,000 warrants issued within the short space of nine months. If adequate provision be made by law to carry into effect the recommendations of the Department, it is confidently expected that before the close of the next fiscal year all who are entitled to the benefits of the act will have received their warrants. The Secretary of the Interior has suggested in his report various amendments of the laws relating to pensions and bounty lands for the purpose of more effectually guarding against abuses and frauds on the Government, to all of which I invite your particular attention. The large accessions to our Indian population consequent upon the acquisition of New Mexico and California and the extension of our settlements into Utah and Oregon have given increased interest and importance to our relations with the aboriginal race. No material change has taken place within the last year in the condition and prospects of the Indian tribes who reside in the Northwestern Territory and west of the Mississippi River. We are at peace with all of them, and it will be a source of pleasure to you to learn that they are gradually advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social life. Along the Mexican frontier and in California and Oregon there have been occasional manifestations of unfriendly feeling and some depredations committed. I am satisfied, however, that they resulted more from the destitute and starving condition of the Indians than from any settled hostility toward the whites. As the settlements of our citizens progress toward them, the game, upon which they mainly rely for subsistence, is driven off or destroyed, and the only alternative left to them is starvation or plunder. It becomes us to consider, in view of this condition of things, whether justice and humanity, as well as an enlightened economy, do not require that instead of seeking to punish them for offenses which are the result of our own policy toward them we should not provide for their immediate wants and encourage them to engage in agriculture and to rely on their labor instead of the chase for the means of support. Various important treaties have been negotiated with different tribes during the year, by which their title to large and valuable tracts of country has been extinguished, all of which will at the proper time be submitted to the Senate for ratification. The joint commission under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo has been actively engaged in running and marking the boundary line between the United States and Mexico. It was stated in the last annual report of the Secretary of the Interior that the initial point on the Pacific and the point of junction of the Gila with the Colorado River had been determined and the intervening line, about 150 miles in length, run and marked by temporary monuments. Since that time a monument of marble has been erected at the initial point, and permanent landmarks of iron have been placed at suitable distances along the line. The initial point on the Rio Grande has also been fixed by the commissioners, at latitude 32 degrees 22', and at the date of the last communication the survey of the line had been made thence westward about 150 miles to the neighborhood of the copper mines. The commission on our part was at first organized on a scale which experience proved to be unwieldy and attended with unnecessary expense. Orders have therefore been issued for the reduction of the number of persons employed within the smallest limits consistent with the safety of those engaged in the service and the prompt and efficient execution of their important duties. Returns have been received from all the officers engaged in taking the census in the States and Territories except California. The superintendent employed to make the enumeration in that State has not yet made his full report, from causes, as he alleges, beyond his control. This failure is much to be regretted, as it has prevented the Secretary of the Interior from making the decennial apportionment of Representatives among the States, as required by the act approved May 23, 1850. It is hoped, however, that the returns will soon be received, and no time will then be lost in making the necessary apportionment and in transmitting the certificates required by law. The Superintendent of the Seventh Census is diligently employed, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in classifying and arranging in tabular form all the statistical information derived from the returns of the marshals, and it is believed that when the work shall be completed it will exhibit a more perfect view of the population, wealth, occupations, and social condition of a great country than has ever been presented to the world. The value of such a work as the basis of enlightened legislation can hardly be overestimated, and I earnestly hope that Congress will lose no time in making the appropriations necessary to complete the classifications and to publish the results in a style worthy of the subject and of our national character. The want of a uniform fee bill, prescribing the compensation to be allowed district attorneys, clerks, marshals, and commissioners in civil and criminal cases, is the cause of much vexation, injustice, and complaint. I would recommend a thorough revision of the laws on the whole subject and the adoption of a tariff of fees which, as far as practicable, should be uniform, and prescribe a specific compensation for every service which the officer may be required to perform. This subject will be fully presented in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. In my last annual message I gave briefly my reasons for believing that you possessed the constitutional power to improve the harbors of our Great Lakes and seacoast and the navigation of our principal rivers, and recommended that appropriations should be made for completing such works as had already been commenced and for commencing such others as might seem to the wisdom of Congress to be of public and general importance. Without repeating the reasons then urged, I deem it my duty again to call your attention to this important subject. The works on many of the harbors were left in an unfinished state, and consequently exposed to the action of the elements, which is fast destroying them. Great numbers of lives and vast amounts of property are annually lost for want of safe and convenient harbors on the Lakes. None but those who have been exposed to that dangerous navigation can fully appreciate the importance of this subject. The whole Northwest appeals to you for relief, and I trust their appeal will receive due consideration at your hands. The same is in a measure true in regard to some of the harbors and inlets on the seacoast. The unobstructed navigation of our large rivers is of equal importance. Our settlements are now extending to the sources of the great rivers which empty into and form a part of the Mississippi, and the value of the public lands in those regions would be greatly enhanced by freeing the navigation of those waters from obstructions. In view, therefore, of this great interest, I deem it my duty again to urge upon Congress to make such appropriations for these improvements as they may deem necessary. The surveys of the Delta of the Mississippi, with a view to the prevention of the overflows that have proved so disastrous to that region of country, have been nearly completed, and the reports thereof are now in course of preparation and will shortly be laid before you. The protection of our southwestern frontier and of the adjacent Mexican States against the Indian tribes within our border has claimed my earnest and constant attention. Congress having failed at the last session to adopt my recommendation that an additional regiment of mounted men specially adapted to that service should be raised, all that remained to be done was to make the best use of the means at my disposal. Accordingly, all the troops adapted to that service that could properly be spared from other quarters have been concentrated on that frontier and officers of high reputation selected to command them. A new arrangement of the military posts has also been made, whereby the troops are brought nearer to the Mexican frontier and to the tribes they are intended to overawe. Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realize all the benefits that are expected to result from these arrangements, but I have every reason to hope that they will effectually check their marauding expeditions. The nature of the country, which furnishes little for the support of an army and abounds in places of refuge and concealment, is remarkably well adapted to this predatory warfare, and we can scarcely hope that any military force, combined with the greatest vigilance, can entirely suppress it. By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we are bound to protect the territory of Mexico against the incursions of the savage tribes within our border "with equal diligence and energy" as if the same were made within our territory or against our citizens. I have endeavored to comply as far as possible with this provision of the treaty. Orders have been given to the officers commanding on that frontier to consider the Mexican territory and its inhabitants as equally with our own entitled to their protection, and to make all their plans and arrangements with a view to the attainment of this object. Instructions have also been given to the Indian commissioners and agents among these tribes in all treaties to make the clauses designed for the protection of our own citizens apply also to those of Mexico. I have no reason to doubt that these instructions have been fully carried into effect; nevertheless, it is probable that in spite of all our efforts some of the neighboring States of Mexico may have suffered, as our own have, from depredations by the Indians. To the difficulties of defending our own territory, as above mentioned, are superadded, in defending that of Mexico, those that arise from its remoteness, from the fact that we have no right to station our troops within her limits and that there is no efficient military force on the Mexican side to cooperate with our own. So long as this shall continue to be the case the number and activity of our troops will rather increase than diminish the evil, as the Indians will naturally turn toward that country where they encounter the least resistance. Yet these troops are necessary to subdue them and to compel them to make and observe treaties. Until this shall have been done neither country will enjoy any security from their attacks. The Indians in California, who had previously appeared of a peaceable character and disposed to cultivate the friendship of the whites, have recently committed several acts of hostility. As a large portion of the reenforcements sent to the Mexican frontier were drawn from the Pacific, the military force now stationed there is considered entirely inadequate to its defense. It can not be increased, however, without an increase of the Army, and I again recommend that measure as indispensable to the protection of the frontier. I invite your attention to the suggestions on this subject and on others connected with his Department in the report of the Secretary of War. The appropriations for the support of the Army during the current fiscal year ending 30th June next were reduced far below the estimate submitted by the Department. The consequence of this reduction is a considerable deficiency, to which I invite your early attention. The expenditures of that Department for the year ending 30th June last were $9,060,268.58, The estimates for the year commencing 1st July next and ending June 30, 1853, are $7,898,775.83, showing a reductions of $1,161,492.75, The board of commissioners to whom the management of the affairs of the military asylum created by the act of 3d March last was intrusted have selected a site for the establishment of an asylum in the vicinity of this city, which has been approved by me subject to the production of a satisfactory title. The report of the Secretary of the Navy will exhibit the condition of the public service under the supervision of that Department. Our naval force afloat during the present year has been actively and usefully employed in giving protection to our widely extended and increasing commerce and interests in the various quarters of the globe, and our flag has everywhere afforded the security and received the respect inspired by the justice and liberality of our intercourse and the dignity and power of the nation. The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De Haven, dispatched in search of the British commander Sir John Franklin and his companions in the Arctic Seas, returned to New York in the month of October, after having undergone great peril and suffering from an unknown and dangerous navigation and the rigors of a northern climate, without any satisfactory information of the objects of their search, but with new contributions to science and navigation from the unfrequented polar regions. The officers and men of the expedition having been all volunteers for this service and having so conducted it as to meet the entire approbation of the Government, it is suggested, as an act of grace and generosity, that the same allowance of extra pay and emoluments be extended to them that were made to the officers and men of like rating in the late exploring expedition to the South Seas. I earnestly recommend to your attention the necessity of reorganizing the naval establishment, apportioning and fixing the number of officers in each grade, providing some mode of promotion to the higher grades of the Navy having reference to merit and capacity rather than seniority or date of entry into the service, and for retiring from the effective list upon reduced pay those who may be incompetent to the performance of active duty. As a measure of economy, as well as of efficiency, in this arm of the service, the provision last mentioned is eminently worthy of your consideration. The determination of the questions of relative rank between the sea officers and civil officers of the Navy, and between officers of the Army and Navy, in the various grades of each, will also merit your attention. The failure to provide any substitute when corporal punishment was abolished for offenses in the Navy has occasioned the convening of numerous courts-martial upon the arrival of vessels in port, and is believed to have had an injurious effect upon the discipline and efficiency of the service. To moderate punishment from one grade to another is among the humane reforms of the age, but to abolish one of severity, which applied so generally to offenses on shipboard, and provide nothing in its stead is to suppose a progress of improvement in every individual among seamen which is not assumed by the Legislature in respect to any other class of men. It is hoped that Congress, in the ample opportunity afforded by the present session, will thoroughly investigate this important subject, and establish such modes of determining guilt and such gradations of punishment as are consistent with humanity and the personal rights of individuals, and at the same time shall insure the most energetic and efficient performance of duty and the suppression of crime in our ships of war. The stone dock in the navy-yard at New York, which was ten years in process of construction, has been so far finished as to be surrendered up to the authorities of the yard. The dry dock at Philadelphia is reported as completed, and is expected soon to be tested and delivered over to the agents of the Government. That at Portsmouth, N. H., is also nearly ready for delivery; and a contract has been concluded, agreeably to the act of Congress at its last session, for a floating sectional dock on the Bay of San Francisco. I invite your attention to the recommendation of the Department touching the establishment of a navy-yard in conjunction with this dock on the Pacific. Such a station is highly necessary to the convenience and effectiveness of our fleet in that ocean, which must be expected to increase with the growth of commerce and the rapid extension of our whale fisheries over its waters. The Naval Academy at Annapolis, under a revised and improved system of regulations, now affords opportunities of education and instruction to the pupils quite equal, it is believed, for professional improvement, to those enjoyed by the cadets in the Military Academy. A large class of acting midshipmen was received at the commencement of the last academic term, and a practice ship has been attached to the institution to afford the amplest means for regular instruction in seamanship, as well as for cruises during the vacations of three or four months in each year. The advantages of science in nautical affairs have rarely been more strikingly illustrated than in the fact, stated in the report of the Navy Department, that by means of the wind and current charts projected and prepared by Lieutenant Maury, the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory, the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific ports of our country has been shortened by about forty days. The estimates for the support of the Navy and Marine Corps the ensuing fiscal year will be found to be $5,856,472.19, the estimates for the current year being $5,900,621. The estimates for special objects under the control of this Department amount to $2,684,220.89, against $2,210,980 for the present year, the increase being occasioned by the additional mail service on the Pacific Coast and the construction of the dock in California, authorized at the last session of Congress, and some slight additions under the head of improvements and repairs in navy-yards, buildings, and machinery. I deem it of much importance to a just economy and a correct understanding of naval expenditures that there should be an entire separation of the appropriations for the support of the naval service proper from those for permanent improvements at navy-yards and stations and from ocean steam mail service and other special objects assigned to the supervision of this Department. The report of the Postmaster-General, herewith communicated, presents an interesting view of the progress, operations, and condition of his Department. At the close of the last fiscal year the length of mail routes within the United States was 196,290 miles, the annual transportation thereon 53,272,252 miles, and the annual cost of such transportation $3,421,754. The length of the foreign mail routes is estimated at 18,349 miles and the annual transportation thereon at 615,206 miles. The annual cost of this service is $1,472,187, of which $448,937 are paid by the Post-Office Department and $1,023,250 are paid through the Navy Department. The annual transportation within the United States, excluding the service in California and Oregon, which is now for the first time reported and embraced in the tabular statements of the Department, exceeds that of the preceding year 6,162,855 miles, at an increased cost of $547,110. The whole number of post-offices in the United States on the 30th day of June last was 19,796. There were 1,698 post-offices established and 256 discontinued during the year. The gross revenues of the Department for the fiscal year, including the appropriations for the franked matter of Congress, of the Departments, and officers of Government, and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British post-office, amounted to $6,727,866.78. The expenditures for the same period, excluding $20,599.49, paid under an award of the Auditor, in pursuance of a resolution of the last Congress, for mail service on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in 1832 and 1833, and the amount paid to the British post-office for foreign postages collected for and payable to that office, amounted to $6,024,566.79, leaving a balance of revenue over the proper expenditures of the year of $703,299.99. The receipts for postages during the year, excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British post-office, amounted to $6,345,747.21, being an increase of $997,610.79, or 18.65 per cent, over the like receipts for the preceding year. The reduction of postage under the act of March last did not take effect until the commencement of the present fiscal year. The accounts for the first quarter under the operation of the reduced rates will not be settled before January next, and no reliable estimate of the receipts for the present year can yet be made. It is believed, however, that they will fall far short of those of the last year. The surplus of the revenues now on hand is, however, so large that no further appropriation from the Treasury in aid of the revenues of the Department is required for the current fiscal year, but an additional appropriation for the year ending June 30, 1853, will probably be found necessary when the receipts of the first two quarters of the fiscal year are fully ascertained. In his last annual report the Postmaster-General recommended a reduction of postage to rates which he deemed as low as could be prudently adopted unless Congress was prepared to appropriate from the Treasury for the support of the Department a sum more than equivalent to the mail services performed by it for the Government. The recommendations of the Postmaster-General in respect to letter postage, except on letters from and to California and Oregon, were substantially adopted by the last Congress. He now recommends adherence to the present letter rates and advises against a further reduction until justified by the revenue of the Department. He also recommends that the rates of postage on printed matter be so revised as to render them more simple and more uniform in their operation upon all classes of printed matter. I submit the recommendations of the report to your favorable consideration. The public statutes of the United States have now been accumulating for more than sixty years, and, interspersed with private acts, are scattered through numerous volumes, and, from the cost of the whole, have become almost inaccessible to the great mass of the community. They also exhibit much of the incongruity and imperfection of hasty legislation. As it seems to be generally conceded that there is no "common law" of the United States to supply the defects of their legislation, it is most important that that legislation should be as perfect as possible, defining every power intended to be conferred, every crime intended to be made punishable, and prescribing the punishment to be inflicted. In addition to some particular cases spoken of more at length, the whole criminal code is now lamentably defective. Some offenses are imperfectly described and others are entirely omitted, so that flagrant crimes may be committed with impunity. The scale of punishment is not in all cases graduated according to the degree and nature of the offense, and is often rendered more unequal by the different modes of imprisonment or penitentiary confinement in the different States. Many laws of a permanent character have been introduced into appropriation bills, and it is often difficult to determine whether the particular clause expires with the temporary act of which it is a part or continues in force. It has also frequently happened that enactments and provisions of law have been introduced into bills with the title or general subject of which they have little or no connection or relation. In this mode of legislation so many enactments have been heaped upon each other, and often with but little consideration, that in many instances it is difficult to search out and determine what is the law. The Government of the United States is emphatically a government of written laws. The statutes should therefore, as far as practicable, not only be made accessible to all, but be expressed in language so plain and simple as to be understood by all and arranged in such method as to give perspicuity to every subject. Many of the States have revised their public acts with great and manifest benefit, and I recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to revise the public statutes of the United States, arranging them in order, supplying deficiencies, correcting incongruities, simplifying their language, and reporting them to Congress for its action. An act of Congress approved 30th September, 1850, contained a provision for the extension of the Capitol according to such plan as might be approved by the President, and appropriated $100,000 to be expended under his direction by such architect as he should appoint to execute the same. On examining the various plans which had been submitted by different architects in pursuance of an advertisement by a committee of the Senate no one was found to be entirely satisfactory, and it was therefore deemed advisable to combine and adopt the advantages of several. The great object to be accomplished was to make such an addition as would afford ample and convenient halls for the deliberations of the two Houses of Congress, with sufficient accommodations for spectators and suitable apartments for the committees and officers of the two branches of the Legislature. It was also desirable not to mar the harmony and beauty of the present structure, which, as a specimen of architecture, is so universally admired. Keeping these objects in view, I concluded to make the addition by wings, detached from the present building, yet connected with it by corridors. This mode of enlargement will leave the present Capitol uninjured and afford great advantages for ventilation and the admission of light, and will enable the work to progress without interrupting the deliberations of Congress. To carry this plan into effect I have appointed an experienced and competent architect. The corner stone was laid on the 4th day of July last with suitable ceremonies, since which time the work has advanced with commendable rapidity, and the foundations of both wings are now nearly complete. I again commend to your favorable regard the interests of the District of Columbia, and deem it only necessary to remind you that although its inhabitants have no voice in the choice of Representatives in Congress, they are not the less entitled to a just and liberal consideration in your legislation. My opinions on this subject were more fully expressed in my last annual communication. Other subjects were brought to the attention of Congress in my last annual message, to which I would respectfully refer. But there was one of more than ordinary interest, to which I again invite your special attention. I allude to the recommendation for the appointment of a commission to settle private claims against the United States. Justice to individuals, as well as to the Government, imperatively demands that some more convenient and expeditious mode than an appeal to Congress should be adopted. It is deeply to be regretted that in several instances officers of the Government, in attempting to execute the law for the return of fugitives from labor, have been openly resisted and their efforts frustrated and defeated by lawless and violent mobs; that in one case such resistance resulted in the death of an estimable citizen, and in others serious injury ensued to those officers and to individuals who were using their endeavors to sustain the laws. Prosecutions have been instituted against the alleged offenders so far as they could be identified, and are still pending. I have regarded it as my duty in these cases to give all aid legally in my power to the enforcement of the laws, and I shall continue to do so wherever and whenever their execution may be resisted. The act of Congress for the return of fugitives from labor is one required and demanded by the express words of the Constitution. The Constitution declares that-- No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. This constitutional provision is equally obligatory upon the legislative, the executive, and judicial departments of the Government, and upon every citizen of the United States. Congress, however, must from necessity first act upon the subject by prescribing the proceedings necessary to ascertain that the person is a fugitive and the means to be used for his restoration to the claimant. This was done by an act passed during the first term of President Washington, which was amended by that enacted by the last Congress, and it now remains for the executive and judicial departments to take care that these laws be faithfully executed. This injunction of the Constitution is as peremptory and as binding as any other; it stands exactly on the same foundation as that clause which provides for the return of fugitives from justice, or that which declares that no bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed, or that which provides for an equality of taxation according to the census, or the clause declaring that all duties shall be uniform throughout the United States, or the important provision that the trial of all crimes shall be by jury. These several articles and clauses of the Constitution, all resting on the same authority, must stand or fall together. Some objections have been urged against the details of the act for the return of fugitives from labor, but it is worthy of remark that the main opposition is aimed against the Constitution itself, and proceeds from persons and classes of persons many of whom declare their wish to see that Constitution overturned. They avow their hostility to any law which shall give full and practical effect to this requirement of the Constitution. Fortunately, the number of these persons is comparatively small, and is believed to be daily diminishing; but the issue which they present is one which involves the supremacy and even the existence of the Constitution. Cases have heretofore arisen in which individuals have denied the binding authority of acts of Congress, and even States have proposed to nullify such acts upon the ground that the Constitution was the supreme law of the land, and that those acts of Congress were repugnant to that instrument; but nullification is now aimed not so much against particular laws as being inconsistent with the Constitution as against the Constitution itself, and it is not to be disguised that a spirit exists, and has been actively at work, to rend asunder this Union, which is our cherished inheritance from our Revolutionary fathers. In my last annual message I stated that I considered the series of measures which had been adopted at the previous session in reference to the agitation growing out of the Territorial and slavery questions as a final settlement in principle and substance of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced, and I recommended adherence to the adjustment established by those measures until time and experience should demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse. I was not induced to make this recommendation because I thought those measures perfect, for no human legislation can be perfect. Wide differences and jarring opinions can only be reconciled by yielding something on all sides, and this result had been reached after an angry conflict of many months, in which one part of the country was arrayed against another, and violent convulsion seemed to be imminent. Looking at the interests of the whole country, I felt it to be my duty to seize upon this compromise as the best that could be obtained amid conflicting interests and to insist upon it as a final settlement, to be adhered to by all who value the peace and welfare of the country. A year has now elapsed since that recommendation was made. To that recommendation I still adhere, and I congratulate you and the country upon the general acquiescence in these measures of peace which has been exhibited in all parts of the Republic. And not only is there this general acquiescence in these measures, but the spirit of conciliation which has been manifested in regard to them in all parts of the country has removed doubts and uncertainties in the minds of thousands of good men concerning the durability of our popular institutions and given renewed assurance that our liberty and our Union may subsist together for the benefit of this and all succeeding generations.
I congratulate you and our common constituency upon the favorable auspices under which you meet for your first session. Our country is at peace with all the world. The agitation which for a time threatened to disturb the fraternal relations which make us one people is fast subsiding, and a year of general prosperity and health has crowned the nation with unusual blessings. None can look back to the dangers which are passed or forward to the bright prospect before us without feeling a thrill of gratification, at the same time that he must be impressed with a grateful sense of our profound obligations to a beneficent Providence, whose paternal care is so manifest in the happiness of this highly favored land. Since the close of the last Congress certain Cubans and other foreigners resident in the United States, who were more or less concerned in the previous invasion of Cuba, instead of being discouraged by its failure have again abused the hospitality of this country by making it the scene of the equipment of another military expedition against that possession of Her Catholic Majesty, in which they were countenanced, aided, and joined by citizens of the United States. On receiving intelligence that such designs were entertained, I lost no time in issuing such instructions to the proper officers of the United States as seemed to be called for by the occasion. By the proclamation a copy of which is herewith submitted I also warned those who might be in danger of being inveigled into this scheme of its unlawful character and of the penalties which they would incur. For some time there was reason to hope that these measures had sufficed to prevent any such attempt. This hope, however, proved to be delusive. Very early in the morning of the 3d of August a steamer called the Pampero departed from New Orleans for Cuba, having on board upward of 400 armed men with evident intentions to make war upon the authorities of the island. This expedition was set on foot in palpable violation of the laws of the United States. Its leader was a Spaniard, and several of the chief officers and some others engaged in it were foreigners. The persons composing it, however, were mostly citizens of the United States. Before the expedition set out, and probably before it was organized, a slight insurrectionary movement, which appears to have been soon suppressed, had taken place in the eastern quarter of Cuba. The importance of this movement was, unfortunately, so much exaggerated in the accounts of it published in this country that these adventurers seem to have been led to believe that the Creole population of the island not only desired to throw off the authority of the mother country, but had resolved upon that step and had begun a well-concerted enterprise for effecting it. The persons engaged in the expedition were generally young and ill informed. The steamer in which they embarked left New Orleans stealthily and without a clearance. After touching at Key West, she proceeded to the coast of Cuba, and on the night between the 11th and 12th of August landed the persons on board at Playtas, within about 20 leagues of Havana. The main body of them proceeded to and took possession of an inland village 6 leagues distant, leaving others to follow in charge of the baggage as soon as the means of transportation could be obtained. The latter, having taken up their line of march to connect themselves with the main body, and having proceeded about 4 leagues into the country, were attacked on the morning of the 13th by a body of Spanish troops, and a bloody conflict ensued, after which they retreated to the place of disembarkation, where about 50 of them obtained boats and reembarked therein. They were, however, intercepted among the keys near the shore by a Spanish steamer cruising on the coast, captured and carried to Havana, and after being examined before a military court were sentenced to be publicly executed, and the sentence was carried into effect on the 16th of August. On receiving information of what had occurred Commodore Foxhall A. Parker was instructed to proceed in the steam frigate Saranac to Havana and inquire into the charges against the persons executed, the circumstances under which they were taken, and whatsoever referred to their trial and sentence. Copies of the instructions from the Department of State to him and of his letters to that Department are herewith submitted. According to the record of the examination, the prisoners all admitted the offenses charged against them, of being hostile invaders of the island. At the time of their trial and execution the main body of the invaders was still in the field making war upon the Spanish authorities and Spanish subjects. After the lapse of some days, being overcome by the Spanish troops, they dispersed on the 24th of August. Lopez, their leader, was captured some days after, and executed on the 1st of September. Many of his remaining followers were killed or died of hunger and fatigue, and the rest were made prisoners. Of these none appear to have been tried or executed. Several of them were pardoned upon application of their friends and others, and the rest, about 160 in number, were sent to Spain. Of the final disposition made of these we have no official information. Such is the melancholy result of this illegal and ill-fated expedition. Thus thoughtless young men have been induced by false and fraudulent representations to violate the law of their country through rash and unfounded expectations of assisting to accomplish political revolutions in other states, and have lost their lives in the undertaking. Too severe a judgment can hardly be passed by the indignant sense of the community upon those who, being better informed themselves, have yet led away the ardor of youth and an ill-directed love of political liberty. The correspondence between this Government and that of Spain relating to this transaction is herewith communicated. Although these offenders against the laws have forfeited the protection of their country, yet the Government may, so far as consistent with its obligations to other countries and its fixed purpose to maintain and enforce the laws, entertain sympathy for their unoffending families and friends, as well as a feeling of compassion for themselves. Accordingly, no proper effort has been spared and none will be spared to procure the release of such citizens of the United States engaged in this unlawful enterprise as are now in confinement in Spain; but it is to be hoped that such interposition with the Government of that country may not be considered as affording any ground of expectation that the Government of the United States will hereafter feel itself under any obligation of duty to intercede for the liberation or pardon of such persons as are flagrant offenders against the law of nations and the laws of the United States. These laws must be executed. If we desire to maintain our respectability among the nations of the earth, it behooves us to enforce steadily and sternly the neutrality acts passed by Congress and to follow as far as may be the violation of those acts with condign punishment. But what gives a peculiar criminality to this invasion of Cuba is that, under the lead of Spanish subjects and with the aid of citizens of the United States, it had its origin with many in motives of cupidity. Money was advanced by individuals, probably in considerable amounts, to purchase Cuban bonds, as they have been called, issued by Lopez, sold, doubtless, at a very large discount, and for the payment of which the public lands and public property of Cuba, of whatever kind, and the fiscal resources of the people and government of that island, from whatever source to be derived, were pledged, as well as the good faith of the government expected to be established. All these means of payment, it is evident, were only to be obtained by a process of bloodshed, war, and revolution. None will deny that those who set on foot military expeditions against foreign states by means like these are far more culpable than the ignorant and the necessitous whom they induce to go forth as the ostensible parties in the proceeding. These originators of the invasion of Cuba seem to have determined with coolness and system upon an undertaking which should disgrace their country, violate its laws, and put to hazard the lives of ill-informed and deluded men. You will consider whether further legislation be necessary to prevent the perpetration of such offenses in future. No individuals have a right to hazard the peace of the country or to violate its laws upon vague notions of altering or reforming governments in other states. This principle is not only reasonable in itself and in accordance with public law, but is ingrafted into the codes of other nations as well as our own. But while such are the sentiments of this Government, it may be added that every independent nation must be presumed to be able to defend its possessions against unauthorized individuals banded together to attack them. The Government of the United States at all times since its establishment has abstained and has sought to restrain the citizens of the country from entering into controversies between other powers, and to observe all the duties of neutrality. At an early period of the Government, in the Administration of Washington, several laws were passed for this purpose. The main provisions of these laws were reenacted by the act of April, 1818, by which, amongst other things, it was declared that-- If any person shall, within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, begin, or set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for, any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people, with whom the United States are at peace, every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall be fined not exceeding $3,000 and imprisoned not more than three years. And this law has been executed and enforced to the full extent of the power of the Government from that day to this. In proclaiming and adhering to the doctrine of neutrality and nonintervention, the United States have not followed the lead of other civilized nations; they have taken the lead themselves and have been followed by others. This was admitted by one of the most eminent of modern British statesmen, who said in Parliament, while a minister of the Crown, "that if he wished for a guide in a system of neutrality he should take that laid down by America in the days of Washington and the secretaryship of Jefferson;" and we see, in fact, that the act of Congress of 1818 was followed the succeeding year by an act of the Parliament of England substantially the same in its general provisions. Up to that time there had been no similar law in England, except certain highly penal statutes passed in the reign of George II, prohibiting English subjects from enlisting in foreign service, the avowed object of which statutes was that foreign armies, raised for the purpose of restoring the house of Stuart to the throne, should not be strengthened by recruits from England herself. All must see that difficulties may arise in carrying the laws referred to into execution in a country now having 3,000 or 4,000 miles of seacoast, with an infinite number of ports and harbors and small inlets, from some of which unlawful expeditious may suddenly set forth, without the knowledge of Government, against the possessions of foreign states. "Friendly relations with all, but entangling alliances with none," has long been a maxim with us. Our true mission is not to propagate our opinions or impose upon other countries our form of government by artifice or force, but to teach by example and show by our success, moderation, and justice the blessings of self-government and the advantages of free institutions. Let every people choose for itself and make and alter its political institutions to suit its own condition and convenience. But while we avow and maintain this neutral policy ourselves, we are anxious to see the same forbearance on the part of other nations whose forms of government are different from our own. The deep interest which we feel in the spread of liberal principles and the establishment of free governments and the sympathy with which we witness every struggle against oppression forbid that we should be indifferent to a case in which the strong arm of a foreign power is invoked to stifle public sentiment and repress the spirit of freedom in any country. The Governments of Great Britain and France have issued orders to their naval commanders on the West India station to prevent, by force if necessary, the landing of adventurers from any nation on the island of Cuba with hostile intent. The copy of a memorandum of a conversation on this subject between the charge' d'affaires of Her Britannic Majesty and the Acting Secretary of State and of a subsequent note of the former to the Department of State are herewith submitted, together with a copy of a note of the Acting Secretary of State to the minister of the French Republic and of the reply of the latter on the same subject. These papers will acquaint you with the grounds of this interposition of two leading commercial powers of Europe, and with the apprehensions, which this Government could not fail to entertain, that such interposition, if carried into effect, might lead to abuses in derogation of the maritime rights of the United States. The maritime rights of the United States are founded on a firm, secure, and well-defined basis; they stand upon the ground of national independence and public law, and will be maintained in all their full and just extent. The principle which this Government has heretofore solemnly announced it still adheres to, and will maintain under all circumstances and at all hazards. That principle is that in every regularly documented merchant vessel the crew who navigate it and those on board of it will find their protection in the flag which is over them. No American ship can be allowed to be visited or searched for the purpose of ascertaining the character of individuals on board, nor can there be allowed any watch by the vessels of any foreign nation over American vessels on the coast of the United States or the seas adjacent thereto. It will be seen by the last communication from the British charge' d'affaires to the Department of State that he is authorized to assure the Secretary of State that every care will be taken that in executing the preventive measures against the expeditions which the United States Government itself has denounced as not being entitled to the protection of any government no interference shall take place with the lawful commerce of any nation. In addition to the correspondence on this subject herewith submitted, official information has been received at the Department of State of assurances by the French Government that in the orders given to the French naval forces they were expressly instructed, in any operations they might engage in, to respect the flag of the United States wherever it might appear, and to commit no act of hostility upon any vessel or armament under its protection. Ministers and consuls of foreign nations are the means and agents of communication between us and those nations, and it is of the utmost importance that while residing in the country they should feel a perfect security so long as they faithfully discharge their respective duties and are guilty of no violation of our laws. This is the admitted law of nations and no country has a deeper interest in maintaining it than the United States. Our commerce spreads over every sea and visits every clime, and our ministers and consuls are appointed to protect the interests of that commerce as well as to guard the peace of the country and maintain the honor of its flag. But how can they discharge these duties unless they be themselves protected? And if protected it must be by the laws of the country in which they reside. And what is due to our own public functionaries residing in foreign nations is exactly the measure of what is due to the functionaries of other governments residing here. As in war the bearers of flags of truce are sacred, or else wars would be interminable, so in peace ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls, charged with friendly national intercourse, are objects of especial respect and protection, each according to the rights belonging to his rank and station. In view of these important principles, it is with deep mortification and regret I announce to you that during the excitement growing out of the executions at Havana the office of Her Catholic Majesty's consul at New Orleans was assailed by a mob, his property destroyed, the Spanish flag found in the office carried off and torn in pieces, and he himself induced to flee for his personal safety, which he supposed to be in danger. On receiving intelligence of these events I forthwith directed the attorney of the United States residing at New Orleans to inquire into the facts and the extent of the pecuniary loss sustained by the consul, with the intention of laying them before you, that you might make provision for such indemnity to him as a just regard for the honor of the nation and the respect which is due to a friendly power might, in your judgment, seem to require. The correspondence upon this subject between the Secretary of State and Her Catholic Majesty's minister plenipotentiary is herewith transmitted. The occurrence at New Orleans has led me to give my attention to the state of our laws in regard to foreign ambassadors, ministers, and consuls. I think the legislation of the country is deficient in not providing sufficiently either for the protection or the punishment of consuls. I therefore recommend the subject to the consideration of Congress. Your attention is again invited to the question of reciprocal trade between the United States and Canada and other British possessions near our frontier. Overtures for a convention upon this subject have been received from Her Britannic Majesty's minister plenipotentiary, but it seems to be in many respects preferable that the matter should be regulated by reciprocal legislation. Documents are laid before you showing the terms which the British Government is willing to offer and the measures which it may adopt if some arrangement upon this subject shall not be made. From the accompanying copy of a note from the British legation at Washington and the reply of the Department of State thereto it will appear that Her Britannic Majesty's Government is desirous that a part of the boundary line between Oregon and the British possessions should be authoritatively marked out, and that an intention was expressed to apply to Congress for an appropriation to defray the expense thereof on the part of the United States. Your attention to this subject is accordingly invited and a proper appropriation recommended. A convention for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the United States against Portugal has been concluded and the ratifications have been exchanged. The first installment of the amount to be paid by Portugal fell due on the 30th of September last and has been paid. The President of the French Republic, according to the provisions of the convention, has been selected as arbiter in the case of the General Armstrong, and has signified that he accepts the trust and the high satisfaction he feels in acting as the common friend of two nations with which France is united by sentiments of sincere and lasting amity. The Turkish Government has expressed its thanks for the kind reception given to the Sultan's agent, Amin Bey, on the occasion of his recent visit to the United States. On the 28th of February last a dispatch was addressed by the Secretary of State to Mr. Marsh, the American minister at Constantinople, instructing him to ask of the Turkish Government permission for the Hungarians then imprisoned within the dominions of the Sublime Porte to remove to this country. On the 3d of March last both Houses of Congress passed a resolution requesting the President to authorize the employment of a public vessel to convey to this country Louis Kossuth and his associates in captivity. The instruction above referred to was complied with, and the Turkish Government having released Governor Kossuth and his companions from prison, on the 10th of September last they embarked on board of the United States steam frigate Mississippi, which was selected to carry into effect the resolution of Congress. Governor Kossuth left the Mississippi at Gibraltar for the purpose of making a visit to England, and may shortly be expected in New York. By communications to the Department of State he has expressed his grateful acknowledgments for the interposition of this Government in behalf of himself and his associates. This country has been justly regarded as a safe asylum for those whom political events have exiled from their own homes in Europe. and it is recommended to Congress to consider in what manner Governor Kossuth and his companions, brought hither by its authority, shall be received and treated. It is earnestly to be hoped that the differences which have for some time past been pending between the Government of the French Republic and that of the Sandwich Islands may be peaceably and durably adjusted so as to secure the independence of those islands. Long before the events which have of late imparted so much importance to the possessions of the United States on the Pacific we acknowledged the independence of the Hawaiian Government. This Government was first in taking that step, and several of the leading powers of Europe immediately followed. We were influenced in this measure by the existing and prospective importance of the islands as a place of refuge and refreshment for our vessels engaged in the whale fishery, and by the consideration that they lie in the course of the great trade which must at no distant day be carried on between the western coast of North America and eastern Asia. We were also influenced by a desire that those islands should not pass under the control of any other great maritime state, but should remain in an independent condition, and so be accessible and useful to the commerce of all nations. I need not say that the importance of these considerations has been greatly enhanced by the sudden and vast development which the interests of the United States have attained in California and Oregon, and the policy heretofore adopted in regard to those islands will be steadily pursued. It is gratifying, not only to those who consider the commercial interests of nations, but also to all who favor the progress of knowledge and the diffusion of religion, to see a community emerge from a savage state and attain such a degree of civilization in those distant seas. It is much to be deplored that the internal tranquillity of the Mexican Republic should again be seriously disturbed, for since the peace between that Republic and the United States it had enjoyed such comparative repose that the most favorable anticipations for the future might with a degree of confidence have been indulged. These, however, have been thwarted by the recent outbreak in the State of Tamaulipas, on the right bank of the Rio Bravo. Having received information that persons from the United States had taken part in the insurrection, and apprehending that their example might be followed by others, I caused orders to be issued for the purpose of preventing any hostile expeditions against Mexico from being set on foot in violation of the laws of the United States. I likewise issued a proclamation upon the subject, a copy of which is herewith laid before you. This appeared to be rendered imperative by the obligations of treaties and the general duties of good neighborhood. In my last annual message I informed Congress that citizens of the United States had undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, under a grant of the Mexican Government to a citizen of that Republic, and that this enterprise would probably be prosecuted with energy whenever Mexico should consent to such stipulations with the Government of the United States as should impart a feeling of security to those who should invest their property in the enterprise. A convention between the two Governments for the accomplishment of that end has been ratified by this Government, and only awaits the decision of the Congress and the Executive of that Republic. Some unexpected difficulties and delays have arisen in the ratification of that convention by Mexico, but it is to be presumed that her decision will be governed by just and enlightened views, as well of the general importance of the object as of her own interests and obligations. In negotiating upon this important subject this Government has had in view one, and only one, object. That object has been, and is, the construction or attainment of a passage from ocean to ocean, the shortest and the best for travelers and merchandise, and equally open to all the world. It has sought to obtain no territorial acquisition, nor any advantages peculiar to itself; and it would see with the greatest regret that Mexico should oppose any obstacle to the accomplishment of an enterprise which promises so much convenience to the whole commercial world and such eminent advantages to Mexico herself. Impressed with these sentiments and these convictions, the Government will continue to exert all proper efforts to bring about the necessary arrangement with the Republic of Mexico for the speedy completion of the work. For some months past the Republic of Nicaragua has been the theater of one of those civil convulsions from which the because of free institutions and the general prosperity and social progress of the States of Central America have so often and so severely suffered. Until quiet shall have been restored and a government apparently stable shall have been organized, no advance can prudently be made in disposing of the questions pending between the two countries. I am happy to announce that an interoceanic communication from the mouth of the St. John to the Pacific has been so far accomplished as that passengers have actually traversed it and merchandise has been transported over it, and when the canal shall have been completed according to the original plan the means of communication will be further improved. It is understood that a considerable part of the railroad across the Isthmus of Panama has been completed, and that the mail and passengers will in future be conveyed thereon. Whichever of the several routes between the two oceans may ultimately prove most eligible for travelers to and from the different States on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and our coast on the Pacific, there is little reason to doubt that all of them will be useful to the public, and will liberally reward that individual enterprise by which alone they have been or are expected to be carried into effect. Peace has been concluded between the contending parties in the island of St. Domingo, and, it is hoped, upon a durable basis. Such is the extent of our commercial relations with that island that the United States can not fail to feel a strong interest in its tranquillity. The office of commissioner to China remains unfilled. Several persons have been appointed, and the place has been offered to others, all of whom have declined its acceptance on the ground of the inadequacy of the compensation. The annual allowance by law is $6,000, and there is no provision for any outfit. I earnestly recommend the consideration of this subject to Congress. Our commerce with China is highly important, and is becoming more and more so in consequence of the increasing intercourse between our ports on the Pacific Coast and eastern Asia. China is understood to be a country in which living is very expensive, and I know of no reason why the American commissioner sent thither should not be placed, in regard to compensation, on an equal footing with ministers who represent this country at the Courts of Europe. By reference to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury it will be seen that the aggregate receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to $52,312,979.87, which, with the balance in the Treasury on the 1st July, 1850, gave as the available means for the year the sum of $58,917,524.36. The total expenditures for the same period were $48,005,878.68. The total imports for the year ending June 30, 1851, were $215,725,995, of which there were in specie $4,967,901. The exports for the same period were $217,517,130, of which there were of domestic products $178,546,555; foreign goods reexported, $9,738,695; specie, $29,231,880. Since the 1st of December last the payments in cash on account of the public debt, exclusive of interest, have amounted to $7,501,456.56, which, however, includes the sum of $3,242,400, paid under the twelfth article of the treaty with Mexico, and the further sum of $2,591,213.45, being the amount of awards to American citizens under the late treaty with Mexico, for which the issue of stock was authorized, but which was paid in cash from the Treasury. The public debt on the 20th ultimo, exclusive of the stock authorized to be issued to Texas by the act of 9th September, 1850, was $62,560,395.26. The receipts for the next fiscal year are estimated at $51,800,000, which, with the probable unappropriated balance in the Treasury on the 30th June next, will give as the probable available means for that year the sum of $63,258,743.09. It has been deemed proper, in view of the large expenditures consequent upon the acquisition of territory from Mexico, that the estimates for the next fiscal year should be laid before Congress in such manner as to distinguish the expenditures so required from the otherwise ordinary demands upon the Treasury. The total expenditures for the next fiscal year are estimated at $42,892,299.19, of which there is required for the ordinary purposes of the Government, other than those consequent upon the acquisition of our new territories, and deducting the payments on account of the public debt, the sum of $33,343,198.08, and for the purposes connected, directly or indirectly, with those territories and in the fulfillment of the obligations of the Government contracted in consequence of their acquisition the sum of $9,549,101.11. If the views of the Secretary of the Treasury in reference to the expenditures required for these territories shall be met by corresponding action on the part of Congress, and appropriations made in accordance therewith, there will be an estimated unappropriated balance in the Treasury on the 30th June, 1853, of $20,366,443.90 wherewith to meet that portion of the public debt due on the 1st of July following, amounting to $6,237,931.35, as well as any appropriations which may be made beyond the estimates. In thus referring to the estimated expenditures on account of our newly acquired territories, I may express the hope that Congress will concur with me in the desire that a liberal course of policy may be pursued toward them, and that every obligation, express or implied, entered into in consequence of their acquisition shall be fulfilled by the most liberal appropriations for that purpose. The values of our domestic exports for the last fiscal year, as compared with those of the previous year, exhibit an increase of $43,646,322. At first view this condition of our trade with foreign nations would seem to present the most flattering hopes of its future prosperity. An examination of the details of our exports, however, will show that the increased value of our exports for the last fiscal year is to be found in the high price of cotton which prevailed during the first half of that year, which price has since declined about one-half. The value of our exports of breadstuffs and provisions, which it was supposed the incentive of a low tariff and large importations from abroad would have greatly augmented, has fallen from $68,701,921 in 1847 to $26,051,373 in 1850 and to $21,948,653 in 1851, with a strong probability, amounting almost to a certainty, of a still further reduction in the current year. The aggregate values of rice exported during the last fiscal year, as compared with the previous year, also exhibit a decrease, amounting to $460,917, which, with a decline in the values of the exports of tobacco for the same period, make an aggregate decrease in these two articles of $1,156,751. The policy which dictated a low rate of duties on foreign merchandise, it was thought by those who promoted and established it, would tend to benefit the farming population of this country by increasing the demand and raising the price of agricultural products in foreign markets. The foregoing facts, however, seem to show incontestably that no such result has followed the adoption of this policy. On the contrary, notwithstanding the repeal of the restrictive corn laws in England, the foreign demand for the products of the American farmer has steadily declined, since the short crops and consequent famine in a portion of Europe have been happily replaced by full crops and comparative abundance of food. It will be seen by recurring to the commercial statistics for the past year that the value of our domestic exports has been increased in the single item of raw cotton by $40,000,000 over the value of that export for the year preceding. This is not due to any increased general demand for that article, but to the short crop of the preceding year, which created an increased demand and an augmented price for the crop of last year. Should the cotton crop now going forward to market be only equal in quantity to that of the year preceding and be sold at the present prices, then there would be a falling off in the value of our exports for the present fiscal year of at least $40,000,000 compared with the amount exported for the year ending 30th June, 1851. The production of gold in California for the past year seems to promise a large supply of that metal from that quarter for some time to come. This large annual increase of the currency of the world must be attended with its usual results. These have been already partially disclosed in the enhancement of prices and a rising spirit of speculation and adventure, tending to overtrading, as well at home as abroad. Unless some salutary check shall be given to these tendencies it is to be feared that importations of foreign goods beyond a healthy demand in this country will lead to a sudden drain of the precious metals from us, bringing with it, as it has done in former times, the most disastrous consequences to the business and capital of the American people. The exports of specie to liquidate our foreign debt during the past fiscal year have been $24,963,979 over the amount of specie imported. The exports of specie during the first quarter of the present fiscal year have been $14,651,827. Should specie continue to be exported at this rate for the remaining three quarters of this year, it will drain from our metallic currency during the year ending 30th June, 1852, the enormous amount of $58,607,308. In the present prosperous condition of the national finances it will become the duty of Congress to consider the best mode of paying off the public debt. If the present and anticipated surplus in the Treasury should not be absorbed by appropriations of an extraordinary character, this surplus should be employed in such way and under such restrictions as Congress may enact in extinguishing the outstanding debt of the nation. By reference to the act of Congress approved 9th September, 1850, it will be seen that, in consideration of certain concessions by the State of Texas, it is provided that-- The United States shall pay to the State of Texas the sum of $10,000,000 in a stock bearing 5 per cent interest and redeemable at the end of fourteen years, the interest payable half-yearly at the Treasury of the United States. In the same section of the law it is further provided-- That no more than five millions of said stock shall be issued until the creditors of the State holding bonds and other certificates of stock of Texas, for which duties on imports were specially pledged, shall first file at the Treasury of the United States releases of all claims against the United States for or on account of said bonds or certificates, in such form as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved by the President of the United States. The form of release thus provided for has been prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved. It has been published in all the leading newspapers in the commercial cities of the United States, and all persons holding claims of the kind specified in the foregoing proviso were required to file their releases (in the form thus prescribed) in the Treasury of the United States on or before the 1st day of October, 1851. Although this publication has been continued from the 25th day of March, 1851, yet up to the 1st of October last comparatively few releases had been filed by the creditors of Texas. The authorities of the State of Texas, at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, have furnished a schedule of the public debt of that State created prior to her admission into the Union, with a copy of the laws under which each class was contracted. I have, from the documents furnished by the State of Texas, determined the classes of claims which in my judgment fall within the provisions of the act of Congress of the 9th of September, 1850. On being officially informed of the acceptance by Texas of the propositions contained in the act referred to I caused the stock to be prepared, and the five millions which are to be issued unconditionally, bearing an interest of 5 per cent from the 1st day of January, 1851, have been for some time ready to be delivered to the State of Texas. The authorities of Texas up to the present time have not authorized anyone to receive this stock, and it remains in the Treasury Department subject to the order of Texas. The releases required by law to be deposited in the Treasury not having been filed there, the remaining five millions have not been issued. This last amount of the stock will be withheld from Texas until the conditions upon which it is to be delivered shall be complied with by the creditors of that State, unless Congress shall otherwise direct by a modification of the law. In my last annual message, to which I respectfully refer, I stated briefly the reasons which induced me to recommend a modification of the present tariff by converting the ad valorem into a specific duty wherever the article imported was of such a character as to permit it, and that such a discrimination should be made in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition. The numerous frauds which continue to be practiced upon the revenue by false invoices and undervaluations constitute an unanswerable reason for adopting specific instead of ad valorem duties in all cases where the nature of the commodity does not forbid it. A striking illustration of these frauds will be exhibited in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing the custom-house valuation of articles imported under a former law, subject to specific duties, when there was no inducement to undervaluation, and the custom-house valuations of the same articles under the present system of ad valorem duties, so greatly reduced as to leave no doubt of the existence of the most flagrant abuses under the existing laws. This practical evasion of the present law, combined with the languishing condition of some of the great interests of the country, caused by over importations and consequent depressed prices, and with the failure in obtaining a foreign market for our increasing surplus of breadstuffs and provisions, has induced me again to recommend a modification of the existing tariff. The report of the Secretary of the Interior, which accompanies this communication, will present a condensed statement of the operations of that important Department of the Government. It will be seen that the cash sales of the public lands exceed those of the preceding year, and that there is reason to anticipate a still further increase, notwithstanding the large donations which have been made to many of the States and the liberal grants to individuals as a reward for military services. This fact furnishes very gratifying evidence of the growing wealth and prosperity of our country. Suitable measures have been adopted for commencing the survey of the public lands in California and Oregon. Surveying parties have been organized and some progress has been made in establishing the principal base and meridian lines. But further legislation and additional appropriations will be necessary before the proper subdivisions can be made and the general land system extended over those remote parts of our territory. On the 3d of March last an act was passed providing for the appointment of three commissioners to settle private land claims in California. Three persons were immediately appointed, all of whom, however, declined accepting the office in consequence of the inadequacy of the compensation. Others were promptly selected, who for the same reason also declined, and it was not until late in the season that the services of suitable persons could be secured. A majority of the commissioners convened in this city on the 10th of September last, when detailed instructions were given to them in regard to their duties. Their first meeting for the transaction of business will be held in San Francisco on the 8th day of the present month. I have thought it proper to refer to these facts, not only to explain the causes of the delay in filling the commission, but to call your attention to the propriety of increasing the compensation of the commissioners. The office is one of great labor and responsibility, and the compensation should be such as to command men of a high order of talents and the most unquestionable integrity. The proper disposal of the mineral lands of California is a subject surrounded by great difficulties. In my last annual message I recommended the survey and sale of them in small parcels under such restrictions as would effectually guard against monopoly and speculation; but upon further information, and in deference to the opinions of persons familiar with the subject, I am inclined to change that recommendation and to advise that they be permitted to remain as at present, a common field, open to the enterprise and industry of all our citizens, until further experience shall have developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted in regard to them. It is safer to suffer the inconveniences that now exist for a short period than by premature legislation to fasten on the country a system founded in error, which may place the whole subject beyond the future control of Congress. The agricultural lands should, however, be surveyed and brought into market with as little delay as possible, that the titles may become settled and the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent improvements and enter on the ordinary pursuits of life. To effect these objects it is desirable that the necessary provision be made by law for the establishment of land offices in California and Oregon and for the efficient prosecution of the surveys at an early day. Some difficulties have occurred in organizing the Territorial governments of New Mexico and Utah, and when more accurate information shall be obtained of the causes a further communication will be made on that subject. In my last annual communication to Congress I recommended the establishment of an agricultural bureau, and I take this occasion again to invoke your favorable consideration of the subject. Agriculture may justly be regarded as the great interest of our people. Four-fifths of our active population are employed in the cultivation of the soil, and the rapid expansion of our settlements over new territory is daily adding to the number of those engaged in that vocation. Justice and sound policy, therefore, alike require that the Government should use all the means authorized by the Constitution to promote the interests and welfare of that important class of our fellow-citizens. And yet it is a singular fact that whilst the manufacturing and commercial interests have engaged the attention of Congress during a large portion of every session and our statutes abound in provisions for their protection and encouragement, little has yet been done directly for the advancement of agriculture. It is time that this reproach to our legislation should be removed, and I sincerely hope that the present Congress will not close their labors without adopting efficient means to supply the omissions of those who have preceded them. An agricultural bureau, charged with the duty of collecting and disseminating correct information as to the best modes of cultivation and of the most effectual means of preserving and restoring the fertility of the soil and of procuring and distributing seeds and plants and other vegetable productions, with instructions in regard to the soil, climate, and treatment best adapted to their growth, could not fail to be, in the language of Washington in his last annual message to Congress, a "very cheap instrument of immense national benefit." Regarding the act of Congress approved 28th September, 1850, granting bounty lands to persons who had been engaged in the military service of the country, as a great measure of national justice and munificence, an anxious desire has been felt by the officers intrusted with its immediate execution to give prompt effect to its provisions. All the means within their control were therefore brought into requisition to expedite the adjudication of claims, and I am gratified to be able to state that near 100,000 applications have been considered and about 70,000 warrants issued within the short space of nine months. If adequate provision be made by law to carry into effect the recommendations of the Department, it is confidently expected that before the close of the next fiscal year all who are entitled to the benefits of the act will have received their warrants. The Secretary of the Interior has suggested in his report various amendments of the laws relating to pensions and bounty lands for the purpose of more effectually guarding against abuses and frauds on the Government, to all of which I invite your particular attention. The large accessions to our Indian population consequent upon the acquisition of New Mexico and California and the extension of our settlements into Utah and Oregon have given increased interest and importance to our relations with the aboriginal race. No material change has taken place within the last year in the condition and prospects of the Indian tribes who reside in the Northwestern Territory and west of the Mississippi River. We are at peace with all of them, and it will be a source of pleasure to you to learn that they are gradually advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social life. Along the Mexican frontier and in California and Oregon there have been occasional manifestations of unfriendly feeling and some depredations committed. I am satisfied, however, that they resulted more from the destitute and starving condition of the Indians than from any settled hostility toward the whites. As the settlements of our citizens progress toward them, the game, upon which they mainly rely for subsistence, is driven off or destroyed, and the only alternative left to them is starvation or plunder. It becomes us to consider, in view of this condition of things, whether justice and humanity, as well as an enlightened economy, do not require that instead of seeking to punish them for offenses which are the result of our own policy toward them we should not provide for their immediate wants and encourage them to engage in agriculture and to rely on their labor instead of the chase for the means of support. Various important treaties have been negotiated with different tribes during the year, by which their title to large and valuable tracts of country has been extinguished, all of which will at the proper time be submitted to the Senate for ratification. The joint commission under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo has been actively engaged in running and marking the boundary line between the United States and Mexico. It was stated in the last annual report of the Secretary of the Interior that the initial point on the Pacific and the point of junction of the Gila with the Colorado River had been determined and the intervening line, about 150 miles in length, run and marked by temporary monuments. Since that time a monument of marble has been erected at the initial point, and permanent landmarks of iron have been placed at suitable distances along the line. The initial point on the Rio Grande has also been fixed by the commissioners, at latitude 32 degrees 22', and at the date of the last communication the survey of the line had been made thence westward about 150 miles to the neighborhood of the copper mines. The commission on our part was at first organized on a scale which experience proved to be unwieldy and attended with unnecessary expense. Orders have therefore been issued for the reduction of the number of persons employed within the smallest limits consistent with the safety of those engaged in the service and the prompt and efficient execution of their important duties. Returns have been received from all the officers engaged in taking the census in the States and Territories except California. The superintendent employed to make the enumeration in that State has not yet made his full report, from causes, as he alleges, beyond his control. This failure is much to be regretted, as it has prevented the Secretary of the Interior from making the decennial apportionment of Representatives among the States, as required by the act approved May 23, 1850. It is hoped, however, that the returns will soon be received, and no time will then be lost in making the necessary apportionment and in transmitting the certificates required by law. The Superintendent of the Seventh Census is diligently employed, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in classifying and arranging in tabular form all the statistical information derived from the returns of the marshals, and it is believed that when the work shall be completed it will exhibit a more perfect view of the population, wealth, occupations, and social condition of a great country than has ever been presented to the world. The value of such a work as the basis of enlightened legislation can hardly be overestimated, and I earnestly hope that Congress will lose no time in making the appropriations necessary to complete the classifications and to publish the results in a style worthy of the subject and of our national character. The want of a uniform fee bill, prescribing the compensation to be allowed district attorneys, clerks, marshals, and commissioners in civil and criminal cases, is the because of much vexation, injustice, and complaint. I would recommend a thorough revision of the laws on the whole subject and the adoption of a tariff of fees which, as far as practicable, should be uniform, and prescribe a specific compensation for every service which the officer may be required to perform. This subject will be fully presented in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. In my last annual message I gave briefly my reasons for believing that you possessed the constitutional power to improve the harbors of our Great Lakes and seacoast and the navigation of our principal rivers, and recommended that appropriations should be made for completing such works as had already been commenced and for commencing such others as might seem to the wisdom of Congress to be of public and general importance. Without repeating the reasons then urged, I deem it my duty again to call your attention to this important subject. The works on many of the harbors were left in an unfinished state, and consequently exposed to the action of the elements, which is fast destroying them. Great numbers of lives and vast amounts of property are annually lost for want of safe and convenient harbors on the Lakes. None but those who have been exposed to that dangerous navigation can fully appreciate the importance of this subject. The whole Northwest appeals to you for relief, and I trust their appeal will receive due consideration at your hands. The same is in a measure true in regard to some of the harbors and inlets on the seacoast. The unobstructed navigation of our large rivers is of equal importance. Our settlements are now extending to the sources of the great rivers which empty into and form a part of the Mississippi, and the value of the public lands in those regions would be greatly enhanced by freeing the navigation of those waters from obstructions. In view, therefore, of this great interest, I deem it my duty again to urge upon Congress to make such appropriations for these improvements as they may deem necessary. The surveys of the Delta of the Mississippi, with a view to the prevention of the overflows that have proved so disastrous to that region of country, have been nearly completed, and the reports thereof are now in course of preparation and will shortly be laid before you. The protection of our southwestern frontier and of the adjacent Mexican States against the Indian tribes within our border has claimed my earnest and constant attention. Congress having failed at the last session to adopt my recommendation that an additional regiment of mounted men specially adapted to that service should be raised, all that remained to be done was to make the best use of the means at my disposal. Accordingly, all the troops adapted to that service that could properly be spared from other quarters have been concentrated on that frontier and officers of high reputation selected to command them. A new arrangement of the military posts has also been made, whereby the troops are brought nearer to the Mexican frontier and to the tribes they are intended to overawe. Sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realize all the benefits that are expected to result from these arrangements, but I have every reason to hope that they will effectually check their marauding expeditions. The nature of the country, which furnishes little for the support of an army and abounds in places of refuge and concealment, is remarkably well adapted to this predatory warfare, and we can scarcely hope that any military force, combined with the greatest vigilance, can entirely suppress it. By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo we are bound to protect the territory of Mexico against the incursions of the savage tribes within our border "with equal diligence and energy" as if the same were made within our territory or against our citizens. I have endeavored to comply as far as possible with this provision of the treaty. Orders have been given to the officers commanding on that frontier to consider the Mexican territory and its inhabitants as equally with our own entitled to their protection, and to make all their plans and arrangements with a view to the attainment of this object. Instructions have also been given to the Indian commissioners and agents among these tribes in all treaties to make the clauses designed for the protection of our own citizens apply also to those of Mexico. I have no reason to doubt that these instructions have been fully carried into effect; nevertheless, it is probable that in spite of all our efforts some of the neighboring States of Mexico may have suffered, as our own have, from depredations by the Indians. To the difficulties of defending our own territory, as above mentioned, are superadded, in defending that of Mexico, those that arise from its remoteness, from the fact that we have no right to station our troops within her limits and that there is no efficient military force on the Mexican side to cooperate with our own. So long as this shall continue to be the case the number and activity of our troops will rather increase than diminish the evil, as the Indians will naturally turn toward that country where they encounter the least resistance. Yet these troops are necessary to subdue them and to compel them to make and observe treaties. Until this shall have been done neither country will enjoy any security from their attacks. The Indians in California, who had previously appeared of a peaceable character and disposed to cultivate the friendship of the whites, have recently committed several acts of hostility. As a large portion of the reenforcements sent to the Mexican frontier were drawn from the Pacific, the military force now stationed there is considered entirely inadequate to its defense. It can not be increased, however, without an increase of the Army, and I again recommend that measure as indispensable to the protection of the frontier. I invite your attention to the suggestions on this subject and on others connected with his Department in the report of the Secretary of War. The appropriations for the support of the Army during the current fiscal year ending 30th June next were reduced far below the estimate submitted by the Department. The consequence of this reduction is a considerable deficiency, to which I invite your early attention. The expenditures of that Department for the year ending 30th June last were $9,060,268.58, The estimates for the year commencing 1st July next and ending June 30, 1853, are $7,898,775.83, showing a reductions of $1,161,492.75, The board of commissioners to whom the management of the affairs of the military asylum created by the act of 3d March last was intrusted have selected a site for the establishment of an asylum in the vicinity of this city, which has been approved by me subject to the production of a satisfactory title. The report of the Secretary of the Navy will exhibit the condition of the public service under the supervision of that Department. Our naval force afloat during the present year has been actively and usefully employed in giving protection to our widely extended and increasing commerce and interests in the various quarters of the globe, and our flag has everywhere afforded the security and received the respect inspired by the justice and liberality of our intercourse and the dignity and power of the nation. The expedition commanded by Lieutenant De Haven, dispatched in search of the British commander Sir John Franklin and his companions in the Arctic Seas, returned to New York in the month of October, after having undergone great peril and suffering from an unknown and dangerous navigation and the rigors of a northern climate, without any satisfactory information of the objects of their search, but with new contributions to science and navigation from the unfrequented polar regions. The officers and men of the expedition having been all volunteers for this service and having so conducted it as to meet the entire approbation of the Government, it is suggested, as an act of grace and generosity, that the same allowance of extra pay and emoluments be extended to them that were made to the officers and men of like rating in the late exploring expedition to the South Seas. I earnestly recommend to your attention the necessity of reorganizing the naval establishment, apportioning and fixing the number of officers in each grade, providing some mode of promotion to the higher grades of the Navy having reference to merit and capacity rather than seniority or date of entry into the service, and for retiring from the effective list upon reduced pay those who may be incompetent to the performance of active duty. As a measure of economy, as well as of efficiency, in this arm of the service, the provision last mentioned is eminently worthy of your consideration. The determination of the questions of relative rank between the sea officers and civil officers of the Navy, and between officers of the Army and Navy, in the various grades of each, will also merit your attention. The failure to provide any substitute when corporal punishment was abolished for offenses in the Navy has occasioned the convening of numerous courts-martial upon the arrival of vessels in port, and is believed to have had an injurious effect upon the discipline and efficiency of the service. To moderate punishment from one grade to another is among the humane reforms of the age, but to abolish one of severity, which applied so generally to offenses on shipboard, and provide nothing in its stead is to suppose a progress of improvement in every individual among seamen which is not assumed by the Legislature in respect to any other class of men. It is hoped that Congress, in the ample opportunity afforded by the present session, will thoroughly investigate this important subject, and establish such modes of determining guilt and such gradations of punishment as are consistent with humanity and the personal rights of individuals, and at the same time shall insure the most energetic and efficient performance of duty and the suppression of crime in our ships of war. The stone dock in the navy-yard at New York, which was ten years in process of construction, has been so far finished as to be surrendered up to the authorities of the yard. The dry dock at Philadelphia is reported as completed, and is expected soon to be tested and delivered over to the agents of the Government. That at Portsmouth, N. H., is also nearly ready for delivery; and a contract has been concluded, agreeably to the act of Congress at its last session, for a floating sectional dock on the Bay of San Francisco. I invite your attention to the recommendation of the Department touching the establishment of a navy-yard in conjunction with this dock on the Pacific. Such a station is highly necessary to the convenience and effectiveness of our fleet in that ocean, which must be expected to increase with the growth of commerce and the rapid extension of our whale fisheries over its waters. The Naval Academy at Annapolis, under a revised and improved system of regulations, now affords opportunities of education and instruction to the pupils quite equal, it is believed, for professional improvement, to those enjoyed by the cadets in the Military Academy. A large class of acting midshipmen was received at the commencement of the last academic term, and a practice ship has been attached to the institution to afford the amplest means for regular instruction in seamanship, as well as for cruises during the vacations of three or four months in each year. The advantages of science in nautical affairs have rarely been more strikingly illustrated than in the fact, stated in the report of the Navy Department, that by means of the wind and current charts projected and prepared by Lieutenant Maury, the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory, the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific ports of our country has been shortened by about forty days. The estimates for the support of the Navy and Marine Corps the ensuing fiscal year will be found to be $5,856,472.19, the estimates for the current year being $5,900,621. The estimates for special objects under the control of this Department amount to $2,684,220.89, against $2,210,980 for the present year, the increase being occasioned by the additional mail service on the Pacific Coast and the construction of the dock in California, authorized at the last session of Congress, and some slight additions under the head of improvements and repairs in navy-yards, buildings, and machinery. I deem it of much importance to a just economy and a correct understanding of naval expenditures that there should be an entire separation of the appropriations for the support of the naval service proper from those for permanent improvements at navy-yards and stations and from ocean steam mail service and other special objects assigned to the supervision of this Department. The report of the Postmaster-General, herewith communicated, presents an interesting view of the progress, operations, and condition of his Department. At the close of the last fiscal year the length of mail routes within the United States was 196,290 miles, the annual transportation thereon 53,272,252 miles, and the annual cost of such transportation $3,421,754. The length of the foreign mail routes is estimated at 18,349 miles and the annual transportation thereon at 615,206 miles. The annual cost of this service is $1,472,187, of which $448,937 are paid by the Post-Office Department and $1,023,250 are paid through the Navy Department. The annual transportation within the United States, excluding the service in California and Oregon, which is now for the first time reported and embraced in the tabular statements of the Department, exceeds that of the preceding year 6,162,855 miles, at an increased cost of $547,110. The whole number of post-offices in the United States on the 30th day of June last was 19,796. There were 1,698 post-offices established and 256 discontinued during the year. The gross revenues of the Department for the fiscal year, including the appropriations for the franked matter of Congress, of the Departments, and officers of Government, and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British post-office, amounted to $6,727,866.78. The expenditures for the same period, excluding $20,599.49, paid under an award of the Auditor, in pursuance of a resolution of the last Congress, for mail service on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in 1832 and 1833, and the amount paid to the British post-office for foreign postages collected for and payable to that office, amounted to $6,024,566.79, leaving a balance of revenue over the proper expenditures of the year of $703,299.99. The receipts for postages during the year, excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the British post-office, amounted to $6,345,747.21, being an increase of $997,610.79, or 18.65 per cent, over the like receipts for the preceding year. The reduction of postage under the act of March last did not take effect until the commencement of the present fiscal year. The accounts for the first quarter under the operation of the reduced rates will not be settled before January next, and no reliable estimate of the receipts for the present year can yet be made. It is believed, however, that they will fall far short of those of the last year. The surplus of the revenues now on hand is, however, so large that no further appropriation from the Treasury in aid of the revenues of the Department is required for the current fiscal year, but an additional appropriation for the year ending June 30, 1853, will probably be found necessary when the receipts of the first two quarters of the fiscal year are fully ascertained. In his last annual report the Postmaster-General recommended a reduction of postage to rates which he deemed as low as could be prudently adopted unless Congress was prepared to appropriate from the Treasury for the support of the Department a sum more than equivalent to the mail services performed by it for the Government. The recommendations of the Postmaster-General in respect to letter postage, except on letters from and to California and Oregon, were substantially adopted by the last Congress. He now recommends adherence to the present letter rates and advises against a further reduction until justified by the revenue of the Department. He also recommends that the rates of postage on printed matter be so revised as to render them more simple and more uniform in their operation upon all classes of printed matter. I submit the recommendations of the report to your favorable consideration. The public statutes of the United States have now been accumulating for more than sixty years, and, interspersed with private acts, are scattered through numerous volumes, and, from the cost of the whole, have become almost inaccessible to the great mass of the community. They also exhibit much of the incongruity and imperfection of hasty legislation. As it seems to be generally conceded that there is no "common law" of the United States to supply the defects of their legislation, it is most important that that legislation should be as perfect as possible, defining every power intended to be conferred, every crime intended to be made punishable, and prescribing the punishment to be inflicted. In addition to some particular cases spoken of more at length, the whole criminal code is now lamentably defective. Some offenses are imperfectly described and others are entirely omitted, so that flagrant crimes may be committed with impunity. The scale of punishment is not in all cases graduated according to the degree and nature of the offense, and is often rendered more unequal by the different modes of imprisonment or penitentiary confinement in the different States. Many laws of a permanent character have been introduced into appropriation bills, and it is often difficult to determine whether the particular clause expires with the temporary act of which it is a part or continues in force. It has also frequently happened that enactments and provisions of law have been introduced into bills with the title or general subject of which they have little or no connection or relation. In this mode of legislation so many enactments have been heaped upon each other, and often with but little consideration, that in many instances it is difficult to search out and determine what is the law. The Government of the United States is emphatically a government of written laws. The statutes should therefore, as far as practicable, not only be made accessible to all, but be expressed in language so plain and simple as to be understood by all and arranged in such method as to give perspicuity to every subject. Many of the States have revised their public acts with great and manifest benefit, and I recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to revise the public statutes of the United States, arranging them in order, supplying deficiencies, correcting incongruities, simplifying their language, and reporting them to Congress for its action. An act of Congress approved 30th September, 1850, contained a provision for the extension of the Capitol according to such plan as might be approved by the President, and appropriated $100,000 to be expended under his direction by such architect as he should appoint to execute the same. On examining the various plans which had been submitted by different architects in pursuance of an advertisement by a committee of the Senate no one was found to be entirely satisfactory, and it was therefore deemed advisable to combine and adopt the advantages of several. The great object to be accomplished was to make such an addition as would afford ample and convenient halls for the deliberations of the two Houses of Congress, with sufficient accommodations for spectators and suitable apartments for the committees and officers of the two branches of the Legislature. It was also desirable not to mar the harmony and beauty of the present structure, which, as a specimen of architecture, is so universally admired. Keeping these objects in view, I concluded to make the addition by wings, detached from the present building, yet connected with it by corridors. This mode of enlargement will leave the present Capitol uninjured and afford great advantages for ventilation and the admission of light, and will enable the work to progress without interrupting the deliberations of Congress. To carry this plan into effect I have appointed an experienced and competent architect. The corner stone was laid on the 4th day of July last with suitable ceremonies, since which time the work has advanced with commendable rapidity, and the foundations of both wings are now nearly complete. I again commend to your favorable regard the interests of the District of Columbia, and deem it only necessary to remind you that although its inhabitants have no voice in the choice of Representatives in Congress, they are not the less entitled to a just and liberal consideration in your legislation. My opinions on this subject were more fully expressed in my last annual communication. Other subjects were brought to the attention of Congress in my last annual message, to which I would respectfully refer. But there was one of more than ordinary interest, to which I again invite your special attention. I allude to the recommendation for the appointment of a commission to settle private claims against the United States. Justice to individuals, as well as to the Government, imperatively demands that some more convenient and expeditious mode than an appeal to Congress should be adopted. It is deeply to be regretted that in several instances officers of the Government, in attempting to execute the law for the return of fugitives from labor, have been openly resisted and their efforts frustrated and defeated by lawless and violent mobs; that in one case such resistance resulted in the death of an estimable citizen, and in others serious injury ensued to those officers and to individuals who were using their endeavors to sustain the laws. Prosecutions have been instituted against the alleged offenders so far as they could be identified, and are still pending. I have regarded it as my duty in these cases to give all aid legally in my power to the enforcement of the laws, and I shall continue to do so wherever and whenever their execution may be resisted. The act of Congress for the return of fugitives from labor is one required and demanded by the express words of the Constitution. The Constitution declares that-- No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. This constitutional provision is equally obligatory upon the legislative, the executive, and judicial departments of the Government, and upon every citizen of the United States. Congress, however, must from necessity first act upon the subject by prescribing the proceedings necessary to ascertain that the person is a fugitive and the means to be used for his restoration to the claimant. This was done by an act passed during the first term of President Washington, which was amended by that enacted by the last Congress, and it now remains for the executive and judicial departments to take care that these laws be faithfully executed. This injunction of the Constitution is as peremptory and as binding as any other; it stands exactly on the same foundation as that clause which provides for the return of fugitives from justice, or that which declares that no bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed, or that which provides for an equality of taxation according to the census, or the clause declaring that all duties shall be uniform throughout the United States, or the important provision that the trial of all crimes shall be by jury. These several articles and clauses of the Constitution, all resting on the same authority, must stand or fall together. Some objections have been urged against the details of the act for the return of fugitives from labor, but it is worthy of remark that the main opposition is aimed against the Constitution itself, and proceeds from persons and classes of persons many of whom declare their wish to see that Constitution overturned. They avow their hostility to any law which shall give full and practical effect to this requirement of the Constitution. Fortunately, the number of these persons is comparatively small, and is believed to be daily diminishing; but the issue which they present is one which involves the supremacy and even the existence of the Constitution. Cases have heretofore arisen in which individuals have denied the binding authority of acts of Congress, and even States have proposed to nullify such acts upon the ground that the Constitution was the supreme law of the land, and that those acts of Congress were repugnant to that instrument; but nullification is now aimed not so much against particular laws as being inconsistent with the Constitution as against the Constitution itself, and it is not to be disguised that a spirit exists, and has been actively at work, to rend asunder this Union, which is our cherished inheritance from our Revolutionary fathers. In my last annual message I stated that I considered the series of measures which had been adopted at the previous session in reference to the agitation growing out of the Territorial and slavery questions as a final settlement in principle and substance of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced, and I recommended adherence to the adjustment established by those measures until time and experience should demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse. I was not induced to make this recommendation because I thought those measures perfect, for no human legislation can be perfect. Wide differences and jarring opinions can only be reconciled by yielding something on all sides, and this result had been reached after an angry conflict of many months, in which one part of the country was arrayed against another, and violent convulsion seemed to be imminent. Looking at the interests of the whole country, I felt it to be my duty to seize upon this compromise as the best that could be obtained amid conflicting interests and to insist upon it as a final settlement, to be adhered to by all who value the peace and welfare of the country. A year has now elapsed since that recommendation was made. To that recommendation I still adhere, and I congratulate you and the country upon the general acquiescence in these measures of peace which has been exhibited in all parts of the Republic. And not only is there this general acquiescence in these measures, but the spirit of conciliation which has been manifested in regard to them in all parts of the country has removed doubts and uncertainties in the minds of thousands of good men concerning the durability of our popular institutions and given renewed assurance that our liberty and our Union may subsist together for the benefit of this and all succeeding generations.
i congratulate you and our common constituency upon the favorable auspices under which you meet for your first session our country is at peace with all the world the agitation which for a time threatened to disturb the fraternal relations which make us one people is fast subsiding and a year of general prosperity and health has crowned the nation with unusual blessings none can look back to the dangers which are passed or forward to the bright prospect before us without feeling a thrill of gratification at the same time that he must be impressed with a grateful sense of our profound obligations to a beneficent providence whose paternal care is so manifest in the happiness of this highly favored land since the close of the last congress certain cubans and other foreigners resident in the united states who were more or less concerned in the previous invasion of cuba instead of being discouraged by its failure have again abused the hospitality of this country by making it the scene of the equipment of another military expedition against that possession of her catholic majesty in which they were countenanced aided and joined by citizens of the united states on receiving intelligence that such designs were entertained i lost no time in issuing such instructions to the proper officers of the united states as seemed to be called for by the occasion by the proclamation a copy of which is herewith submitted i also warned those who might be in danger of being inveigled into this scheme of its unlawful character and of the penalties which they would incur for some time there was reason to hope that these measures had sufficed to prevent any such attempt this hope however proved to be delusive very early in the morning of the 3d of august a steamer called the pampero departed from new orleans for cuba having on board upward of 400 armed men with evident intentions to make war upon the authorities of the island this expedition was set on foot in palpable violation of the laws of the united states its leader was a spaniard and several of the chief officers and some others engaged in it were foreigners the persons composing it however were mostly citizens of the united states before the expedition set out and probably before it was organized a slight insurrectionary movement which appears to have been soon suppressed had taken place in the eastern quarter of cuba the importance of this movement was unfortunately so much exaggerated in the accounts of it published in this country that these adventurers seem to have been led to believe that the creole population of the island not only desired to throw off the authority of the mother country but had resolved upon that step and had begun a enterprise for effecting it the persons engaged in the expedition were generally young and ill informed the steamer in which they embarked left new orleans stealthily and without a clearance after touching at key west she proceeded to the coast of cuba and on the night between the 11th and 12th of august landed the persons on board at playtas within about 20 leagues of havana the main body of them proceeded to and took possession of an inland village 6 leagues distant leaving others to follow in charge of the baggage as soon as the means of transportation could be obtained the latter having taken up their line of march to connect themselves with the main body and having proceeded about 4 leagues into the country were attacked on the morning of the 13th by a body of spanish troops and a bloody conflict ensued after which they retreated to the place of disembarkation where about 50 of them obtained boats and reembarked therein they were however intercepted among the keys near the shore by a spanish steamer cruising on the coast captured and carried to havana and after being examined before a military court were sentenced to be publicly executed and the sentence was carried into effect on the 16th of august on receiving information of what had occurred commodore foxhall parker was instructed to proceed in the steam frigate saranac to havana and inquire into the charges against the persons executed the circumstances under which they were taken and whatsoever referred to their trial and sentence copies of the instructions from the department of state to him and of his letters to that department are herewith submitted according to the record of the examination the prisoners all admitted the offenses charged against them of being hostile invaders of the island at the time of their trial and execution the main body of the invaders was still in the field making war upon the spanish authorities and spanish subjects after the lapse of some days being overcome by the spanish troops they dispersed on the 24th of august lopez their leader was captured some days after and executed on the 1st of september many of his remaining followers were killed or died of hunger and fatigue and the rest were made prisoners of these none appear to have been tried or executed several of them were pardoned upon application of their friends and others and the rest about 160 in number were sent to spain of the final disposition made of these we have no official information such is the melancholy result of this illegal and expedition thus thoughtless young men have been induced by false and fraudulent representations to violate the law of their country through rash and unfounded expectations of assisting to accomplish political revolutions in other states and have lost their lives in the undertaking too severe a judgment can hardly be passed by the indignant sense of the community upon those who being better informed themselves have yet led away the ardor of youth and an love of political liberty the correspondence between this government and that of spain relating to this transaction is herewith communicated although these offenders against the laws have forfeited the protection of their country yet the government may so far as consistent with its obligations to other countries and its fixed purpose to maintain and enforce the laws entertain sympathy for their unoffending families and friends as well as a feeling of compassion for themselves accordingly no proper effort has been spared and none will be spared to procure the release of such citizens of the united states engaged in this unlawful enterprise as are now in confinement in spain but it is to be hoped that such interposition with the government of that country may not be considered as affording any ground of expectation that the government of the united states will hereafter feel itself under any obligation of duty to intercede for the liberation or pardon of such persons as are flagrant offenders against the law of nations and the laws of the united states these laws must be executed if we desire to maintain our respectability among the nations of the earth it behooves us to enforce steadily and sternly the neutrality acts passed by congress and to follow as far as may be the violation of those acts with condign punishment but what gives a peculiar criminality to this invasion of cuba is that under the lead of spanish subjects and with the aid of citizens of the united states it had its origin with many in motives of cupidity money was advanced by individuals probably in considerable amounts to purchase cuban bonds as they have been called issued by lopez sold doubtless at a very large discount and for the payment of which the public lands and public property of cuba of whatever kind and the fiscal resources of the people and government of that island from whatever source to be derived were pledged as well as the good faith of the government expected to be established all these means of payment it is evident were only to be obtained by a process of bloodshed war and revolution none will deny that those who set on foot military expeditions against foreign states by means like these are far more culpable than the ignorant and the necessitous whom they induce to go forth as the ostensible parties in the proceeding these originators of the invasion of cuba seem to have determined with coolness and system upon an undertaking which should disgrace their country violate its laws and put to hazard the lives of and deluded men you will consider whether further legislation be necessary to prevent the perpetration of such offenses in future no individuals have a right to hazard the peace of the country or to violate its laws upon vague notions of altering or reforming governments in other states this principle is not only reasonable in itself and in accordance with public law but is ingrafted into the codes of other nations as well as our own but while such are the sentiments of this government it may be added that every independent nation must be presumed to be able to defend its possessions against unauthorized individuals banded together to attack them the government of the united states at all times since its establishment has abstained and has sought to restrain the citizens of the country from entering into controversies between other powers and to observe all the duties of neutrality at an early period of the government in the administration of washington several laws were passed for this purpose the main provisions of these laws were reenacted by the act of april 1818 by which amongst other things it was declared that if any person shall within the territory or jurisdiction of the united states begin or set on foot or provide or prepare the means for any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign prince or state or of any colony district or people with whom the united states are at peace every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor and shall be fined not exceeding and imprisoned not more than three years and this law has been executed and enforced to the full extent of the power of the government from that day to this in proclaiming and adhering to the doctrine of neutrality and nonintervention the united states have not followed the lead of other civilized nations they have taken the lead themselves and have been followed by others this was admitted by one of the most eminent of modern british statesmen who said in parliament while a minister of the crown that if he wished for a guide in a system of neutrality he should take that laid down by america in the days of washington and the secretaryship of jefferson and we see in fact that the act of congress of 1818 was followed the succeeding year by an act of the parliament of england substantially the same in its general provisions up to that time there had been no similar law in england except certain highly penal statutes passed in the reign of george ii prohibiting english subjects from enlisting in foreign service the avowed object of which statutes was that foreign armies raised for the purpose of restoring the house of stuart to the throne should not be strengthened by recruits from england herself all must see that difficulties may arise in carrying the laws referred to into execution in a country now having or miles of seacoast with an infinite number of ports and harbors and small inlets from some of which unlawful expeditious may suddenly set forth without the knowledge of government against the possessions of foreign states friendly relations with all but entangling alliances with none has long been a maxim with us our true mission is not to propagate our opinions or impose upon other countries our form of government by artifice or force but to teach by example and show by our success moderation and justice the blessings of and the advantages of free institutions let every people choose for itself and make and alter its political institutions to suit its own condition and convenience but while we avow and maintain this neutral policy ourselves we are anxious to see the same forbearance on the part of other nations whose forms of government are different from our own the deep interest which we feel in the spread of liberal principles and the establishment of free governments and the sympathy with which we witness every struggle against oppression forbid that we should be indifferent to a case in which the strong arm of a foreign power is invoked to stifle public sentiment and repress the spirit of freedom in any country the governments of great britain and france have issued orders to their naval commanders on the west india station to prevent by force if necessary the landing of adventurers from any nation on the island of cuba with hostile intent the copy of a memorandum of a conversation on this subject between the charge of her britannic majesty and the acting secretary of state and of a subsequent note of the former to the department of state are herewith submitted together with a copy of a note of the acting secretary of state to the minister of the french republic and of the reply of the latter on the same subject these papers will acquaint you with the grounds of this interposition of two leading commercial powers of europe and with the apprehensions which this government could not fail to entertain that such interposition if carried into effect might lead to abuses in derogation of the maritime rights of the united states the maritime rights of the united states are founded on a firm secure and basis they stand upon the ground of national independence and public law and will be maintained in all their full and just extent the principle which this government has heretofore solemnly announced it still adheres to and will maintain under all circumstances and at all hazards that principle is that in every regularly documented merchant vessel the crew who navigate it and those on board of it will find their protection in the flag which is over them no american ship can be allowed to be visited or searched for the purpose of ascertaining the character of individuals on board nor can there be allowed any watch by the vessels of any foreign nation over american vessels on the coast of the united states or the seas adjacent thereto it will be seen by the last communication from the british charge to the department of state that he is authorized to assure the secretary of state that every care will be taken that in executing the preventive measures against the expeditions which the united states government itself has denounced as not being entitled to the protection of any government no interference shall take place with the lawful commerce of any nation in addition to the correspondence on this subject herewith submitted official information has been received at the department of state of assurances by the french government that in the orders given to the french naval forces they were expressly instructed in any operations they might engage in to respect the flag of the united states wherever it might appear and to commit no act of hostility upon any vessel or armament under its protection ministers and consuls of foreign nations are the means and agents of communication between us and those nations and it is of the utmost importance that while residing in the country they should feel a perfect security so long as they faithfully discharge their respective duties and are guilty of no violation of our laws this is the admitted law of nations and no country has a deeper interest in maintaining it than the united states our commerce spreads over every sea and visits every clime and our ministers and consuls are appointed to protect the interests of that commerce as well as to guard the peace of the country and maintain the honor of its flag but how can they discharge these duties unless they be themselves protected and if protected it must be by the laws of the country in which they reside and what is due to our own public functionaries residing in foreign nations is exactly the measure of what is due to the functionaries of other governments residing here as in war the bearers of flags of truce are sacred or else wars would be interminable so in peace ambassadors public ministers and consuls charged with friendly national intercourse are objects of especial respect and protection each according to the rights belonging to his rank and station in view of these important principles it is with deep mortification and regret i announce to you that during the excitement growing out of the executions at havana the office of her catholic majesty consul at new orleans was assailed by a mob his property destroyed the spanish flag found in the office carried off and torn in pieces and he himself induced to flee for his personal safety which he supposed to be in danger on receiving intelligence of these events i forthwith directed the attorney of the united states residing at new orleans to inquire into the facts and the extent of the pecuniary loss sustained by the consul with the intention of laying them before you that you might make provision for such indemnity to him as a just regard for the honor of the nation and the respect which is due to a friendly power might in your judgment seem to require the correspondence upon this subject between the secretary of state and her catholic majesty minister plenipotentiary is herewith transmitted the occurrence at new orleans has led me to give my attention to the state of our laws in regard to foreign ambassadors ministers and consuls i think the legislation of the country is deficient in not providing sufficiently either for the protection or the punishment of consuls i therefore recommend the subject to the consideration of congress your attention is again invited to the question of reciprocal trade between the united states and canada and other british possessions near our frontier overtures for a convention upon this subject have been received from her britannic majesty minister plenipotentiary but it seems to be in many respects preferable that the matter should be regulated by reciprocal legislation documents are laid before you showing the terms which the british government is willing to offer and the measures which it may adopt if some arrangement upon this subject shall not be made from the accompanying copy of a note from the british legation at washington and the reply of the department of state thereto it will appear that her britannic majesty government is desirous that a part of the boundary line between oregon and the british possessions should be authoritatively marked out and that an intention was expressed to apply to congress for an appropriation to defray the expense thereof on the part of the united states your attention to this subject is accordingly invited and a proper appropriation recommended a convention for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the united states against portugal has been concluded and the ratifications have been exchanged the first installment of the amount to be paid by portugal fell due on the 30th of september last and has been paid the president of the french republic according to the provisions of the convention has been selected as arbiter in the case of the general armstrong and has signified that he accepts the trust and the high satisfaction he feels in acting as the common friend of two nations with which france is united by sentiments of sincere and lasting amity the turkish government has expressed its thanks for the kind reception given to the sultan agent amin bey on the occasion of his recent visit to the united states on the 28th of february last a dispatch was addressed by the secretary of state to marsh the american minister at constantinople instructing him to ask of the turkish government permission for the hungarians then imprisoned within the dominions of the sublime porte to remove to this country on the 3d of march last both houses of congress passed a resolution requesting the president to authorize the employment of a public vessel to convey to this country louis kossuth and his associates in captivity the instruction above referred to was complied with and the turkish government having released governor kossuth and his companions from prison on the 10th of september last they embarked on board of the united states steam frigate mississippi which was selected to carry into effect the resolution of congress governor kossuth left the mississippi at gibraltar for the purpose of making a visit to england and may shortly be expected in new york by communications to the department of state he has expressed his grateful acknowledgments for the interposition of this government in behalf of himself and his associates this country has been justly regarded as a safe asylum for those whom political events have exiled from their own homes in europe and it is recommended to congress to consider in what manner governor kossuth and his companions brought hither by its authority shall be received and treated it is earnestly to be hoped that the differences which have for some time past been pending between the government of the french republic and that of the sandwich islands may be peaceably and durably adjusted so as to secure the independence of those islands long before the events which have of late imparted so much importance to the possessions of the united states on the pacific we acknowledged the independence of the hawaiian government this government was first in taking that step and several of the leading powers of europe immediately followed we were influenced in this measure by the existing and prospective importance of the islands as a place of refuge and refreshment for our vessels engaged in the whale fishery and by the consideration that they lie in the course of the great trade which must at no distant day be carried on between the western coast of north america and eastern asia we were also influenced by a desire that those islands should not pass under the control of any other great maritime state but should remain in an independent condition and so be accessible and useful to the commerce of all nations i need not say that the importance of these considerations has been greatly enhanced by the sudden and vast development which the interests of the united states have attained in california and oregon and the policy heretofore adopted in regard to those islands will be steadily pursued it is gratifying not only to those who consider the commercial interests of nations but also to all who favor the progress of knowledge and the diffusion of religion to see a community emerge from a savage state and attain such a degree of civilization in those distant seas it is much to be deplored that the internal tranquillity of the mexican republic should again be seriously disturbed for since the peace between that republic and the united states it had enjoyed such comparative repose that the most favorable anticipations for the future might with a degree of confidence have been indulged these however have been thwarted by the recent outbreak in the state of tamaulipas on the right bank of the rio bravo having received information that persons from the united states had taken part in the insurrection and apprehending that their example might be followed by others i caused orders to be issued for the purpose of preventing any hostile expeditions against mexico from being set on foot in violation of the laws of the united states i likewise issued a proclamation upon the subject a copy of which is herewith laid before you this appeared to be rendered imperative by the obligations of treaties and the general duties of good neighborhood in my last annual message i informed congress that citizens of the united states had undertaken the connection of the two oceans by means of a railroad across the isthmus of tehuantepec under a grant of the mexican government to a citizen of that republic and that this enterprise would probably be prosecuted with energy whenever mexico should consent to such stipulations with the government of the united states as should impart a feeling of security to those who should invest their property in the enterprise a convention between the two governments for the accomplishment of that end has been ratified by this government and only awaits the decision of the congress and the executive of that republic some unexpected difficulties and delays have arisen in the ratification of that convention by mexico but it is to be presumed that her decision will be governed by just and enlightened views as well of the general importance of the object as of her own interests and obligations in negotiating upon this important subject this government has had in view one and only one object that object has been and is the construction or attainment of a passage from ocean to ocean the shortest and the best for travelers and merchandise and equally open to all the world it has sought to obtain no territorial acquisition nor any advantages peculiar to itself and it would see with the greatest regret that mexico should oppose any obstacle to the accomplishment of an enterprise which promises so much convenience to the whole commercial world and such eminent advantages to mexico herself impressed with these sentiments and these convictions the government will continue to exert all proper efforts to bring about the necessary arrangement with the republic of mexico for the speedy completion of the work for some months past the republic of nicaragua has been the theater of one of those civil convulsions from which the because of free institutions and the general prosperity and social progress of the states of central america have so often and so severely suffered until quiet shall have been restored and a government apparently stable shall have been organized no advance can prudently be made in disposing of the questions pending between the two countries i am happy to announce that an interoceanic communication from the mouth of the john to the pacific has been so far accomplished as that passengers have actually traversed it and merchandise has been transported over it and when the canal shall have been completed according to the original plan the means of communication will be further improved it is understood that a considerable part of the railroad across the isthmus of panama has been completed and that the mail and passengers will in future be conveyed thereon whichever of the several routes between the two oceans may ultimately prove most eligible for travelers to and from the different states on the atlantic and gulf of mexico and our coast on the pacific there is little reason to doubt that all of them will be useful to the public and will liberally reward that individual enterprise by which alone they have been or are expected to be carried into effect peace has been concluded between the contending parties in the island of domingo and it is hoped upon a durable basis such is the extent of our commercial relations with that island that the united states can not fail to feel a strong interest in its tranquillity the office of commissioner to china remains unfilled several persons have been appointed and the place has been offered to others all of whom have declined its acceptance on the ground of the inadequacy of the compensation the annual allowance by law is and there is no provision for any outfit i earnestly recommend the consideration of this subject to congress our commerce with china is highly important and is becoming more and more so in consequence of the increasing intercourse between our ports on the pacific coast and eastern asia china is understood to be a country in which living is very expensive and i know of no reason why the american commissioner sent thither should not be placed in regard to compensation on an equal footing with ministers who represent this country at the courts of europe by reference to the report of the secretary of the treasury it will be seen that the aggregate receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to which with the balance in the treasury on the 1st july 1850 gave as the available means for the year the sum of the total expenditures for the same period were the total imports for the year ending june 30 1851 were of which there were in specie the exports for the same period were of which there were of domestic products foreign goods reexported specie since the 1st of december last the payments in cash on account of the public debt exclusive of interest have amounted to which however includes the sum of paid under the twelfth article of the treaty with mexico and the further sum of being the amount of awards to american citizens under the late treaty with mexico for which the issue of stock was authorized but which was paid in cash from the treasury the public debt on the 20th ultimo exclusive of the stock authorized to be issued to texas by the act of 9th september 1850 was the receipts for the next fiscal year are estimated at which with the probable unappropriated balance in the treasury on the 30th june next will give as the probable available means for that year the sum of it has been deemed proper in view of the large expenditures consequent upon the acquisition of territory from mexico that the estimates for the next fiscal year should be laid before congress in such manner as to distinguish the expenditures so required from the otherwise ordinary demands upon the treasury the total expenditures for the next fiscal year are estimated at of which there is required for the ordinary purposes of the government other than those consequent upon the acquisition of our new territories and deducting the payments on account of the public debt the sum of and for the purposes connected directly or indirectly with those territories and in the fulfillment of the obligations of the government contracted in consequence of their acquisition the sum of if the views of the secretary of the treasury in reference to the expenditures required for these territories shall be met by corresponding action on the part of congress and appropriations made in accordance therewith there will be an estimated unappropriated balance in the treasury on the 30th june 1853 of wherewith to meet that portion of the public debt due on the 1st of july following amounting to as well as any appropriations which may be made beyond the estimates in thus referring to the estimated expenditures on account of our newly acquired territories i may express the hope that congress will concur with me in the desire that a liberal course of policy may be pursued toward them and that every obligation express or implied entered into in consequence of their acquisition shall be fulfilled by the most liberal appropriations for that purpose the values of our domestic exports for the last fiscal year as compared with those of the previous year exhibit an increase of at first view this condition of our trade with foreign nations would seem to present the most flattering hopes of its future prosperity an examination of the details of our exports however will show that the increased value of our exports for the last fiscal year is to be found in the high price of cotton which prevailed during the first half of that year which price has since declined about the value of our exports of breadstuffs and provisions which it was supposed the incentive of a low tariff and large importations from abroad would have greatly augmented has fallen from in 1847 to in 1850 and to in 1851 with a strong probability amounting almost to a certainty of a still further reduction in the current year the aggregate values of rice exported during the last fiscal year as compared with the previous year also exhibit a decrease amounting to which with a decline in the values of the exports of tobacco for the same period make an aggregate decrease in these two articles of the policy which dictated a low rate of duties on foreign merchandise it was thought by those who promoted and established it would tend to benefit the farming population of this country by increasing the demand and raising the price of agricultural products in foreign markets the foregoing facts however seem to show incontestably that no such result has followed the adoption of this policy on the contrary notwithstanding the repeal of the restrictive corn laws in england the foreign demand for the products of the american farmer has steadily declined since the short crops and consequent famine in a portion of europe have been happily replaced by full crops and comparative abundance of food it will be seen by recurring to the commercial statistics for the past year that the value of our domestic exports has been increased in the single item of raw cotton by over the value of that export for the year preceding this is not due to any increased general demand for that article but to the short crop of the preceding year which created an increased demand and an augmented price for the crop of last year should the cotton crop now going forward to market be only equal in quantity to that of the year preceding and be sold at the present prices then there would be a falling off in the value of our exports for the present fiscal year of at least compared with the amount exported for the year ending 30th june 1851 the production of gold in california for the past year seems to promise a large supply of that metal from that quarter for some time to come this large annual increase of the currency of the world must be attended with its usual results these have been already partially disclosed in the enhancement of prices and a rising spirit of speculation and adventure tending to overtrading as well at home as abroad unless some salutary check shall be given to these tendencies it is to be feared that importations of foreign goods beyond a healthy demand in this country will lead to a sudden drain of the precious metals from us bringing with it as it has done in former times the most disastrous consequences to the business and capital of the american people the exports of specie to liquidate our foreign debt during the past fiscal year have been over the amount of specie imported the exports of specie during the first quarter of the present fiscal year have been should specie continue to be exported at this rate for the remaining three quarters of this year it will drain from our metallic currency during the year ending 30th june 1852 the enormous amount of in the present prosperous condition of the national finances it will become the duty of congress to consider the best mode of paying off the public debt if the present and anticipated surplus in the treasury should not be absorbed by appropriations of an extraordinary character this surplus should be employed in such way and under such restrictions as congress may enact in extinguishing the outstanding debt of the nation by reference to the act of congress approved 9th september 1850 it will be seen that in consideration of certain concessions by the state of texas it is provided that the united states shall pay to the state of texas the sum of in a stock bearing 5 per cent interest and redeemable at the end of fourteen years the interest payable at the treasury of the united states in the same section of the law it is further provided that no more than five millions of said stock shall be issued until the creditors of the state holding bonds and other certificates of stock of texas for which duties on imports were specially pledged shall first file at the treasury of the united states releases of all claims against the united states for or on account of said bonds or certificates in such form as shall be prescribed by the secretary of the treasury and approved by the president of the united states the form of release thus provided for has been prescribed by the secretary of the treasury and approved it has been published in all the leading newspapers in the commercial cities of the united states and all persons holding claims of the kind specified in the foregoing proviso were required to file their releases in the form thus prescribed in the treasury of the united states on or before the 1st day of october 1851 although this publication has been continued from the 25th day of march 1851 yet up to the 1st of october last comparatively few releases had been filed by the creditors of texas the authorities of the state of texas at the request of the secretary of the treasury have furnished a schedule of the public debt of that state created prior to her admission into the union with a copy of the laws under which each class was contracted i have from the documents furnished by the state of texas determined the classes of claims which in my judgment fall within the provisions of the act of congress of the 9th of september 1850 on being officially informed of the acceptance by texas of the propositions contained in the act referred to i caused the stock to be prepared and the five millions which are to be issued unconditionally bearing an interest of 5 per cent from the 1st day of january 1851 have been for some time ready to be delivered to the state of texas the authorities of texas up to the present time have not authorized anyone to receive this stock and it remains in the treasury department subject to the order of texas the releases required by law to be deposited in the treasury not having been filed there the remaining five millions have not been issued this last amount of the stock will be withheld from texas until the conditions upon which it is to be delivered shall be complied with by the creditors of that state unless congress shall otherwise direct by a modification of the law in my last annual message to which i respectfully refer i stated briefly the reasons which induced me to recommend a modification of the present tariff by converting the ad valorem into a specific duty wherever the article imported was of such a character as to permit it and that such a discrimination should be made in favor of the industrial pursuits of our own country as to encourage home production without excluding foreign competition the numerous frauds which continue to be practiced upon the revenue by false invoices and undervaluations constitute an unanswerable reason for adopting specific instead of ad valorem duties in all cases where the nature of the commodity does not forbid it a striking illustration of these frauds will be exhibited in the report of the secretary of the treasury showing the valuation of articles imported under a former law subject to specific duties when there was no inducement to undervaluation and the valuations of the same articles under the present system of ad valorem duties so greatly reduced as to leave no doubt of the existence of the most flagrant abuses under the existing laws this practical evasion of the present law combined with the languishing condition of some of the great interests of the country caused by over importations and consequent depressed prices and with the failure in obtaining a foreign market for our increasing surplus of breadstuffs and provisions has induced me again to recommend a modification of the existing tariff the report of the secretary of the interior which accompanies this communication will present a condensed statement of the operations of that important department of the government it will be seen that the cash sales of the public lands exceed those of the preceding year and that there is reason to anticipate a still further increase notwithstanding the large donations which have been made to many of the states and the liberal grants to individuals as a reward for military services this fact furnishes very gratifying evidence of the growing wealth and prosperity of our country suitable measures have been adopted for commencing the survey of the public lands in california and oregon surveying parties have been organized and some progress has been made in establishing the principal base and meridian lines but further legislation and additional appropriations will be necessary before the proper subdivisions can be made and the general land system extended over those remote parts of our territory on the 3d of march last an act was passed providing for the appointment of three commissioners to settle private land claims in california three persons were immediately appointed all of whom however declined accepting the office in consequence of the inadequacy of the compensation others were promptly selected who for the same reason also declined and it was not until late in the season that the services of suitable persons could be secured a majority of the commissioners convened in this city on the 10th of september last when detailed instructions were given to them in regard to their duties their first meeting for the transaction of business will be held in san francisco on the 8th day of the present month i have thought it proper to refer to these facts not only to explain the causes of the delay in filling the commission but to call your attention to the propriety of increasing the compensation of the commissioners the office is one of great labor and responsibility and the compensation should be such as to command men of a high order of talents and the most unquestionable integrity the proper disposal of the mineral lands of california is a subject surrounded by great difficulties in my last annual message i recommended the survey and sale of them in small parcels under such restrictions as would effectually guard against monopoly and speculation but upon further information and in deference to the opinions of persons familiar with the subject i am inclined to change that recommendation and to advise that they be permitted to remain as at present a common field open to the enterprise and industry of all our citizens until further experience shall have developed the best policy to be ultimately adopted in regard to them it is safer to suffer the inconveniences that now exist for a short period than by premature legislation to fasten on the country a system founded in error which may place the whole subject beyond the future control of congress the agricultural lands should however be surveyed and brought into market with as little delay as possible that the titles may become settled and the inhabitants stimulated to make permanent improvements and enter on the ordinary pursuits of life to effect these objects it is desirable that the necessary provision be made by law for the establishment of land offices in california and oregon and for the efficient prosecution of the surveys at an early day some difficulties have occurred in organizing the territorial governments of new mexico and utah and when more accurate information shall be obtained of the causes a further communication will be made on that subject in my last annual communication to congress i recommended the establishment of an agricultural bureau and i take this occasion again to invoke your favorable consideration of the subject agriculture may justly be regarded as the great interest of our people of our active population are employed in the cultivation of the soil and the rapid expansion of our settlements over new territory is daily adding to the number of those engaged in that vocation justice and sound policy therefore alike require that the government should use all the means authorized by the constitution to promote the interests and welfare of that important class of our and yet it is a singular fact that whilst the manufacturing and commercial interests have engaged the attention of congress during a large portion of every session and our statutes abound in provisions for their protection and encouragement little has yet been done directly for the advancement of agriculture it is time that this reproach to our legislation should be removed and i sincerely hope that the present congress will not close their labors without adopting efficient means to supply the omissions of those who have preceded them an agricultural bureau charged with the duty of collecting and disseminating correct information as to the best modes of cultivation and of the most effectual means of preserving and restoring the fertility of the soil and of procuring and distributing seeds and plants and other vegetable productions with instructions in regard to the soil climate and treatment best adapted to their growth could not fail to be in the language of washington in his last annual message to congress a very cheap instrument of immense national benefit regarding the act of congress approved 28th september 1850 granting bounty lands to persons who had been engaged in the military service of the country as a great measure of national justice and munificence an anxious desire has been felt by the officers intrusted with its immediate execution to give prompt effect to its provisions all the means within their control were therefore brought into requisition to expedite the adjudication of claims and i am gratified to be able to state that near applications have been considered and about warrants issued within the short space of nine months if adequate provision be made by law to carry into effect the recommendations of the department it is confidently expected that before the close of the next fiscal year all who are entitled to the benefits of the act will have received their warrants the secretary of the interior has suggested in his report various amendments of the laws relating to pensions and bounty lands for the purpose of more effectually guarding against abuses and frauds on the government to all of which i invite your particular attention the large accessions to our indian population consequent upon the acquisition of new mexico and california and the extension of our settlements into utah and oregon have given increased interest and importance to our relations with the aboriginal race no material change has taken place within the last year in the condition and prospects of the indian tribes who reside in the northwestern territory and west of the mississippi river we are at peace with all of them and it will be a source of pleasure to you to learn that they are gradually advancing in civilization and the pursuits of social life along the mexican frontier and in california and oregon there have been occasional manifestations of unfriendly feeling and some depredations committed i am satisfied however that they resulted more from the destitute and starving condition of the indians than from any settled hostility toward the whites as the settlements of our citizens progress toward them the game upon which they mainly rely for subsistence is driven off or destroyed and the only alternative left to them is starvation or plunder it becomes us to consider in view of this condition of things whether justice and humanity as well as an enlightened economy do not require that instead of seeking to punish them for offenses which are the result of our own policy toward them we should not provide for their immediate wants and encourage them to engage in agriculture and to rely on their labor instead of the chase for the means of support various important treaties have been negotiated with different tribes during the year by which their title to large and valuable tracts of country has been extinguished all of which will at the proper time be submitted to the senate for ratification the joint commission under the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo has been actively engaged in running and marking the boundary line between the united states and mexico it was stated in the last annual report of the secretary of the interior that the initial point on the pacific and the point of junction of the gila with the colorado river had been determined and the intervening line about 150 miles in length run and marked by temporary monuments since that time a monument of marble has been erected at the initial point and permanent landmarks of iron have been placed at suitable distances along the line the initial point on the rio grande has also been fixed by the commissioners at latitude 32 degrees 22 and at the date of the last communication the survey of the line had been made thence westward about 150 miles to the neighborhood of the copper mines the commission on our part was at first organized on a scale which experience proved to be unwieldy and attended with unnecessary expense orders have therefore been issued for the reduction of the number of persons employed within the smallest limits consistent with the safety of those engaged in the service and the prompt and efficient execution of their important duties returns have been received from all the officers engaged in taking the census in the states and territories except california the superintendent employed to make the enumeration in that state has not yet made his full report from causes as he alleges beyond his control this failure is much to be regretted as it has prevented the secretary of the interior from making the decennial apportionment of representatives among the states as required by the act approved may 23 1850 it is hoped however that the returns will soon be received and no time will then be lost in making the necessary apportionment and in transmitting the certificates required by law the superintendent of the seventh census is diligently employed under the direction of the secretary of the interior in classifying and arranging in tabular form all the statistical information derived from the returns of the marshals and it is believed that when the work shall be completed it will exhibit a more perfect view of the population wealth occupations and social condition of a great country than has ever been presented to the world the value of such a work as the basis of enlightened legislation can hardly be overestimated and i earnestly hope that congress will lose no time in making the appropriations necessary to complete the classifications and to publish the results in a style worthy of the subject and of our national character the want of a uniform fee bill prescribing the compensation to be allowed district attorneys clerks marshals and commissioners in civil and criminal cases is the because of much vexation injustice and complaint i would recommend a thorough revision of the laws on the whole subject and the adoption of a tariff of fees which as far as practicable should be uniform and prescribe a specific compensation for every service which the officer may be required to perform this subject will be fully presented in the report of the secretary of the interior in my last annual message i gave briefly my reasons for believing that you possessed the constitutional power to improve the harbors of our great lakes and seacoast and the navigation of our principal rivers and recommended that appropriations should be made for completing such works as had already been commenced and for commencing such others as might seem to the wisdom of congress to be of public and general importance without repeating the reasons then urged i deem it my duty again to call your attention to this important subject the works on many of the harbors were left in an unfinished state and consequently exposed to the action of the elements which is fast destroying them great numbers of lives and vast amounts of property are annually lost for want of safe and convenient harbors on the lakes none but those who have been exposed to that dangerous navigation can fully appreciate the importance of this subject the whole northwest appeals to you for relief and i trust their appeal will receive due consideration at your hands the same is in a measure true in regard to some of the harbors and inlets on the seacoast the unobstructed navigation of our large rivers is of equal importance our settlements are now extending to the sources of the great rivers which empty into and form a part of the mississippi and the value of the public lands in those regions would be greatly enhanced by freeing the navigation of those waters from obstructions in view therefore of this great interest i deem it my duty again to urge upon congress to make such appropriations for these improvements as they may deem necessary the surveys of the delta of the mississippi with a view to the prevention of the overflows that have proved so disastrous to that region of country have been nearly completed and the reports thereof are now in course of preparation and will shortly be laid before you the protection of our southwestern frontier and of the adjacent mexican states against the indian tribes within our border has claimed my earnest and constant attention congress having failed at the last session to adopt my recommendation that an additional regiment of mounted men specially adapted to that service should be raised all that remained to be done was to make the best use of the means at my disposal accordingly all the troops adapted to that service that could properly be spared from other quarters have been concentrated on that frontier and officers of high reputation selected to command them a new arrangement of the military posts has also been made whereby the troops are brought nearer to the mexican frontier and to the tribes they are intended to overawe sufficient time has not yet elapsed to realize all the benefits that are expected to result from these arrangements but i have every reason to hope that they will effectually check their marauding expeditions the nature of the country which furnishes little for the support of an army and abounds in places of refuge and concealment is remarkably well adapted to this predatory warfare and we can scarcely hope that any military force combined with the greatest vigilance can entirely suppress it by the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo we are bound to protect the territory of mexico against the incursions of the savage tribes within our border with equal diligence and energy as if the same were made within our territory or against our citizens i have endeavored to comply as far as possible with this provision of the treaty orders have been given to the officers commanding on that frontier to consider the mexican territory and its inhabitants as equally with our own entitled to their protection and to make all their plans and arrangements with a view to the attainment of this object instructions have also been given to the indian commissioners and agents among these tribes in all treaties to make the clauses designed for the protection of our own citizens apply also to those of mexico i have no reason to doubt that these instructions have been fully carried into effect nevertheless it is probable that in spite of all our efforts some of the neighboring states of mexico may have suffered as our own have from depredations by the indians to the difficulties of defending our own territory as above mentioned are superadded in defending that of mexico those that arise from its remoteness from the fact that we have no right to station our troops within her limits and that there is no efficient military force on the mexican side to cooperate with our own so long as this shall continue to be the case the number and activity of our troops will rather increase than diminish the evil as the indians will naturally turn toward that country where they encounter the least resistance yet these troops are necessary to subdue them and to compel them to make and observe treaties until this shall have been done neither country will enjoy any security from their attacks the indians in california who had previously appeared of a peaceable character and disposed to cultivate the friendship of the whites have recently committed several acts of hostility as a large portion of the reenforcements sent to the mexican frontier were drawn from the pacific the military force now stationed there is considered entirely inadequate to its defense it can not be increased however without an increase of the army and i again recommend that measure as indispensable to the protection of the frontier i invite your attention to the suggestions on this subject and on others connected with his department in the report of the secretary of war the appropriations for the support of the army during the current fiscal year ending 30th june next were reduced far below the estimate submitted by the department the consequence of this reduction is a considerable deficiency to which i invite your early attention the expenditures of that department for the year ending 30th june last were the estimates for the year commencing 1st july next and ending june 30 1853 are showing a reductions of the board of commissioners to whom the management of the affairs of the military asylum created by the act of 3d march last was intrusted have selected a site for the establishment of an asylum in the vicinity of this city which has been approved by me subject to the production of a satisfactory title the report of the secretary of the navy will exhibit the condition of the public service under the supervision of that department our naval force afloat during the present year has been actively and usefully employed in giving protection to our widely extended and increasing commerce and interests in the various quarters of the globe and our flag has everywhere afforded the security and received the respect inspired by the justice and liberality of our intercourse and the dignity and power of the nation the expedition commanded by lieutenant de haven dispatched in search of the british commander sir john franklin and his companions in the arctic seas returned to new york in the month of october after having undergone great peril and suffering from an unknown and dangerous navigation and the rigors of a northern climate without any satisfactory information of the objects of their search but with new contributions to science and navigation from the unfrequented polar regions the officers and men of the expedition having been all volunteers for this service and having so conducted it as to meet the entire approbation of the government it is suggested as an act of grace and generosity that the same allowance of extra pay and emoluments be extended to them that were made to the officers and men of like rating in the late exploring expedition to the south seas i earnestly recommend to your attention the necessity of reorganizing the naval establishment apportioning and fixing the number of officers in each grade providing some mode of promotion to the higher grades of the navy having reference to merit and capacity rather than seniority or date of entry into the service and for retiring from the effective list upon reduced pay those who may be incompetent to the performance of active duty as a measure of economy as well as of efficiency in this arm of the service the provision last mentioned is eminently worthy of your consideration the determination of the questions of relative rank between the sea officers and civil officers of the navy and between officers of the army and navy in the various grades of each will also merit your attention the failure to provide any substitute when corporal punishment was abolished for offenses in the navy has occasioned the convening of numerous upon the arrival of vessels in port and is believed to have had an injurious effect upon the discipline and efficiency of the service to moderate punishment from one grade to another is among the humane reforms of the age but to abolish one of severity which applied so generally to offenses on shipboard and provide nothing in its stead is to suppose a progress of improvement in every individual among seamen which is not assumed by the legislature in respect to any other class of men it is hoped that congress in the ample opportunity afforded by the present session will thoroughly investigate this important subject and establish such modes of determining guilt and such gradations of punishment as are consistent with humanity and the personal rights of individuals and at the same time shall insure the most energetic and efficient performance of duty and the suppression of crime in our ships of war the stone dock in the at new york which was ten years in process of construction has been so far finished as to be surrendered up to the authorities of the yard the dry dock at philadelphia is reported as completed and is expected soon to be tested and delivered over to the agents of the government that at portsmouth is also nearly ready for delivery and a contract has been concluded agreeably to the act of congress at its last session for a floating sectional dock on the bay of san francisco i invite your attention to the recommendation of the department touching the establishment of a in conjunction with this dock on the pacific such a station is highly necessary to the convenience and effectiveness of our fleet in that ocean which must be expected to increase with the growth of commerce and the rapid extension of our whale fisheries over its waters the naval academy at annapolis under a revised and improved system of regulations now affords opportunities of education and instruction to the pupils quite equal it is believed for professional improvement to those enjoyed by the cadets in the military academy a large class of acting midshipmen was received at the commencement of the last academic term and a practice ship has been attached to the institution to afford the amplest means for regular instruction in seamanship as well as for cruises during the vacations of three or four months in each year the advantages of science in nautical affairs have rarely been more strikingly illustrated than in the fact stated in the report of the navy department that by means of the wind and current charts projected and prepared by lieutenant maury the superintendent of the naval observatory the passage from the atlantic to the pacific ports of our country has been shortened by about forty days the estimates for the support of the navy and marine corps the ensuing fiscal year will be found to be the estimates for the current year being the estimates for special objects under the control of this department amount to against for the present year the increase being occasioned by the additional mail service on the pacific coast and the construction of the dock in california authorized at the last session of congress and some slight additions under the head of improvements and repairs in buildings and machinery i deem it of much importance to a just economy and a correct understanding of naval expenditures that there should be an entire separation of the appropriations for the support of the naval service proper from those for permanent improvements at and stations and from ocean steam mail service and other special objects assigned to the supervision of this department the report of the herewith communicated presents an interesting view of the progress operations and condition of his department at the close of the last fiscal year the length of mail routes within the united states was miles the annual transportation thereon miles and the annual cost of such transportation the length of the foreign mail routes is estimated at miles and the annual transportation thereon at miles the annual cost of this service is of which are paid by the department and are paid through the navy department the annual transportation within the united states excluding the service in california and oregon which is now for the first time reported and embraced in the tabular statements of the department exceeds that of the preceding year miles at an increased cost of the whole number of in the united states on the 30th day of june last was there were established and 256 discontinued during the year the gross revenues of the department for the fiscal year including the appropriations for the franked matter of congress of the departments and officers of government and excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the british amounted to the expenditures for the same period excluding paid under an award of the auditor in pursuance of a resolution of the last congress for mail service on the ohio and mississippi rivers in 1832 and 1833 and the amount paid to the british for foreign postages collected for and payable to that office amounted to leaving a balance of revenue over the proper expenditures of the year of the receipts for postages during the year excluding the foreign postages collected for and payable to the british amounted to being an increase of or per cent over the like receipts for the preceding year the reduction of postage under the act of march last did not take effect until the commencement of the present fiscal year the accounts for the first quarter under the operation of the reduced rates will not be settled before january next and no reliable estimate of the receipts for the present year can yet be made it is believed however that they will fall far short of those of the last year the surplus of the revenues now on hand is however so large that no further appropriation from the treasury in aid of the revenues of the department is required for the current fiscal year but an additional appropriation for the year ending june 30 1853 will probably be found necessary when the receipts of the first two quarters of the fiscal year are fully ascertained in his last annual report the recommended a reduction of postage to rates which he deemed as low as could be prudently adopted unless congress was prepared to appropriate from the treasury for the support of the department a sum more than equivalent to the mail services performed by it for the government the recommendations of the in respect to letter postage except on letters from and to california and oregon were substantially adopted by the last congress he now recommends adherence to the present letter rates and advises against a further reduction until justified by the revenue of the department he also recommends that the rates of postage on printed matter be so revised as to render them more simple and more uniform in their operation upon all classes of printed matter i submit the recommendations of the report to your favorable consideration the public statutes of the united states have now been accumulating for more than sixty years and interspersed with private acts are scattered through numerous volumes and from the cost of the whole have become almost inaccessible to the great mass of the community they also exhibit much of the incongruity and imperfection of hasty legislation as it seems to be generally conceded that there is no common law of the united states to supply the defects of their legislation it is most important that that legislation should be as perfect as possible defining every power intended to be conferred every crime intended to be made punishable and prescribing the punishment to be inflicted in addition to some particular cases spoken of more at length the whole criminal code is now lamentably defective some offenses are imperfectly described and others are entirely omitted so that flagrant crimes may be committed with impunity the scale of punishment is not in all cases graduated according to the degree and nature of the offense and is often rendered more unequal by the different modes of imprisonment or penitentiary confinement in the different states many laws of a permanent character have been introduced into appropriation bills and it is often difficult to determine whether the particular clause expires with the temporary act of which it is a part or continues in force it has also frequently happened that enactments and provisions of law have been introduced into bills with the title or general subject of which they have little or no connection or relation in this mode of legislation so many enactments have been heaped upon each other and often with but little consideration that in many instances it is difficult to search out and determine what is the law the government of the united states is emphatically a government of written laws the statutes should therefore as far as practicable not only be made accessible to all but be expressed in language so plain and simple as to be understood by all and arranged in such method as to give perspicuity to every subject many of the states have revised their public acts with great and manifest benefit and i recommend that provision be made by law for the appointment of a commission to revise the public statutes of the united states arranging them in order supplying deficiencies correcting incongruities simplifying their language and reporting them to congress for its action an act of congress approved 30th september 1850 contained a provision for the extension of the capitol according to such plan as might be approved by the president and appropriated to be expended under his direction by such architect as he should appoint to execute the same on examining the various plans which had been submitted by different architects in pursuance of an advertisement by a committee of the senate no one was found to be entirely satisfactory and it was therefore deemed advisable to combine and adopt the advantages of several the great object to be accomplished was to make such an addition as would afford ample and convenient halls for the deliberations of the two houses of congress with sufficient accommodations for spectators and suitable apartments for the committees and officers of the two branches of the legislature it was also desirable not to mar the harmony and beauty of the present structure which as a specimen of architecture is so universally admired keeping these objects in view i concluded to make the addition by wings detached from the present building yet connected with it by corridors this mode of enlargement will leave the present capitol uninjured and afford great advantages for ventilation and the admission of light and will enable the work to progress without interrupting the deliberations of congress to carry this plan into effect i have appointed an experienced and competent architect the corner stone was laid on the 4th day of july last with suitable ceremonies since which time the work has advanced with commendable rapidity and the foundations of both wings are now nearly complete i again commend to your favorable regard the interests of the district of columbia and deem it only necessary to remind you that although its inhabitants have no voice in the choice of representatives in congress they are not the less entitled to a just and liberal consideration in your legislation my opinions on this subject were more fully expressed in my last annual communication other subjects were brought to the attention of congress in my last annual message to which i would respectfully refer but there was one of more than ordinary interest to which i again invite your special attention i allude to the recommendation for the appointment of a commission to settle private claims against the united states justice to individuals as well as to the government imperatively demands that some more convenient and expeditious mode than an appeal to congress should be adopted it is deeply to be regretted that in several instances officers of the government in attempting to execute the law for the return of fugitives from labor have been openly resisted and their efforts frustrated and defeated by lawless and violent mobs that in one case such resistance resulted in the death of an estimable citizen and in others serious injury ensued to those officers and to individuals who were using their endeavors to sustain the laws prosecutions have been instituted against the alleged offenders so far as they could be identified and are still pending i have regarded it as my duty in these cases to give all aid legally in my power to the enforcement of the laws and i shall continue to do so wherever and whenever their execution may be resisted the act of congress for the return of fugitives from labor is one required and demanded by the express words of the constitution the constitution declares that no person held to service or labor in one state under the laws thereof escaping into another shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due this constitutional provision is equally obligatory upon the legislative the executive and judicial departments of the government and upon every citizen of the united states congress however must from necessity first act upon the subject by prescribing the proceedings necessary to ascertain that the person is a fugitive and the means to be used for his restoration to the claimant this was done by an act passed during the first term of president washington which was amended by that enacted by the last congress and it now remains for the executive and judicial departments to take care that these laws be faithfully executed this injunction of the constitution is as peremptory and as binding as any other it stands exactly on the same foundation as that clause which provides for the return of fugitives from justice or that which declares that no bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed or that which provides for an equality of taxation according to the census or the clause declaring that all duties shall be uniform throughout the united states or the important provision that the trial of all crimes shall be by jury these several articles and clauses of the constitution all resting on the same authority must stand or fall together some objections have been urged against the details of the act for the return of fugitives from labor but it is worthy of remark that the main opposition is aimed against the constitution itself and proceeds from persons and classes of persons many of whom declare their wish to see that constitution overturned they avow their hostility to any law which shall give full and practical effect to this requirement of the constitution fortunately the number of these persons is comparatively small and is believed to be daily diminishing but the issue which they present is one which involves the supremacy and even the existence of the constitution cases have heretofore arisen in which individuals have denied the binding authority of acts of congress and even states have proposed to nullify such acts upon the ground that the constitution was the supreme law of the land and that those acts of congress were repugnant to that instrument but nullification is now aimed not so much against particular laws as being inconsistent with the constitution as against the constitution itself and it is not to be disguised that a spirit exists and has been actively at work to rend asunder this union which is our cherished inheritance from our revolutionary fathers in my last annual message i stated that i considered the series of measures which had been adopted at the previous session in reference to the agitation growing out of the territorial and slavery questions as a final settlement in principle and substance of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced and i recommended adherence to the adjustment established by those measures until time and experience should demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse i was not induced to make this recommendation because i thought those measures perfect for no human legislation can be perfect wide differences and jarring opinions can only be reconciled by yielding something on all sides and this result had been reached after an angry conflict of many months in which one part of the country was arrayed against another and violent convulsion seemed to be imminent looking at the interests of the whole country i felt it to be my duty to seize upon this compromise as the best that could be obtained amid conflicting interests and to insist upon it as a final settlement to be adhered to by all who value the peace and welfare of the country a year has now elapsed since that recommendation was made to that recommendation i still adhere and i congratulate you and the country upon the general acquiescence in these measures of peace which has been exhibited in all parts of the republic and not only is there this general acquiescence in these measures but the spirit of conciliation which has been manifested in regard to them in all parts of the country has removed doubts and uncertainties in the minds of thousands of good men concerning the durability of our popular institutions and given renewed assurance that our liberty and our union may subsist together for the benefit of this and all succeeding generations
congratulate common constituency upon favorable auspices meet first session country peace world agitation time threatened disturb fraternal relations make us one people fast subsiding year general prosperity health crowned nation unusual blessings none look back dangers passed forward bright prospect us without feeling thrill gratification time must impressed grateful sense profound obligations beneficent providence whose paternal care manifest happiness highly favored land since close last congress certain cubans foreigners resident united states less concerned previous invasion cuba instead discouraged failure abused hospitality country making scene equipment another military expedition possession catholic majesty countenanced aided joined citizens united states receiving intelligence designs entertained lost time issuing instructions proper officers united states seemed called occasion proclamation copy herewith submitted also warned might danger inveigled scheme unlawful character penalties would incur time reason hope measures sufficed prevent attempt hope however proved delusive early morning 3d august steamer called pampero departed new orleans cuba board upward 400 armed men evident intentions make war upon authorities island expedition set foot palpable violation laws united states leader spaniard several chief officers others engaged foreigners persons composing however mostly citizens united states expedition set probably organized slight insurrectionary movement appears soon suppressed taken place eastern quarter cuba importance movement unfortunately much exaggerated accounts published country adventurers seem led believe creole population island desired throw authority mother country resolved upon step begun enterprise effecting persons engaged expedition generally young ill informed steamer embarked left new orleans stealthily without clearance touching key west proceeded coast cuba night 11th 12th august landed persons board playtas within 20 leagues havana main body proceeded took possession inland village 6 leagues distant leaving others follow charge baggage soon means transportation could obtained latter taken line march connect main body proceeded 4 leagues country attacked morning 13th body spanish troops bloody conflict ensued retreated place disembarkation 50 obtained boats reembarked therein however intercepted among keys near shore spanish steamer cruising coast captured carried havana examined military court sentenced publicly executed sentence carried effect 16th august receiving information occurred commodore foxhall parker instructed proceed steam frigate saranac havana inquire charges persons executed circumstances taken whatsoever referred trial sentence copies instructions department state letters department herewith submitted according record examination prisoners admitted offenses charged hostile invaders island time trial execution main body invaders still field making war upon spanish authorities spanish subjects lapse days overcome spanish troops dispersed 24th august lopez leader captured days executed 1st september many remaining followers killed died hunger fatigue rest made prisoners none appear tried executed several pardoned upon application friends others rest 160 number sent spain final disposition made official information melancholy result illegal expedition thus thoughtless young men induced false fraudulent representations violate law country rash unfounded expectations assisting accomplish political revolutions states lost lives undertaking severe judgment hardly passed indignant sense community upon better informed yet led away ardor youth love political liberty correspondence government spain relating transaction herewith communicated although offenders laws forfeited protection country yet government may far consistent obligations countries fixed purpose maintain enforce laws entertain sympathy unoffending families friends well feeling compassion accordingly proper effort spared none spared procure release citizens united states engaged unlawful enterprise confinement spain hoped interposition government country may considered affording ground expectation government united states hereafter feel obligation duty intercede liberation pardon persons flagrant offenders law nations laws united states laws must executed desire maintain respectability among nations earth behooves us enforce steadily sternly neutrality acts passed congress follow far may violation acts condign punishment gives peculiar criminality invasion cuba lead spanish subjects aid citizens united states origin many motives cupidity money advanced individuals probably considerable amounts purchase cuban bonds called issued lopez sold doubtless large discount payment public lands public property cuba whatever kind fiscal resources people government island whatever source derived pledged well good faith government expected established means payment evident obtained process bloodshed war revolution none deny set foot military expeditions foreign states means like far culpable ignorant necessitous induce go forth ostensible parties proceeding originators invasion cuba seem determined coolness system upon undertaking disgrace country violate laws put hazard lives deluded men consider whether legislation necessary prevent perpetration offenses future individuals right hazard peace country violate laws upon vague notions altering reforming governments states principle reasonable accordance public law ingrafted codes nations well sentiments government may added every independent nation must presumed able defend possessions unauthorized individuals banded together attack government united states times since establishment abstained sought restrain citizens country entering controversies powers observe duties neutrality early period government administration washington several laws passed purpose main provisions laws reenacted act april 1818 amongst things declared person shall within territory jurisdiction united states begin set foot provide prepare means military expedition enterprise carried thence territory dominions foreign prince state colony district people united states peace every person offending shall deemed guilty high misdemeanor shall fined exceeding imprisoned three years law executed enforced full extent power government day proclaiming adhering doctrine neutrality nonintervention united states followed lead civilized nations taken lead followed others admitted one eminent modern british statesmen said parliament minister crown wished guide system neutrality take laid america days washington secretaryship jefferson see fact act congress 1818 followed succeeding year act parliament england substantially general provisions time similar law england except certain highly penal statutes passed reign george ii prohibiting english subjects enlisting foreign service avowed object statutes foreign armies raised purpose restoring house stuart throne strengthened recruits england must see difficulties may arise carrying laws referred execution country miles seacoast infinite number ports harbors small inlets unlawful expeditious may suddenly set forth without knowledge government possessions foreign states friendly relations entangling alliances none long maxim us true mission propagate opinions impose upon countries form government artifice force teach example show success moderation justice blessings advantages free institutions let every people choose make alter political institutions suit condition convenience avow maintain neutral policy anxious see forbearance part nations whose forms government different deep interest feel spread liberal principles establishment free governments sympathy witness every struggle oppression forbid indifferent case strong arm foreign power invoked stifle public sentiment repress spirit freedom country governments great britain france issued orders naval commanders west india station prevent force necessary landing adventurers nation island cuba hostile intent copy memorandum conversation subject charge britannic majesty acting secretary state subsequent note former department state herewith submitted together copy note acting secretary state minister french republic reply latter subject papers acquaint grounds interposition two leading commercial powers europe apprehensions government could fail entertain interposition carried effect might lead abuses derogation maritime rights united states maritime rights united states founded firm secure basis stand upon ground national independence public law maintained full extent principle government heretofore solemnly announced still adheres maintain circumstances hazards principle every regularly documented merchant vessel crew navigate board find protection flag american ship allowed visited searched purpose ascertaining character individuals board allowed watch vessels foreign nation american vessels coast united states seas adjacent thereto seen last communication british charge department state authorized assure secretary state every care taken executing preventive measures expeditions united states government denounced entitled protection government interference shall take place lawful commerce nation addition correspondence subject herewith submitted official information received department state assurances french government orders given french naval forces expressly instructed operations might engage respect flag united states wherever might appear commit act hostility upon vessel armament protection ministers consuls foreign nations means agents communication us nations utmost importance residing country feel perfect security long faithfully discharge respective duties guilty violation laws admitted law nations country deeper interest maintaining united states commerce spreads every sea visits every clime ministers consuls appointed protect interests commerce well guard peace country maintain honor flag discharge duties unless protected protected must laws country reside due public functionaries residing foreign nations exactly measure due functionaries governments residing war bearers flags truce sacred else wars would interminable peace ambassadors public ministers consuls charged friendly national intercourse objects especial respect protection according rights belonging rank station view important principles deep mortification regret announce excitement growing executions havana office catholic majesty consul new orleans assailed mob property destroyed spanish flag found office carried torn pieces induced flee personal safety supposed danger receiving intelligence events forthwith directed attorney united states residing new orleans inquire facts extent pecuniary loss sustained consul intention laying might make provision indemnity regard honor nation respect due friendly power might judgment seem require correspondence upon subject secretary state catholic majesty minister plenipotentiary herewith transmitted occurrence new orleans led give attention state laws regard foreign ambassadors ministers consuls think legislation country deficient providing sufficiently either protection punishment consuls therefore recommend subject consideration congress attention invited question reciprocal trade united states canada british possessions near frontier overtures convention upon subject received britannic majesty minister plenipotentiary seems many respects preferable matter regulated reciprocal legislation documents laid showing terms british government willing offer measures may adopt arrangement upon subject shall made accompanying copy note british legation washington reply department state thereto appear britannic majesty government desirous part boundary line oregon british possessions authoritatively marked intention expressed apply congress appropriation defray expense thereof part united states attention subject accordingly invited proper appropriation recommended convention adjustment claims citizens united states portugal concluded ratifications exchanged first installment amount paid portugal fell due 30th september last paid president french republic according provisions convention selected arbiter case general armstrong signified accepts trust high satisfaction feels acting common friend two nations france united sentiments sincere lasting amity turkish government expressed thanks kind reception given sultan agent amin bey occasion recent visit united states 28th february last dispatch addressed secretary state marsh american minister constantinople instructing ask turkish government permission hungarians imprisoned within dominions sublime porte remove country 3d march last houses congress passed resolution requesting president authorize employment public vessel convey country louis kossuth associates captivity instruction referred complied turkish government released governor kossuth companions prison 10th september last embarked board united states steam frigate mississippi selected carry effect resolution congress governor kossuth left mississippi gibraltar purpose making visit england may shortly expected new york communications department state expressed grateful acknowledgments interposition government behalf associates country justly regarded safe asylum political events exiled homes europe recommended congress consider manner governor kossuth companions brought hither authority shall received treated earnestly hoped differences time past pending government french republic sandwich islands may peaceably durably adjusted secure independence islands long events late imparted much importance possessions united states pacific acknowledged independence hawaiian government government first taking step several leading powers europe immediately followed influenced measure existing prospective importance islands place refuge refreshment vessels engaged whale fishery consideration lie course great trade must distant day carried western coast north america eastern asia also influenced desire islands pass control great maritime state remain independent condition accessible useful commerce nations need say importance considerations greatly enhanced sudden vast development interests united states attained california oregon policy heretofore adopted regard islands steadily pursued gratifying consider commercial interests nations also favor progress knowledge diffusion religion see community emerge savage state attain degree civilization distant seas much deplored internal tranquillity mexican republic seriously disturbed since peace republic united states enjoyed comparative repose favorable anticipations future might degree confidence indulged however thwarted recent outbreak state tamaulipas right bank rio bravo received information persons united states taken part insurrection apprehending example might followed others caused orders issued purpose preventing hostile expeditions mexico set foot violation laws united states likewise issued proclamation upon subject copy herewith laid appeared rendered imperative obligations treaties general duties good neighborhood last annual message informed congress citizens united states undertaken connection two oceans means railroad across isthmus tehuantepec grant mexican government citizen republic enterprise would probably prosecuted energy whenever mexico consent stipulations government united states impart feeling security invest property enterprise convention two governments accomplishment end ratified government awaits decision congress executive republic unexpected difficulties delays arisen ratification convention mexico presumed decision governed enlightened views well general importance object interests obligations negotiating upon important subject government view one one object object construction attainment passage ocean ocean shortest best travelers merchandise equally open world sought obtain territorial acquisition advantages peculiar would see greatest regret mexico oppose obstacle accomplishment enterprise promises much convenience whole commercial world eminent advantages mexico impressed sentiments convictions government continue exert proper efforts bring necessary arrangement republic mexico speedy completion work months past republic nicaragua theater one civil convulsions free institutions general prosperity social progress states central america often severely suffered quiet shall restored government apparently stable shall organized advance prudently made disposing questions pending two countries happy announce interoceanic communication mouth john pacific far accomplished passengers actually traversed merchandise transported canal shall completed according original plan means communication improved understood considerable part railroad across isthmus panama completed mail passengers future conveyed thereon whichever several routes two oceans may ultimately prove eligible travelers different states atlantic gulf mexico coast pacific little reason doubt useful public liberally reward individual enterprise alone expected carried effect peace concluded contending parties island domingo hoped upon durable basis extent commercial relations island united states fail feel strong interest tranquillity office commissioner china remains unfilled several persons appointed place offered others declined acceptance ground inadequacy compensation annual allowance law provision outfit earnestly recommend consideration subject congress commerce china highly important becoming consequence increasing intercourse ports pacific coast eastern asia china understood country living expensive know reason american commissioner sent thither placed regard compensation equal footing ministers represent country courts europe reference report secretary treasury seen aggregate receipts last fiscal year amounted balance treasury 1st july 1850 gave available means year sum total expenditures period total imports year ending june 30 1851 specie exports period domestic products foreign goods reexported specie since 1st december last payments cash account public debt exclusive interest amounted however includes sum paid twelfth article treaty mexico sum amount awards american citizens late treaty mexico issue stock authorized paid cash treasury public debt 20th ultimo exclusive stock authorized issued texas act 9th september 1850 receipts next fiscal year estimated probable unappropriated balance treasury 30th june next give probable available means year sum deemed proper view large expenditures consequent upon acquisition territory mexico estimates next fiscal year laid congress manner distinguish expenditures required otherwise ordinary demands upon treasury total expenditures next fiscal year estimated required ordinary purposes government consequent upon acquisition new territories deducting payments account public debt sum purposes connected directly indirectly territories fulfillment obligations government contracted consequence acquisition sum views secretary treasury reference expenditures required territories shall met corresponding action part congress appropriations made accordance therewith estimated unappropriated balance treasury 30th june 1853 wherewith meet portion public debt due 1st july following amounting well appropriations may made beyond estimates thus referring estimated expenditures account newly acquired territories may express hope congress concur desire liberal course policy may pursued toward every obligation express implied entered consequence acquisition shall fulfilled liberal appropriations purpose values domestic exports last fiscal year compared previous year exhibit increase first view condition trade foreign nations would seem present flattering hopes future prosperity examination details exports however show increased value exports last fiscal year found high price cotton prevailed first half year price since declined value exports breadstuffs provisions supposed incentive low tariff large importations abroad would greatly augmented fallen 1847 1850 1851 strong probability amounting almost certainty still reduction current year aggregate values rice exported last fiscal year compared previous year also exhibit decrease amounting decline values exports tobacco period make aggregate decrease two articles policy dictated low rate duties foreign merchandise thought promoted established would tend benefit farming population country increasing demand raising price agricultural products foreign markets foregoing facts however seem show incontestably result followed adoption policy contrary notwithstanding repeal restrictive corn laws england foreign demand products american farmer steadily declined since short crops consequent famine portion europe happily replaced full crops comparative abundance food seen recurring commercial statistics past year value domestic exports increased single item raw cotton value export year preceding due increased general demand article short crop preceding year created increased demand augmented price crop last year cotton crop going forward market equal quantity year preceding sold present prices would falling value exports present fiscal year least compared amount exported year ending 30th june 1851 production gold california past year seems promise large supply metal quarter time come large annual increase currency world must attended usual results already partially disclosed enhancement prices rising spirit speculation adventure tending overtrading well home abroad unless salutary check shall given tendencies feared importations foreign goods beyond healthy demand country lead sudden drain precious metals us bringing done former times disastrous consequences business capital american people exports specie liquidate foreign debt past fiscal year amount specie imported exports specie first quarter present fiscal year specie continue exported rate remaining three quarters year drain metallic currency year ending 30th june 1852 enormous amount present prosperous condition national finances become duty congress consider best mode paying public debt present anticipated surplus treasury absorbed appropriations extraordinary character surplus employed way restrictions congress may enact extinguishing outstanding debt nation reference act congress approved 9th september 1850 seen consideration certain concessions state texas provided united states shall pay state texas sum stock bearing 5 per cent interest redeemable end fourteen years interest payable treasury united states section law provided five millions said stock shall issued creditors state holding bonds certificates stock texas duties imports specially pledged shall first file treasury united states releases claims united states account said bonds certificates form shall prescribed secretary treasury approved president united states form release thus provided prescribed secretary treasury approved published leading newspapers commercial cities united states persons holding claims kind specified foregoing proviso required file releases form thus prescribed treasury united states 1st day october 1851 although publication continued 25th day march 1851 yet 1st october last comparatively releases filed creditors texas authorities state texas request secretary treasury furnished schedule public debt state created prior admission union copy laws class contracted documents furnished state texas determined classes claims judgment fall within provisions act congress 9th september 1850 officially informed acceptance texas propositions contained act referred caused stock prepared five millions issued unconditionally bearing interest 5 per cent 1st day january 1851 time ready delivered state texas authorities texas present time authorized anyone receive stock remains treasury department subject order texas releases required law deposited treasury filed remaining five millions issued last amount stock withheld texas conditions upon delivered shall complied creditors state unless congress shall otherwise direct modification law last annual message respectfully refer stated briefly reasons induced recommend modification present tariff converting ad valorem specific duty wherever article imported character permit discrimination made favor industrial pursuits country encourage home production without excluding foreign competition numerous frauds continue practiced upon revenue false invoices undervaluations constitute unanswerable reason adopting specific instead ad valorem duties cases nature commodity forbid striking illustration frauds exhibited report secretary treasury showing valuation articles imported former law subject specific duties inducement undervaluation valuations articles present system ad valorem duties greatly reduced leave doubt existence flagrant abuses existing laws practical evasion present law combined languishing condition great interests country caused importations consequent depressed prices failure obtaining foreign market increasing surplus breadstuffs provisions induced recommend modification existing tariff report secretary interior accompanies communication present condensed statement operations important department government seen cash sales public lands exceed preceding year reason anticipate still increase notwithstanding large donations made many states liberal grants individuals reward military services fact furnishes gratifying evidence growing wealth prosperity country suitable measures adopted commencing survey public lands california oregon surveying parties organized progress made establishing principal base meridian lines legislation additional appropriations necessary proper subdivisions made general land system extended remote parts territory 3d march last act passed providing appointment three commissioners settle private land claims california three persons immediately appointed however declined accepting office consequence inadequacy compensation others promptly selected reason also declined late season services suitable persons could secured majority commissioners convened city 10th september last detailed instructions given regard duties first meeting transaction business held san francisco 8th day present month thought proper refer facts explain causes delay filling commission call attention propriety increasing compensation commissioners office one great labor responsibility compensation command men high order talents unquestionable integrity proper disposal mineral lands california subject surrounded great difficulties last annual message recommended survey sale small parcels restrictions would effectually guard monopoly speculation upon information deference opinions persons familiar subject inclined change recommendation advise permitted remain present common field open enterprise industry citizens experience shall developed best policy ultimately adopted regard safer suffer inconveniences exist short period premature legislation fasten country system founded error may place whole subject beyond future control congress agricultural lands however surveyed brought market little delay possible titles may become settled inhabitants stimulated make permanent improvements enter ordinary pursuits life effect objects desirable necessary provision made law establishment land offices california oregon efficient prosecution surveys early day difficulties occurred organizing territorial governments new mexico utah accurate information shall obtained causes communication made subject last annual communication congress recommended establishment agricultural bureau take occasion invoke favorable consideration subject agriculture may justly regarded great interest people active population employed cultivation soil rapid expansion settlements new territory daily adding number engaged vocation justice sound policy therefore alike require government use means authorized constitution promote interests welfare important class yet singular fact whilst manufacturing commercial interests engaged attention congress large portion every session statutes abound provisions protection encouragement little yet done directly advancement agriculture time reproach legislation removed sincerely hope present congress close labors without adopting efficient means supply omissions preceded agricultural bureau charged duty collecting disseminating correct information best modes cultivation effectual means preserving restoring fertility soil procuring distributing seeds plants vegetable productions instructions regard soil climate treatment best adapted growth could fail language washington last annual message congress cheap instrument immense national benefit regarding act congress approved 28th september 1850 granting bounty lands persons engaged military service country great measure national justice munificence anxious desire felt officers intrusted immediate execution give prompt effect provisions means within control therefore brought requisition expedite adjudication claims gratified able state near applications considered warrants issued within short space nine months adequate provision made law carry effect recommendations department confidently expected close next fiscal year entitled benefits act received warrants secretary interior suggested report various amendments laws relating pensions bounty lands purpose effectually guarding abuses frauds government invite particular attention large accessions indian population consequent upon acquisition new mexico california extension settlements utah oregon given increased interest importance relations aboriginal race material change taken place within last year condition prospects indian tribes reside northwestern territory west mississippi river peace source pleasure learn gradually advancing civilization pursuits social life along mexican frontier california oregon occasional manifestations unfriendly feeling depredations committed satisfied however resulted destitute starving condition indians settled hostility toward whites settlements citizens progress toward game upon mainly rely subsistence driven destroyed alternative left starvation plunder becomes us consider view condition things whether justice humanity well enlightened economy require instead seeking punish offenses result policy toward provide immediate wants encourage engage agriculture rely labor instead chase means support various important treaties negotiated different tribes year title large valuable tracts country extinguished proper time submitted senate ratification joint commission treaty guadalupe hidalgo actively engaged running marking boundary line united states mexico stated last annual report secretary interior initial point pacific point junction gila colorado river determined intervening line 150 miles length run marked temporary monuments since time monument marble erected initial point permanent landmarks iron placed suitable distances along line initial point rio grande also fixed commissioners latitude 32 degrees 22 date last communication survey line made thence westward 150 miles neighborhood copper mines commission part first organized scale experience proved unwieldy attended unnecessary expense orders therefore issued reduction number persons employed within smallest limits consistent safety engaged service prompt efficient execution important duties returns received officers engaged taking census states territories except california superintendent employed make enumeration state yet made full report causes alleges beyond control failure much regretted prevented secretary interior making decennial apportionment representatives among states required act approved may 23 1850 hoped however returns soon received time lost making necessary apportionment transmitting certificates required law superintendent seventh census diligently employed direction secretary interior classifying arranging tabular form statistical information derived returns marshals believed work shall completed exhibit perfect view population wealth occupations social condition great country ever presented world value work basis enlightened legislation hardly overestimated earnestly hope congress lose time making appropriations necessary complete classifications publish results style worthy subject national character want uniform fee bill prescribing compensation allowed district attorneys clerks marshals commissioners civil criminal cases much vexation injustice complaint would recommend thorough revision laws whole subject adoption tariff fees far practicable uniform prescribe specific compensation every service officer may required perform subject fully presented report secretary interior last annual message gave briefly reasons believing possessed constitutional power improve harbors great lakes seacoast navigation principal rivers recommended appropriations made completing works already commenced commencing others might seem wisdom congress public general importance without repeating reasons urged deem duty call attention important subject works many harbors left unfinished state consequently exposed action elements fast destroying great numbers lives vast amounts property annually lost want safe convenient harbors lakes none exposed dangerous navigation fully appreciate importance subject whole northwest appeals relief trust appeal receive due consideration hands measure true regard harbors inlets seacoast unobstructed navigation large rivers equal importance settlements extending sources great rivers empty form part mississippi value public lands regions would greatly enhanced freeing navigation waters obstructions view therefore great interest deem duty urge upon congress make appropriations improvements may deem necessary surveys delta mississippi view prevention overflows proved disastrous region country nearly completed reports thereof course preparation shortly laid protection southwestern frontier adjacent mexican states indian tribes within border claimed earnest constant attention congress failed last session adopt recommendation additional regiment mounted men specially adapted service raised remained done make best use means disposal accordingly troops adapted service could properly spared quarters concentrated frontier officers high reputation selected command new arrangement military posts also made whereby troops brought nearer mexican frontier tribes intended overawe sufficient time yet elapsed realize benefits expected result arrangements every reason hope effectually check marauding expeditions nature country furnishes little support army abounds places refuge concealment remarkably well adapted predatory warfare scarcely hope military force combined greatest vigilance entirely suppress treaty guadalupe hidalgo bound protect territory mexico incursions savage tribes within border equal diligence energy made within territory citizens endeavored comply far possible provision treaty orders given officers commanding frontier consider mexican territory inhabitants equally entitled protection make plans arrangements view attainment object instructions also given indian commissioners agents among tribes treaties make clauses designed protection citizens apply also mexico reason doubt instructions fully carried effect nevertheless probable spite efforts neighboring states mexico may suffered depredations indians difficulties defending territory mentioned superadded defending mexico arise remoteness fact right station troops within limits efficient military force mexican side cooperate long shall continue case number activity troops rather increase diminish evil indians naturally turn toward country encounter least resistance yet troops necessary subdue compel make observe treaties shall done neither country enjoy security attacks indians california previously appeared peaceable character disposed cultivate friendship whites recently committed several acts hostility large portion reenforcements sent mexican frontier drawn pacific military force stationed considered entirely inadequate defense increased however without increase army recommend measure indispensable protection frontier invite attention suggestions subject others connected department report secretary war appropriations support army current fiscal year ending 30th june next reduced far estimate submitted department consequence reduction considerable deficiency invite early attention expenditures department year ending 30th june last estimates year commencing 1st july next ending june 30 1853 showing reductions board commissioners management affairs military asylum created act 3d march last intrusted selected site establishment asylum vicinity city approved subject production satisfactory title report secretary navy exhibit condition public service supervision department naval force afloat present year actively usefully employed giving protection widely extended increasing commerce interests various quarters globe flag everywhere afforded security received respect inspired justice liberality intercourse dignity power nation expedition commanded lieutenant de dispatched search british commander sir john franklin companions arctic seas returned new york month october undergone great peril suffering unknown dangerous navigation rigors northern climate without satisfactory information objects search new contributions science navigation unfrequented polar regions officers men expedition volunteers service conducted meet entire approbation government suggested act grace generosity allowance extra pay emoluments extended made officers men like rating late exploring expedition south seas earnestly recommend attention necessity reorganizing naval establishment apportioning fixing number officers grade providing mode promotion higher grades navy reference merit capacity rather seniority date entry service retiring effective list upon reduced pay may incompetent performance active duty measure economy well efficiency arm service provision last mentioned eminently worthy consideration determination questions relative rank sea officers civil officers navy officers army navy various grades also merit attention failure provide substitute corporal punishment abolished offenses navy occasioned convening numerous upon arrival vessels port believed injurious effect upon discipline efficiency service moderate punishment one grade another among humane reforms age abolish one severity applied generally offenses shipboard provide nothing stead suppose progress improvement every individual among seamen assumed legislature respect class men hoped congress ample opportunity afforded present session thoroughly investigate important subject establish modes determining guilt gradations punishment consistent humanity personal rights individuals time shall insure energetic efficient performance duty suppression crime ships war stone dock new york ten years process construction far finished surrendered authorities yard dry dock philadelphia reported completed expected soon tested delivered agents government portsmouth also nearly ready delivery contract concluded agreeably act congress last session floating sectional dock bay san francisco invite attention recommendation department touching establishment conjunction dock pacific station highly necessary convenience effectiveness fleet ocean must expected increase growth commerce rapid extension whale fisheries waters naval academy annapolis revised improved system regulations affords opportunities education instruction pupils quite equal believed professional improvement enjoyed cadets military academy large class acting midshipmen received commencement last academic term practice ship attached institution afford amplest means regular instruction seamanship well cruises vacations three four months year advantages science nautical affairs rarely strikingly illustrated fact stated report navy department means wind current charts projected prepared lieutenant maury superintendent naval observatory passage atlantic pacific ports country shortened forty days estimates support navy marine corps ensuing fiscal year found estimates current year estimates special objects control department amount present year increase occasioned additional mail service pacific coast construction dock california authorized last session congress slight additions head improvements repairs buildings machinery deem much importance economy correct understanding naval expenditures entire separation appropriations support naval service proper permanent improvements stations ocean steam mail service special objects assigned supervision department report herewith communicated presents interesting view progress operations condition department close last fiscal year length mail routes within united states miles annual transportation thereon miles annual cost transportation length foreign mail routes estimated miles annual transportation thereon miles annual cost service paid department paid navy department annual transportation within united states excluding service california oregon first time reported embraced tabular statements department exceeds preceding year miles increased cost whole number united states 30th day june last established 256 discontinued year gross revenues department fiscal year including appropriations franked matter congress departments officers government excluding foreign postages collected payable british amounted expenditures period excluding paid award auditor pursuance resolution last congress mail service ohio mississippi rivers 1832 1833 amount paid british foreign postages collected payable office amounted leaving balance revenue proper expenditures year receipts postages year excluding foreign postages collected payable british amounted increase per cent like receipts preceding year reduction postage act march last take effect commencement present fiscal year accounts first quarter operation reduced rates settled january next reliable estimate receipts present year yet made believed however fall far short last year surplus revenues hand however large appropriation treasury aid revenues department required current fiscal year additional appropriation year ending june 30 1853 probably found necessary receipts first two quarters fiscal year fully ascertained last annual report recommended reduction postage rates deemed low could prudently adopted unless congress prepared appropriate treasury support department sum equivalent mail services performed government recommendations respect letter postage except letters california oregon substantially adopted last congress recommends adherence present letter rates advises reduction justified revenue department also recommends rates postage printed matter revised render simple uniform operation upon classes printed matter submit recommendations report favorable consideration public statutes united states accumulating sixty years interspersed private acts scattered numerous volumes cost whole become almost inaccessible great mass community also exhibit much incongruity imperfection hasty legislation seems generally conceded common law united states supply defects legislation important legislation perfect possible defining every power intended conferred every crime intended made punishable prescribing punishment inflicted addition particular cases spoken length whole criminal code lamentably defective offenses imperfectly described others entirely omitted flagrant crimes may committed impunity scale punishment cases graduated according degree nature offense often rendered unequal different modes imprisonment penitentiary confinement different states many laws permanent character introduced appropriation bills often difficult determine whether particular clause expires temporary act part continues force also frequently happened enactments provisions law introduced bills title general subject little connection relation mode legislation many enactments heaped upon often little consideration many instances difficult search determine law government united states emphatically government written laws statutes therefore far practicable made accessible expressed language plain simple understood arranged method give perspicuity every subject many states revised public acts great manifest benefit recommend provision made law appointment commission revise public statutes united states arranging order supplying deficiencies correcting incongruities simplifying language reporting congress action act congress approved 30th september 1850 contained provision extension capitol according plan might approved president appropriated expended direction architect appoint execute examining various plans submitted different architects pursuance advertisement committee senate one found entirely satisfactory therefore deemed advisable combine adopt advantages several great object accomplished make addition would afford ample convenient halls deliberations two houses congress sufficient accommodations spectators suitable apartments committees officers two branches legislature also desirable mar harmony beauty present structure specimen architecture universally admired keeping objects view concluded make addition wings detached present building yet connected corridors mode enlargement leave present capitol uninjured afford great advantages ventilation admission light enable work progress without interrupting deliberations congress carry plan effect appointed experienced competent architect corner stone laid 4th day july last suitable ceremonies since time work advanced commendable rapidity foundations wings nearly complete commend favorable regard interests district columbia deem necessary remind although inhabitants voice choice representatives congress less entitled liberal consideration legislation opinions subject fully expressed last annual communication subjects brought attention congress last annual message would respectfully refer one ordinary interest invite special attention allude recommendation appointment commission settle private claims united states justice individuals well government imperatively demands convenient expeditious mode appeal congress adopted deeply regretted several instances officers government attempting execute law return fugitives labor openly resisted efforts frustrated defeated lawless violent mobs one case resistance resulted death estimable citizen others serious injury ensued officers individuals using endeavors sustain laws prosecutions instituted alleged offenders far could identified still pending regarded duty cases give aid legally power enforcement laws shall continue wherever whenever execution may resisted act congress return fugitives labor one required demanded express words constitution constitution declares person held service labor one state laws thereof escaping another shall consequence law regulation therein discharged service labor shall delivered claim party service labor may due constitutional provision equally obligatory upon legislative executive judicial departments government upon every citizen united states congress however must necessity first act upon subject prescribing proceedings necessary ascertain person fugitive means used restoration claimant done act passed first term president washington amended enacted last congress remains executive judicial departments take care laws faithfully executed injunction constitution peremptory binding stands exactly foundation clause provides return fugitives justice declares bill attainder ex post facto law shall passed provides equality taxation according census clause declaring duties shall uniform throughout united states important provision trial crimes shall jury several articles clauses constitution resting authority must stand fall together objections urged details act return fugitives labor worthy remark main opposition aimed constitution proceeds persons classes persons many declare wish see constitution overturned avow hostility law shall give full practical effect requirement constitution fortunately number persons comparatively small believed daily diminishing issue present one involves supremacy even existence constitution cases heretofore arisen individuals denied binding authority acts congress even states proposed nullify acts upon ground constitution supreme law land acts congress repugnant instrument nullification aimed much particular laws inconsistent constitution constitution disguised spirit exists actively work rend asunder union cherished inheritance revolutionary fathers last annual message stated considered series measures adopted previous session reference agitation growing territorial slavery questions final settlement principle substance dangerous exciting subjects embraced recommended adherence adjustment established measures time experience demonstrate necessity legislation guard evasion abuse induced make recommendation thought measures perfect human legislation perfect wide differences jarring opinions reconciled yielding something sides result reached angry conflict many months one part country arrayed another violent convulsion seemed imminent looking interests whole country felt duty seize upon compromise best could obtained amid conflicting interests insist upon final settlement adhered value peace welfare country year elapsed since recommendation made recommendation still adhere congratulate country upon general acquiescence measures peace exhibited parts republic general acquiescence measures spirit conciliation manifested regard parts country removed doubts uncertainties minds thousands good men concerning durability popular institutions given renewed assurance liberty union may subsist together benefit succeeding generations
congratulate common constituency upon favorable auspex meet first session country peace world agitation time threaten disturb fraternal relation make u one people fast subside year general prosperity health crown nation unusual blessing none look back danger pass forward bright prospect u without feel thrill gratification time must impress grateful sense profound obligation beneficent providence whose paternal care manifest happiness highly favor land since close last congress certain cuban foreigner resident united state less concerned previous invasion cuba instead discourage failure abuse hospitality country make scene equipment another military expedition possession catholic majesty countenance aid joined citizen united state receive intelligence design entertain lost time issue instruction proper officer united state seem call occasion proclamation copy herewith submit also warn might danger inveigled scheme unlawful character penalty would incur time reason hope measure suffice prevent attempt hope however prove delusive early morning 3d august steamer call pampero depart new orleans cuba board upward 400 arm men evident intention make war upon authority island expedition set foot palpable violation law united state leader spaniard several chief officer others engage foreigner person compose however mostly citizens united state expedition set probably organize slight insurrectionary movement appear soon suppress take place eastern quarter cuba importance movement unfortunately much exaggerated account publish country adventurer seem lead believe creole population island desire throw authority mother country resolve upon step begin enterprise effect person engage expedition generally young ill inform steamer embark leave new orleans stealthily without clearance touch key west proceed coast cuba night 11th 12th august land person board playtas within 20 league havana main body proceed take possession inland village 6 league distant leave others follow charge baggage soon mean transportation could obtain latter take line march connect main body proceed 4 league country attack morning 13th body spanish troop bloody conflict ensue retreated place disembarkation 50 obtain boat reembarked therein however intercept among key near shore spanish steamer cruise coast capture carry havana examine military court sentence publicly execute sentence carry effect 16th august receive information occur commodore foxhall parker instruct proceed steam frigate saranac havana inquire charge person execute circumstance take whatsoever refer trial sentence copy instruction department state letter department herewith submit accord record examination prisoner admit offense charge hostile invader island time trial execution main body invader still field make war upon spanish authority spanish subject lapse day overcome spanish troop disperse 24th august lopez leader capture day execute 1st september many remain follower kill die hunger fatigue rest make prisoner none appear try executed several pardon upon application friend others rest 160 number send spain final disposition make official information melancholy result illegal expedition thus thoughtless young men induce false fraudulent representation violate law country rash unfounded expectation assist accomplish political revolution state lose life undertake severe judgment hardly pass indignant sense community upon good inform yet lead away ardor youth love political liberty correspondence government spain relate transaction herewith communicate although offender law forfeit protection country yet government may far consistent obligation country fix purpose maintain enforce law entertain sympathy unoffending family friends well feeling compassion accordingly proper effort spar none spar procure release citizen united state engage unlawful enterprise confinement spain hop interposition government country may consider afford ground expectation government unite state hereafter feel obligation duty intercede liberation pardon person flagrant offender law nation law united state law must execute desire maintain respectability among nation earth behooves u enforce steadily sternly neutrality act pass congress follow far may violation act condign punishment give peculiar criminality invasion cuba lead spanish subject aid citizen united state origin many motif cupidity money advanced individual probably considerable amount purchase cuban bond call issue lopez sold doubtless large discount payment public land public property cuba whatever kind fiscal resource people government island whatever source derive pledge well good faith government expect establish mean payment evident obtain process bloodshed war revolution none deny set foot military expedition foreign state mean like far culpable ignorant necessitous induce go forth ostensible party proceed originator invasion cuba seem determine coolness system upon undertake disgrace country violate law put hazard life delude men consider whether legislation necessary prevent perpetration offenses future individual right hazard peace country violate law upon vague notion alter reform government state principle reasonable accordance public law ingraft code nation well sentiment government may add every independent nation must presume able defend possession unauthorized individual band together attack government unite state time since establishment abstain sought restrain citizen country enter controversy power observe duty neutrality early period government administration washington several law pass purpose main provision law reenact act april 1818 amongst thing declare person shall within territory jurisdiction united state begin set foot provide prepare mean military expedition enterprise carry thence territory dominion foreign prince state colony district people united state peace every person offend shall deem guilty high misdemeanor shall fin exceed imprison three year law execute enforced full extent power government day proclaim adhere doctrine neutrality nonintervention unite state follow lead civilized nation take lead follow others admit one eminent modern british statesman say parliament minister crown wish guide system neutrality take laid america day washington secretaryship jefferson see fact act congress 1818 follow succeed year act parliament england substantially general provision time similar law england except certain highly penal statute pass reign george ii prohibit english subject enlist foreign service avow object statute foreign army raise purpose restoring house stuart throne strengthen recruit england must see difficulty may arise carry law refer execution country mile seacoast infinite number port harbor small inlet unlawful expeditious may suddenly set forth without knowledge government possession foreign state friendly relation entangle alliance none long maxim u true mission propagate opinion impose upon country form government artifice force teach example show success moderation justice blessing advantage free institution let every people choose make alter political institution suit condition convenience avow maintain neutral policy anxious see forbearance part nation whose forms government different deep interest feel spread liberal principle establishment free government sympathy witness every struggle oppression forbid indifferent case strong arm foreign power invoke stifle public sentiment repress spirit freedom country government great britain france issue order naval commander west india station prevent force necessary landing adventurer nation island cuba hostile intent copy memorandum conversation subject charge britannic majesty act secretary state subsequent note former department state herewith submit together copy note act secretary state minister french republic reply latter subject paper acquaint ground interposition two lead commercial power europe apprehension government could fail entertain interposition carry effect might lead abuse derogation maritime right unite state maritime right unite state found firm secure basis stand upon ground national independence public law maintain full extent principle government heretofore solemnly announce still adhere maintain circumstance hazard principle every regularly document merchant vessel crew navigate board find protection flag american ship allow visit searched purpose ascertain character individual board allow watch vessel foreign nation american vessel coast united state seas adjacent thereto see last communication british charge department state authorize assure secretary state every care take execute preventive measure expedition united state government denounce entitle protection government interference shall take place lawful commerce nation addition correspondence subject herewith submit official information receive department state assurance french government order give french naval force expressly instruct operation might engage respect flag united state wherever might appear commit act hostility upon vessel armament protection minister consuls foreign nation mean agent communication u nation utmost importance reside country feel perfect security long faithfully discharge respective duty guilty violation law admit law nation country deep interest maintaining united state commerce spread every sea visit every clime minister consuls appoint protect interest commerce well guard peace country maintain honor flag discharge duty unless protect protected must law country reside due public functionary reside foreign nation exactly measure due functionary government reside war bearer flag truce sacred else war would interminable peace ambassador public minister consuls charge friendly national intercourse object especial respect protection accord right belong rank station view important principle deep mortification regret announce excitement grow execution havana office catholic majesty consul new orleans assail mob property destroy spanish flag find office carry torn piece induce flee personal safety suppose danger receive intelligence event forthwith directed attorney united state reside new orleans inquire fact extent pecuniary loss sustain consul intention lay might make provision indemnity regard honor nation respect due friendly power might judgment seem require correspondence upon subject secretary state catholic majesty minister plenipotentiary herewith transmit occurrence new orleans lead give attention state law regard foreign ambassador minister consuls think legislation country deficient provide sufficiently either protection punishment consul therefore recommend subject consideration congress attention invite question reciprocal trade unite state canada british possession near frontier overture convention upon subject receive britannic majesty minister plenipotentiary seem many respect preferable matter regulate reciprocal legislation document lay show term british government willing offer measure may adopt arrangement upon subject shall make accompany copy note british legation washington reply department state thereto appear britannic majesty government desirous part boundary line oregon british possession authoritatively mark intention express apply congress appropriation defray expense thereof part unite state attention subject accordingly invite proper appropriation recommend convention adjustment claim citizen united state portugal conclude ratification exchange first installment amount pay portugal fell due 30th september last pay president french republic accord provision convention select arbiter case general armstrong signify accepts trust high satisfaction feel act common friend two nation france united sentiment sincere last amity turkish government express thanks kind reception give sultan agent amin bey occasion recent visit unite state 28th february last dispatch address secretary state marsh american minister constantinople instruct ask turkish government permission hungarian imprison within dominion sublime porte remove country 3d march last house congress pass resolution request president authorize employment public vessel convey country louis kossuth associate captivity instruction refer complied turkish government release governor kossuth companion prison 10th september last embarked board unite state steam frigate mississippi select carry effect resolution congress governor kossuth leave mississippi gibraltar purpose make visit england may shortly expect new york communication department state express grateful acknowledgment interposition government behalf associate country justly regard safe asylum political event exile home europe recommend congress consider manner governor kossuth companion bring hither authority shall receive treat earnestly hop difference time past pending government french republic sandwich island may peaceably durably adjust secure independence island long event late impart much importance possession united state pacific acknowledge independence hawaiian government government first take step several lead power europe immediately follow influenced measure exist prospective importance island place refuge refreshment vessel engage whale fishery consideration lie course great trade must distant day carry western coast north america eastern asia also influence desire island pass control great maritime state remain independent condition accessible useful commerce nation need say importance consideration greatly enhance sudden vast development interest unite state attain california oregon policy heretofore adopt regard island steadily pursue gratify consider commercial interest nation also favor progress knowledge diffusion religion see community emerge savage state attain degree civilization distant sea much deplore internal tranquillity mexican republic seriously disturb since peace republic united state enjoy comparative repose favorable anticipation future might degree confidence indulge however thwart recent outbreak state tamaulipas right bank rio bravo receive information person united state take part insurrection apprehend example might follow others caused order issue purpose prevent hostile expedition mexico set foot violation law united state likewise issue proclamation upon subject copy herewith laid appear rendered imperative obligation treaty general duty good neighborhood last annual message inform congress citizen unite state undertaken connection two ocean mean railroad across isthmus tehuantepec grant mexican government citizen republic enterprise would probably prosecute energy whenever mexico consent stipulation government united state impart feel security invest property enterprise convention two government accomplishment end ratify government awaits decision congress executive republic unexpected difficulty delay arisen ratification convention mexico presume decision govern enlighten view well general importance object interest obligation negotiate upon important subject government view one one object object construction attainment passage ocean ocean shortest best traveler merchandise equally open world seek obtain territorial acquisition advantage peculiar would see great regret mexico oppose obstacle accomplishment enterprise promise much convenience whole commercial world eminent advantage mexico impressed sentiment conviction government continue exert proper effort bring necessary arrangement republic mexico speedy completion work month past republic nicaragua theater one civil convulsion free institution general prosperity social progress state central america often severely suffered quiet shall restore government apparently stable shall organize advance prudently make dispose question pending two country happy announce interoceanic communication mouth john pacific far accomplished passenger actually traverse merchandise transport canal shall complete accord original plan mean communication improve understood considerable part railroad across isthmus panama complete mail passenger future convey thereon whichever several route two ocean may ultimately prove eligible traveler different state atlantic gulf mexico coast pacific little reason doubt useful public liberally reward individual enterprise alone expect carried effect peace conclude contend party island domingo hop upon durable basis extent commercial relation island united state fail feel strong interest tranquillity office commissioner china remain unfilled several person appoint place offer others decline acceptance ground inadequacy compensation annual allowance law provision outfit earnestly recommend consideration subject congress commerce china highly important become consequence increase intercourse port pacific coast eastern asia china understood country live expensive know reason american commissioner send thither place regard compensation equal footing minister represent country court europe reference report secretary treasury see aggregate receipt last fiscal year amount balance treasury 1st july 1850 give available mean year sum total expenditure period total import year end june 30 1851 specie export period domestic product foreign good reexported specie since 1st december last payment cash account public debt exclusive interest amount however include sum pay twelfth article treaty mexico sum amount award american citizen late treaty mexico issue stock authorize paid cash treasury public debt 20th ultimo exclusive stock authorize issue texas act 9th september 1850 receipt next fiscal year estimate probable unappropriated balance treasury 30th june next give probable available mean year sum deem proper view large expenditure consequent upon acquisition territory mexico estimate next fiscal year lay congress manner distinguish expenditure require otherwise ordinary demand upon treasury total expenditure next fiscal year estimate required ordinary purpose government consequent upon acquisition new territory deduct payment account public debt sum purpose connect directly indirectly territories fulfillment obligation government contract consequence acquisition sum view secretary treasury reference expenditure require territory shall meet correspond action part congress appropriation make accordance therewith estimate unappropriated balance treasury 30th june 1853 wherewith meet portion public debt due 1st july follow amount well appropriation may make beyond estimate thus refer estimate expenditure account newly acquire territory may express hope congress concur desire liberal course policy may pursue toward every obligation express imply entered consequence acquisition shall fulfil liberal appropriation purpose value domestic export last fiscal year compare previous year exhibit increase first view condition trade foreign nation would seem present flatter hop future prosperity examination detail export however show increased value export last fiscal year find high price cotton prevail first half year price since decline value export breadstuffs provision suppose incentive low tariff large importation abroad would greatly augment fallen 1847 1850 1851 strong probability amount almost certainty still reduction current year aggregate value rice export last fiscal year compare previous year also exhibit decrease amount decline value export tobacco period make aggregate decrease two article policy dictate low rate duty foreign merchandise thought promote establish would tend benefit farm population country increase demand raise price agricultural product foreign market forego fact however seem show incontestably result follow adoption policy contrary notwithstanding repeal restrictive corn law england foreign demand product american farmer steadily decline since short crop consequent famine portion europe happily replace full crop comparative abundance food see recur commercial statistic past year value domestic export increase single item raw cotton value export year precede due increase general demand article short crop precede year create increased demand augment price crop last year cotton crop go forward market equal quantity year precede sell present price would fall value export present fiscal year least compare amount export year end 30th june 1851 production gold california past year seem promise large supply metal quarter time come large annual increase currency world must attend usual result already partially disclose enhancement price rise spirit speculation adventure tend overtrading well home abroad unless salutary check shall give tendency fear importation foreign good beyond healthy demand country lead sudden drain precious metal u bring do former time disastrous consequence business capital american people export specie liquidate foreign debt past fiscal year amount specie import export specie first quarter present fiscal year specie continue export rate remain three quarter year drain metallic currency year end 30th june 1852 enormous amount present prosperous condition national finance become duty congress consider best mode pay public debt present anticipated surplus treasury absorb appropriation extraordinary character surplus employ way restriction congress may enact extinguish outstanding debt nation reference act congress approve 9th september 1850 see consideration certain concession state texas provide united state shall pay state texas sum stock bear 5 per cent interest redeemable end fourteen year interest payable treasury united state section law provide five million say stock shall issue creditor state hold bond certificate stock texas duty import specially pledge shall first file treasury united state release claim united state account say bond certificate form shall prescribe secretary treasury approve president united state form release thus provide prescribed secretary treasury approve publish lead newspaper commercial city united state person hold claim kind specify forego proviso require file release form thus prescribed treasury unite state 1st day october 1851 although publication continue 25th day march 1851 yet 1st october last comparatively release file creditor texas authority state texas request secretary treasury furnish schedule public debt state create prior admission union copy law class contract document furnished state texas determine class claim judgment fall within provision act congress 9th september 1850 officially inform acceptance texas proposition contain act refer caused stock prepare five million issue unconditionally bearing interest 5 per cent 1st day january 1851 time ready deliver state texas authority texas present time authorize anyone receive stock remain treasury department subject order texas release require law deposit treasury file remain five million issue last amount stock withhold texas condition upon deliver shall comply creditor state unless congress shall otherwise direct modification law last annual message respectfully refer state briefly reason induce recommend modification present tariff convert ad valorem specific duty wherever article import character permit discrimination make favor industrial pursuit country encourage home production without exclude foreign competition numerous fraud continue practice upon revenue false invoice undervaluation constitute unanswerable reason adopt specific instead ad valorem duty case nature commodity forbid strike illustration fraud exhibit report secretary treasury show valuation article import former law subject specific duty inducement undervaluation valuation article present system ad valorem duty greatly reduce leave doubt existence flagrant abuse exist law practical evasion present law combine languishing condition great interest country cause importation consequent depress price failure obtain foreign market increase surplus breadstuff provision induce recommend modification exist tariff report secretary interior accompanies communication present condense statement operation important department government see cash sale public land exceed precede year reason anticipate still increase notwithstanding large donation make many state liberal grant individual reward military service fact furnishes gratify evidence grow wealth prosperity country suitable measure adopt commence survey public land california oregon survey party organize progress make establish principal base meridian line legislation additional appropriation necessary proper subdivision make general land system extend remote part territory 3d march last act pass provide appointment three commissioner settle private land claim california three person immediately appoint however decline accept office consequence inadequacy compensation others promptly select reason also decline late season service suitable person could secure majority commissioner convene city 10th september last detailed instruction give regard duty first meeting transaction business hold san francisco 8th day present month think proper refer fact explain cause delay fill commission call attention propriety increase compensation commissioner office one great labor responsibility compensation command men high order talent unquestionable integrity proper disposal mineral land california subject surround great difficulty last annual message recommend survey sale small parcel restriction would effectually guard monopoly speculation upon information deference opinion person familiar subject inclined change recommendation advise permit remain present common field open enterprise industry citizens experience shall develop best policy ultimately adopt regard safer suffer inconvenience exist short period premature legislation fasten country system found error may place whole subject beyond future control congress agricultural land however survey brought market little delay possible title may become settled inhabitant stimulate make permanent improvement enter ordinary pursuit life effect object desirable necessary provision make law establishment land office california oregon efficient prosecution survey early day difficulty occur organize territorial government new mexico utah accurate information shall obtain cause communication make subject last annual communication congress recommend establishment agricultural bureau take occasion invoke favorable consideration subject agriculture may justly regard great interest people active population employ cultivation soil rapid expansion settlement new territory daily add number engage vocation justice sound policy therefore alike require government use mean authorized constitution promote interest welfare important class yet singular fact whilst manufacture commercial interest engage attention congress large portion every session statutes abound provision protection encouragement little yet do directly advancement agriculture time reproach legislation remove sincerely hope present congress close labor without adopt efficient mean supply omission precede agricultural bureau charge duty collect disseminate correct information best mode cultivation effectual mean preserve restore fertility soil procure distribute seed plant vegetable production instruction regard soil climate treatment best adapt growth could fail language washington last annual message congress cheap instrument immense national benefit regard act congress approve 28th september 1850 grant bounty land person engage military service country great measure national justice munificence anxious desire felt officer intrust immediate execution give prompt effect provision mean within control therefore bring requisition expedite adjudication claim gratify able state near application consider warrant issue within short space nine month adequate provision make law carry effect recommendation department confidently expect close next fiscal year entitle benefit act receive warrant secretary interior suggest report various amendment law relate pension bounty land purpose effectually guard abuse frauds government invite particular attention large accession indian population consequent upon acquisition new mexico california extension settlement utah oregon give increase interest importance relation aboriginal race material change take place within last year condition prospect indian tribe reside northwestern territory west mississippi river peace source pleasure learn gradually advance civilization pursuit social life along mexican frontier california oregon occasional manifestation unfriendly feel depredation commit satisfied however result destitute starving condition indian settle hostility toward white settlement citizen progress toward game upon mainly rely subsistence drive destroyed alternative leave starvation plunder become u consider view condition thing whether justice humanity well enlightened economy require instead seek punish offense result policy toward provide immediate want encourage engage agriculture rely labor instead chase mean support various important treaty negotiate different tribe year title large valuable tract country extinguish proper time submit senate ratification joint commission treaty guadalupe hidalgo actively engage run mark boundary line unite state mexico state last annual report secretary interior initial point pacific point junction gila colorado river determine intervening line 150 mile length run mark temporary monument since time monument marble erect initial point permanent landmarks iron place suitable distance along line initial point rio grande also fix commissioner latitude 32 degree 22 date last communication survey line make thence westward 150 mile neighborhood copper mine commission part first organize scale experience prove unwieldy attend unnecessary expense order therefore issue reduction number person employ within small limit consistent safety engage service prompt efficient execution important duty return received officer engage take census state territory except california superintendent employ make enumeration state yet make full report cause allege beyond control failure much regret prevented secretary interior make decennial apportionment representative among state require act approve may 23 1850 hop however return soon receive time lose make necessary apportionment transmit certificate require law superintendent seventh census diligently employ direction secretary interior classify arrange tabular form statistical information derive return marshal believe work shall complete exhibit perfect view population wealth occupation social condition great country ever present world value work basis enlighten legislation hardly overestimate earnestly hope congress lose time make appropriation necessary complete classification publish result style worthy subject national character want uniform fee bill prescribe compensation allow district attorney clerk marshal commissioner civil criminal case much vexation injustice complaint would recommend thorough revision law whole subject adoption tariff fee far practicable uniform prescribe specific compensation every service officer may require perform subject fully present report secretary interior last annual message give briefly reason believe possess constitutional power improve harbor great lake seacoast navigation principal river recommend appropriation make complete work already commence commence others might seem wisdom congress public general importance without repeat reason urge deem duty call attention important subject work many harbor leave unfinished state consequently expose action element fast destroy great number live vast amount property annually lose want safe convenient harbor lakes none expose dangerous navigation fully appreciate importance subject whole northwest appeal relief trust appeal receive due consideration hand measure true regard harbor inlets seacoast unobstructed navigation large river equal importance settlement extend source great river empty form part mississippi value public land region would greatly enhance free navigation water obstruction view therefore great interest deem duty urge upon congress make appropriation improvement may deem necessary survey delta mississippi view prevention overflow prove disastrous region country nearly complete report thereof course preparation shortly lay protection southwestern frontier adjacent mexican state indian tribe within border claim earnest constant attention congress fail last session adopt recommendation additional regiment mount men specially adapt service raise remain do make best use mean disposal accordingly troop adapt service could properly spar quarter concentrate frontier officer high reputation select command new arrangement military post also make whereby troop bring near mexican frontier tribe intend overawe sufficient time yet elapse realize benefit expect result arrangement every reason hope effectually check maraud expedition nature country furnish little support army abound place refuge concealment remarkably well adapted predatory warfare scarcely hope military force combine great vigilance entirely suppress treaty guadalupe hidalgo bound protect territory mexico incursion savage tribe within border equal diligence energy make within territory citizen endeavor comply far possible provision treaty order give officer command frontier consider mexican territory inhabitant equally entitle protection make plan arrangement view attainment object instruction also give indian commissioner agent among tribes treaty make clause design protection citizen apply also mexico reason doubt instruction fully carry effect nevertheless probable spite effort neighbor state mexico may suffer depredation indians difficulty defend territory mention superadded defend mexico arise remoteness fact right station troop within limit efficient military force mexican side cooperate long shall continue case number activity troop rather increase diminish evil indians naturally turn toward country encounter least resistance yet troops necessary subdue compel make observe treaty shall do neither country enjoy security attack indians california previously appear peaceable character dispose cultivate friendship white recently commit several act hostility large portion reenforcement send mexican frontier drawn pacific military force station consider entirely inadequate defense increase however without increase army recommend measure indispensable protection frontier invite attention suggestion subject others connect department report secretary war appropriation support army current fiscal year end 30th june next reduce far estimate submit department consequence reduction considerable deficiency invite early attention expenditure department year end 30th june last estimate year commence 1st july next end june 30 1853 show reduction board commissioner management affair military asylum create act 3d march last intrusted select site establishment asylum vicinity city approve subject production satisfactory title report secretary navy exhibit condition public service supervision department naval force afloat present year actively usefully employed give protection widely extend increase commerce interest various quarter globe flag everywhere afforded security receive respect inspire justice liberality intercourse dignity power nation expedition command lieutenant de dispatch search british commander sir john franklin companion arctic sea return new york month october undergone great peril suffer unknown dangerous navigation rigor northern climate without satisfactory information object search new contribution science navigation unfrequented polar region officer men expedition volunteer service conduct meet entire approbation government suggest act grace generosity allowance extra pay emolument extend make officer men like rating late explore expedition south sea earnestly recommend attention necessity reorganize naval establishment apportion fix number officer grade provide mode promotion high grade navy reference merit capacity rather seniority date entry service retire effective list upon reduced pay may incompetent performance active duty measure economy well efficiency arm service provision last mention eminently worthy consideration determination question relative rank sea officer civil officer navy officer army navy various grade also merit attention failure provide substitute corporal punishment abolish offense navy occasion convene numerous upon arrival vessel port believe injurious effect upon discipline efficiency service moderate punishment one grade another among humane reform age abolish one severity apply generally offenses shipboard provide nothing stead suppose progress improvement every individual among seaman assume legislature respect class men hop congress ample opportunity afford present session thoroughly investigate important subject establish mode determine guilt gradation punishment consistent humanity personal right individual time shall insure energetic efficient performance duty suppression crime ship war stone dock new york ten year process construction far finish surrendered authority yard dry dock philadelphia report complete expected soon test delivered agent government portsmouth also nearly ready delivery contract conclude agreeably act congress last session float sectional dock bay san francisco invite attention recommendation department touch establishment conjunction dock pacific station highly necessary convenience effectiveness fleet ocean must expect increase growth commerce rapid extension whale fishery water naval academy annapolis revise improved system regulation affords opportunity education instruction pupil quite equal believe professional improvement enjoy cadet military academy large class act midshipman receive commencement last academic term practice ship attach institution afford amplest mean regular instruction seamanship well cruise vacation three four month year advantage science nautical affair rarely strikingly illustrate fact state report navy department mean wind current chart project prepared lieutenant maury superintendent naval observatory passage atlantic pacific port country shorten forty day estimate support navy marine corp ensue fiscal year find estimate current year estimate special object control department amount present year increase occasion additional mail service pacific coast construction dock california authorize last session congress slight addition head improvement repair building machinery deem much importance economy correct understanding naval expenditure entire separation appropriation support naval service proper permanent improvement station ocean steam mail service special object assign supervision department report herewith communicate present interest view progress operation condition department close last fiscal year length mail route within united state mile annual transportation thereon mile annual cost transportation length foreign mail route estimate mile annual transportation thereon mile annual cost service pay department pay navy department annual transportation within united state exclude service california oregon first time report embrace tabular statement department exceeds precede year mile increase cost whole number united state 30th day june last establish 256 discontinue year gross revenue department fiscal year include appropriation frank matter congress department officer government exclude foreign postage collect payable british amount expenditure period exclude pay award auditor pursuance resolution last congress mail service ohio mississippi river 1832 1833 amount pay british foreign postage collect payable office amount leave balance revenue proper expenditures year receipt postages year exclude foreign postage collect payable british amount increase per cent like receipt precede year reduction postage act march last take effect commencement present fiscal year account first quarter operation reduce rate settle january next reliable estimate receipt present year yet make believe however fall far short last year surplus revenue hand however large appropriation treasury aid revenue department require current fiscal year additional appropriation year end june 30 1853 probably find necessary receipt first two quarter fiscal year fully ascertain last annual report recommend reduction postage rate deem low could prudently adopt unless congress prepared appropriate treasury support department sum equivalent mail service perform government recommendation respect letter postage except letter california oregon substantially adopt last congress recommends adherence present letter rate advise reduction justify revenue department also recommend rate postage printed matter revise render simple uniform operation upon class print matter submit recommendation report favorable consideration public statute united state accumulate sixty year interspersed private act scatter numerous volume cost whole become almost inaccessible great mass community also exhibit much incongruity imperfection hasty legislation seem generally concede common law united state supply defect legislation important legislation perfect possible defining every power intend confer every crime intend make punishable prescribing punishment inflict addition particular case speak length whole criminal code lamentably defective offense imperfectly describe others entirely omit flagrant crime may commit impunity scale punishment case graduate accord degree nature offense often render unequal different mode imprisonment penitentiary confinement different state many law permanent character introduce appropriation bill often difficult determine whether particular clause expire temporary act part continue force also frequently happen enactment provision law introduce bill title general subject little connection relation mode legislation many enactment heap upon often little consideration many instance difficult search determine law government united state emphatically government write law statute therefore far practicable make accessible expressed language plain simple understood arrange method give perspicuity every subject many state revise public act great manifest benefit recommend provision make law appointment commission revise public statute united state arrange order supply deficiency correct incongruity simplify language reporting congress action act congress approve 30th september 1850 contain provision extension capitol accord plan might approve president appropriate expended direction architect appoint execute examine various plan submit different architect pursuance advertisement committee senate one found entirely satisfactory therefore deem advisable combine adopt advantage several great object accomplish make addition would afford ample convenient hall deliberation two house congress sufficient accommodation spectator suitable apartment committee officer two branch legislature also desirable mar harmony beauty present structure specimen architecture universally admire keep object view conclude make addition wing detach present building yet connect corridor mode enlargement leave present capitol uninjured afford great advantage ventilation admission light enable work progress without interrupt deliberation congress carry plan effect appoint experienced competent architect corner stone lay 4th day july last suitable ceremony since time work advance commendable rapidity foundation wing nearly complete commend favorable regard interest district columbia deem necessary remind although inhabitant voice choice representative congress less entitled liberal consideration legislation opinion subject fully express last annual communication subject bring attention congress last annual message would respectfully refer one ordinary interest invite special attention allude recommendation appointment commission settle private claim unite state justice individual well government imperatively demand convenient expeditious mode appeal congress adopt deeply regretted several instance officer government attempt execute law return fugitives labor openly resist effort frustrate defeat lawless violent mob one case resistance result death estimable citizen others serious injury ensue officer individual use endeavor sustain law prosecution institute alleged offender far could identify still pending regard duty case give aid legally power enforcement law shall continue wherever whenever execution may resist act congress return fugitive labor one require demand express word constitution constitution declare person hold service labor one state law thereof escape another shall consequence law regulation therein discharge service labor shall deliver claim party service labor may due constitutional provision equally obligatory upon legislative executive judicial department government upon every citizen unite state congress however must necessity first act upon subject prescribing proceeding necessary ascertain person fugitive mean use restoration claimant do act pass first term president washington amend enact last congress remain executive judicial department take care law faithfully execute injunction constitution peremptory bind stand exactly foundation clause provide return fugitive justice declare bill attainder ex post facto law shall pass provide equality taxation accord census clause declare duty shall uniform throughout united state important provision trial crime shall jury several article clause constitution rest authority must stand fall together objection urge detail act return fugitive labor worthy remark main opposition aim constitution proceeds person class person many declare wish see constitution overturn avow hostility law shall give full practical effect requirement constitution fortunately number person comparatively small believe daily diminish issue present one involve supremacy even existence constitution case heretofore arisen individual deny bind authority act congress even state propose nullify act upon ground constitution supreme law land act congress repugnant instrument nullification aim much particular law inconsistent constitution constitution disguise spirit exists actively work rend asunder union cherish inheritance revolutionary father last annual message state consider series measure adopt previous session reference agitation grow territorial slavery question final settlement principle substance dangerous excite subject embrace recommended adherence adjustment establish measure time experience demonstrate necessity legislation guard evasion abuse induce make recommendation think measure perfect human legislation perfect wide difference jar opinion reconcile yield something side result reach angry conflict many month one part country array another violent convulsion seem imminent look interest whole country felt duty seize upon compromise best could obtain amid conflict interest insist upon final settlement adhere value peace welfare country year elapse since recommendation make recommendation still adhere congratulate country upon general acquiescence measure peace exhibit part republic general acquiescence measure spirit conciliation manifest regard part country remove doubt uncertainty mind thousand good men concern durability popular institution give renew assurance liberty union may subsist together benefit succeeding generation